Off The Comma

In this episode, we talk to Merlyna Valentine. She describes herself as motivated, empathetic and lives her life to the fullest. Merlyna lives in the United States. 

Merlyna tells us about sitting on a comma with a sudden medical emergency that caused her to lose parts of all four of her limbs. As a new quadruple amputee, Merlyna was faced with choices about how to move forward in her life. During her stillness and contemplation about her circumstances, she leaned on her faith, family and strength to establish a new foundation for a different life with new possibilities. Where others saw loss, Merlyna saw possibility. Tune in to hear what she means when she says “now I have someone who does my hair and makeup for me”.

You can find Merlyna on:

• Website:  www.Sherovalentine.net

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/merlyna_valentine/?next=%2F

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/merlyna-valentine-74a76a101/

• Facebook:  @ Merlyna Mathieu Valentine  @ Merlyna Valentine Consulting

• Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AMerlyna%2BValentine&s=relevancerank&text=Merlyna+Valentine&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1

Merlyna would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

I would love to thank my granddaughter, Saige, for being my biggest motivation. My wonderful husband, Tory, for being my inspiration. My daughter, Kailee, who shows me what success looks like. My mother, who shows me what unconditional love looks like. My two siblings and their families, who give me unwavering support. My circle of family, who give me unconditional love. My friends, who have been with me through the years. 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com.

I’ve curated my own Sponsor Community to help support the costs of production. Listen to my interviews with them and learn more about them on my YouTube and Website. Check them out! Donations are also always welcome. Donate here: venmo.com/u/Paul-Briley Thank you!

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Lucy Hall. She is enthusiastic and positive. Lucy lives in the UK. 

Lucy tells us about sitting on two commas. Early in her adulthood, Lucy wondered about what she should do for a living. While exploring options, experimenting with different roles and trying out different jobs, she found love and began to question what she truly wanted. Along her journey, her relationship with alcohol became her second comma. Both commas taught Lucy about limits, doing what matters to her, and finding balance. Tune in to hear what Lucy means when she says “there is no one thing for me”.

You can find Lucy on:

• Website:  https://carnelias.com/coaching/sobriety-coaching/

• Instagram:  @carnelias_community

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-hall-coach/

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555413718339

Lucy would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Sober Butterfly Collective  www.soberbutterflycollective.com  Sober Butterfly was born in the Great Pause of 2020 and was developed to promote the positives to enjoying a sober lifestyle, by revitalising your mental health and wellbeing whilst maintaining a glittering social life – we are reinventing the definition of sober and showing how you can live life to the fullest and most colourful without alcohol.

Soberistas  www.soberistas.com  It is possible to stop binge drinking, and to (happily) never want to drink again. It's just a case of flicking the switch in your head that tells you booze is great, and that without it you'll be missing out. You can regain control of your life - just open your mind and read on. Everyone who drinks alcohol regularly and to excess has fallen foul of the same trap, and this includes you. 

The Sober Club  www.thesoberclub.com  The  Sober Club could help you overcome THE ALCOHOL OBSTACLE and live your best life.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com.

I’ve curated my own Sponsor Community to help support the costs of production. Listen to my interviews with them and learn more about them on my YouTube and Website. Check them out! Donations are also always welcome. Donate here: venmo.com/u/Paul-Briley Thank you!

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Amanda Facio. She describes herself as energetic, focused and with a lot of fun on the side. Amanda lives in the United States. 

Amanda tells us about sitting on a comma with “mom guilt”. When the opportunity presented itself to take on a new job with increased opportunity and responsibilities, Amanda was excited for the possibility. While coordinating new routines for caring for her family and children, she came to experience the trade-offs and compromises that come with having both. While she navigated the changes, self doubt and imposter syndrome, Amanda found guidance and wisdom in her support system and internal compass. Tune in to hear what Amanda means when she says “I do deserve to have the best of both”. 

