Harrison Scott Key—winner of the Thurber Prize, bestselling author of How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told, and a viral TEDx speaker whose work has been featured in The New York Times and McSweeney’s. Harrison shares his raw, humorous journey through love, betrayal, and healing, revealing how his personal experience with infidelity reshaped his understanding of marriage and community.

In this episode, we cover:
• A candid look at marriage dynamics through Harrison's personal anecdotes
• How humor becomes a powerful tool for processing pain
• The vital role of community support during times of emotional turmoil
• Practical strategies for coping with infidelity and rebuilding trust
• The transformative impact of self-reflection and vulnerability
• Harrison’s journey from heartbreak to embracing unconditional love and forgiveness

Tune in for practical insights and inspiring stories that remind us all that even in the darkest moments, there’s a path to healing and hope. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear that resilience and transformation are possible.

Link to Harrison Scott Key:

harrisonscottkey.com

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Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is the author of "Grace Yourself" and a performance and mindset coach. With over 25 years of experience, she has guided athletes, entrepreneurs, and creatives in achieving their goals. Trained with Tony Robbins, Chris helps high-achieving perfectionists manage performance pressure and overcome self-sabotage through her Living All In methods. 

She emphasizes the importance of reframing personal narratives, particularly in addiction recovery, and highlights the roles of self-compassion and community support. Key topics include:

• The impact of old narratives on self-identity
• The need for community support
• Differences between shame and guilt in recovery
• Strategies for reframing life narratives
• The journey to self-acceptance and worthiness

https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/

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What does it take to leave behind everything you’ve ever known and build something entirely new? Ezra Smucker’s journey from growing up Amish to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a story of courage and transformation. Raised in an Amish community, Ezra stepped into the unknown during Rumspringa, trading tradition for entrepreneurship. By 17, he was running his own business, navigating construction, real estate, and the challenges of building a life outside the only world he had known.

Now, Ezra is building more than just a business—he’s restoring communities through real estate, proving that bold decisions and perseverance can reshape an entire neighborhood. 

In this episode, he shares the mindset shifts, faith, and relentless work ethic that fueled his journey—from restoring homes in Harrisburg to creating lasting change in his community. We talk about what it takes to succeed without a formal education, the power of perseverance, and the unexpected lessons from his Amish upbringing that still shape him today.

In this episode, Ezra shares:

• What it was like growing up in an Amish community and the values that shaped him
• The challenges of leaving behind his family and way of life
• How Rumspringa influenced his decision to step away from tradition
• Starting and growing a business in construction and real estate with no formal education
• His passion for restoring distressed properties and revitalizing neighborhoods
• Navigating family relationships and changing community ties after leaving
• Learning to embrace joy, fun, and personal freedom after years of strict traditions

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend! Leaving a review and subscribing helps more people discover the show.

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Mary Ann Stoltzfus shares her experience from the strict confines of the Amish community to rediscovering a new way of living life. She discusses the challenges of questioning her upbringing, leaving her community, and building a new life centered around authenticity and community. 

• Childhood experiences of the Amish upbringing 
• Early spiritual questions and navigating fears around salvation 
• The courageous decision to leave the Amish community 
• Challenges faced in redefining faith and identity 
• Transitioning to being a doula and supporting other women 
• Rebuilding community connections after leaving 
• Advice for those contemplating leaving restrictive environments

Mary Ann Stoltzfus is a wife, mother of seven, grandmother, and the founder of Three Strands.

With a holistic approach, Three Strands provides support before, during, and after birth—offering care, wisdom, and guidance to help mothers feel confident and nurtured every step of the way.

Currently, Mary Ann is embracing life to the fullest, cherishing time with her family and dedicating Fridays to "Nana Day," a special tradition filled with love and memories for her grandchildren.

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Jake Beiler shares his transformative journey of leaving the Amish community, highlighting the contrast between his upbringing and current life as a real estate investor. His story sheds light on the complexities of shunning, emerging technology use in the Amish culture, and the importance of community ties while seeking personal authenticity.

