Sometimes the Biggest Loser is the Biggest Winner with Megan Hoffman

Today’s special guest is Megan Hoffman from the USA’s Biggest Loser. She was the At-Home Winner of the show’s reboot season in 2020. She is a model, Keynote Motivational Speaker, and Author who primarily focuses on Personal Development, Health & Wellness, and Body Positivity. She has been a leader in the Fitness Industry for over a decade and after overcoming her own weight loss battle has made it her life’s passion to help other break free from self-imposed limitations. She has been featured on People, E-news, USA, The Reality TV, Women’s Health, PC Pop culture, Floor 8, Blog talk Radio, the Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Deadline, Prevention, and Simi Valley Acorn.

She is not only gorgeous on the on the outside, but she is just as beautiful on the inside. Her motto is, “you don’t have to be the fastest, you don’t have to be the strongest, you just have to keep going,” and that she has. She has not only worked tirelessly on her body, but she has worked tremendously hard on her mindset as well, and she is happy to share all that she has learned.

Tune in to this 11th episode of The Beauty in the Mess to hear about Megan’s experiences and learn from her wisdom.

Some Questions Asked:

• How do you sit with that emotion and not go to food? (07:57)
• She found confidence and the self-love before the weight loss. (11:20)
• What do you think that Biggest Loser taught you that you hadn't already learned on your own? (32:44)
• Do you feel like they prepped you well mentally? Or do you feel like you had done most [00:38:00] of that? What they taught you already? (37:53)
• What do you think the key, as far as the losing weight part has been for you, is it the macros or just the consistency or meal prep or what do you think? All the above? (41:40)
• Prior to the surgery, what was your total weight loss? Or even now? (01:00:11)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The trap of romanticizing weight loss. (02:06) (13:56)
• Cleaning up your social media. (03:52) (19:58)
• The importance of keeping promises to yourself. (05:35) (12:54)
• Learning not to numb out on food. (07:57)
• Never start over again. (16:22)
• Consistency is key. (18:43) (41:52)
• Setting yourself up for success; asking for help; finding support and accountability. (19:41) (35:31) (43:55) (52:57)
• What got you to the point of weight loss is what will keep you there. (49:34)
• Just get started. (56:06)
• God has a way for you to succeed. (01:03:19)

Connect with Megan:

• Megan Hoffman on Instagram: @iamhoffy
• Megan Hoffman's Facebook Profile

·        http://iamhoffy.com/

Kelly Hudson’s Book available on Amazon:

Losing, Learning, and Loving: Through Christ's Example, Learn How Contestants on a Reality Weight-Loss Show Achieve Wellness by Healing Body, Mind, and Soul 

Let's Connect!

• Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast 
• Instagram: the.beauty.in.the.mess
• The Beauty in The Mess Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Honoring the Life and Promise of Ed Carney with Cheryl Carney

Today’s episode is dedicated to remembering the life journey of Ed Carney, a dedicated follower of Christ and a self-proclaimed “dirty dog sinner saved by grace.” Ed spent much of his life sharing his testimony with others and leading many to Christ, keeping a promise to God that he made long ago in prison. He had told God, while in prison, that if God would forgive him for everything he had done wrong, he would serve Him for the rest of his life. Ed kept that promise. Although Ed’s life was over too soon, he made the most of it, with Cheryl, his wife, by his side. Ed loved God, Jesus, his wife, and kids.

I’m joined by Cheryl who is happy to share Ed’s story, some of his testimony, and a lot of wisdom that Ed liked to share.

Tune in to this 10th episode of The Beauty in the Mess to hear about how Ed’s experiences and wisdom helped others along their path.

