The Internal Shift Show With Debbie Longo

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo speaks with Zulma Williams, also known as The Swearing Therapist, about overcoming breast cancer, changing careers later in life, and refusing to let setbacks define her future.

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Zulma moved to the United States at age 31 and spent years working in accounting before realizing she wanted a completely different life. At 42 years old, she decided to return to school pursue her passion for helping others through therapy.

Just six weeks after graduating with her bachelor’s degree and preparing to begin her master’s program, Zulma was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of remaining in a victim mindset and asking “Why me?”, she made a powerful internal shift and began asking “Why not me?” That mindset change transformed the way she approached both her treatment and her future.

Throughout the conversation, Zulma explains how discipline, support systems, self-advocacy, and action helped her move through one of the most difficult periods of her life. She discusses the importance of taking one step at a time, continuing to move forward even without having all the answers.

Zulma also shares how she advocated for herself medically by questioning treatment options, researching alternatives, becoming an active participant in her healthcare decisions. She emphasizes the importance of combining professional guidance with personal responsibility and reminds listeners that asking questions and speaking up for yourself matters.

Now cancer-free for 14 years, Zulma uses her experience to help others recognize their own resilience and ability to overcome challenges. She believes growth begins when individuals decide to take action.

This episode explores resilience, mindset shifts, self-advocacy, emotional healing, discipline, personal growth, trauma recovery, and the importance of taking small consistent steps forward.

Contact Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach:

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Zulma B. Williams: The Swearing Therapist LCSW, ACSW, CTMH

Certified Master ART® Practitioner Motivational Speaker, Podcaster

Serving AZ, CO, NV, TX & UT

Improving tomorrow by changing today

Website: www.dragonflytherapyservices.net Phone: 702-903-4944

Host of Keeping It Real with Zulma The Swearing Therapist Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/62zkFh5mzb5mkScrew0HCX?si=521679a994ad492e

https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net

https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapist/

https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyTSLV/

https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulma-williams-ab7609214/

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo speaks with Vincent Hazenboom about overcoming trauma, fear, addiction, and years of living inside a negative mindset.

Vincent shares how childhood trauma and emotional pain led him into isolation, video game addiction, pornography addiction, and constant fear. For years, he avoided risk, stayed inside his comfort zone, and believed the negative thoughts he repeatedly told himself about not being good enough .

Everything began to change in 2014 when he experienced what he describes as a wake-up call that pushed him to finally ask for help. Through therapy, self-reflection, and personal development, he started understanding the emotional patterns and trauma he had been carrying for years. Although the process was difficult, it became the beginning of a complete internal shift.

Vincent also shares the experience of moving to Mexico to start a business, losing everything financially, returning home feeling ashamed, and rebuilding his life from the ground up. Instead of staying stuck in blame and victim mentality, he began taking responsibility for his decisions, learning boundaries, building self-worth, and changing the way he viewed failure.

Throughout the conversation, Vincent explains how small daily choices, self-awareness, movement, exercise, mindset shifts, and stepping outside the comfort zone transformed his confidence and direction in life. He emphasizes that growth does not happen overnight, but through small consistent actions repeated over time.

This episode explores trauma recovery, self-development, fear, personal responsibility, comfort zones, emotional healing, and the power of choosing growth instead of staying stuck in familiar patterns. It reinforces that while pain and setbacks are unavoidable, people still have the ability to rebuild their lives by changing the way they think, respond, and move forward.

Contact Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach:

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Contact Vincent Hazenboom:

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo speaks with Zander Sprague about the devastating loss of his sister Lucy, who was murdered in 1996, and the emotional transformation that followed.

What began as overwhelming grief, depression, confusion, and emotional isolation eventually became a turning point that reshaped Zander’s life and direction. He openly shares the reality of sibling loss, the loneliness that often comes with unacknowledged grief, and the emotional impact of feeling invisible while others focused mainly on how his parents were coping.

Zander explains how difficult the early stages of grief were and how he became trapped in the cycle of asking “why did this happen?” repeatedly, searching for answers that would never fully come. One of the biggest internal shifts in his healing process came when he accepted that he would never truly know why the tragedy happened. Letting go of that question allowed him to stop circling emotionally and begin focusing on healing, rebuilding, and creating meaning from the experience.

He also discusses the importance of exercise, therapy, support systems, and open conversations during grief recovery. Over time, Zander realized there were very few resources specifically focused on sibling loss. Instead of remaining silent, he chose to write about his experiences to help others who felt alone in their grief. That decision eventually led him to become an advocate, speaker, author, and thought leader focused on sibling grief and emotional healing.

Today, Zander works to bring awareness to the emotional reality of sibling loss and the importance of acknowledging grief rather than minimizing it. Through his writing and advocacy work, he helps people understand that healing does not mean forgetting—it means learning how to carry the loss while continuing to move forward with purpose and meaning.

Contact Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach:

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Contact Zander Sprague:

Website: ZanderSprague.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epic_begins/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@epicbegins

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ZanderSprague/

Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/EPIC-Begins-Step-Forward-Achieve/dp/097950306X/ref=sr_1_1

Making Lemonade: Choosing A Positive Pathway After Losing Your Sibling Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/MAKING-LEMONADE-Choosing-Positive-Pathway/dp/0979503019/ref=sr_1_1

Why Don’t They Cry?: Understanding Your Living Child’s Grief Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Dont-They-Cry-Understanding/dp/0979503043/ref=sr_1_1

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo Transformational Coach speaks with Barry Deeks about surviving a life-altering accident and the long, ongoing process of rebuilding both physically and mentally.

After a serious accident that left him unable to walk or speak, Barry faced a complete disruption of his life. What followed was not an immediate recovery, but a gradual process of relearning basic functions—starting with speech, movement, and coordination . Within days, he began to regain his ability to communicate, and over time, he rebuilt his capacity to move, adapt, and function independently.

Barry shares the reality of living with long-term physical challenges, including balance issues and mobility limitations, while continuing to push himself forward. His story is not about a perfect recovery, but about persistence, adaptation, and continuing despite limitations.

This conversation reinforces that progress is not always dramatic. Sometimes it is measured in small, consistent improvements over time. It also challenges the idea that setbacks define outcomes—what matters is the decision to keep moving forward, even when the path is slower and more difficult.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Barry Deeks:

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show Debbie Longo speaks with Russell Van Brocklen about transforming what is often seen as a limitation into a measurable advantage.

Diagnosed with dyslexia and placed in special education early on, Russell faced years of frustration, setbacks, and academic barriers. With a first-grade reading and writing level entering adulthood, the expectation was limitation—not advancement. Instead of accepting that outcome, he made a decision to challenge it.

The turning point came when he forced himself into environments that required higher-level thinking, including auditing law school classes and engaging in complex problem-solving far beyond what his reading level suggested . Through persistence and unconventional thinking, he developed a system that allowed him to bypass traditional limitations and access higher cognitive processing.

That internal shift led to groundbreaking work. Russell went on to develop and test methods that significantly accelerated reading and writing capabilities in dyslexic students, producing results that rivaled—and in some cases exceeded—traditional systems at a fraction of the cost.

This conversation challenges the idea that learning disabilities are purely limitations. It reinforces that with the right approach, they can become a strategic advantage—driving innovation, different thinking patterns, and unique problem-solving abilities.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Russell Van Brocklen NYS Senate-Funded Dyslexia Researcher:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.dyslexiaclasses.com

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach speaks with Kevin Cover about a critical leadership breakdown that started not with failure—but with success.

After rapidly growing a business and doubling performance as a young general manager, Kevin found himself in a position many aim for—things were working. But that success led to comfort, and comfort led to subtle changes. He began stepping away from the very processes that created the results in the first place. What followed was not an immediate failure, but a gradual collapse.

Kevin shares how small decisions—skipping structure, abandoning daily disciplines, and shifting into reactive leadership—created gaps that eventually impacted the entire organization . The turning point came when he was forced to confront the reality that nothing external had changed—the breakdown was internal.

Through reflection and accountability, he rebuilt his approach by returning to discipline, structure, and consistency. He redefined leadership not as control, but as creating rhythm—consistent actions that allow both individuals and teams to grow without dependency.

This conversation reinforces that success is not maintained by reaching a level—it is maintained by continuing the process that got you there. When that process stops, decline is inevitable. When it resumes, growth returns.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Kevin Cover:

Website: https://www.rhythmleadershipgroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-cover-rhythm-leadership-group

Book: The Rhythm Wave (available on Amazon)

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach speaks with Al Isaacs about a life-altering discovery that forced him to completely re-evaluate his identity, past, and sense of self.

During the COVID pandemic, while dealing with career disruption and both parents facing serious health issues, Al received unexpected news from a doctor that changed everything—he was adopted. What began as a passing comment turned into a confirmed reality that reshaped how he viewed his life, family, and personal history .

The process that followed was not immediate clarity, but layers of realization. From understanding that his entire family knew, to managing internal thoughts of uncertainty and identity, Al had to navigate both emotional and practical challenges. Instead of staying stuck, he chose to move forward, seeking answers while also maintaining perspective on what truly mattered.

Through persistence and timing, he was able to find his biological family, including his sister and mother, leading to outcomes that exceeded expectations. More importantly, the internal shift came from how he reframed the situation—focusing on acceptance, gratitude, and the understanding that identity is not defined by a single piece of information.

This conversation reinforces that even the most unexpected and disruptive moments can lead to clarity, connection, and growth when approached with the right mindset.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Al Isaacs:

Website: https://www.alisaacs.com

Book: https://a.co/d/01V6kpXx

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach speaks with Cheryl Fimbel about the unexpected emotional and psychological impact of retirement—and the internal shift that changed everything.

After 45 years in healthcare, Cheryl was forced into retirement just weeks after losing her mother. What seemed like a financial concern at first quickly turned into something deeper. Without the structure, routine, and identity tied to her career, she found herself feeling lost, unproductive, and disconnected from purpose .

The turning point came when she realized she was not failing—she was experiencing a documented transition. Concepts like identity loss, lack of structure, and purpose disruption gave her clarity and shifted how she viewed her situation. Instead of staying stuck, she began rebuilding with small, intentional actions.

Through creating structure, redefining who she was beyond her job title, and reconnecting with what mattered, Cheryl moved from drifting and depression to clarity, purpose, and fulfillment. She went on to write her book, The Hidden Side of Retirement, and now helps others understand and navigate this transition.

This conversation reinforces that major life changes are not just external—they require internal adjustment. When that shift happens, direction, purpose, and stability follow.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Cheryl Fimbel:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.crownyearsmedia.com

Book: https://a.co/d/08hFM0IJ

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach speaks with Zolal Habibi about a life shaped by loss, resilience, and a commitment to something larger than herself.

At just seven years old, Zolal lost her father, a writer and human rights activist, to political violence. What could have defined her life through grief instead became the moment that reshaped how she saw the world. Rather than identifying as a victim, she made a decision early on to view her experience through strength, responsibility, and purpose .

That internal shift influenced every decision that followed. From understanding the broader reality of injustice to choosing action over helplessness, Zolal committed her life to advocacy and raising awareness. She went on to join the Iranian Resistance and has spent decades working toward freedom, accountability, and change.

This conversation explores trauma, identity, responsibility, and the power of perspective. It reinforces that even in the most extreme circumstances, individuals still have the ability to decide how they respond—and that response can shape not only their life, but the lives of others.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Zolal Habibi:

Website: https://www.ncr-iran.org/

Additional Resources: https://maryamrajavi4change.com/ https://iranfreedom.org/ https://oiac.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zolalhabibi

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach speaks with Belinda Coker about the internal turning point that transformed her life from burnout, depression, and disconnection into clarity, health, and purpose.

At 55, during the pandemic, Belinda found herself overwhelmed by years of accumulated stress—divorce, motherhood, career pressure, and identity loss. She was exhausted, unhappy, and relying on habits that were pulling her further away from the life she wanted. The turning point came when she looked at herself honestly and made the decision that something had to change .

Instead of looking for a quick fix, she returned to something she once loved—hiking. That single decision led to a series of small, consistent changes. Over time, those changes reshaped her habits, mindset, and direction. What started as a simple step became a complete life transformation.

Belinda went on to rebuild her life around health, nature, and simplicity. She left the corporate world, reduced unhealthy patterns, and created a lifestyle centered on fulfillment rather than pressure. Today, she spends much of her time hiking around the world, living with intention and clarity.

This conversation reinforces that change does not require a complete overhaul overnight. It begins with one honest decision and one small step in a different direction. From there, momentum builds, and everything starts to shift.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Belinda Coker

Email: [email protected]