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Content Warning: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about suicide, depression, and grief that may be distressing for some listeners. Please listen with care.

Host Lira Ndifon opens this powerful episode with an urgent and heartfelt call for awareness, shedding light on the political violence, military brutality, and internet shutdowns currently happening in her home country of Cameroon.

From this space of global empathy, Lira sits down with Alicia Rupin, a first-generation American and successful floral designer, for one of the most personal conversations on the podcast to date. Alicia shares the raw and vulnerable story of the tragedy that reshaped her entire life: the loss of her beloved uncle to suicide. This is a must-listen masterclass in navigating profound grief, especially when it’s shrouded in the silence and stigma that often surround suicide in many cultures.

Alicia gets radically honest about the "what ifs" and the guilt that haunted her family, and the unique, personal coping mechanisms she used to heal—including keeping her uncle's phone number active for two years just so she could continue to text him. She offers a perspective that will change the way you think about loss, defining grief as "love that just has nowhere to go".

This episode is a tender and powerful guide for anyone who has ever felt lost in their grief. You will discover:

• The Truth About Grief: How to understand your grief as a form of deep love and why you must "ride the wave" instead of running from it.
• Healing When There Are No Answers: A raw look at the complex emotions that follow a suicide and how to process them without shame.
• From Pain to Purpose: How Alicia channeled her depression and grief into her floral business, turning her uncle's motto—"It's cool to be kind"—into her brand's identity.
• Unique Coping Mechanisms: The power of finding your own way to heal, even if it seems unconventional to others (like texting a loved one who has passed).

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that you are not alone in your struggle, that healing is not linear, and that our deepest pain can often be the source of our greatest purpose.

If this episode touched your heart, please share it with someone who might be navigating their own waves of grief. Show your support by liking, following, and subscribing to the Self-Reflection Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen. Every subscription helps us amplify these vital conversations and build a community where no one has to heal alone.

Support the show

Call to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.

Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

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She escaped a war zone in Vietnam, arrived in America penniless, and barely spoke English. So how did she become a top 1% salesperson at Fortune 500 companies and build her own global business?

In this profoundly inspiring and tactical episode, host Lira Ndifon sits down with Jackie Wu, a CEO, keynote speaker, and founder of Treasure Light Journey. Jackie shares the unshakeable mindset and the specific strategies that took her from working low-paying jobs to the pinnacle of corporate success. This isn't just a "work hard" story; it's a masterclass in resilience, mentorship, and building unshakable confidence.

Jackie reveals the counter-intuitive advice from her mentors that changed everything, including the one warning that saved her from climbing the wrong ladder: "There is no point of keep climbing the corporate ladder... if when you reach the top... that's not where you want to go". She also unveils her proprietary "FAQ Formula," a 3-step system that helped her close a $228,000 deal in under 30 minutes and can help any entrepreneur convert prospects into clients in one conversation.

This is a must-listen for anyone ready to accelerate their success and build true self-confidence. You will discover:

• How to Find a Mentor: The crucial advice for finding a mentor who has your best interest at heart and the #1 red flag to avoid (a conflict of interest).
• The "FAQ Formula" Unlocked: A 3-step method to (F)ind your ideal client, (A)ssess their qualification, and (Q)uickly close the sale, eliminating months of follow-up.
• The 30-Minute, $228K Sale: The mindset and specific strategy behind closing a massive high-ticket deal in a single meeting.
• From Refugee to 1%: The powerful internal shifts Jackie made to overcome cultural clashes, find her value, and build unstoppable confidence.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that your circumstances do not define your destination. It's an activation for anyone ready to stop reinventing the wheel and start building a life of freedom, purpose, and success.

If this episode lit a fire in you, please share it with a friend who is building their own dream. Show your support by liking, following, and subscribing to the Self-Reflection Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen. Every subscription helps us amplify these crucial conversations and build a global community of empowered, reflective leaders.

Support the show

Call to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.

Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

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Can shifting your mindset about money unlock not just financial freedom, but also mental peace? In this deeply inspiring and practical episode, Lira sits down with Shai-dam Akwo, a financial professional consultant and CEO of One-Off Elite, who shares his incredible journey from extreme poverty in Cameroon to building a successful life and business in the United States. Shy's story is a powerful testament to resilience, the drive for a better future, and the critical role financial literacy plays in breaking generational cycles.

