The Amberly Lago Show: Stories of True Grit and Grace

There is something really powerful about finding the unique sense of balance that will serve you in your life. That's something I admire in my friend Eric. He's so talented and does so much, but he has a respect for stillness, harmony, and balance at his core.

Eric Balance is a communicator, guide, and conscious entrepreneur, whose mission is to bring balance back to our world through the power of compassionate leadership and heart intelligence. Host of the personal empowerment podcast, The Resilient Minds. Eric's incredible journey has connected him with global leaders in conscious development, culminating in his online presence, his spiritual practice, and his ability to guide us all in getting the most out of life by reconnecting with our inner wisdom.

Eric believes in the power within every one of us to change our lives by acknowledging the gifts within ourselves. He has dedicated himself to spreading a message of compassionate leadership. His methods blend ancient knowledge and cutting-edge insight to create some) thing totally unique, and has already helped thousands of people reach new heights of fulfillment. He sees his role as a facilitator for the deep wisdom we already possess within our hearts, a guide along the path to reconnecting with ourselves, and an example of what we can achieve when we truly embody the ideals of compassionate leadership.

In this episode we talk about his journey to learning these skills as an entrepreneur, a leader, and a communicator, as well as his advice for you to create the same type of balance and alignment in your life.

Here's what you will learn:

• How Eric started his journey towards becoming a conscious entrepreneur (5:35)
• What he learned from escapism with drugs (14:28)
• Why letting go of your identity helps you to reach fulfillment (19:59)
• How balance is important to creating harmony (25:20)
• Why the metaverse has aided in understanding our individual universes (31:13)
• The therapeutic benefits of horse back riding (36:10)
• Why being in quiet and having a stillness routine is helpful (39:00)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation and @ericbalance so we can see!

Follow Eric:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Website

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

ASKING QUESTIONS....the ultimate game changer. Are you asking yourself, others, or God/Universe for guidance? Learn how to ask all the right questions after listening to today's episode to level up your life. I have two legends on the show--Crystal and Mark Victor Hansen. I know you are going to love all the wisdom they share ESPECIALLY if you are ready to live a life of excellence! I loved listening to the wisdom shared by both of them about writing, success, telling your story, marriage, parenting, and more. Mark and Crystal are leaders in all these areas and you will be re-inspired to live with grit and grace after listening to them.

Mark was turned down 144 times trying to get his book published. He kept going when others told him it would never work -- that it wasn't a good idea. Today with almost 500 million Chicken Soup for the Soul books sold, Mark is glad he held fast to the principles of perseverance, excellence, and self belief, allowing him to create extraordinary achievement in his life. As one of the world's most respected thought leaders, he is known globally as the Ambassador of Possibility.

Crystal Dwyer Hansen speaks internationally, and as an author, coach, and entrepreneur with expertise in the field of human potential, she guides people to be their best selves. Through her years spent as a Transformational Life Coach, and Wellness/Nutrition Expert, she has seen people experience profound and lasting transformation in relationships, career, health & wellness, by tapping into their own inner resources.

We talk about the importance of asking ourselves the right questions, listening to the answers, and showing up for the unique path that is put before us. Get ready for huge inspiration in this episode!

Here's what you will learn:

• How learning to work for something you love builds self-confidence (2:10)
• The importance of asking questions in personal progression (8:30)
• How overcoming roadblocks helps us to ask important questions (16:36)
• Why asking questions shows trust and admiration (24:34)
• How vision requires action to manifest (32:43)
• The importance of boundaries with parenting (41:29)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @markvictorhansen and @crystaldwyerhansen so we can see!

Follow Mark and Crystal:

• Mark's Facebook
• Mark's Instagram
• Crystal's Instagram
• Mark's Twitter
• Crystal's Twitter
• Mark's Website
• Crystal's Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• You Have a Book In You: Make Money with YOUR Story
• Speed Write Your Life Story: From Blank Spaces to Great Pages
• Join Ask The Book Club

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

We've got an amazing conversation for you if feeling pressure to fit a mold is one of the biggest struggles you encounter when trying to create your own business and path to success. When you lose sight of who you are in the pursuit to become what you think will make you successful, you deprive the world of witnessing your uniqueness.

