Star Wars vs Star Trek (and Inflation and Tariffs!)

Tariffs are making an impact, and we talk about who is bearing the brunt of this impact currently. Margin compression can only go so far before prices go up or companies shut down. The business owner and employee relationship should be symbiotic in nature, but not everyone believes in win-win situations. We talk about Star Wars vs. Star Trek and relate those to today! Technology and innovations in the corporate world should be allowing deflation in consumer pricing, but the government needs inflation. We talk about why as well as how you can protect yourself from inflation to make your world a better place!

Sponsors:

American Gold Exchange

Our dealer for precious metals & the exclusive dealer of Real Power Family silver rounds (which we finally got in!!!). Get your first, or next bullion order from American Gold Exchange like we do. Tell them the Real Power Family sent you! Click on this link to get a FREE Starters Guide.

Abolish Property Taxes in Ohio:

https://reformpropertytax.com/

Our Links:

www.RealPowerFamily.com

[email protected]

833-Be-Do-Have (833-233-6428)

Celebrity Edition with Jason Yarusi

From Tragedy to Transformation

In this episode of Living a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Jason Yarusi, a dynamic speaker, author, coach, and real estate entrepreneur who embodies resilience and reinvention. Jason’s story begins with profound personal loss—by the age of 16, he had endured the deaths of close friends and a longtime girlfriend. These tragedies left him without direction as he entered adulthood, drifting through jobs in bars and restaurants while feeling stuck and unfulfilled. A near-fatal bike accident in New York City became his turning point. Jason realized he was living the same destructive cycle and decided to radically change his habits. By focusing on healthier routines, continuous learning, and intentional choices, he began reshaping his life and future.

Building Habits and Breaking Cycles

Jason emphasizes the power of habits, noting that up to 95% of daily actions are subconscious. Negative routines perpetuate negative outcomes, while conscious, positive practices create transformation. He stresses the importance of self-awareness—acknowledging negative thought patterns, toxic environments, and self-doubt. For Jason, real progress started with owning his shortcomings and committing to new habits that aligned with the person he wanted to become. His advice is simple yet profound: ask yourself whether your daily actions reflect the life you truly desire. If not, define the habits of your ideal self and begin living them intentionally.

From Bartender to Real Estate Mogul

Jason’s willingness to pivot led him from opening and selling hospitality businesses to scaling his family’s construction company, and ultimately to real estate investment. Since 2016, he and his team have acquired over $350 million in multifamily properties across the Southeast. He highlights that success in raising capital comes from preparation—educating and aligning with potential investors before opportunities arise. By creating clear investment avatars and communicating early, he built trust and secured funding efficiently when deals became available.

Embracing Failure and Focus

Failure, Jason shares, is inevitable—but how we frame it makes the difference. He uses the “five-second vs. five-year problem” lens to determine what deserves his energy. This perspective helps avoid overwhelm and allows for focused attention on what truly matters. Structuring the day, compartmentalizing priorities, and being fully present—whether at work, with family, or in personal reflection—ensures clarity and balance.

Living a Fantastic Life

For Jason, living fantastically means appreciating the moment while striving for growth. Gratitude is central, even in hardship, and clarity of goals is essential. He encourages listeners to boldly declare what they want, despite fear of failure, because the true regret lies in never trying. His philosophy is rooted in a 100-year vision: making decisions today that positively affect generations ahead.

Connect with Jason Yarusi

Discover more about Jason’s work at www.jasonyarusi.com, where you can access his free eBook on breaking habits and learn about his coaching. Tune into his short-form podcast, Live 100, for quick, actionable strategies to build better habits and design a life of fulfillment.

We get families out of hostels, b&b rooms and hotel rooms, which often cost the government £1,000s per family per month, and into their own, permanent homes. 

SureStay Group buys blocks of flats in specific cities across the Midlands and renovates them to above-average standards. We then rent them out to families on affordable rents. By becoming the landlord, we control the quality of our product, offering superior homes families can be proud of.

Our properties are funded by a combination of corporate lending, personal funds and private investors. Everyone wins:

• Investors: fund the creation of cash-flowing assets that generate equity and returns.
• Tenants: no longer have to accept ‘slum landlords’.
• Councils: reduce spend and have a reliable, trusted source of sound properties to offer to their residents.

It pays to be affordable.

Website: https://www.surestaygroup.co.uk

TT The Companies That Own it All: Part 1

In this show, the teenagers (Deven and Ethan) talk about how most of the large companies such as Hershey’s, Kellogg’s, Coca-Cola, and many more, are owned by one company. In this show, you will learn how most of the things that you eat, drink, and use in your everyday life are owned by Bayer. As well as how BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street own large shares in Bayer, as well as most of the other large companies that are well known and very powerful. How much power do these 3 companies (BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street) have? You will find out more in the part 2 of this show, coming next week.