Shai offers profound insights into the cultural and historical reasons why money remains a taboo subject in many African and Black communities, explaining how societal pressures and a misunderstanding of wealth often lead to financial stress and hinder true progress. He draws a crucial distinction between being rich (making money) and being wealthy (building sustainable financial peace and security that lasts even if you stop working). This conversation is a masterclass in shifting from a survival mindset to a wealth-building one.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone ready to take control of their financial future. Shai emphasizes the foundational steps: educating yourself (even through free resources like YouTube and audiobooks), setting massive goals that scare you, disciplined budgeting, finding side hustles, and understanding that building wealth is a long-term journey requiring consistency and patience. He passionately argues that life insurance is the cornerstone of any wealth-building plan, explaining how it protects your most valuable asset—your ability to earn income—against life's uncertainties like critical illness, ensuring your family's stability and peace of mind.

Join Lira and Shai for a conversation that bridges finance, mindset, resilience, and mental well-being, offering both inspiration and a practical roadmap to creating a life of security and purpose.

Support the show

Call to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.

Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

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What happens when the generation meant to build the future feels like they don't have one?

In this raw and deeply personal solo episode, host Lira Ndifon steps out from behind the interview mic to share her own harrowing battle with depression—a journey that stripped her of her identity but ultimately led her to her purpose. But her story is just the beginning. Lira confronts a crisis hiding in plain sight: the staggering rates of mental health struggles among children and teens. Armed with alarming statistics, she reveals that 73 to 74 million children in the US are grappling with mental health issues, yet a devastating 79% receive no support.

This isn't just about numbers; it's about the silent suffering behind closed doors, the stigma that keeps young people—especially young men—from speaking up, and the societal pressures contributing to suicide becoming the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34. Lira challenges the silence, arguing that open conversation is not the risk—it's the antidote. She connects the dots between untreated mental health, community violence, and the specific hurdles faced in African and African American communities.

This is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the next generation. You will discover:

• Lira's Untold Story: How losing her identity led her to the depths of depression and the self-reflection practices that brought her back.
• The Shocking Statistics: A clear breakdown of the youth mental health crisis and why it demands our immediate attention.
• Beyond the Stigma: Understanding the unique challenges and cultural barriers preventing young people, especially boys, from seeking help.
• Your Mental Wellness Toolkit: Four simple, powerful tools—journaling, meditation, exercise, and community—that Lira personally used to heal and that you can implement today.

This episode is a powerful blend of vulnerability and data, a heartfelt plea for awareness, and a practical guide to finding hope in the darkness. It's a reminder that your pain can become your power, and that you are never, ever alone.

If this conversation moved you, please share it. Your voice matters. Show your support by liking, following, and subscribing to the Self-Reflection Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen. Every subscription helps us break the stigma, provide resources, and build a world where mental health is prioritized.

Support the show

Call to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.

Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

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It starts like a fairytale. They're charming, magnetic, and make you feel like the center of the universe. Then, slowly, the story changes. The compliments turn to criticism, your reality is questioned, and you start to feel like you're losing yourself. Sound familiar?

In this crucial and eye-opening episode, host Lira Ndifon sits down with practical psychologist Zinaida, a specialist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to pull back the curtain on one of the most confusing and damaging relationship dynamics: narcissism. This isn't just a clinical breakdown; it's a survival guide for anyone who has ever felt trapped in a toxic cycle and wondered, "Is it me?"

Zina provides a powerful psychological roadmap, explaining that narcissistic behavior isn't about self-love but stems from deep childhood wounds. She demystifies the narcissist's playbook, from their masterful use of gaslighting to the "Four S's" they secretly seek in every relationship: Sex, Supply, Safety, and Service. This conversation will equip you with the clarity to see the red flags you might have missed and the strength to reclaim your power.

This is a must-listen for anyone healing from a toxic relationship or wanting to understand the psychology of manipulation. You will discover:

• The Narcissist's Playbook: How to spot the subtle ways a narcissist tests your boundaries from the very beginning.
• The Science of Gaslighting: A simple, powerful phrase you can use to shut down gaslighting without engaging in a fight.
• The Addictive Cycle: The psychological reason why victims of narcissistic abuse often find themselves in similar relationships over and over again—and how to finally break free.
• The Path to Healing: A compassionate guide to rebuilding your self-worth, learning to set boundaries, and differentiating between love and abuse after a narcissistic relationship.

