The Lighten Up Project

US Marine officer, award-winning author, and founder of Parent-Child Connect, Olaolu Ogunyemi knows leadership isn't tested in keynotes — it's tested when you're tired, triggered, and pulled in five directions at once. He joins Malcolm to unpack what it really means to lead from the core, at work and at home.

What You'll Hear

• Why Olaolu had to relearn how to embrace his own laughter after the Marine Corps taught him to be stoic
• The emotional bank account concept — how leaders build trust through deposits, not just standards
• A real story of finding the balance between holding a standard and leading with empathy
• How to tell if you're leading too strict or too soft, and the honest reset it takes to correct course
• Why Parent-Child Connect exists: creating teachable, memorable moments between parents and kids
• His one-word finish to "leadership isn't about control, it's about ___": listening

Resources Mentioned on this Episode

- Book: Lead Last by Olaolu Ogunyemi

- Free resources & journals — available at parent-child-connect.com/free-resources

- Parent-Child Connect — parent-child-connect.com

- Learn more about Malcolm's work at the World Laughter Organization™

Featured Guest:

Olaolu Ogunyemi is a U.S. Marine Officer, award-winning author, and leadership strategist dedicated to developing resilient, purpose-driven leaders at work and home. As the Founder of Parent-Child-Connect, Olaolu bridges the gap between high-stakes military discipline and the intentionality required for modern mentorship. Olaolu is the author of the Amazon best-selling Crow From the Shadow and a recipient of the Marine Corps University Foundation’s Command and Control Writing Award. His work—ranging from tactical IT strategy in the Marine Corps Gazette to faith-based resilience on the YouVersion Bible App—is unified by a single mission: equipping influencers to lead with contagious energy and practical frameworks. Whether he is speaking to corporate executives or classrooms, Olaolu delivers a message of "Marine Corps discipline meets fatherly heart" that transforms how we lead the next generation.

Connect with Olaolu:

Website: www.parent-child-connect.com

Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/author/olaolu_ogunyemi

Pinterest: https://pin.it/3heBVMv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olaolu.ogunyemi

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/561759971924937/

X: https://x.com/Olaolu_Ogunyemi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olaolu.ogunyemi/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaolu-ogunyemi-465ba453

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@olaoluogunyemi?si=zL0_VWAq81g2B5hK

Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom

Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Follow Malcolm:

Website: malcolmgrissom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom

Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/

We are proud to have The Lighten Up Project on the *High Vibe Podcast Network .* Grab your free gift from Malcolm in our Our High Vibe Gift Vault.

Love this show, check out the other shows on the High Vibe Podcast Network.

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Professor emeritus of finance, six-time author, and son of Holocaust survivors, Dr. Murray Sabrin has spent over 35 years teaching Americans how to think about money, freedom, and independence. In this rich, wide-ranging conversation, he connects his family's story of resilience to a lifelong mission: helping people build financial independence and pursue genuine happiness, one good decision at a time.

What You'll Hear

• How growing up as the child of Holocaust survivors shaped Dr. Sabrin's lifelong commitment to freedom, resilience, and gratitude
• His father's remarkable story of survival as a partisan fighter in Poland — and the single decision that meant the difference between life and death
• Why Dr. Sabrin believes financial independence is about more than money — it's psychological and physical wellbeing too
• His personal philosophy on saving, living below your means, and the "two Ps" he believes go hand in hand: peace and prosperity
• What Making Americans Financially Independent (MAFI) means in practice, and how nonprofits fit into that vision
• The three foundational books Dr. Sabrin recommends for anyone wanting to understand free-market economics without a dictionary in hand
• His advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by today's economic headlines: tune out the noise, find your why, and build your network
• Why laughter, Tai Chi, and a good comedy on TV still matter — even amid the serious work of economic education

A note to listeners: this episode includes Dr. Sabrin's personal economic and political viewpoints, including his perspectives on free markets, government spending, and healthcare policy. These reflect his own views and expertise, not an endorsement by the podcast.

