LIVE with The Famous Unshakeable™ Dr. AL

Living Boldly with Lana Starchuk

From Theater to the Skies

In this inspiring episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Lana Starchuk, a five-time formation skydiving record holder with two gold medals and more than 1,000 jumps to her name. Lana’s story begins in an unexpected place—while studying theater in Montreal, she agreed to accompany a friend’s son on a skydive. That first leap in the late 1990s ignited a passion that would later grow into a pursuit of competitive skydiving and personal transformation. After an 11-year hiatus, Lana returned to the sport, earned her solo license, and went on to set records, blending her daring athletic feats with a creative career as a writer, producer, educator, and speaker.

Embracing Fear and Redefining Failure

Dr. Lycka and Lana dive deep into the idea that growth and comfort cannot coexist. Lana shares how fear can be reframed as possibility, potential, and opportunity rather than something to avoid. Drawing parallels between skydiving and business, she explains that risk-taking, trust, and resilience are essential ingredients for innovation and success. Lana is candid about setbacks in her career, including being let go from full-time positions, and how these moments became springboards for reinvention. Instead of seeing failure as defeat, she views it as valuable data—information that can guide the next steps. This perspective forms the foundation of her upcoming book, What Happens When Your Parachute Doesn’t Open and Other Successes, which encourages readers to see failures as stepping stones toward growth.

Living a Fantastic Life

Throughout the conversation, Lana and Dr. Lycka explore the stages of survival, stability, success, significance, and legacy. Lana emphasizes authenticity, kindness, and trust in the process as keys to living fully. She reminds listeners that impermanence is part of life—both joy and hardship are temporary—and that courage often comes from taking small, consistent steps. Whether in skydiving, creative pursuits, or leadership, Lana champions starting before you feel ready, embracing change, and choosing to lead with kindness. Her insights resonate as a powerful reminder that everyone has the tools within them to thrive, give back, and live a truly fantastic life.

Connect with Lana Starchuk

Lana’s forthcoming book is scheduled for release in 2026. To join the waitlist, sign up for her newsletter, or read excerpts as they’re released, visit www.lanastarchuk.com. There you’ll also find her monthly Resilience Reset newsletter, offering fresh perspectives on the inner strengths we all possess.

Connect with Dr. Allen Lycka

For weekly pearls of wisdom and more resources, visit www.drallenlycka.com. You can also support the show at Patreon.com/Dral99 or BuyMeACoffee.com/Dral99

BIO:  

Lana Starchuck is a five-time formation skydiving record holder, including two gold medals, and has over 1000 skydives. She has a portfolio career as a writer, editor, producer, and speaker with a background in theatre, journalism, education, communications, and creative writing. Her next book, What Happens When Your Parachute Doesn’t Open and Other Failures Successes is a self-help book to help you confront your fear, reframe failure, and get moving in a new direction. More at http://lanastarchuck.com/ 

Social Media Links:

https://lanastarchuck.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanastarchuck/

https://www.instagram.com/lanastarchuck/

https://substack.com/@lanastarchuck

https://www.youtube.com/@LanaStarchuck

https://www.facebook.com/lana.starchuck/

https://substack.com/@lanastarchuck

Peter Samuelson: Finding Happiness Through Film, Philanthropy, and Life Lessons

Guest: Peter Samuelson

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Introduction

In this episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Peter Samuelson, a Cambridge-educated film producer with over 20 major films to his credit, including Revenge of the Nerds, Tom & Viv, and Arlington Road. Beyond filmmaking, Peter is a visionary at the intersection of media and social impact, co-founding the Starlight Children’s Foundation with Steven Spielberg and launching multiple nonprofit initiatives for vulnerable communities. Peter blends storytelling with purpose, showing how entertainment can drive meaningful change.

Career Journey and Early Life

Peter shares his early life in London, where a dedicated English teacher encouraged him to pursue higher education despite coming from a family with no university history. Earning a scholarship to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, he studied medieval English literature, then leveraged his language skills to interpret for visiting Americans. One connection led to a career opportunity in Los Angeles, marking the start of his film-producing journey. He reflects on becoming a proud American and embracing the opportunities afforded by the American dream.

