Real Things Living

How do you rebuild your life when it feels like everything’s been taken from you? After a devastating motorcycle accident left Kijuan Amey blind and battling a traumatic brain injury, he chose resilience, humor, and healing over despair. Kijuan opens up about the moment everything shifted and how he found purpose on the other side. His book, 'Don't Focus on Why Me,' serves as a testament to his journey and a source of inspiration for others facing challenges.3 Key Takeaways:You Are More Than Your LabelsKijuan refuses to let blindness, brain injury, or PTSD define him. His message is clear: “Don’t let your situation define who you are—you define who you are.”Therapy Comes in Many FormsFrom music therapy to improv comedy, Kijuan has discovered healing through creative outlets. His passion for drumming and performing not only aids his recovery—it helps others heal too.Stories Save LivesEncouraged by friends and a deep sense of purpose, KiJuan wrote his memoir Don't Focus on Why Me. His powerful s

Grief doesn’t follow rules and neither does love. In this heartfelt conversation, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Sally McQuillen, a psychotherapist and author of Reaching for Beautiful. Sally shared her powerful journey through grief following the unexpected loss of her son, Christopher, and how that experience inspired her to write a memoir. The episode explores the layers of parental love, the challenges of navigating modern mental health—especially in the digital age—and how storytelling can be a profound tool for healing. Ultimately, the discussion is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding beauty and meaning in the midst of loss.

What happens when your identity is tied to your achievements?In this energizing episode, Elizabeth Parsons shares how retirement isn’t an end, but a powerful beginning. She is the author of "Encore", and a former international law firm attorney who made a bold mid-life pivot to create a more intentional life. The discussion dives into how our culture overemphasizes financial planning and underprepares us for the emotional transition of retirement, the myth of time abundance, and the importance of reclaiming personal agency through small, proactive steps.3 Key Takeaways:(1) Retirement Isn’t Just About MoneyMany people entering retirement are financially prepared—but emotionally lost. Planning for purpose and identity is just as critical as planning for income.(2) Time Abundance Can Be ParalyzingAfter decades of time scarcity, having “oodles of time” can feel daunting. Creating structure and intentionality is key to navigating this new reality.(3) Proactivity is a MuscleHigh-achievers often spend year

What happens when you walk away from your dream and return with deeper purpose? Singer, songwriter, and healer Tally Koren shares how she rediscovered her voice, stayed true to her art, and found healing through music and spirituality.Tally opens up about the emotional detour that paused her music journey and the powerful return that followed. She discusses the importance of authenticity, trusting the creative process, and using music as a form of healing. This conversation explores the deeper connection between art and the soul, and why it’s never too late to live your purpose.3 Takeaways:(1) Music is a spiritual mirror that helps us heal and connect.(2) Staying authentic matters more than chasing trends or fame.(3) Trusting your path—even in uncertainty—can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.Listen now to be inspired by Tally’s story and reconnect with your own creative spark.

What if everything changed in a moment and you still found the strength to move forward? In this powerful episode of Real Things Living, author and advocate Becky Galli shares how she transformed a series of life-altering challenges into a life filled with meaning, purpose, and connection.From unexpected paralysis days after divorce to the loss of a child and raising kids with special needs, Becky has faced more than most. Yet her story is anything but bleak—it's a masterclass in grace, grit, and choosing possibility over pity.Takeaways:How journaling became a lifeline—and eventually a published legacy—for navigating grief and trauma.Why letting go of certain hopes can lead to emotional clarity and peace.How her daughter’s autism diagnosis inspired the creation of Pathfinders for Autism, now celebrating 25 years of impact.Tune in to hear how Becky Galli is rethinking what’s possible and how you can too.Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that life can still be good...no matter what. Learn

Do you ever feel like you're your own worst enemy? In this episode, Brittni Cosgrove shares her personal journey from anxiety and self-doubt to self-discovery and empowerment; overcoming perfectionism and burnout, and how that led her to becoming a life and business coach.3 Takeaways:(1) Self-Awareness is Key: Recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors is the first step to overcoming them.   (2) The Power of "Why": Understanding your deep motivations and "why" behind your goals is crucial for staying focused and motivated.   (3) Compassion Heals: Practicing self-compassion and extending that compassion to others can transform your relationships and your life.Discover how to break free from limiting beliefs and step into your true potential.Take 1–3 minutes today to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Get clear on one thing you want—and ask yourself why it matters. Small steps like this can create a powerful ripple effect of growth and healing.Follow Brittni on Instagram at @brittni.cosgrove or visit britt

Tara Harris, founder and CEO of FemeFlex, shares how personal discomfort led to purposeful innovation. She opens up about the moment that sparked the idea for the pantyless panty liner, a reusable product that sticks to the skin.Through humor, honesty, and a passion for helping women feel more secure in their bodies, Tara shares how she’s redefining feminine hygiene and creating space for more open conversations.3 Key Takeaways:(1) Necessity Sparks Innovation – Tara’s solution was born from a relatable moment and turned into a product designed for real women’s lives.(2) Confidence Through Comfort – FemeFlex supports health, hygiene, and body positivity for women at every stage.(3) Breaking the Silence – Tara is on a mission to normalize conversations around women’s bodies and needs—with no shame, and plenty of humor.Want to learn more ? Visit https://Femeflex.com And if this episode made you smile, feel seen, or think of someone who’d love it—share it forward.

