The Amberly Lago Show: Stories of True Grit and Grace

The Amberly Lago Show: Stories of True Grit and Grace

Download on the App Store

The Amberly Lago Show: Stories of True Grit and Grace episodes

  • Building Strong Foundations for Your Child's Future with Jordyn Koveleski Gorman

    Welcome back to another episode of The Amberly Lago Show! This conversation is for every parent who has ever found themselves Googling a parenting question at 2 a.m. and somehow ended up feeling even more overwhelmed than when they started.

    In this episode, I sit down with Jordyn Koveleski Gorman, licensed speech-language pathologist, feeding specialist, mom, and founder of Eat Play Say, an online resource helping more than 700,000 parents navigate speech, feeding, and childhood development with clear, expert-backed information.

    Jordyn shares the personal story that first led her into speech-language pathology. At just 16 years old, her mom became critically ill with bacterial meningitis and spent eight days in a coma. Watching a speech-language pathologist help her mom with swallowing and cognitive recovery introduced Jordyn to a career that would eventually become her purpose.

    Years later, becoming a mom herself completely changed her perspective. When her first son developed torticollis and a flat spot on his head, Jordyn experienced firsthand how frustrating it can be to know something isn't right with your child but struggle to find the right answers. That experience helped inspire Eat Play Say and her mission to give parents the reliable guidance she wished she'd had herself.

    We talk about the pressure parents face today, from sleep expectations and co-sleeping to purees versus baby-led weaning, picky eating, developmental milestones, speech delays, and tongue and lip ties. Jordyn reminds us that research matters, but so does recognizing that every child is different and sometimes the best approach requires parents to pivot.

    One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Jordyn's reminder to trust your intuition. Parenting doesn't have to be about doing everything perfectly. It's about paying attention to your child, asking questions when something doesn't feel right, and getting support when you need it.

    We also dive into early speech development and why communication begins long before a baby's first word. Jordyn explains the importance of imitation, why pausing gives toddlers the time they need to process language, and what parents can do if they're concerned about their child's development.

    If you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to better understand early childhood development, this episode is packed with practical information, reassurance, and expert guidance to help you feel a little less overwhelmed and a lot more confident.

    We Discuss:
    • How Jordyn's mother's illness inspired her career in speech-language pathology

    • Becoming a mom and realizing that even experts don't have every parenting answer

    • Her son's experience with torticollis and what inspired Eat Play Say

    • Why today's abundance of parenting information can actually make parents more anxious

    • Learning to trust your intuition while still using evidence-based guidance

    • Safe sleep, co-sleeping, and why every family and child is different

    • Creating a positive relationship with food from a baby's very first meals

    • Purees versus baby-led weaning and why it doesn't have to be one or the other

    • The difference between normal food preferences and picky eating that may need intervention

    • Early signs to watch for in speech and language development

    • Why imitation between 6 and 12 months is important for communication

    • The "power of the pause" and giving toddlers enough time to process language

    • Why parents should never blame themselves for a developmental delay

    • Early intervention resources available for children ages 0 to 3

    • Understanding tongue and lip ties and when they may need professional attention

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction to Jordyn Koveleski Gorman and Eat Play Say

    03:00 How her mother's bacterial meningitis inspired Jordyn's career

    07:00 Becoming a mom and experiencing developmental challenges firsthand

    11:00 Her son's torticollis diagnosis and the inspiration behind Eat Play Say

    15:00 Parenting information overload and learning to trust your intuition

    19:00 Sleep expectations, co-sleeping, and finding what works for your family

    24:00 Starting solids and building a positive relationship with food

    28:00 Purees versus baby-led weaning and why parents don't have to choose one approach

    32:00 Picky eating versus normal food preferences

    36:00 Early signs of speech and language development

    40:00 Why imitation is important before a baby's first words

    43:00 The power of pausing when communicating with toddlers

    46:00 What parents should know if they're worried about a speech or developmental delay

    49:00 Early intervention and when to seek professional support

    52:00 Tongue and lip ties, feeding challenges, and functional symptoms to watch for

    To Connect with Jordyn Koveleski Gorman:

    Instagram @eatplaysay

    Website Eat Play Say

    Free Resources & Downloads Eat Play Say Freebies

    To Connect with Me:

    New and Exciting!!

    Every episode, the whole archive is searchable! Look for a moment, or ask a question and get an answer drawn straight from the episodes, with the clips it came from.

    amberlylago.com/podcast

    Bring Me to Your Next Event

    Looking for a keynote speaker who will inspire your audience with practical tools for resilience, joy, and meaningful connection? Learn more about booking Amberly for your next conference, corporate event, or leadership retreat:

    amberlylago.com/speaking

    Get Your FREE Joy Playbook

    Ready to spark more joy in your everyday life? Download Amberly's free Spark More Joy Playbook and discover simple, actionable practices to help you build resilience and embrace more joy, no matter what life brings.

    go.amberlylago.com/smj-workbook

    Download Your FREE Gratitude Journal

    Start cultivating a daily gratitude practice with Amberly's free downloadable Gratitude Journal.

    mailchi.mp/9beab9de1b2c/gratitudejournal

    Let's Connect

    • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amberlylago

    • Instagram: instagram.com/amberlylagomotivation

    Watch the Podcast on YouTube

    Catch full video episodes and exclusive content on YouTube:

    youtube.com/c/AmberlyLagoMotivation

    Read My Books

    Discover Joy Through the Journey and True Grit & Grace and find more resources to help you live an unstoppable life:

    amberlylago.com/book

    Join the waitlist for my Mastermind

    amberlylago.com/mastermind

    Enjoying the Show?

