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In this deeply moving episode of Unshakeable Belief, host Monica Connolly sits down with Cristina Simmons—speaker, occupational therapist, autism advocate, and faith-driven mom of three adopted children. Cristina opens up about her personal journey through unimaginable grief, navigating the heartbreak of child loss and the daily challenges of raising a neurodivergent child.
Cristina shares how she transformed her pain into purpose, going back to school to become the advocate her son—and others like him—desperately needed. Her story is a powerful example of how compounded trauma affects both mind and body, and how healing begins when we acknowledge our pain, reclaim our health, and say yes to personal growth.
You’ll hear:
Cristina’s raw story of child loss, adoption, and navigating motherhood through trauma
How grief manifests physically and the importance of healing the nervous system
The moment she chose to become her son’s biggest advocate and why she went back to school
Her faith journey and the “God winks” that kept her going
The critical role of community in healing and transformation
Her passion for holistic health, personal development, and lifting others up
This episode is a reminder that even in your darkest season, you are not alone—and you are capable of profound transformation. Cristina’s courage, humor, and heart will leave you inspired to rise from your own ashes and step into your calling.
🎧 Tune in now to hear a story of grit, faith, and unshakeable belief.
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or struggling toreclaim your sense of purpose, Rise and Thrive coaching is for you! As a Master Life Coach and Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, I help women like you rediscover their strength, align their life with their purpose, and take back control of their health and mindset.
How My Services Can Benefit You:
6-Week Coaching Program: Transform your health andmindset to feel empowered daily.
3-Month Program: Reclaim your identity and overcomethe overwhelm of balancing responsibilities.
If you’re ready to live intentionally, connect with me here: https://monicaconnollycoaching.com/
Or email me at [email protected]
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of Unshakeable Belief, Monica sits down with transformational coach and speaker Lisa Humphrey to explore the pivotal moment that led her to reclaim her life and lose over 200 pounds. Lisa shares how a terrifying health scare became the wake-up call she needed to transform her health, mindset, and purpose—and how that journey ultimately led her to open a fitness studio and coach other women through their own reinvention.
Together, Monica and Lisa dive into:
The emotional and mental toll of weight gain and burnout
How trauma, depression, and self-neglect can keep us stuck
Why healing your mindset is just as important as healing your body
The role of community, self-belief, and coaching in lasting transformation
Creating balance, honoring non-negotiables, and showing up for yourself daily
If you’ve ever felt like it was too late to change or that confidence was out of reach, this conversation will light a fire in you.
Connect with Lisa Humphrey:
Instagram: @CoachLisaHumphrey
Facebook: Coach Lisa Humphrey
Website: www.coachwithlisa.com
Connect with Monica Connolly:
Website: www.monicaconnollycoaching.com
Instagram: @monicaconnollyandco
Join the Rise and Thrive Community: monicaconnolly.com/riseandthrive
Learn about building your own wellness legacy: DM “GUT” on Instagram
Listen Now & Don’t Forget to Subscribe!
If this episode inspired you, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs a reminder that they are Made for More.
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In this episode of Unshakeable Belief, host Monica Connolly speaks with Dr. Romina, a functional medicine practitioner, about her journey into holistic wellness. They discuss the importance of addressing root causes of health issues, particularly for women, and the role of gut health in overall wellbeing. Dr. Romina shares insights on creating sustainable wellness routines and the impact of stress and trauma on health. The conversation emphasizes the need for personalized care and the integration of both traditional and functional medicine approaches.
Connect with Dr. Remina at:
https://www.drremina.com/
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or struggling toreclaim your sense of purpose, Rise and Thrive is for you! As aMaster Life Coach and Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, I help women like you rediscover their strength, align their life with their purpose, and take back control of their health and mindset.
How My Services Can Benefit You:
6-Week Coaching Program: Transform your health andmindset to feel empowered daily.
3-Month Program: Reclaim your identity and overcomethe overwhelm of balancing responsibilities.
If you’re ready to live intentionally, connect with me here: https://monicaconnollycoaching.com/
Or email me at [email protected]
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this conversation, Kim Kinsfather shares her inspiring
journey from facing significant adversity, including losing her home, to becoming a successful entrepreneur and gut health advocate. She emphasizes the importance of health, faith, and relationships in overcoming challenges and
building legacy businesses. Kim discusses the principles that guided her through tough times, including the significance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and the power of consistent effort in achieving health and business goals.
Connect with Kim at her website: https://cmgraphics.my.canva.site/kim-kinsfather
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or struggling to
reclaim your sense of purpose, Rise and Thrive Coaching is for you! As a Certified Master Life Coach and Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, I help women like you rediscover their strength, align their life with their purpose, and take back
control of their health and mindset.