Blending Film and Social Impact

Peter discusses how, 25 years ago, he realized films could move society forward beyond entertainment. As a producer, he discovered he could use his entrepreneurial skill set to raise awareness about social issues while creating impactful stories. He emphasizes the toolkit of leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving that filmmakers carry from project to project, which applies equally to nonprofit work.

Nonprofit Initiatives and Mentorship

Peter highlights his work with First Star, a program that supports foster youth by providing housing, education, and mentorship, helping them access higher education opportunities. He explains that his book, Finding Happy, grew from this experience, aiming to guide young adults through challenges of adolescence, risk-taking, relationships, and personal growth. Peter shares vivid examples of youthful mistakes and how learning from them shapes resilience and decision-making, including stories from Morocco and his teenage years.

Lessons on Happiness and Meaning

Drawing from his life, Peter emphasizes that happiness comes from helping others, using one’s talents, and taking meaningful action. He advises Gen Z and young adults to engage in volunteer work, seek mentors, and approach life thoughtfully. Peter also recounts the origin of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, illustrating how collaboration, generosity, and creativity can bring ideas to life while impacting countless lives.

Book and Resources

Peter’s book, Finding Happy: A User’s Guide to Life, is available in paperback, e-book, audiobook, and at retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target. Designed for ages 15–30, it provides guidance on building resilience, finding love, and navigating life’s challenges. Peter’s hands-on approach encourages readers to apply lessons from his experiences to their own journey.

BIO: 

Peter Samuelson is a Cambridge-educated film producer whose career spans over 20 major films, including Revenge of the Nerds, Tom & Viv, and Arlington Road. A visionary at the intersection of media and social impact, he co-founded the Starlight Children’s Foundation with Steven Spielberg and launched multiple nonprofit initiatives supporting vulnerable communities. Peter continues to blend storytelling and social purpose through his work in film, innovation, and philanthropy.

Social media Links 

https://www.samuelson.la/ 

https://www.instagram.com/petergsamuelson/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersamuelson 

https://www.facebook.com/petergsamuelson/ 

https://www.simonandschuster.ca/authors/Peter-Samuelson/236619367 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A4EgCG1Zyg 

Leadership Without Limits: Tim Lupinacci on Influence, Courage, and Living a Fantastic Life

Introduction

In this episode of the Celebrity Edition Podcast, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Tim Lupinacci, CEO and Chair of Baker Donelson, one of the 100 largest law firms in the United States. Leading over 1,300 team members across 24 offices, Tim is a passionate advocate for practical leadership and founder of the nonprofit Everybody Leads. His podcast of the same name highlights changemakers from boardrooms to the front lines, sharing personal journeys shaped by resilience, ownership, and growth. Today, Tim empowers listeners to lead regardless of title or background.

Tim’s Leadership Journey

Tim’s path began as a young lawyer without role models, where a critical early mistake taught him the importance of ownership and responsibility. That experience sparked a decades-long journey to understand what it truly means to lead. He emphasizes that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about influence, impact, and helping others achieve their goals. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Roman concept of anti ambulo—clearing the path for others—Tim believes leadership is about enabling others to succeed while fostering purpose and growth.

Defining Leadership and Courage

Tim and Dr. Lycka explore the qualities of unshakable leadership: having a compass instead of a map and inspiring others to follow. Tim shares his daily acronym for COURAGE: Confidence, Out front, Unshakable, Resilience, Adaptable, Growth mindset, and Encourager. He explains how each principle guides his leadership style and daily decision-making, including practical habits such as journaling successes, setbacks, and tomorrow’s priorities to maintain focus and growth. Encouragement, he notes, is often the most overlooked yet critical component of leadership.

Living a Fantastic Life

Beyond professional success, Tim emphasizes daily disciplines to nurture mental health and personal fulfillment. Morning reading, journaling, walking, digital sabbaths, and immersion in creative arts help him show up fully. He encourages listeners to identify activities that energize them, prioritize relationships, and maintain intentional habits. Tim also highlights the value of regular conversations with a therapist as a tool for reflection, mental wellness, and sustained leadership effectiveness.

Resources and Closing

Tim’s book, Everybody Leads: How You Lead and Why It Matters, offers practical strategies for leadership, resilience, and influence. Available on Amazon and via everybodyleads.org, it complements his nonprofit’s mission. Connect with Tim on LinkedIn and Instagram, or visit bakerdonelson.com to explore his work. Dr. Lycka encourages listeners to visit drallenlycka.com and subscribe to Golden Pearls for weekly insights to live a fantastic life.

