What happens when you prioritize both career success and family fulfillment? Alyssa Coriel's journey offers a masterclass in modern work-life integration that defies conventional wisdom. 

Rising from an entry-level position to Vice President at a multi-billion dollar transportation company before turning 40, Alyssa could have followed the traditional executive path. Instead, she made the radical decision to relocate her family to Steamboat Springs, Colorado – a remote mountain town that offers the lifestyle they craved but creates significant logistical challenges for her high-powered career.

This conversation takes us behind the scenes of what true work-life balance looks like in practice. Alyssa shares candid insights about explaining business trips to young children (complete with stuffed animals that travel with her), creating clear boundaries between work and home, and how she manages coaching her son's soccer team despite a demanding travel schedule.

Her approach contradicts the either/or mentality that plagues many working parents. Rather than viewing career advancement and family engagement as competing priorities, she's developed practical strategies to be fully present in both worlds – working intensely while traveling but completely disconnecting when home.

For anyone feeling torn between professional ambitions and personal fulfillment, this episode offers a refreshingly honest look at what's possible when you refuse to accept traditional limitations. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, building a family, or attempting both simultaneously, Alyssa's experiences demonstrate that with intention, support, and creativity, you can craft a life that honors all your priorities.

Dr. Mauro Zappaterra Harvard-trained physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, reveals how our understanding of pain needs a revolutionary update.

Most doctors treat pain as a purely physical problem, reaching for prescription pads and scheduling procedures. But Dr. Zappaterra takes a fundamentally different approach—one that might change how you think about your body's pain signals forever.

"Pain is not just a sensation; it's an experience created by your brain," explains Dr. Zappaterra . When you feel pain, over 48 areas of your brain activate, many processing emotions and memories. This connection explains why stress, trauma, and fear can amplify pain long after physical injuries heal. The good news? This same connection gives us powerful tools for healing.

Through fascinating stories—from baseball players learning to control their emotions to car accident survivors releasing trauma—Dr. Zappaterra demonstrates how simple techniques like the "physiological sigh" and five-second mindfulness practices can regulate your nervous system and transform your relationship with pain. His concept of "micro successes" shows how tiny, achievable steps build momentum toward healing that medications alone can't provide.

Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or simply want to understand the remarkable connection between your mind and body, this conversation offers practical wisdom you can apply immediately. Dr. Zappaterra’s approach empowers you to take an active role in your healing journey rather than depending on medications and interventions that often address symptoms without resolving root causes.

Ready to discover what your pain is trying to tell you? Subscribe now and join us for an eye-opening exploration of the mind-body connection that might just change your life.

What drives someone to leave a stable corporate career at age 33 to teach first graders in one of LA's toughest neighborhoods? For Gilbert Estrada, it was a journey that began with his own childhood experience of "Americanization" – moving from a predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood to a more affluent area where he first glimpsed different possibilities for his future.

Growing up with parents who valued education but had no college experience themselves, Gilbert navigated his path without a roadmap. When an East LA College professor warned that only 12% of students would graduate, rather than feeling discouraged, Gilbert used it as fuel. "That pissed me off," he recalls with a smile. Not only did he complete his degree, but he earned acceptance to UCLA, where he learned to navigate the "hidden curriculum" of higher education as a Mexican-American student from a working-class background.

The most remarkable turn in Gilbert's story came after years working in business. When his boss bluntly asked, "Estrada, what are you doing here? You ought to be a teacher," something clicked. That comment led Gilbert to an introductory teaching course, and within months, he found himself standing before a classroom of fifth graders. "It felt like home right away," he explains, describing the immediate connection he felt to teaching.

For the next 29 years, Gilbert dedicated himself to teaching in challenging neighborhoods, including during the 1992 Rodney King riots when businesses burned just across from his school. He specifically chose to teach first and second grade, recognizing early literacy as the foundation upon which all other education is built. Beyond academics, he embraced the full responsibility of caring for children's well-being – referring them for glasses when they couldn't see the board, helping them access dental care, and teaching them "how to get along with each other."

