In 2014, Samantha Harris was cruising along, living her best life. As the host of Entertainment Tonight, she was a pro at holding space with celebrities to cover all things movies, fashion, awards, and insider gossip… but it was nabbing the hosting gig on Dancing with the Stars that really threw her career into hyper-drive. She hosted DWTS for eight seasons, all while simultaneously building a kick-ass rockstar life as a wife, a mom, and a health & wellness advocate.

 And then… she felt a lump. And her life changed.

Just months after receiving a clear mammogram, she felt a lump… and luckily, she spoke up, and subsequent pathology confirmed that she had Stage 2b invasive breast cancer.

But… Samantha’s story is not one about being a victim. It's a story of grabbing life by the you-know-what and making lemons into some serious sweet – but sugar-free!! – lemonade.

Like many of us, Samantha got a crash course in gratitude when her world fell apart… including a whole new take on mindset, miracles, and manifestation. Tune in today to hear it all, plus find out what this six-pack adorned mama does in the gym to look the way she does… because I’ll have whatever she’s having, please!!

*Note: We’ve just wrapped up October, which was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Even though we’re turning the corner to November, Cancer doesn’t take a holiday, so let today’s episode is a reminder to stay vigilant with your self-checks and self-care.

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A big thank you to Samantha Harris for joining the podcast and sharing your inspiring story. You can follow her on Instagram @samanthaharrisTV. 

Learn more about Samantha on her website https://samantha-harris.com/ 

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Imagine being raised in a community so conservative you weren’t allowed to use electricity, have a social security card, or even… learn where babies came from?! Enter the world of the Amish, where it’s common for young adults to find themselves having been raised with no clue how to operate in the real world. This is where today’s guest, Lizzie Ens found herself… just before she would run away to try to survive in that same real world… all without a penny to her name.

She’d come to not only survive, but to thrive. Today, Lizzie is a holistic wellness practitioner, the founder of a thriving beauty brand, a successful author, and an influencer helping millions of people live their best lives… and you may not be surprised to hear that gratitude was the catalyst that started it all.

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Show Notes:

A big thank you to Lizzie for joining us and sharing your inspiring story. To learn more, follow @lizzieens_wellness on Instagram, @lizzieh_wellness on

TikTok, and YouTube @lizzieenswellness https://www.youtube.com/@lizzieenswellness

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In 1989, Collier Landry’s life changed in an instant with the sound of two thuds. While he laid in bed cowering, his 11-year-old hands pulling the covers up over his head, he was pretty sure he knew exactly what it was: his father had just murdered his mother.

Collier’s life is a testament to the fact that our most painful experiences can be the source of our greatest strength. In a situation that would have broken most people, young Collier found the courage to stand up in court and provide the crucial testimony that helped convict his father. This act of bravery didn’t just bring a killer to justice; it set the course for the rest of Collier’s life.

His mission is rooted in the belief that “your past does not define your future.” He is a living example of this truth, using his experiences not as a burden but as a tool to empower others. His work is a powerful reminder that while we can’t always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we respond, and in that choice, we find the strength to transform our pain into purpose.

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Show Notes:

A big thank you to Collier for joining us and sharing your inspiring story. To learn more, follow @collierlandry on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube or his website https://www.collierlandry.com/ 

Watch Collier’s documentary, A Murder in Mansfield: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7561086/ 

“Finding Mom’s Killer” on The Binge network: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-moms-killer/id1811814753 

Collier’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collierlandry 

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Caroline D’Amore’s life could be its own docuseries. She was a Hollywood It-girl, DJing the wildest celebrity parties with Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. Then came addiction, betrayal, and a scam so elaborate it nearly destroyed everything she had built.

But Caroline didn’t stay down. Out of the ashes, she reinvented herself as the founder of Pizza Girl — turning a dream into restaurants and products now on the shelves of Whole Foods and Cost Plus World Market.

In this episode, Caroline pulls back the curtain on the fame, the downfall, and the ultimate comeback. Her story is raw, jaw-dropping, and deeply human – and at the center of it all is the one thing that carried her through: gratitude.

Show Notes:

A big thank you to Caroline D'Amore for joining us and sharing your inspiring story. Follow her on Instagram @carolinedamore, and for more on her business, visit @pizzagirl.

Tune in to hear the full episode:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gratitudeology-podcast-with-jamie-hess/id1717429278

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YohFusmjKlAzK6ntk8HEY?si=f06afbbf9baf41c2

Or Text GRATITUDE to 33777 for the listen links texted directly to your phone!