    Be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need a little more hope, resilience, joy, and encouragement. Every review makes a difference, and we're so grateful you're part of this community.

    42 min
  • Why Your Next Level Requires You to Let Go with Keren Eldad
    About this Episode:

    Welcome back to another inspiring episode of The Amberly Lago Show!

    Have you ever looked like you had everything together on the outside while quietly struggling on the inside? In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Keren Eldad, executive coach, bestselling author, speaker, and trusted advisor to Olympic athletes, Fortune 500 leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers around the world.

    Keren joins me to celebrate her new bestselling book, Gilt Free, and challenges one of the biggest misconceptions about success: that looking successful is the same as feeling fulfilled.

    Together, we explore the difference between living with healthy guilt and living gilt-free, free from the pressure to constantly perform, impress, and prove your worth. Keren shares how so many high achievers unknowingly build beautiful lives that look incredible from the outside but feel empty on the inside, and why true freedom begins by letting go of perfection, comparison, and the need for external validation.

    We also dive into her powerful G.O.L.D. Framework, a practical approach to changing the thinking patterns that keep us stuck. From learning that you are already enough to becoming more open, living lit up with purpose, and devoting your ambition to serving others, Keren offers a roadmap for creating lasting success without sacrificing authenticity.

    We talk about manifestation in a completely different way than you've probably heard before. Instead of wishing and hoping, Keren explains why real manifestation begins with certainty, courageous decisions, and aligned action.

    If you've been feeling trapped by perfectionism, comparison, burnout, or the pressure to keep proving yourself, this conversation will inspire you to stop performing and start living as your authentic self.

    We Discuss:
    • The inspiration behind Keren's new bestselling book, Gilt Free

    • The difference between guilt (G-U-I-L-T) and living gilt-free

    • Why external success doesn't always create internal fulfillment

    • Letting go of perfectionism, comparison, and the need to impress

    • The hidden cost of chasing validation through achievements

    • How to recognize when you're living an inauthentic version of success

    • Keren's G.O.L.D. Framework for creating lasting transformation

    • Why believing you're already enough changes everything

    • Living with openness instead of fear and limitation

    • Finding purpose by becoming "lit up" instead of burned out

    • How devotion creates more meaningful and sustainable success

    • Why awareness makes it easier to break old patterns

    • The importance of protecting your peace and reconnecting with yourself

    • A powerful story about trusting the process instead of forcing outcomes

    • The difference between wishing for success and making a committed decision

    • Why manifestation happens through aligned action, not simply positive thinking

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Welcome and introduction to Keren Eldad

    02:15 The inspiration behind writing Gilt Free

    06:00 Guilt vs. living "gilt-free" and why authenticity matters

    11:30 Admitting when outward success doesn't match inner fulfillment

    17:00 Letting go of perfectionism, comparison, and performing for others

    22:30 Introducing the G.O.L.D. Framework

    30:00 Good Enough: overcoming the belief that you're not enough

    36:00 Openness, possibility, and expanding your thinking

    42:00 Becoming lit up and reconnecting with purpose

    48:00 Devotion, service, and creating meaningful success

    53:00 Breaking old patterns and protecting your peace

    58:00 The Miami story: trusting instead of forcing

    1:05:00 Manifestation through certainty, aligned decisions, and action

    To Connect with Keren Eldad:

    Instagram @coachkeren

    Website Keren Eldad

    Free Gilt Free Audiobook Get the Gilt Free Audiobook

    To Connect with Me:

    New and Exciting!!

    Every episode, the whole archive is searchable! Look for a moment, or ask a question and get an answer drawn straight from the episodes, with the clips it came from.

    amberlylago.com/podcast

    Bring Me to Your Next Event

    Looking for a keynote speaker who will inspire your audience with practical tools for resilience, joy, and meaningful connection? Learn more about booking Amberly for your next conference, corporate event, or leadership retreat:

    amberlylago.com/speaking

    Get Your FREE Joy Playbook

    Ready to spark more joy in your everyday life? Download Amberly's free Spark More Joy Playbook and discover simple, actionable practices to help you build resilience and embrace more joy, no matter what life brings.

    go.amberlylago.com/smj-workbook

    Download Your FREE Gratitude Journal

    Start cultivating a daily gratitude practice with Amberly's free downloadable Gratitude Journal.

    mailchi.mp/9beab9de1b2c/gratitudejournal

    Let's Connect

    • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amberlylago

    • Instagram: instagram.com/amberlylagomotivation

    Watch the Podcast on YouTube

    Catch full video episodes and exclusive content on YouTube:

    youtube.com/c/AmberlyLagoMotivation

    Read My Books

    Discover Joy Through the Journey and True Grit & Grace and find more resources to help you live an unstoppable life:

    amberlylago.com/book

    Join the waitlist for my Mastermind

    amberlylago.com/mastermind

    Enjoying the Show?

