Fearless Happyness Podcast

What if five simple questions could help you heal, find peace, and reconnect with the people you love? In this heartwarming episode, Max welcomes Anne Jolles, creator of the Grace Trail, a process that started from personal chaos and became a powerful tool for emotional healing. Anne shares how growing up in an alcoholic home and losing both parents within six months led her to a breaking point, and ultimately to the creation of the Grace Trail: Gratitude, Release, Accept, Challenge, and Embrace. From walking the trail with her husband to supporting her son during his deployment in Afghanistan, Anne explains how these five questions helped her and others move forward in life with hope and purpose.

Learn more about Anne:

🌐 Official Grace Trail Website: https://www.gracetrail.com

📘 Grace Trail Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1626341672

🎥 Grace Trail YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Grace_Trail

💼 Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annejolles/

📱 Follow on Instagram: @gracetrailofficial

📘 Follow on Facebook: @gracetrailofficial

📩 Contact Anne: [email protected]

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(1:36) Meet Anne Jolles and the birth of Grace Trail

(3:05) Childhood struggles and breaking the cycle of addiction

(6:18) The five Grace Trail questions explained

(8:32) Walking Grace Trail during her son's deployment

(14:18) From private practice to public trails and a book

(23:32) Deep dive into each Grace Trail question

(43:58) What fearless and happiness mean to Anne

(48:56) Anne's simple but powerful daily question: "What can I do to make today really matter?"

(51:00) Outro

What happens when you stop running from your past and start healing it? In this powerful episode, Blanca Rodriguez shares her journey from childhood trauma and silence to purpose, healing, and fearless transformation. From the loss of her father and surviving abuse to becoming a massage therapist, holistic life coach, and bestselling author, Blanca opens up about what it really takes to break generational cycles and rebuild from the inside out. Her message is one of strength, responsibility, and radical self-love. If you're ready to reclaim your power, this one is for you.

Blanca has dedicated her career to helping individuals understand the long-term effects of untreated childhood trauma and how music, laughter, and dance can provide a creative outlet for healing and transformation. 

Blanca's contribution to the personal growth world has helped individuals improve their quality of life by helping them understand that life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change. 

Connect with Blanca:
https://www.woundedhealer.us/
https://www.instagram.com/woundedhealer.blancae
https://www.facebook.com/r.blancae/

Grab a copy of her books:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=impact+leadership+blanca+rodriguez

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:20) Who is Blanca Rodriguez
(6:04) "I was nine when it all began"
(11:27) The turning point: motherhood
(17:48) Breaking generational cycles
(20:40) Going back to school at 38
(21:55) How "The Secret" sparked healing
(23:42) Tools that helped her transform
(26:45) Healing the inner child
(32:39) Parenting then vs. now
(36:42) Daily tools to break the cycle
(39:03) Why Blanca became a life coach
(41:45) Her bestselling book 'Impact Leadership'
(47:57) What fearless means to her
(49:19) Her version of happiness
(52:42) One final life-changing piece of advice
(53:54) Outro

What would you do if you hit a wall in your career and realized you were living a life that didn't feel like yours? In this episode, Max sits down with Allison, a former private investigator turned therapist and coach, who shares how she rebuilt her life from burnout to purpose. From her early battles with anxiety and panic attacks in high school to working with men in solitary confinement at Rikers Island, Allison opens up about her path to healing and helping others. She discusses what real self-care entails, why pivoting isn't a failure, and how to safeguard your peace when helping others navigate their darkest moments. Whether you're feeling stuck or just need a reminder that it's okay to start over, this one's for you.

Connect with Allison:
Web: anotefromyourtherapist.com

IG: @anotefromyourtherapist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-guilbault-17730065/

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(1:29) Allison's intro and career journey from PI to therapist

(3:13) The high school panic attack that started it all

(5:48) Burnout, breakdown, and the bold mid-life pivot

(10:21) Managing trauma work and burnout with real self-care

(15:17) Choosing sobriety and building a new social life

(20:39) Parenthood, private practice, and life pivots

(32:52) Creative passions, writing a book, and podcasting

(35:41) What "fearless" and "happiness" really mean to Allison

(41:57) One powerful piece of advice: give yourself a break

(43:02) Outro

What if your biggest setback was your greatest setup for success?

In this episode, Max talks with Alan Lazaros, speaker, coach, and founder of Next Level University. Alan opens up about losing his father at a young age, facing major family changes, and the car accident at 26 that forced him to rethink everything.

He shares how self-belief helped him rise through tough times and how he now helps others do the same. From childhood trauma to personal growth and real success, this conversation is honest, inspiring, and full of practical takeaways. If you've ever felt lost or stuck, you'll find a lot of hope here.

How to connect with Alan?

📧 [email protected]

Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(1:50) Alan's backstory: childhood loss and shifting family dynamics

(9:47) Trauma response and academic overachievement

(13:35) Climbing the corporate ladder and financial independence

(15:36) The car accident that changed everything

(17:49) The four stages of fulfillment and success

(23:12) The role of self-belief in surviving hardship

(29:07) External success vs. internal emptiness

(36:45) What "fearless" means to Alan

(38:51) Defining happiness and purpose

(42:05) Alan's one piece of advice for becoming a better person

(43:08) Outro

What if the food you eat could change your mind—and your life?

In this episode, Max sits down with Laurie Hammer, a nutritional therapist who turned her 12-year battle with bulimia into a mission to help others heal. Laurie shares how discovering amino acid therapy and learning she had celiac disease changed everything—restoring her health, lifting her depression, and giving her life new purpose.

They talk about the real connection between food, brain chemistry, and emotional health. From protein and gut health to faith, gratitude, and stepping out of your comfort zone, Laurie brings raw honesty and real tools for anyone looking to feel better from the inside out.