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

“I wish birth certificates came wth a warning label: anxiety, depression, loneliness, & confusion happen here, but so do love, joy, purpose, and goodness.”

After achieving great success in the music industry as the SVP of Robert Kardashian’s music marketing company and working on projects for the biggest artists in the world, including U2, Avril Lavigne, Coldplay, and more, Matt woke up on a Monday morning with a massive panic attack that turned into chronic anxiety and depression.

Realizing everything he thought mattered actually didn’t, he set out on a journey to rediscover his life’s purpose and why he matters. Matt realized that mattering is at the heart of everything and developed The Mattering Mindset™— a methodology that has transformed countless lives, organizations, and communities.

For the past 15 years, he has been on a mission to create a world where everyone embraces how much and why they matter as the founder and CEO of Every Monday Matters (EMM), a non-profit organization that has impacted millions of lives. He is the bestselling author of four books, a highly sought-after keynote speaker, and his work has been hailed by Oprah.com, The Today Show, Fast Company, and several other media outlets. 

Show Notes:

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, dial 988 for support and assistance.

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A big thank you to Matthew for joining us and sharing your inspiring story. Follow him on Instagram @matthewemerzian, and for more on her business, visit @mondaysmatter on Instagram or his website https://www.matthewemerzian.com/

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

For much of her early life, Joette Calabrese, HMC, PHom M, felt unwell and disconnected from the conventional medical treatments that offered little relief. Her search for answers led her to discover homeopathy—a natural healing method that changed her life forever. 

Now a full-time homeopathic consultant since 1997 and the founder of The Academy of Practical Homeopathy® and Mastery™, Joette reflects on her travels to Calcutta, India, where she worked alongside expert doctors who relied on homeopathy to treat and cure patients. After documenting nearly 7,500 cases, Joette brought back her findings to empower families to take charge of their health.

Many of our former guests have dealt with life’s issues and emotional struggles - things like losing a loved one, fighting social anxiety, battling overwhelm and fatigue, or even something simple-but-debilitating life stage fright.

We’ll take a “walk down memory lane,” listening to clips from some of our favorite past episodes from guests like:

• Fitness and Broadway star, and co-host of The Talk, Amanda Kloots
• Motivational speaker and joy after grief advocate, Jessica Janzen
• Founder of The Big Quiet, Jesse Isreal
• Drybar founder, Alli Webb
• Olympic silver medalist, Kim Glass
• Workplace expert and Grant Cardone partner, Natalie Dawson.

Joette discusses how homeopathy isn’t just for physical ailments.. but for mental and emotional well-being as well. She delves into the homeopathic approach to addressing issues like grief, stress, and anxiety, offering insightful guidance and practical remedies that can help listeners on their healing journeys.

With a heartfelt belief in the power of mothers and grandmothers to lead home-based healthcare, Joette offers a roadmap for health autonomy and natural wellness. This episode is an inspiring testament to the healing potential of listening to your body and seeking alternatives when the conventional path isn’t enough.

*Today’s episode is presented by Boiron USA.

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Show Notes:

[1:30] Joette reads an introduction about homeopathic healing 

[2:56] Joette tells the the story of her upbringing and how it factored into western vs eastern medicine

[7:00] Joette reflects on how in her early 30s she was not well even with all of the drugs she was given and made the decision to stop everything 

[9:10] Joette explains how she began to take tons of supplements and found it was not helping so she stopped that too and began to plant herbs and create her own medicine 

[13:40] Joette explains what homeopathic medicine and what nux vomica are 

[16:40] Joette tells how she has been practicing and teaching homeopathy for over two decades now and how she spent a lot of time in Kolkata 

[23:30] Joette explains how she wanted to learn homeopathy for herself and her family 

[25:10] Joette says homeopathy is the second most used medicine in the world and number three is conventional medicine

[41:00] Joette describes the types of homeopathic medicine that help with mental fatigue 

[45:50] Joette talks about homeopathic remedies for racing thoughts 

 

Key Takeaways 

[10:50] Joette was given a remedy for a homeopath and found her suffering and side effects melted away and was instantly hooked on homeopathy

[33:20] Joette shares how homeopathy can help beyond physical illness and with grief 

[52:57] Joette explains the benefits Boiron provides and why the company is so amazing for health and wellness 

(Full episode release November 25, 2024) 

A big thank you to Joette Calabrese for joining the podcast and sharing your inspiring story. Your approach to health and wellness is truly transformative and gives hope to the future of healthcare. Follow Joette on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joette_calabrese/

Learn more about Joette Calabrese: https://joettecalabrese.com/joette-calabresese-professional/

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali  

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Anneke Beerten is a mountain biking powerhouse. At just 14, she made her childhood dream a reality by going pro and winning World Championships in BMX and 4-Cross. With sponsorships from top brands like GoPro, Oakley, and - our sponsor for today’s episode, Boiron - Anneke’s journey has been nothing short of legendary from the very start.