    Be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need a little more hope, resilience, joy, and encouragement. Every review makes a difference, and we're so grateful you're part of this community.

    34 min
  • How to Build a Life That Feels Aligned with Jennifer Mentesana

    Welcome back to another inspiring episode of The Amberly Lago Show! If you've ever felt like you were made for something more but fear, self-doubt, or life's circumstances have kept you from taking the first step, this conversation is for you.

    In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Jen Mentesana author, entrepreneur, speaker, podcast host, and founder of the Thrive South Bay community. Jen is passionate about helping women reconnect with their purpose, step into their gifts, and build lives that are rooted in alignment instead of overwhelm.

    Jen's journey is one of courage, reinvention, and trusting God's timing. Although she spent years investing in personal growth and coaching others, there came a moment when she realized she had been holding herself back from the very dreams that had been placed on her heart. At 52 years old, she made a life-changing decision: if not now, when?

    That decision led her to launch a podcast, write her bestselling book Guided by Grace, step onto stages, and fully embrace the purpose she'd been carrying inside for years.

    Together, we talk about what it really means to live in alignment, why taking the first step is often the hardest part, and how resilience is built by staying connected to your "why" instead of your fears.

    We also dive into entrepreneurship, overcoming depression, finding your zone of genius, protecting your peace, and learning to focus on the work that truly moves your life and business forward. Jen shares practical wisdom on avoiding busy work, embracing the 80/20 rule, creating quiet space to hear God's direction, and trusting the breadcrumbs that lead you toward your calling.

    This conversation is filled with hope, encouragement, and practical takeaways for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their next chapter.

    If you've been waiting for permission to pursue the dream that's been on your heart, let this episode be your reminder that you don't have to have the entire path figured out—you simply have to be willing to take the next step.

    We Discuss

    • Jen's journey of reinvention and stepping into her purpose later in life • Why taking one small step creates momentum toward your dreams • Finding your "zone of genius" and focusing on what you're naturally gifted to do • How resilience grows by staying connected to your purpose and your "why" • The importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you • Creating quiet time to hear God's direction and reconnect with yourself • The difference between being busy and making meaningful progress • The 80/20 rule for focusing on work that truly moves the needle • Lessons from entrepreneurship, setbacks, and adapting through difficult seasons • Protecting your peace and creating daily non-negotiable habits • How joy can become one of your greatest tools for overcoming discouragement • Why it's never too late to begin living the life you were created for

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction to Jen Mentesana and her journey of reinvention

    03:00 From life coach to stepping fully into her purpose

    07:30 Why "If not now, when?" changed everything

    12:00 Taking the first step and building momentum toward your dreams

    17:00 Finding resilience by staying connected to your "why"

    22:00 The importance of having people who believe in you

    27:00 Thrive South Bay and creating communities that empower women

    31:30 Feeling stuck, staying aligned, and adapting through challenges

    37:00 Lessons from entrepreneurship and navigating difficult seasons

    43:00 Writing Guided by Grace and following life's breadcrumbs

    49:00 Protecting your peace and creating space to hear God's voice

    54:00 Busy versus productive: living in your zone of genius

    59:00 Overcoming discouragement and choosing joy during difficult seasons

    To Connect With Jen Mentesana

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

    Website https://jenmentesana.com/

    To Connect With Me

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

    Coaching Program https://go.amberlylago.com/

    Website https://amberlylago.com/

    My favorite for gut health & wellness https://plexusworldwide.com/?sponsor=Amberlylago

    My MAKE Wellness link https://meet.makewellness.com/?referral=521698

    Joy Through the Journey https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Through-Journey-Amberly-Lago

    Listen to The Amberly Lago Show https://amberlylagomotivation.com/podcast/

    Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

    33 min
  • How to Build a Successful Business Without Losing Yourself with Lacey Newman

    Welcome back to another empowering episode of The Amberly Lago Show! If you've ever looked successful on the outside while feeling completely exhausted on the inside, this conversation is for you.

    In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Lacey Newman, a top 1% luxury real estate agent, host of an Emmy-nominated television show, founder of a multi-seven-figure team, and a woman who has completely redefined what success looks like.

    For years, Lacey did what so many high-achieving women do. She chased every opportunity, said yes to everything, made herself available around the clock, and wore exhaustion like a badge of honor. But when she became a single mom of two young children, she reached a point where she knew something had to change.

    Instead of continuing to hustle harder, Lacey made the brave decision to rebuild her business and her life on her own terms.

    In this conversation, we talk about the hidden cost of being the person who can do everything, why constantly being available can keep you trapped in operator mode, and what it really takes to step into the role of CEO. Lacey shares how setting boundaries, learning to delegate, and letting go of the need to do everything herself helped her business grow while giving her more of what mattered most: time, peace, and presence with her children.

    We also dive into why so many women tie their worth to how much they can carry, the nervous system patterns behind constantly responding and checking things off the list, and the importance of asking yourself whether something is truly aligned with your purpose or simply something you can do.

    Lacey shares how she has learned to walk away from roles, relationships, partnerships, and responsibilities that no longer align with the life she is building. We talk about the courage it takes to disappoint people, reset expectations, and choose your own growth instead of constantly trying to keep everyone else happy.

    This conversation is such a powerful reminder that success doesn't have to cost you your peace. You don't have to answer every message, accept every opportunity, or carry everything alone. Sometimes, your next level requires you to let go of what got you here so you can create space for where you're going.

    If you've been feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, or like you've become the bottleneck in your own life or business, this episode will help you rethink what success can look like and give yourself permission to build it differently.

    We Discuss:

    • Why high-achieving women often wear exhaustion like a badge of honor • The hidden cost of constantly proving how much you can handle • The difference between operating your business and leading it as a CEO • Lacey's breaking point as a single mom and business owner • Why setting boundaries helped her business grow • The nervous system patterns behind constantly responding and staying busy • How to reset expectations when people are used to having unlimited access to you • Why delegation is necessary for reaching your next level • Learning to walk away from what is no longer aligned • Why growth often requires letting go of things that once made you successful • Choosing your purpose over constantly trying to make everyone happy • The importance of having people who hold you accountable to your highest vision • How quiet time, journaling, and gratitude can help you reconnect with what you truly want • Why joy can be a powerful clue when designing a life that feels aligned

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction to Lacey Newman and redefining success

    03:00 Why women wear exhaustion like a badge of honor

    06:00 The difference between being an operator and stepping into the CEO role

    09:00 Lacey's breaking point as a single mom and business owner

    12:00 Setting boundaries and protecting what matters most

    15:00 Why constant responsiveness can become a nervous system pattern

    18:00 Resetting expectations with clients and learning to let your team support you

    21:00 Walking away from roles, relationships, and responsibilities that no longer align

    24:00 How to decide what to keep and what to let go

    26:00 The importance of accountability and having the right people in your corner

    28:00 Asking whether an opportunity is truly aligned with your highest purpose

    30:00+ Creating quiet space, journaling, gratitude, and designing a life that brings you joy

    To Connect With Lacey Newman:

    Instagram @heylaceynewman

    Website Lacey Newman

    To Connect With Me:

    Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

    Coaching Program Amberly Lago Coaching Program

    Website Amberly Lago

    My favorite for gut health & wellness Plexus Worldwide

    My MAKE Wellness link MAKE Wellness

    Joy Through the Journey Joy Through the Journey

    Listen to The Amberly Lago Show The Amberly Lago Show

    Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

    53 min
  • Why Your Body Already Knows How to Heal with Nidhi Bhanshali Pandya

    Welcome back to another empowering episode of The Amberly Lago Show! If you've ever reached for turmeric shots, ashwagandha, or a tongue scraper without really knowing why, this conversation will change the way you think about your own body. Because the truth is, healing isn't about another quick fix or expert prescription, it's about remembering the rhythms your body already knows.

    In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Nidhi Pandya, Ayurvedic doctor, educator, speaker, and best-selling author known on social media as My Ayurvedic Life. Nidhi brings the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, which literally means "the science of life" into real, modern-day living in ways that are practical, relatable, and deeply transformative.

    Together, we dive into one of my favorite topics: how to stop outsourcing your own intuition and start reconnecting with your body's natural rhythms.

    Nidhi shares why she believes Ayurveda has become far too prescriptive and dogmatic in the wellness world today, and why healing was never meant to feel like a rigid checklist. We talk about the difference between rituals and routines, why every species on the planet, from deer to bears to worms, instinctively knows its own rhythm, and how we can relearn that same intuition even while living in the middle of a big city.

    We also explore Ayurveda's concept of bio-individuality, the three body "climates" that shape how we digest, sleep, and respond to stress, and why most online dosha quizzes get it wrong. Nidhi walks through a real client case study, a burnt-out New York lawyer, to show how root-cause healing looks in practice, and why chasing quick fixes almost always costs more in the long run.

    This episode is packed with grounded, practical wisdom that will help you stop looking outside yourself for permission to heal and start trusting the rhythms already built into your body.

    Because your body was never the mystery. We just forgot how to listen to it.

    We Discuss:

    • What Ayurveda actually is, beyond turmeric and ashwagandha

    • Why Ayurveda is meant to be a set of principles, not a prescription

    • Growing up in a 14-person joint family in Mumbai with an Ayurvedic healer grandfather

    • The difference between rituals and routines, and why it matters

    • How to reconnect with your body's natural rhythms, starting with day and night

    • Ayurveda's six-part division of the day and why it's a powerful starting point

    • How to stay grounded and self-care in a big city without access to nature

    • The concept of bio-individuality and the three inner "climates" (building, heat, depleted/dry)

    • Why most online dosha quizzes get your body type wrong

    • Nidhi's "Inner Climate Method" for mapping symptoms to imbalance

    • A real client case study: healing a burnt-out lawyer through cooling foods and practices

    • Why root-cause healing beats quick fixes in the long run

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction to Nidhi Pandya and Ayurveda

    01:42 Nidhi's background and life in Mumbai vs. New York

    03:43 Growing up in a 14-person joint family with an Ayurvedic healer grandfather

    07:49 Rituals vs. routines and the power of the pause

    10:06 How to reconnect with your body's natural rhythms

    14:08 Staying grounded and practicing self-care while living in a big city

    18:08 What Ayurveda really is, and why it's taught wrong today

    20:35 Bio-individuality and the three body "climates"

    21:06 Why online dosha quizzes are almost always wrong

    23:55 The Inner Climate Method explained

    26:07 Case study: healing a burnt-out lawyer through root-cause Ayurveda

    32:38 The one dietary principle with the biggest impact: early dinner, big lunch

    34:18 Why cooking and eating warm foods made us human

    39:49 Nidhi's daily non-negotiable ritual: oiling the body

    44:18 Fast round: books, wellness myths, and favorite meals

    45:32 Where to find Nidhi's book and her work

    To Connect With Nidhi Pandya:

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

    Website: https://nidhi.me/

    Book – Your Body Already Knows: Intuitive Ayurveda: 21 Days to Reset your Gut, Sleep, Mood, and Health

    To Connect With Me:

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

    Coaching Program: https://go.amberlylago.com/

    Website: https://amberlylago.com/

    My favorite for gut health & wellness: https://plexusworldwide.com/?sponsor=Amberlylago

    My MAKE Wellness link: https://meet.makewellness.com/?referral=521698

    Joy Through the Journey: https://amberlylago.com/book/

    Listen to The Amberly Lago Show: https://amberlylago.com/podcast/

    Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

    48 min
  • How to Turn Your Fear into Your Greatest Strength with Jill Schulman

    Welcome back to another empowering episode of The Amberly Lago Show! If you've ever felt stuck, held back by fear, or found yourself waiting until you felt "ready" to pursue something meaningful, this conversation is for you. Because the truth is, courage isn't the absence of fear. It's learning how to move forward even when fear is present.

    In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Jill Schulman, former U.S. Marine Corps officer, leadership expert, TEDx speaker, and author of The Bravery Effect. Jill has spent years studying the science of bravery and helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential by changing their relationship with fear.

    Together, we dive into one of my favorite topics: how to stop letting fear make your decisions.

    Jill shares why fear isn't a stop sign and why feeling nervous doesn't mean something is wrong with you. In fact, it often means you're standing right in front of something that matters deeply to you. We talk about how to differentiate between the fear that protects us and the fear that is simply asking us to grow.

    We also explore the powerful concept of asking your future self for guidance, why preparation and courage go hand in hand, and how our brains actually change when we repeatedly do hard things. Jill explains the neuroscience behind bravery, the surprising truth about stress, and why avoiding discomfort may actually be one of the fastest paths to anxiety and unhappiness.

    This episode is packed with practical wisdom and powerful mindset shifts that will encourage you to stop waiting until you're fearless and start taking brave action today.

    Because your best life isn't waiting on the other side of certainty. It's waiting on the other side of courage.

    We Discuss

    • Why fear is often a signpost pointing toward what matters most • How to tell the difference between protective fear and growth fear • Using your future self as a guide when making difficult decisions • Why you should never wait until you feel "ready" • The importance of preparation and practice when facing fear • The neuroscience behind bravery and how the brain changes through courageous action • Why avoiding fear can lead to anxiety and unhappiness • The surprising truth about stress and why stress can actually be beneficial • Building confidence by repeatedly doing hard things • How bravery and happiness are deeply connected

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction to Jill Schulman and The Bravery Effect 03:05 Why bravery and happiness go hand in hand 06:00 How to differentiate between fear that protects you and fear that helps you grow 10:05 Asking your future self for guidance 14:05 Why feeling scared means you're probably on the right path 17:00 The importance of preparation and practice 22:10 Why you should never wait until you feel ready 26:15 The science behind stress and resilience 33:30 How our mindset changes our response to stress 39:40 The neuroscience of bravery and brain adaptation 46:20 Why avoiding fear can increase anxiety and depression 53:00 Fear is a signpost, not a stop sign 57:20 Final thoughts on doing things scared and living courageously

    To Connect With Jill Schulman

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

    Website

    https://jillshulman.com/

    Book – The Bravery Effect https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2BBPR35

    TEDx Talk https://youtu.be/G2x63Wk07fE?si=xtIBvxJh29iYJnP6

    To Connect With Me

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

    Coaching Program https://go.amberlylago.com/

    Website https://amberlylago.com/

    My favorite for gut health & wellness https://plexusworldwide.com/?sponsor=Amberlylago

    My MAKE Wellness link https://meet.makewellness.com/?referral=521698

    Joy Through the Journey https://amberlylago.com/book/

    Listen to The Amberly Lago Show https://amberlylago.com/podcast/

    Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

    41 min
  • From Chronic Illness to a Life of Purpose with Dane Johnson, CHN

    Welcome back to another powerful episode of The Amberly Lago Show! I always say that when you have your health, you want a thousand things, but when you don't have your health, you only want one thing. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that health truly is wealth and that even our greatest struggles can become our greatest purpose.

    In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Dane Johnson, board-certified nutritionist, founder and CEO of Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle, and someone who turned his own life-threatening battle with inflammatory bowel disease into a mission to help thousands of people reclaim their health and hope.

