When I reconnected with Kacey Voelker for this episode, I had no idea how much ground we’d cover—or how much heart she’d bring to the conversation. Kacey and I first met through Traveling Vineyard, where she was on a dear friend's team and we'd get to connect on team celebrations. I always remembered her as someone who lit up a room, even if we didn’t get to see each other often.

But behind the sparkle, Kacey was carrying a heavy load. Years of self-doubt, guilt, and emotional weight led her down a path of numbing—until the day she chose to get help. It’s been nearly three years since she got sober, and what she’s built since then is nothing short of incredible.

Kacey is now a certified life coach helping women rediscover their worth, step into their purpose, and make lasting changes in their lives. Her work is deeply personal because she’s walked that path herself—through addiction, recovery, grief, motherhood, and entrepreneurship.

One of the most powerful things Kacey shared was how she used to wonder if people would still want to be around her if she wasn’t “fun Kacey” with a drink in her hand. It’s a real and raw fear that many women can relate to—the pressure to perform, to keep everyone comfortable, even when it’s costing us our peace.

Through therapy, coaching, and the support of friends (shoutout to Robin Hackney and her podcast Spandex and Wine), Kacey found the strength to set boundaries, heal her body, and trust her gut—literally. She’s now a proud advocate for Plexus and gut health, which played a big role in helping her regain energy, mental clarity, and confidence.

But what struck me most is that Kacey doesn’t carry an ounce of judgment. She’s not out to shame anyone who drinks—or doesn’t. For her, it’s about knowing what works for her body and choosing what keeps her grounded and clear. It’s not about what anyone else thinks. And that, my friend, is powerful.

Her new way of working is a “three-legged stool”: a full-time job at a grocery store, her Plexus business, and her coaching practice, Transformative Pathways. It’s stable, supportive, and sustainable—a blend of structure, community, and personal mission.

Kacey’s journey is a reminder that we don’t need to burn it all down to start again. We get to rebuild with what we’ve learned, who we’ve become, and the people who’ve shown up along the way. We get to define our own version of success. And sometimes, the thing we’ve been afraid to share is the very thing that will help someone else rise.

If you’re feeling stuck or small, like you’re not “enough” to chase that whisper tugging at your heart, I hope this conversation reminds you: you’re not starting over. You’re starting from experience.

And Kacey? She’s just getting started.

Want to connect with Kacey? Here’s where you’ll find her:

🔗 Transformative Pathways Coaching Website
📘 Facebook Group
📸 Instagram @coachkcv
💗 Her Plexus site

🎧 Listen to Spandex & Wine on Apple Podcasts