Connect with Laurie:
Web: https://www.lauriehammer.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-hammer-ab84ab8/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takebackmybrain/

Episode highlight:

(0:00) Intro

(2:21) Laurie's struggle with bulimia and discovering functional medicine

(6:33) Identifying food allergies and how they affect the brain

(12:07) The importance of increasing protein intake

(17:10) Risks of BCAAs and selecting the right amino acids

(25:22) Laurie's biggest lesson: trusting God through hard times

(30:12) What happiness and joy mean to Laurie, and how she defines being fearless

(34:03) How to connect with Lori and her upcoming Calm Mom Academy

(34:58) Final advice: gratitude, brain health, and self-care

(37:35) Outro

What happens when a head injury almost ends your life, but you wake up more alive than ever? In this powerful episode, Max sits down with Kathleen Davis, CEO of SMRI and founder of SurveyEdge, to explore her inspiring journey from trailblazing NFL analytics to surviving a traumatic brain injury. Kathleen shares the challenges of thriving in male-dominated spaces, building data platforms that actually engage people, and finding joy through gratitude and service. Her story is proof that resilience, relationships, and a fearless heart can transform any setback into strength. Whether you're an entrepreneur, sports fan, or someone looking for renewed purpose, this conversation is a reminder to lead with love, live with curiosity, and serve with joy.

Learn more about Kathleen:
📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: go-smri.com 

🌐 Website: survey-edge.com

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(1:25) Who is Kathleen, and what is her work in data analytics

(5:47) How she collects high-quality on-site data

(6:59) Creation of SurveyEdge and its growth post-COVID

(10:43) What SMRI stands for and what it actually does

(16:39) The economic impact of big events like the Super Bowl

(23:50) Kathleen's background, education, and early career

(29:06) Surviving a traumatic head injury and finding a new purpose

(32:21) What "fearless" means to her

(34:49) Defining happiness and giving back

(37:19) Her best life advice: Focus outward and add value to others

(40:21) Outro

Brandon Bell is a mentor, visionary artist, and entrepreneur passionate about empowering individuals and communities through creativity and personal growth. As CEO and co-founder of We Are Limitless Studios (WALS), he transforms public spaces with large-scale murals that foster connection and inspire dialogue. 

Building on the success of WALS, Brandon launched Let's Make Murals, a mentorship program designed to help artists transition from studio work to public art, while mastering business and community engagement.

His work celebrates storytelling, diversity, and collaboration, earning him recognition for blending art with community development. Through his book, Positive Mental Artists, Brandon shares tools to help creatives align their mindset with their artistic success.

He mentors middle school, high school, college students, and artists worldwide — often hiring them to assist or lead projects — providing hands-on experience and growth opportunities.

By integrating his creative ventures, Brandon continues to inspire artists to build resilience, embrace a growth mindset, and create lasting impact through art and action.

The Fearless Happyness Podcast welcomes the extraordinary Dr. Jan Mielke Schwartz, an acclaimed author and speaker lauded by LA Weekly as "one of the most theoretically minded, hopeful, and erudite professionals in the fields of Criminology, Forensic Behavioral Science, Intelligence, and Homeland Security" (September 28, 2022).

Described by the University of Pittsburgh as "one of those who show high promise of significant contribution to society and progress," Dr. Schwartz brings a unique blend of profound insight, warmth, and unwavering optimism to our conversation.  

Beyond her impactful work in complex global fields, Dr. Schwartz is the international bestselling author of "Last Summer with Oscar: An Adventurous True Story of Love and Courage" and its companion "Last Summer with Oscar Workbook." She is currently completing her highly anticipated non-fiction book, "Authentic Intelligence: How to Use Your Mental, Emotional & Spiritual Gifts to Create the Life - and World - You Want."  

With a deep commitment to fostering growth and healing at all levels – from individuals to nations – Dr. Schwartz joins us to share her wisdom on navigating the delicate balance between hope and reality, and how to tap into our innate potential for a more fulfilling life. A true believer in the power of humanity, Dr. Jan Mielke Schwartz is a guest you won't want to miss who shares her life of Fearless Happyness.

Katherine Fabrizio is a psychotherapist and author specializing in the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, particularly when those dynamics are impacted by personality disorders like narcissism and borderline personality disorder.

Drawing on her clinical experience and insights from her book, "The Good Daughter Syndrome," Katherine helps listeners understand the patterns of the "Good Daughter Syndrome" – a role often adopted by daughters of difficult, narcissistic, or emotionally immature mothers as a survival mechanism.

Her work offers crucial guidance on recognizing and breaking free from these ingrained patterns, empowering individuals to prioritize their own emotional well-being. 

Katherine provides practical and actionable steps for setting healthy boundaries, navigating challenging family dynamics, and ultimately reclaiming personal power and autonomy. 

Tune in to Episode 189 of The Fearless Happyness Podcast, available at fearlesshappyness.life and hear about Katherine's life of Fearless Happyness!

'At the End Of The Day, There's No Failures Man' with Derick Sebastian

Derick Sebastian is a Maui-born ukulele virtuoso whose music resonates with the spirit of Aloha. His journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From humble beginnings, he's risen to international acclaim, sharing his captivating melodies with audiences worldwide. Derick's story is one of overcoming adversity and finding joy through music. He has performed at various venues, and with many artists.  

Beyond his musical talent, Derick is a cultural practitioner who embodies the essence of the Aloha spirit. He shares his knowledge through ukulele lessons and brings a unique touch to events, including weddings, where he acts as both musician and officiant. His recent endeavors include composing and producing music for film, television, and advertisements, showcasing his versatility as an artist.  

In his upcoming memoir, "Daydreaming with Purpose," Derick shares his personal journey and offers self-leadership strategies to help others transform their passions into professions.