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"Shame can't survive the light."
If you have been on this podcast journey with me for awhile then you know that addiction and recovery are a recurring theme on the show--subjects very close to my heart as someone whose life has been spared by sobriety. With so much going on in the world and addiction on the rise, and so many people suffering in silence, I think it's important to talk about mental health, addiction and shine some light on the subject. After all, shame can't survive the light.
So today on the show I am sharing the story of Amy Dresner--a true badass and an amazing example that you can get through anything with resilience and turn tragedy into triumph.
Amy Dresner is a journalist, author, and former comedian as well as a recovering addict and alcoholic. She has been a columnist for the addiction/recovery magazine theFix.com since 2012 and has freelanced for Addiction.com, Psychology Today, Vice and many other publications. Her first book, "My Fair Junkie: A Memoir of Getting Dirty and Staying Clean," was published by Hachette in 2017 to rave reviews from critics and readers alike. Elle magazine compared Dresner's darkly comic memoir to Carrie Fisher's "Postcards from the Edge" and Mary Karr's "Lit," calling Dresner's book "one for the ages."
Dresner has appeared on the television show The Doctors TV and on numerous radio shows and podcasts, including Dr. Drew, Dopey and Rich Roll. She does regular speaking engagements around the U.S. and Canada. Her book is currently in development for a TV series.
In this episode, Amy candidly shares her journey into and out of addiction and why it's never too late to change your life for the better. This conversation is raw, courageous and even shocking at times. We talk about the dark side of addiction, fear, self hatred and shame. The is a candid conversation about the struggles to success, the will to survive, and the conviction and strength required to achieve sobriety.
Here's what you will learn:
Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @amydresner so we can see and repost to our stories!
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Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is coming June 26th! We will work to help you activate your highest potential, so that you can live the life you deserve!! Apply now and let us know you are ready for greatness! Hiitide Book Club: I am excited to share that registration for the True Grit and Grace Book Club is now OPEN!!! Register here!
Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!
Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!
"How many times do I want to learn the same lesson?"
Here's what you will learn:
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"My body was a direct reflection of survival."
One of my dearest friends is on the show today and I can't wait for you to meet her. Rosie is an incredible human who I look up to so much and her story of grit and grace is as real as they get.
Rosie Acosta is an Inspirational Speaker, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Yoga Teacher Trainer, Holistic Health Coach, as well as the founder of Radically Loved: Yoga, Health + Wellness and host of Radically Loved Radio. In all of her work, Rosie is COMMITTED to teaching and practicing being guided by RADICAL LOVE every day and connecting to that through yoga, diet, affirmation, self-inquiry, and curiosity. In helping others find their unique gifts and fire within, she aims to create practices and connect with people in a way that will help everyone live radically loved lives together.
As an East Los Angeles native, Rosie was a troubled teen who suffered from depression, anxiety, and overeating who turned her POTENTIAL into a Yoga + Meditation teacher. She is an expert at helping her students cultivate a life of mindfulness, presence, and intention. She is known for her PASSION as a teacher who is skilled in her ability to guide students into experiencing a deeper connection with themselves and exploring the consistent changes of life while creatively weaving in spiritual elements from her own practice and experience.
In this episode, Rosie shares her journey from growing up in trauma and survival to discovering healing, breath work, love, and the power she has to thrive. I hope you hear and see yourself in her story and remember your own ability to love and be loved as you listen.
Here's what you will learn:
Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @rosieacosta so we can see and repost to our stories!
Follow Rosie:
Mentioned in this episode:
Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!
Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!
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
"Action alleviates anxiety."
Bedros Keuilian has been one of my biggest inspirations and I have to admit I was fan-girling big time during this interview. He is a legend in the fitness industry and the author of one of my favorite books, "MAN UP." Growing up poor and being bullied as an overweight immigrant kid filled him with rage and he channeled this to become a man with something to prove to himself and the world. I am amazed he can be humble despite all his luminous accomplishments and was jumping for joy when he said yes to being on the show. He is a sought after Keynote Speaker, Business Consultant, Founder of the Modern Day Knight Project, CEO and Founder of Fit Body Boot Camp and more than anything, he is one of the best humans I have ever, ever met.
A true rags to riches story of a self made entrepreneur who escaped communism, came to the United States, ate out of dumpsters and built several multiple million dollar generating global brands and businesses, Bedros Keuilian is the mastermind behind many of the most successful brands, businesses, thought leaders and best-selling authors throughout multiple industries. Odds are you've seen his international franchise Fit Body Boot Camp in your town, or his coaching and consulting clients on hit TV shows featured on ABC, NBC, Spike TV, in popular magazines, & on top of the New York Times Bestseller list.
In this episode, Bedros shares the details of how being an immigrant, healing from abuse, and owning his power and worth have transformed his life. I can't wait for you to be inspired by his story and wisdom.
Here's what you will learn:
Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @bedroskeuilian so we can see and repost to our stories!
Follow Bedros:
Mentioned in this episode:
Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!
Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!
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
"Play to win instead of playing not to lose."
Today's guest is the real deal. I couldn't stop reading his book, and I even woke up early on several days to read more of it. If you feel like you are ready for a big course correct, get ready for some tough love and powerful inspiration.
Antonio Neves is the author of Stop Living on Autopilot, host of The Best Thing podcast, and an internationally recognized leadership speaker. He's a success coach, professional question asker and storyteller. He's an award-winning broadcast journalist. For over 10 years he worked as a correspondent, host and producer with top television networks in New York City. Antonio speaks about 40 times a year at top companies, conferences and events. He believes that the best thing to happen to you hasn't happened yet.
This conversation is an incredible insight into what we all deal with when it comes to getting stuck on auto-pilot, going through the motions, and living at less than our potential. I hope you take the time to re-set whatever you need to in your life after listening.
Here's what you will learn:
Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @theantonioneves so we can see and repost to our stories!
Follow Antonio:
Mentioned in this episode:
Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!
Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!
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
"Worry is a thief."
My good friend Mitch Mathews is on the show this week and I always love any time I get to talk with him! He is the epitome of dreaming big, thinking big, and doing more! And he is on a mission to He always inspires me with his faith and his positive energy.
Mitch Matthews is an Entrepreneur, Success Coach and Podcaster. The name of his podcast is "DREAM THINK DO" and that's his approach to life too! Whether it's through his coaching, his podcasts or his speaking & training, Mitch helps fun, successful people to push through their fear to DREAM bigger, THINK better and DO more of what they were put on the planet to do! Mitch proudly lives a "highly-caffeinated" lifestyle in Des Moines, Iowa with his wife and their two sons. The Matthews have a wildly creative household and are very active in their church and community!
This is an incredibly inspiring and helpful conversation with a master coach. There's no way after listening to Mitch that you won't believe in your ability to dream, think, and do more than you thought before.
Here's what you will learn:
Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @mitch.matthews so we can see and repost to our stories!
Follow Mitch:
Mentioned in this episode:
Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!
Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!
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
"Spirituality is your conscious contact with God."
Damon West led his high school football team to championships as well as a starting position with the North Texas University football team. He was adored by his community and the good fortune of being the son of one of the most respected sports reporters in the state. Very few people are blessed with such extraordinary gifts and opportunities, and yet, fate and biochemistry had another plan for Damon. In short, addiction doesn't discriminate.
Whenever I talk to others in recover I am always inspired and uplifted by the daily choices they make to live in gratitude and be of service. I loved this conversation with Damon about his story of redemption from meth addiction to what he has chosen to do with his life now and the positive impact he is making on the world.
Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, nationally known keynote speaker and best-selling author (with best-selling author and motivational speaker Jon Gordon) of The Coffee Bean: A simple Lesson to Create Positive Change. His first book and autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, was published just three years after his release from a Texas maximum-security prison.