Phoebe Mroczek is the advisor you need when you feel unclear, unfulfilled or unsatisfied with one or more areas of your life. She studies identity, neuroscience and intuition to help successful leaders gain clarity, make great decisions and stay true to their calling.

Phoebe Mroczek is a leader in energetic intelligence leader and a media personality in the consciousness space. She is the founder of Unbecoming®, a leading podcast and nationally-syndicated radio show that reaches nearly 180,000 listeners per week and breaks down the knowledge from the world's most interesting and intelligent people into meaningful, actionable steps. The mission of Unbecoming is to elevate the consciousness of the world by helping leaders unravel the misconception that you need to become something or anything other than who you are to be the person, do the work and have the impact you want in your life.

Phoebe and I talk about why we feel so much pressure to be someone we are not, how to unbecome that manufactured version of ourselves, and what happens when we are clear about who we are.

Here's what you will learn:

• How Phoebe got out of her own way and became the founder of Unbecoming (3:14)
• How a car accident started her on the journey to uncovering (7:27)
• Why clarity and rest are important to business strategy (16:08)
• How to approach weight loss with commitment (25:42)
• Why staying in your lane can help you to understand your energy (30:21)
• How creating space helps to prepare for and prevent burn out (36:37)
• Why being yourself gives others the same permission (41:14)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @phoebemroczek so we can see!

Follow Phoebe:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Oura Ring

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month I am excited to bring you a conversation with my dear friend Michelle Smith who is normalizing sobriety in our boozy culture.

Michelle left corporate after 20 years with nothing more than passion, a laptop, and a dream. She is proud to have created "Recovery is the New Black," a digital community that touches thousands. Her passion for maternal mental health emerged after becoming a mother herself. Alcohol became a coping tool, eventually resulting in severe alcohol use disorder. Her unique blend of education and personal experience serves her well in supporting moms postpartum who are reaching for alcohol to cope with the hard seasons of motherhood.

As an educated professional working in the addiction field, she never imagined she would find myself struggling to find a healthy relationship with alcohol. She has learned no amount of alcohol is good for her, and she is far from alone. Addiction does not discriminate, and no one is immune. She went from a depressed, anxious mom using alcohol daily to numb, to living a life of confidence, freedom, and purpose. She recovers out loud to let others know alcohol is not an accessory to motherhood.

Michelle and I talk about how anyone can find themselves struggling with addiction, what to do when you realize you want to change, and why you are not alone if you want to live sober and happy.

Here's what you will learn:

• How Michelle recognized her own harmful behavior (5:21)
• How addiction doesn't discriminate and how reaching for mind altering chemicals to feel better is a slippery slope (12:03)
• Why confronting recovery is difficult but lifesaving (20:31)
• Myths about drinking alcohol (22:00)
• How to let go of shame, embrace change and claim your happiness (27:44)
• How alcohol keeps you from getting restorative sleep (32:19)
• Why accountability was important to Michelle sharing her story (41:53)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @recoveryisthenewblack so we can see!

Follow Michelle:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Website

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Y'all I turned 50 last month and the biggest emotion I felt about it was gratitude. I've been on a wild ride in my life so far and it's been amazing to reflect on what I've learned. I wrote a post summarizing the 50 big lessons I've learned in 50 years and the response was so great that I decided to share it on the podcast too. I hope these lessons give you hope to keep going, resilience to come back from whatever has tried to take you down, and grace for your journey.

Here are just two of the lessons I've learned: You're never too old to start and obstacles are the path.

Here's what you will learn:

• How to overcome the limiting belief of being "too old" (3:41)
• How important it is to dress the part (4:20)
• Why your belief determines your creation (9:51)
• The importance of being kind (12:31)
• How obstacles help you on your path (20:31)
• The importance of kindness, gratitude, and service in taking your mind off your problems (31:21)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation so I can see!

If you are ready to leave your mark by discovering your message and sharing it with the world, you've come to the right place!! Let's work together to build your influence, your impact, and your income! Join the tribe you have been waiting for to activate your highest potential and live the life you deserve! Jump on the waitlist for the next "Unstoppable Life Mastermind!" JOIN NOW and let us know you are ready for greatness!

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

If you're ready to make your gifts known to the world to create an impact, I cannot wait for you to hear the conversation in this episode with Travis Believes! We discuss some of his career highs working with huge entrepreneurs like Lewis Howes and Jay Shetty, to the personal lows of dealing with homelessness, jail, and abandonment. It's all about finding the unique work that you are here to do and sharing your light with the world.