Sponsors:

American Gold Exchange

Our dealer for precious metals & the exclusive dealer of Real Power Family silver rounds (which we finally got in!!!). Get your first, or next bullion order from American Gold Exchange like we do. Tell them the Real Power Family sent you! Click on this link to get a FREE Starters Guide.

Abolish Property Taxes in Ohio:

https://reformpropertytax.com/

Our Links:

www.RealPowerFamily.com

[email protected]

833-Be-Do-Have (833-233-6428)

The Journey from Architecture to Conscious Conversations

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Chuck Wisner, a renowned advisor, coach, and author who has spent three decades helping leaders and teams transform the way they communicate. Beginning his career as a musician and then a successful architect in Boston, Chuck made a bold shift at the age of forty into the study of language, communication, and human dynamics. His training in mediation led him to work with Harvard Law School’s Mediation Program and MIT’s Center for Organizational Learning. Drawing from his eclectic background, Chuck discovered the profound impact of conversations—how they shape our lives, our relationships, and even the world at large. His journey reflects the power of reinvention and the courage to follow new passions while building on the lessons of the past.

The Power of Stories, Patterns, and Awareness

At the heart of Chuck’s work is his book The Art of Conscious Conversations: Transforming How We Talk, Listen, and Interact. He reveals how most of us fall into unconscious conversational patterns—ways of speaking inherited from our families, culture, and experiences. By becoming aware of these patterns, we gain the ability to choose new responses and create healthier dynamics. Chuck emphasizes that our stories are not the truth but interpretations we adopt. Some stories empower us, while others limit us, and recognizing the difference is key to personal growth. He highlights the interplay between emotions, facts, and stories, showing how false or negative narratives can spread faster than truth. Through practical awareness, we can dismantle harmful beliefs—such as inherited judgments about self-worth—and replace them with facts and constructive standards. Conscious conversations allow us to move beyond autopilot reactions, manage private thoughts that undermine public words, and engage with others more authentically.

Living a Fantastic Life through Practice and Self-Care

Beyond communication, Chuck shares timeless wisdom about living a fantastic life. He stresses the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, and caring for both body and mind. Meditation, he explains, is not about rigid rituals but about cultivating familiarity with one’s own mind and thoughts. Physical health, too, is essential, as longevity requires attention to the body as well as the spirit. Chuck reminds listeners that transformation is not instantaneous—it is a practice built on small, consistent steps. Whether it is changing a habit, improving conversations, or taking charge of health, the key is daily commitment. Dr. Lycka reinforces this message by noting that even late changes can lead to remarkable improvements, as seen in stories of people reversing long-standing health issues. Together, they encourage listeners to start now, embrace conscious awareness, and make choices that lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. Chuck’s book is available on Amazon and through local bookstores, and a free introduction can be downloaded at www.chuckwisner.com

Singer Carter: Shining a Light on Elder Care Reform

About the Guest

In this moving episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Susie Singer Carter, an award-winning and Oscar-qualified filmmaker, writer, and outspoken advocate for elder care reform. Susie is best known for her groundbreaking documentary No Country for Old People, a film born from her personal experiences as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s. Her work not only exposes the systemic neglect and abuse in long-term care facilities but also ignites national dialogue about compassion, dignity, and justice for some of society’s most vulnerable citizens.

A Journey Fueled by Love and Loss

Susie’s advocacy began at home as she navigated her mother’s long battle with Alzheimer’s. She discovered firsthand the stigma and misunderstanding that still surround dementia, even within the medical community. Her short film, My Mom and the Girl, portrayed Alzheimer’s through a lens of joy and resilience, reminding audiences that people living with cognitive decline still have value, purpose, and humanity. When her mother eventually entered a nursing facility, Susie encountered the harsh realities of America’s elder care system. From understaffing to preventable neglect, she was shocked to witness the consequences of a profit-driven model that too often reduces elders to costs rather than people.

Exposing Systemic Failures

The COVID-19 pandemic magnified these flaws. Families like Susie’s endured heartbreaking separations, while residents suffered isolation, malnutrition, untreated conditions, and premature deaths. Susie describes discovering her mother with a stage four bedsore—a preventable condition that spiraled into sepsis and ultimately contributed to her passing. Through her research, Susie connected with federal prosecutor Rick Mountcastle, who confirmed that what she witnessed was not unique but part of a deeply entrenched, decades-old systemic crisis. Corporate structures, real estate investment trusts, and industry lobbying have created layers of protection that insulate those responsible while leaving patients and families powerless.