This episode is a powerful message of validation and hope, reminding you that healing is possible and that you deserve a love that builds you up, not one that breaks you down.

Support the show

Call to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.

Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

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What if the turbulence in your life is just a sign that you're about to reach a higher altitude?

In this honest and energizing conversation, Lira sits down with Liz Lanza—a model turned entrepreneur and the visionary founder of "Her Society." Liz shares her unfiltered journey of leaving a "safe" 9-to-5 job to chase a dream, navigating the rejection-heavy modeling industry, and bootstrapping her own company from the ground up. This episode is a masterclass for anyone who has been told they're just a pretty face or has felt underestimated in a male-dominated world. Liz pulls back the curtain on the romanticized "boss era" and gets real about the grit, sacrifice, and self-reflection required to build a life on your own terms.

Liz offers a powerful new mindset for overcoming challenges, comparing life's difficult moments to the turbulence a plane faces right before it breaks through the clouds to a higher, smoother elevation. She provides a practical, no-nonsense guide to building your dream, from the importance of finding a mentor to the game-changing strategy of planning your success from the "top down". This is more than an interview; it's a blueprint for building resilience and community.

This is a must-listen for any woman ready to bet on herself. You will discover:

• The Unspoken Rules of Social Media Growth: Liz's number one tip for building a network by genuinely and bravely reaching out to people you admire.
• The Power of "No": How learning to say "no" and taking time for yourself is the most crucial act of self-care for any ambitious person.
• Surviving Entrepreneurial Loneliness: The real reason Liz founded "Her Society" and why creating a trusted community is non-negotiable for success and sanity.
• The Anti-Burnout Toolkit: How to develop the self-awareness to know when you're approaching your limit and why your mental health is the foundation of your hustle.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that you don't have to do it all alone, and that lifting others as we rise is the true measure of success.

Support the show

Call to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.

Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

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Content Warning: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about suicide, depression, and mental health statistics that may be distressing for some listeners. Please listen with care.

What if the deadliest crisis facing our youth isn't being discussed on the nightly news?

In this urgent and unflinching solo episode, host Lira Ndifon confronts one of the most painful truths of our time: the epidemic of suicide among young people. Armed with heartbreaking statistics from the CDC, Lira reveals that suicide is the 

second leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 in the United States—a statistic that should be headline news, yet is met with silence. This is not just an episode; it's a powerful call to action to break the stigma and start the conversations that will save lives.

Lira dismantles the dangerous myth that talking about suicide encourages it, arguing that open, honest dialogue is our most powerful tool for prevention. She explores the complex and often overlooked factors contributing to this crisis, from the immense societal pressure on teens to the unique mental health struggles of young men, older men, and even our frontline healthcare workers. This episode is a direct appeal to parents, caregivers, and educators to understand the reality of what our children are facing.

This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to be part of the solution. You will discover:

• The Sobering Data: A clear breakdown of the suicide crisis and which demographics are most at risk.
• Why Silence is So Dangerous: The psychological reasons we avoid this topic and why speaking up is an act of communal healing.
• Four Practical Tools for Mental Wellness: Lira provides a simple, powerful toolkit—including journaling, meditation, exercise, and community—that you can use to support your own mental health and the health of those you love.
• A Message of Profound Hope: A direct, heartfelt message to anyone struggling, reminding them of their worth, their purpose, and the magnificent fact of their existence.

This is the conversation we need to be having. It’s a reminder that every life is precious and that healing begins the moment we are brave enough to speak our truth.

If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Support the show

Call to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.

Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

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How do you know you're not insane?

In this profound and mind-bending conversation, host Lira Ndifon sits down with author and philosopher Justin Witte to discuss his lifelong journey with a rare organic brain disorder and his book, The Shadowed Soul. Justin offers a rare, first-hand account of living with a thought disorder like schizophrenia, explaining how he uses ancient philosophy and modern science to navigate a mind that overproduces dopamine. This episode is a courageous look beyond the veil of "normalcy" to question the very nature of reality itself.

Justin challenges the core of our beliefs, arguing that in a world of paradoxes, the only thing any of us can truly know is our own consciousness—the simple awareness of "I am". He shares how he has used single-pointed concentration meditation to gain control over his mind, manage his symptoms, and find peace in a brain that was once overwhelmingly loud. This is not just a discussion about mental health; it's a guide to separating your true self from the chaos of your thoughts.