"Failure is just rerouting you to the place you need to go."

Travis Believes is a motivator, speaker, entrepreneur and founder/CEO of InnerLightMedia, the premier social media agency for brands and influencers with positive and life affirming messages. Travis has worked with the top entrepreneurs and personal development brands on social media and continues to make an impact everyday.

Coming from St. Louis, MO and having to overcome some of life's most challenging circumstances -- extreme poverty, homelessness and living in a state run children's facilities, Travis deeply understands the value of self belief and how inspiration impacts everyone. Travis wants to usher in ultimate authenticity -- owning every aspect of who you are, not living up to anyone else's expectations of who they think you should be and realizing you are enough. We can give the world the fullness of our gifts when we are able to live our truest selves.

Travis and I talk about the journey of figuring out how to share your message and make your unique impact. We talk about resilience through tough times and vision to fuel us forward into our best work.

Here's what you will learn:

• How growing up without parents affected Travis as a kid (6:20)
• How jail became an incubation period that taught him life lessons (16:37)
• The importance of emotional involvement in a goal (21:42)
• How to make YouTube videos work for your brand (28:32)
• Why connection can help you pivot and grow your business (37:46)
• How to choose the best platform for you to make the most impact (43:27)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @travisbelieves so we can see!

Follow Travis:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

If you are ready to learn proven brain secrets to make more money, turn fear to fuel, break bad habits and live life on your terms this is the episode for you. Get ready to UNLOCK YOUR BRAIN POWER!! Today I have the legendary John Assaraf joining us and he is one of the leading mindset and behavioral experts in the world who has appeared numerous times on Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper, and The Ellen Degeneres Show. He has done so much work on mindset and understanding our brains and he is able to make sense out of complex neuroscience so that anyone can understand it.

"First you build the habit and then the habit will build you."

John Assaraf has built 5 multimillion dollar companies, written 2 New York Times Bestselling books and has been featured in 8 movies, including the blockbuster hit "The Secret" and "Quest For Success" with Richard Branson and the Dalai Lama.

Today, he is founder and CEO of MyNeuroGym.com a company dedicated to using the most advanced technologies and evidence-based brain training methods to help individuals unleash their fullest potential and maximize their results.

John and I talk about how to unlock your limitless mind and train your brain for success! This episode might just change your entire life! I am sooo excited for you to listen!

Here's what you will learn:

• How John went from a troublemaker to being one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world (2:31)
• How to flip the switch from fear, anxiety and stress to calmness and certainty (13:29)
• How to stop self sabotaging and use your brain to create your ideal identity (24:54)
• How to activate subconscious tendencies to overcome bad habits (30:35)
• Retraining your brain to achieve any goal faster (32:08)
• The key to turning fear into fuel (41:37)
• NeuroGym--Unlocking your mind for success and happiness (42:00)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @johnassaraf so we can see!

Follow John:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Innercise Book - NeuroGym

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is with my favorite motivational speaker. Yes, he has made me laugh and cry when attending his speaking events over the years. We discussed motivation, purpose, and how "reason leads to conclusions, but it's our emotion that leads to action." I loved this conversation with Dan because it was so relatable and powerful.

Dan Clark is the founder and CEO of an International Leadership Development Company; a High Performance Business Coach; New York Times Best Selling Author of 35 books; University Professor; a primary contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series; International Podcaster; Gold Record Songwriter; and an Award Winning Athlete who fought his way back from a paralyzing injury that cut short his football career.

Dan was inducted into the National Speakers Hall of Fame – and has been named one of the Top Ten Motivational Speakers In The World. Dan has spoken to over 6 million people, in all 50 states, in 71 countries, on 6 continents, to more than 6000 audiences including most of the Fortune 500 companies, Super Bowl Champions, NASA, and to our Combat Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Asia and Africa. Dan has appeared on over 500 television and radio shows including Oprah and Glenn Beck, PBS and NPR, and has been featured in the Mayo Clinic Journal, Forbes, Inc., Success, Entrepreneur, Thought Masters and Millionaire Magazines.

Dan and I had an amazing conversation about healing after devastating injuries, why believing in miracles gives us the perspective we need, and how you can change your circumstances no matter what, making your life matter now!

Here's what you will learn:

• How a paralyzing accident changed Dan's life (5:32)
• Why what we believe aids our healing (11:20)
• How "ordinary miracles" help us to understand a higher calling (22:41)
• How going through space helped him to gain perspective (31:21)
• Why his course helps impact lives in a positive way (38:14)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @danclarkspeak so we can see!

Follow Dan:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Speak Like a Pro Masterclass

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace hits close to home because not only has my guest Emily Lyons faced huge physical and mental health challenges, she has persevered through it all, moving forward to create multiple thriving businesses.

Emily is a serial entrepreneur, a podcaster, and author. She is the founder and CEO of North America's top event staffing agency. What started as a small agency has exploded like firecrackers across the entertainment scene in Canada and the United States.

A long list of accolades have already made a home with Femme Fatale Media Group, including five consecutive Annual Toronto Nightclub Awards and three Top Choice Awards. What's more, Emily's hustling has won over big names like Warner Bros., MAXIM, UFC, Justin Bieber, Drake, Lamborghini, and so on. Lyons agency was named "Canada's Top Agency" by Forbes.com.

Emily and I had a powerful conversation about building a business after a major health issue, what happens when we share our story with our true audience, and how to value failures as part of the road to success.

Here's what you will learn:

• Initial challenges Emily experienced on her journey (2:21)
• What she learned from her stay in a mental hospital (11:34)
• Why a healthy fear has steered her away from alcoholism (20:25)
• How experiential marketing can build your passion and create impact (26:42)
• How visibility can level up your business (34:33)
• How to get more eyes on your brand (43:31)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @emilylyoness so we can see!

Follow Emily:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Femme Fatale Media
• True Glue: Buy Best Organic Lash Glue & Makeup Products
• Lyons Elite: Home

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is a special one. I got to actually sit down with my guests in real life and talk about the incredible story of resilience that they have lived.

When American kayaker Cliff Meidl led Team USA into the stadium at the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Sydney, nearly two billion television viewers were watching globally. Millions of Americans learned of the amazing comeback he made from a tragic near-death construction accident when he was 20 years old.

Working on a construction site in 1986, Cliff was operating a jackhammer and within moments "the lights went out" for him. He had made contact with three live electrical cables suffering cardiac arrest due to the severe electrical shock. In addition, Cliff also sustained serious electrical burns and exit wounds over fifteen percent of his body with major damage to both knees. Nearly a third of each knee compartment was disintegrated.

Fortunately, first responders arrived quickly and saved Cliff's life. Cliff's battles were not over yet. Due to the severe damage to both legs, doctors were recommending amputation. Cliff's family was able to find UCLA Medical Center Plastic Surgeon Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy, who devised an innovative procedure and was able to help save Cliff's legs.

As they say, "the rest is history." Several years later through many surgical procedures and an extensive rehabilitation process, Cliff was able to gain enough mobility to walk again (to the amazement of his doctors). Nearly ten years after his horrific accident and his commitment and dedication to battle through adversity, Cliff realized his dream when he marched into the Opening Ceremonies of the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta as a member of the USA Olympic Kayaking Team.

Four years later at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Cliff competed again in his second Olympics and received one of the highest honors as an Olympian. He was selected by his peers to carry the Unites States flag during the Opening Ceremony. Following the Games, he received a number of honors including the "Arete Courage in Sports Award," the Philadelphia Sportswriters "Courage Award," the Los Angeles Marathon "Patsy Choco Award," and many more. In addition, Cliff was named as one of the 20 all-time inspirational Olympians for the "Olympian Heroes Series," and continues to receive national and international media coverage through his spokesperson and motivational speaking events.

I sat down with both Cliff and Dr. Malcolm to talk about this powerful story, with their decades of perspective on how it has unfolded. I can't wait for you to hear what they had to say!

Here's what you will learn:

• How Cliff's life changed when he had a major accident (1:34)
• How hope can help in recovery (20:31)
• Teamwork and having someone believe in you can help you overcome trauma, challenges, and adversity (22:25)
• The importance of micro-steps (31:11)
• Why believing in something bigger than yourself is essential (40:39)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @twosparksofiinspiration so we can see!

Follow Cliff and Dr. Malcolm:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker