The Amberly Lago Show: Stories of True Grit and Grace

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is about a subject that is close to my heart: ADDICTION. What I have learned is addiction doesn't discriminate. Whenever I talk to others in recovery who have claimed a life of sobriety, I am always uplifted and inspired by the daily choices they make to live in gratitude and to be of service to others. This is a powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, sobriety and spiritual transformation that will nourish your soul. It's about finding the grit to persevere through life's toughest challenges and giving yourself the grace to do it with kindness. I couldn't be more excited to introduce you to today's guest, Brad Jensen, who just happens to have "GRIT" and "GRACE" tattooed on his knuckles.

Brad's passion for the fitness industry has been engrained into his life since he was 14 years old. The minute he picked up his first fitness and nutrition magazine, he knew that it was what he was born to do. He became NASM and ACE certified so that he could understand all parts of fitness and nutrition. He wanted to absorb as much as he could to feel his best and share his passion with others. He has since gone on to acquire numerous certifications, including NCI, Oracle applied science, and the Well-Fit mentorship. This passion lifted him from his darkest times and helped him overcome a decade of addiction to drugs and alcohol, which resulted in his sobriety. His sobriety date is November 20th of 2012, and for that, he is eternally grateful.

Brad opened the doors to Key Nutrition in March 2017 and has never looked back. He now operates a course called The Next Level Experience, where he helps individuals level up in all areas of their life in an intimate, intense, and interactive course.

Here's what you will learn:

• How Brad was first exposed to alcohol and drugs before starting his journey toward sobriety (2:43)
• What he learned through chronic pain, addiction, and trying heroin (13:26)
• The difference between being clean and being in recovery (21:03)
• How to build grit mentally, spiritually and physically (29:31)
• How he has been able to stay sober through entrepreneurship (38:25)
• The importance of spirituality outside of religion (45:21)
• The importance of reaching out while struggling with any kind of addiction (46:49)

I am excited to share that I will be joining Brad soon in Salt Lake City for his event "MINDSTRONG." I am honored and excited to be the keynote speaker and share tips and tools on who to build grit and strengthen your resilience!!

Join us and nourish your mind, body and spirit! March 18th-19th 2022 https://amberlylago.com/events/

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

Follow Brad:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Next Level Experience

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 about a different kind of resilience: building a successful business or career. If you've been working on this kind of goal, you know the ups and downs it takes you through all sorts of challenges, ESPECIALLY with things like social media, SEO and getting more eyeballs on your brand. I am so excited to bring you an incredible expert on how to build "career capital," find your dream customers, and share your best work with the world.

Kim Kaupe is an accidental entrepreneur, educator, podcaster, and speaker. She started her first business in 2011 at age 25 and in 9 years, she learned how to go from zero clients to Oprah, no one knowing who she was to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and not knowing what an LLC was to securing offers from 4 out of 5 sharks on Shark Tank.

Now, she opens her my playbook to show others exactly how she did it. Kim works with executives & future leaders to harness their voice & image to expand their network. She dusts off the ordinary to reveal the extraordinary in her clients whose perceived value in the workplace does not match the actual value they bring to the table. By showing others how to showcase their strengths, she's building an army of leaders who are ready to take center stage.

Here's what you will learn:

• How growing up in elementary school birthed her curiosity in marketing (4:39)
• Why LinkedIn is the best platform to build from (9:23)
• Why creator mode on LinkedIn can help you make a more attractive brand (14:54)
• How to figure out where your customers are (22:18)
• How you can leverage mentors and advocates (36:46)

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

Follow Kim:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• TurnonCreatorMode.com

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! Another Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is starting soon!!! Early bird countdown starts now! 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

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace covers a topic we all deal with: overthinking AND overanalyzing. I had the honor of having a conversation with one of the top experts on how to change the soundtrack in your mind and finish what you start. He says, "If you listen to any thought long enough it becomes a part of your personal playlist." The good news is we can change the script, rewrite the story and change the soundtrack in our heads. We can create a playlist that empowers us and allows us to show up fully, confidently and authentically. Our guest shows us how!

Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including his most recent, Soundtracks, The Surprising Solution To Overthinking.

Published in more than a dozen languages, his work is both critically acclaimed and adored by readers. When he's not writing, Acuff can be found on a stage, as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He's spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges and companies around the world including FedEx, Nissan, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Chick-fil-A, Nokia and Comedy Central. Known for his insights wrapped in humor, Acuff shared the stage with an American Icon when he opened up for Dolly Parton at the Ryman Auditorium.

For over 20 years he's also helped some of the biggest brands tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, and Staples. His fresh perspective on life has given him the opportunity to write for Reader's Digest, Fast Company, The Harvard Business Review and Time Magazine.

Here's what you will learn:

• How humor helps convey your message in audiobooks and speaking engagements (3:27)
• The importance of writing down our reaction to retire our broken soundtracks (7:11)
• How to "turn the dial down" on broken soundtracks (10:39)
• The importance of positive affirmations in changing your mind patterns (18:21)
• How knowing the difference between arrogance and celebrating success is essential (27:39)

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

Follow Jon:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

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! Another Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is starting soon!!! Early bird countdown starts now! JOIN NOW and let us know you are ready for greatness!

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is about a side of resilience that is easy for some people and really hard for others. I'm talking about optimism! It's a game changer when you learn how to harness it, and I'm so excited to bring you this conversation with the queen of optimism, Jess Ekstrom. As she told me in our interview, "Let the wonder be louder than the limits."

Jess Ekstrom is the founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope, a company she started as a junior in college in 2012. For every headband sold, a headband is given to a child with cancer. Her first brush with success was selling all of her toys on eBay when she was twelve. Since then, Jess has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, the Hallmark Channel, Inside Edition, Vanity Fair, Forbes, and People Magazine ran an exclusive on her when her book released. Jess is a regular guest on QVC. More importantly, Headbands of Hope has donated over half a million headbands reaching every children's hospital in the United States and in fifteen countries.

Her book Chasing the Bright Side debuted as a #1 New Release on Amazon and Apple picked her audiobook as their Must-Listen of the month. Jess is also a professional speaker and founder of Mic Drop Workshop, an online course with the mission of empowering more women to share their message as a speaker. She is the Founder of Bright Pages, a guided online journal for the doers with daily prompts based on your goals.

Some of her career highlights have been... Hosting proms at Children's Hospitals, being dubbed "The Ultimate Game Changer" by Women's Health Magazine, making the Under 30 Women to Watch list by Business Insider, being named a "top motivational speaker" by Forbes, and donating over half a million headbands to every children's hospital in America and 15 countries. Jess and her husband, Jake, travel around the country in their Airstream with their dog, Ollie.

Here's what you will learn:

• Why Jess was inspired to found Headbands of Hope (4:24)
• How to find the optimism to do big projects (13:17)
• How sharing her uncle's story helped her to live what she was teaching on turning frustration into inspiration(18:39)
• The importance of leaving the future open for possibility (26:55)
• How an internet journal can help you flesh out your thoughts (33:48)
• A great resource to help you get started with writing a book (39:48)

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

Follow Jess:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Chasing the Bright Side: Embrace Optimism, Activate Your Purpose, and Write Your Own Story
• Bright Pages

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! Another Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is starting soon!!! Early bird countdown starts now! 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

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is for everyone who has been struggling with finding the courage to be vulnerable, go after your dreams, and reinvent the story you tell yourself. My guest is someone who has had to do all of this in his own journey and he has powerful insight about how you can do the same.

Craig Siegel is a value-based Keynote Speaker, Performance Coach, Entrepreneur, Online brand exploder, Master Elevator, Host of the record-breaking podcast, The CLS Experience, and rising thought leader, as featured in Entrepreneur and endorsed by some of the world's most well known celebrities, such as Rob Dyrdek, Ed Mylett, Bethany Hamilton, Suzanne Somers and NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins.

When the pandemic happened, Craig felt guided and left his lucrative and stable job on Wall Street and went all in with his passion and purpose to help people revamp their mindset and fulfill their potential. Craig's unique combination of energy, motivation, inspiration, charisma and business has led to the meteoric rise of Cultivate Lasting Symphony (CLS), a contagious, never before seen explosion that has impacted millions of lives worldwide.

Removing limiting beliefs is the key to success in all areas of life. Most people feel unworthy, Craig helps people release the negative beliefs they have cultivated over time and implement positive and constructive thoughts, which then create powerful and positive beliefs which change your behaviors and ultimately, create brand new results in your relationships, business, and all facets of life.

Here's what you will learn:

• Why Craig left Wall Street to become a coach (3:21)
• How he's been able to reprogram his mind (6:20)
• Where Craig got his grit and passion (11:35)
• What he learned through his experience with a foot tumor (15:13)
• How to tap into the courage to be vulnerable (20:38)
• How finding trustworthy friends helps create a system for not burning out (25:17)

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

Follow Craig:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• The CLS Experience with Craig Siegel on Apple Podcasts

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! Another Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is starting soon!!! Early bird countdown starts now! 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

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is going to be so powerful for you if you have been wanting to start or scale a business and are trying to understand how to go about it. My guest is one of the most respected financial and entrepreneurial experts in the industry and he also has an incredible story of resilience from a cancer diagnosis.

Mel Abraham is a CPA by education but an entrepreneur by exhilaration, and Author of the #1 Bestseller, The Entrepreneur's Solution: The Modern Millionaire's Path to More Profit, Fans & Freedom. He's the founder of Thoughtpreneur TM Academy & Business Breakthrough Academy where he helps entrepreneurs bring their businesses to the world and build the lifestyle that they want.

Mel has built, bought and sold numerous multimillion-dollar businesses for himself as well as his clients. He's a globally recognized thought leader, business advisor, CPA and financial expert sharing stages with a long list of Fortune 500 Companies as well as beacons in the business and personal development industry, from Arianna Huffington and Chalene Johnson to Brendon Burchard and Tony Robbins. (So yeah! You can understand why I was jumping up and down when I got to share the stage with him for the Transform U Event a few months ago!)

Here's what you will learn:

• What it was like be diagnosed with cancer and how he beat it (3:02)
• How to manage the fear that stems from a major illness (9:41)
• Why attitude and determination is essential in overcoming adversity (15:29)
• How friends can help you to achieve your goals (21:41)
• How to understand your needs versus your wants (27:23)
• Why putting things in order will help with peace of mind (34:38)
• The importance of friction in shopping (44:28)
• How emotion ties to shopping and using credit (52:31)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag us at @amberlylagomotivation and @melabraham9 so we can see!

Follow Mel:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• The Entrepreneur's Solution: The Modern Millionaire's Path to More

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! Another Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is starting soon!!! Early bird countdown starts now! 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!

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is with someone I am excited about every time I see his name come up on my phone. He is an incredible businessman, coach, speaker, friend, and family man, but he is also an amazing example of constantly growing no matter how much success he has achieved. He lives this idea, which he shared in the episode: "When you want something for people and not just from people, people gravitate towards you."

CEO of the Ken Joslin Team & the GROW STACK DRIVE brand, Ken is a former Pastor turned Coach as well as real estate professional. Ken Joslin is a driven leader who has closed over $250mm in real estate transactions. He has planted multiple churches, and mentored hundreds. He is passionate about helping business leaders Build Confidence, Gain Clarity & Create Community. More than that, Ken is a generous father and friend.

After you listen, I bet you're going to be as excited about his upcoming event CREATE as I am! Get your ticket HERE!

Here's what you will learn:

• How to go from successful to booming (3:21)
• Why understanding limiting beliefs helps create clarity (6:59)
• Some of Ken's affirmations that I use (10:31)
• The importance in learning from our trials (16:37)
• How you can build confidence, gain clarity, and create community (22:22)
• The difference between thermometers and thermostats (28:43)
• The importance of authenticity (35:29)

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

Follow Ken:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• The Hard Way eBook
• Mitch Matthews
• CREATE event

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! Another Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is starting soon!!! Early bird countdown starts now! 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

Whether your goal is to get out of pain, cut back on alcohol, lose some weight, reduce stress and anxiety, get better sleep or save money, I couldn't wait to bring you today's episode of True Grit and Grace with special guest Grace Smith to set you up for success for 2022!!

"Hypnotherapy is simply meditation with a goal," says Grace. All you have to do is close your eyes and get free; free from what has been causing you pain for far too long. Freedom begins in the mind. Your beliefs, emotions, habits, values, protective reactions, imagination, intuition....these all reside here. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to bring you into a relaxed state where you can work on the goals that are most important to you.