What happens when you follow your heart across the world—and end up transforming your purpose along the way? Aub Wallace did just that. Now based in the Netherlands, this nature-loving entrepreneur is helping mission-driven brands grow with clarity and impact.In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte speaks with Aub Wallace, co-founder of Dandelion Branding, about weaving sustainability into business and everyday life.Key Takeaways:Sustainability in Business: Dandelion Branding works exclusively with clients focused on making a change, such as regenerative farms and climate tech companies, and focuses on reducing the digital footprint of their work.   The Power of Local Action: Aub emphasizes that while federal and state-level actions are important, individuals can make a significant difference through local efforts like supporting community gardens and engaging with local politics.   Sustainability is a mindset: Aub’s lifelong connection to nature informs how she helps others think long-term and regene

In this conversation, Brigitte Cutshall and Rachel Langston discuss the power of life coaching, particularly in the context of the changes brought about by COVID-19. Rachel shares her journey from a diverse career background to becoming a life coach, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, focus, and authenticity in personal growth. They explore how mindset plays a crucial role in achieving goals and the necessity for younger generations to embrace learning and change in a rapidly evolving world.Key Takeaways:Embracing Change and Adaptability: Rachel's story highlights the importance of being adaptable and open to change, especially in a rapidly evolving world. She emphasizes that our career paths may not always be linear and that new opportunities can arise unexpectedly.   The Power of Focus: Rachel's coaching philosophy, "Focus on Fewer," encourages individuals to prioritize and concentrate on one or two tasks at a time to enhance productivity and reduce overwhelm.   Mindset Matters: T

What if you lost decades of your life to something you didn’t do? Judy Henderson endured 36 years of wrongful imprisonment; yet she found a way to turn pain into purpose.Judy became an advocate for battered women and a source of inspiration for many. She discusses the importance of perspective, resilience, and self-love, emphasizing that individuals have the power to control their emotions and their destinies. Judy believes everyone has a purpose in life. Her new book, "When the Light Finds Us," releases on April 15, 2025—sharing her powerful story of survival and transformation.

"Resilience is built through overcoming adversity and self-reflection."What if the key to healing wasn’t just medicine but a complete shift in mindset? Diana Stobo faced life-threatening health challenges. Instead of accepting illness as her fate, she transformed her life—and now helps others do the same. Diana Stobo is a health-conscious leader and founder of The Retreat Costa Rica. She shares insights on resilience and the power of self-care, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and make meaningful changes in their lives.KEY TAKEAWAYS:(1) Healing Begins with Mindset. Diana emphasizes the importance of shifting your mindset to facilitate healing. She encourages listeners to take control and seek solutions that align with their unique needs.(2) Listen to Your Body. Health is a holistic journey that includes nutrition, mindfulness, and emotional well-being. Diana shares how tuning into your body’s signals can guide you toward better choices and lasting health.(3) The Power of Presence.

What if the key to healing was simply sharing your story? In this powerful episode, Ehmandah Ramsey, founder of She Stories, reveals how storytelling can transform pain into purpose and why creating safe spaces for women to share their truth is more important than ever.3 Key Takeaways:(1) The Power of Storytelling in Healing: Sharing personal experiences, even in intimate settings, can be transformative for mental health. Ehmandah emphasizes that every story matters and has the potential to impact someone else's future.(2) Creating Safe Spaces for Women: SheStories provides a confidential and supportive environment where women can share without fear of judgment. Incorporating mental health professionals into these gatherings ensures that participants receive guidance and tools for processing their experiences.(3) Resilience Comes from Acknowledging Your Journey: Many people don’t recognize their own strength until they reflect on what they've overcome. Ehmandah encourages women to embrace their storie

How do the stories we tell ourselves shape our livesBestselling children's book author, Marianne Richmond, shares her deeply personal journey from writing for kids to publishing her upcoming memoir, If You Were My Daughter: Healing an Unmothered Heart. In this conversation, we explore resilience, the impact of emotionally unavailable parenting, and the power of storytelling as a tool for healing.Top 3 Takeaways:1️⃣ Healing Through Creativity: Marianne’s writing journey began as a way to cope during recovery, proving that creativity can be a powerful tool for healing.2️⃣ The Stories We Inherit: Our upbringing shapes our self-perception, but we have the power to reauthor our narratives.3️⃣ Hope is a Choice: Even in the face of trauma and generational pain, choosing hope and resilience can transform your life.