After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. His story of redemption, grit and determination continues to inspire audiences today.
This is a powerful conversation about addiction, sobriety, redemption, spiritual transformation and more. No matter what you are dealing with currently, I know Damon's story of turning tragedy into triumph will resonate with you.
Here's what you will learn:
Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @damonwest7 so we can see and repost to our stories!
Follow Damon:
Mentioned in this episode:
Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!
Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!
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
I know you are going to want to take notes on today's episode. I have a business and marketing powerhouse on the show today and her story of grit and grace is so powerful.
Hala Taha is the host of Young and Profiting Podcast, frequently ranked as a #1 Education podcast across all apps. Hala is also the CEO of YAP Media, a full-service social media and podcast marketing agency for top podcasters, celebrities and CEOs projected to generate over $1M in revenue in its first year. She is well-known for her engaged following and influence on LinkedIn, and she landed the January 2021 cover of Podcast Magazine.
She has 7 years of corporate marketing experience at HP and Disney Streaming Services. She started Young and Profiting Podcast and YAP Media as a side hustle, and now has several high profile clients and over 40 employees. Hala is an expert on networking, personal branding, LinkedIn marketing, side hustles, entrepreneurship and podcasting.
In this episode, Hala shares how she has built multiple successful businesses and shows even as she has faced tragedy, failure, and rejection.
Here's what you will learn:
Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @yapwithhala so we can see and repost to our stories!
Follow Hala:
Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!
Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!
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
"Fear is just that period of build up where we tell ourselves a story."
I was introduced to today's guest by a mutual friend, Sterling Hawkins, and I will be forever grateful. Samantha Joy is one of those people that feels like sunshine. Since becoming friends with Samantha, we have hosted rooms on Clubhouse, held webinars and have had some deep conversations about how to design a life of happiness and purpose. I'm excited for you to hear her perspective on some of the most powerful topics such as imposter syndrome, mindset and overcoming fear.
Samantha Joy is an Identity Coach and Founder of The Less Effect Method and is taking the personal development world by storm. She is the #1 bestselling author of "The Less Effect: Design Your Life for Happiness and Purpose." Her coaching approach supports CEOs and Founders in shifting their identity to their most authentic self by clearing out aspects of their life rooted in an old story. The result is enhanced mental clarity, an improved sense of self, and the ability to design an environment that attracts abundance and fulfillment. As a former Vice President and single mother, Samantha possesses the resilience and experience necessary to give her clients the real deal, challenging mainstream topics like mindset and imposter syndrome. She embodies her life's purpose by demonstrating that we are simply a product of our environment and with the tight tools, we can curate our surroundings to manifest all the we desire.
In this episode, Samantha shares how she has built her confidence as a coach, speaker, and on social media, how to handle fear, and how to live with intention.
Here's what you will learn:
Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @samantha_joy__ so we can see and repost to our stories!
Follow Samantha:
Mentioned in this episode:
Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!
Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!
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
"You can't measure up to perfect; don't be afraid to be yourself."
It's not everyday that I meet an amazing person in my space and they tell me that I remind me of their mom. But that's exactly what happened when I met John at a book event. After I learned that his mom was Susan Wheeler, I was impressed by both of them and excited to share their stories with you.
Susan is an author, speaker, and mindset coach who believes in family first. She is a runner who has run more than 25 marathons, half-marathons, and ultra-marathons, starting at age 40. Her role is to help her clients master their mindset so they can live the life they want.
John is an author, business strategy and mindset coach, and network marketer. With over 8 years of personal development training and certification through Growth-U as a mindset coach, he helps people rebuild their mindsets to be in alignment with the best version of themselves.
In this episode, Susan and John share both of their amazing stories of perseverance, success, entrepreneurship, and making the best of your life.
Here's what you will learn:
Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @susan_vwheeler and @johnstankiewicz so we can see and repost to our stories!
Follow John and Susan:
Mentioned in this episode:
Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!
Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!
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
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