BIO: 

Tim Lupinacci is the CEO and Chair of Baker Donelson, one of the 100 largest law firms in the U.S., where he leads over 1,300 team members across 24 offices. A passionate “leadership junkie,” he founded the nonprofit Everybody Leads to bring practical leadership training to underserved communities and hosts a podcast of the same name featuring changemakers from boardrooms to the front lines. With a powerful personal journey shaped by lessons in ownership, resilience, and growth, Tim empowers others to lead—regardless of title or background.

Social Media Links:

www.bakerdonelson.com

www.everybodyleads.org 

https://www.instagram.com/timlupinacci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lupinacci

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1XpDFby2pE 

Living a Fantastic Life with Wendy Brookhouse

Building Wealth Beyond the Numbers

In this episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Wendy Brookhouse, founder and chief strategist of Black Star Wealth in Halifax, Canada. Wendy has built a reputation for simplifying how clients grow and protect wealth—not by focusing only on the math, but by paying close attention to behaviors and decision-making. As an author of Burn Your Budget and host of The Real Bottom Line podcast, Wendy empowers business owners and professionals to create financial strategies that align with their values while planning for both today and tomorrow.

Her journey into financial advising began over two decades ago when she realized she could improve the way people were served. By staying independent from the beginning, Wendy learned to build products and services that met people where they were, instead of pushing standard industry formulas. That independence laid the foundation for her practical, client-first approach that has shaped her career.

The Secrets Business Owners Miss

Wendy reveals that too many entrepreneurs ignore key principles that determine long-term success. She stresses the importance of paying yourself first, while also preparing for the reality that not every business is sellable in the future. Life can change suddenly—through illness, divorce, or business partner disputes—and without preparation, owners risk losing everything they’ve built.

One of Wendy’s strongest recommendations is for leaders to track cash flow weekly and assess business value regularly. She explains how businesses can command higher valuations when they are structured to run independently of their founders. In addition, she highlights how mispricing products and failing to understand costs quietly destroy margins. She compares perceived value to the difference between a Rolex and a Timex—both tell time, but the one positioned as an icon generates greater returns.

Creating a Life and Business That Lasts

Together with Dr. Lycka, Wendy explores how successful owners balance financial prudence with opportunity. She explains when debt is a strategic tool versus a red flag, how to keep a sales funnel healthy, and why a simple money dashboard helps owners make smarter decisions. She also emphasizes the critical role of building a unique selling proposition that cuts through marketplace noise and connects with the right clients.

Connect with Wendy Brookhouse:

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: Wendy Brookhouse
• Website: BlackStarWealth.com

BIO:

Wendy Brookhouse knows how to find, keep and grow your wealth. She is the Founder and Chief Strategist of Black Star Wealth where she weaves in her experience in business consulting, business ownership, and focusing on simplification to achieve outstanding results. Knowing that creating wealth takes more than just math, Wendy addresses the baggage and behaviors that keep people from doing what is in their own financial interests.Wendy is a Certified Financial Planner with an Executive MBA and she’s the author of Burn Your Budget: How to Spend Your Way to Financial Freedom. She serves on the faculty of the Women’s Leadership Intensive; served as chair and a director of Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia and Junior Achievement of Canada. She is a media ambassador for FP Canada and the host of The Real Bottom Line, a podcast featuring entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. She loves Rugby and is always ready to travel for a good concert.

Social Media Links:

1. Black Star Wealth – Halifax Financial Advisors
2. Black Star Wealth | Halifax NS | Facebook
3. Wendy Brookhouse | Financial Confidence, Delivered - YouTube
4. Black Star Wealth (@blackstarwealth) • Instagram photos and videos
5. https://ca.linkedin.com/in/wendybrookhouse?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_mweb&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile

Protecting Your Spine for a Lifetime

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, a board-certified spinal surgeon serving patients in New York and New Jersey. Specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery and motion-preserving techniques, Dr. Okubadejo treats herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. His mission extends beyond the operating room—he is passionate about prevention, education, and helping people take control of their spinal health before problems become chronic.

Dr. Okubadejo begins by sharing three habits he wishes everyone would adopt: mindfulness in movement, regular stretching, and strengthening routines. He stresses that the majority of spinal injuries are preventable when individuals maintain strong cores and practice proper biomechanics. For office workers, he advises setting timers to take breaks, resetting posture, and using tools like standing desks or stability balls. He also emphasizes that employers can save significant resources by educating their teams about spine health.

Busting Myths About Back Pain and Surgery

Many people fear that back pain is permanent or that visiting a spine surgeon guarantees surgery. Dr. Okubadejo dispels these misconceptions, explaining that most treatment plans are non-surgical and may involve physical therapy, home exercises, or pain management. For patients requiring surgery, he clarifies that modern approaches are designed to restore activity, not limit it. Success depends not only on surgical skill but also on patient discipline during recovery. Rushing back into strenuous activity too soon can delay healing.

He also warns against cracking your own spine or visiting untrained practitioners. Without imaging and a clear diagnosis, such actions can be dangerous, particularly in the neck. Instead, patients should seek guidance from qualified spine specialists who can safely assess their condition.

Innovations, Recovery, and Living Well

Advances in robotics, minimally invasive techniques, and imaging technology have revolutionized spine care. Today, surgeons can operate with greater precision, reduce radiation exposure, and deliver better outcomes with less tissue disruption. Dr. Okubadejo highlights that the future will continue to bring safer, more effective solutions, but emphasizes that AI will never replace the human surgeon’s judgment and expertise.

Drawing on his experiences treating elite athletes, he notes that core strength, balance, and discipline are universal keys to spinal health. He encourages everyday patients to adopt similar habits, stressing that small, consistent routines lead to lasting wellness. For those facing surgery, he urges open communication with their surgeon, realistic expectations, and strict adherence to recovery plans.

Outside the operating room, Dr. Okubadejo finds balance through family and a dedicated fitness routine. Rising before dawn to train, he lives the principles he teaches—movement, discipline, and resilience. His story of a once bedbound patient who danced with joy after surgery captures the life-changing potential of proper spine care.

To learn more about Dr. Okubadejo’s work, visit www.NYNJspine.com, www.wellnessfocuscomprehensivewellnesshealth.com, or www.360coreboard.com

BIO: 

Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo is a board-certified spinal surgeon based in the New York and New Jersey area, specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery and motion-preserving techniques. He treats a wide range of spinal conditions including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.  

Social Media Links 

https://nynjspine.com/ 

www.wellnessfocuscomprehensivewellnesshealth.com 

www.360coreboard.com  

Ron Stotts – Conscious Leadership and the Power of Big Mind

From Struggle to Awakening

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Dr. Ron Stotts—three-time bestselling author, PhD in psychology, and Doctor of Chiropractic—who has dedicated his life to helping leaders evolve through conscious awareness. Ron’s journey began with early success as an athlete and Marine, but his time in the military revealed a painful truth: he was living a life that wasn’t aligned with his deeper values. This realization left him broken and suicidal, yet it also opened the door to transformation. Choosing life over despair, Ron began searching for greater meaning, launching a path that blended education, psychology, spiritual wisdom, and human potential.

The Role of Ancient Wisdom

Ron explains how ancient practices such as conscious breathing and emotional awareness play a critical role in leadership and personal growth. He describes how, as children, many of us suppress emotions in order to be loved and accepted. Over time, this creates an “inner cave” of unprocessed feelings that limit our ability to live fully. By reconnecting with our breath and reparenting the inner child, we release these hidden parts of ourselves. This integration allows us to experience confidence, compassion, and wholeness—qualities essential for both life and leadership.

Conscious Leadership and Big Mind

Conscious leadership, Ron says, begins with self-awareness. As we quiet the mind and bring subconscious patterns into consciousness, our neurological wiring shifts, enabling higher-level thinking. Yet leadership is not just about strategy and foresight. By accessing what Ron calls “Big Mind,” we tap into a deeper wisdom that bridges all brain frequencies through the Alpha bridge. In this state, leaders can approach challenges with presence, curiosity, and trust, drawing insights from the wholeness of who they are rather than fear-based control.