What if you could unlock your full potential and achieve the success you've always dreamed of?Geeta Sidhu-Robb is a powerhouse entrepreneur and coach who helps women achieve their highest potential. Based in London, Geeta has an impressive track record of guiding female leaders to success. She shares her insights on overcoming challenges, building resilience, and the importance of self-care.Key Discussion Points:Geeta’s journey: From attorney to coaching powerhouse, Geeta's path is one of resilience and determination.The accidental coach: Geeta's coaching career started unexpectedly when she realized her knack for guiding women to recognize their worth beyond societal expectations.The power of self-care: Geeta emphasizes that looking after yourself is not selfish but essential for your mental and physical health.Geeta is a highly sought-after coach. Her approach is direct, honest, and focused on empowering women to recognize their worth and potential.Connect with Geeta:Instagram: @geetasidhurobbTikTok: @geeta

We trust firefighters to save us, but what if the real key to fire safety starts long before they arrive?Dr. Burt Clark, a veteran of the fire service for over 55 years, shares hard-hitting truths about America’s fire culture. His message is clear: luck is not a strategy when it comes to fire safety.He challenges the myths surrounding fire protection and reveals why prevention - not response - saves the most lives.3 Key Takeaways: Fire prevention starts with you. Many home fire deaths occur before firefighters even arrive. The most critical step? Ensure your home has working smoke alarms and test them regularly. Small changes can save lives. From keeping flammable materials away from your home to closing bedroom doors at night, simple actions dramatically increase survival chances. We need to rethink fire protection. While hotels and businesses are required to have sprinkler systems, most new homes are not. Advocating for fire-safe building codes can help protect future generations.Your safety starts

What happens when you grow up with two families, two fathers, and two very different worlds? In this episode, retired judge and author, Anthony Mohr shares his personal journey of growing up in a blended family, the impact of divorce on children, and how those experiences shaped his career and storytelling.3 Key Takeaways:1️⃣ The Power of Storytelling: Writing Every Other Weekend helped Anthony process his childhood and connect with others who share similar experiences. Stories have the power to heal, inform, and unite.2️⃣ Blended Families & Resilience: Divorce and remarriage create unique challenges for children. Anthony emphasizes the importance of therapy and open communication in helping kids adjust.3️⃣ Life’s Unexpected Preparation: Growing up between two vastly different households gave Anthony a unique ability to see multiple perspectives—a skill that later served him well as a judge, where fairness and understanding different viewpoints are essential.Check out Anthony Mohr’s book Every Other Weeke

What if healing trauma, reducing stress, and enhancing well-being were possible through nature, meditation, and psychedelics?Neil Markey, co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats, shares his journey from military service to integrative wellness, exploring how psilocybin and holistic practices are transforming mental health.Main Takeaways:(1) Traditional pharmaceuticals aren't always the answer. Neil found more success with holistic approaches like meditation after struggling with conventional medications for his post-military challenges.(2) Psychedelic therapy, when done in controlled settings with proper guidance, shows promise for healing trauma and improving mental well-being, though it's important to understand both benefits and risks.(3) True wellness requires a multi-faceted approach combining meditation, healthy diet, time in nature, and strong social connections.To learn more about integrative wellness programs and legal psychedelic retreats, visit Beckley Retreats https://www.beckleyretreats.co

After 35 years of teaching, Kathy Bjork found herself in an unexpected new role ... parenting her own parent. Her experiences caring for her mother with dementia led her to write "My Mother is Losing Her Memory and I Am Losing My Mind," a candid look at the challenges and lessons learned while navigating this difficult journey. Taking action now can make all the difference later. Key Takeaways: (1) Preparation is Critical: Having proper documentation (power of attorney, consolidated bank accounts) and key information organized before cognitive decline sets in is essential. (2) Resistance is Normal: People with dementia often resist help and change, stemming from their desire to maintain independence and control. Instead of arguing or correcting them, practice patience and meet them where they are - even if that means going along with stories that aren't quite accurate. (3) Support Systems Matter: From working with placement agencies to find the right assisted living facility, to ensuring

"Doctors should prioritize human connection over technology." After leaving bustling medical centers for rural Texas , Dr. Fazlur Rahman discovered that treating cancer was about much more than just medicine. His book , Our Connected Lives, shares powerful stories of resilience, highlighting how the human connection between doctors and patients transforms healthcare outcomes. Key Takeaways: (1) Medical humanities are crucial in doctor training - scientific knowledge alone cannot address patients' fears, anxieties, and individual differences. (3) Support systems are essential during cancer treatment - patients should bring trusted family members or friends to appointments, as stress and anxiety can prevent them from absorbing important medical information. (3) The healthcare system needs rebalancing - excessive profit motives and administrative pressures are creating impersonal care experiences, despite advances in medical technology and treatments. Check out Our Connected Lives to understan

"Trust your journey, even in tough times." Brigette Panetta is from Australia and found spirituality amid a legal battle and personal turmoil. Brigette shares her journey through legal challenges, motherhood, and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing how trust and spirituality helped her navigate these adversities. She's also an Ambassador for Media.com, a platform aimed at providing a verified and clean space for truthful and accountable media interactions. TAKEAWAYS: - Motherhood can be a guiding light through adversity. - Spirituality often emerges from personal struggles. - Creating a voice in the digital age is essential. - It's important to have verified sources of information. - Disconnection from self can lead to confusion. - Critical thinking is vital in today's information overload. - Children teach us valuable lessons about imagination. - Embrace change as a part of personal growth. - Finding purpose can stem from overcoming challenges. Learn more at https://media.com/bri