The Life Shift - Conversations about Life-Changing Moments

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about the moment you finally say the thing you have been holding in. It is rarely dramatic. It is rarely loud. Most of the time it is a quiet shift in the air. A small release. A truth that has been waiting for you to stop hiding. In this reflection, I talk about the fear that comes before speaking the truth, the relief that follows, and the slow, steady undoing of shame that happens when you let yourself be seen. Many of us carry invisible weight. We carry the stories we were told to keep quiet. We carry the parts of ourselves we were sure would make people run. But the moment you let someone see the real you, everything changes. Even if it is small. Even if it is messy. Even if your voice shakes. If you feel yourself inching toward your own line in the sand, I hope this episode helps you feel less alone. You do not have to shout your truth. You do not have to reveal everything at once. You can take one small step. You can whisper the part of your story that wants to be heard. And when you do, you become a little more you.

Burnout does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like a successful career, a stable job, and a life that makes sense on paper. And still, your body knows something is wrong. If you have ever found yourself in the middle of a midlife career shift, questioning your work, or wondering why you feel exhausted even when everything seems fine, this conversation will meet you right where you are.In this episode, I talk with Ellen Whitlock Baker about the quiet unraveling that led to her line-in-the-sand moment. Years of people-pleasing, pushing through, and trying to belong in systems that were never built for her finally caught up with her in the most unexpected place. Sitting in a theater, watching the musical Beetlejuice, Ellen broke down. Not because the show was sad, but because her body had reached its limit. What followed was a brave decision to walk away from a very stable job and begin rebuilding a life and career rooted in alignment instead of obligation.This is a story about workplace burnout and listening to yourself before everything falls apart. About honoring the signals you have learned to ignore. And about trusting that even when the next step feels risky, there is another way to live and work that does not cost you yourself.What You'll HearWhat burnout feels like before you have language for itHow belonging, or the lack of it, quietly shapes our career choicesThe moment Ellen's body finally said enoughWhy leaving a stable job can feel terrifying and deeply right at the same timeWhat rebuilding looks like when you choose alignment over approvalA reminder that it is not you that is broken; sometimes it is the systemGuest BioEllen Whitlock Baker is the founder and CEO of EWB Coaching, where she helps professionals learn how to prioritize themselves in a world that often tells them not to. With empathy and honesty at the center of her work, Ellen supports leaders in understanding their strengths and building careers that feel sustainable, human, and aligned.With more than 20 years of workplace experience and certification through the International Coaching Federation, Ellen works with individuals and organizations through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and courses. After navigating her own experiences with burnout and self-doubt, she is on a mission to help others never reach that breaking point. Ellen is also the host of the Hard at Work podcast, which identifies what isn't working in today's workplaces and explores how we might change them.Connect with EllenWebsite: https://ewbcoaching.comPodcast: https://hardatworkpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenwhitlockbaker/Instagram: @ellenwbcoaching------Listen and follow: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/followSupport the show for ad-free and early release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcastSubscribe to the newsletter:

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about the quiet ways people rebuild after loss. Not the dramatic versions we often hear about, but the slow work that happens in ordinary moments. The rebuilding that takes shape in private. The kind no one sees. In this reflection, I talk about how grief reshapes us, how healing does not mean going back to who we were, and how rebuilding often looks like small rituals, small connections, and small choices that eventually add up to something stronger. Loss creates a landscape we have to learn how to navigate. There are days we feel lost, days we find small paths forward, and days we simply sit with the weight of it all. None of it is wrong. None of it is failure. It is all part of the rebuilding. If you are walking through loss right now, I hope this episode gives you space to notice the gentle ways you are already putting yourself back together. Maybe it is the first laugh you did not expect. Maybe it is reaching out when you would rather withdraw. Maybe it is the moment you stop judging your grief and let it be what it is. There is no timeline here. There is only your way. And that is enough.

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about the quiet ways people rebuild after loss. Not the dramatic versions we often hear about, but the slow work that happens in ordinary moments. The rebuilding that takes shape in private. The kind no one sees.In this reflection, I talk about how grief reshapes us, how healing does not mean going back to who we were, and how rebuilding often looks like small rituals, small connections, and small choices that eventually add up to something stronger. Loss creates a landscape we have to learn how to navigate. There are days we feel lost, days we find small paths forward, and days we simply sit with the weight of it all. None of it is wrong. None of it is failure. It is all part of the rebuilding.If you are walking through loss right now, I hope this episode gives you space to notice the gentle ways you are already putting yourself back together. Maybe it is the first laugh you did not expect. Maybe it is reaching out when you would rather withdraw. Maybe it is the moment you stop judging your grief and let it be what it is. There is no timeline here. There is only your way. And that is enough.

Maybe you've had that moment too. The one where burnout shows up quietly, and you sit in your car before work holding back tears, wondering how your life became so small. For anyone experiencing career burnout or questioning their sense of self, this conversation may feel familiar.For Lin Yuan-Su, that moment was a quiet breaking point. She had the job, the title, the security. But none of it felt like her. What began as a career built to please others became a life that asked her to finally listen to herself. That morning became a line in the sand moment where she realized success alone was not enough.Her story is about what happens when you stop performing and start trusting your own truth. It's about learning to make peace with the child who only knew how to survive, and letting her grow into the woman who can finally breathe.What You'll Hear:The hidden pressure of living up to other people's expectationsThe breaking point that began in a silent parking lotHow cultural and familial stories shaped her sense of worthThe moment she chose to walk away from success that no longer fitReconnecting with her inner child after years of silenceBuilding a life that feels aligned instead of approvedGuest Bio:Lin Yuan-Su is a transformational success coach who helps high-achieving professionals simplify their path to success so they can create lives they love without burnout or hustle that no longer serves them. With a background in nutrition and healthcare, Lin once looked accomplished on paper but felt deeply unfulfilled. She works with leaders and entrepreneurs who look successful on the outside but feel disconnected on the inside. A spontaneous moment of truth set her on a path toward purpose, ease, and flow. Today, she guides others to align with their truth, quiet the noise, and live in a way that feels like freedom.Discover more about Lin at: www.enlightenedsuccess.comListen and follow: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/followSupport the show for ad-free and early release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcastSubscribe to the newsletter: https://thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com/

The Life Shift Podcast is a long form interview podcast about the moments that turn our lives into before and after.Each episode centers on one defining life shift. A moment that changes how someone sees their life and what it takes to live differently after it.This is not a show to offer solutions or advice. These are thoughtful conversations about real experiences, shared by people navigating loss, burnout, identity, grief, and major life changes.Hosted by Matt Gilhooly.Listen to episodes and learn more athttps://thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today, I am talking about identity and what happens when the life you have been holding together finally cracks open. Identity is not fixed. It shifts and bends. It breaks down and rebuilds. It grows through fear and through honesty. And most of us do not realize how much we have been holding until something inside us asks for change. In this reflection, I talk about the messy work of letting old selves fall away, the long, slow unwinding of perfection, and the courage it takes to face the parts of you that have been hiding for years. Growing into yourself is not clean or linear. Some days you feel brave. Some days you fall back into old patterns. The important part is noticing the opening. Noticing the small truth that something old is no longer working. If you are standing in that breaking open, I hope this episode meets you gently. You do not have to rush toward clarity. You do not need to fix everything at once. You can sit with the crack for a moment. You can let the rawness be real. Because inside that openness is the beginning of who you are becoming.