Healing, Resilience, and Results

Ron emphasizes that true resilience comes from embracing emotions once rejected in childhood. This healing work creates a foundation for empathy and connection, not only within ourselves but with others. Leaders who cultivate self-love and authenticity find themselves more connected at home and at work. Organizations led with openness and trust naturally become more collaborative and productive, often doubling their results. Studies show—and Ron confirms—that conscious leadership leads to measurable improvements in profits, creativity, and employee engagement.

Living a Fantastic Life

For Ron, living a fantastic life means creating an inspired one. He encourages listeners to shift from fear to love, to reparent the inner child, and to embrace every experience as a gift for growth. His advice to his younger self? Breathe, be curious, and be present. Life, he reminds us, is not about outthinking every problem but about trusting that each moment is designed to support our evolution. By daring to fall in love with ourselves, we step into the fullest expression of who we are and what we’re capable of becoming.

Learn More

To explore Ron’s work, visit www.ronstotts.com where you’ll find resources to begin your own inner journey. For more inspiration, golden pearls of wisdom, and a chance to win a luxury getaway, visit www.drallenlycka.com

BIO: 

Ron is a three times bestselling author with a PhD in psychology and a Dr. of Chiropractic. He's explored the depths of ancient wisdom and the latest in psychological, neurological studies, and leadership as he guides entrepreneurs and executives into the highest levels of conscious leadership.

Social Media Links:

https://ronstotts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DrRonStotts 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNV6D59C3InwlZmpAOVls_g

 https://instagram.com/ronstottsofficial 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ron-stotts-14143236/ 

https://twitter.com/stottsron 

Living a Fantastic Life with Deena Kordt

In this moving episode of Living a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Deena Kordt, a podcaster, publisher, author, and advocate dedicated to empowering others through storytelling and community. With a heart-centered mission, Deena brings hope and connection to those navigating life’s toughest challenges. She shares her powerful journey from invisibility to visibility, revealing how lived experience became the foundation of her purpose-driven work.

Becoming the Invisible Woman

Deena opens up about her early life in rural Saskatchewan, where silence and smallness were encouraged in her strict upbringing. This foundation of invisibility carried into over three decades of domestic abuse—abuse that was not always physical but deeply emotional and manipulative. Survival meant becoming unseen to protect herself and her children. She emphasizes that abuse often hides behind patterns of incidents, gradually undermining a person’s self-worth until they doubt their own reality.

The Turning Point

A brave friend became the catalyst for Deena’s transformation. When her friend revealed harmful actions by Deena’s then-husband, Deena finally recognized the truth of her own unsafe situation. Breaking her silence, she began to share her story, and this shift marked the beginning of her recovery from invisibility. She stresses the importance of identifying abuse as a repeated, destructive pattern and finding the courage to trust one’s instincts.

Building a Compassionate Community

From her healing journey, Deena’s mission grew. She now builds what she calls a “curiously compassionate community,” offering support and resources for others in similar struggles. Through her leadership of Divorce Magazine Canada and Life Changes Magazine, she opens conversations about abuse, divorce, and healing. She also hosts The Shift Happens Show, connecting people through dialogue and empowerment. Deena advocates for awareness, reminding us that abuse is far more widespread than reported, with many victims not realizing they are living in abusive dynamics.

Advice for Those Ready to Leave

For individuals recognizing abuse in their lives, Deena offers three critical steps:

1. Tell someone you trust—and if they don’t believe you, tell someone else.
2. Document everything—keep track of incidents, words, and behaviors to reveal harmful patterns.
3. Prepare to leave safely—gather important documents, medications, and essentials in advance, ideally storing them with someone supportive.

Living a Fantastic Life

Despite her hardships, Deena embodies optimism. She draws inspiration from gratitude, the memory of her late brothers, and the opportunities she now embraces. Through her writing, publishing, speaking, and podcasting, she encourages others to get curious, trust their instincts, and accept invitations that can lead to transformation. Her message is clear: no one has to remain invisible.

Connect with Deena

Learn more about Deena at www.deenakordt.com for personal insights or visit www.lifechangesmag.com for community resources, podcasts, events, and support networks. You can also reach her directly at deena@lifechangesmag.com

BIO:

Podcaster, Publisher, Author & Advocate, Deena Kordt, draws from her personal journey to passionately empower others.Through her compelling content and engaging presentations, Deena communicates a deep sense of caring, with a heart-centered purpose to instill hope and create connections so people never feel alone in their life struggles. As owner and publisher of Life Changes & Divorce Magazine, and host of the Life Changes Channel Podcast, her mission is to inspire and connect caring humans to see and value each other with curiosity and compassion.

Social Media Links 

DeenaKordt.com 

[email protected] 

LifeChangesMag.com

David Selley – A Life of Resilience, Risk, and Global Impact

From Poverty to Possibility

Born in wartime England and raised in poverty without electricity, water, or heat, David Selley could have allowed adversity to define him. Instead, those early hardships built resilience and determination that would fuel an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey spanning more than seven decades. Now 87 years old, David is a celebrated author, mentor, and founder of the International Entrepreneurs Association (IEA), with a bold mission to empower 700 million entrepreneurs worldwide. His story is not only about survival but about transformation—proving that challenges can become the very foundation of success. In this episode, he reflects on the lessons poverty taught him, how resilience carried him through life’s hurdles, and the deep influence of family in shaping his values. Married for 65 years, David credits his long partnership and the love of his grandchildren as key inspirations behind his work and writing.

The Wisdom of a Global Entrepreneur

Over his long career, David has built businesses, made and lost fortunes, and learned the value of risk, research, and adaptability. He candidly shares how mistakes—sometimes very costly ones—became opportunities for growth, reinforcing his belief that ideas only matter when acted upon. With seven published books and more underway, David is now pursuing a Guinness World Record as the oldest author to publish the most books in a single year. He describes how encouragement from his grandchildren set him on this literary path, leading him to write millions of words and create both insightful and lighthearted titles. David also explains how technology, including AI, is revolutionizing his research and writing process, giving him fresh tools to share wisdom with the world. Along the way, he offers practical advice: vet every idea carefully, be willing to pivot when necessary, and never lose your optimism or courage.

Legacy, Mentorship, and Living a Fantastic Life

David’s proudest achievement is launching the International Entrepreneurs Association, a global initiative designed to provide training, licensing, and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those marginalized or without access to traditional education. Rooted in grassroots experience and coupled with his belief in giving back, the IEA blends mentorship, philanthropy, and practical tools to empower people to step outside conformity and build freedom through enterprise. David also reflects on lessons learned from mentors like Mark Victor Hansen and Robert Allen, who helped him unlock creativity and embrace bold thinking. Despite setbacks—including the collapse of a brilliant idea due to industry resistance—David views both success and failure as essential parts of his journey. Today, he continues to live what he calls a fantastic life: planning a global book tour, opening new doors for entrepreneurs, and spreading his “Go, Be, Do” philosophy. His message is clear—true happiness comes from having someone to love, something meaningful to do, and something exciting to look forward to.

Resources

Learn more about David Selley: www.davidselley.net

Explore the International Entrepreneurs Association: www.iea777.com

Discover more about Dr. Allen Lycka and Living a Fantastic Life: www.drallenlycka.com

BIO:

David Selley is an 87-year-old global entrepreneur, author, and founder of the International Entrepreneurs Association, leading a bold mission to empower 700 million entrepreneurs worldwide. Born in wartime England and rising from poverty, David has built a legacy of innovation, mentorship, and impact over seven decades. With seven books already released and more to come, he's currently pursuing a Guinness World Record while continuing to inspire others with his “Go! Be! DO!” philosophy and the wisdom of a life fully lived.

Social Media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/selleydavid 

From Breaking News to Breaking Free

Beth McDonough’s career was built on intensity. As a former TV crime reporter, she spent decades covering some of the nation’s most gripping stories—terrorist attacks, kidnappings, government scandals, even the tragic overdose death of Prince. Her work took her to the front lines of crises like the 9/11 aftermath, the Minneapolis bridge collapse, and the abduction of Jamie Closs. Yet behind the camera lights and headlines, Beth faced a darker personal battle: alcoholism. What began as high-profile reporting eventually led to professional setbacks, public rock bottom, and the fight of her life to reclaim sobriety.

Witness to Tragedy and Resilience

In this conversation with Dr. Allen Lycka, Beth reflects on the raw realities of her reporting career. She recalls the horror of 9/11 families welcoming news crews into their homes during moments of unspeakable loss, the chaos of mass casualty events, and the chilling details of interviewing prosecutors in child abduction cases. But just as important, she highlights the extraordinary resilience she witnessed—families who turned grief into advocacy, communities that opened their homes to strangers, and survivors who showed remarkable strength. These stories reminded Beth that journalism wasn’t only about exposing darkness; it was also about shining a light on humanity’s capacity to endure.

The Personal Cost of Addiction

While she chronicled survival stories, Beth was fighting her own demons. Alcoholism quietly tightened its grip, leading to DUIs, lost jobs, and painful consequences. Even a serious accident that left her hospitalized couldn’t stop her drinking. Ultimately, being fired from the job she loved forced her to confront reality. With support, Beth entered Hazelden Betty Ford for treatment, began attending AA meetings, and committed to rebuilding her life one day at a time. Sobriety, she explains, became not just a second chance but the foundation for everything that followed.

The Cost of Transformation

Beth describes her recovery as paying “the cost of transformation.” The journey required facing her mistakes, embracing vulnerability, and asking for help—something she once believed showed weakness but now sees as a true sign of strength. In her book Standby, she shares unfiltered accounts of blackout nights, time in jail, and the painful unraveling of her former life, all to illustrate that growth is possible. Her mantra, learned in childhood—don’t be afraid to try—became her guiding principle in sobriety, reinvention, and service to others.

Reinvention and Purpose

Today, Beth McDonough has found peace in storytelling on her own terms. Through her website, BethMCDmedia.com, and her new book, she offers readers both a behind-the-scenes look at true crime reporting and an intimate portrait of recovery. Her mission is to help others facing regret, addiction, or midlife reinvention recognize that no experience—no matter how painful—has to be wasted. Transformation is possible, and Beth’s life is living proof.

Resources & Links

• Visit Beth McDonough: www.BethMCDmedia.com
• Book: Standby (available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major retailers)

Unlocking Healing Beyond Misdiagnosis with Beatty Carmichael

A New Lens on Healing

In this inspiring episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Beatty Carmichael, a misdiagnosis breakthrough expert and author of The Prayer of Freedom. Beatty has spent years uncovering the hidden spiritual roots behind conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and chronic pain. His unique approach has helped thousands find freedom in just 24 hours, often after years of frustration with traditional treatments. With a nearly 90% success rate, Beatty challenges the way we think about health, healing, and the role of spirituality in recovery.

From Marketing to Miracles

Coming from seven generations of doctors, Beatty took an unexpected path into marketing. But a powerful nudge from God shifted his direction, leading him to pray for strangers. To his surprise, many experienced instant relief from pain. Over time, Beatty refined his process, moving beyond prayer into a structured, non-religious method that uncovers and heals spiritual roots of suffering. His work demonstrates that many chronic struggles are not chemical or mental, but spiritual in origin—and when addressed correctly, they can disappear.

Why Misdiagnosis Keeps People Stuck

Beatty explains that most of modern medicine treats only the mental and physical pillars of health while neglecting the spiritual. This oversight, he argues, leaves millions stuck in cycles of medication, therapy, and pain without true relief. At an addiction recovery center, he has consistently seen nine out of ten women find freedom from lifelong struggles—simply by addressing spiritual causes. One striking story involves Ashley, who endured years of trauma, heavy medications, and children with asthma. After following Beatty’s process, not only did her symptoms vanish overnight, but her children’s asthma also disappeared.

Choosing Freedom Over Identity

Dr. Lycka and Beatty also discuss the challenge of identity. Some cling to diagnoses or support groups for belonging, even if it means staying trapped. But for those who truly want change, Beatty offers hope: a proven path to reclaiming health, family, and purpose. He stresses that his process is simple and self-guided—if you can “paint by numbers,” you can use it to achieve lasting freedom.

Living a Fantastic Life

Beatty shares that his own fantastic life comes from removing spiritual “junk” that steals peace and joy. By spending dedicated time with God and teaching others his method, he has found resilience, vision, and deep fulfillment. His advice? Don’t accept the cards you’ve been dealt. You can change your hand and step into a life of abundance.

Resources and Connection

To explore Beatty’s method, visit theprayeroffreedombook.com for his book and free resources. To connect directly, go to beattycarmichael.com. And for more wisdom on living a fantastic life, visit drallenlycka.com and sign up for Dr. Lycka’s weekly Golden Pearls.