Real Things Living

Anastasia Forrest is a real estate broker, published author, singer-songwriter, and cancer survivor. She shares her experience with Hodgkin's lymphoma, discussing her symptoms, treatment, and the challenges of long-term survivorship. Anastasia highlights the importance of advocacy, self-love, and connecting with supportive communities. Anastasia also opens up about her journey to sobriety and the positive impact it has had on her life. Main Takeaways: (1) Self-love and compassion (2) Advocacy and community (3) Empowerment through challenges Learn more at https://anastasiaforrest.com Connect with her on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiaforrest/

Jarie Bolander is the author of "Ride or Die: Loving Through Tragedy." He shares his experience as a male caregiver for his late wife, highlighting the challenges, emotions, and societal expectations faced by male caregivers. He also discusses the importance of more openness and compassion, respect, and owning the narrative as men, and the need for intellectual honesty and debate in society. Main Takeaways: Male caregivers face unique challenges and often lack resources and support, highlighting the need for more awareness and understanding of their experiences. Sharing personal stories of caregiving can help normalize and validate the experiences of male caregivers, encouraging others to share their stories and seek support. Resilience is cultivated through facing uncomfortable situations with grace and adaptability, regardless of gender stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding for all caregivers. https://www.jariebolander.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in

Dr. Gayle Myers is a seasoned expert in integrative health. The conversation unfolds as Dr. Myers shares her personal journey, insights into self-healing, and the profound impact of lifestyle habits on our overall well-being. Key Takeaways: The Soul's Journey into Healing: Dr. Myers recounts her unique path, from studying botany and wetland ecology to ultimately choosing a medical career. Driven by a deep understanding of interconnected ecosystems, she emphasizes the pivotal moment when she decided to pursue medicine, recognizing the potential to aid the planet by empowering individuals in self-care. Surviving and Thriving: A Post-Accident Odyssey: The narrative takes a dramatic turn as Dr. Myers recounts her near-death experience in a car accident, highlighting the pivotal moments during and after the impact. A profound connection between mind, body, and spirit emerges as she discusses her journey through pain, recovery, and a transformative five-year healing process. Lifestyle Health Habits for

Keith Day, a neuropathy warrior, shares his journey of overcoming chronic pain and depression. From the struggle to diagnosis and the challenges faced, Keith sheds light on the importance of taking control of one's health. Main Takeaways: Empowerment and Control: Keith emphasizes the need for individuals to take charge of their health. He shares his experience of regaining control over his life after facing debilitating neuropathy, highlighting the importance of research, questioning medical providers, and being proactive in healthcare decisions. Distinction Between Sick Care and Health Care: Keith discusses the crucial difference between sick care, primarily focused on symptom management through medications, and health care, which aims to address the root causes of conditions. He advocates for finding healthcare providers who treat the cause rather than just the symptoms. Impact on Mental Health: The podcast delves into the often overlooked connection between neuropathy and mental health, speci

Brigitte reminisces about the carefree happiness of childhood and explores the ongoing debate on the importance of happiness. Emphasizing meaningful experiences and connections, she brings up how happiness can impact your overall well-being, relationships, and physical health. Brigitte also shares a personal journey of overcoming health challenges and finding happiness through purposeful actions, including the role of exercise. The takeaway is that, rooted in intention and connection, happiness can positively transform one's life.

Dr. Victor Panetta is a globally recognized human rights expert. He shares his transformative journey from facing exclusion as a child with a disability to becoming a driving force for inclusive futures worldwide. Main Takeaways: From Exclusion to Inclusion: Dr. Panetta recounts his childhood experiences of being denied education due to his disability. He emphasizes how a shift in mindset, rather than focusing on his inability to walk, unlocked human potential by changing perceptions and fostering inclusion. Foundation for Change: He shares the inception of the Victor Panetta Foundation and its evolution into "World Enabled." Driven by a deep commitment to inclusion, the foundation works globally, assisting governments and companies in transforming towards a more inclusive future. AI and Inclusion: Discover Dr. Panetta's perspective on the role of AI in fostering inclusion. He discusses the importance of staying ahead of societal changes, incorporating the right values, and using technolog

In this episode we dive into the inspiring journey of Tomer Alpert, the founder of Felt App. Tomer shares the path to connect people authentically and make them feel special in a world that needs it more than ever. And Felt demonstrates the beauty of genuine handwritten moments. Main Takeaways: Following Excitement Moment to Moment: Tomer emphasizes the power of following your excitement without attaching conditional outcomes. By embracing the present moment and engaging in what excites you, you can unlock a sense of freedom and authenticity. The Challenge of Being Yourself: In a culture that often pressures individuals to conform, Tomer shares his personal struggle with feeling unworthy and the ongoing challenge of being true to oneself. The key, he suggests, is recognizing that the journey is about being authentic and not conforming to external expectations. Unconditional Love and Freedom: Tomer reflects on the idea that feeling unworthy is unconditional, and through following one's excitemen