    At just 19 years old, Dane began experiencing severe symptoms that eventually led to diagnoses of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. By his late twenties, he was fighting for his life, weighing only 122 pounds, relying on a feeding tube, and taking powerful medications just to survive. Through years of frustration, countless failed attempts, and an unwavering determination to heal, Dane became an expert in understanding the deeper root causes of chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease.

    In this conversation, we talk about gut health, chronic inflammation, food sensitivities, nervous system regulation, mold toxicity, hidden viral infections, and why healing requires a personalized approach instead of a one-size-fits-all protocol.

    Dane shares the practical strategies that transformed his own health, from journaling and tracking symptoms to simplifying nutrition and learning to remove unnecessary variables. He explains why symptoms are often messages from the body rather than problems to suppress and why understanding your own patterns can be one of the most powerful tools for healing.

    We also dive into the importance of consistency, creating a customized healing plan, and empowering yourself with knowledge so that you understand not just what you're doing for your health, but why you're doing it.

    If you've ever struggled with chronic pain, digestive issues, fatigue, autoimmune disease, inflammation, or simply felt like your body is working against you, this episode is packed with hope, practical insights, and actionable tools that can help you begin taking your health back.

    We Discuss

    • Dane's journey from life-threatening illness to becoming a nutrition and gut health expert • The realities of living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis • Why symptoms are messages and not simply problems to suppress • The importance of making health your number one priority • How journaling and tracking symptoms can accelerate healing • Food sensitivities versus true food allergies • Why the way food is prepared matters for digestion and inflammation • The connection between gut health, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune disease • Mold toxicity, hidden viral infections, and other overlooked root causes of illness • Why personalized healing plans work better than generic protocols • How consistency and education empower long-term health transformation

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction to Dane Johnson 03:20 Dane's battle with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis 09:15 From severe illness to finding hope and purpose 15:10 Why traditional approaches weren't enough 21:40 Making health your number one priority 27:30 The power of journaling and tracking symptoms 33:15 Food sensitivities, digestion, and reducing inflammation 40:20 Understanding root causes and hidden triggers 47:10 Mold toxicity, viruses, and chronic illness 54:20 Creating a customized plan for healing 01:00:15 Why consistency matters more than perfection

    To Connect With Dane Johnson

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/danejohnson1/

    Website https://crohnscolitislifestyle.com/

    To Connect With Me

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

    Coaching Program https://go.amberlylago.com/

    Website https://amberlylago.com/

    My favorite for gut health & wellness https://plexusworldwide.com/?sponsor=Amberlylago

    My MAKE Wellness link https://meet.makewellness.com/?referral=521698

    Joy Through the Journey https://amberlylago.com/book/

    Listen to The Amberly Lago Show https://amberlylago.com/podcast/

    Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

    58 min
  • How to Create More Success Without Burning Out with Julee Gracey

    Welcome back to another empowering episode of The Amberly Lago Show! This conversation is full of wisdom, practical strategies, and powerful reminders that confidence isn't something you're born with, it's something you build.

    In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Julee Gracey, entrepreneur, speaker, business strategist, confidence coach, and author who has helped countless women turn their ideas into thriving businesses while creating lives that feel aligned, purposeful, and joyful.

    Julee's story is rooted in grit, hard work, and resilience. Raised by parents who modeled dedication and perseverance, she learned from an early age that hard work was normal and that no one was going to hand you your dreams, you had to go after them. But over time, she also learned an equally important lesson: success isn't just about working harder; it's about learning to work smarter.

    In this conversation, we dive into confidence, entrepreneurship, boundaries, delegation, systems, and why so many women struggle to give themselves permission to build a life they actually want. Julee shares how she helps women move past fear, challenge limiting beliefs, and stop waiting for confidence before taking action.

    We also talk about burnout, decision fatigue, setting healthy boundaries, and the importance of creating systems that support both your business and your well-being. One of my favorite takeaways from this episode is Julee's reminder that your dreams aren't going to chase you, you have to be willing to chase them.

    This conversation is practical, inspiring, and filled with actionable advice for anyone who wants to build confidence, create healthier boundaries, and pursue their dreams with greater clarity and intention.

    If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of your next step, this episode will remind you that you are capable of doing hard things, and that the life and business you want are possible when you start believing in yourself and building systems that support your vision.

    We Discuss

    • How childhood experiences shaped Julee's mindset around hard work and resilience • Why confidence is built through action, not perfection • The importance of mentors, coaches, and learning from others • Why your dreams won't chase you, you have to go after them • Working smarter instead of simply working harder • The power of delegation and conducting a time audit • Setting boundaries to prevent burnout and protect your energy • Creating systems and routines that reduce stress and decision fatigue • Recognizing different client relationships and learning to serve wisely • Why taking care of yourself is essential for confidence and business success • Gratitude, self-respect, and learning to love yourself in every season of life

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction to Julee Gracey 03:20 Growing up with grit and learning the value of hard work 08:40 Building confidence and doing hard things 14:10 The role of mentors and coaches in personal growth 20:05 Why your dreams won't chase you 26:30 Working smarter instead of harder 33:15 Delegation, time audits, and creating systems 39:45 Setting boundaries and avoiding burnout 46:20 Structuring your week for more peace and productivity 52:10 Learning to protect your energy and serve wisely 58:00 Confidence, self-respect, and loving yourself in every season

    To Connect With Julee Gracey

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

    Website https://juleegracey.com/

    mybusinessbuilderbootcamp.com

    Connect With Amberly

    Website

    amberlylago.com

    Bring Amberly to Your Next Event

    Looking for a keynote speaker who will inspire your audience with practical tools for resilience, joy, and meaningful connection? Learn more about booking Amberly for your next conference, corporate event, or leadership retreat:

    https://amberlylago.com/speaking/

    Get Your FREE Joy Playbook

    Ready to spark more joy in your everyday life? Download Amberly's free Spark More Joy Playbook and discover simple, actionable practices to help you build resilience and embrace more joy—no matter what life brings.

    https://go.amberlylago.com/smj-workbook/

    Download Your FREE Gratitude Journal

    Start cultivating a daily gratitude practice with Amberly's free downloadable Gratitude Journal.

    https://mailchi.mp/9beab9de1b2c/gratitudejournal

    Let's Connect

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberlylago/

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

    Watch the Podcast on YouTube

    Catch full video episodes and exclusive content on YouTube:

    https://www.youtube.com/c/AmberlyLagoMotivation

    Read Amberly's Books

    Discover Joy Through the Journey and True Grit & Grace and find more resources to help you live an unstoppable life:

    https://amberlylago.com/book/

    Enjoying the Show?

    Be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need a little more hope, resilience, joy, and encouragement. Every review makes a difference, and we're so grateful you're part of this community.

    49 min
  • What Cancer Taught me About Winning with Chaunté Lowe

    Welcome back to another incredibly inspiring episode of The Amberly Lago Show! This conversation is one that reminded me why resilience, courage, and faith are some of the most powerful tools we have when life throws unexpected challenges our way.

    In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Chaunté Lowe, four-time Olympian, Olympic bronze medalist, 12-time U.S. National Champion, American record holder in the high jump, TEDx speaker, author, and breast cancer survivor.

    For nearly two decades, Chaunté competed at the highest level of athletics, breaking barriers and inspiring others through her determination and excellence. But one of her greatest tests came off the track when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.

    In this powerful conversation, Chaunté shares her journey from growing up in difficult circumstances to becoming one of the most decorated athletes in American history. She opens up about the lessons she learned through sports, overcoming fear, building resilience, and navigating one of the most difficult seasons of her life after her cancer diagnosis.

    We also dive into the mindset shifts that helped her move through uncertainty, the importance of self-coaching, the role community plays in healing, and how adversity can become the very thing that prepares us for our greatest purpose.

    One of my favorite parts of this episode was hearing Chaunté talk about fear and why so many of us allow it to keep us stuck. Her perspective on practicing courage, preparing for challenges, and proving to yourself that you're capable is something every listener can apply to their own life.

    If you've ever faced adversity, struggled with self-doubt, battled fear, experienced a health challenge, or needed a reminder that you are stronger than you think, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to keep moving forward.

    We Discuss:

    • Growing up through adversity and finding hope beyond your circumstances • How sports help build confidence, discipline, and resilience • The powerful lessons Chaunté learned from Olympic competition • Why your current limitations are not your permanent limitations • Overcoming fear by preparing and practicing before the big moment • The mindset shift that helped her navigate a breast cancer diagnosis • How self-coaching can change the way you respond to challenges • Protecting your mindset during difficult seasons • Learning to find purpose through adversity • Rebuilding confidence after cancer treatment and physical changes • The importance of community, support, and connection during healing • Why resilience is a skill anyone can develop

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction to Chaunté Lowe 03:10 Growing up through adversity and finding hope 08:25 Learning resilience through difficult circumstances 13:40 The Olympic dream begins 19:05 Lessons sports teach about confidence and fear 25:15 Why fear often feels bigger than reality 31:40 Building confidence through preparation and practice 37:20 Receiving a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis 43:35 The battle for mindset during treatment 49:10 Self-coaching through adversity 54:45 Rebuilding confidence after cancer 59:30 The power of community and support 1:04:15 Finding purpose through life's greatest challenges

    To Connect With Chaunté Lowe:

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

    Website https://www.chauntelowespeaks.com/

    To Connect With Me:

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

    Coaching Program https://go.amberlylago.com/

    Website https://amberlylago.com/

    My favorite for gut health & wellness https://plexusworldwide.com/?sponsor=Amberlylago

    My MAKE Wellness link https://meet.makewellness.com/?referral=521698

    Joy Through the Journey https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Through-Journey-Cultivate-Resilience/dp/B0DXQL824S/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DKKWVFDZhOarH9lZXhraDxNQFHe_A_wmgMWfQyxmQxpe_RccErV5eZaKS60LCaR7.8gJLdwHM0ofjInD64dI9-9mJT2h2tuT0A42_lhuLn_I&dib_tag=se&keywords=amberly+lago+joy+through+the+journey&qid=1779892308&sr=8-1

    Listen to The Amberly Lago Show https://amberlylago.com/podcast/

    Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

    52 min
  • Stop Chasing Pain and Start Healing with Dr. Perry Nickelston

    Welcome back to another incredibly powerful episode of The Amberly Lago Show! This conversation is one that truly challenged the way I think about pain, healing, stress, and the body's incredible ability to protect us, even when it doesn't feel that way.

    In this episode, I sit down with the one and only Dr. Perry Nickelston, founder of Stop Chasing Pain, creator of the Big Six Lymphatic Mojo system, speaker, educator, and one of the most innovative voices in the world of chronic pain and nervous system healing.

    Dr. Perry has spent nearly three decades helping people understand that pain is rarely just about the place that hurts. Instead of only focusing on symptoms, he teaches a completely different approach, one that looks at the body as a connected system and helps people understand the deeper patterns behind chronic pain, inflammation, stress, trauma, and nervous system overload.

    In this deeply eye-opening conversation, we talk about the nervous system, the lymphatic system, emotional trauma, hypervigilance, breathing, chronic inflammation, and why so many people stay stuck in cycles of pain and survival mode.

    Dr. Perry vulnerably shares his own personal health struggles, the emotional journey that shaped his work, and how unresolved stress and trauma can physically impact the body over time. He explains why the body is always trying to protect us, even when symptoms feel frustrating or exhausting.

    We also dive into practical tools that can help calm the nervous system, improve blood flow, support lymphatic drainage, and shift the body out of constant fight-or-flight mode. One of my favorite parts of this episode was hearing how something as simple as changing your breathing patterns can completely shift your physiology and help the body begin to heal.

    If you've ever struggled with chronic pain, inflammation, fatigue, stress, brain fog, or feeling like your body is working against you, this episode will give you a completely new perspective on healing and hope.

    We Discuss

    • Why chronic pain is rarely only about the place that hurts • The meaning behind "Stop Chasing Pain" • How the nervous system and immune system remember trauma • The connection between emotional trauma and physical symptoms • Why the body prioritizes survival over comfort • Hypervigilance, fight-or-flight, and chronic stress patterns • How poor lymphatic flow contributes to inflammation and pain • Reframing pain as protection instead of punishment • The importance of changing the meaning you assign to pain • Simple breathing techniques to calm the nervous system and support healing

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Perry Nickelston 03:15 The origin of Stop Chasing Pain 08:40 How the body stores trauma and stress 14:20 Why chronic pain is different from acute pain 20:05 The nervous system's role in survival and protection 26:40 Hypervigilance and emotional trauma 33:10 The lymphatic system and inflammation 39:45 Reframing pain and changing its meaning 46:20 Why support groups can sometimes keep people stuck 52:00 Breathing techniques to regulate the nervous system 58:10 How healing begins through awareness and regulation

    To Connect With Dr. Perry Nickelston

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

    Website https://vimeo.com/ondemand/lymphaticmojo

    To Connect With Me

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

    Coaching Program https://go.amberlylago.com/

    Website https://amberlylago.com/

    My favorite for gut health & wellness https://plexusworldwide.com/?sponsor=Amberlylago

    My MAKE Wellness link https://meet.makewellness.com/?referral=521698

    Joy Through the Journey amazon.com/Joy-Through-Journey-Amberly-Lago

    Listen to The Amberly Lago Show https://amberlylago.com/podcast/

    Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

    59 min

About The Amberly Lago Show: Stories of True Grit and Grace

From the publisher's feed

Tangible tools and inspirational stories of resilience to elevate your life and business. Hosted by Amberly Lago, a Bestselling Author, Health Coach, TEDx Speaker, and Fitness Expert whose goal is to…

More shows like The Amberly Lago Show: Stories of True Grit and Grace

Progress Mode with Brendon Burchard by Brendon Burchard

Progress Mode with Brendon Burchard

3,607 Listeners

The Confidence Podcast: Mindset Coaching and Tips to Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs, Self-Doubt, Perfectionism, Overthinking, Impostor Syndrome and Insecurity by Trish Blackwell

The Confidence Podcast: Mindset Coaching and Tips to Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs, Self-Doubt, Perfectionism, Overthinking, Impostor Syndrome and Insecurity

1,498 Listeners

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly by Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

4,753 Listeners

The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes

The School of Greatness

21,053 Listeners

The Adult Chair Podcast with Michelle Chalfant by Michelle Chalfant

The Adult Chair Podcast with Michelle Chalfant

1,535 Listeners

THE ED MYLETT SHOW by Ed Mylett

THE ED MYLETT SHOW

13,975 Listeners

Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik by Jim Kwik, Your Brain Coach, Founder www.KwikLearning.com

Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik

4,816 Listeners

The Jon Gordon Podcast by Jon Gordon

The Jon Gordon Podcast

1,205 Listeners

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina by Vanessa Spina

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

774 Listeners

Flying Free by Natalie Hoffman

Flying Free

1,066 Listeners

On Purpose with Jay Shetty by Perfect Strangers

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

27,962 Listeners

The Best of You by Dr. Alison Cook

The Best of You

909 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,071 Listeners

The Jamie Kern Lima Show by Jamie Kern Lima

The Jamie Kern Lima Show

2,621 Listeners

The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka by Gary Brecka

The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka

3,136 Listeners