Growing up in the Netherlands, Anneke was fearless, racing around BMX tracks while her other friends her age were just ditching their training wheels. 

After moving to the U.S. to compete professionally, Anneke was living her dream… but one sunny day, driving down a California road, a series of events would take place that would change everything.

Forever.

Today’s episode brings us into the life and mindset of this top athlete, who beat the odds time and time again to remain a champion. From her commitment to wellness, which began as a child when her parents instilled a deep appreciation for homeopathic remedies for those gnarly cycling bruises (thanks Boiron!) – to the optimized mindset she coaches into other athletes today, her path to the top is largely underscored by the idea of turning pain into purpose

Instead of giving up, she used her resilience and mental strength to overcome life’s toughest obstacles. She’s as bad*ss as they come, and this episode will motivate you to chase your purpose or find clarity if you’re feeling stuck.

*Today’s episode is presented by Boiron USA.

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Show Notes:

[0:54] Aneeka talks about growing up in the Netherlands and how she fell in love with biking and started BMX racing at just four years old

[3:15] Aneeka describes the feelings she had when it came to racing and how she built her dreams around racing

[6:07] Aneeka reflects on growing up with a homeopathic way of living and how her parents encouraged it

[12:50] Aneeka reflects on how the sport of mountain biking embraces everyone and is such a great community 

[14:00] Aneeka talks about how with romantic partners she has been able to share her passion

[16:36] Aneeka talks about how despite it taking a long time to win she kept persevering 

[19:16] Aneeka retells the story of the car accident 

[30:37] Aneeka tells how she had to retire from racing and what she did after 

[38:00] Aneeka shares how she loves being able to share the Boiron products with her riders and help them. 

Key Takeaways 

[9:27] Aneeka talks about how she started to look for new challenges with mountain biking and the transition to moving to California 

[27:30] Aneeka reflects on how she found gratitude despite the restrictions the car accident caused and finding a new her 

[34:29] Aneeka gives advice to young girls on being themselves and doing what makes them happy 

(Full episode release November 18, 2024) 

A big thank you to Anneke Beerten for joining the podcast and sharing your inspiring story. Your insight into overcoming setbacks and rediscovering your passion is truly powerful. Follow Anneke on Instagram: @annekebeerten

Learn more about Anneke Beerten: https://www.annekebeerten.com/get-started

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali  

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Danny Seo was just 19 years old when the Washington Post wrote an article about him, rhetorically asking their readership: “Is this the next Martha Stewart?” At the time, the comparison felt lofty and overwhelming to Danny… but the reality is, over the past twenty years, Danny has created a new space all his own as a sustainable style expert and eco-living consultant for celebrities and major national media outlets. 

Basically, he was green before green was cool. In fact, he was so ahead of the curve that he was literally BORN on Earth Day. (no, seriously!)

What many don’t know is just how committed Danny really is to the cause… he was so called to help the planet that he chose it over finishing his formal education, dropping out of High School to instead lobby for environmental issues as a teenager.

While it may have seemed a risky strategy at the time – especially back in the 90s, before saving the environment was such a big topic – eventually, it paid off.

From landing on Oprah’s couch at just 19 to collaborating with A-list celebrities, such as Drew Barrymore and Kerry Washington, Danny reveals how he turned his love for the Earth into a vibrant career dedicated to making the world a greener, better place.

We’ll also hear about his decade+ love for Boiron, the French Homeopathic company who makes many of the products you may already use in your own home.

Danny shares insider secrets from his recent star-packed trip to Boiron’s French HQ, and why aligning with brands who you believe in is so important in today’s world.

Danny is smart and successful, humble and hilarious… so come along as he spills his secrets to making it BIG in business by doing things on your own terms, and remaining authentic and aligned with your belief systems.

*Today’s episode is presented by Boiron USA.

