3 JUN 2024 · Amy Taylor shares her inspiring journey navigating mental illness, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, and anxiety diagnosed at a young age. Despite challenges, she found ways to manage her conditions through consistent medication, self-care, and overcoming stigma. Her resilience and determination highlight the importance of support and understanding for those with mental health conditions. Amy discusses living with bipolar disorder, emphasizing the need for medication management, work-life balance, and understanding from employers. She stresses that with proper care and support, those with bipolar disorder can thrive and achieve their goals, challenging the misconception that they are "broken" or unable to have aspirations. The importance of support systems is emphasized, with Amy's mother and friends playing a vital role in managing their bipolar disorder. We also discuss her daughter's autism diagnosis, expressing relief at finally receiving proper resources and embracing her unique traits. Amy's advice encourages self-kindness, seeking help early for mental health struggles, and believing in one's ability to overcome adversity. Her journey serves as a reminder that even the darkest times can give way to inner calm and resilience with time and support. This episode mentions suicide. *Listener's discretion is advised.*

13 MAY 2024 · In this episode, Risa August shares her inspiring story of overcoming a life-altering brain tumor diagnosis. Despite being an accomplished athlete with a healthy lifestyle, Risa experienced unexplained symptoms that doctors dismissed until an MRI finally revealed a large brain tumor on her pituitary gland. After brain surgery and radiation treatment, Risa had to redefine her identity and focus on what was possible. With determination, she embarked on a cycling journey from Canada to Mexico, chronicled in her book "The Road Unpaved, Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike. " Risa's resilience and mindset shift to embrace her new normal, rather than dwell on limitations, allowed her to accomplish remarkable feats. Her story encourages others to live life fully, be open to possibilities, and ask "What can I do now?" to reach their goals and dreams despite challenges.

6 MAY 2024 · Patty Cabot, author of the memoir "Not That Girl Anymore," shares her decades-long struggle with an eating disorder rooted in childhood sexual abuse trauma. For years, Patty battled drastic weight fluctuations and binge eating cycles, unaware of the underlying cause. After seeking therapy focused on eating disorders and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, Patty discovered her disordered eating stemmed from unresolved childhood trauma. By addressing the root cause through therapy, she was able to break the cycle, find healing, and open herself up to self-acceptance and healthy relationships. We also discuss the alarming prevalence of childhood sexual abuse, its lasting impacts, and the courage required to share one's story and seek support on the healing journey, no matter how long it takes.

29 APR 2024 · Sandy Modell shares the heartbreaking story of his son Ryan's tragic murder in 2016 in Fort Myers, Florida - Ryan, a kind and active 32-year-old, was shot and killed after mistakenly knocking on the wrong door of his condo complex. The occupant inside the condo pursued and fatally shot Ryan, despite police orders to stay inside, claiming self-defense under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law. Although, authorities ruled this a murder as the condo occupant's actions of re-engagement, pursuit, and provocation violated the law, he has not been formally charged. Sandy has been committed to seeking justice for Ryan, writing a book and raising awareness about the case and issues with the law's vagueness. This tragic incident highlights the need for better de-escalation approaches and nuanced community safety measures beyond "Stand Your Ground" laws. Sandy's story underscores the unimaginable grief of losing a child to senseless violence and a parent's determination to honor his child's memory.

22 APR 2024 · Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, a Canadian author and former kickboxing champion, shares her inspiring journey navigating her son's autism diagnosis. Despite challenges, she remained resilient and dedicated to being the "ultimate mom. " She offers insights to parents, especially those with neurodivergent children, on overcoming obstacles and thriving. The concept of being "neurodivergent" is discussed, highlighting that it does not mean less intelligence. This episode shares examples of excelling academically with a neurodivergent brain and using "social stories" to teach skills. Randi offers valuable insights and advice to other parents, emphasizing the importance of self-expression, therapy, and resilience in overcoming adversity.

15 APR 2024 · Ethan Poetic, a motivational speaker and author, shares his remarkable story of resilience after a near-fatal car accident that left him with a 99% chance of death. Despite the devastating impact on his life, Ethan emerged as a "walking miracle," inspiring others with his strength and determination to overcome the challenges he faced. Through his journey of recovery and self-discovery, Ethan has dedicated his mission to helping people overcome their own adversities and live their best lives. Ethan has written an autobiography titled "The Inspirational Story of Ethan APoetic: Chronicles of Adversity, Education, Sports, Relationships, and Resiliency," sharing his personal journey and challenges. He hopes to impact people's lives one at a time and address myths surrounding single-parent households, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual stories and providing support. Ethan also discusses his role as a life coach, providing guidance, accountability, and tools for personal growth, empowering individuals to become their best selves.

8 APR 2024 · Former Microsoft C-Suite Executive, Jane Boulware's incredible journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a millionaire and launching billion-dollar businesses at Microsoft is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, including self-doubt and feeling like an outsider, Jane refused to be limited by others' expectations. Her story highlights how embracing one's unique background, persevering through difficulties, and believing in oneself can lead to extraordinary success. This episode emphasizes the importance of women supporting each other, claiming their worth, and not downplaying their achievements. True success is not just about reaching the top alone but about lifting up and empowering others along the way. Jane's story serves as a powerful example of a woman who broke through barriers and made her voice heard in a male-dominated environment, inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves and create their own paths to success. Jane's memoir "Worthy" aims to inspire readers, particularly women, by sharing her vulnerabilities and emphasizing the value of confronting fears, pushing limits, and redefining one's potential. Get a copy of Worthy at www.amazon.com; all proceeds help a child from the Boys and Girls' Club go to college.

1 APR 2024 · Documentary Filmmaker Niki Norlock shares her unique ability to adapt to any environment she is in. She believes that being adaptable is the key to being resilient. But also, sometimes we may need to sit and do nothing in the wake of a challenge or obstacle to build resilience because we may have a tendency to act too quickly. She talks about her book series Truth and her award winning documentary about children in the Philipines.

25 MAR 2024 · Trisha Fuller shares her transformative journey, including a successful Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) against medical advice, thanks to hypnosis. She discusses the unexpected turns of childbirth, the benefits of midwife support, and the power of positive thinking. Trisha demystifies hypnosis, advocating for positive affirmations over "What Ifs," and reveals how adaptability and alternative methods can redefine birthing experiences.

18 MAR 2024 · Larry Fritzlan discusses the disease of addiction which actually affects about 10% of the population. He explains how addiction is never really cured, but rather goes into remission. He shares the 4 C's to recognize the warning signs of addiction and how you can help yourself or someone else who you suspect may have an addiction.