P.J. shares his inspiring journey of resilience, transformation, and the power of choice. He emphasizes the importance of looking up, letting go of what's holding you back, and choosing to overcome challenges. His story serves as a powerful reminder that transformation is a choice, and resilience is a mindset that can be cultivated.

Takeaways

• The power of choice in shaping our emotions and mindset
• Looking up is essential in overcoming challenges

About P.J.:

P.J. is an international speaker and success strategist—who focuses on results! Despite his disability, he truly lives an extraordinary life: sailing, outdoor skydiving, indoor skydiving, trapezing, ziplining, and the list goes on! He’s also a published author, 10th-degree Black Belt, and meditation teacher. Additionally, P.J. is now training law enforcement officers. He created a completely unique course that teaches officers how to successfully interact with physically disabled suspects. To learn more about P.J.’s speaking, coaching, and law enforcement training, visit www.pjswisdom.com.

About Heidi Siefkas:

Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer.

📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH.

🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/

🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

What if the storms in your life weren’t meant to break you—but to build you?

In this powerful episode, Author Heidi Siefkas sits down with Dr. Carolyn Colleen—researcher, entrepreneur, and TEDx speaker—who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating life’s storms. From standing in line at the Salvation Army with her young daughter, unsure of what came next, to earning her PhD and building a life of purpose, Dr. Colleen’s story is a testament to the strength we all carry within us.

• This Isn’t Your First Storm: You’ve survived hard things before—use those lessons to navigate what’s in front of you now.
• Start with Five Minutes: When life feels overwhelming, shrink the moment—breathe, focus, and take one small step forward.
• Look Up = Be Present + Trust the Process: You may not see the full path yet, but you can control this moment—and that’s enough.
• Borrow Light from Others: Community matters—lean on those who believe in you when your own light feels dim.

About Dr. Carolyn Colleen

Dr. Carolyn Colleen is an author, speaker, executive leader, and founder committed to helping individuals, families, and communities rise with clarity, courage, and purpose. She is the visionary behind the FIERCE Foundation, FIERCE Network, and Acton Midwest, where she leads work centered on resilience, leadership development, education, and community impact.

Whether she is speaking on stage, building mission-driven programs, or leading transformative partnerships, Dr. Carolyn brings both heart and strategy to everything she does. Her voice is grounded, compassionate, and deeply action-oriented—shaped by lived experience, servant leadership, and a belief that pain can be repurposed into purpose. Connect with Dr. Carolyn Colleen: https://www.carolyncolleen.com/

About Heidi Siefkas

Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer.

📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH.

🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/

🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

What happens when you apply the discipline of pilot training to life and business—and what happens when you don’t?

In this episode, author, pilot, and entrepreneur Donald R. Payseur shares a gripping story of resilience—from a near-fatal flight experience as a young pilot to building (and losing) a multimillion-dollar business. Through the lens of aviation, Donald reveals how structure, discipline, and mindset can elevate success—and how ignoring those same principles can lead to a crash.

• “Fly the Plane First” (Be in the Moment): In crisis, focus on what’s directly in front of you before reacting emotionally or overthinking.
• Discipline Drives Success: The same structured mindset from pilot training can fuel massive growth in business and life.
• Failure is a Teacher, Not the End: From bankruptcy and starting over with almost nothing, resilience is built by choosing to try again
• You Don’t Have to Go It Alone: Mentorship, community, and asking for help are essential to navigating life’s turbulence.

Grounded in the Look Up Mindset, this conversation reminds us that even in life’s lowest moments, we have the power to steady ourselves, refocus, and rise again.

About Donald R. Payseur

Donald R. Payseur is an entrepreneur, pilot, and author who believes life’s greatest lessons are learned through presence, humility, and perseverance. Raised by an adoptive father who chose consistency, faith, and quiet strength, Donald carried those values into aviation and business. After experiencing both success and failure, including rebuilding his life after a major business collapse, he found renewed purpose in service and storytelling. He is the founder of Coastal Broadband, serving underserved communities in coastal Georgia, and the author of two memoirs. Find out more about Donald and his books at: www.flyinghighthebook.com www.thedadwhoadoptedme.com

About Heidi Siefkas

Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer.

📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH.

🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/

🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

What does it truly mean to Look Up in the face of uncertainty, adversity, and transformation?

In this inspiring episode, Author Heidi Siefkas sits down with Dr. Mariana Blumen-Kararsik (Dr. MBK)—board-certified dermatologist, entrepreneur, and founder of Stamina Cosmetics—for a deeply human conversation about resilience in all its forms. From immigrating to the U.S. from the former Soviet Union to navigating the emotional and physical rollercoaster of IVF, building a thriving dermatology practice, and launching a skincare line during the uncertainty of COVID—Dr. MBK’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and perspective.

• Know Your Why: Purpose fuels perseverance. Dr. MBK’s desire to make a meaningful impact guided every chapter of her journey.
• Resilience is Built, Not Born: From immigration to infertility to entrepreneurship, resilience is strengthened through lived experience.
• Community is Everything: Support systems can be the foundation that helps you rise.
• Find the Upside: Challenges are universal—but so is beauty, love, and opportunity when you shift your perspective.

Through it all, her journey reflects the essence of the Look Up Mindset: being present in the moment and finding the upside—even when life feels overwhelming. In this conversation, Dr. MBK reminds us that resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about evolving.

About Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik

Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik (Dr. MBK) is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Stamina® Cosmetics, and co-founder of Precision Skin & Body Institute®. She blends science, innovation, and a holistic approach to promote long-term skin health, beauty and wellness. Connect with Dr. MBK: https://www.instagram.com/dermwithstamina/

About Heidi Siefkas:

Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer.

📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH.

🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/

🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

Season 1 of the Look Up Mindset Podcast is officially a wrap—and what a journey it’s been.

From extraordinary stories of resilience, transformation, and adventure to powerful reminders that perspective can change everything, this season has proven one thing: we all have the ability to Look Up—to be present in the moment and find the upside, no matter the circumstances.

And we’re just getting started.

Season 2 is on the way, bringing even more real-life sheroes, heroes, and badasses who have faced life’s toughest moments—and chosen to rise. Get ready for deeper conversations, bolder stories, and even more inspiration to help you navigate your own path forward.

🎧 Stay tuned. Stay inspired. And as always… here's to looking up!

About Heidi Siefkas
Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer.

📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH.

🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/

🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

In this episode, "Pain with a Purpose: Creating a Meaningful Mosaic" Krystle Knight shares her journey of resilience, highlighting the transformative power of community support. Krystle's story of overcoming addiction and finding hope is a testament to the human spirit's ability to rise above challenges. From shattered to a meaningful mosaic, her narrative reflects the beauty that emerges from life's broken pieces, leading to a new beginning and healing.

Takeaways

• Resilience in the Face of Adversity
• Creating a Meaningful Mosaic
• Hope Lives Here: Look Up
• Community Support from the Nashville Rescue Mission

About Krystle Knight:

Krystle Knight is a mother, wife, daughter, friend, and mentor to many. She is a Tennessee native who currently hangs her hat with her husband Kyle in Nashville. Both are graduates of the Nashville Rescue Mission and have worked at the Mission for several years. To learn more about the Nashville Rescue Mission and volunteer/donate, visit: https://nashvillerescuemission.org/

About Heidi Siefkas:

Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer.

📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH.

🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/

🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

In this episode, "Living with Grief, but Seeing the Beauty" Mary McQuain shares her journey of resilience and transformation after experiencing the unexpected loss of her daughter, Bonnie Sue, and then two other tragic losses within a year and a half. Mary found beauty in grief through gardening, a labor of love, and through community support, starting with her next door neighbor. Her story highlights the power of community, the process of grieving, and the ability to find joy and purpose amidst loss.

Takeaways

• Unexpected loss times three
• Grieving and finding beauty
• Helping hand of a neighbor
• Giving back

About Mary McQuain:

Master Chief Master-at-Arms (MACM) Mary Catherine (Pratt) McQuain was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia. She entered the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1988, and later went on active duty. She and her husband have four children as well as seven grandchildren.

About Heidi Siefkas:

Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer.

📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH.

🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/

🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

In this episode, "Finding the Gift in Your Situation" special guest Michelle Mann shares her journey of resilience and transformation, highlighting the impact of a life-changing, drunk driving car accident and the subsequent growth and self-discovery. She emphasizes the power of community support and the importance of finding the gift in challenging situations. The candid narrative also explores the themes of vulnerability, self-love, and the significance of looking up in the face of adversity.

Takeaways

• Resilience through simultaneous losses
• Community support and creating Sacred Circles
• Looking up in face of adversity

About Michelle Mann:

Michelle is a healer and practitioner of Native American and non-traditional healing techniques. She lives in Vail, Arizona, where she hots monthly healing circles called Sacred Circles. Find more about Michelle and her Sacred Circles on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.i.mann.

About Heidi Siefkas:

Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer.

📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH.

🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/

🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

The episode of the Look Up Mindset Podcast features special guest, Rhonda McGowan, and her journey of resilience in the face of a health challenge. Rhonda's story, "Look Up and Around," unfolds through chapters that cover her health diagnosis, impact on personal and professional life, community support, and resilience. During this candid chat, Rhonda shares advice for those facing health challenges.

Takeaways

• Resilience
• Community support
• The importance of looking up and around

Find out more about Rhonda and Amyloidosis:

From Wisconsin, Rhonda is a retired Spanish teacher. Rhonda and her husband of thirty years are proud parents of two adult sons.  As a born educator, she also speaks for the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau. To learn more about Amyloidosis and the mission, visit https://mm713.org/

About Heidi Siefkas:

Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer.

📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH.

🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/

🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

In this episode, "Tidal Wave of Loss," Amy Becker recounts her family's tragic loss of Sydney, age 22, followed by the grieving process, and the journey to finding a new normal. In this not sugar-coated and emotional story, Amy highlights how surrounding yourself with the right people is essential for support after the loss of a loved one. She also stressed that Look Up is a genuine tool that has allowed her to slow down and be in the moment.

Takeaways

• Resilience as a parent and as a family
• Find your people
• Look Up allows you to slow down and be in the moment
• It's ok to walk alongside your pain

About Amy Becker:

Amy is a proud mother, wife, and athlete, and the Lead Educator in the Quality & Patient Safety Department at Emplify Health, previously known as Gundersen Health System, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Amy, her husband, and daughter encourage supporting the Mini Donut Foundation (www.minidonutfoundation.com) or your local mental health awareness non-for-profit.

About Heidi Siefkas:

Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer.

📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH.

🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/

🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.