Elsplend Realities

What does it truly take to rise after a life shaped by trauma, adversity, and survival?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we’re joined by Tijana Tucic—war and trauma survivor, artist, coach, and founder of “Write to Rise”—for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, healing, and reclaiming your life.

Tijana shares her journey from experiencing abuse, poverty, and hardship to building a life rooted in creativity, purpose, and empowerment. Through storytelling and self-expression, she discovered a path not just to survive—but to transform pain into strength and meaning.

Together, we explore how writing can become a tool for healing, the mindset shifts that help break free from limiting circumstances, and the role of creativity in reconnecting with yourself after trauma. Tijana also shares how her work now helps others find their voice, process their past, and rise into a new chapter of their lives.

This episode is a powerful reminder that your story doesn’t end in survival—it can evolve into something meaningful, courageous, and deeply your own.

What if the past isn’t what holds you back—but your relationship with it?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we’re joined by Frank Healy, Licensed Professional Counselor, life coach, and author, for a profound exploration of memory, emotional healing, and personal transformation. With over 40 years of experience—and a rare ability to remember nearly every day of his life—Frank offers a unique perspective on how our memories shape our emotions, behaviors, and sense of self.

Together, we unpack how unresolved emotional experiences quietly influence present-day stress, anxiety, and relationships—and why awareness is the first step toward lasting change. Frank shares powerful insights on separating emotion from memory, recognizing when the past is showing up in the present, and gently releasing the weight we’ve been carrying.

This conversation is a reminder that while we can’t rewrite what happened, we can transform how it lives within us—and in doing so, create space for clarity, freedom, and a more peaceful way of being.

What if healing isn’t about fixing yourself—but about learning to truly listen?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we’re joined by Kasia Bukowska—equine therapist, artist, and mindset mentor—for a powerful and deeply moving conversation about emotional healing, intuition, and self-reconnection.

After being told she would never ride again due to a life-altering lupus diagnosis, Kasia chose a different path—one rooted in awareness, resilience, and radical self-responsibility. Through her work with horses and creative expression, she now helps others uncover subconscious patterns, release emotional blocks, and reconnect with their inner truth.

Together, we explore how horses act as emotional mirrors, what it really means to listen to the body, and why healing often begins in the quiet moments we stop resisting ourselves. This conversation also dives into the role of art in processing emotion, the difference between control and connection, and how small inner shifts can lead to profound transformation.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected—from your body, your emotions, or your sense of self—this episode is a gentle invitation to return inward, with compassion, curiosity, and courage.

What if the biggest obstacle to your growth isn’t your circumstances—but the patterns, fears, and beliefs you’ve been carrying?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we’re joined by Dennis McCurdy—financial advisor, entrepreneur, author, and Air Force veteran—for a powerful and refreshingly honest conversation about resilience, self-sabotage, and the mindset shifts that make real change possible.

Dennis shares his journey from early struggle and setbacks to building multiple businesses and helping others take control of their lives. With a blend of straight talk, humor, and lived experience, we explore what’s really behind procrastination, why self-awareness is the foundation of lasting success, and how small, consistent actions can rebuild confidence and momentum.

This episode dives into the emotional habits that quietly hold people back, the importance of clarity and personal responsibility, and what it actually takes to move forward—especially when life feels heavy.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with your own patterns, this conversation is your reminder that growth doesn’t start with perfection—it starts with awareness and the decision to do things differently.

What if burnout isn’t a failure of discipline—but a signal your body has been trying to send all along?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we’re joined by Rachel Korb, ICF Professional Certified Coach and founder of Nervous System Mastery for Women, for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, emotional regulation, and the hidden cost of pushing past your limits.

Despite years of mindfulness and high performance, Rachel burned out three times—until she was forced to confront a truth many high-achieving women overlook: success built in misalignment with your nervous system isn’t sustainable.

Together, we explore the early warning signs we’re taught to ignore, what’s really happening when we feel “too sensitive” or overwhelmed, and why self-awareness often disappears in the moments we need it most. Rachel shares practical, science-backed insights on how to recognize stress states, rebuild self-trust, and begin working with your biology instead of constantly overriding it.

This episode is a powerful invitation to stop pushing, start listening, and redefine what sustainable success actually looks like—from the inside out.

What happens when you realize you’ve been living a life that doesn’t fully feel like your own? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with life coach Max Shapiro to explore the deeply personal journey from feeling lost, disconnected, and without direction—to building a life rooted in purpose, clarity, and fulfillment.

Through honest reflection and practical insight, Max shares how men can begin to reconnect with themselves, uncover what truly matters, and navigate the uncertainty that often comes with growth. We dive into the quiet struggles many face but rarely speak about—feeling stuck, pressured to “have it all together,” and unsure of the next step—and how awareness becomes the starting point for real change.

This conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider the direction of your own life. Because purpose isn’t something you find once—it’s something you continuously grow into.

What does it take to rise, lead, and succeed — without losing who you are in the process?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Christine Valdes, a seasoned sales leader, investor, and mentor whose journey from minimum wage to executive leadership is rooted in discipline, resilience, and deep personal growth.

Together, we explore the inner shifts required to move from survival mode to leadership, the emotional intelligence behind high-performing teams, and the quiet battle many face with self-doubt, identity, and pressure at the top. Christine also shares powerful insights on wealth-building, delegation, and what it truly means to grow beyond your comfort zone without disconnecting from yourself.

This conversation is for anyone chasing bigger goals while striving to stay grounded, intentional, and whole.

Because real success isn’t just about how far you go — it’s about who you become along the way.

What does it mean to lead with compassion in a world that often feels divided?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney — pastor, author, and bridge builder — to explore leadership rooted in grace, humility, and deep listening. With decades of experience guiding individuals and organizations through change, Dr. Haney shares powerful insights on navigating tension, embracing difficult conversations, and fostering unity without losing authenticity.

From understanding resistance to change to cultivating self-awareness and emotional resilience, this conversation invites you to rethink leadership not as control, but as connection. Whether you lead in your community, your workplace, or simply in your everyday interactions, this episode offers wisdom for showing up with courage, empathy, and purpose.

Because real leadership doesn’t avoid division — it builds bridges through it.

What does it truly mean to live in alignment with your calling?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the powerful intersection of purpose, leadership, and intentional living with Scott Maderer, co-founder of Inspired Stewardship. Together, we dive into how aligning your time, talent, and treasures can transform not just what you do—but who you become.

Through insights on self-awareness, communication, productivity, and financial mindset, this conversation challenges you to rethink how you show up in your life, your work, and your relationships. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from your purpose, this episode offers practical wisdom and meaningful steps to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Your calling isn’t out of reach—it’s waiting to be aligned with.

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the hidden forces that shape success — the subconscious patterns, emotional habits, and internal misalignments that often determine whether we move forward or stay stuck.

Joined by Rapid Growth Specialist Dr. Joseph Drolshagen, this conversation goes beyond surface-level motivation to uncover why so many people struggle to act on what they already know. Together, we dive into the knowing–doing gap, the role of subconscious conditioning, and how misalignment between the mind and behavior quietly impacts performance, confidence, and results.

Dr. Joseph shares powerful insights from decades of experience in both corporate leadership and psychology, offering a fresh perspective on sustainable growth — one rooted not in hustle, but in alignment. From recognizing fear-based patterns to building accelerating habits that create momentum, this episode invites listeners to rethink how transformation truly happens.

If you’ve ever felt stuck despite having the knowledge, or sensed that something deeper is holding you back, this conversation will help you understand what needs to shift internally for lasting, meaningful progress.