Life's Checkmark: Overcoming Adversity, Finding Purpose

Surviving Trauma & Finding Strength: RJ Fisher's Journey from Survival to Advocacy EP | 161

This week on Life's Checkmark, I'm joined by RJ Fisher, a prison guard, writer, and single mom who shares the gripping account of surviving a violent attack by an ex-boyfriend and the real steps she took to rebuild her life. RJ talks openly about her struggles with trauma, the challenges of single parenting, and her mission to help others heal with practical, honest advice. We unpack what it's like to face your hardest days, rediscover your purpose, and help others by changing perspectives. If you've ever felt stuck or alone, this episode will show you that strength can emerge even in the toughest moments.

Key Takeaways:

• Real steps for healing after trauma
• How to recognize and manage triggers
• Importance of building a supportive environment
• Finding new purpose through helping others
• The power of changing your perspective

Connect with RJ Fisher:

Website: https://www.girlthatgotout.com

Ready to start your podcast? Grab my free Podcast Worksheet now and take the first step toward your dream podcast https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Ready to elevate your podcasting game? Whether you're a podcaster, aspiring podcaster, or podcast guest enthusiast, the Podcaster's Hub is your go-to community! Click on the link to learn about all of the perks and Join! ⁠⁠https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Life's Checkmark Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-checkmark-real-journeys-inspiration-motivation/id1655532499

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RzjiymntY8HvP42EAcdjz?si=a7ccc512bd264ef7

Your Imposter Syndrome Brings Real Healing Breakthroughs with Kaile DuttonEP | 160

In this episode of Life's Checkmark, I sit down with Kaile Dutton, artist, energy healer, and all-around creative leader. Kaile gets real about living with chronic illness, moving past imposter syndrome, and resisting the pressure to fit into a business "box." We talk about her journey from burnout, learning to say no, embracing her eclectic background in art and healing, and what it really means to live and work from a place of truth. You'll walk away with real talk on self-value, listening to your intuition, and the power of letting yourself be multi-passionate. This one's for anyone who's ever felt stuck trying to fit in or pressured to niche down. Tune in and see just how much permission you have to just be… you.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity matters more than "niching down"
• Art and music can spark real healing and connection
• Chronic illness can lead to powerful self-discovery
• Learning to say no is a vital skill
• Valuing yourself changes everything

Connect with Kaile Dutton:

Art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaile.dutton.art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaile.dutton

Become a member of Podcaster's Hub https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.lifescheckmark.com

Ready to start your podcast? Grab my free Podcast Worksheet now and take the first step toward your dream podcast https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Ready to elevate your podcasting game? Whether you're a podcaster, aspiring podcaster, or podcast guest enthusiast, the Podcaster's Hub is your go-to community! Click on the link to learn about all of the perks and Join! ⁠https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastersub

Life's Checkmark Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-checkmark-real-journeys-inspiration-motivation/id1655532499

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RzjiymntY8HvP42EAcdjz?si=a7ccc512bd264ef7

Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts: Rob Baugh's Brain Injury Has Purpose EP | 159 LCPodcast

In this episode of Life's Checkmark, I sit down with Rob for an honest talk about living with a traumatic brain injury and how it completely changed his life. Rob opens up about the struggles he faces from nonstop headaches to memory loss and depression and how support groups, music, and sharing his story became his road forward. We discuss his podcast, support community, and his book, "My Life Rewired," which all aim to help others facing trauma find hope and connection. If you or someone you know is picking up the pieces after a major setback, this episode is packed with inspiration, advice, and resources. Ready to share your journey or help someone else? Listen in and connect with us!

Key Takeaways:

• Adapting to life after a brain injury
• Finding hope through support groups
• How creativity can be therapeutic
• The critical role of caregivers
• Turning trauma into a new purpose

Connect with Rob:

Website and resources: https://www.myliferewired.com

Listen to Rob's podcast: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@liferewiredpodcast

Podcasters are growing their podcast inside Podcaster's Hub https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.lifescheckmark.com

Ready to start your podcast? Grab my free Podcast Worksheet now and take the first step toward your dream podcast: https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Listen to Life's Checkmark Podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-checkmark-real-journeys-inspiration-motivation/id1655532499

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RzjiymntY8HvP42EAcdjz?si=a7ccc512bd264ef7

Ready to start your podcast? Grab your free "Know Your Why For Podcasting" worksheet now and take the first step toward your dream podcast:

https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Mindset, Sustainability, and Awakening: The Shocking Power of Saying Yes to Your True Calling with Anastasia Sheldon EP | 158

This episode of Life's Checkmark, I'm joined by Anastasia, an inspiring woman who left behind a familiar, "okay" life in the San Francisco Bay Area to listen to her inner guidance and step into a new mission. Anastasia shares how a quiet whisper during the chaos of 2020 pushed her to make radical changes: ending a decades-long marriage, leaving her career, and starting a regenerative farm in Taos, New Mexico. We talk about the power of aligning with your purpose, letting go of the status quo, and the miracles that can unfold when you finally listen to that nudge inside. Anastasia's honesty about fear, grief, and transformation will encourage you to consider what mission might be waiting for you, too.