[0:45] Danny Seo talking about how he does what he does because he is mission driven 

[9:25] Danny Seo explains how his passion for the planet became a career and the challenges he faced as a high school drop out 

[11:11] Danny Seo talks about how he was given the opportunity to write a book and it changed the trajectory of his career 

[17:55] Danny Seo explains the cultural shift of people caring for the planet 

[20:30] Danny Seo talks about Boiron and why he loves the brand 

[32:00] Danny Seo explains how a media trip works and how fortunate he has been to experience them 

[33:33] Danny Seo tells what he is working on next 

Key Takeaways 

[2:24] Danny Seo reflecting about his birthday being on Earth Day and seeing all the sadness in the world and at the age of 12 he decided to do something about it

[14:00] Danny Seo reflects on how he began working with celebrities and he would jump at every opportunity he was given 

[26:59] Danny Seo reflects on the trip to France with Boiron and how educational it was 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

With the heartbreaking news of missing girls from Camp Mystic amidst the Texas flooding this week, it got us thinking A LOT about Gratitude, and making the most of every moment with loved ones... and it also got us thinking also about one of our most heart-wrenching show topics: the child abduction case of Charlotte Sena. We can't imagine the heartache of being unable to locate your daughter for any length of time, and Charlotte's story -- told on today's "Rewind" episode through interviews with her mother and aunt -- was a harrowing tale with an incredible ending.

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It is widely known that the 48 hours after a child is abducted are the most critical for their safe return… So when 9-year-old Charlotte Sena disappeared from her family’s campsite at Moreau Lake State Park, every parent’s worst nightmare quickly became a terrifying reality for the Sena family.  

In today’s episode, Charlotte’s mother and aunt—Trisha and Jené Luciani Sena — share their family’s story that received nationwide coverage, recounting the harrowing details of Charlotte’s abduction, the agonizing search, and the overwhelming aftermath.

Tune in to hear how the Sena family has turned their unimaginable trauma into a powerful mission for change.

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Jené Luciani Sena and Trisha Sena for sharing their family’s truth with us today. Follow Jené on Instagram @jeneontv.

Check out Jené and Trisha’s Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sisterhood-of-the-survivors/id1745701037

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7r1srRZzesEJkRreknwXRp?si=b08c0089c9764822

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

As I watched the Diddy trail (and Diddy verdict!) this week, it made sense to revisit the episode with my dear friend, Chloe Melas... Chloe has been a tireless reporter on the front lines of the trial since the start. If you watch NBC News, you've probably seen her!

Best known as a successful entertainment journalist seen on CNN and the Today Show, Chloe Melas doesn’t back down from life’s obstacles and uncertainties. She’s been through the ringer and reported on some of entertainment’s biggest moments... from being a prominent figure reporting the #MeToo movement, reporting on Hollywood scions like Kevin Spacey… to covering every moment of the Britney Spears #FreeBritney story… to facing her own struggles with fertility… Chloe’s learned to hold her head up, pop on her high heels, and stay focused. 

But it was the night that she smelled smoke in her house and almost ignored it… only to come to the terrifying realization that her house was on fire from the inside… that things really got put into perspective, and she was shocked into remembering what really matters.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:51] Jamie introduces Chloe Melas.

[04:50] Chloe begins to talk about her upbringing: being a “slacker” growing up, moving constantly, and academic struggles. 

[08:38] Chloe describes getting into her dream college, attending Auburn University instead, and how she landed her Stephen Colbert internship.  

[12:17] Chloe speaks about building her career in NYC as a young woman in her twenties.

[14:53] Chloe describes being hired by Bonnie Fuller and the lessons and experiences she gained. 

[19:44] Chloe talks about outgrowing the celebrity gossip genre in journalism and seeking a change. 

[22:02] Chloe speaks about her involvement reporting the #MeToo movement and the Kevin Spacey allegations.  

[24:44] Chloe describes Britney Spears’ “fall from grace” and reporting the toxic conservatorship Britney was bound to.

[27:30] Chloe begins to share her fertility journey and her gratitude for science. 

[30:47] Chloe starts to explain the moment that she and her husband realized their home was on fire.

[34:10] Chloe talks about how the pandemic was a major obstacle for reconstruction. 

[36:41] Chloe’s career shifts and she lands her dream job at NBC in Rockefeller Center.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[29:46] Chloe expresses her gratitude for being a part of a community that she didn’t ever expect to be a part of. 

[35:52] Chloe recounts talking with the fire department chief and him telling her that if they had waited any longer, their children’s lives, and potentially their own, could have been taken. 

[38:41] Chloe credits her success to hard work, explaining that there’s no way around it. 

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Chloe Melas for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Chloe on Instagram @chloemelas.

Check out more about Chloe at: https://www.nbcnews.com/author/chloe-melas-ncpn1307052

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands