Ever Changing and Evolving with Shelley Hoffman

Ever Changing & Evolving: Finding Purpose, Healing & Joy with Yvonne Conte

Shelley Hoffman — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:44:14 +0000

In this episode of Ever Changing & Evolving, Shelley Hoffman sits down with motivational speaker and author Yvonne Conte to talk about life, resilience, and the power of personal growth.

With over 30 years of experience as a keynote speaker, Yvonne shares how she built a career centered around the positive power of humor — and how her journey ultimately led her to write her deeply personal book, Beneath Her Smile.

This heartfelt conversation dives into:
✨ Turning life’s challenges into purpose
✨ The importance of healing and self-reflection
✨ Finding joy through gratitude and humor
✨ How our past shapes who we become

This episode is a powerful reminder that we are always evolving — and sometimes the hardest moments lead us to our greatest growth.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - From Beneath Her Smile With Yvonne Conti
(00:03:16) - Thankful: The Positive Power of Humor
(00:08:02) - "A Gift to My Mother"
(00:08:56) - Why Did My Mother Die?
(00:13:49) - Jon Stewart on Writing His First Book
(00:16:06) - The Story of My Mother
(00:18:50) - In the Elevator With My Mother
(00:21:52) - Amy Grant on How to Sell her Book
(00:25:53) - Authors Speak With Confidence and Impact
(00:27:31) - Meet Amy Poehler

Unleashing Your Inner Author with Amy Collette

Shelley Hoffman — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:48:38 +0000

Welcome to another episode of "Ever Changing and Evolving." Today, we delve into the world of writing and personal transformation with Amy Collette, founder of Unleash Your Inner Author. Amy joins host Shelly to discuss her journey from a corporate writer to an inspiring mentor for aspiring authors. This episode is packed with insights on storytelling, gratitude, and the entrepreneurial spirit required to help others transform their lives through writing.

Amy Collette has dedicated her career to helping people write and publish their books. Her journey began with a realization: many aspiring authors needed guidance at the beginning of their writing process, not just at the end. Her business, Unleash Your Inner Author, was born from this insight. Amy shares her experiences with manuscripts that meander and how she helps authors stay on track, ensuring their stories are coherent and impactful.

Chapters

(00:00:01) - Amy Collette on Unleash Youh Inner Author
(00:01:59) - How To Write a Story
(00:04:25) - How To Write When You're 30
(00:08:39) - How to Get Out of a Depression Rut
(00:14:18) - How to Start Gratitude in Your Life
(00:17:08) - How To Get Your Book Published
(00:19:54) - How to Publish Your Book Again
(00:22:25) - What kind of retreats and workshops do you do?
(00:23:30) - How to Write a Book
(00:26:09) - How to Start a Business: The Inner Art Entrepreneur
(00:30:54) - The Search for Your Soulmate
(00:33:35) - How to Start a Business: The One Thing I Would Change
(00:39:11) - How to Evolve Your Story
(00:42:24) - Amy on A Conversation With People
(00:45:58) - Tell Your Story
(00:48:33) - A Taste of Success With Amy

Navigating The Journey: Sheila Ohstrom's Path to Dementia Care Advocacy

Shelley Hoffman — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:38:58 +0000

In this insightful podcast episode, Shelly Hoffman sits down with Sheila Ohstrom to discuss the inspiring journey of Sheila's career and her impactful work in the field of dementia care.

Sheila shares her personal connection to the cause, having lost her mother to vascular dementia, which inspired her to start a home care company specializing in dementia care. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish "Living with Dementia Central New York," a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting caregivers and raising awareness about dementia.

Sheila highlights the importance of community support, resource awareness, and the emotional impact of caregiving. The nonprofit aims to provide practical help and respite care for caregivers, offering summits across various counties to bring caregivers together, share practical caregiving tips, and foster a supportive community. As they discuss the future goals for the nonprofit, Sheila emphasizes the need for volunteer networks and foundational sponsors to expand their reach.

This episode is a testament to the power of passion and adaptability, reminding listeners of the profound impact one can make by pursuing meaningful work. Follow "Living with Dementia CNY" on their website and Facebook to stay updated on their initiatives and support this vital cause.

Chapters

(00:00:02) - A Rotary Member's story about Alzheimer's
(00:01:53) - What led you to Rotary?
(00:06:46) - How a home care business helped people with dementia
(00:09:56) - The nonprofit behind the Caregiving Connection
(00:12:20) - Caregiver Summits and Events
(00:15:11) - Living with dementia: The Journey
(00:19:33) - Seniors' Brain Health Summit

From Bucket List to Center Stage with Laura Stisser

Shelley Hoffman — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:34:00 +0000

In this episode of Ever Changing and Evolving, Shelley welcomes her longtime friend, Laura Stisser, who is courageously turning a bucket list dream into reality. Laura opens up about the ups and downs of pursuing acting later in life—the doubts, the resilience, and the moments of joy that come with chasing something new. Together, they share a conversation about friendship, growth, and the powerful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passion.

Chapters

(00:00:05) - Laura Stisr on The Podcast
(00:00:56) - Lauren on Her Acting Career
(00:05:18) - Both On- and Off-Screen
(00:07:42) - You Should Be Thanked For Your Acting
(00:09:29) - Covid Student Film
(00:11:33) - How to Network in the Acting World
(00:13:24) - Tom Cruise on Playing a Mom
(00:14:37) - Ben Affleck on His Headshots
(00:17:40) - Adam Levine on Giving Up Art
(00:23:01) - Kenny on Knowing Your Worth
(00:25:59) - Melissa Benoist on Her First Audition
(00:30:12) - Covid opened doors for me
(00:32:41) - Jennifer Aniston on Acting at 39
(00:36:22) - Paying it Forward: Acting Group
(00:41:02) - Ex-CIA operative Rose in '
(00:44:25) - What Do You Have to Say to People in Their 30s?
(00:45:54) - Laura St. James on Her New Movie

Who Knew a Career Shift Could Spark Passion for Insurance? with Steve Ladd

Shelley Hoffman — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:34:55 +0000

From real estate to insurance, Steve shares how change can lead to unexpected purpose.

Welcome to the launch of Ever Changing and Evolving! I couldn’t think of a better guest than Steve — a fellow Capricorn, community leader, and the person who’s had my back through both my real estate career and all of my “crazy projects.”

In this episode, we dive into:
✨ The comfort of working with people who “get you”
✨ How humor and shared values create stronger relationships
✨ Steve’s journey from real estate into insurance
✨ The importance of trust, friendship, and community in both business and life

This conversation sets the tone for the journey ahead: honest stories, real lessons, and plenty of laughs along the way.