Resources Mentioned on this Episode

- MAFI (Making Americans Financially Independent) — learn more and contact Dr. Sabrin at mafiusa.com

- Podcast: Health, Wealth, and the Pursuit of Happiness — Dr. Sabrin's own podcast

- Dr. Sabrin's Substack — articles on economics, inflation, and public policy

- Recommended Reading:Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt

- What Has Government Done to Our Money? by Murray Rothbard

- The Law by Frédéric Bastiat

- Learn more about Malcolm's work at the World Laughter Organization™

Featured Guest:

Murray Sabrin, PhD, is emeritus professor of finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he was on the faculty of the Anisfield School of Business for 35 years and founder of the Sabrin Center for Free Enterprise. Currently, he is a Substack author and speaker and frequent radio, cable and podcast guest. Sabrin is one of the country’s leading advocates for replacing the welfare state with nonprofit solutions. He also is a passionate proponent of Making Americans Financially Independent (MAFI). Dr. Sabrin arrived in America on August 6, 1949, with his older brother and parents who were the only survivors of the Holocaust. Before he became a college professor Dr. Sabrin was a New York City school teacher, staff economist, and investment analyst. As a longtime advocate of free markets and limited government, Dr. Sabrin’s mission in his “golden years” is to educate the public and affect public policy to restore the values of the founders--limited government, civil liberties, and a peaceful foreign-policy. The author six books on taxes, health care, the Federal Reserve, and a memoir, Dr. Sabrin has been called the “Thomas Paines of the coming tax revolution,” and Judge Napolitano wrote, “Read this fascinating autobiography…[and] in Webster’s Unabridged, next to the word ‘courage’ should be a photo of Murray Sabrin.” Recently, Dr. Sabrin was appointed Associated Scholar of the Mises Institute, the country’s premiere free market research organization.

Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom

Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Follow Malcolm:

Website: malcolmgrissom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom

Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/

We are proud to have The Lighten Up Project on the *High Vibe Podcast Network .* Grab your free gift from Malcolm in our Our High Vibe Gift Vault.

Love this show, check out the other shows on the High Vibe Podcast Network.

Share the Love

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Personal brand strategist and bestselling author Amy Janece believes your image is never really about clothes — it's about coming home to yourself. In this playful, wide-ranging conversation, she shares how color psychology, self-love, and a little bit of play can help you show up in the world as exactly who you already are.

What You'll Hear

• Why Amy believes beauty is an "inside-out process" — and how her book Who's in the Mirror? helps readers reconnect with who they are beneath the roles they play
• The moment a stranger's color-typing session changed how people treated Amy within an hour — and how she went from skeptic to believer
• Why laughter and business absolutely belong together, and how playful, connected selling actually serves people instead of manipulating them
• The four color elements — earth, air, water, and fire — and how each one carries its own energy, style, and relationship to play
• A moving story about a $6 pack of socks that taught Amy the real meaning of self-care
• Why kids learn more from watching how we treat ourselves than from anything we tell them
• Amy's advice for public speakers who freeze up: treat it like a conversation with one friendly face in the room
• Her closing reminder for every listener: you are a masterpiece, and you deserve to be framed as such

Resources Mentioned on this Episode

- Book: Who's in the Mirror?: Beyond the Roles You Play by Amy Janece

- Amy's business helping entrepreneurs and corporate clients align image, sales, and self-connection through color psychology and personal styling

- Connect with Amy Janece — via email or social media (links in show notes)

- Learn more about Malcolm's work at the World Laughter Organization™

One Big Takeaway

Confidence isn't something you put on—it's something you uncover. When your inner identity and outer image finally align, you stop hiding and start showing up with authenticity, joy, and impact.

Featured Guest:

Amy Janece is an Personal Brand Image Strategist dedicated to empowering professionals to align their appearance with their message and true self. With a unique approach that blends image consulting and personal development, Amy empowers coaches, speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs to project confidence and authenticity. As a best-selling author and sought-after speaker, she knows firsthand the power of a compelling personal brand. Amy’s expertise lies in color psychology and personal styling, guiding clients to discover their elemental color palette and transform their wardrobe. Her passion is to ensure that what you wear reflects who you are, enabling you to make a powerful and lasting impact. Amy’s clients consistently experience increased confidence, enhanced visibility, and a boost in their professional success. Transform your style and step into your power with Amy Janece, your go-to expert for image and empowerment.

