What would you do if your helicopter crashed in the ocean at night—and you had to fight panic, survive upside down underwater, and immediately answer to an official investigation, all before sunrise?

In this powerful episode, Kelly Harrison reveals the gripping true story of her near-death experience as a Navy pilot, the battles with self-doubt and scrutiny she faced after, and how faith, humor, and community helped her reforge her life for the better.

With Joe Rivera, Kelly Harrison discusses the surprising lessons learned from surviving crisis, overcoming imposter syndrome, leveraging support networks, and the critical importance of honesty, kindness, and self-care. Whether you’re facing your own fears, rebuilding after hardship, or leading others through challenge, this episode delivers real tools and inspiration to help you rise from the ashes—no matter where you are in your journey.

Episode Overview:

[00:00] Introduction and welcoming Kelly Harrison

[00:50] The helicopter crash: surviving disaster[03:00] How sharing hard stories helps others

[04:27] Facing death and unexpected moments of humor

[06:03] The toughest challenges after the crash

[07:50] Enduring investigations, self-doubt, and the power of support networks

[09:07] The art of reframing and rebuilding self-confidence

[11:07] Inside the escape: egress, panic, and critical mistakes

[14:31] Persevering through panic; why perfection isn’t required

[15:34] Returning to flight and leadership inspired by support

[17:21] Facing fear, rebuilding confidence, and the role of repetition

[21:00] The critical difference between fear and faith

[23:11] A miraculous story of faith and survival

[26:28] Breaking through limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome

[29:56] Uncovering and living by core values

[33:40] The importance of collaboration, honesty, and self-care

[36:00] Kelly Harrison’s current work and how to connect

[37:37] Defining purpose and the meaning of “reforge”

[38:21] Life advice for younger self and anyone looking to rebuild

[40:08] The mind-body power of Pilates and closing thoughts

What if hitting rock bottom wasn’t a sign to give up, but the spark to build something even greater?

In this powerful episode of Reforge Your Life, discover how Bill Reynolds, President of Element 502, went from closing a church and facing near business collapse to leading a thriving company—all by leaning into faith, grit, and relentless honesty.

Joe Rivera dives deep with Bill Reynolds as he shares the jaw-dropping reality of risking it all—including firing himself—to keep his business alive, and explains why his journey through failure, uncertainty, and sacrifice was actually the foundation for growth and legacy. Learn why waiting rooms are essential to growth, how to sacrifice with integrity, and how to recognize when you’re truly following the right path.

Whether you’re struggling in your business, personal faith, or looking to reforge your life, this episode will show you the transformative power of pain, perseverance, and aligned action.

• 00:00: Intro and welcome
• 00:45: Bill Reynolds’s journey — from marketing to ministry to entrepreneurship
• 02:02: The closure of the church and discerning next steps
• 04:28: Buying a failing company and the first hard decisions
• 05:10: The not-so-glamorous reality of faith-driven entrepreneurship
• 10:46: Lessons from failure: Comfort, waiting rooms, and growing through loss
• 15:54: Learning obedience, moving forward when doors keep closing
• 19:13: Taking the helm at Element 502, big sacrifices, and transparency
• 22:00: Layoffs, economic challenges, and the toughest calls in business
• 27:11: Fear vs. faith, and why both can coexist on your growth journey
• 28:18: How to know if you’re on the right (God’s) path
• 32:12: Cracking limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, and leaning into your mission
• 35:35: Core values and creating a culture shaped by faith and honesty
• 38:01: Joe Beauchamp’s story behind the 599 Haircut and adding value in business
• 40:42: Rapid-fire questions on purpose, reforging, and practical advice for listeners
• 44:19: Final thoughts, giving back, and staying true to your calling

Don’t miss this moving, real-talk episode that will leave you ready to reforge your life—no matter what you’re facing.

What if losing millions, hitting rock bottom, and even surviving a heart attack was exactly what you needed to discover your true purpose?

In this powerful episode, Dan Sachkowsky joins Joe Rivera to pull back the curtain on an incredible journey: from growing up in the projects of New Jersey, making (and losing) millions as a young entrepreneur, hitting bankruptcy, and ultimately finding true wealth in service and purpose.

