Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Keller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Samantha, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Where do I even begin? At one point in my life, I lived in a cycle of negativity and misery, believing that this was simply how life was meant to be. I let the world “win,” convinced that everyone was destined to wake up, go to work, pay their bills, and merely exist day by day.
I never truly appreciated life or recognized the beauty that surrounded me. Instead, I resented it all.
Everything changed, however, on one defining day. I was attending a work retreat, surrounded by successful business owners who were not only building businesses but also creating lives filled with income, peace, and joy for their families. As I watched them, I found myself questioning my own self-worth.
In a moment of vulnerability, I said to the group of women, “You are all amazing, and I am pathetic. I will never be anything like you.” I’m sure I spoke other harsh, self-deprecating words, but the underlying message was clear: I was belittling everything about myself and my story.
A few hours later, one of the women who had been part of that conversation pulled me aside. She spoke words that shook me to my core. She told me, with honesty and compassion, that my life would never change unless I made the choice to do the work. She urged me to stop speaking to myself so poorly, to stop treating myself like I was worthless, and to stop belittling those around me, including myself.
Her words were blunt: if I wanted to stay miserable, I could choose not to change. But if I truly wanted to grow and build a better life, I needed to get it together—and fast.
Boom.
That moment was a turning point for me. A woman who barely knew me saw potential in me. If she hadn’t taken the time to have that conversation, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Now, here I am, five years into a job that once defined me, and I am pursuing a new path. I am working to become the therapist I once so desperately needed. That conversation in the first year of my position changed the entire trajectory of my life.
I share this because I believe we are all made for more. Sometimes, it just takes someone seeing the light in us before we see it for ourselves.
Samantha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi! I’m Sam Keller, the creator and heart behind Raising Serotonin. My journey started in 2019 with this podcast, but have been dealing with mental health struggles since I was about 12 years old. When I became more invested in changing my entire life around, I needed to be held accountable on my own journey. So, I wanted to create a space that helps others find small, impactful ways to feel better, move their bodies, and nurture their minds—because we all deserve to feel good, both inside and out.
Can you tell us more about what you offer and the problems you help solve?
Raising Serotonin is all about self love, self care, mindset, and mental health. My goal is to help people feel less alone.
The problems I tackle are ones so many of us face—feeling alone, uninspired, unmotivated, unloved, not seen or heard. I want to be that person for those people. I never had that myself, so I want to create that space. I believe this separates me apart from others because I am not making a single cent off this podcast. I am not in it for money, we need more lives saved. I hope my message reaches someone who needs it.
What are you most proud of?
Honestly, I’m proud of the way Raising Serotonin has built a community/impact/brand. I show up as imperfectly as I can to be real, open, and honest. Its the importance of open connection that has been a real reason this podcast and platform are still growing.
What do you want others to know about you or your brand?
I want you to know that you don’t have to have it all figured out to get started. Raising Serotonin is here to meet you where you are, help you take simple steps toward feeling your best, and celebrate your growth along the way. If you’re looking to feel less alone, be seen and heard more, and know that you can do whatever you set your mind to, this is the space for you to join!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
After spending five years as an executive assistant in the health and wellness space and building my podcast Raising Serotonin, I found myself craving more. I loved supporting people, sharing resources, and helping others feel better—but my role had its limits. Without the proper training or degree, I ethically and legally couldn’t dive deeper or provide the level of support I knew so many people needed.
That realization was a turning point for me. I had spent years immersed in marketing, sales, and wellness, but I knew I had to pivot to truly align my purpose with my impact. I took a leap and enrolled in the Master’s in Mental Health Counseling program at Lehigh University. It was a big step, but it felt like the right one. Now, I’m building the skills and knowledge to help people on a deeper level, combining my experience in wellness with clinical expertise.
This pivot taught me the power of listening to that inner nudge when you know you’re meant for more. I’m excited for this next chapter and how it will allow me to serve others in even more meaningful ways.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Honestly, it’s been about showing up as my real, authentic self—consistently. Being honest, open, and true to who I am has made all the difference. In a world where there’s so much fakeness online, people are craving realness. I’ve found that when you show up genuinely—sharing your wins, struggles, and truths—it creates trust and connection. That’s what truly builds relationships and brings people into your space.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisingserotonin/?hl=en
- Other:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-serotonin/id1483885259Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7J5Mgn3vXHHeC4hRP96zyJ
Weekly Free Newsletter: https://connectwithmehere.myflodesk.com/raisingserotonin
Image Credits
Samantha Keller