Life Shift | True Stories of Healing, Grief & Loss

This is episode 9 of my other podcast: It’s Okay If… Permission Slips for Mental Health, Self-Acceptance, and Growth

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Doing nothing can feel uncomfortable, especially when you care deeply about your work, your goals, or the people you're showing up for. But sometimes, pushing through becomes too much.

This short reflection is a reminder that rest isn’t laziness.

Taking a break isn’t a failure.

Pausing doesn’t mean you’ve given up – it means you’re listening to what you need.

If you’re feeling the weight of burnout, this is your permission slip to stop producing for a moment, to let things breathe, and to remember that stillness is its own kind of strength.

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What if we treated everyone like they were stage four of something?

We’re all carrying something we can’t always see. In this episode, I talk with author and storyteller Adam Erwin about what happens when we slow down and choose to lean in, to really see people instead of scanning past them. Adam shares the life-altering moment on a post-9/11 flight that changed how he moves through the world and ultimately led him to launch a multi-year project: interviewing strangers on airplanes and capturing their stories in his book Lessons from Coach.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to make a difference, Adam’s story is a reminder that presence is power. By leaning into the moment, we don’t just change someone else’s day.

We change ourselves, too.

Takeaways from Adam’s life shift:

🎧 Listen now at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/189

Guest Bio:

Adam Erwin is a speaker and author of three books. His latest book, Lessons From Coach: Restoring Empathy, Curiosity, and Being Present One Flight At a Time, captures the lessons he learned from passengers that he interviewed on plane flights... in coach. Adam is a father of two daughters, a fitness and health enthusiast, and is on a mission to challenge others to see more value in the person next to you. Learn more about Adam, his books, and his work at authoradamerwin.com.

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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Jealousy can feel uncomfortable – even shameful. But it's also human. You might feel it when someone else gets the opportunity you’ve been dreaming of, or when their joy highlights something you still deeply want.

This short reflection offers a compassionate reminder: jealousy doesn’t make you bad or ungrateful.

It often points to a dream or desire within you that still matters.

Instead of pushing the feeling away or layering it with guilt, this episode invites you to notice it, name it, and let it move through without judgment.

You're allowed to feel jealous and still be kind to yourself.

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What do you do when your partner says, “I have tumors in my lungs and spine”?

We don’t get instructions for that kind of moment. And we definitely don’t get told what it means to carry someone you love through the hardest, slowest, most beautiful goodbye. In this episode, I talk with Tony Stewart—writer, partner, caregiver—about what shifted the day his wife, Lynn, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and what he learned as they walked through the next six years together.

This conversation isn’t just about loss.

It’s about presence.

And what happens when you let yourself feel every bit of it.

🎧 Listen to this episode now to hear how love and grief reshaped one man’s understanding of what it means to live.

Tony Stewart is the author of *Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving*, a memoir chronicling the six years he spent walking alongside his wife through her terminal illness. Originally written as journal entries to keep friends and family updated, the story became a powerful testament to love, presence, and emotional truth. Tony now shares his journey to help others feel less alone in their own grief and caregiving experiences. Learn more at tonystewartauthor.com.

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some feelings show up without warning – and without a name. You’re not sad, not exactly anxious, not even sure what’s wrong… but something feels off. And when you can’t explain it, the urge to fix it gets louder.

This short reflection is a reminder that not every emotion needs a label. Not every ache needs to be solved right away. Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is feel it – even if you don’t understand it yet.

If you’ve ever woken up heavy for no clear reason, this is your permission slip to stop searching for the perfect words and just let the feeling be.

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From walking out of school to creating art worldwide, Danny Suede chose his own way forward.

What if the life you want is just past the fear?

So many of us stay stuck because the obstacles are loud and obvious — the job, the money, the expectations. But the route to the life we dream about?

That path is quiet.

Subtle.

Hidden.

In this episode, I talk with artist and creative nomad Danny Suede about the bold decision he made as a teenager that changed everything, and how that one moment opened the door to a life he never imagined — one full of art, travel, and purposeful creation.

Danny’s story reminds us that we can reimagine what “normal” looks like. That there’s nothing wrong with choosing something different. And that starting before you’re ready might just be the bravest thing you ever do.

Takeaways:

Danny Suede is an indie/pop artist, musician, and visual creator who embodies the mantra, "Life Can Be More Of What You Dream."

Beyond his music, Danny shares his perspective through his Substack writings and explores creativity through his own art and visuals. He also creates captivating videos on YouTube to inspire a global audience.

Danny has retired from social media to fully dedicate himself to his craft. He embraces a nomadic lifestyle that allows him to create without distraction. In 2025, he’ll travel the world, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and experiences to shape his music, storytelling, and art.

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are days when holding it all together just isn’t possible. And despite what we’ve been taught – to push through, to stay strong, to keep showing up – sometimes the bravest thing we can do is let ourselves break.

If you're carrying grief, burnout, or just too much of everything, this short reflection is your reminder that falling apart doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

You don’t have to be the strong one all the time. You don’t have to keep it all together today. You’re allowed to set something down – even just for now – and let that be enough.

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What if your superpower was secretly destroying your life?

Ian Fee spent decades thinking alcohol was his key to connection – his edge in business and relationships. He built a successful career, a massive network, and a party-filled life that looked like everything was working. But beneath the surface, he was numb, disconnected, and silently unraveling.

Everything changed on the third day of rehab, when a moment of clarity hit: if he wasn't right with himself, nothing else would ever be right. That spark ignited a complete shift. Since then, Ian's found deeper purpose through daily routines, emotional healing, and a strong core of support. He's sharing his story not just to reflect, but to help others know it's never too late to change your life.

Takeaways:

Topics Discussed:

Websites:

makeitgreat.me – Ian's personal site with merch and info

Amazon – The Wild Ride to Sobriety by Ian Fee

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This bonus episode brings back Elizabeth Rosenberg, a past guest on The Life Shift, to reflect on her journey since we last chatted. She shares how her perspective has evolved over the months, particularly regarding vulnerability and sharing personal stories. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of leaning into our truths and how doing so can lead to unexpected growth and healing. It’s fascinating to hear how her experiences have shaped not just her personal life but also her professional endeavors.

If you're curious about the impact of sharing your story and the shifts that can follow, this conversation is definitely for you.

The Life Shift Rewind

I’m excited to share bonus episodes from Patreon, where I revisited past guests to discuss what has changed and the value of sharing their stories. Since I currently only have the lower tiers available, I wanted to make these conversations accessible to the public feed. If you'd like to support the show directly, please consider joining the $3 or $5 tier on Patreon – www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in a world that celebrates hustle – where being busy is often mistaken for being worthy. But what happens when your body, your mind, or your spirit asks you to slow down?

If your energy isn’t what it used to be, or if your to-do list feels more like pressure than purpose, that’s not failure.

It’s feedback.

This short reflection is a gentle reminder that rest counts. Presence counts. You don’t have to produce to prove your value. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is stop and breathe.

You’re allowed to be.

That’s enough.

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