Connect with Amy:

Website: embodyyourelement.com

Main FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/amyjanece.searancravin/

Facebook Biz Page: https://www.facebook.com/AmyJanece.Consultant

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.janece/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-janece/

Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom

Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Follow Malcolm:

Website: malcolmgrissom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom

Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/

We are proud to have The Lighten Up Project on the *High Vibe Podcast Network .* Grab your free gift from Malcolm in our Our High Vibe Gift Vault.

Love this show, check out the other shows on the High Vibe Podcast Network.

Share the Love

✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and let us know your biggest takeaway!

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Global energy master, international speaker, and founder of the Mastering Energy Academy, Dr. Neja Župan helps high-achieving professionals who are "successful on paper but feel slightly fried in real life" reconnect with their vitality. In this deeply personal episode, she shares the health journey that transformed her relationship with laughter, and why she believes energy — not effort — is the real foundation of every area of our lives.

What You'll Hear

• Dr. Neja's personal story of facing a serious health diagnosis in her forties, and the daily practice of laughing, singing, and dancing that became central to her healing journey
• Why she believes "no problems means you're dead" — and how she's learned to welcome life's challenges rather than resent them
• The difference between forced and genuine belly laughter, and why your brain doesn't actually know the difference
• Her explanation of how laughter and vital energy can influence the body, digestion, and mood, drawn from years of teaching in her Energy Masters Academy
• What it looks like inside the Mastering Energy Academy's five levels of energy work — physical, emotional, mental, and beyond
• Her response to skeptics who dismiss energy work as "woo-woo," and the simple everyday example she uses to make her case
• Dr. Neja's closing thought on why healing doesn't have to be heavy: because laughter is the best medicine

A note to listeners: Dr. Neja shares her personal health journey and beliefs about energy and wellness in this episode. Her experience is her own, and this conversation is not medical advice — please consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions about your own health.

Resources Mentioned on this Episode

- Mastering Energy Academy — Dr. Neja's year-long online program for professionals and entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable vitality and energetic clarity

- Free E-Book: 7 Steps: Energetic Alignment in Action — available at highfrequencyenergyformula.com

- Learn more about Malcolm's work at the World Laughter Organization

One Big Takeaway

Energy isn't something you wait to have—it's something you learn to cultivate. The more you nurture your vitality, the more fully you can lead, connect, heal, and enjoy your life.

Featured Guest:

Dr. Neja Zupan is a Global Energy Master and founder of Energy Masters Academy, with over three decades of experience guiding change-makers to understand that inner energy, not strategy, determines whether they lead from pressure or presence.

Connect with Dr. Neja:

www.nejazupan.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnejazupan/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.neja.zupan.institute

https://www.facebook.com/drNejaZupanInstitute

https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_neja_zupan_institute

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

Gift: HighFrequencyEnergyFormula.com

Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom

Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Follow Malcolm:

Website: malcolmgrissom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom

Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/

We are proud to have The Lighten Up Project on the *High Vibe Podcast Network .* Grab your free gift from Malcolm in our Our High Vibe Gift Vault.

Love this show, check out the other shows on the High Vibe Podcast Network.

Share the Love

✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and let us know your biggest takeaway!

🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you.

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Licensed clinical social worker and couples counselor Dr. Dan Sneider has spent over a decade helping partners navigate conflict — and he'll be the first to admit he's had to unlearn his own rigidity along the way. In this warm, practical conversation, Dan shares how playfulness, presence, and a well-timed check-in can turn tension into connection.

What You'll Hear

• Why "lightening up" starts with learning to see the silliness in our daily habits — and how Dan's own kids have taught him to do it better than any class ever could
• The simple "temperature check" Dan teaches couples to use during transition moments, so playfulness never lands at the wrong time
• Why using "I" language instead of "you" language changes the entire trajectory of a difficult conversation
• The communication belief Dan had to unlearn: that a calm tone of voice alone means you're not being harmful
• How to handle it gracefully if laughter or humor accidentally lands wrong in an intimate moment
• Dan's dancing analogy for healthy relationships — knowing when to lead, when to follow, and how to stay fully yourself either way
• A daily practice (a morning walk and a few minutes of journaling) that helps Dan choose joy and presence again and again, one day at a time