Some Questions Asked:

• So how did the police show up? Did somebody tip them off hat he had drugs? (02:18:05)
• So did they turn him in trying to lessen their own sentence? (03:11:05)
• So, it’s a Pastor that would come to the prison? (06:38)
• To try to get out on parole, right? (07:40)
• Some of that was due to the charges being trumped up a little bit, wasn’t it…and that is why the judge decided to let him go? (08:24)
• Was the Hepatitis from the drug use? (13:23)
• How many years of his life did he go around giving his testimony? (23:12:05)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Ed gets arrested for possession of drugs. (01:58)
• Ed’s bond gets set at $147,000 in 1988. (02:53)
• A random man hands Ed a Bible through the bars at prison. Acts 2:41-42 changed Ed’s life.  (03:52)
• Ed makes a promise to God which he kept for the rest of his life. (04:23)
• Ed meets World Champion Boxer, Mike Tyson, in prison. (05:27)
• Ed gets miraculously released from jail early. (08:40)
• Ed starts going to churches to give his testimony. (09:02)
• Some of Ed’s testimony. (10:17)
• Ed finds out he has Hepatitis C. (11:53)
• Ed and Cheryl ran Celebrate Recovery in Frankfort for 10 years. (14:16)
• Ed’s parents and Ed pass away from Covid within day of each other. (15:16)
• Story of Ed finding a journal entry of a prayer he had made long ago that had come true. (16:41)
• Ed says he is a “dirty dog sinner, only saved by grace.” (17:47)
• At Ed’s funeral, a relevant poem that he had written long ago that Cheryl had never seen before falls out of his Bible. The poem was, “What Heaven Means to Me.” (19:23)

Let's Connect!

• Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast 
• Instagram: the.beauty.in.the.mess
• The Beauty in The Mess Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Removing the Veil with Stacy Henderson

Unfortunately, many people have come from a place of abuse or neglect in their lives. Stacy, who with God’s help, is now working through and overcoming her past, is now helping others transform their lives.

I’m joined by Stacy Henderson, who is a Christian woman who has worked in the healthcare field for the past 20 years. She has 3 children, 2 stepchildren, and makes her home in Anderson, IN, with her husband Brent. She has created a blog called Women Unveiled on Facebook where she shares stories, prayers, and messages of healing and hope. She has now also joined forces with her husband who is a professional nationwide speaker. In their “Coming Together” conferences, they help men and women come to a deeper understanding of who they truly are in Christ and how they can live a life of purpose, courage, and confidence.

Tune in to this 9th episode of The Beauty in the Mess to hear about how Stacy’s experiences and wisdom are now helping other people to not only find their purpose in life, but to start living it.

Some Questions Asked:

• Where did she (mom) go? (05:01:05)
• Do you think, looking back, that she really didn’t know, and it was embarrassing so she just stuck to that story? (12:58:05)
• So, so far has she ever acknowledged what she put you and your sisters through or said she was sorry? (19:31)
• So, how did you do that, I mean…what does that look like (surrendering your entire being to God)? (23:55:05)
• So, if you are feeling the unconditional love from God, which I think is awesome, is that helping you give yourself love and helping your self-worth? (27:21)
• So, you mean trust His (God’s) timing of things or? (31:53)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Stacy’s first introduction to God. (05:22)
• Stacy, feeling unloved and unwanted, makes the decision to commit suicide 5 days before high school graduation. (06:36)
• A friend suggests that Stacy make a plea for the identity of her father on Facebook. (14:29)
• In 2019, an Ancestry DNA tests leads to the identity of her father, but he is deceased. (15:26)
• Stacy’s second & successful attempt at forgiving her mom. (16:44)
• Everyone has a story, and given the lies they are buying into, they are acting the way they should be acting. (21:08)
• TEA Thoughts, Emotions, and Actions (23:19)
• Stacy is now sharing her testimony at conferences and blogging, “Women Unveiled.” (25:23)
• Your worth and value come from Christ and Christ only. (28:02)

Connect with Stephanie:

• Stacy Henderson's Facebook Profile
• https://unleashed.men/woman-unveiled/

Let's Connect!

• Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast 
• Instagram: the.beauty.in.the.mess
• The Beauty in The Mess Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Art of Parenting Adult Children with Lori Badry

Many of us have children who are now adults or will be before we know it. There is a difference in how you parent your children when they are minors versus how you parent them as adults. The role you play in their lives, whether we like it or not, changes. It must change.

I’m joined by Lori Badry, who is a Christian woman with a wonderful husband, 3 adult children, and 3 beautiful grandchildren. Education was her career of choice as she was a teacher for 34 years. Now she is happily retired, with a side gig that brings her a lot of joy.