Key Takeaways:

• Listening to your inner guidance can change your life
• The universe has bigger plans than you can imagine
• Career "detours" often prepare you for your purpose
• Making scary moves opens the door to miracles
• Healing and renewal are possible at any stage of life

Connect with Anastasia:

Harmony Taos Farm: https://www.harmonytaosfarm.com

Blue Star Intuition: https://www.bluestarintuition.com

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.lifescheckmark.com

Ready to start your podcast? Grab your free "Know Your Why For Podcasting" worksheet now and take the first step toward your dream podcast: https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Ready to elevate your podcasting game? Whether you're a podcaster, an aspiring podcaster, or a podcast guest enthusiast, the Podcaster's Hub is your go-to community! Click on the link to learn about all of the perks and join! https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Listen to Life's Checkmark Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-checkmark-real-journeys-inspiration-motivation/id1655532499

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RzjiymntY8HvP42EAcdjz?si=a7ccc512bd264ef7

Mental Health, Finding Your Path, and The Power of Gratitude with Stefan Walter EP | 157

On this episode of Life's Checkmark, I sit down with Stefan Walter, business owner, father, podcaster, and mental health advocate. Stefan gets real about overcoming serious challenges, including bullying and a life-changing suicide attempt, and how those moments led him toward gratitude, helping others, and building businesses around purpose. We talk about finding meaning after feeling lost, the lessons you learn during the hard times, and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters so much. If you've ever struggled with your own mental health, business setbacks, or want to find more meaning in your path, you'll relate to Stefan's journey and leave inspired to keep moving forward.

5 Key Takeaways:

• Gratitude is a game-changer for your mindset
• Turn pain into purpose by helping others
• Self-investment leads to real growth
• The right support network really matters
• Failure is part of the journey to success

Connect with Stefan Walter:

Madman Plant (Mental health + Cannabis brand & podcast): https://www.madmanplant.com

Good Luck Stef (Stefan's video production company): https://www.goodluckstef.com

Podcaster's Hub is your go-to community! Click on the link to learn about all of the perks and join! ⁠⁠https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.lifescheckmark.com

Ready to start your podcast? Grab my free PDF to find your why to have a podcast. https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Ready to elevate your podcasting game? Whether you're a podcaster, an aspiring podcaster, or a podcast guest enthusiast, the Podcaster's Hub is your go-to community! Click on the link to learn about all of the perks and join! ⁠⁠https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Life's Checkmark Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-checkmark-real-journeys-inspiration-motivation/id1655532499

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RzjiymntY8HvP42EAcdjz?si=a7ccc512bd264ef7

How To Truly Support Men's Mental Health After the Awareness Month Ends EP | 156

In this special episode of Life's Checkmark, I'm taking a moment to highlight why Men's Mental Health Month shouldn't just be a "one and done" reminder. I open up about the ongoing struggles men face, inside and outside that dedicated month, and why it's so important to keep the conversation and support alive all year. Whether you're a man working through your own challenges or someone close to one, I encourage you to create space, listen, and reach out. Let's support each other, not just in June, but every single day. Listen in for personal stories, practical advice, and a call to keep these conversations going.

Key Takeaways:

• Men's struggles are ongoing, not just monthly
• Listening can be more powerful than advice
• Don't isolate—reach out and get support
• Sharing your story helps others, too
• Simple steps can boost your mental health

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.lifescheckmark.com

Ready to start your podcast? Grab my free Podcast Worksheet now and take the first step toward your dream podcast https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Ready to elevate your podcasting game? Whether you're a podcaster, an aspiring podcaster, or a podcast guest enthusiast, the Podcaster's Hub is your go-to community! Click on the link to learn about all of the perks and join! ⁠⁠https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Life's Checkmark Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-checkmark-real-journeys-inspiration-motivation/id1655532499

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RzjiymntY8HvP42EAcdjz?si=a7ccc512bd264ef7

How Faith, Forgiveness, and Lipstick Fueled Elena Rodriguez's Incredible Comeback EP | 155

In this episode of Life's Checkmark, I sit down with Elena Rodriguez, also known as the Comeback Queen. We talk about her powerful journey through unexpected loss, heartbreak, and rebuilding her life from the ground up. From selling her belongings to start a lipstick business in her mom's recliner, to hosting her own events and launching the ProsperityV Network, Elena opens up about faith, forgiveness, and the true grit it takes to turn pain into strength. If you've ever felt stuck, this episode is your reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your story.

