Air-Check Your Life

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From Rock Bottom to Redemption: Lindsay Proulx's Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

In this powerful episode of "Learn from People who Lived It," host Mathew Blades and co-host Dr. Dave sit down with Lindsay Proulx, a former addict who's now seven years sober and working at New Freedom Project. Lindsay's story is a raw and honest account of her descent into addiction, her experiences with incarceration, and her inspiring path to recovery.

You'll hear:

• How childhood trauma and family dynamics can contribute to addiction

• The harsh realities of jail and prison for those battling substance abuse

• The pivotal role of faith and support systems in the recovery process

• Practical strategies for forgiveness and healing from past traumas

Lindsay shares deeply personal moments, from using drugs with her mother to her first terrifying night in jail. She recounts the turning point in her life when she realized she was "created for greatness" and how this shift in perspective changed everything.

Dr. Dave offers expert insights throughout, explaining the psychological aspects of addiction, recovery, and forgiveness. He emphasizes the importance of daily decisions that reflect self-value, providing listeners with actionable advice for their own journeys.

This episode doesn't shy away from the dark realities of addiction but ultimately delivers a message of hope and transformation. Lindsay's story proves that no matter how far you've fallen, redemption is possible.

"Forgiveness first. For forgiveness, I had to forgive myself before I could forgive anybody else." - Lindsay Proulx

Whether you're struggling with addiction, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation offers valuable insights into the human capacity for change and the power of second chances.

Please take our new listener survey - four simple questions that will help me make a better podcast for you! Safe Survey Link

Breaking the Cycle: From Incarceration to Inspiration with Cordero Holmes, recorded live from the New Freedom Project, learn more about them here.

In this powerful episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Cordero Holmes, who transformed his life from behind bars to become a beacon of hope and change. Cordero's journey from incarceration to earning multiple degrees is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the power of education. He is the transitional character we talk about all the time.

You'll hear:

• How Cordero became a "transitional character," breaking cycles of dysfunction

• The unexpected gifts of solitary confinement and deep self-reflection

• Strategies for making amends and rebuilding relationships after incarceration

• The crucial role of community service in personal growth and healing

Cordero Holmes, now an advocate and educator, shares raw and honest insights about his past, his transformation, and his mission to create a better future for his children and community. His story challenges us to reconsider our preconceptions about those who've been incarcerated and inspires hope for second chances.

"No history, no self. Know history, know self." - Cordero Holmes

From the depths of isolation to the heights of academic achievement, Cordero's journey reminds us that it's never too late to change your life's trajectory. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, understanding the power of education, or looking to make a positive change in their life or community.

Find Cordero here.

Breaking Free: Transformative Stories from the New Freedom Project

This Monday, Mathew Blades brings us face-to-face with the raw reality of addiction, incarceration, and the journey to redemption. Through intimate conversations with Lindsey Proulx and Cordero Holmes, we explore the depths of human struggle and the heights of personal transformation.

You'll hear:

• Lindsey's harrowing tale of addiction-fueled crime and her path to forgiveness

• Cordero's pivotal moment of mentorship in county jail, inspired by an unlikely source

• How the New Freedom Project is changing lives and breaking cycles of addiction

These stories of struggle, hope, and redemption offer a rare glimpse into the transformative power of second chances. As Mathew puts it, "I can't even begin to tell you how incredible both nights were and you will be able to experience them with me."

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of human resilience and the life-changing work of the New Freedom Project this Monday.

How To Have Healthier Relationships with Jennifer Nurick

In this episode, you'll hear: 

Jennifer Nurick is a licensed clinical psychotherapist, trauma specialist, and the founder of Psychotherapy Central. With over 20 years of experience in counseling, she specializes in attachment theory, relationship healing, and trauma recovery. Jennifer is also a certified energetic healer and author of Heal Your Anxious Attachment, where she blends evidence-based psychological tools with compassion and real-world strategies to help individuals and couples transform painful relationship patterns. Through her clinical work, writing, and workshops, Jennifer empowers people to break free from negative cycles and build secure, authentic connections.

In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Dave Leicken, and Jennifer Nurick dive deep into the emotional dynamics that shape our relationships, especially when we feel stuck in patterns that seem impossible to break. Drawing from Jennifer’s book Heal Your Anxious Attachment, they explore what negative cycles are, how to recognize when you’re in one, and, most importantly, how to begin shifting out of them. The conversation unpacks the ways attachment styles, like anxious or avoidant, show up in adult relationships, how triggers can feel like emotional time travel, and what it takes to approach your partner from a grounded, regulated place. You’ll hear actionable tools to interrupt conflict spirals, including boundary-setting, effective communication strategies, and reflective practices for personal healing and growth. Whether you're navigating conflict or seeking deeper connection, this episode offers insight, empathy, and guidance for transforming the way you relate.