Connect with me at [email protected]
Check out my website at: https://monicaconnollycoaching.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Unshakeable Belief, host Monica Connolly speaks with Kellie Karlstad, a retired teacher and health coach, about her journey into coaching, the transformative 180 coaching method, and the importance of faith in personal development. They discuss navigating grief, finding purpose, and the significance of self-reflection for women seeking to reconnect with their true selves. Kellie shares her experiences with loss and how it has shaped her coaching philosophy, emphasizing the need for continuous healing and the importance of community support.
Connect with Kellie on her website at https://kelliekarlstad.com/services
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or struggling to reclaim your sense of purpose, Unshakeable Belief is for you! As aMaster Life Coach and Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, I help women like you rediscover their strength, align their life with their purpose, and take back control of their health and mindset. If you’re ready to live intentionally, connect with me here: https://monicaconnollycoaching.com/
Or email me at [email protected]
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Unshakeable Belief, host Monica Connollyengages in a heartfelt conversation with coach Jen Mentesana about resilience, purpose, and the journey of self-discovery. They explore the importance of aligning one's life with personal values, confronting fears, and the power ofcommunity in fostering growth. Jen shares her personal journey into coaching, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the profound lessons learned fromher clients. The discussion emphasizes the significance of trusting one's intuition and the necessity of taking action towards one's dreams, regardless of age or circumstances.
Connect with Jen here: https://jenmentesana.com/
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or struggling toreclaimyour sense of purpose, Rise and Thrive Coaching is for you! As a Certified Master Life Coach and Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, I help women like you rediscover their strength, align their life with their purpose, and takebackcontrol of their health and mindset.
Connect with me on my website here: https://monicaconnollycoaching.com/
Or email me at [email protected]
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Unshakeable Belief, host Monica Connollyengages in a profound conversation with Ian Bowen, who shares his inspiring journey of resilience after being diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, a condition that left him paralyzed. Ian discusses the importance of positive persistence in overcoming adversity, the tools he developed to navigate his recovery, and how he balances his personal life with his mission to inspire others. The episode emphasizes the power of mindset, the significance of small wins, and the necessity of taking action to achieve one's goals.
Connect with Ian at his website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or struggling toreclaim your sense of purpose, Rise and Thrive Coaching is for you! As a Certified Master Life Coach and Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, I help women like you rediscover their strength, align their life with their purpose, and take backcontrol of their health and mindset.
Connect with me on my website here: https://monicaconnollycoaching.com/
Or email me at [email protected]
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this conversation, Kim Witzak shares her profound journey from personal tragedy to becoming a passionate advocate for drug safety and mental health reform. After the loss of her husband, Woody, due to complications from prescribed medication, Kim dedicated her life to raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs and the need for greater transparency in healthcare. She discusses her experiences working with the FDA, the importance of patient advocacy, and the need for a holistic approach to health. Kim emphasizes the power of individual voices in creating change and the significance of personal transformation, symbolized by butterflies in her life.She also shares insights on how to navigate the healthcare system and the importance of self-advocacy.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
*Get Amberly's new book, Joy Through The Journey, wherever you buy books!**
In the book, Amberly effortlessly weaves together personal stories, practical wisdom, and profound insight into creating more joy for yourself―regardless of what you're going through. You'll find actionable solutions rooted in mindfulness, resilience, and gratitude, all backed by relatable and powerful stories that will help you create a renewed sense of purpose and wellbeing.In this episode, Amberly Lago shares her powerful story of resilience after a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left her with chronic pain. She discusses the importance of faith, gratitude, and community in overcoming challenges and finding purpose in her journey. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the significance of connection and the transformative power of helping others. In this conversation, Amberly Lago and Monica Connolly discuss the importance of community, personal resilience, and the journey of transformation. They share personal stories of overcoming struggles, the significance of support systems, and the power of setting attainable goals. The discussion also highlights the upcoming Unstoppable Success Summit, which aims to empower women and provide a platform for sharing their stories and growth.
Connect with Amberly athttps://amberlylago.com/amberly/
Grab your ticket to the Unstoppable Success Summithere: https://go.amberlylago.com/uss2025/
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In this enlightening conversation, Monica Connolly
Connect with Azadeh on her website here: https://finallyfreelife.com/azadeh/
You can also grab one her best selling books on her website.
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or struggling to
Connect with me on my website here: https://monicaconnollycoaching.com/
Register for my FREE Virtual Rise and Thrive Summit Event on
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