If you were just diagnosed with dyslexia and don’t know what it really means, this episode is for you.
We talk about how dyslexia is misunderstood, how it affects confidence, and what actually helps moving forward.

Full description:

A dyslexia diagnosis can bring relief, confusion, grief, and fear all at once. Many people are left wondering whether this explains years of self doubt, overworking, or feeling behind, and what it means for their future.

In this episode of Leaders Lead – Even When It Hurts, Tony Taylor sits down with Willie Blake to talk honestly about what dyslexia really is and what it is not. Willie shares what it was like growing up dyslexic, being misunderstood in school, and internalizing the belief that he was less capable than others.

Together, they unpack why dyslexia is often misread as laziness or inconsistency, how it impacts confidence and self trust, and why so many people develop coping strategies like people pleasing, overworking, or staying quiet. This conversation also explores how understanding your wiring can shift shame into clarity and help you move forward without trying to fix yourself.

This episode is not about motivation or pushing harder. It is about understanding dyslexia with compassion, rebuilding confidence from the inside out, and learning how to work with your brain instead of against it.

If you were just diagnosed, support someone with dyslexia, or quietly suspect this might apply to you, this conversation is a place to start.

Former Marine Susannah Rose Stokes joins me to talk about psychedelics, trauma, and healing.
We go deep into what actually happens when people use mushrooms or LSD for trauma recovery and how these experiences can rebuild your mind, body, and soul.

You’ll hear:

• What psychedelics do for emotional healing and self-awareness

• The importance of set and setting before any psychedelic experience

• How to integrate after a journey so the healing actually sticks

• Who psychedelics can help — and who shouldn’t take them

• Why leading with love creates real transformation

If you’re curious about psychedelic therapy, mushrooms for trauma, or healing through consciousness, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on the go and join the community at LeadersLeadThePodcast.com.

This is the official announcement of the new direction for Leaders Lead Even When It Hurts. The show started with conversations about entrepreneurship, but every guest had one thing in common: they were leading while carrying something heavy.

In this episode, Anthony talks about why the podcast is expanding into mental health, healing, and the real journey leaders face behind the scenes. You’ll hear why the shift happened, what to expect moving forward, and how this community will grow with you.

If you’ve been looking for real conversations about leadership, purpose, pain, and healing, this is where we’re going next.

Subscribe, leave a review, and join the community at LeadersLeadThePodcast.com.

At just five years old, Hillary Momberger-Powers became the voice of Sally Brown in the beloved Peanuts cartoons..the bright, funny sister of Charlie Brown who made the world smile.
But behind the laughter was a story of trauma, addiction, and healing that would take decades to unfold.

In this powerful episode of Leaders Lead, Hillary shares her journey of addiction recovery, inner-child healing, and faith-based transformation.
She opens up about early fame, family dysfunction, forgiveness, and the inner work that helped her rebuild her life from the inside out.

If you’ve ever struggled with pain, perfectionism, or the weight of your past, Hillary’s story will remind you that redemption is possible and your voice still matters.

👉 Follow Hillary’s ongoing journey and find more inspiration at HilaryMombergerPowers.com

🎧 Listen now on LeadersLeadThePodcast.com, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you hear stories of resilience and renewal.

Have you ever felt your body betray you when it’s time to speak in public ?
Your heart races. Your hands shake. Your mind goes blank.

That used to be me — every single time.

In this episode, I share how I used podcasting to face my fear of public speaking and how each rep behind the mic helped me find my voice again. From my first nervous recordings in a closet to lessons learned through hundreds of interviews, this one’s about courage, repetition, and learning to breathe through the fear.

You’ll learn:

• How to reframe stage fright as energy, not failure

• Why repetition builds rhythm and confidence

• The power of hearing your own voice

• Simple tools like box breathing and grounding to calm your nerves

• Why courage is built in reps, not in perfection

Takeaway:
You don’t have to be fearless to be heard. Every time you face the mic, you shrink the fear.

Links Mentioned:

• Guided Meditation for Anxiety: https://youtu.be/wNpvALOKXlw?si=4JSbpKTg04BGN0yZ

• Box Breathing Exercise: https://youtu.be/pobbcE7Ov3o?si=nns62irf-ZvIAV8R

Join the Community:
LeadersLeadThePodcast.com – Click Free Community Signup and connect with other leaders who are learning to speak, serve, and lead even when it hurts.

What if the feeling of being a fraud wasn’t failure, but a signal you’re growing?

In this episode of Leaders Lead, Tony opens up about his own battles with imposter syndrome — from launching a podcast to leading Marines. You’ll hear how that nagging voice of self-doubt shows up, and the strategies that help push through it. This episode breaks down the myth that successful people don’t feel this way and offers a roadmap to quiet your inner critic, own your accomplishments, and take action even when you’re scared.

5 Key Topics Discussed:

• Identifying the signs of imposter syndrome
• Reframing success so you can own it
• Why talking about it matters
• Taking action before you feel confident
• Rituals that center and ground you

New episodes drop every Sunday.

