Leah Fisher shares her transformative journey of self-discovery, which began after her father's death and culminated in a life-changing solo marriage sabbatical in her 60s. For over 40 years, she held a dream of joining the Peace Corps but let societal expectations steer her away from it.

After facing personal loss, Leah confronted her regrets and decided to embrace her long-held aspiration. This led her to explore the world and engage in meaningful service projects. From working with children affected by a mudslide in Guatemala to participating in disaster mental health efforts after an earthquake in Java, Leah found renewed purpose and fulfillment. Her story highlights the healing power of pursuing one's dreams at any age and the importance of redefining what it means to live a fulfilling life.

Takeaways:

• Her solo marriage sabbatical in her 60s allowed her to embrace self-discovery.
• She emphasizes that age should not limit the pursuit of one's passions or dreams.
• Leah's journey shows that it's never too late to redefine what fulfillment means.

Retired psychotherapist Leah Fisher worked for 35 years as a psychotherapist, marital counselor, and corporate consultant. During that time, she brought her expertise to television programs, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and 60 Minutes, and to media outlets, including Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal’s “Work and Family” column.

Although she is pleased with her professional accomplishments, she is incredibly proud to have traveled the world alone for a year. Fisher is a self-proclaimed “wild and crazy grandma” to four young grandchildren. She lives with her husband near Berkeley, California.

Website: mymarriagesabbatical.com

Purchase Leah's Book: https://www.mymarriagesabbatical.com/my-marriage-sabbatical-book-by-leah-fisher

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

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In this bonus episode of The Life Shift podcast, I share a heartfelt compilation of reflections from my past guests. Each one shares their advice to their pre-Life Shift selves.

The main takeaway resonates through their words: no matter how challenging the moment, everything is going to be alright. They encourage us to simply breathe during tough times and trust our instincts while following our gut. These insights highlight the universal truths we often forget in our struggles. My guests open up about their pivotal moments, offering wisdom that can inspire anyone facing their own life transitions.

Guest Appearances in order:

• Alessandra Torresani - www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s2e116
• Ashley Mason - www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s2e117
• Christelle Biiga - www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s2e118
• Christina Oyola - www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s2e120
• Jennifer Peterkin - www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s2e119
• Jillian Romero Chaves - www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s2e114
• Jonathan Greene - www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s2e111
• Laurel Wright - www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s2e112
• Nikhil Torsekar - www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s2e113
• Quinten Sheriff - www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s2e115

Takeaways:

• Remembering to breathe during challenging times; it can really help you cope.
• Trusting your gut feeling is crucial, as it often leads you in the right direction.
• Life shifts can bring unexpected growth, so embrace the journey and learn from it.
• Finding your reason why can help you navigate through life's challenges with clarity.
• You are loved and supported regardless of the difficult decisions you might face.

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Suzanne Rico’s life was forever altered by the death of her mother, which propelled her into a profound journey of grief and self-discovery. For two years, she struggled to confront her mother’s passing and the unfinished memoir that held the key to understanding her family's complex history in Nazi Germany. Upon finally opening that memoir, Suzanne not only began to process her grief but also embarked on a mission to uncover the truth about her grandfather’s involvement in creating a weapon for Adolf Hitler. This exploration led her to grapple with difficult themes of generational guilt and the legacy of trauma, ultimately transforming her perspective on what it means to remember and honor those who came before us. Join us as Suzanne shares her emotional roller coaster of discovery, revealing how storytelling can illuminate dark histories and foster connections across generations.

Takeaways:

• Suzanne Rico's journey of grief transformed her understanding of her family's complex past.
• Reading her mother's memoir was pivotal in Suzanne's healing process.
• Exploring her family's history in Nazi Germany led Suzanne to confront uncomfortable truths.
• The connection between generational trauma and personal identity is explored in depth throughout Suzanne's narrative.
• Suzanne emphasizes the importance of asking questions about family history for future generations.
• The podcast illustrates how storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for healing.

Suzanne Rico is a print and television journalist whose morning news broadcast won 3 Emmy awards. Her writing has been featured in O the Oprah magazine, the Atlantic, Outside Magazine, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, and others. After two decades spent covering national and international stories, her podcast, The Man Who Calculated Death, is the first time Suzanne has turned the lens on herself. Suzanne earned her bachelor's degree in mass communications from UCLA and her master's in broadcast communications from San Francisco State University.

Connect with Suzanne Rico:

• Website: The Man Who Calculated Death
• Instagram: Suzanne Rico
• LinkedIn: Suzanne Rico
• Twitter: Suzanne Rico

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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Allison Stieger's life took a transformative turn when she embarked on a journey to India, seeking a connection with the goddess Kali. Feeling stuck in the "land of the dead" after significant weight loss surgery, she realized she needed a profound shock to reignite her spirit. Her experiences in India culminated in a powerful moment at Kali's temple, where she felt her ego dissolve and was reborn into a new version of herself. This episode explores how mythology has guided Allison on her path to healing and self-discovery, empowering her to help others navigate their own stories. Join us as we explore the intersection of personal transformation and the timeless wisdom found in ancient myths.