“We have to have awareness around the cycles. So, what are my repetitive thoughts, what are my repetitive experiences…What cycles run through my family?” - Jennifer Nurick

“First we have to discover, we have to know what cycles am I working with, what comes through that generational lineage…then there is healing.” - Jennifer Nurick

“It’s not just the emotions that they felt, but it’s the narrative that they are telling themselves. Each side has a different narrative and the narratives don't always match up.” - Dr. Dave Leicken

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A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence

(and maybe even a little hope)!

Reality check! Divorce is expensive - but battling in court is even more costly. For less than the price of an hour of an attorney’s time, you’ll gain the tools, support, and strategies to create a peaceful path forward. This program will pay for itself by helping you save thousands in legal fees and emotional stress! Hit these links to sign up today.

The Mirror Isn’t the Enemy with Karianne Munstedt

In this episode you’ll hear: 

Karianne Munstedt is a Phoenix-based portrait photographer specializing in empowering corporate headshots, branding photography, boudoir photography, and family portraits. Her mission was sparked by a personal realization: she didn’t have any photos of herself for her website or social media. When she finally booked a photo session, she was confronted by the harsh, critical stories she had been telling herself about her body. But that session became a turning point. Her work emphasizes body positivity and self-acceptance, aiming to help women embrace their authentic selves through photography. By capturing genuine images, Karianne facilitates a mindset shift in her clients, fostering newfound confidence and self-love.

In this episode, Mathew and Karianne Munstedt dive deep into the emotional power of photography as a tool for transforming the stories we carry about our bodies. Designed for anyone who looks in the mirror with criticism or discomfort, this conversation explores how negative body image can impact not just your self-esteem but also how you show up in your personal and professional life. They unpack the role of societal messages, family influences, and social media in shaping how we see ourselves, and how we can begin rewriting that narrative. Kari shares actionable strategies to start working towards self-acceptance in order to break free from generational body shame and build a more compassionate view of your body. You’ll learn why working with a photographer can accelerate the journey to self-love and how headshots can transform your business presence. This episode is both practical and empowering, reminding you that the story in your head isn’t always yours, and it’s never too late to change it.

“I didn’t look at my body at all, I saw my soul…I saw not only who I was but who I was becoming.”

“It started... with a story that wasn’t even her own.”

“It’s going to feel awkward…untrue at first because we’ve been talking so negatively to our bodies and ourselves for so long…give it a week, give it two weeks, give it three weeks it’s going to start reprogramming your body and you're going to start showing up in different ways in this world.”

“It starts with us looking in the mirror and being kinder to ourselves.”

Follow the podcast: 

Resources:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence

(and maybe even a little hope)!

Reality check! Divorce is expensive - but battling in court is even more costly. For less than the price of an hour of an attorney’s time, you’ll gain the tools, support, and strategies to create a peaceful path forward. This program will pay for itself by helping you save thousands in legal fees and emotional stress! Hit these links to sign up today.

“I'm not here to save the world. I'm here to help people remember that they can save themselves.” 

Here is the link to our FULLY ALIVE Retreat

In this episode, Mathew and Jeanette discuss the work she is doing at the Radiant Soul Center in Tempe, Arizona, and Jeanette takes one of her clients, Kate, through a healing session. We get to hear how they tap into and explore core false beliefs that are blocking the flow of energy, and how they are able to call in a source frequency to hold space for Kate’s inner child to step forward. 

Jeanette St.Germain has been a healer her whole life and has been working in the space professionally for over 14 years. She helps her clients unravel things deep in their DNA, access the wisdom of their ancestors, and she teaches us there is no healing without relationships. 

In this episode, you'll hear: 

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Turning Struggles into Songs: Music and Resilience with Gene Moran

In this episode, you'll hear: 

In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Dave Leicken, and Gene Moran dive into the creative process behind Gene’s songwriting and the deeper themes that shape his music. Born with cerebral palsy, Gene reflects on how his father instilled in him the belief that he was capable of doing hard things. Gene shares how he overcame his fear of looking foolish on stage and the transformative power of having someone believe in you. The conversation also highlights the role of humor in overcoming hardships and the importance of letting go of expectations to embrace personal growth.

Gene Moran is a singer-songwriter and musician based in Mesa, Arizona, born with cerebral palsy, which affects his fine and gross motor skills, Gene has developed a distinctive playing style that sets him apart. Before fully immersing himself in music, he dedicated 21 years to teaching 5th and 6th grade in public schools. Transitioning from the classroom to the stage, Gene has been involved in various musical projects, including Mean Gene and the Soul Scorchers, Rockin' Chair, The Blinding Suns, and Mean Gene and the Green Sardines. His songwriting resonates with everyday issues of poverty, addiction, despair, and love, delivered with an authenticity that reflects his personal experiences and resilience.

“You give off good energy, you get back good energy.” - Gene Moran

“There is a split where you could on the one hand embrace the disability and say well I can’t do this I can’t do that…then you end up limiting yourself but I think the right way to do it is the way your dad encouraged you is, how can we…you have to do things a little differently then other people but the hard ‘no’ isn’t there, you just have to find a way to make it work.” - Dr. Dave Leicken

Follow the podcast: 

Resources:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence

(and maybe even a little hope)!

Reality check! Divorce is expensive - but battling in court is even more costly. For less than the price of an hour of an attorney’s time, you’ll gain the tools, support, and strategies to create a peaceful path forward. This program will pay for itself by helping you save thousands in legal fees and emotional stress! Hit these links to sign up today.

Humor, Healing, and Resilience with Elaine Lindsay

In this episode, you'll hear: 

In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Dave Leicken, and Elaine Lindsay explore the power of humor as a therapeutic tool, highlighting its ability to bring lightness to even the heaviest of struggles. They discuss the importance of beginning the healing process while emphasizing that it doesn’t have to follow a specific timeline. The conversation also delves into the realities of living with suicidal ideation, offering insights into navigating these challenges with compassion, resilience, and support.

Elaine Lindsay is a Canadian speaker, podcaster, and digital integration specialist dedicated to mental health advocacy, particularly suicide prevention and awareness. As the host of the Suicide Zen Forgiveness podcast, she fosters open and honest conversations to break the silence, stigma, and shame surrounding suicide loss, ideation, and mental health. Her personal journey is one of profound resilience—having lost a friend to suicide at 16, turned to substance use, and endured a life-altering car crash in her 20s that resulted in the loss of a pregnancy. Despite facing multiple personal losses and numerous surgeries, Elaine has found strength in community support, storytelling, and even humor. Writing for Medium and performing stand-up, she uses laughter as a healing tool, bringing a unique perspective to discussions on grief, trauma, and recovery.

“Don’t keep everything inside. You are not a one person army.” - Elaine Lindsay

“When you realize that some of these things are temporary, and the fact is, I lived through all that pain, I can go through one more thing.” -Elaine Lindsay

“If you can just keep moving forward and keep plowing through, things eventually settle down. And when you get on the other side of it, there is gold. There are lessons to be learned, and there are things you can draw out of the pain that make you stronger, wiser, better equipped to help other people going through it.” - Dr. Dave Leicken

Follow the podcast: 

Resources:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence

(and maybe even a little hope)!

Reality check! Divorce is expensive - but battling in court is even more costly. For less than the price of an hour of an attorney’s time, you’ll gain the tools, support, and strategies to create a peaceful path forward. This program will pay for itself by helping you save thousands in legal fees and emotional stress! Hit these links to sign up today.

In our final episode in this series, we focused on two main topics: understanding money as a frequency and flow, emphasizing the importance of money movement.

Money is not the ultimate supply; it's a frequency and a flow of energy.

Currency comes from 'corrente', meaning flow, emphasizing the importance of money movement.

Stagnant money doesn't build or serve its purpose; it needs to flow like energy.

Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.

This episode explores success as a subjective, evolving concept influenced by life stages (20s, 30s, 40s), emphasizing internal fulfillment through relationships, self-awareness, and alignment with personal purpose over external validation like wealth or career status.

Success is framed as a subjective, evolving concept that shifts across life stages (20s, 30s, 40s, etc.), emphasizing relationships, self-awareness, and internal fulfillment over external validation.

Personal definitions of success include emotional connections (e.g., family, friends), self-alignment with "intelligence" (inner purpose), and daily effort toward doing one’s best.

Societal pressures and external markers (career status, wealth) are contrasted with internal metrics of success, such as self-worth and freedom from societal expectations.

Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.