Lemonspark

Mega Real Estate Agent Karen Briscoe was thriving as a commercial real estate agent until the U.S. economy tanked in 2008. In addition to the market decimating the real estate market, Karen also lost her business partner to an illness. Karen had to pick up the pieces, but from this difficult experience, Karen was able to pivot to residential real estate sales. She also was able to find a new business partner, which led her to write books and start coaching other realtors as well. In this episode, Karen shares some very wise words and insights about finding time to do the things that bring you joy in life. You can learn more about Karen's books and coaching business by visiting https://www.5minutesuccess.com/. 

Marisa Perhaes is a retired New York City Police Sargent and mom of five, including triplet boys! She is also an author of the book When I was Blue, available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/When-I-Was-Blue-memior/dp/1546373829. 

Marisa shares her disturbing tale of a fateful night in 2015 when her 15 year old son was beaten and arrested, which also led to her arrest. As she sat in the back of the police car with her son screaming in the background for help, Marisa employed her ways to cope with difficult moments. She shares those coping mechanisms and her lessons learned in this podcast. She also describes how that horrible night led her to becoming a foster mom of kittens, which brings her pure joy. 

Rachel Druckenmiller aimed to start her own speaking and consulting business after years of working in wellness. Barely a year into her new venture, COVID19 hit and then she was hit by a truck. An agonizing back injury gave her perspective like she never had before. Now, her business of helping others become resilient resonates with many people. In this podcast, Rachel shares her own story of resilience and a few things she learned from her accident. Learn more about Rachel at https://unmutedlife.com/. 

In this episode, we speak to author Nancy Peterson, who wrote the book Dear Husband: Letters to an Addict after her husband of many years died from conditions caused by addiction to alcohol and drugs. Nancy shares the complexities of living with and loving an addict, what she did to help her heal and where her path has led her now, which is to start a business capturing the life stories of others. You can learn more about Nancy and Nancy's business, Talk Story Tradition, at https://www.talkstorytradition.com/about-the-author.html. 

Judith Adrian's sister Nancy suffered from Dermatopolymyositis, a debilitating condition that hit her when she was in her forties. Despite this terrible diagnosis, Nancy not only learned how to live with the disease, but she adopted insipiring coping mechanisms that others who are suffering life's lemons can also use. Judith talks about her book, the disease and her sister's incredible personality to help those who are looking for hope and happiness even if they are surrounded by tragedy.

You can learn more about Judith and her books, including Nancer the Dancer, at https://judithadrian.com/. 

Meet Bill Zaferos, author of Poison Pen, a funny adventure about a person who writes poison pen letters for hire.  Bill wrote Poison Pen while on an upswing with his bipolar disorder. In this episode, we discuss how many great works of art and impactful people have derived from bipolar disorder. Bill has learned to embrace his "lemon" of bipolar disorder and now works to reduce its stigma. 

If you are interested in purchasing Bill's book Poison Pen or learning more about Bill Zaferos, visit here:  https://henschelhausbooks.com/?s=poison+pen.

Listen to Nancy Novack, founder of Nancy's List, tell her story of battling Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer and what she learned about herself, and the community of cancer patients, in the process. After listening to so many patients express fear about financial loss from cancer, Nancy set out to create a nonprofit that locates resources to help cancer patients and their families get through difficult times. Nancy also helped author a book "I am with You: Love Letters to Cancer Patients," which has helped numerous cancer patients feel hope and peace during their treatments. 

Learn more about Nancy and her mission at https://nancyslist.org/. 

Overcoming Childhood Trauma and Mental Breakdowns by Embracing Vulnerability, Neuroplasticity, Control and Perspective: Miguel Olave
Miguel Olave is a successful sales person, but deep down he had unaddressed trauma that at one point led to a suicide attempt and then a mental breakdown. As a Latino man, he was taught that acknowledging mental illness was a sign of weakness, but because of support systems at work, like his employer's EAP, he sought help that eventually led him to open up about mental health to others online. Exposing his vulnerability drew others to him and now, he seeks to change the world's mindset about mental health while also helping people brand themselves. Because as he has learned, people want to hire you first, not necessarily the services you provide. 

Miguel discusses neurplasticity in this podcast. To learn more, click here:
https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/

Raising a Child with Down's Syndrome and Finding Purpose through Entrepreneurship.  In recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Day, take a listen to Nita's story. Nita Ambedkar was loving her corporate job as an IT professional, but when she learned her second child had Down's Syndrome, she needed to find more balance. This change in her life's plan opened new opportunities, such as starting her own IT business, becoming a certified teacher of Yoga and Zumba, and learning from other parents who have thrived with their kids who have all types of abilities. Nita shares her inspiring story of determination and strength, and her wisdom that even if life doesn't turn out as planned, it can still be filled with joy and purpose. 

Here is the Welcome to Holland document mentioned by Nita, written by Emily Pearl Kingsley in 1987 and still relevant today:  http://www.dsasc.ca/uploads/8/5/3/9/8539131/welcome_to_holland.pdf.

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife grew up Mormon in Vermont. One of eight children, Jennifer wrestled with the role of women in her religion, and with not having a feeling of "abundance" when it came to material wealth. These challenges pushed her toward a career in coaching and psychology, with an emphasis on relationships and sexuality for couples dedicated to a religious community like the Latter Day Saints (LDS). Through her many years of helping clients work through conflict involving sexuality, individual desires and religious expectations, Dr. Finlayson-Fife shares numerous nuggets of wisdom that can help anyone struggling to understand their own place in life. For more information about Dr. Finlayson-Fife, visit her website at https://www.finlayson-fife.com/.