Resources Mentioned on this Episode

- intimacyshift.com — Dan's website, including a free PDF with steps and frameworks for healthier, more intimate conversations

- Intimacy Shift Group Program — Dan's recurring program helping couples move from conflict to lasting connection

- Dan’s website: http://intimacyshift.com/

- Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/growthandgratitudetherapy/

- Learn more about Malcolm's work at the World Laughter Organization™

Featured Guest:

Dr. Dan Sneider is an experienced couples and individual therapist who teaches proven techniques to transform relationships. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina with his two amazing kids. His signature 12-part program ‘The Intimacy Shift: A Blueprint for Moving from Conflict to Lasting Connection’ has helped hundreds of people improve their relationships and is open to anybody ready to build or rebuild an intimate connection.

Connect with Dr. Dan:

Website: http://intimacyshift.com/

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

Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom

Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Follow Malcolm:

Website: malcolmgrissom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom

Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/

We are proud to have The Lighten Up Project on the *High Vibe Podcast Network .* Grab your free gift from Malcolm in our Our High Vibe Gift Vault.

Love this show, check out the other shows on the High Vibe Podcast Network.

Share the Love

✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and let us know your biggest takeaway!

🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you.

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Dubbed "Jim Carrey with a PhD," Dr. Danny Brassell has spoken on over 3,500 stages worldwide and authored 21 books — and he's convinced that most speakers are focused on entirely the wrong thing. In this energetic conversation, Danny breaks down what actually turns a presentation into paying clients: not polish, not perfection, but a well-crafted story with real intention behind it.

What You'll Hear

• Why speaking is a learnable skill, not just a personality trait — and Jim Rohn's blunt reminder that "you can't pay other people to do your push-ups"
• How owning your vulnerabilities (instead of hiding them) turns a perceived weakness into a speaker's greatest strength
• The Five C's Framework Danny and his co-founders use to build a "well-crafted story" that actually converts
• Why facts tell but stories sell — and how to know which stories from your life are worth telling on stage
• The "choices confuse and cause you to lose" principle, and why giving your audience one clear call to action beats giving them three
• Danny's take on why audiences remember how a speaker made them feel — not the bullet points on their slides
• A wild story about accidentally addressing 5,000 students and national media in India with a talk he hadn't yet written

Resources Mentioned on this Episode

- Free Well-Crafted Story Blueprint — Danny's complimentary guide to building your own signature story; available at freestoryguide.com

- Book: A Well-Crafted Story: Helping Entrepreneurs and Organizations Use Storytelling to Connect, Engage, and Convert by Danny Brassell, Coach Jimmy Hayes Nelson, and Dave Ward

- Learn more about Malcolm's work at the World Laughter Organization™

Featured Guest: Danny Brassell

A highly-sought after speaker, trainer and coach known as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Dr. Danny Brassell (www.DannyBrassell.com) has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide. He has authored 21 books, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots. The co-founder of WellCrafted Story™, Danny helps entrepreneurs, individuals and organizations leverage speaking on stages as a major client lead source that converts.

Connect with Danny:

Website: www.wellcraftedstoryworkshop.com

Youtibe: https://www.YouTube.com/DannyBrassell

X: https://www.twitter.com/DannyBrassell

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/DannyBrassell

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

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

The Greatest Leader in the World: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=danny+brassell&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss

Gift: The Storytelling Blueprint - www.freeSTORYguide.com

Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom

Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Follow Malcolm:

Website: malcolmgrissom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom

Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/

We are proud to have The Lighten Up Project on the *High Vibe Podcast Network .* Grab your free gift from Malcolm in our Our High Vibe Gift Vault.

Love this show, check out the other shows on the High Vibe Podcast Network.

Share the Love

✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and let us know your biggest takeaway!

🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you.

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What does it take to rebuild your life after everything falls apart? Matt Melvin knows firsthand. After a life-altering mistake led him through incarceration, isolation, and real adversity, he found his way back — not by dwelling on what happened to him, but by choosing to become a thriver. This is a conversation about forgiveness, accountability, and the daily choice to live authentically.