His parting wisdom for parents is beautifully simple: read to your children daily, take them to the library, and talk with them often. "Just love them the way you know how to love your children." After three decades in education, Gilbert Estrada understands that sometimes the most powerful teaching happens through the simplest acts of care.

Financial freedom isn't a social media catchphrase – it's an achievable reality for anyone willing to develop disciplined money habits and learn fundamental investment concepts. This candid conversation pulls back the curtain on how everyday people can build wealth through consistent investing, even when starting with just $100 per paycheck.

What begins as a lighthearted chat about eagle watching quickly transforms into a treasure trove of financial wisdom as two longtime friends share their journey from financial novices to savvy investors. The discussion highlights how average earners can achieve extraordinary results by developing the discipline to live below their means and consistently invest the difference. As Craig powerfully states, "You can afford anything, but you can't afford everything."

The conversation demystifies investing by breaking down a three-part strategy: identifying and investing in industry trends, taking profits strategically, and maintaining a foundation of sound companies. Rather than presenting get-rich-quick schemes, the discussion emphasizes the proven formula of starting early, staying consistent, and allowing time to work its magic through compound interest. For those intimidated by the stock market, there's reassurance in understanding that market cycles are normal, and historically, patience has rewarded investors who avoided panic selling during downturns.

Beyond personal finance, the discussion offers practical approaches for teaching children about money through yard sale bargaining, entrepreneurship opportunities, and witnessing parents' investing activities firsthand. By removing the mystery around money and investing, we can prepare the next generation to build wealth more effectively than we did.

Ready to start your own investment journey? Begin by opening a free brokerage account, finding a mentor if possible, and committing to learning as you go. Remember that time in the market beats timing the market, and every dollar you invest is like an employee working for your future. What small step could you take today?

Behind the badge lies a father, husband, and grandfather whose story reveals the profound human dimension of law enforcement rarely glimpsed by those outside the profession. Mario Estrada spent three decades patrolling the gang-infested streets of East Los Angeles on the midnight shift, facing life-threatening situations while somehow managing to leave the trauma at the station door when his shift ended.

The heart of this episode unfolds when father and adult son sit down for a candid discussion about the realities of a 30-year law enforcement career. The retired officer recounts his journey from feeling "rudderless" after high school to finding purpose in the Marine Corps, which eventually led him to his calling in police work. His stories from patrolling gang-infested areas on the graveyard shift reveal both the danger and deep sense of purpose that defined his professional life.

In one of the most powerful moments, the father describes a shootout where he believed he might never see his family again – an experience he kept hidden from his wife until after retirement. This protection of loved ones from workplace trauma highlights the invisible emotional burden carried by first responders. Despite facing life-threatening situations regularly, he maintained a remarkable ability to compartmentalize, never bringing the horrors of work home to his family.

The conversation explores how values transfer between generations, with the son recognizing how his father's work ethic and dedication shaped his own approach to parenting and professional life. There's poignant reflection on what it means to lead by example rather than words, and how experiences that weren't prioritized in one generation become foundations for success in the next.

The episode concludes with thoughtful consideration of society's perception of police officers and the unfairness of judging an entire profession by the actions of a few. Throughout this intimate family discussion, listeners gain rare insight into the human side of law enforcement and the legacy of values that flow from generation to generation.

From prestigious finance careers to launching a startup revolutionizing the humble umbrella, Reed Jacoby's entrepreneurial journey demonstrates that sometimes the boldest business opportunities aren't flashy tech innovations but overlooked everyday problems.

Reed's story begins in Michigan, where despite not being the academic superstar, he leveraged his natural talent for building relationships to secure admission to top business programs and eventually land coveted positions in banking and private equity. Working with ultra-wealthy clients gave him a crucial insight: true wealth creation doesn't come from collecting paychecks but from ownership. One pivotal moment—a client casually calling to wire in $22 million—sparked Reed's realization that he needed to create something of his own.

The entrepreneurial path has tested Reed's resilience at every turn, especially during fundraising where "it's probably one yes for every 50 to 200 no's." Through it all, he's maintained that this journey, while "by far the hardest thing I've ever done," is also "one of the most rewarding things you can do."