This is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt controlled by their own mind. You will discover:

• The Inner Workings of Schizophrenia: A clear, lived-experience explanation of a thought disorder versus a mood disorder, and the impact of dopamine-blocking medication.
• The Paradox of Sanity: Why most "sane" people can't question their own sanity and how we all believe things that aren't true.
• The Power of "I Am": Learn about the Vedantic concept that our true, unchanging self is pure consciousness, and that identifying with our body and mind is the source of all our problems.
• Meditation as Medicine: How Justin uses the practice of Trataka to empty his mind, abate delusions, and train his brain for profound mental control.

This conversation is an invitation to look beyond your labels and diagnoses and connect with the one thing that never changes: the witness within.

If this episode challenged you to think deeper, please show your support by liking, following, and subscribing to the Self-Reflection Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen. Every subscription helps us amplify these crucial conversations and build a community dedicated to true self-awareness.

Support the show

Call to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.

Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

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What if the greatest currency you possess isn't in your bank account, but in your ability to connect with others?

In this profound and timely conversation, host Lira Ndifon sits down with Stephen Seidel—an award-winning PR founder and co-founder of the men's collective, Gents Journey. Stephen shares his powerful story of turning the immense grief of losing his mother into a mission to create safe spaces for men to be vulnerable. This episode is a masterclass on dismantling the old, stoic model of masculinity and replacing it with one where vulnerability is not a weakness, but a sign of invincibility.

Stephen provides a rare look into the emotional world of men, explaining why generations have been taught to bottle up their feelings and how that is finally beginning to change. He shares actionable tools for anyone—man or woman—to manage self-doubt, including a "six-second sacred pause" and a daily grounding routine that can shift your entire mindset. This is more than a talk; it's a guide to building a life and a legacy based on what truly matters: authentic human connection.

This is a must-listen for anyone ready to deepen their relationships, lead with heart, and find strength in their struggles. You will discover:

• The Grief That Fuels Legacy: How to transform personal loss into a powerful purpose that honors the past while building a better future.
• The New Masculinity: Why it's crucial for men to have support systems outside of their immediate family and how to foster conversations that go deeper than "how was your weekend?".
• Connection as Your Superpower: In an age of AI and automation, learn why your ability to connect authentically is your greatest human advantage in life and business.
• From Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery: Practical, everyday habits to interrupt negative thought patterns and build unshakable resilience.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that the stories we tell ourselves and the connections we build are the foundation of a meaningful life.

Support the show

Call to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.

Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

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What if your depression wasn't a weakness, but a spiritual wake-up call?

In this fiery and deeply transformative conversation, host Lira Ndifon sits down with spiritual guide Zak Lioutus, a woman whose mission is to help women become Bold, Fierce, and Unstoppable. Zak shares her raw, personal story of battling deep depression and suicidal thoughts, only to discover that her greatest pain was the gateway to her most profound purpose. This episode is a masterclass in the alchemy of the soul, teaching you how to turn your wounds into your greatest strengths.

Zak offers a powerful reframing of what it means to be a woman in today's world, challenging listeners to stop giving their power away and start listening to their intuition. She explains why so many women are lost, why sisterhood can get messy, and why true power lies in embracing softness and self-love. She provides a clear, no-nonsense guide to taking yourself off the floor and putting yourself on the pedestal you deserve.

This is a must-listen for any woman ready to stop playing small and reclaim her innate power. You will discover:

• The Spiritual Purpose of Depression: How to understand your darkest moments not as a sign you're broken, but as your spirit demanding you to awaken to your truth.
• Gut Feeling vs. Wishful Thinking: Learn the crucial difference and how to strengthen your intuition so you can trust the divine messages you're receiving.
• The Power of "No": How to identify the relationships that are draining your energy and how setting fierce boundaries is the ultimate act of self-love.
• From Pain to Purpose: Practical tools to alchemize your struggles—including breathwork and creating a new identity—and turn your story into your superpower.

This isn't just a conversation; it's an activation. It will challenge you, empower you, and remind you of the unstoppable force you were always meant to be.

If this episode lit a fire in you, please show your support by liking, following, and subscribing to the Self-Reflection Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen. Every subscription helps us amplify these powerful conversations and build a global community of healed, empowered women.

Support the show

Call to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.

Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.