What You'll Hear

• Why Matt believes life is a series of choices — and how choosing fun, laughter, and gratitude changed the entire trajectory of his life
• The moment that became his line in the sand: a near-death experience that pushed him to finally break a painful, repeating cycle
• What forgiveness really looked like for Matt — both forgiving others and, harder still, learning to forgive and love himself
• Why finding someone who will be direct and honest with you (instead of sugarcoating) is one of the most important relationships you can build
• A simple framework for evaluating your relationships: how much value is this person really bringing into your life?
• Matt's daily disciplines — prayer, exercise, journaling, and healthy habits — that carried him through solitary confinement and still ground him today
• His one-sentence takeaway for listeners: forgive yourself, forgive others; love yourself, love others

Resources Mentioned on this Episode

- Book: Bullied Behind Bars by Matt Melvin — Matt's memoir reflecting on incarceration, faith, identity, and rebuilding after everything falls apart; link in show notes

- Episode 3, Season 1: "The Humor Tree" — where Malcolm defines humor and introduces the broader concept of play referenced in this conversation

- "Not for Everyone" by Brothers Osborne — the song Matt calls his personal anthem

- Learn more about Malcolm's work at the World Laughter Organization™

Featured Guest:

When Matthew Melvin started working at a car dealership in South Burlington, Vermont, he never thought that one mistake would lead to a life-changing stint in prison. Feeling he wasn’t being paid his full commissions on car sales, he made an impulsive decision to get what he felt he was owed. He hatched a badly-thought out plot to steal a car, sell it as his own and keep the profits. However, a basic reference and background check quickly revealed that the vehicle’s title was not in his name, but still belonged to the dealership. He was arrested and sentenced to prison.

While Matthew has taken responsibility for his poor life choices, he believes he has been treated unfairly due to his sexual orientation, religious and political affiliations, and his adult diagnosis of autism. While he and his lawyer argued that his punishment would be best served in a mental health facility, Matt was unfortunately sentenced to 18 months in prison to be served in general population.

Terrified and alone, Matthew began his prison term with the best of intentions—to keep his head down and serve his time as uneventfully as possible. But being a gay, Christian, Trump supporter brought him unwanted and negative attention. He was bullied by cellmates, targeted by gangs and even raped in one facility. The months he was imprisoned felt like decades and there were times he doubted he would make it out alive.

Bullied Behind Bars chronicles Matthew Melvin’s life feeling like an outcast, enduring a lonely and friendless childhood, and being punished for a crime that began with the honorable goal of him just trying to make a living.

Connect with Matthew:

Website: www.bulliedbehindbars.com

Instagram: Bulliedbehindbars

X: Barsbullied

Facebook: Matthew.Melvin.5621

Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom

Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Follow Malcolm:

Website: malcolmgrissom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom

Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/

We are proud to have The Lighten Up Project on the *High Vibe Podcast Network .* Grab your free gift from Malcolm in our Our High Vibe Gift Vault.

Love this show, check out the other shows on the High Vibe Podcast Network.

Share the Love

✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and let us know your biggest takeaway!

🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you.

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Former professional Muay Thai fighter Hannah Dalby spent a decade in the ring before discovering that success in one area of life doesn't automatically translate to another. Now a somatic practitioner and founder of Human Integration, she helps high-achieving leaders release the unconscious triggers driving their relationship patterns — trading reactivity and disconnection for real presence, intimacy, and connection.

What You'll Hear

• Why Hannah walked away from fighting for Australian titles to save the business she and her father built — and what she discovered in the space that fighting left behind
• How Human Integration developed almost by accident: what started as physical recovery work began dissolving addictions, healing relationships, and launching new businesses
• Why so many high performers succeed at work but struggle with intimacy — and how "doing" becomes a lifelong avoidance of feeling
• The real difference between control and true emotional regulation, and why forced play is just another item on the to-do list
• What actually happens in the body during a Human Integration session — and why getting the charge out matters more than understanding where it came from
• The surprising overlap between Hannah's somatic work and Malcolm's improv training — both get people out of their heads and back into honest, unscripted presence
• One simple pattern-interrupt you can use today: pause and ask your body what it's actually feeling
• Hannah's answer to what true connection really requires — becoming present with yourself first

Resources Mentioned on this Episode

- Integration Gap Assessment — Hannah's free AI-powered tool to help you identify your relationship patterns; visit integratedaf.com

- The Jungle — Hannah's business website: thejungle.net.au

- Follow Hannah Dalby on Instagram for more on Human Integration and somatic work

- Learn more about Malcolm's work at the World Laughter Organization™

Featured Guest:

If you are a high performer, founder or leader who has built success in business but keeps finding yourself stuck in the same relationship patterns, reacting from triggers you cannot control, or feeling more disconnected at home the more you achieve at work, you will love this episode. Hannah Dalby is a Human Integration Facilitator, CEO of The Jungle, and former professional Muay Thai fighter who spent a decade competing professionally before developing Human Integration, a precise somatic process that identifies and releases the unconscious triggers driving relationship patterns at the root. A decade clean, she works with leaders and founders globally to help them experience the intimacy, safety and genuine connection that their external success has never been able to buy them.

Connect with Hannah:

Website: https://thejungle.net.au/

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

https://www.instagram.com/hannah.dalby

https://www.instagram.com/intothejungle_podcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IntoTheJungle-HannahDalby

Gift: The Integration Gap Assessment - https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69cf265da4cc81919dd1cb332e11baf6-the-integration-gap-assessment-by-hannah-dalby

Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom

Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Follow Malcolm:

Website: malcolmgrissom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom

Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/

We are proud to have The Lighten Up Project on the *High Vibe Podcast Network .* Grab your free gift from Malcolm in our Our High Vibe Gift Vault.

Love this show, check out the other shows on the High Vibe Podcast Network.

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What if the words playing in your head could actually heal you? In this powerful episode, Ruth Wishingrad reveals how music, repetition, and emotion can help you shift your inner dialogue, reconnect with your heart, and create lasting change from the inside out.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why the words you repeat become who you are
• How music helps anchor positive beliefs deep into the body
• The emotional power of turning affirmations into personalized songs
• Real-life stories of healing—from childbirth to recovery—through music
• How to find (or create) your own “power song” for transformation
• Ruth’s journey of turning inner messages into a life-changing practice

Resources Mentioned on this Episode

- Free Gratitude Song Gift (shift your mindset through music)

- Learn more about Happy Heart Songs

- Malcolm’s improv + laughter experiences

Featured Guest: Ruth Wishengrad

Ruth Wishengrad designs personalized experiences that help others feel seen, loved, and celebrated. She is the creator of Happy Heart Songs, a heart-centered project that blends music, emotion, and neuroscience to create new ways of talking to ourselves. After noticing how deeply songs and lyrics shaped her own thoughts and feelings, she began exploring how repetition and melody could turn encouraging words into something people actually connect with and remember. With over 30 years of experience teaching, training, and coaching, Ruth turns encouragement into music that supports emotional well-being.

Connect with Ruth:

Website: https://happyheartsongs.com

Featured Guest: Frank King

Frank King, Suicide Prevention Speaker, writer for The Tonight Show for 20 years, speaker and comedian for 40. His speaking is informed by his lifetime of Depression and Suicidality and coming close enough to ending his life that he can tell you what the barrel of his gun tastes like. Turning that long dark journey of the soul into 13 TEDx Talks, sharing his lifesaving insights with corporations, and associations. He’s shared the stage with comedians, Jeff Foxworthy, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Dr. Ken Jung, Ellen DeGeneres, Dennis Miller, and Bill Hicks, as well as entertainers, Lou Rawls, The Beach Boys, Randy Travis, and Nancy Wilson. On top of all of that, he has survived 2 aortic valve replacements, a double bypass, a heart attack, and losing to a puppet on the original Star Search and has lived to joke about it all.

Connect with Frank:

https://mentalhealthcomedian.com

http://www.facebook.com/thementalhealthcomedian

https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthcomedian/

https://bsky.app/profile/frankking.bsky.social

https://www.youtube.com/thementalhealthcomedian

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkingthemhcomedian

Free Gift: Free 30-Minute TEDx and How to Make Money Speaking Zoom https://link.freezdigital.com/widget/bookings/virtual-cup-of-coffee-and-live

Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom

Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Follow Malcolm:

Website: malcolmgrissom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom

Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/

We are proud to have The Lighten Up Project on the *High Vibe Podcast Network .* Grab your free gift from Malcolm in our Our High Vibe Gift Vault.

Love this show, check out the other shows on the High Vibe Podcast Network.

Share the Love

✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and let us know your biggest takeaway!

🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you.

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Marine veteran, lifelong entrepreneur, bestselling author, and self-described unicorn Gwen Patrone has spent four decades proving that courage isn't the absence of fear — it's knowing the danger and doing it anyway. In this bold, laugh-filled conversation, she shares how laughter lowers the shield, why small 60-second wins compound into real bravery, and what it took to walk into a hotel lobby in a mini skirt and own every second of it.

What You'll Hear

• Why courage isn't about avoiding fear — it's about recognizing it, naming it, and repurposing it as a tool (straight from the Marine Corps playbook)
• How laughter melts the "Captain America shield" people carry into every room — and why Gwen uses humor to let the real her enter people's world before her reputation does
• The WIIFM principle ("What's In It For Me") — everybody's favorite radio station — and what it teaches us about how to stop waiting for people to accept us and just go for it
• The Relief Valve Method and Marksmanship for the Mind: two military-inspired techniques from Dysphoria Hacks for defusing fear before it freezes you
• Why you don't have to hit a grand slam every time — the power of 60-second micro-wins and how small courageous acts compound like interest
• Gwen's honest take on the collateral damage of living authentically: fewer close friends, real loneliness, and why the pot at the end of the rainbow is still worth every step of the climb
• Two Truths and a Lie: Jodie Foster, Top Chef, and a high school full of artistic talent — find out which one is the lie

Resources Mentioned on this Episode

- Book: Dysphoria Hacks by Gwen Patrone (with workbook) — military-inspired tactics for turning fear, anxiety, and discomfort into courage; available on Amazon

- Book: WIZ Kids: Stories of Empowerment by Gwen Patrone — a children's book series featuring animal characters designed for parents and kids to read and discuss together

- Book: Trans Truth by Gwen Patrone — a guide to navigating the gender spectrum and finding your own clarity

- Veterans Coffee — Gwen's GoFundMe-backed charity effort to support veteran mental health and PTSD service animal programs

- "Make Your Bed" — Admiral William H. McRaven's famous commencement speech (referenced in the discussion on small acts of courage)

- Learn more about Malcolm and his work at the World Laughter Organization™

- Gwen’s website: Dysphoriahacks.com

Featured Guest: Dr. Gwen Patrone

Gwen is a lifelong entrepreneur, USMC veteran, restauranteur, best selling author and proud parent. She's dedicated the last 40 years to educating in leadership, entrepreneurship ventures and helping tens of thousands of people around the world through print, audio, video and stage presentations. Her most recent book called Dysphoria Hacks tackles the emotion of fear using Marine Military tactics to redirect and repurpose fear.

Connect with Dr. Gwen:

Website: Dysphoriahacks.com

Gift: Free 90 minute zoom on methods anyone can use to generate income from home GetWealthyWithGwen.com

Meet the Host: Malcolm Grissom

Malcolm Grissom, affectionately known as "The Stand-up C.E.O.," is a team-building and employee engagement expert. Malcolm, an award-winning actor, comedian, International speaker, and best-selling author, masterfully blends humor, improv, and business acumen to enhance team dynamics and profitability. As a certified laughter leader, he leverages the power of positive psychology and his social work background to create engaging, results-driven experiences. Whether inspiring executives, strengthening teams, or energizing audiences, Malcolm’s unique approach fosters connection, creativity, and success. His ability to transform corporate culture with humor and insight makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Follow Malcolm:

Website: malcolmgrissom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/malcolmgrissom

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malcolmgrissom

Stressed, stuck, or leading on autopilot? It’s not a motivation problem—it’s a connection problem. Malcolm’s weekly virtual improv classes boost engagement, collaboration, and retention—all while having fun. Register now for a complimentary month: https://malcolmgrissom.thrivecart.com/everyday-encores/

We are proud to have The Lighten Up Project on the *High Vibe Podcast Network .* Grab your free gift from Malcolm in our Our High Vibe Gift Vault.

Love this show, check out the other shows on the High Vibe Podcast Network.

Share the Love

✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and let us know your biggest takeaway!

🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you.

🔊 Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🎧 Amazon Music

🎧 High Vibe Podcast Network