Key Takeaways:

• Turning pain into personal power
• How faith and forgiveness drive new beginnings
• Building a business from nothing
• Why worst-case thinking leads to solutions
• Embracing "shitty first drafts" for growth

Connect with Elena Rodriguez:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comebackqueenelena

Website: https://www.showyourcrown.com

Lipstick line: https://www.besitosbeauty.com

Email: [email protected]

Prospera TV Network: https://www.youtube.com/@prosperatvnetwork

Surrender to Rise Event: https://surrendertorise.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.lifescheckmark.com

Ready to start your podcast? Grab my free Podcast Worksheet now and take the first step toward your dream podcast https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Ready to elevate your podcasting game? Whether you're a podcaster, an aspiring podcaster, or a podcast guest enthusiast, the Podcaster's Hub is your go-to community! Click on the link to learn about all of the perks and join! ⁠⁠https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Listen to Life's Checkmark Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-checkmark-real-journeys-inspiration-motivation/id1655532499

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RzjiymntY8HvP42EAcdjz?si=a7ccc512bd264ef7

Join Podcaster's Hub https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Growth, Gratitude, and Pinball Machines: Richard Blank's Unconventional Leadership EP | 154

In this episode of Life's Checkmark, I chat with Richard Blank, the dynamic CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center. Richard's story goes from growing up in Philadelphia with a love for Spanish, all the way to building a thriving business in Costa Rica. He talks about breaking the mold, dealing with expectations, and why communication is his secret weapon, plus how he uses everything from neon lights to pinball machines to create a workplace where people truly grow. If you're ready to hear about betting on yourself and picking up real-world skills you can use anywhere in life, you don't want to miss this!

Key Takeaways:

• Bet on yourself and take bold chances
• Build real language and communication skills
• Stay humble but persistent in your journey
• Create a company culture that truly supports growth
• Old-school wisdom still works in business today

Connect with Richard Blank:

Email: [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.lifescheckmark.com

Ready to start your podcast? Grab my free Podcast Worksheet now and take the first step toward your dream podcast https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Ready to elevate your podcasting game? Whether you're a podcaster, aspiring podcaster, or podcast guest enthusiast, the Podcaster's Hub is your go-to community! Click on the link to learn about all of the perks and Join! ⁠⁠https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Listen to Life's Checkmark Podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-checkmark-real-journeys-inspiration-motivation/id1655532499

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RzjiymntY8HvP42EAcdjz?si=a7ccc512bd264ef7

Escaping a Cult, Finding Purpose: Martha's Journey Through Hell & Toward Healing EP | 153

In this episode of Life's Checkmark, I talk with Martha Kartaoui, an incredible woman who escaped a life of strict control and trauma in a religious cult. Together, we unpack Martha's brave journey and how she found the strength to break free, face her past, and use her story to help others heal. Martha opens up about what it means to be a "battle angel," the hard choices she made for her future, and the role faith played in her healing. This episode is all about hope, resilience, and the power of choice. If you or someone you know is carrying weight from the past, Martha's insights and honesty will lift you up.

5 Key Takeaways:

• Trauma looks different for everyone
• Healing is a choice and a journey
• You are not your pain or your past
• Connection fuels growth and resilience
• Faith and self-worth shape recovery

Connect with Martha Kartaoui:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martha.kartaoui

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marthakartaoui/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=let%20glory%20shine&t=1749513531289

Let Glory Shine TV On Prospera Network https://www.youtube.com/@prosperatvnetwork

Get Martha's book: Glory Going All In https://a.co/d/8Czob03

Subscribe to our newsletter:

https://www.lifescheckmark.com

Ready to start your podcast? Grab my free Podcast Worksheet now and take the first step toward your dream podcast:

https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Ready to elevate your podcasting game? Whether you're a podcaster, an aspiring podcaster, or a podcast guest enthusiast, the Podcaster's Hub is your go-to community! Learn about all of the perks and Join!

⁠⁠https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Listen to Life's Checkmark Podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-checkmark-real-journeys-inspiration-motivation/id1655532499

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RzjiymntY8HvP42EAcdjz?si=a7ccc512bd264ef7

From Setbacks to Big Wins: Why Missing Out Could Actually Change Your Life EP | 152

In this episode of Life's Checkmark, I'm sharing my recent adventure from Pennsylvania to Texas, where I overcame setbacks and made new friends along the way. From a pulled calf muscle and a busted car to meeting amazing people I'd only known online, I reveal the ups and downs, the power of in-person connection, and how unexpected roadblocks often lead us exactly where we're meant to be. You'll get the inside scoop on the faith and business event I attended, tips from my podcasting journey, and a reminder that we ALL have a story worth sharing. So here's my call to action—share YOUR journey, take that leap, and see where life leads. Tune in, get inspired, and let's keep growing together!

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming obstacles before a big trip
• Power of in-person connections through podcasting
• Growth from attending live events
• Unexpected opportunities from saying yes
• Simple ways to get started in podcasting

Connect with Jon Emery:

Website: https://www.lifescheckmark.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.emery.167

Email: [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.lifescheckmark.com

Ready to start your podcast? Grab my free Podcast Worksheet now and take the first step toward your dream podcast https://www.lifescheckmark.com/freeresource

Ready to elevate your podcasting game? Whether you're a podcaster, aspiring podcaster, or podcast guest enthusiast, the Podcaster's Hub is your go-to community! Click on the link to learn about all of the perks and Join! ⁠⁠https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

Listen to Life's Checkmark Podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-checkmark-real-journeys-inspiration-motivation/id1655532499

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RzjiymntY8HvP42EAcdjz?si=a7ccc512bd264ef7

@lifescheckmark