Purpose, Dignity, and Community

Despite her grief, Susie channeled her pain into storytelling and advocacy. She believes a fantastic life is built on three pillars: purpose, dignity, and community. Her mother, even in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, embodied this philosophy by cherishing life and connection. Susie urges us all to view aging not as a burden but as a shared destiny deserving respect. Ageism, she argues, is simply a bias against our future selves. By shifting collective consciousness, society can embrace the elderly and vulnerable as human beings, not commodities.

The Power of Collective Action

To spark reform, Susie co-founded the movement ROAR: Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, and Reform. She calls on listeners to raise their voices, stand for accountability, and demand systemic change from the ground up. Like other social justice movements, she believes momentum must come from ordinary people refusing to accept the status quo. Through No Country for Old People, Susie hopes to validate families who have suffered in silence and inspire a groundswell for transparency and reform.

Watch and Support

No Country for Old People is now streaming on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Hoopla. Visit www.NoCountryforOldPeople.com to learn more. You can also connect with Susie at www.GoGirlMedia.com or on social media under her name. She welcomes thoughtful engagement from anyone who wants to join the movement.

Closing Inspiration

As Dr. Lycka reflects, sometimes a fantastic life means courageously confronting uncomfortable truths. Susie Singer Carter reminds us that change begins when we choose to care—for our parents, our neighbors, and ultimately, our future selves. Her story is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the belief that dignity must never be optional.

Antonia Van Becker and Greg Lee

We love helping spiritually guided entrepreneurs and healers, like you, create an aligned action plan to get past overwhelm, procrastination, and self-doubt so you can have the business and impact you deeply desire.

We’ll empower you to discover how to turn problems that block your success into Golden Opportunities so you can move forward with clarity and confidence and attract your ideal clients. 

Our online courses, using CoreTalk™ Holistic Healing, have all the tools you need to heal yourself and your business so you can have the success you’ve always wanted. We’re all about guiding and inspiring you to envision and realize your dreams of creating a purposeful, profitable healing business.

Website: https://www.selfhealthinstitute.com

Dr. David Schein & What We Pay Congress

We talk about what Congress is really being paid beyond their salary and other waste from the government. Too many politicians are too far removed from their constituents. They need to be spending a lot more time in their home district talking to the citizens. We talk about other changes that should occur, including term limits, stopping Gerrymandering, and forcing Congress to follow what they pass for the citizens, like Obamacare and pensions. This episode is packed with information you won't hear from the traditional media! You can also learn more by listening to David on his show, Saving America, also on the Brushwood Media Network.

Website:

http://www.claremontmanagementgroup.com

Books:

https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Deal-America-David-Schein/dp/B09RMBJD25

https://www.amazon.com/Decline-America-Years-Leadership-Failures/dp/1682615030

Radio shows/Podcasts:

https://www.brushwoodmedianetwork.com/onair/saving-america/

https://www.brushwoodmedianetwork.com/onair/unscripted-politics/

YouTube of Business Law 101:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwV6t6Wa-F3gKwsz3SV_5hz1aD3Y47Udy

Sponsors:

American Gold Exchange

Our dealer for precious metals & the exclusive dealer of Real Power Family silver rounds (which we finally got in!!!). Get your first, or next bullion order from American Gold Exchange like we do. Tell them the Real Power Family sent you! Click on this link to get a FREE Starters Guide.

Episode Title: Navigating Divorce with Confidence, Compassion, and Control with Mardi Winder-Adams

Introduction

In this episode of The Fantastic Life Podcast, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Mardi Winder-Adams, a certified divorce transition and high conflict divorce coach, distinguished mediator, international speaker, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mardi shares her extensive experience helping both men and women navigate the emotional and financial challenges of divorce, reduce costs, and find clarity and control during a difficult life transition. From her early career as an educator to her journey through her own divorce, Mardi explains how her past roles inform her approach to coaching and mediation today.

Guest Journey and Expertise

Mardi recounts starting as an elementary school teacher before transitioning into behavioral consultation for school districts in Alberta. Her own divorce, though initially straightforward, became a complex and expensive ordeal, inspiring her to pursue divorce coaching. After moving to Texas and working as a domestic violence client advocate, she built a practice combining executive leadership coaching with mediation and divorce coaching. Mardi emphasizes the integration of behavioral expertise, empathy, and practical strategies to support clients in achieving resolution while preserving emotional well-being.

Approach to Divorce Coaching

Mardi explains the three pillars of her approach: confidence, compassion, and control. She guides clients to manage emotions, gain clarity, and take ownership of their decisions. Her coaching focuses on preparing clients for mediation, managing conflict, and addressing both emotional and financial concerns. Mardi highlights that divorce is not a failure, but a transition requiring self-reflection, mindfulness, and strategic planning. By helping clients develop effective communication and conflict-resolution skills, she ensures both parties can move forward positively.

Common Misconceptions and Challenges

Mardi addresses common misconceptions, especially among women, regarding divorce. Many clients underestimate the emotional and financial preparation needed. Women often feel overwhelmed by finances due to lack of prior involvement in investment and retirement decisions. Mardi advocates seeking professional guidance to gain clarity and make informed decisions. She also explains how pets, sentimental items, and family businesses can unexpectedly complicate negotiations, illustrating the nuanced challenges of divorce mediation.

Self-Care and Living a Fantastic Life

Mardi emphasizes self-care as essential, encouraging sleep, exercise, nutrition, and joyful activities during divorce. She urges clients to rediscover passions and integrate daily acts of kindness. Both she and Dr. Lycka highlight mindset shifts: viewing divorce as a learning experience, not a failure, and focusing on future growth. These strategies help clients build resilience, maintain emotional balance, and foster stronger relationships post-divorce.

Rewards of Coaching

The most rewarding aspect of Mardi’s work is witnessing overwhelmed clients gain clarity, advocate for themselves, and navigate divorce successfully while safeguarding their children’s well-being. Seeing clients find joy and purpose after divorce validates her mission of guiding people toward confident, compassionate, and controlled transitions.

BIO:

Mardi Winder-Adams is a certified divorce transition and high-conflict divorce coach helping men and women to navigate divorce and reduce the emotional and financial cost of the process. She is a credentialed distinguished mediator, international speaker, podcaster, and best-selling author.

Social Media Links 

https://mardiwa.as.me/divorcestrategysession 

https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams 

https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/?hl=en 

Finding Your Path to Living Large with Barbara Stone

In this inspiring episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Barbara Stone, a Syracuse-based entrepreneur, author, and leadership coach. After a 25-year career as an Executive Vice President and CFO, Barbara launched Build Your Path, LLC, combining her expertise in resilience, positive psychology, and leadership to help others achieve authentic success. She also draws on her personal experiences overcoming alopecia and loss, showing how challenges can become stepping stones. Her latest book, So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large, uses stories inspired by her beloved Great Danes to offer wisdom and motivation.

From Corporate Success to Personal Fulfillment

Barbara shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to seeking deeper meaning. Recognizing that leadership begins with self-work, she pursued studies in resilience and positive psychology, became a certified coach, and devoted herself to guiding others toward their best lives. Leaving a secure career wasn’t easy, but she trusted her calling, even when it meant stepping far outside her comfort zone. Her advice: pay attention to life’s “quantum flirts”—the subtle signs and opportunities the universe sends—and be willing to take small steps toward change.

Lessons from Great Danes

The heart of Barbara’s book is the wisdom drawn from her Great Danes, whose presence, personalities, and unconditional love offer life lessons. She relates each dog’s story to human experiences—resilience, self-expression, rest, and joy. “Living large,” Barbara explains, means finding your voice, asking for what you need, and showing up fully in life, just as her dogs do. She reminds us to rest when needed, recharge, and welcome others with kindness—principles that apply as much to people as to pets.

A Morning Routine for Inspiration

Barbara begins her days with gratitude, meditation or prayer, and reading something inspirational—often her own book, which serves as a daily reminder of life’s simple but profound lessons. She encourages listeners to center themselves before diving into tasks, creating space for intentional living. Her stories are designed to spark reflection, offering a short piece of wisdom that can resonate throughout the day.

Living a Fantastic Life

For Barbara, living a fantastic life means listening to your heart, embracing change, and stepping beyond comfort zones. She believes personal fulfillment comes from helping others live their best lives and is expanding her work into curriculum for schools and social-emotional learning programs. Her encouragement to listeners is simple yet powerful: slow down, connect the dots, and take one small, brave step at a time.

Connect with Barbara Stone

Barbara’s book, So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large, is available in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle on Amazon. Learn more about her work, watch her TEDx talk, and sign up for her newsletter at www.barbstone.me.

BIO:

Barbara Stone is a Syracuse, NY-based entrepreneur, author, and leadership coach who helps individuals, teams, and boards define and achieve their authentic version of success. After a 25-year career as an Executive Vice President and CFO, she launched Build Your Path LLC in 2018, drawing on her studies in resilience and positive psychology, as well as her own experiences overcoming alopecia and personal loss. A TEDx speaker and author of So Much to Drool About - lessons for living large (April 2025), she inspires others through coaching, speaking, and community leadership to create lives that truly reflect who they are.

Social Media Links 

www.barbstone.me

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-stone-1409677/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Build-Your-Path-LLC/100063753121885/

[email protected]