Takeaways:

• Allison Stieger's journey to India allowed her to confront the goddess Kali, leading to a profound personal transformation.
• Her experience highlights the importance of stepping out of comfort zones for growth and healing.
• Weight loss surgery opened doors to deeper health challenges, leading to significant self-discovery.
• The myths we hold can guide us through our darkest moments and help us find purpose.
• Allison emphasizes that allowing oneself to grieve and process pain is essential before moving on.
• Her story teaches us the power of mythology in understanding our personal journeys and struggles.

Allison Stieger is a mythologist, writer, and speaker passionate about myth and what it teaches us about living a more fulfilled life. She holds a master's in Mythological Studies in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.

In 2004, she founded Mythic Stories and has since taught workshops on myth, creativity, and writing for adults. Since 2015, Allison has focused on transformation and the Divine Feminine, the archetypal spaces we hold in our lives, and using the power of mythology to emerge from difficult moments.

Find her online at www.allisonstieger.com, or www.mythicstories.com. She is available for workshops, retreats, and public speaking engagements and coaches private clients on archetypal branding and surviving transformational moments in life mythically.

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode, Steven shares about a sexual assault as a child and how it impacted his life.

On this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Steven Wilson shares his powerful journey of overcoming the trauma of sexual assault and the subsequent battles with mental illness, including bipolar disorder and depression. He reflects on how the shame of his experience led him to keep his story hidden for over 30 years, affecting his life in profound ways.

As he discusses his early struggles, including a severe depressive episode in childhood and the lack of support during that time, he emphasizes the critical need for compassion and understanding for those facing mental health challenges.

Steven's story is not just about personal survival; it’s also about his mission to help others navigate their own struggles through support groups and outreach. His book, "Teetering on a Tightrope," serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring those who feel alone in their experiences and showing that recovery is possible, even after deep pain.

Takeaways:

• Steve's journey illustrates the long-term effects of childhood trauma and the difficulty of sharing such experiences.
• He emphasizes the importance of support from loved ones for those dealing with mental health issues.
• Steve's experience demonstrates how mental health journeys can be complex, requiring patience and tailored approaches.
• Steve's commitment to helping others through support groups showcases the power of community in healing.

Steve Wilson, the Author of "Teetering On A Tightrope, my bipolar journey," was born in Delaware, Ohio, and now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife, Lenni. They have been married for 51 years and have three daughters and two granddaughters. Steve spent 50 years in the custom clothing business. He retired in 2019. In 1978, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It was not until 2000 that he was able to conquer the disorder. Since 2015, he has facilitated two mental health support groups. In 2024, he appeared on 30+ podcasts describing his journey and raising mental health awareness. One main focus is to discuss the inadequacy of government programs and the damage done by insurance companies when providing mental health care.

Teetering on a Tightrope: https://www.amazon.com/Teetering-Tightrope-My-Bipolar-Journey-ebook/dp/B0BTJ9DHNN

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Ashley Gould candidly shares her transformative journey following her father’s cancer diagnosis. In this conversation, we explore the impact of grief, the resilience required to navigate life’s unexpected challenges, and the importance of embracing change. Ashley reflects on her father's enduring influence, the pivotal shift in her life after his diagnosis, and how it shaped her path toward creativity and fulfillment.

Takeaways:

• The Impact of Grief and Resilience
• Embracing Change and Finding Meaning
• Family Influence and Emotional Strength

The Impact of Grief and Resilience

Ashley Gould discusses the profound impact her father's cancer diagnosis had on her life, marking a pivotal shift that forced her to confront the realities of grief and loss. She shares how this experience shattered her perception of life’s continuity, leading to a journey of resilience and personal growth. The episode underscores the importance of acknowledging grief’s path, allowing it to guide healing and transformation.

Embracing Change and Finding Meaning

Ashley’s story highlights the courage required to embrace change and find new meaning in life’s challenges. Despite the anticipatory grief and eventual loss of her father, Ashley’s journey emphasizes the power of living intentionally and pursuing joy. Her experience demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find fulfillment and purpose by following one’s passions and embracing the unknown.

Family Influence and Emotional Strength

Throughout the episode, Ashley reflects on her close relationship with her father and how it shaped her emotional strength and perspective on life. Her father’s warmth, humor, and presence continue to influence her, underscoring the enduring impact of familial bonds. Ashley’s narrative illustrates how these relationships provide both comfort and strength, serving as a foundation for navigating life’s transitions and honoring loved ones through personal growth.

Guest Bio

Ashley Gould is a former corporate lawyer turned entrepreneur and podcaster. She founded Ame Atendre, a company dedicated to creating elevated everyday objects, and hosts the podcast "On the Table with Ashley," focusing on conversations about often-avoided topics.