Grace Smith is on a Mission to Make Hypnosis Mainstream. As a pioneer in the Hypnotherapy field, her private clients include Fortune 500 CEOs, A-list celebrities, Olympic athletes and government officials. She is Founder of the world's #1 provider of hypnosis education, products and services, Grace (GetGrace.com) and Grace Method Certification School (GetGrace.com/method), a world-class certification program.

Driven by a mission to make hypnotherapy mainstream and to end needless suffering, Grace is the catalyst of many impactful organizations and initiatives. Grace is the author of Amazon #1 best-seller, "Close Your Eyes, Get Free: Use Self-Hypnosis to Reduce Stress, Quit Bad Habits, and Achieve Greater Relaxation and Focus." She has six new topic-based books coming out with BenBella Books which began with "Close Your Eyes, Lose Weight" in April 2020. Grace has been featured on BBC News, Dr Oz, Forbes and The Doctors TV and is represented by CAA with a television show currently being shopped by networks.

Here's what you will learn:

• How to break free from bad habits (3:21)
• How to tap into a subconscious way of thinking (9:41)
• The difference between the subconscious and conscious mind (13:29)
• How leaders can overcome subconscious self-sabotage (17:31)
• How to pattern interrupt generational pain and model courage (24:18)
• How to reframe your thinking to empowerment (28:10)
• How to pivot attitudes around anxiety and gratefulness (33:29)
• How to create more joy (38:41)
• How to grow your business without social media (42:10)
• AND....you get a real treat today, because Grace leads us into a special hypnotherapy session to decrease your pain and promote wellness and recovery. So make sure to listen to the end of the show and share on social media YOUR amazing results! You can tag us at @amberlylagomotivation and @gracesmithtv so we can celebrate together!

Follow Grace:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Close Your Eyes, Get Free

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! Another Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is starting soon!!! Early bird countdown starts now! 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

"Choose to be in close proximity to people who are empowering, who appeal to your sense of connection to intention, who see greatness in you" -Wayne Dyer

This is the first time I'm releasing this kind of episode and I was so excited about it that I recorded the intro for it on Christmas morning! This year I hosted the first ever Unstoppable Life Mastermind, and it was transformative, magical and an experience so special I just had to share it with you. After meeting on Zoom for months with this group of empowering trail blazers, we got to meet in person in Malibu, CA to celebrate what we learned and the breakthroughs we experienced.

I invited each member to give a short TED style talk about the biggest lesson they had learned in their life. I recorded each one so that you could hear these incredible stories of grit and grace. From overcoming domestic abuse, cancer and turning cant's into cans, to creating the confidence to launch a business, start their own show and even write a book, each of these stories will move you.

If this kind of work speaks to you, and you are ready to get clarity on your goals, build your influence and make a bigger impact and income, be sure to apply for the next round of the mastermind that starts February 2022! As a collective, we will share the tools and resources to take action. This is an experience where we focus on YOU and YOUR big dreams! Imagine a handful of like minded champions, working together to hep one another by offering unfiltered suggestion and direction to help make your goals a reality!! See what's possible when you receive the outside perspective and counsel from others in the group as they put their full attention on helping you grow. Be of service to others AND receive the "borrowed benefits" of listening in while other members are given feedback, counsel and connections. We will be using the Mastermind Association principles to help separate you from the 95 percent who dream of success to the top 5 percent you actually achieve it!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Unstoppable Life Mastermind

Make sure to connect with these beautiful souls on IG and let them know you loved their talk on The True Grit and Grace Podcast:

@hemingwayhalfdozen @theballercoach @coachbrittkenedy @dr.n.peppertunities @jenniferlaguardia @miaramos @kathryngordon @amygrimet @angelabellar @Kate_g_alexander @janlovecoaching @sharonjeanland @drstefaniemikulics

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! Another Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is starting soon!!! Early bird countdown starts now! JOIN NOW and let us know you are ready for greatness!

"A lot of times our victories start in the dark."

Notes:

• The steps to make your big dreams happen in 2022 (1:30)
• The importance of lowering unreasonable expectations (13:50)
• The power of proximity (17:45)
• How to use gratitude to fuel your dreams (25:05)
• The keys to to planning your day and your year (27:30)

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Greg Reid
• Align Ambition event
• Unstoppable Life Mastermind