Harder Than Life

In this riveting episode of the Harder Than Life podcast, host Kelly Siegel sits down with Erik Rock—an entrepreneur who built one of the largest consignment furniture and jewelry stores in the country after starting from rock bottom. Erik opens up about his journey from sleeping on a blow-up mattress to scaling his business empire, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and making a deep impact on the world.

Beyond business, Erik delves into his thoughts on leadership, the state of America, and the values that drive him—especially his passion for protecting children and supporting charitable causes. The two also explore Erik's views on politics, including an in-depth discussion about Donald Trump's leadership and how it contrasts with today's political landscape.


Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurial Grit: Erik shares his journey of building a business from the ground up and the mindset shifts necessary for success.
• Leadership Lessons: The importance of leadership rooted in accountability, authenticity, and a no-nonsense approach to business and politics.
• Political Insights: Erik shares his views on Donald Trump, the media, and how business principles should guide the running of the country.
• Alcohol & Business Culture: Erik reflects on his decision to quit drinking and how sobriety helped sharpen his focus and elevate his success.
• Protecting Innocence: A deep dive into Erik’s advocacy for protecting children and his involvement in charity work, especially through the Make-A-Wish foundation.
   

"I thought drinking at events was what I needed to fit in, but the real power came when I stopped."
 

Erik Rock’s Links:
Website: https://erikrock.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikrocklol/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikrocklol/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erikrocklol
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-rock-13b1a516b/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/man-on-a-mission-podcast/id1691600291


Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction
[02:20] Erik’s Journey from Rock Bottom to Business Success 
[05:48] Donald Trump’s Impact on Business & Leadership 
[14:45] Leadership in Business vs. Politics
[25:50] Erik’s Decision to Quit Drinking and How It Changed His Life 
[34:29] The Importance of Protecting Innocence & Supporting Children 
[40:10] Erik’s Involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation 
[45:30] Challenges in Entrepreneurship & Maintaining Focus 
[52:15] Advice on Mindset & Emotional Resilience 
[58:47] Closing Thoughts

Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/
Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1
Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

In this episode of the Harder Than Life podcast, host Kelly Siegel is joined by Mallory Campbell, a certified trauma-informed master coach and the host of the Permission to Activate podcast. Mallory's mission is to help women reclaim their identities, embrace their authentic selves, and step into their full power. Through her work as a coach, she transforms lives with retreats, workshops, and coaching designed to heal trauma and foster self-growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Mallory’s Journey: Mallory discusses her personal growth, navigating her husband’s addiction recovery, her battles with postpartum depression, and how fitness became a cornerstone for her healing and transformation.
• The Power of Community: Mallory emphasizes the importance of community and support in a woman’s personal growth, highlighting her women’s retreats as spaces where women can fully receive support, heal, and activate their potential.
• Healing Through Somatic Practices: Mallory explains the significance of somatic and energetic healing, and how practices like breathwork, movement, and inner child work help release stored trauma and create space for growth.
• Permission to Activate: The shift from her former podcast, Destined to Be, to Permission to Activate reflects Mallory’s deep dive into self-work and her mission to empower women to embrace their full power and live authentically.
   

"As women, we need to learn to receive without guilt, without feeling like we need to earn it."
 

Mallory Campbell’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallorycampbell/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mallory2387 
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-activate/id1725862922 

Permission to Activate - Women’s Retreat in Nashville, TN (November 12-16, 2024)
https://www.themallorycampbell.com/permissiontoactivate  

Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/
Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1
Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

*If you or someone you love needs help with a drug or alcohol addiction, call the Hope Not Handcuffs’ Hope Line! Call toll-free at 833-202-HOPE*

In this heartfelt episode of the Harder Than Life podcast, host Kelly Siegel welcomes Judge Linda Davis, a pioneering advocate in the fight against addiction. Appointed to the Michigan bench in 2000, Judge Davis now serves as the Executive Director of Face Addiction Now (formerly Families Against Narcotics). With over 17 years of experience leading the charge against the opioid epidemic, Judge Davis shares her personal story of how addiction affected her family and explains the impactful work her organization is doing to support individuals and families struggling with substance use disorder.

Judge Davis and Kelly discuss the stigma surrounding addiction, the importance of viewing it as a disease, and the critical role compassion plays in recovery. They also highlight the innovative programs provided by Face Addiction Now, such as Hope Not Handcuffs, which partners with police departments to divert individuals from jail to recovery services.


Purchase your FAN Fall Fest Tickets now! https://www.faceaddictionnow.org/events/fall-fest-2024
When: October 01, 2024 | 5:30pm - 9:30pm (Doors open at 5:00 pm)
Where: Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township​, Michigan

Key Takeaways

• Addiction as a Disease, Not a Moral Failing: Judge Linda Davis emphasizes the importance of recognizing addiction as a disease, a critical shift in how society views those struggling with substance use disorder.
• Hope Not Handcuffs Program: This innovative initiative allows individuals to seek help for addiction without fear of arrest. Over 14,000 people have been connected to recovery services through this program since 2017.
• Compassionate Care for Families: Face Addiction Now provides comprehensive support not just for individuals with addiction, but for their families as well. Family peer coaches work one-on-one to help navigate this challenging time.
• Continuum of Care: Judge Davis highlights the importance of long-term support, offering up to 18 months of care to help individuals achieve lasting recovery.
• Breaking the Stigma: The stigma surrounding addiction is still pervasive, but with open conversations and compassionate treatment, society can shift its view and better support recovery.
• Parental Involvement: Judge Davis advises parents to maintain open communication with their children and not to dismiss behavioral changes as typical teenage behavior, especially when it could indicate substance use.
• Dangers of Fentanyl: There is an alarming rise in the number of drugs being laced with fentanyl, which poses a serious risk even to casual drug users who may not realize what they are consuming.
• Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Judge Davis stresses the need for more political attention on the opioid crisis, which has affected nearly every family in the U.S. either directly or indirectly.
   

"Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. We need to treat those struggling with compassion, not punishment."
 

Face Addiction Now Links:
Website: https://www.faceaddictionnow.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faceaddictionnow/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faceaddictionnow/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@faceaddictionnow
X: https://x.com/faceaddictionow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faceaddictionnow/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/faceaddictionnow

Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/
Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1
Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

In this powerful episode of Harder Than Life, host Kelly Siegel sits down with Bryce Henson, the globally recognized leader and CEO of Fit Body Bootcamp. Together, they dive deep into Bryce's incredible journey from humble beginnings, growing up in a broken home in Michigan, to becoming a leader in fitness and business. Bryce shares how he overcame adversity, including addiction and family challenges, and transformed his life through fitness, discipline, and leadership.

Thank you Magic Mind for sponsoring this video! They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code “HTL20” at checkout. You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/htl20


Key Takeaways

• Adversity as Advantage: Bryce emphasizes the importance of turning hardships into opportunities, a lesson rooted in his own challenging upbringing.
• Leadership Framework: Lead Yourself, Lead Your Family, Lead Your Empire. Bryce believes leadership begins with self-discipline and responsibility.
• Fitness and Self-Leadership: Fitness is not just about the physical body but a reflection of emotional and mental discipline. Bryce's mantra: "Fitness is the highest form of self-leadership."
• Personal Accountability: Both Kelly and Bryce discuss the importance of coaches for self-improvement, whether it's fitness, business, or emotional growth.
• Importance of Personal Branding: Bryce shares why entrepreneurs, especially in the health and fitness industry, need a strong personal brand to stand out and connect with people on a deeper level.

"Before you lead an empire, you need to be able to lead yourself and your family."
 

Bryce Henson’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realbrycehenson/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realbrycehenson/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realbrycehenson 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbrycehenson 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbrycehenson/ 

The Fitness CEO Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fitness-ceo/id1353577754
Fit Body Bootcamp: https://fitbodybootcamp.com/
Legacy Tribe Coaching Program: https://legacy.bedroskeuilian.com/special?aff_sub=bryce_henson&affiliate_id=4189393
 

Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/
Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1
Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

In this episode of Harder Than Life, Kelly Siegel dives deep into the journey of elective sobriety and self-improvement with Amanda Kuda. Amanda, a holistic life coach, speaker, and author, shares her experience of breaking up with alcohol and how it transformed her life in ways she could never have imagined. The conversation explores not only the rise of elective sobriety but also how choosing to live an alcohol-free life opens doors to untapped potential and a deeper connection with oneself.

Thank you Magic Mind for sponsoring this video! They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code “HTL20” at checkout. You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/htl20


Key Takeaways

• Elective Sobriety Journey: Amanda opens up about her personal decision to stop drinking, not out of necessity, but to elevate her life and achieve greater self-awareness and fulfillment.
• Challenges of Moderation: Amanda discusses how trying to moderate her alcohol intake made her realize that it was consuming too much of her mental space, leading her to choose total sobriety.
• Breaking Through to a Better Life: Both Kelly and Amanda discuss how quitting alcohol has drastically improved their lives, bringing clarity, peace, and success that felt previously unreachable.
• Social Dynamics and Sobriety: Amanda touches on how her social circle evolved post-sobriety, as she prioritized deeper connections over superficial interactions that often revolved around alcohol.
• Austin’s Vibrant, Sober-Friendly Lifestyle: Amanda shares her experience living in Austin, Texas, where she found a community of health-conscious, sober-minded individuals, including the first alcohol-free bar, Sands Bar.
• Unbottled Potential: Amanda’s book, Unbottled Potential, is highlighted as a self-improvement guide for people looking to live their best lives by quitting alcohol, even if they don’t have a “problem” with it. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in personal growth.
   

“It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing less—eliminating the one thing that is holding you back.”
 

Amanda Kuda’s Links:
Website: https://www.amandakuda.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandakuda/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amanda.kuda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandakuda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakuda/

Book - Unbottled Potential: https://amzn.to/3MTmW2S   
Quiz - Are You A Comfort Zone Drinker: https://amandakuda.com/quiz
Free Mini-Course - Awakened without Alcohol: https://amandakuda.podia.com/awakened-without-alcohol-free-series
Free Training Course - https://amandakuda.com/free-training
 

Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/
Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1
Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

In this deeply inspiring episode of the Harder Than Life podcast, host Kelly Siegel sits down with special guest Henry Ammar, a global speaker, leadership expert, and founder of the Higher Love movement. Henry shares his journey of overcoming fear, developing emotional intelligence, and building a life rooted in freedom, love, and authenticity.
 

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming Fear Leads to Freedom: Henry explains how fear holds us back in every area of life—relationships, success, and personal growth. He emphasizes that by facing our fears and reframing them, we can transform them into strengths and unlock true freedom.
• Emotional Intelligence is Essential: Understanding and managing emotions is critical in both personal and professional life. Henry and Kelly discuss how emotional triggers are messages that, if embraced and not resisted, can lead to healing and growth.
• Resistance is a Path to Growth: Resistance is not something to avoid but to embrace. Henry shares that when we feel resistance, it is often an indication that we are on the brink of growth, and leaning into it can lead to greater strength, wisdom, and fulfillment.
• Music as a Healing Tool: Henry’s journey in the music industry illustrates the power of music as a medium for healing and connection. Music can touch people deeply and inspire them to heal and grow emotionally and spiritually.
• The Higher Love Movement: Henry's upcoming Higher Love initiative seeks to unite leaders, experts, and influencers from various fields to address global suffering and elevate the world through love, healing, and unity.
• Healing Starts with Self-Awareness: Both Kelly and Henry agree that self-awareness is the foundation of all personal development. Becoming aware of your emotional triggers and working through them with compassion leads to a more fulfilling life.
• Take Responsibility for Your Triggers: Henry urges listeners to take responsibility for their emotional triggers instead of blaming others. Facing and resolving these triggers is key to personal growth and emotional freedom.
• There's Always Hope: No matter where you are in life, there is always hope for improvement. Henry emphasizes that change is possible, and your current situation does not define your future. Healing and growth take time, but persistence pays off.

"Your weaknesses are your strengths with fear attached to them."
 

Henry Ammar’s Links:
Website: https://www.henryammar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henryammar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henry.ammar/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehenryammar?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/henryammar

Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/
Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1
Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

Key Moments & Takeaways:

• The Power of Mindset: Coach JV emphasizes the importance of reprogramming the subconscious mind, explaining how our early life experiences shape our beliefs and behaviors. He shares personal stories of overcoming addiction and how changing his thoughts led to a complete life transformation.
• Financial Mastery: The episode provides insights into building wealth through disciplined financial strategies. Coach JV explains the concept of the risk pyramid and how he uses a diversified approach to investing, including his views on cryptocurrency and the importance of financial literacy.
• Overcoming Adversity: From a near-fatal suicide attempt to achieving success as a coach and entrepreneur, Coach JV’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. He discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, including the profound impact of reading The Secret and his experience with overcoming addiction.
• The 3T Warrior Academy: Coach JV introduces his 3T Warrior Academy, a program designed to help individuals achieve financial freedom and personal empowerment. The academy combines mindset training with practical financial education, aiming to create generational wealth and personal transformation.
• Freedom Asset Management: The episode also explores Coach JV’s creation of Freedom Asset Management, a company that helps manage and grow wealth for individuals through diversified investment strategies, including pre-IPO opportunities and real estate funds.

“To be harder in life is to be joyful when it's not going well."
 

Coach JV’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjv_/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoachjv/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachjv_
X: https://x.com/coachjv_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@3TWarriorAcademy

Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/
Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1
Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

In this episode of the Harder Than Life podcast, host Kelly Siegel welcomes Amy P. Kelly, a powerhouse in HR and talent development, to discuss the transformative power of positive conversations. Amy shares key insights from her latest book, Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult, and offers practical advice on how to navigate challenging discussions in both personal and professional settings. This conversation dives into the importance of mindset, the impact of labels, and the role of empathy in fostering meaningful communication.


Key Moments & Takeaways:

• Kelly Siegel introduces Amy P. Kelly, highlighting her role at the John Gordon Companies and her contributions to leadership and HR development, setting the stage for the discussion.
• Amy discusses how labeling conversations as "difficult" can negatively impact the mindset and outcome, introducing the idea of reframing them as "growth conversations."
• Amy explains the STAR3 method (Small Ego, Truth, Assume the Best, Rules of Engagement, Respect, Relationships), providing a framework for approaching challenging conversations.
• Amy and Kelly dive into the importance of vulnerability in building trust during difficult conversations, highlighting how truth-telling requires vulnerability.
• Amy introduces the three levels of encouragement: giving, receiving, and asking for encouragement, emphasizing the need to ask for support when needed.
• Amy shares the NSR (Notice, Shift, Rewire) method as a tool for managing emotions during challenging conversations, helping listeners stay focused and productive.
• Amy reflects on her personal growth journey, including challenges faced during childhood and how they shaped her approach to communication and leadership.
• Amy shares her excitement about her book being featured in bookstores, highlighting the joy of seeing her hard work recognized.
• Amy discusses her book You Grow Girl, sharing the "cultivate" structure and how it’s designed to promote personal and professional growth, particularly for women.
• Amy emphasizes the importance of seeking out different perspectives to foster better understanding and communication, encouraging listeners to run towards challenging material.

"Don't call people out—call people up. Elevate them to greatness rather than tearing them down."


 

Amy P. Kelly’s Links:

Website: https://www.amypkelly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amypkelly1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amypkelly1

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

X: https://x.com/amypkelly

Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/
Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1
Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

Kelly Siegel, host of the Harder Than Life podcast, celebrates a significant milestone—100 episodes! In this special episode, Kelly reflects on the journey of his podcast which began as a platform to share stories of overcoming adversity and has evolved into a thriving community focused on self-love, self-awareness, business, and health. This episode is a mix of powerful reflections, lessons learned, and impactful conversations that highlight the essence of what it means to be harder than life.


Key Moments & Takeaways:

"Be awesome, be kind, be harder than life."

 

Let’s Connect:

Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@harderthanlife.pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@harderthanlife

Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/
Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1
Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

In this episode of the Harder than Life podcast, host Kelly interviews Erika Erickson, an Emmy-nominated journalist and public relations professional. They discuss Erika's inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and her passion for storytelling. The conversation touches on topics such as growing up in Detroit, the changing landscape of journalism, and Erika's biggest breakthrough in her career. Kelly and Erika discuss their experiences with adversity, including the loss of loved ones, addiction, and trauma. They explore the impact of these experiences on their self-worth and relationships. The conversation highlights the need for self-reflection, self-compassion, and the willingness to seek help and support. Erika shares her involvement in philanthropy, particularly with organizations like First Step and Detroit Dog Rescue. They discuss the challenges of being a strong woman in a male-dominated field, emphasizing the need to love and trust oneself.


Key Moments & Takeaways:

• Introduction of Erica Erickson
  Kelly introduces Erica Erickson, an Emmy-nominated journalist and public relations expert, known for her impactful storytelling and dedication to community causes.
• Growing Up Near Detroit
  Erica and Kelly share their experiences growing up in Detroit's vicinity, reflecting on the city's evolution and the common misconceptions people have about it.
• The Evolution of Journalism
  Erica discusses the changing landscape of journalism, highlighting the impact of social media and the challenges of staying true to the craft in a rapidly shifting media environment.
• Overcoming Career Setbacks
  Erica shares a pivotal moment in her early journalism career when she froze during a live broadcast, explaining how this failure became a breakthrough in building her resilience and confidence.
• Personal Struggles with Family
  Erica opens up about her complicated relationship with her father, his struggles with addiction, and how these experiences shaped her approach to life and relationships.
• Choosing Sobriety
  A major turning point in Erica's life was her decision to embrace a sober lifestyle. She discusses the clarity and personal growth that followed this choice.
• Surviving and Healing from Domestic Violence
  Erica courageously recounts her experience with domestic violence, discussing the signs she missed and the steps she took to reclaim her life and self-worth.
• Empowerment Through Advocacy
  Erica talks about her involvement with organizations like First Step and Detroit Dog Rescue, emphasizing the importance of giving back and supporting those in need.
• Navigating Male-Dominated Environments
  Drawing from her experiences in journalism and PR, Erica offers insights into maintaining one's voice and presence in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
• Embracing Uncertainty
  Erica reflects on her current approach to life, embracing uncertainty, and remaining open to new opportunities, all while continuing her journey of self-discovery.
• Future Aspirations
  Looking ahead, Erica expresses her excitement about the future, focusing on continual personal growth and staying true to her values.

"You can't be in relationships, you can't have friends, you can't have the career, you can't have anything you want if you're not right with yourself."


 

Erika Erickson’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikaerickson
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