THE MAKING OF ME

What if the single most transformative thing you could do for your life was simply to say yes — even when you're afraid, unprepared, and unsure of what comes next?

In this adventurous and inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis explores the transformative power of embracing uncertainty — through her remarkable story of traveling to over 100 countries without a cell phone and building a career as a global tour guide, author, and life coach by consistently choosing yes over fear.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• The habit of saying yes — and how it unlocks adventures, opportunities, and growth you never could have planned
• How travel and self-discovery became the tools for overcoming deep fear and insecurity
• Why happiness is a choice, not a destination — and what that truth changes about how you live every day
• Practical, actionable tips for facing fear and doing it anyway — no matter how daunting the first step feels
• What it's really like to explore 100+ countries without a cell phone — and what that teaches you about trust and presence
• How stepping consistently beyond your comfort zone builds the confidence, growth, and joy you've been searching for

If you've been waiting until you feel ready, until the timing is right, or until the fear goes away — this episode will remind you that the yes always comes before the readiness. And that's exactly the point.

⏱️ Timestamps:

• 02:11 — The habit of saying yes and how it unlocks unexpected adventures and growth
• 07:32 — Overcoming fear and insecurity through travel and self-discovery
• 16:29 — Why happiness is a choice, not a destination
• 24:03 — Practical tips for facing fear and "doing it anyway"

🔗 Learn more about Elisabeth & her work: https://thesoulkit.com/
🔗 Connect with Elisabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-villiger-toufexis-602893b/

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#MakingOfMePodcast #ElisabethVilligerToufexis #SayYesToLife #EmbraceUncertainty #Travel #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Courage #Adventure #Happiness #Resilience #Motivation

What if one single moment of courage — one bold leap — set the entire trajectory of the rest of your life?

In this exhilarating episode of The Making of Me Podcast, award-winning author and adventurer Tom Cladis shares the remarkable story of how one bold motorcycle jump sparked a lifelong pattern of facing fear head-on — from alligator wrestling to breathtaking handstands atop castle walls — and what that journey taught him about faith, self-doubt, and the power of saying yes to the leap.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• The story of the one motorcycle jump that changed everything and set Tom on a path of bold, fearless living
• How a single act of courage can rewire your relationship with fear for the rest of your life
• Why eliminating self-doubt is the most important skill any adventurer — or anyone — can develop
• The role that faith has played in Tom's most daring and defining moments
• Stories from a life lived boldly — from alligator wrestling to castle wall handstands and everything in between
• How you can take your own first leap — no matter how small — and why that first step changes everything

If you've been playing it safe, waiting for the right moment, or letting fear write the story of your life — Tom's journey will ignite something in you and dare you to finally take the leap.

🔗 Check out Tom's books & connect with him: https://www.tomcladiswrites.com/
🔗 Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomc_writes/

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#MakingOfMePodcast #TomCladis #OvercomingFear #LiveBoldly #Motivation #Podcast #Adventure #Faith #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Courage #Resilience #Author

What if the job loss that felt like the end of everything was actually the beginning of the truest version of yourself?

In this deeply transformative episode of The Making of Me Podcast, author, transformational coach, and hypnotherapist Leo Dulay shares how being laid off after 22 years forced him to confront everything he thought he knew about himself — and how one brutally honest sentence from his wife became the turning point that changed his entire life.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• What it felt like to lose an identity built over 22 years — and why that loss was ultimately a gift
• The one honest sentence from his wife that cracked Leo open and sparked his journey of self-reflection and healing
• How Leo discovered the power of NLP and self-hypnosis to break free from the patterns keeping him stuck
• Why letting go of external identities is the essential first step toward true transformation
• How to identify and break the cycles of stuckness that have been quietly running your life without your awareness
• Practical tools and insights for anyone searching for meaning, purpose, and a fresh start after a major setback

If you've ever lost something that defined you and wondered who you are without it — Leo's story will show you that the breakdown was always the breakthrough in disguise.

🔗 Find out more & download free resources from Leo: https://leodulay.com/
🔗 Connect with Leo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ldulay/

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💬 Comment below — Have you ever lost something that defined you — and what did you discover about yourself on the other side?

#MakingOfMePodcast #LeoDulay #Identity #Transformation #SelfHelp #Hypnosis #NLP #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #Healing #Mindset #Courage #Resilience #Breakthrough #Motivation

What happens when you finally achieve everything you worked your whole life for — and instead of fulfillment, all you feel is emptiness?

In this deeply personal and compelling episode of The Making of Me Podcast, historian and award-winning author Mark Jamilkowski shares the remarkable true story behind his acclaimed novel The Road to Maresco — and how feelings of anger, frustration, and a fractured sense of identity led him on a transformative search for his birth mother that would change everything about how he saw himself and the world.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• What it feels like to achieve your life's goals and still be met with profound emptiness and disillusionment
• How anger and identity struggles became the unexpected catalyst for Mark's most powerful and personal writing
• The deeply moving story of his search for his birth mother — and what he found along the way
• How facing what's missing within yourself can lead you to your most authentic life and truest self
• The creative journey behind The Road to Maresco and the personal truth woven into every page
• What Mark wants every reader and listener to take away about identity, adoption, and the search for belonging

If you've ever achieved something great and still felt lost — or wondered who you truly are beneath the roles and accomplishments — Mark's story will move you, challenge you, and inspire you to face what's missing with courage and curiosity.

🔗 Explore Mark Jamilkowski's books, reviews & more: https://www.mark-jamilkowski-author.com/
🔗 Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjamilkowski/

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#MakingOfMePodcast #MarkJamilkowski #TheRoadToMaresco #Adoption #Identity #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Healing #Mindset #Courage #Author #Resilience #Motivation

What does it really take to rebuild your life from the ground up — after trauma, chronic pain, and incarceration have stripped everything away?

In this raw and powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Angel Willard — author of Fighting to Come Home — shares her deeply personal journey of healing, accountability, and transformation, and how taking radical ownership of her story became the key that unlocked a completely new life.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Angel navigated the compounding weight of trauma, chronic pain, and incarceration — and chose to rebuild anyway
• Why embracing accountability was the most transformative and liberating decision of her healing journey
• How she worked to shatter generational cycles that had shaped her life long before she understood them
• The emotional and practical journey of reconnecting with her children after years of separation
• What Fighting to Come Home is about — and the powerful message Angel wants every reader to carry with them
• Real, honest insights for anyone searching for resilience, self-discovery, and a reason to keep going

If you've ever felt like your past has disqualified you from a better future — Angel's story will remind you that accountability isn't about blame. It's about reclaiming your power and coming home to yourself.

🔗 Follow Angel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffdoucet4

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#MakingOfMePodcast #AngelWillard #Healing #Accountability #Resilience #Podcast #Motherhood #Transformation #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Courage #FightingToComeHome #Generational #Motivation

What if the key to reclaiming your energy, your joy, and your sense of self wasn't a massive life overhaul — but one small boundary at a time?

In this relatable and deeply practical episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Alicia Dupree — Master Certified Consistent Coach and creator of The Busy Woman Blueprint — shares her honest personal journey from barely holding it together as a working mom to reclaiming her energy, her productivity, and the version of herself her kids deserved to see every day.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• The specific moment Alicia realized she wasn't showing up as the mom her kids deserved — and what she decided to do about it
• The first small boundary she set that helped her finally feel like herself again
• How a simple morning routine became the foundation that changed everything
• Why small, consistent boundaries are more powerful than any dramatic lifestyle change
• Practical advice for moms who feel overwhelmed right now and don't know where to start
• How the Busy Woman Blueprint is helping working moms build lives that actually work for them

If you've been running on empty, feeling reactive and exhausted, and wondering when you get to feel like yourself again — Alicia's story and practical tools will show you that reclaiming your life starts with one small, powerful step.

⏱️ Timestamps:

• 04:02 — The moment she realized she wasn't showing up as the mom her kids deserved
• 09:58 — The first small boundary that helped her feel herself again
• 10:27 — How a simple morning routine changed everything
• 15:45 — Her advice for moms who feel overwhelmed right now

🔗 Download Alicia's free wellness wheel & learn more about her coaching: http://www.aliciadupree.com/
🔗 Connect with Alicia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciadupree/

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💬 Comment below — What's one small boundary you've set that made a bigger difference than you ever expected?

#MakingOfMePodcast #AliciaDupree #WorkingMom #SelfCare #Productivity #Podcast #MomLife #Wellness #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Boundaries #Resilience #Motivation

What happens when you've achieved everything society told you to chase — and you still feel like it's never enough?

In this powerful and deeply relatable episode of The Making of Me Podcast, certified transformational life coach Liz Coleman opens up about her own journey from a high-achieving but deeply unfulfilled C-suite executive in New York to building a life — and a thriving coaching program — rooted in genuine self-worth and intentional living.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why so many high achievers secretly struggle with the "not good enough" mindset — no matter how much they accomplish
• The turning point that cracked Liz's carefully constructed exterior and started her real transformation
• How the book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself became the spark that changed everything for her
• Actionable steps you can take today to break free from self-doubt and step into your true power
• What the Mind Life Reset program is — and how it's helping high-achieving women reconnect with themselves and reclaim joy
• How to move from performing success to actually living a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling from the inside out

If you've been achieving and striving and still feeling empty — Liz's story will show you that the real breakthrough isn't another accomplishment. It's finally deciding you are already enough.

🔗 Learn more about Liz's Mind Life Reset: http://www.lizcolemanlifecoach.com/
🔗 Connect with Liz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizcolemanlifecoach/

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💬 Comment below — What's one moment you realized that external achievement alone wasn't going to make you feel whole?

#MakingOfMePodcast #LizColeman #NotGoodEnough #Mindset #Podcast #SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Healing #Courage #HighAchiever #Fulfillment #Resilience #Motivation

What does it really take to launch a purpose-driven business while navigating divorce, single motherhood, and a demanding global health career — all at the same time?

In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Dara Erck — founder of Samlio — shares her remarkable journey of building a teen-focused vitamin company with a mission to support mental health, and how she overcame personal and professional challenges that would have stopped most people before they ever started.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Dara launched Samlio while simultaneously navigating divorce, single motherhood, and a global health career
• The deep personal mission behind creating health products specifically designed to support teen mental health
• How she developed resilience and self-compassion as her most important entrepreneurial tools
• The real challenges of building a purpose-driven business from scratch with limited time and resources
• Why Dara was determined to create healthier alternatives for teens — and what that journey looked like
• What she wants every aspiring entrepreneur, parent, and wellness advocate to know about pursuing your passion against the odds

If you've ever felt like your circumstances were too complicated, too messy, or too overwhelming to build something meaningful — Dara's story will remind you that purpose is always worth pursuing, no matter the odds.

🔗 Discover more about Dara's mission & shop Samlio: https://shopsamandleo.com/
🔗 Follow Dara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daraerck/

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💬 Comment below — What's one passion project you've been putting off — and what would it mean to finally pursue it?

#MakingOfMePodcast #DaraErck #Samlio #TeenMentalHealth #Entrepreneurship #SingleMom #Podcast #WomenInBusiness #Wellness #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Courage #Motivation

What if the relentless pursuit of self-improvement has actually been keeping you from the one thing that changes everything — learning to truly trust yourself?

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode of The Making of Me Podcast, author and speaker Leslie Newman shares her personal journey through loss, growth, and the winding spiral path to self-compassion and inner strength — and reveals the powerful distinction between always trying to be better and finally learning to trust who you already are.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• The life-changing difference between self-improvement and self-trust — and why it matters more than you think
• How Leslie navigated personal loss and unexpected life detours on her path to inner strength
• Why the journey to self-trust is a spiral, not a straight line — and how to embrace that truth
• Practical advice for handling emotional triggers without losing your footing or your sense of self
• How to build genuine self-love and self-compassion that goes deeper than any self-help routine
• Why trusting your unique path — even when life doesn't go as planned — is the most courageous act of all

If you've been working hard on yourself but still feel like something essential is missing — Leslie's wisdom will gently shift you from striving to trusting, and from improving to truly becoming.

🔗 Connect with Leslie Newman & find more resources: https://drlesliebnewman.com/
🔗 Follow Leslie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlesliebnewman

📌 Don't forget to:
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💬 Comment below — What's one area of your life where you've had to stop improving and start trusting yourself instead?

#MakingOfMePodcast #LeslieNewman #SelfTrust #SelfImprovement #Podcast #SelfCompassion #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Healing #Mindset #Courage #InnerStrength #Resilience #Motivation

What if the secret to better leadership, higher productivity, and a thriving workplace culture came down to just three things — meaning, optimism, and relationships?

In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast, former Rolls-Royce executive Kathy Miller unpacks the MORE Framework — her proven, research-backed approach to leadership that is transforming workplaces, reducing turnover, and helping leaders build teams that are genuinely engaged, motivated, and high-performing.

🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:

• What the MORE Framework is — and why Meaning, Optimism, and Relationships are the three pillars of exceptional leadership
• How connecting people to real purpose drives productivity in ways that no bonus or perk ever could
• Why fostering optimism in your team is not just feel-good leadership — it's a measurable performance strategy
• The powerful role of high-quality relationships in reducing turnover and building lasting workplace culture
• Real stories from Kathy's journey as a former Rolls-Royce executive and what she learned leading at the highest levels
• Practical strategies any leader can implement today to create a workplace where people genuinely thrive

Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization — Kathy's MORE Framework will give you the clarity, the tools, and the evidence-backed strategies to lead in a way that actually works.

🔗 Get free resources, coaching & Kathy's books: https://more4leaders.com/
🔗 Connect with Kathy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-miller-mapp-mba-acc/

📌 Don't forget to:
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💬 Comment below — Which pillar of the MORE Framework — Meaning, Optimism, or Relationships — do you think your workplace needs most right now?

#MakingOfMePodcast #KathyMiller #MOREFramework #Leadership #Podcast #WorkplaceCulture #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Courage #BusinessGrowth #Productivity #Resilience #Motivation