Connect with Ashley

• Website: Ame Atendre - https://ameatendre.com/
• Podcast: On the Table with Ashley - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282727/share

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Reflecting on my conversation with Betsy Pepine, I really connected with her journey, especially her struggle against societal expectations. Betsy opens up about breaking free from that exhausting success checklist that so many of us feel obligated to follow. She shares those pivotal moments when two major parts of her life unexpectedly disappeared, and it's clear how these events pushed her to rethink her priorities and find joy in the most surprising places. This theme of rediscovering oneself and chasing genuine happiness feels so relatable. Many of us find ourselves in similar situations, wondering if we’re on the right path and searching for fulfillment beyond the traditional markers of success.

Takeaways:

• Reflecting on conversations helps me gain new insights and perspectives on my guests' stories.
• Challenging societal checklists can lead to discovering true joy and personal fulfillment.
• Betsy's journey illustrates the importance of finding joy and purpose outside conventional paths.
• Engaging in different therapeutic modalities can provide valuable personal growth and healing tools.

Full episode: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/breaking-free-betsy-pepines-journey-from-boxes-to-boundless-joy/

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Betsy Pepine shares her transformative journey of breaking free from the metaphorical boxes that once confined her, ultimately leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life. After experiencing significant life changes, including a divorce and job loss, she realized that many of her decisions had been driven by societal expectations rather than her true desires. Through her exploration of various therapeutic modalities, Betsy discovered the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability. These insights allowed her to reconnect with her inner self and redefine her version of success.

Her new perspective emphasizes the significance of personal happiness, which is rooted in authentic relationships and meaningful contributions to others. Betsy’s insights encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider how they might break free from the constraints holding them back.

Takeaways:

• Betsy Pepine discusses the importance of breaking free from societal expectations to find true happiness.
• The conversation emphasizes how recognizing and dismantling metaphorical boxes can lead to personal growth.
• Betsy encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and seek fulfillment beyond societal norms.

Betsy Pepine, Author of Breaking Boxes, is a transformative leader in the real estate industry and a distinguished entrepreneur. As Founder and CEO of Pepine Realty, Betsy has built one of the country's most respected and successful real estate firms. The Wall Street Journal has consistently recognized her real estate team as one of the top-producing in the United States. Her brokerage has been named one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the USA multiple times and earned spots on the Top 50 Florida Companies to Watch, and Florida Trend Best Companies to Work For lists.

In her book Breaking Boxes, Betsy delves into the metaphorical and literal boxes that shape our lives. From the expectations of becoming a doctor to creating a successful real estate business, Betsy shares compelling stories that help readers understand the labels and stereotypes associated with boxes. She encourages readers to step outside societal expectations, recognize the boxes that contain them, and discover their true identity to live free of others' expectations. Endorsed by her mentor, real estate mogul, and Shark Tank’s shark Barbara Corcoran, Betsy’s leadership and visionary approach have earned her numerous accolades and a stellar reputation in the industry.

Book:https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Boxes-Dismantling-Metaphorical-That-ebook/dp/B0D6CM2JSL

Website:https://www.pepinerealty.com/agents/betsy-pepine/

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this bonus episode, I reflect on a powerful conversation with Barb Higgins, who has faced numerous life challenges, including the tragic loss of her daughter.

Barb's journey is a testament to resilience and finding meaning in grief. She emphasizes that while our experiences shape us, they do not solely define us. She shares how she maintains her joyful spirit despite the hardships, even describing herself as a "wrinkly kid" at heart.

This is my little episode to convince you to listen to Barb's full story on The Life Shift - https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s3e159.

Takeaways:

• Life experiences, even traumatic ones, can shape us without solely defining our identities.
• Barb's story illustrates the power of authentic storytelling in connecting with others.
• Embracing both joy and sorrow allows us to live more fully despite past traumas.
• The significance of community and support in overcoming life's toughest moments is paramount.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Barb Higgins shares a deeply moving and raw story about the loss of her daughter, Molly, an experience that transformed her life in unimaginable ways.

The conversation explores the complexities of grief, addiction, and the journey toward healing after such a profound loss. Barb candidly discusses her struggles with substance use as a coping mechanism and how she navigated the tumultuous emotions that followed Molly's death.

As she reflects on her experiences, Barb emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel and process pain without judgment. The episode concludes with a message of hope and resilience, highlighting that even in the darkest moments, there are pathways to new beginnings and personal growth.

Takeaways:

• Life is a balance of joy and sorrow, and both can coexist simultaneously.
• Straddling life's challenges can feel like being on a picket fence, with highs and lows.
• The journey through grief can lead to unexpected paths and new beginnings.
• Coping mechanisms, even unhealthy ones, emerge as we try to handle trauma.
• The importance of sharing stories lies in connecting with others who have similar experiences.
• Transformation often arises from our darkest moments, leading us to new perspectives.

Barb Higgins is a dedicated educator, coach, and author committed to inspiring others through her personal experiences. Her journey from overcoming childhood trauma to becoming a published author highlights her resilience and passion for personal growth. Barb's work in education and athletics continues to empower individuals to pursue their own paths of healing and transformation.

Connect with Barb Higgins:

www.athousandtinysteps.com

www.mollybfoundation.org

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy