All About Our Guests!
A Special page to Shoutout All our Guest Speakers who have so kindly Guest Starred on The But First Champagne Podcast!
This Week's Guest Speaker:
Nicki Slattery
Season 1
All About Us!
A Little Bit about your Host!
Vesta Hager!
All about Hayley Paige
I own an award-winning publishing company, and we help our clients get their business books written and published so they can use them to grow their business. In my free time, I am obsessed with my husband and three children, gardening and homesteading, and the cosy things in life; pyjamas, blankets, coffee and autumn!
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Terri Reece
Terri Reece is a Ceo and business owner and now Mrs. Hayden Lake 2025.
My passion is helping people. I fuel it by helping out in the public and communities. Whether it is in my business or volunteer work. I lead by example and show others that anything is possible.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Sue Mailtland
I’m Sue Maitland and I’m a professional coach, speaker, workshop leader, course creator and community leader. After decades in an IT career that didn’t fulfill me, where to succeed, I had to adopt a persona that wasn’t aligned with who I truly was, I discovered the world of coaching. I was captivated by the power of an expert coach to help others get to know themselves on a deeper level and begin to make positive change in their lives. I was committed to developing this skill and partnering with others who wanted to live a more fulfilled life. Over a decade later after completing my coach training, I partner with a limited number of highly motivated individuals as they create their most inspired life. I help others through my online courses with supportive communities which help people who wish to build meaningful connections by overcoming their resistance to networking and those who want a safe space for reflection on their personal priorities, so they can make changes in their life, driven by what’s most important to them. I have a LinkedIn newsletter Networking to Connect & Thrive and a monthly newsletter available through my website https://suemaitland.com focused on helping others live their best life, with actionable tips and concepts based on the science of positive psychology. I believe we are all unique and special human beings and we each have gifts and passions to share with the world. If you’re still searching for your calling, I’d love to help you uncover what it might be.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Sonia Jackson
Sonia Jackson is a Master Storyteller, spiritual practitioner, and advocate for body positivity with over 30 years of experience in film, television, and theater. Passionate about empowering women and fostering well-being, Sonia uses storytelling, prayer, and ancestral wisdom as transformative tools to heal and inspire. Through groundbreaking works like Conversations 'Bout The Girls and her nonprofit Visions of Possibilities, she creates programs and performances that celebrate the power of self-love and community. With a unique blend of creativity and spirituality, Sonia helps others reclaim their stories, honor their bodies, and close the self-esteem disparity gap.
A note to our listeners from Sonia: I do what I do to help women feel truly seen and understood—because for a long time, I didn’t feel seen myself. I realized that as I began to see and embrace my own truth, I could better see and connect with others. When we truly see each other—not just the surface, but the heart and soul—we communicate better, build stronger connections, and create a ripple effect of understanding and love. This is how we can address the issues we face as women and as a society, leaving the world better than we found it. ~Sonia Jackson
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All About Anna Cheney
Today we check in with Anna Cheney, a long time friend and amazing empowered woman. Anna is CCE-accredited International Mastery Life Coach #1 Bestselling published author, Inspirational public speaker, Transformational Experience Coach and Works at Lifes Harmony Coaching. She has 15 years of Entrepreneur Leadership, she is the Owner and founder of private and group coaching since 2019 -Lifes Harmony Coaching- private, The Gathering Place-group, Co-Facilitator with Untying the Knots of the Heart, Facilitator of Untangled Hearts Retreats, Transformational Coach with The Atlas Project and she became passionate through Mentoring and Coaching after discovering her own Self Abandonment journey. She has done all of that and so much more.
Anna’s deep commitment to women is evident. As owner of Life’s Harmony Coaching, Anna continues to help women succeed not only in business, but in every area of their lives. Her passion is helping women find their rhythm so they can be their best authentic selves and create lives of harmony. Five minutes with Anna and you are sure to feel supported, encouraged, and inspired.
Anna often says “relationship first and business will follow.” This is not just a motto for her. She is building a group of women where authentic relationships are intended to last a lifetime.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Marta Sprik
On the most recent episode of the podcast, we had the pleasure of talking with Marta Sprik. Marta is the creator of the Empowered Woman's School. She also has a podcast and just released a book.
You can find her on Instagram and Facebook @martasprik
To listen to her podcast The Empowered Woman Podcast you can listen on the platform that works for you.
To find out more about Marta and her school for Empowered Woman you can find all the information below.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Elisabeth Stitt
Parenting Coach Elisabeth Stitt brings over 50,000 hours in her work with children of all ages to her work with parents.
In 2014, after 25 years of teaching public school, Elisabeth saw a shift in both her students and their parents that compelled her to found Joyful Parenting Coaching. Yes, parenting is demanding, but it is a skill that can be taught, learned and practiced.
Known for her warmth and wisdom, Elisabeth supports parents all over the world in becoming more joyful parents. Elisabeth is creating peace in the world one family at a time.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Carol Cooke
Carol Cooke AM PLY is one of Australia’s most inspiring figures in sport and advocacy. Born in Canada, Carol served 14 years in law enforcement, including four years undercover, before relocating to Australia. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998, she defied predictions of incapacitation, later excelling in elite sport. Initially a national-level swimmer, she switched to rowing, then Para cycling, capturing three Paralympic gold medals (London 2012, Rio 2016) and a silver at the Tokyo Paralympics at age 60. A passionate MS advocate, Carol founded the 24-Hour Mega Swim, raising over $11 million. For her contributions, she was named a Member of the Order of Australia in 2014. Carol is also an accomplished author of Finding Your Inner Gold and The Force Within. Through her motivational speaking, Carol shares her philosophy of resilience, daring audiences to face fears and embrace change with courage and determination.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Zil Eiler
Zil Eiler is a CEO, international speaker, and mentor with a sharp focus on business and mindset. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, she launched her first venture at the age of 16 while still in college, a testament to her determination and vision; Zil’s Business Coaching has transformed the lives of many mentees, helping entrepreneurs create solid businesses. She currently lives in California with her husband and three children, and continues to inspire and empower others through her talks and mentorship, helping entrepreneurs break through barriers and redefine what success means.
You can find her on Instagram at @zileiler
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Lynda LeBlanc
I am the Fulbright Østfold Roving scholar in Norway, 2024-2025. I give workshops on American culture such as jazz, photography, rap, poetry, and I teach academic writing to primary, middle, and high school. I also taught an English literature class at my local college in Halden, Norway- the city where I live. I am also on a small team that is bringing Dance for Parkinson’s to Norway. I am the founding teacher of Dance for Parkinson’s in Oslo; I teach dance for those with Parkinson’s every other week at Oslo’s Opera House. Before my positions in Norway, I taught French and English at CDA Charter Academy.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Maini Homer
I’m Maini Homer, a seasoned entrepreneur with 27 years of experience building, scaling, and transforming businesses. I do what I do because I’m passionate about helping others succeed. After overcoming my own setbacks, I found that the real joy comes from helping others avoid the same pitfalls and creating businesses that work for them. I believe in using my knowledge to make life easier for entrepreneurs and business owners, helping them scale with smart strategies.
My passion is helping businesses grow through innovative marketing strategies and automation. I fuel this passion by continually learning about new tools, methods, and trends, particularly in AI and automation, which are transforming the business landscape. The ability to see a business scale and thrive with the right strategies keeps me motivated every day.
I share my passion through every project I take on, from writing articles that provide practical advice to working one-on-one with clients to guide them toward success. Whether through speaking engagements, writing books, or creating valuable resources like newsletters and lead magnets, I aim to inspire and educate others on how they can leverage technology and strategy to take their business to the next level.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Peggy Paullin-Neal
I am Margaret Christine Paullin Neal, or Peggy Neal. I still use the name Paullin due to professional association with that name. I am a consummate professional who has had many titles and positions that all contributed to what I do now and why I do what I do. For those who are new to meeting me, I am a Realtor in both WA and ID, I also am a licensed Representative with Primerica Financial Services. After being a trailing spouse of my first husband and his airline career, and living in eight different western states, I decided to sell real estate in WA state where we were living, so that I could have a career that would allow me to live in the community we moved to (Spokane) and be close to my children and my soon to arrive grandchild! I soon added ID to the states I was licensed in so that I could help friends with real estate purchases in this lovely state. In 2020, a new granddaughter came on the scene and that made it even more exciting to be close to family. In 2022, after my divorce, I decided to follow a dream to move to Idaho. I have always been in love with the Coeur d’Alene area. It’s just so beautiful. After relocating and going through time to focus on healing and the death of my 40-year marriage, I decided in 2023 to begin dating again. My goal in dating was to find true love. I was seeking that relationship that would be reciprocal and fulfilling. To find someone who would see me for who I am and love me. This required me to be my authentic self. My passion is to encourage women to unlock their passion by exploring what makes them excited about getting up in the morning and fuels them throughout life’s ups and downs. I am also passionate about every person living in who they are meant to be and moving forward in their goals and dreams. I find myself sharing my passion with others through engaging with people when I meet them and determining how we can work, live, or play together.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Parisa Padidar
I’m the founder and maker behind a handmade jewelry brand based in Vancouver. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating meaningful pieces that help people express who they are. I started designing jewelry as a way to blend creativity with connection—every piece I make carries a story, a feeling, or a small piece of nature that inspires me. I do what I do because I genuinely believe that jewelry can be more than just an accessory—it can be a reminder of a moment, a mood, or a part of yourself you want to celebrate.
My passion is creating jewelry that brings joy, confidence, and a sense of individuality to people. I fuel it by staying curious—playing with new materials, traveling, spending time in nature, and listening to the stories of the people who wear my work. Seeing how others connect with a piece keeps me inspired. I also carve out time to create just for fun, without pressure, which keeps the spark alive.
I share my passion through my jewelry, but also by creating space for people to express themselves and embrace their uniqueness. Every piece is designed to help the wearer feel more like themselves—confident, individual, and seen. I love connecting with people at pop-ups and online, hearing their stories, and seeing how they style pieces in ways that reflect their personalities. Beyond that, I support nonprofit organizations by donating jewelry for fundraising auctions or even designing one-of-a-kind pieces specifically for their causes. It’s important to me that my work not only brings joy but also gives back to the community in meaningful ways. Inspiring others to be their authentic selves while contributing to something greater—that’s what keeps me going.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All about Yulin Lee
As a Money Empowerment Coach, Yulin helps women boost their money confidence so they can reach their full potential in business and life. She is passionate about guiding her clients to create a financially independent and harmonious life through the integration of personal growth and wealth expansion. She has achieved her own financial freedom through learning to invest early on and making every dollar work for her. Her coaching services include private coaching, group coaching, online courses, and she leads women on exquisite retreats. In addition to empowering women, Yulin also provides financial literacy education for high schoolers as well as group coaching for post-college young adults. Yulin is also a Globally Certified Coach with Napoleon Hill Institute.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All About Deanna Merlino!
Deanna Merlino prides herself in being a committed wife, present momma & multi passionate entrepreneur offering all-encompassing healing & expansion.
Affectionately referred to as “The Empowered Coach”, Deanna is a motivational speaker, best selling published author, host of the EmpowereD w/ Deanna Merlino podcast, an Intuitive Life Coach & Healer, as well as an Energetics Mentor to professionals & entrepreneurs. Her calling is to help people awaken to & live their lives as their highest selves.
She is the Creator & CEO of The Empowered Academy, a globally recognized training provider of transformational accredited online courses, The Empowered Emporium, an online healing membership & community. And co owner/creator of The Empowered Collective, providing in person spiritual retreats.
In her free time you can find her proudly tending to her late father’s hand built business, carrying on her family’s vacation rentals & newly launched retreat rental space as well.
Website: Click Here or Www.deannamerlino.com
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
All About Nicki Slattery
Nicki Slattery is a licensed financial strategist and the founder of Confident Prosperity, where she helps individuals, creatives, and entrepreneurs build long-term financial independence through clear, strategic financial planning and smart investing.
With a focus on education and empowerment, she works to demystify money and guide her clients toward confident, values-aligned decisions that allow them to live their best lives. Nicki also shares her intuitive gifts through Golden Spark Tarot, where she hosts vibrant astrology and tarot parties, workshops, and events that foster connection, self-reflection, and celebration.
These gatherings bring people together in meaningful ways, creating space for insight, intuition, and community. Finally, she co-leads Slattery’s Creations, a stainless steel art business she runs with her husband, where she helps with design and business development.
Together, they create inspired pieces using recycled stainless steel, blending creativity with craftsmanship to bring bold, original artwork into the world. Whether she’s mapping out an investment strategy, leading a soulful event, or dreaming up a new sculpture, Nicki’s work is all about helping people live more empowered, abundant, and creatively connected lives.
Website: Click Here
@confidentprosperity; @goldensparktarot; @slatteryscreations
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