Holly Copeland shares her inspiring journey from being a Conservation Scientist to creating Heart Mind Alchemy after a pivotal moment five years ago. Let's explore the path of inner re-wilding, self-care, and reclaiming well-being in the midst of environmental challenges. Three Takeaways: The Path of Inner Rewilding: Holly discusses her shift from trying to save the Earth externally as a conservationist to discovering the importance of inner rewilding. She emphasizes the need to reconnect with our inner selves and find unshakable well-being, allowing us to navigate life's challenges more effectively. Self-Care as a Foundation: Holly highlights the significance of self-care and the practice of putting our own oxygen mask on first. Trusting the Inner Guidance: Holly shares her personal journey of seeking guidance from within. She encourages others to trust what they love and to align their actions with their passions, emphasizing that this inner guidance is a powerful force in nav

Discover the inspiring story of Amanda Chay, a successful entrepreneur and author, as she discusses her new book "The Girlfriend's Guide to Lupus." Gain a deeper understanding of lupus, its impact on daily life, and learn practical tips for managing the disease. Main Takeaways: (1) You Are Still in Control: Amanda emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over your health, even with a lupus diagnosis. While lupus may impact your life, adopting a proactive and preventive approach to self-care can make a significant difference. (2) You Are Not Your Lupus: Amanda encourages women not to let their lupus diagnosis define them. Despite the struggles, it's crucial to remember that lupus is just one aspect of their lives. Maintaining a sense of self amidst the challenges is key to navigating the journey. (3) Humor and Perspective: Amanda brings a touch of humor to the conversation, highlighting the significance of laughter and a positive outlook. Finding moments of joy and embracing a l

Shari Bookstaff is the founder of the nonprofit "Impact of Empathy" and author of "When Life Throws You Lemons, Make Cranberry Juice." Shari shares her incredible story of resilience after facing a rare brain tumor and a stroke. Here are the 3 main takeaways: ( 1) Shari's journey began with the discovery of an acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor the size of a golf ball. Despite severe symptoms, the operation to remove it took an unexpected turn, leading to a stroke and a nine-month hospital stay. (2) Empathy in Healthcare. Shari emphasizes the importance of being an advocate for one's health, sharing how persistent symptoms led her to an MRI that revealed the tumor. She highlights the need for medical professionals to lead with empathy and connect with patients on a personal level. (3) Reclaiming Passion. Shari's positive outlook shines through as she discusses how her love for marine biology and a supportive speech therapist played crucial roles in her recovery. Check out

Sandy Rosenthal's story serves as a powerful example of individual determination and advocacy, showcasing how accountability, community empowerment, and the acceptance of criticism can lead to substantial societal impact. She is the author of "Words Whispered in Water" and founder of Levees.org. Sandy shares her journey of standing up to the government after Hurricane Katrina broke the levees in New Orleans. Three main takeaways: (1) Embracing Criticism: Sandy emphasizes the value of criticism, highlighting its role in personal growth and activism. She encourages its embrace as a tool for improvement. (2) Government Accountability: Highlighting the mis-design of the levees by the federal government as the true cause of the New Orleans flooding, Sandy's work with levees.org aimed to set the record straight and shift blame away from local officials. (3) Community Empowerment: The importance of citizens standing up for their communities, addressing negligence caused by corporations and the

In this electrifying podcast episode, we've got the fantastic Michele Blood, an author, former Australian rock singer, and global transformational leader. We dive into Michele Blood's remarkable journey of healing and personal growth after a life-altering car accident. Three Key Takeaways: 1. The Healing Power of Affirmation Music: Michele's life took a dramatic turn after a devastating car accident that left her with severe injuries. During her challenging recovery, she stumbled upon the idea of using affirmation music to shift her mindset and heal. She found that by combining affirmations with music, she could influence her subconscious mind, leading to a positive change in her outlook and, ultimately, her physical healing. This unique approach to affirmations allowed her to overcome her doubts and fears, helping her regain her strength and confidence. 2. Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Michele's experience serves as a reminder that adversity can lead to unexpected opportunities for

Brigitte Cutshall speaks with entrepreneur Dan Melnick, who is passionate about providing personalized AI solutions to help small businesses grow and thrive. In a rapidly changing world, AI isn't just a buzzword; it's a practical solution for small businesses to improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and stay competitive. Embracing AI is key to staying ahead in the modern business landscape. Three Key Takeaways: (1) The Power of Personalized AI: Dan Melnick highlights the importance of personalized AI solutions for small businesses. His company, South Lake Consulting, is rebranding to better meet the needs of individual clients, understanding that each business is unique. (2) Small Business Challenges: Many small business owners face challenges when it comes to juggling various tasks. Personalized AI solutions can save time and reduce the cost of hiring additional personnel to handle customer support and inquiries. (3) The Future of AI in Marketing: Dan discusses the potential appli

Jonah and Sally Ismael are twins that share their remarkable journey as competitive taekwondo athletes and authors of the book "The Night Blooming." Despite enduring bullying and abuse in their early years, they found strength and resilience in their passion for taekwondo. The twins also discuss the importance of education, the mind-body connection, and the impact of their nonprofit organization, "The Power Within," which promotes literacy and empowerment. Their inspiring story reminds us of the power of determination and a positive attitude. Takeaways: (1) Overcoming Adversity: Jonah and Sally's story highlights the incredible strength and resilience that can emerge from challenging circumstances. Their experiences with bullying and abuse ultimately propelled them to pursue their passion for taekwondo, providing valuable life lessons. (2) The Mind-Body Connection: The twins emphasize the importance of the mind-body connection, not only in taekwondo but in life in general. They

Cindy Benezra's remarkable story of resilience, commitment to offering hope and support to others dealing with trauma, make this podcast episode a powerful and inspiring listen. As a successful event planner and food enthusiast, Cindy's original plan was to write a cookbook but the writing turned into a memoir, Under the Orange Blossoms. Her recipes became a doorway to her past and a process of healing. Three Takeaways: 1. Healing Through Writing and Unearthing Trauma: Cindy's transformation from intending to write a cookbook to authoring a memoir demonstrates the profound therapeutic impact of writing. Her journey through writing forced her to confront her past and the trauma she had buried for years. She candidly shares that this process was not easy, often triggering her and causing nightmares. However, it ultimately became a necessary step on her path to healing. 2. A Recipe of Resilience and Hope: Cindy's analogy of life as a recipe highlights the idea that we all have the capacity f

Brigitte Cutshall is a health advocate and speaker who is passionate about encouraging others to lead their happiest, healthiest lives. Her recent book is "Move For You: Empowering a Healthy, Happy Life Through Exercise." Amazon - https://bit.ly/3PPiCmm

Discover how you can make a lasting impact while navigating life's challenges. This episode is a mix of divine calling, resilience, and a dash of tech wizardry. Brian Bontomase was a tree service owner turned visionary leader with a mission to create "Graceful Triumphs Global Enterprises, LLC." His journey includes a touch of humor and will leave you inspired with the secrets to making a lasting impact in the most unexpected ways. Here are three key takeaways from the conversation: 1. Divine Calling to Serve: Brian's mission, "Graceful Triumphs," was not just a business idea but a divine calling he received two years ago. Despite a packed schedule, Brian surrendered everything to follow his calling, demonstrating the power of faith and listening to one's heart. 2. Community Collaboration: Brian envisions creating a supportive community where members collaborate and share their stories, not only to improve their lives but to empower others. He plans to offer coaching, group se

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of fishing and the life lessons it offers with Bob Gonzalez, the author of "A Flicker in the Water." Here are three key takeaways from the conversation: 1. Nature's Healing Touch: Bob shares his profound love for nature and how it has a healing effect on our minds and souls. Whether it's the tranquility of the forest or the vastness of the sea, nature offers solace and rejuvenation. 2. The Resilience of Anglers: Fishing isn't always smooth sailing, and Bob discusses the resilience required to face the challenges of the sea. Just as in life, persistence and determination often lead to success, even in the face of adversity. 3. The Joy of the Journey: Bob's enthusiasm for fishing is contagious. He reminds us that the joy of the journey, both in fishing and in life, can often be more rewarding than the end result. Embracing the adventure and finding delight in what we do can make all the difference. To learn more about Bob Gonzalez and his

Are you ready to be inspired by one woman's remarkable journey of transformation? Laurie Whetstone is a true force of resilience and reinvention. From U.S. Army Veteran, to Wall Street executive to Holistic Wellness Entrepreneur, Laurie's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Main Takeaways: Embrace Change and Pivot: Laurie's life took a major turn when she transitioned from a demanding career on Wall Street to become a single mom and small business owner. She emphasizes the value of having a plan and the courage to accelerate it when necessary. The Intersection of Business and Wellness: Laurie's unique approach combines executive wellness coaching with business consulting, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between leadership well-being and business performance. Perspective Shifting and Gratitude: Laurie's life experiences have taught her the power of perspective shifting and gratitude. She encourages others, especially single parents, to find t