Ready to reconsider what entrepreneurship might look like in your own life? Reed's advice is refreshingly honest: find something that genuinely excites you, recognize it will take longer and cost more than expected, and prepare for constant challenges. Most importantly, know yourself—some people need to "burn the boats" while others can start more cautiously. Whatever your approach, Reed's journey proves that with enough determination, you can handle far more than you think.

What drives a soldier to embrace both the sacrifice and the service that come with military life? Our guest, Brett Collins, a veteran of the US Army, delves into this deeply personal question by sharing his compelling journey from civilian life to the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through Brett's vivid storytelling, we explore the trials of military police work, the high-stakes missions with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, and the emotional burdens carried by those who serve. His reflections provide a raw and insightful look into the intense world of combat and the profound impact it has on the lives of young soldiers.

Brett's journey doesn't end with service but transitions into the equally challenging task of returning to civilian life. The episode touches on the influence of family in military decisions, from heartfelt conversations with grandparents to defying the expectations of a proud Marine father. Brett candidly discusses the role of mentors, the quest for respect and leadership within the military, and how these experiences shape personal growth and identity. His stories reveal the weight of responsibility placed on soldiers and the resilience required to navigate both the battlefield and the complexities of returning home.

As we close our conversation, Brett shares his thoughts on parenting, the significance of military service in personal development, and the unique challenges faced by military families. With a mix of serious reflections and light-hearted anecdotes, Brett opens up about his weekend plans and appreciation for the Rockies' beauty, reminding us of the simple joys that life offers. This episode is a tribute to the sacrifices of those who serve and a thoughtful exploration of the transitions that follow military life, offering listeners a chance to understand and honor the profound journeys of soldiers like Brett.

What happens when one person dares to dream big in a forgotten space? Steven Yorba took an empty lot in Pomona, California, and turned it into a flourishing three-acre urban farm, bringing fresh food and hope to an underserved community. In this episode, we dive into Steven’s inspiring journey of resilience, food justice, and community empowerment, proving that a little dirt and a lot of passion can transform lives.

But that’s just the beginning! We also explore the delicate balance between ambition and contentment in raising kids, reflect on how punk rock rebellion shapes unconventional career paths, and take a deep dive into the realities of homelessness and the power of service learning. From urban farming to breaking societal norms, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and leave you rethinking the unexpected paths life can take. 

Have you ever wondered about the hidden heroes in your child's school? Meet Tom Guzman, a school custodian who found his passion in an unexpected career path at his child's elementary school. Tom's story will inspire you, as we explore how he transforms his role into a cornerstone of the school community. From breaking up bullying incidents to rescuing lost lunchboxes from rooftops, Tom's dedication goes beyond the mop and bucket. 

We explore the personal growth and joy found in school maintenance work. Our conversations reveal how the simple act of high-fiving students can bring immense satisfaction, transforming routines into meaningful interactions. Discover the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a safe and functional school environment, and how faith and self-reflection can guide a fulfilling career path—even if it's found later in life.

Discover the art of building lasting relationships with the unassuming yet insightful Scott Fosgard, a 40 year public relations veteran. Despite his introverted nature, Scott has expertly navigated the world of media, government, and employee relations, turning what some might see as a challenge into his greatest asset. Through this episode, listeners will learn how Scott's journey from aspiring sports reporter to PR entrepreneur underscores the power of networking and the hidden potential of every connection.

Join us as we unravel the fine balancing act between extroversion and introversion in public relations and event management. We uncover the strategies behind creating memorable interactions with everyone from journalists to waiters in your local restaurant. emphasizing how genuine connections can lead to a long lasting and successful career.

From navigating pivotal career decisions to the unexpected leap into entrepreneurship at the age of 57, his story is a testament to how a solid reputation and strong relationships can open doors even in the face of uncertainty. As we wrap up, there's a heartfelt reflection on gratitude and the thrill of exploring new opportunities, reminding us all of the beauty in embracing the unknown.