Key highlights:

• Dan Sachkowsky shares what it was like to go from hustling for money to redefining what success means after losing everything.
• The game-changing moment that shifted his focus from chasing dollars to helping others and living with integrity.
• Raw insights on entrepreneurship, risk, failure, and why most people never go all in.
• How surviving a near-death heart attack awakened his desire to make a real impact—and how faith and gratitude shaped his comeback.
• The importance of finding mentors, unlearning bad habits, and why the best time for change is always now.

If you’re stuck, searching for your "why," or just want to know what it takes to truly reforge your life, don’t miss this episode.

Episode Overview

[00:00] Welcome & Dan Sachkowsky's backstory

[02:20] Chasing money, early success—and a dramatic crash

[04:05] The wake-up call: bankruptcy, family, and shifting priorities

[05:16] Building new businesses, high risks, and big lessons

[05:52] Surviving a heart attack: a promise to live with purpose

[07:00] The power of dreams, mentorship, and asking for help

[11:05] Taking action without overthinking and the reality of entrepreneurship

[12:28] The three reasons his first business failed

[14:00] The heart attack: what happened and how it changed him

[19:10] Purpose, faith, and why money isn't enough

[22:27] Stepping into coaching and serving others

[28:12] Core values: purpose, freedom, integrity, and serving

[31:32] Building the Big D brand and a life worth living

[35:47] Defining purpose and how to find it

[40:10] Advice for anyone ready to reforge their life

[41:29] Why you can’t afford to wait for “someday”—the time is now

[42:36] Final words and call to action for listeners

What if your greatest setback became the launchpad for your biggest comeback?

In this inspiring episode of the Reforge Your Life show, host Joe Rivera sits down with Lore Soto, owner of The Boss Benefits, who opens up about how being unexpectedly fired from a lucrative career, launching her own business, and facing a breast cancer diagnosis all within a short span of time transformed her life—for the better.

Hear how Lori navigated the rapid-fire challenges of entrepreneurship, learned critical lessons about trust and integrity in the insurance industry, and found the strength to keep moving forward during cancer treatment—all while refusing to compromise her values. Discover why she now believes setbacks are just setups for comebacks, and how the power of self-belief, resilience, and honesty can change the trajectory of your life and business.

Key highlights include:

• The behind-the-scenes truths of the insurance industry and why Lorie decided to forge her own path 01:09
• How listening to your gut and refusing to compromise your integrity is vital—even when money’s on the line 02:30
• The shocking discovery of her breast cancer, and how she balanced running a business and cancer treatments—without letting it define her 04:45, 07:41
• Why the right support system, personal honesty, and betting on yourself are the cornerstones of an unbreakable comeback 32:27
• Practical advice for anyone looking to reforge their life, and the #1 lesson Lore wishes she could tell her younger self 46:30

Episode Overview00:28 Introduction & Lore’s Story01:09 Stumbling into Insurance and Getting Fired02:30 Lessons in Trust, Integrity, and Health04:45 The Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Processing Adversity07:41 Balancing Treatment and Business Ownership12:35 Health, Nutrition, and Changing Habits16:09 Entrepreneurship: Challenges & Pivots20:36 Impact of Illness on Perspective and Business25:36 Mindset, Self-Honesty & Life Changes31:01 Breaking Limiting Beliefs and Betting on Yourself35:06 Core Values to Thrive By39:53 Lore’s Work Today & How to Connect41:52 The Meaning of Purpose and Reforging44:04 Advice for Listeners Ready for Change46:30 The One Thing Lori Wishes She Knew Sooner49:46 Surprising Insights about Lore51:12 Final Reflections & Closing

What if the career you’ve worked your entire life to achieve ends up feeling like a cage—and the only way to break free is to risk everything?

In this episode of the Reforge Your Life Show, holistic practitioner and emotional support coach Kathryn Eipl shares her journey from being a high-powered production manager in the entertainment industry to hitting rock bottom with addiction, and how she rebuilt her life and purpose from the inside out.

Discover Kathryn’s raw account of masking pain with alcohol and cannabis, what finally sparked her transformation, and how yoga, energy healing, and cognitive behavioral therapy unlocked her authentic self. Kathryn reveals her personal strategies for breaking negative thought patterns, building new empowering beliefs, and using vulnerability as a source of strength. Plus, she shares practical advice for anyone seeking to reforge their own life, no matter how impossible it might seem right now.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 — Welcome and Kathryn’s introduction

00:45 — Kathryn shares her story: the entertainment industry, addiction, and feeling unfulfilled

03:03 — Discovering yoga, energy healing, and the first steps toward change

08:22 — Kathryn’s emotional turning point and the realization she needed a new path

12:59 — The role of cognitive behavioral therapy in beating addiction and negative self-talk

18:19 — Core limiting beliefs and how Kathryn began to rewrite her story

21:22 — Embracing new beliefs and allowing herself to feel

27:59 — The core values Kathryn uncovered: vulnerability, authenticity, and honesty

29:39 — Where to find Kathryn online and her free offer to listeners

31:27 — Kathryn defines purpose and what “reforge” means to her

32:37 — Advice to her younger self and to anyone at rock bottom

34:49 — What Kathryn enjoys for fun: aerial yoga and dance

35:47 — Gratitude, closing thoughts, and final reflections

What if making seven figures, becoming the mayor of your town, and being adored by everyone wasn’t enough to feel joy—or even enough to feel worthy?

Leadership coach Lisa Grace reveals her astonishing comeback story: from outward success and inner emptiness, to finding unshakeable self-love, breaking generational trauma, and ultimately choosing herself for the very first time.

Tune in as Lisa Grace and Joe Rivera dive deep into the cycles of burnout, the masks we wear for acceptance, and how real transformation isn’t about escaping your life—but coming home to your authentic self. Learn how Lisa Grace went from a high-achieving, approval-seeking people pleaser to someone who now leads with intuition, alignment, and purpose—and coaches others to do the same.

Key highlights include:

• The surprising pain beneath outward success
• How changing your environment can crack open your true potential
• The difference between happiness and joy
• Why “choosing yourself” might be the hardest—and most vital—decision you make
• Practical advice for breaking unhealthy patterns and finding your voice

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 – Introduction & welcoming Lisa Grace

01:10 – Lisa’s intense 2-year comeback story

02:43 – From mayor & embezzlement scandal to Joyful Leadership Coach

04:30 – What it felt like to lose control of her life

05:28 – The power of changing environments and breaking cycles

09:05 – The unhealthy pattern of seeking love through achievement

11:09 – The emptiness beneath outward success and burnout

13:09 – The “success mask” & stories we tell ourselves

18:11 – The inherited vs. hereditary nature of generational trauma

19:14 – Divorce, isolation, and the trap of pretending “I’m fine”

22:26 – Burnout, superpowers born from trauma, and breakthrough

27:14 – Realizing it was time to stop living empty—choosing alignment

33:38 – Discovering the power of decision and choosing yourself

37:00 – Core values uncovered: trust and intuition

38:03 – Lisa’s 30 days in Italy: learning radical self-trust

44:15 – Breaking generational curses and listening to your intuition

46:45 – How transformation doesn’t mean blowing up your life

49:39 – Lisa’s mission and where to find her

49:08 – Defining purpose and “forging” yourself through pain

51:55 – The #1 tool to begin reforging your life

53:38 – What Lisa does for fun (hint: unleash your inner child!)

54:35 – Closing thoughts & gratitude

Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to stop performing and start living—joyfully, powerfully, and on your own terms.

What if waking up from a coma meant you had to relearn how to walk, talk, and trust again—but it also made you unstoppable?

Joe Rivera sits down with Melissa Dreyfuss, owner of the Dreyfus Team, to uncover her incredible journey from battling for her life on ECMO to rebuilding not only her health but her entire life and business with renewed purpose.

Melissa Dreyfuss reveals the mental and physical challenges she faced after a sudden medical crisis, the harsh realities of true friendship, and the breakthroughs that allowed her to break free from toxic patterns. Discover how gratitude, faith, and the courage to ask for help can spark a comeback greater than you ever imagined.

Key highlights include:

• The shocking ICU story that changed everything
• The emotional toll of losing friends during the hardest season
• Relearning self-worth, letting go of control, and building a business team
• The power of gratitude, philanthropy, and finding purpose in helping others
• Why your story isn’t over—and how to keep going when life gets hardest

Timestamped Overview:

00:00–00:26: Episode introduction by Intro Announcer

00:29–01:10: Joe Rivera welcomes Melissa Dreyfuss; sets the stage

01:13–07:17: Melissa Dreyfuss shares her near-death experience, ECMO, and the journey in/out of coma

07:18–09:41: Surviving, gratitude, and “waking up” to a new perspective

09:44–12:55: Mental health, overcoming depression and anxiety

13:07–17:07: Friendship loss, shedding toxic relationships, and positive life changes

17:08–20:51: Building a team, letting go of control, and finding work-life balance

22:20–24:41: Seeking therapy, breaking limiting beliefs, vulnerability as a superpower

25:43–28:38: Self-worth, core values, and learning to handle new challenges

28:38–31:20: Service, philanthropy, and redefining happiness

32:06–33:11: Melissa Dreyfuss shares her mission, purpose, and contact info

33:11–37:23: “Reforge” meaning, major life lessons, fun facts, and podcast wrap-up

38:13–38:37: Closing from Intro Announcer

Ready for a comeback story that’ll reframe your own? Hit play now.

What if the secret to overcoming life’s darkest moments is hidden within a single conversation—and the courage to ask for help?

Host Joe Rivera welcomes motivational speaker and coach Nate Evans Jr., whose candid journey from the depths of suicidal ideation, trauma, and adversity to faith, resilience, and leadership will inspire anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

Hear how Nate Evans Jr. faced generational challenges, grief, and mental health struggles, ultimately transforming his life through purposeful action, vulnerability, and building relationships—with God, with family, and with himself. Discover the core values and mindset shifts that fueled his comeback, and why asking for help is actually a superpower. Whether you’re searching for purpose, looking to bounce back, or simply need reassurance that change is possible, this episode delivers practical wisdom and hope.

Key Highlights:

• Real, raw insights on mental health and overcoming adversity
• How faith and therapy played a role in Nate’s journey
• The importance of core values like effort, grace, and resilience
• Actionable advice for anyone looking to “reforge” their life, starting with just one step
• Fun facts about Nate’s creative outlets and undefeated Uno status

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 - Inspiring intro + guest reveal

01:08 - Nate’s early life, trauma, basketball dreams

03:27 - Handling loss, emotional coping, suicidal thoughts

06:46 - Writing and basketball as healthy outlets

08:01 - Injury, dark times, power of friendship

10:59 - Story Nate told himself, self-worth struggles

11:23 - Relationship with God, transition from borrowed faith

13:04 - Going “all in” with faith and seeking therapy

17:04 - The turning point: relationships, family, and bigger purpose

22:07 - Uncovering core values: best effort & grace

25:30 - Reframing losses as learning, enjoying the journey

26:15 - Where to find Nate, connecting online

27:29 - Defining “purpose” and “reforge”

29:48 - Advice for anyone striving to reforge their life

32:01 - Nate’s creative hobbies and fun facts

33:41 - Closing remarks, how to support the show

Share this episode with anyone who needs a reminder that the comeback really is possible.

What if the only thing holding you back from your dream life… was the story you told yourself every day?

In this energizing episode of the Reforge Your Life Show, host Joe Rivera sits down with comeback coach and mentor Jeffrey St. Laurent, who shares his journey from struggling with low self-esteem and feeling "not enough" to building an empowered mindset—and an extraordinary life. You’ll hear how a simple (and embarrassing) push-up challenge became the catalyst that triggered massive transformation, not just physically, but in every domain of Jeffrey St. Laurent’s life.

Key Highlights:

• Jeffrey St. Laurent gets raw about how his beliefs about self-worth kept him from pursuing his dreams, both big and small—and the turning points that helped him break through.
• The power of surrounding yourself with the right people and how mentors and your inner circle can literally change your destiny.
• The real meaning of integrity: Why keeping your word to yourself is the secret to living with freedom and purpose.
• Why you already have everything you need inside you to reforge your life—plus practical insights for making change that sticks.
• Joe Rivera and Jeffrey St. Laurent discuss the importance of fun, joy, and self-discovery in the comeback journey.

Ready for a dose of motivation, radical honesty, and actionable takeaways to help you rewrite your story? Don’t miss this one.

Episode Overview:

• 00:00 – Introduction & Jeff’s origin story
• 04:11 – The push-up challenge that sparked transformation
• 07:21 – Physical vs. mental growth, and discovering coaching
• 10:30 – How self-beliefs and mindset hold us back
• 14:17 – Key turning points & the importance of support networks
• 17:54 – Accountability, peer groups, and changing your environment
• 23:45 – Core values and staying true to yourself
• 30:08 – Jeffrey St. Laurent's life now: coaching, real estate, dream life
• 32:02 – Purpose, reforging, and advice for the audience
• 34:00 – Hobbies, joy, and takeaways for fulfillment
• 36:38 – Outro

Give it a listen—and get ready to reforge YOUR life.

What would you do if you woke up one day, went from millions in the bank to just $1,300, and realized you’d lost it all—except your children and your will to fight back?

In this raw and unfiltered episode of the Reforge Your Life Show, Sarah Radafshar, a New York real estate broker and single mom, sits down with Joe Rivera to share how she survived a toxic, abusive marriage, stunning betrayal, and financial ruin—and is using it all as fuel to rebuild stronger than ever. From uncovering $1.3 million vanishing overnight, to suffering seizures from the stress, to the emotional moment she asked her parents for help, Sarah Radafshar lays it all on the table.

You’ll hear how she broke free from manipulation, reclaimed her voice, and is now fiercely dedicated to teaching her children strength, resilience, and the power of words. The episode is packed with tough lessons on relationships, self-worth, and the courage to start over—plus practical strategies for navigating heartbreak, toxic energy, and co-parenting, while staying true to yourself.

Key Highlights:

• Sarah Radafshar reveals how she was left with $1,300 to her name and two kids after her marriage imploded, and what rebuilding from zero really takes.
• The moment that finally forced her to walk away—from seizures to emotional rock bottom, and the brutal honesty she found in owning her truth.
• How childhood experiences shaped her parenting, and what she’s doing differently with her own kids.
• The importance of words, breaking generational cycles, and taking accountability even when life gets messy.
• Why it's never too late to reforge your life—and that your comeback might be just beginning.

Timestamped Overview:

• 00:00

  : Joe Rivera welcomes Sarah Radafshar and sets the stage for a comeback story.

• 00:43

  : Sarah Radafshar recounts her journey from early ambitions to business and marriage upheaval.

• 02:17

  : The unraveling: losing everything, asking for help, and the gut-punch reality of starting over.

• 06:32

  : The emotional fallout, battling self-doubt, and the courageous decision to leave.

• 12:59

  : The power of words—how verbal abuse changed her, and what she’s teaching her kids instead.

• 17:55

  : Apologizing to her daughter, maintaining structure, and protecting childhood innocence.

• 23:27

  : The impact of energy and removing what doesn’t serve your future.

• 24:25

  : The turning point: seizures, betrayal, and the final straw that led to freedom.

• 30:44

  : Taking her power back—for herself and her children.

• 34:24

  : The core values that now guide her: kindness, honesty, and accountability.

• 38:07

  : Where to find Sarah Radafshar, her work, and what’s next.

• 39:52

  : Sarah Radafshar on purpose, reinventing herself, and advice to her younger self.

• 42:06

  : The healing power of the gym, fun moments, and closing thoughts with Joe Rivera.

This is an episode about surviving your worst, owning your truth, and remembering the comeback is always possible.