Follow and support Leaders Lead here: leadersleadthepodcast.com

Rate, review, and share wherever you listen.

This episode was elevated by the Podcast Mechanic, helping indie creators, small businesses, and nonprofits produce purposeful podcasts.

Episode 135

If you're ready to stop being overlooked and start getting the recognition and the results that you deserve, join The Experts Blueprint today.

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What if understanding and managing anxiety weren't about avoiding fear, but about embracing it and finding personal strength?

In this episode, Tony delves into the pervasive issue of anxiety, sharing his personal experiences and insights. From the fear of public speaking to the challenges of daily life, Tony opens up about his journey with generalized anxiety disorder and the strategies that have helped him cope. He emphasizes the importance of facing fears, seeking support, and finding personal methods to manage anxiety.

5 Key Topics Discussed:

Tony's personal experiences with anxiety and how it has affected his life.

The realization and diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder.

The role of exercise, journaling, and deep breathing in managing anxiety.

The importance of facing fears and the impact of personal growth.

Resources and support systems are available for those struggling with anxiety.

NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY!

To follow and support the Leaders Lead podcast, click here.

Rate, review, and comment wherever you're listening.

This show was elevated by the Podcast Mechanic, helping indie creators, small businesses, and nonprofits produce polished, purposeful podcasts. Click Podcast Mechanic to connect and learn about their podcast production services.

EP: 134

If you're ready to stop being overlooked and start getting the recognition and the results that you deserve, join The Experts Blueprint today.

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What if the secret to healing and inspiring others wasn't about having all the answers but about using humor and compassion to connect deeply with those in need?

In this episode, Tony and world-renowned comedian and motivational speaker Michael Pritchard discuss Michael's journey from the comedy stage to becoming a mentor and advocate for kindness. They explore the power of laughter in healing trauma, the importance of leading with empathy, and how to find hope in the darkest times.

5 Key Topics Discussed:

How Michael's unique blend of humor and compassion transforms lives.

The role of humor in leadership and its impact on connection.

The importance of addressing trauma with empathy and understanding.

Michael's experiences working with at-risk youth and the lessons learned.

The enduring power of kindness and its ripple effect in communities.

Connect with Michael:

IMDb: Michael Pritchard

Facebook: Michael Pritchard

NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY!

To follow and support the Leaders Lead podcast, click here.

Rate, review, and comment wherever you're listening.

This show was elevated by the Podcast Mechanic, helping indie creators, small businesses, and nonprofits produce polished, purposeful podcasts. Click Podcast Mechanic to connect and learn about their podcast production services.

EP: 132

If you're ready to stop being overlooked and start getting the recognition and the results that you deserve, join The Experts Blueprint today.

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What if the secret to scaling your influence and avoiding digital marketing scams wasn't about spending more money—but about betting on yourself and partnering with practitioners, not salespeople?

In this episode, Tony and digital marketing legend Dennis Yu, who has worked with giants like Nike, Red Bull, and the Golden State Warriors, discuss Dennis' mission to create a million jobs by training young marketers, the truth behind his famous “dollar a day” ad strategy, and why kindness and transparency are the ultimate competitive advantages.

5 Key Topics Discussed:

1. How Dennis’s reputation for integrity attracts top talent and loyal advocates.
2. The red flags of shady agencies and “experts” who overpromise and underdeliver.
3. Why documented systems beat “re-inventing the wheel” every time.
4. Why great content starts with real stories and experiences—not AI-generated fluff.
5. How to turn your weaknesses into strengths and leverage your unique experiences.

Connect with Dennis Yu:

Website: Blitz Metrics

LinkedIn: Dennis Yu

Facebook: Dennis Yu

NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY!

To follow and support the Leaders Lead podcast, click here.

Rate, review, and comment wherever you're listening.

This show was elevated by the Podcast Mechanic, helping indie creators, small businesses, and nonprofits produce polished, purposeful podcasts. Click Podcast Mechanic to connect and learn about their podcast production services.

EP: 131

Leaders aren’t superhuman. We hurt, we struggle, and we carry the weight of others but real leadership is about how we show up even in those moments.

Episode Summary:

In this solo episode, I open up about the reality behind leadership when life gets heavy.I talk about my experiences from the Marine Corps to my journey with meditation and self-care,

I share what it truly means to lead yourself while leading others.

This episode is about resilience, self-care, and the courage to keep moving forward even when the pain is real.

Key Takeaways:

• Why self-care and mental health practices aren’t optional for leaders.
• Stories from the trenches: lessons from the Marine Corps and beyond.
• Practical ways to build your own self-care and resilience strategy.
• How meditation became a tool for healing and leadership.
• The reminder that you are not alone — every leader carries battles unseen.

If this episode spoke to you, subscribe to the Leaders Lead Podcast so you never miss a conversation. Share this with another leader who might be carrying more than they show. And if you’re ready to explore meditation, storytelling, or building your own platform, connect with me directly. My email is [email protected]

🎧 Listen on

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Other Platforms

🌐 Visit: LeadersLeadThePodcast.com

📩 Connect: TonyTaylorInspires.com