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Unveiling the Power of Consciousness: A Journey with Shaman Isis

In this captivating episode, Mathew Blades sits down with Cynthia Elliott, known as Shaman Isis, to explore the transformative power of raising human consciousness. From a tumultuous childhood in a Catholic orphanage to becoming a beacon of spiritual growth, Cynthia's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and profound transformation.

You'll hear:

• How Cynthia's challenging past became the catalyst for her spiritual awakening

• The intricate connection between mental health and consciousness

• Practical insights on shadow work and personal growth

• The ripple effect of raising individual consciousness on collective human happiness

Cynthia introduces her "reality wheel" theory, explaining how our thought habits shape our emotional states and lived experiences. She emphasizes the importance of awareness and energy management in improving mental well-being, offering listeners a fresh perspective on personal development.

"Our thought habits are gifted to us by our childhood experiences. And they're really all we know, so we don't actually look at them as though these thought habits are bad, and these thought habits are good." - Cynthia Elliott

The conversation delves into shadow work, with Cynthia sharing personal examples of confronting triggers and past traumas. She illustrates how these experiences can shape current reactions and behaviors, providing valuable insights for listeners on their own growth journeys.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the power of consciousness in personal transformation and collective growth. Cynthia's story serves as an inspiring testament to the potential for change that lies within each of us, no matter our past experiences.

Please take our new listener survey - four simple questions that will help me make a better podcast for you! Safe Survey Link

Last week we dropped an episode talking about porn addiction. A subject we don't always talk about here on LFPWLI.  If you only had five minutes with our podcast - what would I want you to know? This quick-hits podcast answers that question.

Coach Frank had this to say:

“You might be a porn addict if you lean on it as your go-to method for stress relief or emotional escape. If every time you feel stressed, anxious, or rejected—perhaps after a long day or a lonely night—you turn to porn for comfort, then it has become your crutch. It’s not merely about sexual desire; it’s an emotional safety net. Every time you promise yourself it’s the last time, but then find yourself back on that screen, it’s a clear signal. Look in the mirror. If the man you see isn’t someone you’re proud of because of this habit, it’s time to confront the issue head-on.”

Thank you for being here and if you know someone who needs to hear this, please send it there way. 

Much love

Mathew 

MathewBlades.com 

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Let go: Overcoming Porn Addiction with Coach Frank

In this episode, you'll hear:

- Early exposure to pornography and its long-term effects

- The role of identity transformation in recovery

- Strategies for overcoming porn addiction

- Advice for partners of those struggling with addiction

Join Mathew Blades as he sits down with Coach Frank and Dr. Frank Bevacqua to explore the complex world of porn addiction. Coach Frank shares his personal journey through a 20-year addiction, highlighting how early exposure shaped his understanding of relationships. The discussion reveals how porn addiction often masks deeper emotional issues, serving as a coping mechanism rather than a mere sexual outlet.

Coach Frank emphasizes the necessity of identity transformation in recovery, advocating for a fundamental shift in self-perception. Physical fitness emerges as a powerful tool in this process, aiding in building confidence and altering self-image. The conversation also offers practical advice for partners, stressing the importance of avoiding guilt and shame while engaging in mutual healing.

Notable quotes include Coach Frank's insight: "I think sitting at the foundation and root of all success in recovery or the journey to freedom sits in identity change or identity transformation." Dr. Bavacqua adds, "Unfortunately, now there is the shared responsibility of how do I heal the parts of me that were hurt by this?"

Explore the journey to freedom from porn addiction and discover the tools needed for a transformative recovery.

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Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day, you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence

(and maybe even a little hope)!

Hit these links to sign up today.

Visit us online at www.LearnFromPeopleWhoLivedit.com

Please take our new listener survey - four simple questions that will help me make a better podcast for you! Safe Survey Link

If you could only listen to five minutes of my podcast? What would I want you to know?  That is why we're here today. I will be dropping more of these short versions in the spirit of those two questions. Last week, we welcomed Dr. Friedemann Schaub, author of "The Fear and Anxiety Solution" and "The Empowerment Solution."

Dr. Schaub shares his journey of growing up with anxious parents who survived World War II, revealing how their fears shaped his own anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Dr. Schaub offers strategies for working with the subconscious, and in today's clip, he offers the strategy that changed his life.

Thanks for listening, please pass this along to a friend, and if you really like what we do, leave a review. 

Please take our new listener survey - four simple questions that will help me make a better podcast for you! Safe Survey Link

Navigating Anxiety: Insights and Strategies with Dr. Friedemann Schaub

In this episode, you'll hear:

- Personal stories of growing up with anxious parents

- The impact of anxiety on self-esteem and self-worth

- How the subconscious mind influences anxiety

- Practical strategies for managing anxiety effectively

Join hosts Mathew Blades and Dr. David Leicken as they engage with Dr. Friedemann Schaub, author of "The Fear and Anxiety Solution" and "The Empowerment Solution." Dr. Schaub shares his journey of growing up with anxious parents who survived World War II, revealing how their fears shaped his own anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. He discusses the conditional self-esteem tied to accomplishments and the constant need for external validation.

The conversation delves into the subconscious mind's role in anxiety, using the iceberg analogy to illustrate how much of our mental processes occur below conscious awareness. Mathew Blades shares his experience with Transcendental Meditation, highlighting its benefits in slowing down racing thoughts and creating space for self-reflection.

Notable quotes:

- "I'm only conditionally loved. Only if I have good grades, I can have acceptance. If not, I'm doomed." - Dr. Friedemann Schaub

- "There's nothing that couldn't be fixed by going and sitting down in another room for a couple of hours, you know, and just getting quiet and figuring that piece out." - Mathew Blades

- "It's not about making big changes necessarily. It's about little things done consistently over a long period of time." - Dr. David Leicken

Explore the power of meditation, self-reflection, and the importance of small, consistent changes in overcoming anxiety. Discover how to harness the potential of the subconscious mind and develop self-respect and acceptance independent of achievements.

Visit us online, www.LearnFromPeopleWhoLivedIt.com

Follow the podcast: 

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day, you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence

(and maybe even a little hope)! This program will pay for itself by helping you save thousands in legal fees and emotional stress! Hit these links to sign up today.

https://tanialeichliter.ontralink.com/t?orid=1049&opid=8

Please take our new listener survey - four simple questions that will help me make a better podcast for you! Safe Survey Link

From Rock Bottom to Redemption: Lindsay Proulx's Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

In this powerful episode of "Learn from People who Lived It," host Mathew Blades and co-host Dr. Dave sit down with Lindsay Proulx, a former addict who's now seven years sober and working at New Freedom Project. Lindsay's story is a raw and honest account of her descent into addiction, her experiences with incarceration, and her inspiring path to recovery.

You'll hear:

• How childhood trauma and family dynamics can contribute to addiction

• The harsh realities of jail and prison for those battling substance abuse

• The pivotal role of faith and support systems in the recovery process

• Practical strategies for forgiveness and healing from past traumas

Lindsay shares deeply personal moments, from using drugs with her mother to her first terrifying night in jail. She recounts the turning point in her life when she realized she was "created for greatness" and how this shift in perspective changed everything.

Dr. Dave offers expert insights throughout, explaining the psychological aspects of addiction, recovery, and forgiveness. He emphasizes the importance of daily decisions that reflect self-value, providing listeners with actionable advice for their own journeys.

This episode doesn't shy away from the dark realities of addiction but ultimately delivers a message of hope and transformation. Lindsay's story proves that no matter how far you've fallen, redemption is possible.

"Forgiveness first. For forgiveness, I had to forgive myself before I could forgive anybody else." - Lindsay Proulx

Whether you're struggling with addiction, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation offers valuable insights into the human capacity for change and the power of second chances.

Please take our new listener survey - four simple questions that will help me make a better podcast for you! Safe Survey Link

Breaking the Cycle: From Incarceration to Inspiration with Cordero Holmes, recorded live from the New Freedom Project, learn more about them here.

In this powerful episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Cordero Holmes, who transformed his life from behind bars to become a beacon of hope and change. Cordero's journey from incarceration to earning multiple degrees is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the power of education. He is the transitional character we talk about all the time.

You'll hear:

• How Cordero became a "transitional character," breaking cycles of dysfunction

• The unexpected gifts of solitary confinement and deep self-reflection

• Strategies for making amends and rebuilding relationships after incarceration

• The crucial role of community service in personal growth and healing

Cordero Holmes, now an advocate and educator, shares raw and honest insights about his past, his transformation, and his mission to create a better future for his children and community. His story challenges us to reconsider our preconceptions about those who've been incarcerated and inspires hope for second chances.

"No history, no self. Know history, know self." - Cordero Holmes

From the depths of isolation to the heights of academic achievement, Cordero's journey reminds us that it's never too late to change your life's trajectory. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, understanding the power of education, or looking to make a positive change in their life or community.

Find Cordero here.

Breaking Free: Transformative Stories from the New Freedom Project

This Monday, Mathew Blades brings us face-to-face with the raw reality of addiction, incarceration, and the journey to redemption. Through intimate conversations with Lindsey Proulx and Cordero Holmes, we explore the depths of human struggle and the heights of personal transformation.

You'll hear:

• Lindsey's harrowing tale of addiction-fueled crime and her path to forgiveness

• Cordero's pivotal moment of mentorship in county jail, inspired by an unlikely source

• How the New Freedom Project is changing lives and breaking cycles of addiction

These stories of struggle, hope, and redemption offer a rare glimpse into the transformative power of second chances. As Mathew puts it, "I can't even begin to tell you how incredible both nights were and you will be able to experience them with me."

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of human resilience and the life-changing work of the New Freedom Project this Monday.

How To Have Healthier Relationships with Jennifer Nurick

In this episode, you'll hear: 

Jennifer Nurick is a licensed clinical psychotherapist, trauma specialist, and the founder of Psychotherapy Central. With over 20 years of experience in counseling, she specializes in attachment theory, relationship healing, and trauma recovery. Jennifer is also a certified energetic healer and author of Heal Your Anxious Attachment, where she blends evidence-based psychological tools with compassion and real-world strategies to help individuals and couples transform painful relationship patterns. Through her clinical work, writing, and workshops, Jennifer empowers people to break free from negative cycles and build secure, authentic connections.

In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Dave Leicken, and Jennifer Nurick dive deep into the emotional dynamics that shape our relationships, especially when we feel stuck in patterns that seem impossible to break. Drawing from Jennifer’s book Heal Your Anxious Attachment, they explore what negative cycles are, how to recognize when you’re in one, and, most importantly, how to begin shifting out of them. The conversation unpacks the ways attachment styles, like anxious or avoidant, show up in adult relationships, how triggers can feel like emotional time travel, and what it takes to approach your partner from a grounded, regulated place. You’ll hear actionable tools to interrupt conflict spirals, including boundary-setting, effective communication strategies, and reflective practices for personal healing and growth. Whether you're navigating conflict or seeking deeper connection, this episode offers insight, empathy, and guidance for transforming the way you relate.

“We have to have awareness around the cycles. So, what are my repetitive thoughts, what are my repetitive experiences…What cycles run through my family?” - Jennifer Nurick

“First we have to discover, we have to know what cycles am I working with, what comes through that generational lineage…then there is healing.” - Jennifer Nurick

“It’s not just the emotions that they felt, but it’s the narrative that they are telling themselves. Each side has a different narrative and the narratives don't always match up.” - Dr. Dave Leicken

Follow the podcast: 

Resources:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence

(and maybe even a little hope)!

Reality check! Divorce is expensive - but battling in court is even more costly. For less than the price of an hour of an attorney’s time, you’ll gain the tools, support, and strategies to create a peaceful path forward. This program will pay for itself by helping you save thousands in legal fees and emotional stress! Hit these links to sign up today.

The Mirror Isn’t the Enemy with Karianne Munstedt

In this episode you’ll hear: 

Karianne Munstedt is a Phoenix-based portrait photographer specializing in empowering corporate headshots, branding photography, boudoir photography, and family portraits. Her mission was sparked by a personal realization: she didn’t have any photos of herself for her website or social media. When she finally booked a photo session, she was confronted by the harsh, critical stories she had been telling herself about her body. But that session became a turning point. Her work emphasizes body positivity and self-acceptance, aiming to help women embrace their authentic selves through photography. By capturing genuine images, Karianne facilitates a mindset shift in her clients, fostering newfound confidence and self-love.

In this episode, Mathew and Karianne Munstedt dive deep into the emotional power of photography as a tool for transforming the stories we carry about our bodies. Designed for anyone who looks in the mirror with criticism or discomfort, this conversation explores how negative body image can impact not just your self-esteem but also how you show up in your personal and professional life. They unpack the role of societal messages, family influences, and social media in shaping how we see ourselves, and how we can begin rewriting that narrative. Kari shares actionable strategies to start working towards self-acceptance in order to break free from generational body shame and build a more compassionate view of your body. You’ll learn why working with a photographer can accelerate the journey to self-love and how headshots can transform your business presence. This episode is both practical and empowering, reminding you that the story in your head isn’t always yours, and it’s never too late to change it.

“I didn’t look at my body at all, I saw my soul…I saw not only who I was but who I was becoming.”

“It started... with a story that wasn’t even her own.”

“It’s going to feel awkward…untrue at first because we’ve been talking so negatively to our bodies and ourselves for so long…give it a week, give it two weeks, give it three weeks it’s going to start reprogramming your body and you're going to start showing up in different ways in this world.”

“It starts with us looking in the mirror and being kinder to ourselves.”

Follow the podcast: 

Resources:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence

(and maybe even a little hope)!

Reality check! Divorce is expensive - but battling in court is even more costly. For less than the price of an hour of an attorney’s time, you’ll gain the tools, support, and strategies to create a peaceful path forward. This program will pay for itself by helping you save thousands in legal fees and emotional stress! Hit these links to sign up today.