Lori had to learn the transition to parenting adult children the hard way. She made a mistake, and it forced the need changes in her life. She wanted God to put instructions on a neon sign, but instead He told her to be still and look inward. Through a journey of personal development, growing closer with the Holy Spirt, and growing closer with her husband she has found peace and balance in her life. Now she wants to share with other parents how to navigate parenting adult children so that they don’t find themselves in a perfect storm the way she did. She is so open and vulnerable and so willing to help. You will enjoy listening to her journey.

Tune in to this 8th episode of The Beauty in the Mess to hear about how Lori’s experiences and wisdom are now helping other parents navigate this new way of approaching parenting of adult children.

Some Questions Asked:

• What do you think she meant at the time (speaking to the fact that her therapist had just told her that she ‘was not that important’)? (08:59)
• Do you think some of that micromanaging your children was just the need to be needed? (10:46)
• So, for people that want to avoid that perfect storm but still have the same results you’ve had, what do you think the number one thing to do is? (14:54)
• So, is he (husband) kind of on the same path? Was he doing the prayer and the personal development as well or was that mostly your journey? (18:30)
• How do you do that without feeling guilty that you are not offering that solution (to your kids)? (23:69)
• What does strengthening your relationship with your husband look like now (26:69)?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• You are not as important as you think you are (08:58)
• Find personal development material that will help you grown and find your purpose (15:24)
• Find a therapist to help you work through things if needed (16:19)
• Prayer before anything (17:30)
• Talk About It Saturdays (17:69)
• Reconnect with your spouse (18:68)
• Ask Adult children if they are wanting a sounding board or advice (19:74)
• Kids change from your kids to your friends (30:58)
• Don’t let your emotions be the decisive factor in your decisions (31:61)

Connect with Stephanie:

• Lori Badry's Facebook Profile
• [email protected]

Let's Connect!

• Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast 
• Instagram: the.beauty.in.the.mess
• The Beauty in The Mess Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Expanding Your Comfort Zone with Stephanie Oden

Many of us are introverts. From a business perspective, the world requires that you put yourself out there as far as social media all other sorts of interactions.

I’m joined by Stephanie Oden, who is an entrepreneur, a life and business strategist, an author, an engineer, a Certified Results Coach and a Certified Success Principles Trainer as well as a successful Network and Affiliate Marketing Professional. In addition, she is a self-professed introvert who extroverts really well.

She found herself with the life she always wanted, as far as the 6-figure income, a husband, two kids, two cats, a great position at work, a company car, and all the things. However, something was missing. She hid her pain, until she couldn’t. That served as the catalyst to make huge changes in her life.

She now helps other introverted entrepreneurs connect what they are doing with the core of who they are.

Tune in to this 7th episode of The Beauty in the Mess to hear about how Stephanie’s experiences and talents are now helping other introverts find their power and their voice to accomplish their purpose in life.

Some Questions Asked:

• How do you overcome that feeling of I can’t because I define myself in this way (introvert)? (02:42)
• Do you want to describe what that part of your journey was like (messy/dark part)? (04:12)
• So, what was the catalyst to try to turn that around for you, then, if you didn’t even, at that point, desire to get out of it? What changed? (05:57)
• Do you feel it is harder for an introvert? (13:10)
• Speaking of being an author, you have written two books. Is that correct? And you have co-authored a third book? (24:45)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Stephanie’s struggles with feeling a major void (04:17)
• God was the changing factor in turning things around (06:01)
• The impact of your own words on your physical health & your actions (07:33)
• Pulling the gifts and the strengths out of other introverts (08:47)
• Practicing self-forgiveness and self-gratitude (16:20)
• Don’t try to disconnect from your past. (18:26)
• Letting go of the illusion that balance exists in life (21:07)
• Stephanie’s books (24:50)
• Expanding your comfort zone (26:47)

·        Stephanie’s upcoming Masterclass for Introvert Entrepreneurs 2022 Summer Session:

Quiet Conqueror Sales Accelerator (29:43)

Connect with Stephanie:

• Stephanie Oden's Facebook Profile
• Stephanie Oden's LinkedIn Profile
• Stephanie Oden's Website
• Stephanie Oden's Marketing & Mindset Newsletter
• Stephanie Oden's Masterclass, Quiet Conqueror Sales Accelerator

Let's Connect!

• Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast 
• Instagram: the.beauty.in.the.mess
• The Beauty in The Mess Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Using Art To Cope With Mental Health Struggles With Jennifer Mazur

Mental health struggles such as ADD, anxiety, and depression are issues that many people from childhood to adulthood have to deal with. People learning to cope with these conditions can sometimes be stigmatized or end up feeling shame about their conditions. With Covid, it has increased the wait times for people who are seeking help with these struggles. That is why the importance of having alternative avenues is vital.

Today, I’m glad to be joined by Jennifer Mazur, a mental health artist. Jennifer’s mental health struggles started in childhood, and she has learned to cope with them using her creativity and art. She now uses her experiences to help others who are facing the same problems she faced.

We’ll be diving into the issues of mental health struggles and the impact that it can have on someone. This is a very informative conversation where you’ll get to understand the issues that people with these struggles face and an alternative means of help. 

Tune in to this sixth episode of The Beauty in the Mess to hear about how Jennifer’s experiences and talents are now helping others cope with mental health struggles.

Some Questions Asked:

• Where did you ever figure out where this (mental health struggles) originated from? (03:41)
• How did you break out of this then? How did you start to overcome? (04:39)
• How long have you been helping children with this? And do you help adults too? (16:01)
• So, in the future are you going to divide the adults that are struggling with these issues themselves from the parents of children who are struggling? (20:31)
• What kind of feedback are you hearing from these parents if you don’t mind sharing? (21:08)
• Besides the paid memberships and the different groups where do you see yourself going with this (in the future)? Do you have any projections beyond that?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Jennifer’s struggles with mental health issues as a young child (02:02)
• At 40 years of age Jennifer finally receives a diagnosis (02:30)
• The 3 things Jennifer does every day to keep herself in check (08:26)
• Jennifer decided to try to start educating people about the stigmas surrounding mental health and what they do to people (13:30)
• Jennifer decided to start helping people with mental health struggles who didn’t consider themselves artists and started offering free workshops as a means to do this (16:48)
• People are waiting forever for help due to the pandemic and these workshops help bridge that gap (17:54)
• Jennifer just released a new program with 4 openings that is customized for the specific child (23:20)

Connect with Jennifer:

• Jennifer Mazur's Facebook Profile
• Jennifer Mazur's Facebook Group
• Jennifer Mazur's Instagram

Let's Connect!

• Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast 
• Instagram: the.beauty.in.the.mess
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: In this episode, we will briefly touch on suicide and/or suicidal thoughts during this discussion. If this may trigger extreme emotional distress for you, you should skip today’s episode. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately, which is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.

The recovery journey from substance abuse is rarely straight or completely predictable. Patients have to deal with many setbacks as well as the negative feelings that come with them, which can lead to self-hate. That’s why it is important to have a supportive community that can help them in moments of weakness.

Today, I’m glad to be joined by Melanie Dacquisto, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse. Melanie had a long struggle with substance abuse and she now uses her experience to help addicts using the harm reduction principle.

You’ll hear about her childhood experiences and how they contributed to her substance abuse problems. You’ll also find out the reason she decided to get clean and how she has sustained that for a decade.  Additionally, you’ll learn about the harm reduction principle and how it helps people with substance abuse disorder.

Tune in to this fifth episode of The Beauty in the Mess to hear about an interesting journey from harmed to harmless.

Some Questions Asked:

• Do you think your mom was aware that you were drinking at 16? (06:09)
• Did your boyfriend’s parents help you with your son? (23:25)
• How were you accessing drugs without the nursing job? (32:41)
• Do you see the harm reduction principle helping more people become sober? (43:50)
• Do you feel like being around substance abuse users puts you at risk? (46:11)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How Melanie ended up in a girls' group home (12:29)
• The reason people who’ve had an abusive childhood get into abusive relationships (20:21)
• How addiction led to her losing her job (23:45)
• What motivated her to get clean (34:17)
• The use of the harm reduction principle in treating people with substance abuse disorder (43:50)

Connect with Melanie:

• LinkedIn
• Email

Let's Connect!

• Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast 
• Instagram
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With empathy, you are quick to listen and slow to judge. In today’s world, it's vice versa, people are fast to judge and they barely listen. And when they listen, they do with the intention of replying and not understanding. That’s how we miss a golden opportunity to support and encourage each other when going through tough times.

It's also important to note that empathy is only effective when reasonable limits are set. If you get too attached to a problem being faced by another person, you are most likely unable to help the person going through it. Empathy should be approached with caution and intention for it to be a useful path to encouragement and support.

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into empathy and the potential impact it can create. We’ll also discuss its different forms and the qualities of each of them. Additionally, you’ll hear about how to best deploy it to create a maximum positive impact on those who need it.

Tune in to this fourth episode of The Beauty in the Mess to hear about the importance of empathy.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Signs of an empathy deficit disorder (00:34)
• Qualities of a person who is an empath (02:30)
• The four qualities of empathy (04:28)
• The importance of setting limits as an empath (09:55)
• The different forms of empathy (11:42)
• What to look for when evaluating whether you are lacking empathy (15:43)

Biblical References:

• James 1:17
• John 10:10

Let's Connect!

• Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast 
• Instagram
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: In this episode, we will briefly touch on suicide and/or suicidal thoughts during this discussion. If this may trigger extreme emotional distress for you, you should skip today’s episode. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately, which is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. 

Mental health and addiction are big problems that until recently had not been getting enough attention. People going through them were stigmatized and that shame made it difficult for them to seek the help they really needed. At the moment, there is less stigma and many support groups are now available to those who need help. However, there is still a lot remaining to be done to increase the effectiveness and accessibility of the treatment programs.

Today, I’m glad to be joined by Rita Tattersall, a licensed addiction and mental health counselor. Rita’s journey is unique: she struggled with substance use disorder and now uses her experience to help others who are facing the same problems she faced.

We’ll be diving into the issues of substance use disorder and the impact that it has on both the addict and those close to them. This is a very informative conversation where you’ll get to understand an addict's perspective as well as a counselor's perspective. 

Tune in to this third episode of The Beauty in the Mess to hear about how a painful past is now helping and comforting others.

Some Questions Asked:

• What do you think was the source of the suicidal thoughts? (17:09)
• Were you fully aware of the consequences of your substance use disorder? (21:04)
• How did you, in your mind, justify putting your employer at risk? (28:10)
• What allows you to become sustainable in your recovery, and how do you even start? (29:34)
• What do you feel is the most significant gift that's come out of your addiction? (46:45)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The importance of person-centered language (03:05)
• Rita’s first experience with a therapist (10:21)
• Why loved ones make excuses for people with substance use disorder (21:46)
• How Rita approached the 12 Steps Program the second time (34:08)
• What led Rita to become a counselor (39:24)

Connect with Rita:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Useful Resources:

• Signal for Help Ministries
• The Oasis Counseling Center
• Chuck McCoskey’s Recovery Ministry

Let's Connect!

• Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast 
• Instagram
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fear is designed to keep us safe and alert us when we try to venture into circumstances that can result in mental or physical harm. If you want to reach specific goals that seem out of reach and require you to step out of your comfort zone, then fear will be the first obstacle you encounter. In many cases, people have failed to even take that first step out of their box because they are overwhelmed by it. However, fear also plays an important role in keeping us alert and prepared for potentially dangerous situations.

In most cases, fear is used to justify not stepping out of the comfort zone. It's a story with vivid imagery and exaggerated consequences that people tell their minds to help justify inaction. While you cannot eliminate fear from your life completely, you can learn to manage it, lessen it, or use it as leverage.

Today, I’m happy to uncover the anatomy of fear and how you can work through it in a positive as well as productive way. We’ll talk about the different tools that are at your disposal when faced with the different types of fear. We’ll also look at why you are attached to your comfort zone and how you can step out of it with confidence.

Tune in and join me in this second episode of The Beauty in the Mess, and let's walk hand in hand on this self-discovery path.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Why posting about my podcast on social media was difficult (01:04)
• The different types of fear (04:59)
• Working through fear in a positive way (07:46)
• Using gratitude to push fear out of your brain (13:09)
• How to use fear as a motivation tool (14:46)
• Two reasons why you prefer to stay in your comfort zone (17:28)

Let's Connect!

• Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast 
• Instagram
• Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.