You can find Amanda on:

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-facio-mba-b8a32022/

Amanda would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My family, my boys, my wife, my siblings, and parents. They’re my “reason” and have always been there to be a guide, a shoulder to cry on, and more.

My previous leader, Julie Kordick. She let me spread my wings and grow. She fought to get me in the room and saw my potential when others didn’t. 

Erin Lebacqz  https://www.highvaluewriting.com  What if you felt good about every email or essay you wrote? High-Value Writing is a modern-day virtual school on a mission to help everyone use their writing to their advantage—to meet goals and build positive relationships.

ATD Sacramento  https://www.tdsac.org  The Association of Talent Development (ATD) is the largest professional association in the world for those involved in training and talent development.

Sacramento LGBTQ Community Center  https://saccenter.org  The Center works to create a region where all LGBTQ+ people thrive; we support health and wellness, advocate for equity and justice, and work to uplift our diverse and culturally rich LGBTQ+ community.

#gratefulness #supportsystems #familythereforme #Idodeserve #Icandoboth #momguilt #doitformykids #careerandfamily #makingcompromises #balancingact #selfdoubt #impostersyndrome #sayingyessayingno #offthecomma

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com.

I’ve curated my own Sponsor Community to help support the costs of production. Listen to my interviews with them and learn more about them on my YouTube and Website. Check them out! Donations are also always welcome. Donate here: venmo.com/u/Paul-Briley Thank you!

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Patty Cabot.  She is resilient, tenacious and open. Patty lives in the United States. 

Patty tells us about sitting on a comma with an eating disorder. After dealing with cycles of weight gain and loss for 20 years, she sought therapy for solutions and came face to face with the root cause, childhood sexual abuse. Through a journey of therapies and self-exploration, Patty evolved from protecting her secret and self-isolation to building her family and releasing the shame and blame. Tune in to hear what Patty means when she says “it’s not my fault, it was never my fault”. 

You can find Patty on:

• Website:  https://www.pattycabot.com

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/patty.cabot/

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Patty-Cabot

• TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@pattycabot

Patty would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

NEDA: the National Eating Disorders Association  nationaleatingdisorders.org  The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) works to advance research, build community, and raise awareness to support the nearly 30 million Americans who will experience an eating disorder in their lifetimes. Whether you have been personally affected by an eating disorder or care about someone who has, NEDA is here to help!

RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network  https://online.rainn.org/  RAINN is committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence, cultivating communities of anti-sexual violence activism, and promoting policies that deliver justice and hold perpetrators accountable.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com.

I’ve curated my own Sponsor Community to help support the costs of production. Listen to my interviews with them and learn more about them on my YouTube and Website. Check them out! Donations are also always welcome. Donate here: venmo.com/u/Paul-Briley Thank you!

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

During this episode, our guest shares about her experience with sexual abuse. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please consider this before listening. 

In this episode, we talk to Jalisa Hardy. She is someone who leads with love, compassion and care. Jalisa lives in the United States. 

Jalisa tells us about sitting on a comma with a divorce decision. After years of  living in two worlds and setting aside her most authentic needs, Jalisa sought safety in a marriage that satisfied the expectations of her community. She soon discovered that the familiar patterns of abuse and self doubt returned, leaving her confused, broken and in darkness. Through it all, the realization that her children were her purpose allowed her to “choose her hard” and create a path toward peace, freedom and self-love. Tune in to hear what Jalisa means when she says “I am the love, I am the safety”.

You can find Jalisa on:

• Website:  www.jalisahardy.com

• Instagram:  https://instagram.com/jalisathegoldenchild

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/minister-jalisa-hardy-hhp-80b25543

• YouTube:  Youtube.com/@Jalisathegoldenchild

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jalisa.ray.5

Jalisa would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to them and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My mom, whose faith is what made it possible for me to be here today!

HopeWorks of Howard County  https://hopeworksofhc.org  Since 1978, the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County has been providing critical services to families affected by domestic violence and raising awareness in the community. In 2010, we added to our mission comprehensive services for survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse. We are proud of our strong tradition of service provision and survivors will always need the specialized care our dedicated staff provides on a daily basis. Critical also to our mission is engaging the entire community in the work of changing the conditions that allow sexual and intimate partner violence to occur in the first place. This part takes all of us.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com and linktree at https://linktr.ee/paulbriley.

I’ve curated my own Sponsor Community to help support the costs of production. Listen to my interviews with them and learn more about them on my YouTube and Website. Check them out! Donations are also always welcome. Donate here: venmo.com/u/Paul-Briley Thank you!

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Melanie Duriez. She describes herself as a curious nature lover who is empathic and can relate to others’ feelings. Melanie lives in Canada. 

Melanie tells us about sitting on a comma with dissatisfaction in her life. During the pandemic and after several major life events, Melanie found herself being drawn away from being an introverted hermit to being curious about other people, being of service and connection. Her experience with cancer, divorce, quitting drinking and her career led her to a dream one night that sprung her forward into the unknown and facing her fear of being seen and heard. What follows is a journey of exploration, experimentation and a whole new path forward. Tune in to hear what Melanie means when she says “cancer taught me how to ask for and receive help”. 

You can find Melanie on:

• Website:  www.melanieduriez.com

• Instagram:  @melduriezcoaching

• Email:  [email protected]

Melanie would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

The Sober Club  www.thesoberclub.com  The opposite of addiction is connection.The Sober Club will connect to like-minded people and experts where you will be inspired, motivated and empowered to live your best life.

Positive News  www.positive.news  The inspiring current affairs magazine. Fed up with bad news but want to stay informed? Positive News is the magazine for good journalism about the good things that are happening.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com and linktree at https://linktr.ee/paulbriley.

I’ve curated my own Sponsor Community to help support the costs of production. Listen to my interviews with them and learn more about them on my YouTube and Website. Check them out! Donations are also always welcome. Donate here: venmo.com/u/Paul-Briley Thank you!

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Lucy Hemming. She describes herself as an energy-bringer who is kind and empathetic. Lucy lives in the United Kingdom. 

Lucy tells us about sitting on a comma with drinking wine. After living a life where wine was part of negotiating most decisions, Lucy found herself in a 5-year period of sober curiosity and experimentation. She took many steps to improve her health, outlook and mental wellness, but couldn’t quite let go of the one thing at the center of her unhappiness. Once Lucy pushed through the mental chatter and bargaining, she found her strength, resilience and mental clarity that let her find new enjoyment in her life. Tune in to hear what Lucy means when she says “no one was going to call me up on my behavior”. 

You can find Lucy on:

• Website:  https://www.lucyhemmingsobercoaching.com/ 

• Instagram:  @lucyhemmingsobercoach

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyahemming/

Lucy would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

I want to acknowledge my two girls, they are my biggest inspiration.

Cancer My Arse!  https://cancermyarse.co.uk/  CANCER MY ARSE! aims to raise awareness and much needed funds for Cancer charities, perhaps to save you or a loved one at some point in the future. Since I am now Stage 4 for the second time, and terminal, I don't have the fitness to do anything extraordinary on my own, so I am reaching out to my network and my family’s connection to cycling to create a fun challenge that will hopefully encourage and inspire others to get involved. 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com and linktree at https://linktr.ee/paulbriley.

I’ve curated my own Sponsor Community to help support the costs of production. Listen to my interviews with them and learn more about them on my YouTube and Website. Check them out! Donations are also always welcome. Donate here: venmo.com/u/Paul-Briley Thank you!

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Christopher. He is a passionate, driven artist. Christopher lives in the United States. 

Christopher tells us about sitting on a comma with a bicycle accident that caused him to question the things in his life that he took for granted. After almost losing the use of his legs, Christopher became very present and very focused on the thing he valued most: his ability to move and be active. With reflection and focus, he set an intention to do whatever he could to return to his activities, by setting future worries aside. After this inflection point, he found a new relationship with gratitude. Tune in to hear what Christopher means when he says “all I had to do was sit up”. 

You can find Christopher on:

• Website:  www.christopherlafleurarts.com

• Instagram:  @christopher.lafleur.arts

Christopher would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Colorado Health Network  https://coloradohealthnetwork.org  Since 1983, Colorado Health Network (CHN) has sought to innovatively and equitably meet the evolving needs of individuals in Colorado living with and at risk of acquiring HIV and other health conditions. Colorado Health Network is a statewide organization and currently serves over 5,250 individuals living with HIV by providing a broad spectrum of holistic support services including medical and oral health care, case management, behavioral health services,  housing assistance, nutrition services, and emergency financial assistance. Each service CHN provides is strategically designed to help empower people eliminate barriers to treatment and care and to make healthy choices leading to increased stability and healthier lives.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com and linktree at https://linktr.ee/paulbriley.

I’ve curated my own Sponsor Community to help support the costs of production. Listen to my interviews with them and learn more about them on my YouTube and Website. Check them out! Donations are also always welcome. Donate here: venmo.com/u/Paul-Briley Thank you!

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Maricia Johns. She describes herself as likable, warm-hearted, and finds the good in everyone. Maricia lives in the United States. 

Maricia tells us about losing her father and sitting on a comma with growing up. When that fateful day happened, Maricia was faced with a decision about who she wanted to be in her family dynamic and how she wanted to be prepared. Through a life of conscious choices around being prepared and resilient, she shares with us the impact it had on the roles she played in her family. By taking the things she had learned and passing them along to those she cared about, Maricia found her journey full of discovery and full experiences. Tune in to hear what Maricia means when she says “I would not ask my mom for frivolous things”. 

You can find Maricia on:

• Website:  https://thisisyourbestyear.com/ 

• Instagram Threads:  @thisyourbestyear

• Linkedin:  @mariciajohns

• Facebook:  @thisisyourbestyear

• YouTube:  @thisisyourbestyear

• X:  @thisisyourbestyear

Maricia would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to them and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Jill Darden, Editor of the Fort Worth Black News  https://fwblacknews.com/   

Monica Anderson, Founder of Drop the Drugs Foundation  https://drmoeanderson.com/  @drmoeanderson on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin 

Ruby Powell, Ageless Perfection Skin Care Studio  agelessperfectionskincarestudio.com   @apkincarestudio on Instagram,  @agelessperfection on Instagram, Facebook 

Danette Wicker, Danettes Urban Oasis  https://danettesurbanoasis.com

  @danettesoasis on Instagram, @danettewicker on Facebook

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com and linktree at https://linktr.ee/paulbriley.

I’ve curated my own Sponsor Community to help support the costs of production. Listen to my interviews with them and learn more about them on my YouTube and Website. Check them out! Donations are also always welcome. Donate here: venmo.com/u/Paul-Briley Thank you!

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Mark Willis. He describes himself as empathetic, trustworthy and passionate. Mark lives in the United States. 

Mark tells us about sitting on a comma when emerging from college with student loan debt, no plan and negative beliefs about money. After a period of choosing to accept his current circumstances, Mark began to see the effects of inaction on his life and family. In seeking to change his trajectory with money, he found that it started with challenging his beliefs. What began as his greatest challenge became his path forward. Tune in to hear what Mark means when he says “my attention is a currency, that’s why we ‘pay attention’”. 

You can find Mark on:

• Website:  https://kickstartwithmark.com/

• Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/notyouraveragefinancial/

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklakegrowth/

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LakeGrowth

• Podcast:  https://nyafinancialpodcast.com/

Mark would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Kent Smith, my mentor and friend.

Nelson Nash, a flea living out of the jar and a positive influence on my life.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com and linktree at https://linktr.ee/paulbriley.

I’ve curated my own Sponsor Community to help support the costs of production. Listen to my interviews with them and learn more about them on my YouTube and Website. Check them out! Donations are also always welcome. Donate here: venmo.com/u/Paul-Briley Thank you!

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!