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today, I am talking about identity and what happens when the life you have been holding together finally cracks open. Identity is not fixed. It shifts and bends. It breaks down and rebuilds. It grows through fear and through honesty. And most of us do not realize how much we have been holding until something inside us asks for change.In this reflection, I talk about the messy work of letting old selves fall away, the long, slow unwinding of perfection, and the courage it takes to face the parts of you that have been hiding for years. Growing into yourself is not clean or linear. Some days you feel brave. Some days you fall back into old patterns. The important part is noticing the opening. Noticing the small truth that something old is no longer working.If you are standing in that breaking open, I hope this episode meets you gently. You do not have to rush toward clarity. You do not need to fix everything at once. You can sit with the crack for a moment. You can let the rawness be real. Because inside that openness is the beginning of who you are becoming.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse and trauma. Please listen with care.Sometimes the light we find is born in the darkest places.In this episode of The Life Shift, Suzanne Roberts shares what it was like to grow up in a home that looked perfect on the outside but felt unsafe within. After surviving childhood sexual abuse, she dissociated into something she did not yet have language for. A quiet presence. A sense of holiness. A light that never left her.This conversation holds grief and wonder side by side. It explores what it means to live after trauma, to slowly feel safe in your own body again, and to loosen the grip of self-hatred that never should have been there in the first place. Suzanne's story is not about erasing the past. It is about remembering the part of you that stayed whole, even when everything else felt shattered.What You'll HearThe early moments that shaped Suzanne's sensitivity and sense of wonderThe line in the sand moment that changed everythingHow dissociation became a doorway to something life-givingRelearning how to trust her body and inner voiceThe slow shift from self-hatred to self worthWhy movement, nature, and connection played a role in her healingGuest BioSuzanne Roberts is the Founder of UnifyingSolutions and a transformational speaker, facilitator, and author with over four decades of experience guiding leaders and organizations toward sustainable, systemic change. She is the creator of Polarity System Design, a methodology that helps individuals and teams reclaim inner capacity, lead with clarity, and design cultures rooted in purpose, equity, and lasting impact. Suzanne creates spaces where people can thrive and contribute with clarity and purpose. Her book and documentary, It's Deeper Than That: Pathway to a Vibrant, Purposeful Life, premiered in October 2025.Book a free coaching session with Suzanne:https://unifyingsolutions.com/schedule/Listen and follow:www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/followSupport the show for ad-free and early-release episodes:www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcastSubscribe to the newsletter:https://thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com/

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me long after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today, I am talking about the way grief shows up differently for each of us. Grief is not a single feeling. It is not one path or one expression. It shifts. It breaks open. It softens. It surprises you. And sometimes it says the opposite of what you think it should. In this reflection, I talk about the pressure many of us feel to grieve a certain way, the fear of getting it wrong, and the quiet shame that comes from comparing our grief to someone else’s. Some days you may cry. Some days you may laugh. Some days you may be numb or angry or exhausted. All of it is real. All of it is allowed. Grief has no finish line and no proper form. It simply becomes part of who we are. If you are carrying grief in any shape, I hope this episode gives you space to be honest about what it looks like for you. You do not need to perform it. You do not need to justify it. You can name the feelings, even the unexpected ones, and let them belong. There is room for your version of grief. There always has been.

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me long after the conversations on The Life Shift.Today, I am talking about the way grief shows up differently for each of us. Grief is not a single feeling. It is not one path or one expression. It shifts. It breaks open. It softens. It surprises you. And sometimes it says the opposite of what you think it should.In this reflection, I talk about the pressure many of us feel to grieve a certain way, the fear of getting it wrong, and the quiet shame that comes from comparing our grief to someone else's. Some days you may cry. Some days you may laugh. Some days you may be numb or angry or exhausted. All of it is real. All of it is allowed. Grief has no finish line and no proper form. It simply becomes part of who we are.If you are carrying grief in any shape, I hope this episode gives you space to be honest about what it looks like for you. You do not need to perform it. You do not need to justify it. You can name the feelings, even the unexpected ones, and let them belong. There is room for your version of grief. There always has been.

In this episode of The Life Shift, we explore a pivotal life shift and the before and after moments that shaped Katie Grimes' journey toward self-awareness, healing old patterns, and learning to trust herself again.There are moments in life when you look around and realize you have been carrying the weight of everyone else's expectations. Maybe you know that feeling. The quiet pressure to keep it all together. The fear that if you slow down even for a second, everything you have been outrunning will finally catch up.Katie Grimes knows that place well. She grew up trying to earn belonging, trying to stay safe in a home shaped by addiction, fear, and silence. For years, she filled her life with noise and motion and relationships that echoed her earliest wounds. But somewhere inside the chaos, something steady began to rise. A small voice that said it was time to stop pretending and start healing. That voice became her line in the sand moment.This conversation holds all of that tenderness. The grief she carried. The patterns she had to unlearn. The deep self-awareness she fought for. And the peace she has found in finally listening to herself. I hope that as you hear Katie's story, you feel a soft reminder that you are not alone in the places that feel messy or unfinished.What You'll HearThe loneliness that follows a childhood shaped by addiction and fearHow early abandonment patterns echo in adult relationshipsThe breaking point that forced Katie to face her own truthThe long, slow climb into recovery and self-awarenessHow faith, stillness, and support helped her rebuildThe quiet strength she carries now as she chooses a different lifeGuest BioKatie Grimes is a business coach, podcast host, and entrepreneur who helps busy business owners build routines they can actually keep. After growing a relationship coaching business to $550,000, she shifted her focus to business coaching, guiding people as they learn to set boundaries, build confidence, and create work that supports a life they love. Through her podcast, Anything for Love, and her digital courses, Katie has helped more than 100,000 people feel their feelings, speak up for what they need, and step away from the constant pressure to do more.https://www.katiegrimes.com/Listen and follow: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/followSupport the show for ad-free and early-release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcastSubscribe to the newsletter: https://thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com/

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that keep showing up after more than two hundred conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about self trust and what it means to rebuild it after years of doubt, shame, or fear. Trusting yourself is not a single moment. It grows slowly through messy progress, small choices, and the courage to keep showing up even when you feel uncertain. In this reflection, I talk about the back-and-forth nature of healing, the quiet bravery it takes to listen to your own voice, and the way small wins can slowly rewrite the stories you once believed about yourself. Self trust is not perfect confidence. It is the willingness to face your own feelings, try something new, set a boundary, or simply stay with yourself when things feel hard. If you are in a season where trusting yourself feels out of reach, I hope this episode gives you some gentleness. You do not have to be fully healed to begin. You do not have to silence every doubt. You can start small. You can take one step. You can remember that the younger version of you deserved care, and the current version of you does too. You have always been enough.

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that keep showing up after more than two hundred conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about self trust and what it means to rebuild it after years of doubt, shame, or fear. Trusting yourself is not a single moment. It grows slowly through messy progress, small choices, and the courage to keep showing up even when you feel uncertain.In this reflection, I talk about the back-and-forth nature of healing, the quiet bravery it takes to listen to your own voice, and the way small wins can slowly rewrite the stories you once believed about yourself. Self trust is not perfect confidence. It is the willingness to face your own feelings, try something new, set a boundary, or simply stay with yourself when things feel hard.If you are in a season where trusting yourself feels out of reach, I hope this episode gives you some gentleness. You do not have to be fully healed to begin. You do not have to silence every doubt. You can start small. You can take one step. You can remember that the younger version of you deserved care, and the current version of you does too. You have always been enough.

Some moments reshape us before we even have words for them. Erin Snow carried one of those moments for most of her life. What began as a buried truth became a quiet weight she learned to navigate on her own. And somewhere along the way, that silence started to turn into something else. A nudge. A voice. A call to reclaim the parts of herself that had been taken. Her story is not only about what happened. It is about the slow return to her own strength, the tenderness of being heard at the right time, and the courage it takes to tell a truth that once felt impossible to say. Erin reminds us that healing is not tidy. It grows in seasons. It begins in small ways. And often it starts with listening. What You’ll Hear: The childhood moment that marked a clear before and after How silence shaped Erin’s sense of worth The long path toward reclaiming her voice Why advocacy became a way to heal How listening became her life’s purpose The freedom of saying something you once held alone Guest Bio: Erin Snow is a transformative listening strategist who turns the art of hearing into a powerful tool for personal and professional empowerment. As the founder of Seacoast Listening Lounge, she has pioneered a revolutionary approach that creates a sanctuary where women can not just survive, but truly reclaim their narrative and inner strength. With sixteen years of frontline experience as a legal advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, Erin has witnessed firsthand the life changing power of authentic, compassionate listening. She made history as the first paralegal in New Hampshire to represent clients directly in family court, breaking barriers and reshaping traditional legal norms. Her work bridges trauma-informed advocacy with deep emotional intelligence, offering individuals, leaders, and organizations a pathway to genuine, transformative connection. Erin can be reached at seacoastlisteninglounge.com. Listen and follow: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow Support the show for ad-free and early-release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Subscribe to the newsletter: https://thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com/

Content note: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, trauma, and healing. Please listen with care.Some moments reshape us before we even have words for them.In this episode of The Life Shift, we explore a pivotal life shift and the before and after moments that shaped Erin Snow's journey toward reclaiming her voice, worth, and sense of self.Erin Snow carried one of those moments for most of her life. What began as a buried truth became a quiet weight she learned to navigate on her own. And somewhere along the way, that silence started to turn into something else. A nudge. A voice. A call to reclaim the parts of herself that had been taken.Her story is not only about what happened. It is about the slow return to her own strength, the tenderness of being heard at the right time, and the courage it takes to tell a truth that once felt impossible to say. Erin reminds us that healing is not tidy. It grows in seasons. It begins in small ways. And often it starts with listening.What You'll Hear:The childhood moment that marked a clear before and afterHow silence shaped Erin's sense of worthThe long path toward reclaiming her voiceWhy advocacy became a way to healHow listening became her life's purposeThe freedom of saying something you once held aloneGuest Bio:Erin Snow is a transformative listening strategist who turns the art of hearing into a powerful tool for personal and professional empowerment. As the founder of Seacoast Listening Lounge, she has pioneered a revolutionary approach that creates a sanctuary where women can not just survive, but truly reclaim their narrative and inner strength.With sixteen years of frontline experience as a legal advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, Erin has witnessed firsthand the life changing power of authentic, compassionate listening. She made history as the first paralegal in New Hampshire to represent clients directly in family court, breaking barriers and reshaping traditional legal norms.Her work bridges trauma-informed advocacy with deep emotional intelligence, offering individuals, leaders, and organizations a pathway to genuine, transformative connection. Erin can be reached at seacoastlisteninglounge.com.Listen and follow: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/followSupport the show for ad-free and early-release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcastSubscribe to the newsletter: https://thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com/

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that keep showing up in the conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about the belief that you have to be fully healed before you can change your life. I do not think that is true. Healing is not a finish line. It is not a requirement you have to meet before you are allowed to grow or move forward. In this reflection, I talk about why healing and change often happen together, and why waiting to feel whole can keep you stuck for years. Change is messy. Healing is slow. Sometimes you start showing up for yourself long before you feel ready. Sometimes the shift begins in the middle of the grief or confusion or fear. You do not need to be perfect or certain to take a step toward the life you want. If you are sitting in a season where you feel broken, overwhelmed, or unsure, I hope this episode helps you breathe a little easier. You do not have to fix everything first. You do not have to have it all sorted out. You can start right where you are, even in the mess, even in the doubt. That small beginning counts.

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that keep showing up in the conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about the belief that you have to be fully healed before you can change your life. I do not think that is true. Healing is not a finish line. It is not a requirement you have to meet before you are allowed to grow or move forward.In this reflection, I talk about why healing and change often happen together, and why waiting to feel whole can keep you stuck for years. Change is messy. Healing is slow. Sometimes you start showing up for yourself long before you feel ready. Sometimes the shift begins in the middle of the grief or confusion or fear. You do not need to be perfect or certain to take a step toward the life you want.If you are sitting in a season where you feel broken, overwhelmed, or unsure, I hope this episode helps you breathe a little easier. You do not have to fix everything first. You do not have to have it all sorted out. You can start right where you are, even in the mess, even in the doubt. That small beginning counts.

What if the hardest thing you’ve ever faced became the reason you kept going? After surviving a horrific car accident that left him with a three percent chance of survival, John Ulsh spent years relearning how to live, move, and believe in the life ahead of him. Across 45 surgeries and 17 years of recovery, he found that healing wasn’t about getting “back” to normal. It was about building something new — one intentional day at a time. In this conversation, we talk about: How John reframed pain into purpose and found strength in progress, not perfection The role of patience, humility, and self-compassion in long-term recovery Why falling in love with the process can matter more than the goal itself John’s story reminds us that survival can be just the starting line — and that even the hardest chapters can fuel something good. John Ulsh knows what it means to rebuild. In 2007, he, his wife, and their two young children were in a catastrophic head-on collision. While his family suffered serious injuries, John took the brunt of the impact and was given less than a three percent chance of survival. After enduring over 45 surgeries and years of relentless recovery, he discovered that true resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship — it’s about learning to rise from it. Now, as the author of The Upside of Down, a speaker, and a coach, John helps others overcome adversity and turn setbacks into success. Learn more at www.johnulsh.com. Listen to this episode and more at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com. Get ad-free and early access on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast. Subscribe to The Life Shift newsletter for behind-the-scenes reflections: thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com. Follow along on social: @thelifeshiftpodcast

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about those quiet or sudden moments when everything in your life shifts. The ground moves. The story you thought you were living no longer fits. And you find yourself standing in a new version of your life without knowing how you got there. In this reflection, I talk about the before and after moments we do not always see coming. The times when you feel stuck in fear, or pulled toward something new, or caught between the life you built and the life you want. Change rarely happens in one dramatic sweep. It shows up in small choices, in discomfort you can no longer ignore, in the quiet recognition that something has to give. If you have felt that internal shake or noticed a line in the sand you cannot uncross, I hope this episode meets you gently. You do not have to understand the whole shift. You only have to name the moment and keep moving with curiosity. These turning points shape who we are becoming, one small step at a time.

What if your greatest teacher had four legs and an endless capacity for love? When licensed therapist Brianna Laricchia lost her dog Molly, the grief cracked her heart wide open. It wasn’t just about losing a pet — it was about losing a constant, unconditional presence that had shaped who she was. In this conversation, Brianna shares how that loss transformed her both personally and professionally, leading her to specialize in grief counseling for others walking the same tender path. You’ll hear: How loving and losing Molly reshaped Brianna’s understanding of empathy and connection What she’s learned about the unique grief of losing a pet How she built Omnia Psychotherapy Group to help others heal through compassion, presence, and shared humanity If you’ve ever loved an animal like family, this episode will feel like a gentle hand on your shoulder. Listen and subscribe to The Life Shift Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Get ad-free, early access episodes and behind-the-scenes reflections on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Join the newsletter for honest reflections and updates: thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com Follow The Life Shift on social @thelifeshiftpodcast Guest Bio Brianna Laricchia is a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of Omnia Psychotherapy Group, a private practice based in New York. She specializes in grief counseling, focusing on pet loss and the emotional bonds we form with our animals. After losing her beloved dog, Molly, Brianna found her calling in helping others navigate the often-overlooked pain of pet loss. Through her work, she bridges professional expertise with deep empathy, creating safe spaces for healing and remembrance. www.omniapsychotherapygroup.com

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me long after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about those disorienting moments when the life you have been living suddenly feels unfamiliar. The pieces stop fitting together. The story you have been telling yourself begins to crack. And you find yourself standing in the in between, unsure of what comes next. In this reflection, I talk about confusion as part of the process, not a sign that something is wrong. Change is rarely neat or straightforward. It often begins in the fog, in the exhaustion, in the quiet moments when you realize you cannot keep pretending everything is fine. Sometimes clarity arrives only after the breaking open. Sometimes it comes through rest, or release, or the small permission to stop holding everything together. If you are in a season where nothing feels clear, I hope this episode gives you a softer place to stand. You do not need a full map. You do not need to rush the unfolding. It is enough to notice what is shifting inside you and trust that clarity often grows from confusion, one moment at a time.

If you have ever been curious about what actually happens behind the scenes of a meaningful conversation, this livestream is an open door. Not polished. Not rehearsed. Just two hosts sitting together in real time, talking honestly about why we keep doing this work and how it keeps changing us. This special co-hosted livestream on Riverside brought me together with Angela Hollowell to reflect on podcasting, storytelling, and the quiet evolution that happens when you keep showing up. We talked about how our shows began, how different our approaches are, and how both are rooted in care and intention. We explored the learning curve of hosting, creating safety without scripting everything, and letting conversations breathe. Somewhere in the middle of it all, I said something out loud that surprised even me. That podcasting has softened me. That it has made me more forgiving of myself. And that it might be the best thing I have ever done for me. This conversation is less about tactics and more about trust. About curiosity. About giving yourself permission to do it your own way. If you joined us live, thank you for being part of that moment. If you are listening now, I hope this reminds you that there is more than one right way to tell a story and you do not have to do it perfectly for it to matter. What You’ll Hear Different podcasting styles grounded in care Creating safety without controlling the outcome The hosting learning curve and releasing perfection How storytelling changes the people holding the space Why continuing to show up can quietly change you Co-Host Bio Angela Hollowell is the creator of the Please Hustle Responsibly newsletter and the host of the Honey and Hustle podcast. Through both, she highlights North Carolina founders, creators, and nonprofit leaders with care, specificity, and deep respect for the full human story. Her work centers on thoughtful storytelling, community, and creating access to conversations that help people feel less alone in their work and lives. Please Hustle Responsibly: https://www.pleasehustleresponsibly.com/ Honey and Hustle Podcast: https://www.honeyandhustle.co/ Listen and follow: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow Support the show for ad-free and early-release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Subscribe to the newsletter: https://thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com/

What if the lowest point in your life was actually your turning point? Dr. Robb Kelly knows what it means to lose everything, family, home, and even the will to live, and still find a way forward. From playing music at Abbey Road to living on the streets of Manchester, Robb’s story is a raw reminder of what happens when pain becomes purpose. Through science, faith, and relentless honesty, he rebuilt his life and devoted it to helping others recover from addiction and reclaim their worth. In this conversation, we talk about: How childhood trauma quietly shapes the way we cope, connect, and self-destruct What it really takes to rebuild a life after addiction and find a new identity Why embracing our perfectly imperfect selves is key to healing and helping others This episode is a powerful reflection on redemption, resilience, and the small moments that can change everything. Listen to The Life Shift Podcast: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow Support the show for ad-free and early access episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Subscribe to the newsletter: https://thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com Connect on socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Guest Bio Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD, is a sought-after recovery expert who believes in treating the causes of addiction and not the symptoms. Dr. Kelly has appeared on shows such as The Doctors, Eye Opener, Good Morning Texas, and KENS 5 Morning News. A frequent contributor to radio and print interviews, including The Jim Bohannon show, Miracles in Recovery, USA Today, and participated in McLean Hospital’s (Harvard Medical School) study on the stigma associated with mental illness. Dr. Kelly hosted the Sober Celebs show on KLIF radio in Dallas, and currently hosts the Breaking Through Addiction podcast featuring special guests discussing a variety of mental health issues. Dr. Kelly created Let’s Get Back to 98% Recovery DVDs, used in prisons and recovery treatment centers throughout the US. He has lectured on addiction and trauma at high-profile universities, national conferences, treatment facilities, public schools, churches, business organizations, and hospitals. Dr Kelly is currently the CEO of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group, an addiction and mental illness recovery coaching company he founded based on extensive research and behavioural studies he conducted over the past 20 years. Dr. Kelly shares his personal highs and lows as he struggled and overcame crippling alcoholism in the November 2019 release of the book “Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking”.

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about how hard we can be on ourselves and what it means to slowly learn gentleness. So many of us move through life with old shame, perfectionism, or fear tucked inside. We push ourselves to be better, to get everything right, or to carry more than we were ever meant to hold. In this reflection, I talk about the critical voice we learn as kids, the pressure to be perfect, and the way self-compassion feels like a muscle we have to practice again and again. Healing is not a straight line. Some days you feel softer. Some days you slip back into old patterns. The important part is noticing the shift and remembering that you deserve the same care you give to everyone else. If you have been carrying shame, harshness, or impossible expectations, I hope this episode helps you take one gentler breath. You do not have to earn kindness. You are allowed to give it to yourself, right here, exactly as you are.

What happens when the spotlight fades and you’re left with silence? Seth Stewart spent years performing on the world’s biggest stages — from Hamilton and In the Heights to touring with Madonna. But at the height of success, something inside him started calling for more. That quiet pull led him away from bright lights and applause, and into the wilderness where he began listening to his own spirit for the first time. In this conversation, Seth opens up about what it takes to walk away from a dream, why stillness can be louder than any stage, and how rediscovering our connection to nature can help us find our way back to ourselves. You’ll hear about: How leaving Broadway became Seth’s most honest act of creation What living off-grid taught him about trust, unity, and peace Why listening to your inner voice might be the bravest thing you ever do If you’ve ever felt called to change direction, this episode is a reminder that there’s life beyond what others expect — and that following your vision is a form of truth. For ad-free and early access to episodes, join the community at www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast. Subscribe to the newsletter for behind-the-scenes stories and reflections: thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com Follow on social media: @thelifeshiftpodcast Guest Bio From the stages of Broadway to the depths of the jungle, Seth Stewart is a bridge between worlds. As a performer and creator, he’s played major roles in the Tony Award-winning productions of In the Heights and Hamilton, and performed with artists like Madonna, Jay-Z, and Jennifer Lopez. After leaving the entertainment industry, Seth followed a deep spiritual calling that led him into the forest — a journey that reshaped his entire sense of purpose. He spent years immersed in nature, ceremony, and self-inquiry, learning from shamans and ancient wisdom keepers. Today, Seth guides others toward clarity, embodiment, and unity through True Kings Academy, a transformative space for men’s wellness and leadership. He also mentors young performers through Performer’s Edge, combining artistry and mindfulness. His upcoming memoir, Follow Your Vision. Live Your Truth., released August 8, 2025. https://www.iamsethstewart.com/

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a solo series built around the themes that stay with me after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today, I am talking about grief and the way it takes shape inside a life. Grief is not something you finish. It is something living and moving, something that changes as you change. Losing my mom, my grandmother, and Mikey shaped the way I understand grief long before I ever sat with a guest and heard their story. In this reflection, I talk about how grief shifts from sharp to distant, how it can still surprise you years later, and how it never follows a straight line. Grief is not linear or predictable. It moves like waves, shadows, seasons. Sometimes it takes up the whole room. Sometimes it sits quietly in the corner. It is still a part of you either way. If you are carrying a loss, I hope this episode gives you a softer place to land. You do not need to rush your way through it or pretend you are fine. Grief is not a problem to fix. It is part of who you are and part of being human. You are allowed to feel it, honor it, and keep moving with one small step at a time.

Sometimes grief arrives before we are old enough to understand it. It lands in the middle of everything familiar and quietly rewrites the map of who we become. Years can pass before we realize how much of ourselves is still standing in that same frozen place. In this conversation, Kristina Amelong shares what it means to finally face what she could not name as a teenager. After losing her younger brother in a sudden accident, she spent decades searching for ways to numb the ache. What began as survival slowly became a lifelong practice of returning to herself — through healing, sobriety, and the simple act of telling the truth. This is a story about finding connection after silence. About discovering that grief can open doors as easily as it closes them. And about the power of one question to bring the past back into the light. What You’ll Hear: The day everything changed and the silence that followed How addiction became both a shield and a signal for help The stranger’s question that opened the path to healing What it means to reconnect with people frozen in the same grief The sacredness of tears and the wisdom they hold Finding peace through storytelling and self-acceptance   Guest Bio Kristina Amelong is the author of Ten Days to Optimal Health: A Guide to Nutritional Therapy and Colon Cleansing and the newly released memoir What My Brother Knew (She Writes Press, May 27). She is the founder and owner of Optimal Health Network, a holistic health business, and serves as a senior board member for the Center for World Philosophy and Religion, a nonprofit dedicated to reweaving the human story through spirituality and global healing. Kristina has a passion for photography, gardening, and pickleball, and she lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her three dogs and a brood of chickens. Book / Author Website: https://www.kristinaamelong.com Healing Work / Company Website: https://www.optimalhealthnetwork.com

This episode is part of The Things We Carry, a short solo series shaped by the themes that stay with me after the conversations on The Life Shift. Today I am talking about burnout and the deeper exhaustion that grows slowly over time. The kind that shows up when you have spent years pushing through life, trying to be enough, and holding more than you were ever meant to carry alone. In this reflection, I explore what burnout really feels like, why so many of us miss the early signs, and how your body eventually tells the truth, no matter how hard you try to keep going. Burnout is not a personal failure. It is a signal. A quiet invitation to look closely at your life, your pace, and the patterns you have been living inside without even noticing. If you are overwhelmed, drained, or moving through a season where rest feels impossible, this episode offers a softer place to land. You do not need to have it all figured out. You only need to notice what is shifting inside you and take one small step toward something gentler. That can be enough for today.

Have you ever reached a point where the answers you’re given simply stop feeling right? Where you realize that trusting your own instincts might be the only way forward. For Piper, that moment came in a doctor’s office when she was told her son just needed a spanking. Something inside her knew that wasn’t true. What followed was a full transformation born from love and determination. She went back to school, relearned what she thought she knew about health, and built a life that would help not only her son but hundreds of other families too. Along the way, she found her own healing in the process. This conversation is about listening to that quiet voice inside you. It’s about the courage to question what you’ve been told and the hope that grows when you refuse to give up. Take your time with this one. It is gentle and full of heart. What You’ll Hear A mother’s turning point after harmful medical advice How childhood trauma shaped a life built on self-reliance Discovering purpose in the middle of fear and uncertainty The surprising ways healing her son led to her own transformation The strength found in trusting intuition over authority How sharing one story can light the way for others Guest Bio Dr. Piper Gibson founded the Tic Disorder Institute: Regenerating Health and Elite Gene Labs, where she empowers families and healthcare professionals to address tic disorders and optimize wellness. She is a Doctor of Functional Medicine, Advanced Holistic Nutrition, and a Board-Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine. She is also the author of Tic Talk: Common Misconceptions, Natural Approaches, and Real Conversations about Tic Disorders. Connect with Piper: Website: https://regenerating.health/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regeneratinghealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RegeneratingHealth Subscribe for new episodes, early access, and ad-free listening at www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast. Join the newsletter and community at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow.

Sometimes we don’t get to choose when life asks us to begin again. One moment you’re following a dream, and the next you’re rebuilding from the pieces of what used to be. It’s a strange kind of starting over – the kind you never asked for but somehow learn to live inside. Ava Jones knows that space well. At seventeen, she survived a devastating car accident that took her father’s life and changed everything she knew about herself. Two years later, she was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Through it all, she’s learning what it means to keep moving, to ask for help, and to find gratitude even in the hardest chapters. This conversation isn’t about silver linings. It’s about choosing to live when the story doesn’t go the way you planned. Ava’s honesty reminds us that starting over doesn’t mean you’ve failed – it means you’re still here. What You’ll Hear The day Ava’s life changed forever Learning to walk, talk, and feel again after trauma Grieving her father while navigating recovery Letting go of the basketball dream that once defined her Facing cancer with honesty and faith in her support system Rediscovering joy in small, ordinary moments Listen to the full episode and more conversations like this at:

Some moments stay with us long after they end. The choice we made. The thing we wish we had said. The image that still lingers when the room goes quiet. Cyra’s story begins with one of those moments, the kind that changes everything and asks who we will become after it. At sixteen, she lost her brother to suicide and carried the guilt of that day for years. Her healing came slowly, through forgiveness and the power of words. Poetry became a place to lay down her pain and listen to something deeper, something that kept whispering that love was still possible. What You’ll Hear How grief can hold both love and regret at once The quiet guidance of a voice that spoke when she needed it most Why poetry became her way to understand pain and healing What it means to forgive a younger version of yourself The long, patient work of turning loss into meaning How creativity can become medicine when nothing else fits Guest Bio Cyra Sweet Dumitru (www.cyrasweetdumitru.com) is an accomplished poet, instructor of poetry writing, and one of four certified practitioners of poetic medicine in Texas. Her poems have appeared on a wall in San Antonio's City Hall and on city buses, been spoken on national radio and in museums, published in newspapers, and featured in anthologies and literary journals. She has four collections of poetry and a memoir, Words Make a Way Through Fire: Healing After My Brother's Suicide, which is told through prose and poetry and was published by She Writes Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster. Cyra leads therapeutic writing circles for people from all walks of life. Listen to this episode and more at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow Support the show on Patreon for ad-free, early releases: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Stay connected through the newsletter and social links at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

Have you ever been doing everything right and still felt something was missing? Clay Garrett thought he had built the life he was supposed to have. A stable career, a loving family, all the boxes checked. But when life suddenly stopped, he was invited to see what really mattered. Clay’s story unfolds in the quiet that followed a layoff just before the pandemic. What began as fear became clarity. In that unexpected pause, he found what a good life feels like when presence becomes the priority. This conversation is about slowing down, choosing intention, and discovering that sometimes the hardest endings lead us home to ourselves. What You’ll Hear: The moment a layoff became an unexpected gift How time with family reshaped his understanding of success Learning to be truly present as a husband and father The power of reflection and self-awareness in daily life Building a meaningful life through purpose and simplicity What it means to live by choice instead of habit Guest Bio: Clay Garrett is the founder of Campfire Gentleman, a personal development project that helps men build meaningful lives centered on purpose, family, and personal growth. After 25 years in design and advertising, a COVID-era layoff led Clay to reevaluate his definition of success, ultimately inspiring a new path centered on presence, purpose, and simplicity. Through writing, resources, and honest conversation, he’s creating a space for husbands and fathers who want to slow down and live with intention. Connect with Clay and his work: https://campfiregentleman.beehiiv.com/ Listen to more episodes and support the show: Subscribe and follow: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow Join Patreon for ad-free and early release: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Connect on socials and newsletter: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

Have you ever built a life that looked good from the outside but left you exhausted on the inside? Brooks Bell knows that feeling. At 38, she was the driven CEO who could carry it all until her body told her something wasn’t right. What followed was not only a colon cancer diagnosis but a reckoning with how she had been living. This story isn’t just about surviving illness. It is about letting go of perfection, rediscovering joy, and realizing that fun is a form of healing, too. Brooks learned to trade achievement for presence and to see connection as the real measure of success. Take your time with this one. It is tender and full of light. What You’ll Hear How ignoring small signs can change everything The moment Brooks finally let herself feel Why fun and play became her new measure of joy What happens when identity is no longer tied to success The power of turning pain into purpose through connection Guest Bio Brooks Bell is a cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of World Class Clothing, a nonprofit brand raising awareness about colonoscopies and funding screenings for underinsured communities. After being diagnosed with colon cancer at 38, Brooks turned her experience into a mission to normalize conversations about prevention while also creating more space for fun, connection, and joy. Connect with Brooks Website: www.worldclassclothing.com Instagram: @worldclass_clothing Listen to The Life Shift Podcast wherever you get your podcasts: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow Support the show on Patreon for ad-free, early-release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Stay connected through the newsletter and socials at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

Have you ever realized you were living the life someone else imagined for you?Andrew Mitch did everything right on paper. He followed the rules, earned the degrees, and chased approval until the weight of it all became too heavy to carry. When he finally walked away from the life others expected, he found the beginning of his own. What unfolded next was unexpected. A stranger at a restaurant table looked at him through tears and said, “Whatever you have, the world needs to hear it now.” That moment shifted everything. It was the reminder that his voice mattered, and that he no longer needed permission to use it. This is a story about leaving certainty for something more alive. About learning to be seen, to create honestly, and to trust that your real self is enough.Take your time with this one. It is tender and real. What You’ll Hear The quiet pressure of chasing someone else’s version of success How leaving a PhD program became an act of self-trust The beauty of being seen by a stranger who changed everything The tension between faith, identity, and authenticity Learning to stop asking for permission to create What it means to live unapologetically yourself Guest Bio From small-town Ohio to Nashville, Andrew Mitch is making waves in country-pop with raw emotion, personal truth, and storytelling. His breakout single “all in my head” went viral, crowdfunded his debut album, and earned features from CMA, CMT, GLAAD, and more. With millions of views, 30K+ followers, and praise from artists like Carly Pearce and Ingrid Andress, Andrew has since released songs like "back home boy" (featured on Nashville's very own WSMV4) and "unapologetic." He continues to prove there’s power in being unapologetically yourself. Connect with Andrew: https://www.andrewmitchmusic.com/ Listen at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow. Support the show on Patreon for ad-free and early release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast. Subscribe to the newsletter and follow along on socials for more.

I’ve never been great at journaling.I’d start strong, buy the nice notebook, write for a few days – then stop. But through The Life Shift Podcast, I learned how powerful reflection can be when it’s real, not forced. So I created something I’d actually use. It’s called The Life Shift Journal.A 12-week guided reflection with one simple prompt each day – designed to help you slow down, pay attention, and see how you’re changing along the way. The rhythm repeats every four weeks – awareness, letting go, connection, becoming – three full cycles that help you notice how your answers evolve with you. You can find all the versions here:

What happens when the people you depend on most dismiss your pain? Shigeko Ito grew up in Japan in an affluent but emotionally detached family, carrying an invisible loneliness that shaped her every step. At sixteen, she tasted what family could feel like during a summer with a nurturing American host family, but that contrast only deepened her existential crisis once she returned home. When a brother’s betrayal led her to wake up in a mental hospital, she began a long journey through silence, stigma, and survival. In this conversation, Shigeko shares how she slowly found her way toward healing, compassion, and truth telling. She also reflects on what it means to break generational cycles and how her memoir became both an act of defiance and a gift of service. What you’ll hear in this episode: How childhood neglect in a “perfect” family can quietly shape a child’s nervous system The life-altering moment of waking up in a mental hospital Why self compassion and storytelling became her path to resilience Listen, share, and subscribe at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow. For ad-free early access, join me on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast. Sign up for the newsletter and connect with me on social media for more stories that remind us we are not alone. Guest Bio Shigeko Ito is an educator, mental health advocate, and debut author of the memoir The Pond Beyond the Forest: Reflections on Childhood Trauma and Motherhood (She Writes Press). She grew up in Japan and immigrated to the United States in her twenties to pursue higher education, earning a PhD in Education from Stanford University. Drawing on her cross cultural experiences and academic expertise, she explores themes of trauma, resilience, and healing, with a particular focus on childhood emotional neglect. Shigeko lives in Seattle with her husband of thirty years. Learn more at shigekoito.com

What happens when a ten year old is dropped off at a bowling alley and their mom never comes back? Ricardo Viso, who now calls himself a joy architect, shares how that devastating moment shaped his entire life and later gave him perspective when he was diagnosed with cancer. His story shows that joy is not an accident but something you build, even when life knocks you down. In this episode, Viso opens up about: The day his mother died by suicide and how he learned the truth Why his grief looked different from his brother’s and how it shaped them both How a cancer diagnosis shifted his focus to living with purpose and intention His perspective is raw, hopeful, and full of reminders that even in the darkest seasons, we still have choices. Guest Bio Ricardo Viso is a global entrepreneur, speaker, podcaster, and former executive who’s turned life’s toughest moments into powerful lessons on joy and resilience—and he’s got the scars (and stories) to prove it. Born in Denver, raised in Mexico City, and now calling Austin home, he’s been through it all—losing his mother to suicide at 10, overcoming a stint of incarceration, and even battling cancer. But instead of letting life break him, he used these experiences to build something incredible. Now, he’s on a mission to help others break free from autopilot, shift their mindset, and create real joy in their lives and daily activities—without waiting for a life-altering wake-up call. As the founder of Joyful Living Lounge, Viso created a space where people can unwind, laugh, and soak up all the good vibes. No pressure, no perfection—just real people sharing stories, tips, and moments of joy. As developer of the RIC Method, Viso has created a game-changing approach that helps individuals and teams rediscover passion and purpose in their work and lives. Imagine a workplace where people actually love what they do—engaged, thriving, and delivering incredible results. That’s the magic Viso brings. His journey from tragedy to joy has been featured in International Business Times, proving that long-term fulfillment isn’t just possible—it’s something you can create, starting now. For those ready to unlock more joy, Viso offers practical strategies and a fresh perspective, inviting audiences to discover the roadmap to a more fulfilling life—inside and outside of the workplace. Read more here. Listen to more episodes of The Life Shift Podcast at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com. For ad-free early releases, visit Patreon. Sign up for the newsletter and connect with me on social media for more stories that remind us we are not alone.

What happens when one choice alters the course of your life? At 20 years old, Cheryl Wilder made a decision that led to a devastating accident and decades of shame, guilt, and self-questioning. For years, she carried the weight of what she now calls moral injury, unsure if she even deserved healing. In this candid conversation, Cheryl opens up about the accident, the long and layered path toward forgiveness, and how poetry and storytelling became her lifelines. How one night reshaped the way she saw herself and the world Why shame felt easier to carry than forgiveness The moments and practices that helped her reclaim her worth This episode is about accountability, healing, and the courage it takes to finally believe you are worth good things. Guest Bio Cheryl Wilder is an author, coach, and motivational speaker. She helps clients connect their personal lives with their skills and knowledge to create a professional presence aligned with their values. A natural mediator and believer in the journey as a destination, Cheryl has an instinct to understand people, anticipate their needs, and listen to unvoiced questions. She’s passionate about helping clients see purpose and connections in everyday occurrences. An advocate for the arts, Cheryl was the Burlington Writers Club president (2022–24) and is a co-chair of their Alamance County, NC Student Writing Contest. She’s co-leader of the For Alamance Arts & Culture Team, teaches writing workshops, and serves as a member-at-large for the North Carolina Poetry Society. As a poet, Cheryl could talk about line breaks all day. Other topics of proficiency are poetry and architecture, shame and forgiveness, the arts and community, and reinventing the self. Learn more at bornwilder.com. Listen to more episodes of The Life Shift Podcast at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow. For ad-free early releases, join the community at www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast. Stay connected through the newsletter: https://thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com/

What happens when you grow up interpreting the world for your parents while carrying grief of your own? Maria Gallucci knows that experience well. As a child of deaf adults, she learned early how isolating life could feel for her parents and how small acts of inclusion could change everything. Later, she found herself in the painful role of interpreting a doctor’s words and telling her mom she had only months to live. In this episode, Maria shares how those moments shaped her grief journey and fueled her commitment to building a more inclusive world. She talks about supporting the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, navigating loss, raising children through grief, and carrying the lessons of her best friend’s sudden death. Her story is full of honesty, compassion, and purpose. What you’ll hear in this episode: The moment Maria had to interpret her mother’s terminal diagnosis How growing up as a CODA shaped her compassion and advocacy Why small acts of inclusion can change lives Listen and remember that your story matters too. Guest Bio Maria Gallucci is a multi-award-winning real estate agent and proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Growing up as one of six hearing children raised by Deaf parents, she learned ASL before English and helped her parents buy a home at just 12 years old. This experience shaped her passion for inclusive communication and helping those who are often overlooked. For over 30 years, Maria has supported homebuyers from all walks of life, with special focus on the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and LGBTQ+ communities. She’s the founder of Uptown Realty Group, Gallucci Homes, ASL @ Compass Affinity Group, and ASL Realty, a national platform connecting Deaf & Hard of Hearing clients with signing agents. She ranks in the top 1% of agents in Colorado and top 1.5% nationwide. Maria also serves on boards for Rocky Mountain Deaf School, DOVE, and Colorado Association of the Deaf. Her motto, "just try," reflects her belief that meaningful connection starts with one small step. Her debut book, Raised in Silence, is both a love letter to the Deaf & Hard of Hearing community and a guide for bridging communication gaps. Connect with Maria: Website: aslrealty.com Website: galluccihomes.com If this conversation moved you, please share it and consider supporting the show: Listen and follow: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow Support on Patreon for ad-free and early-release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Subscribe to the newsletter and join the conversation: https://thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com/

What happens when life forces you to stop fighting and finally let go? For years, Isabelle Daikeler lived in pain and fear, holding tightly to identities that no longer fit. It all came to a breaking point on the floor of a bedroom in Hawaii, when surrender became her only option. What unfolded was not instant healing, but the start of a transformation that continues to this day. In this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Isabelle shares: How years of pain, illness, and lost identity led her to a wall she could not push past The night she surrendered in prayer, her body released decades of fear and trauma Why befriending the unknown has allowed her to step into deeper authenticity and self-worth This is a story of patience, surrender, and learning that strength often shows up in ways we don’t expect.

Have you ever felt the quiet pull to change everything you thought you were building? For Marty Ross-Dolen, that moment came on September 11, 2001. She had devoted her entire life to psychiatry, but as she watched the towers fall with her children nearby, something in her said it was time to let go. That decision set her on a new course — one that led to motherhood, teaching, and eventually a memoir that uncovered the silence of multi-generational grief. In this conversation, Marty shares what it means to step away from a lifelong identity and find a new one through writing and reflection. Why listening to the voice inside matters more than the expectations you were raised to follow How unspoken grief can ripple through generations and quietly shape a family’s story What happens when you allow yourself to change your mind, even after decades of commitment Marty’s journey is both personal and universal, a reminder that it’s never too late to begin again.

What happens when you realize you don’t actually believe you can heal? Heidi Blackie spent a decade battling chronic illness, grief, and perfectionism until one raw moment in her kitchen changed everything. She asked herself a simple but life-altering question: What am I believing about my ability to heal? In this conversation, Heidi shares how that vow to believe in herself shifted her relationship with her body, her perfectionism, and her sense of self. Her story will resonate with anyone who has felt trapped by patterns, weighed down by loss, or unsure how to move forward. You’ll hear about: The moment Heidi realized disbelief was keeping her stuck in illness How grief, trauma, and perfectionism built the conditions for collapse The practices and reframes that helped her connect to her “unshakable me” Healing isn’t quick or easy, but it starts with belief. Guest Bio: Heidi Blackie is a speaker, consultant, and creator of UnshakableMe®, a science-meets-soul program helping women dismantle limiting beliefs and reclaim their inner power. After chronic illness brought her to rock bottom, she made a radical choice to believe in her body’s ability to heal — a turning point that reshaped her life from the inside out. With 25 years as an Occupational Therapist and hard-won lived experience, she now guides others to meet adversity with clarity, connection, and self-trust. Her story is an invitation to anyone facing personal challenges, offering grounded hope, actionable tools, and a powerful reminder that we are far more capable than we think. Connect with Heidi: Website: unshakableme.com Instagram: @un_shakableme YouTube: UnshakableMe Facebook: welcome.to.unshakableme LinkedIn: Heidi Blackie Connect with The Life Shift Podcast: Listen and subscribe: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow Support on Patreon for ad-free and early-release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Newsletter: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter Instagram: @thelifeshiftpodcast LinkedIn: Matt Gilhooly

What does it mean to live a life that is never dull? For Chris Jordan, the answer has been unfolding since he was twelve years old, standing in front of his grandfather’s headstone. Etched into the stone were six words his grandmother chose: It was never dull. What started as a simple phrase became a mantra that shaped every risk, every leap, and every choice Chris has made since. How a childhood visit to a cemetery planted a lifelong guidepost Why dropping out of college and leaving comfort behind felt more true than staying safe The ways creativity, storytelling, and encouragement became his life’s real work Chris shows us how even small words can carry us through fear and uncertainty, helping us choose the path that feels alive. His story is a reminder that our lives don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Listen now and consider what phrase you’d want etched on your own life. Guest Bio: Chris Jordan is a personal brand strategist who helps entrepreneurs establish their authority and grow their business through intentional storytelling and content. For more than five years, he worked alongside top thought leaders including Lewis Howes, Daymond John, and Dr. Benjamin Hardy on their podcast and content strategies. Today, Chris runs his own consulting business, supporting entrepreneurs who want to share their stories, connect authentically, and build lasting impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/imchrisjordan/

What happens when the life you built suddenly unravels? Dan Boettcher had the degrees, the career path, and the promise of a future in diplomacy. On paper, it looked perfect. But inside, he was falling apart – and one surreal moment in an airport lounge sent his world in an entirely different direction. In this conversation, Dan shares what it means to start over when the future you planned is no longer possible. His story is not just about survival but about transformation, and how meaning can show up in unexpected places. How a mental health crisis forced him to step away from the identity he built The moment he found meaning in unexpected grace and healing Why jewelry, storytelling, and transformation became his new way forward This is a conversation about breaking open, rediscovering purpose, and finding beauty in places you never thought to look. Guest Bio Daniel Boettcher is the founder of The Intrepid Wendell and a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) with academic degrees from Yale, Georgetown, and American Universities. He began his career in law while preparing for a future in diplomacy, but a serious mental health crisis ultimately altered that path. Unable to pursue government work due to clearance restrictions, Daniel set out on a journey to rediscover meaning and passion – leading him back to a childhood love of gems and minerals. Today, he travels the globe sourcing rare gemstones and precious metals to craft custom jewelry that reflects the personal stories of his clients. A digital nomad, seasoned world traveler, and polyglot, he has visited over 100 countries and finds inspiration in every culture he encounters. Sure On This Shining Night Sure on this shining night Of star made shadows round, Kindness must watch for me This side the ground. The late year lies down the north. All is healed, all is health. High summer holds the earth. Hearts all whole. Sure on this shining night I weep for wonder wand'ring faralone Of shadows on the stars. The poem comes from a book by James Agee entitled "Permit Me Voyage," published in  1934 by Yale University Press -- Listen to this episode and more at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow Support the show on Patreon for ad-free and early-release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Subscribe to the newsletter for updates and reflections: Newsletter Sign-up Follow on social media: @thelifeshiftpodcast

What happens when your world is shattered in an instant? When Sally McQuillen lost her 21-year-old son Christopher in a tragic accident, her life split in two. In this conversation, she shares what it means to keep living with love and purpose while carrying unimaginable loss. Her story reminds us that grief and gratitude can sit side by side, and that choosing to keep your heart open is an act of profound courage. Three things you’ll hear in this episode: Why sobriety at 25 gave Sally the tools to face later grief with intention How she has carried Christopher’s light forward while honoring her own healing The ways grief reshaped her understanding of strength, vulnerability, and connection Listen to this episode to hear Sally’s raw and beautiful reflections on love, loss, and the choice to keep going. Guest Bio: Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC, is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in addiction recovery, grief, and trauma healing. An avid reader with a background in writing and dance criticism, she began her career in public relations and marketing before pursuing her master’s degree in social work. Sally is the author of Reaching for Beautiful, a memoir about love, loss, and carrying her son Christopher’s spirit forward. She and her husband live on the north shore of Chicago, where they raised their three children. https://www.sallymcquillen.com/ For ad-free early access to episodes, bonus content, and ways to support the show, join the community at www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast. Subscribe, rate, and share The Life Shift Podcast wherever you listen. Stay connected at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com.

I wanted to share the new trailer for Grief and Light, hosted by my friend and former Life Shift guest, Nina Rodriguez. Nina created this show after the sudden loss of her only sibling, and it has become a beautiful space for honest reflections and conversations about life after loss. She explores grief as a lifelong companion, something that shapes us, teaches us, and walks beside us, rather than something to move on from. Grief and Light is about living in the "and," where sorrow and joy, darkness and light, loss and love all belong. If you have found comfort in the stories shared here on The Life Shift, I think you will connect deeply with Nina's approach and the community she is building. Follow Grief and Light on your favorite podcast platform, and visit griefandlight.com or @griefandlight to learn more.

At 28, Dan MacQueen was thriving in London with career momentum, global travel, and Friday night pints. Then one morning on the tube, his vision went black. Days later, he was in emergency brain surgery. That should have been the turning point. But it was only the beginning. A massive brain hemorrhage, four weeks in a coma, and months of painful rehab left him having to relearn how to walk, talk, and even smile. But Dan didn’t just come back. He chose to build a life richer than the one he had before. What we talk about in this episode: Why surviving isn’t the end of the story, it’s the start of the climb How mindset and micro-choices shape every step of healing What it means to be better than yesterday, even on the worst days Dan’s story isn’t sugarcoated. It’s real, raw, and full of fight. And it’s a reminder that no matter the setback, the next right step still counts. Start with the next step. Listen now and hear how Dan redefined progress, purpose, and possibility. Dan MacQueen is a brain hemorrhage survivor, speaker, and resilience advocate. At 28, his world stopped after an emergency surgery left him in a coma. With no roadmap for recovery, Dan rebuilt his life from the ground up by learning to walk, talk, and function again. Today, he helps others navigate change, build grit, and shift their perspective with practical life tools. He has shared his story with organizations like Hootsuite, Spendesk, and Headway West London, leaving audiences empowered to become better than yesterday. https://www.macqueendan.com/ Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com Support ad-free early releases at www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Join the newsletter, follow on socials, and share your own shift at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow

This episode originally aired in 2024 and is replayed for aHUS Awareness Day to raise awareness of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. What happens when survival meets the unexpected reality of a rare disease? In September 2024, Taylor Coffman first shared her powerful story on The Life Shift. After giving birth to her daughter, she experienced a life-threatening emergency that revealed a rare disease called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Her survival came against all odds, and her journey from patient to advocate continues to inspire. To honor aHUS Awareness Day, this replay brings Taylor’s story back to the forefront: How a childbirth emergency uncovered a rare and life-altering diagnosis Why patient empowerment and self-advocacy can make all the difference What resilience, gratitude, and motherhood taught Taylor about living with purpose Replay this conversation and share it to help raise awareness for aHUS and rare diseases that often go unseen. Guest Bio After a career in acting and media, everything in Taylor Coffman’s life stopped during the birth of her daughter. Her delivery triggered atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, leaving her near death with multiple organ failure. Defying the odds, her survival inspired her to become a patient advocate, empowering others facing rare or life-altering diagnoses. Taylor’s Huffington Post article about her medical crisis became Apple News’ top story, reaching nearly 1 million readers in 48 hours. She now writes Rare Disease Girl on Substack and is working on a book that blends advocacy, light, and humor with the hard truths of navigating chronic illness. Connect with Taylor at Rare Disease Girl on Substack or on Instagram @taylorcoffmanmade. Topics Discussed Taylor’s life-threatening crisis during childbirth in 2021 The rare disease aHUS and why awareness matters The importance of advocating for yourself in medical settings Motherhood while living with chronic illness Post-traumatic growth and gratitude after survival How storytelling can reshape healthcare and connection

What happens when everything you’ve built feels like it’s built on the wrong foundation? Alan Lazaros was chasing all the right things on paper. The degrees. The job. The money. But a head-on car accident at 26, eerily similar to the one that killed his father when Alan was just 2, brought it all to a crashing halt. In that moment, he came face to face with who he really was, not just who he wanted the world to see. We talk about: How high achievement can mask low self-worth Why post-traumatic growth is just as real as post-traumatic stress Rebuilding identity on purpose, not performance This episode is a reminder that your potential isn’t about proving anything. It’s about honoring what’s already inside. At age 2, Alan Lazaros lost his father in a car accident. At 26, after surviving a nearly fatal crash of his own, Alan questioned everything. His career. His relationships. His identity. That wake-up call led him to walk away from Corporate America and start over with intention. Now the CEO and co-host of Next Level University, a global top 100 podcast with over 2,000 episodes across 170 countries, Alan helps others transform their lives in the areas of health, wealth, love, and personal growth. His work is grounded in discipline, data, and deep belief in human potential.

What happens when loss cracks you wide open and shows you who you’ve been all along? Britt Michaelian had built a beautiful, full life. She was raising her daughters, creating art, and moving forward. But when her mother passed away suddenly, Britt paused everything. Then, just as life began to settle, her sister was diagnosed with cancer. That second heartbreak brought a deeper reckoning. In this conversation, Britt shares how she found clarity and purpose through pain, and how her grief helped her return to herself through healing, intuition, and a new form of creative expression. She stepped back from a thriving career and asked what really mattered Her sister’s cancer journey became a spiritual turning point that awakened her intuitive gifts She returned to art in a new way, creating frequency paintings rooted in energy, intention, and love Britt’s story reminds us that healing asks us to slow down, listen deeply, and honor the quiet wisdom that lives inside us. Britt Michaelian is a visionary artist, Reiki master, and quantum healer whose work blends creativity with profound personal transformation. With a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy, Britt brings over two decades of healing experience. She has worked as an expressive arts therapist in pediatric, oncology, and heart transplant units. Now a healing arts pioneer, Britt creates mixed-media frequency paintings that transcend the canvas, offering emotional renewal and spiritual depth. Her work has been exhibited in museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara and collected around the world. She also hosts Healing House, an annual art and wellness event featured in the LA Times, and shares monthly remote Reiki and free healing resources through her site and podcast, The Daily Healing. Learn more at brittmichaelian.art and follow @BrittMichaelian on Instagram, X, and Pinterest. Explore More from The Life Shift Podcast