• Jake's life on a dairy farm and the work ethic developed 
• Contradictory rules around technology and communication 
• The emotional journey of questioning and leaving the Amish community
• The impact of shunning and familial relationships post-exit 
• Current involvement in real estate and offering education to others 
• Reflection on personal authenticity and community influence 

Jake’s transition wasn’t just about leaving the Amish community; it marked the beginning of a transformative journey that continues to impact both him and the people he once knew. By founding a monthly meetup focused on real estate and personal development, he’s fostered a space where others can explore financial independence and personal growth. Through this initiative, Jake has become a source of inspiration, inspiring others to create lives that are both fulfilling and authentic.

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What would you do if leaving your community meant losing your family, your identity, and everything you’ve ever known? For those who step away from the Amish way of life, this choice is life-altering.

Mary Esh recounts her transformative journey from the Amish community, highlighting the struggles and complexities of traditional living. Her story emphasizes the importance of personal choice and courage in overcoming a restrictive upbringing.

Key Points:

• Definition of Amish life and core beliefs
• Trauma and dysfunction in Amish communities
• Rumspringa: myth versus reality
• Emotional impact of leaving the only way of life you know
• Family dynamics and faith's influence on decisions
• Discovering healing and empowerment outside the community
• Role of community in the healing process
• Ongoing self-discovery and taking charge of life

Mary's experience reveals the paradox of Amish life, where strict traditions coexist with a desire for freedom. She describes her mixed feelings about belonging, the oppressive culture, and her yearning for independence. 

Her turning point came when her brother left the church, prompting her to question her beliefs. Leaving the Amish community was a gradual process, influenced by her conversations with God and her desire for freedom. Her travels broadened her perspective, revealing diverse cultures.

Mary's healing journey involved confronting trauma, seeking counseling, and finding solace in a supportive faith community. Her story illustrates the non-linear nature of healing and the resilience of the human spirit. 

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Ever wondered how deeply ingrained patterns of pain can transform into a life of purpose? In this heartfelt episode Tori Hope Peterson—author, advocate, and a beacon of hope for vulnerable children. Tori takes us through her inspiring journey from navigating the foster care system to breaking generational cycles of trauma.

Drawing from her latest book, Breaking the Patterns that Break You, Tori shares powerful insights into recognizing and reshaping the narratives that hold us back. Through her personal experiences, she unveils the transformative power of self-love, forgiveness, faith, and community.

We delve into:

• Tori's childhood in the foster care system and how it shaped her perspective.
• Why healing is an intentional journey, not a product of "time heals."
• The complexities of insecure attachments and codependency—and how to break free.
• How changing our narratives can empower us and the next generation.
• The importance of creating safe spaces and serving others as part of healing.

Tori’s story is a testament to the courage it takes to rewrite a life story marked by pain. Her reflections offer wisdom, hope, and actionable steps for anyone seeking freedom from false scripts and generational patterns.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that will challenge you to embrace love—both for yourself and others—and rewrite the patterns that no longer serve you.

Links to Tori:
torihopepetersen.com

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Why would anyone willingly go without food for 7 days? In this episode, I share why I kicked off 2025 with a water fast—and why it turned out to be less daunting than I expected.

Through this experience, I discovered that our bodies are capable of far more than we give them credit for—not just in fasting, but in so many areas of life. As Thomas Edison once said, “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.”

Tune in to explore the stages of fasting, its science-backed benefits, and my top transformative book recommendations for personal growth in 2024.

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Teliee Popov shares his remarkable journey from a struggling musician to a thriving entrepreneur, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and determination that have driven his success. Through failures, setbacks, negotiations, and opportunities, Teliee encourages listeners to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and persist in the face of obstacles.

• Teliee's early experiences ignited his entrepreneurial aspirations
• The shift from music to the business world
• Drawing lessons from challenges to pave the way for future achievements
• The significance of negotiation in business
• Tales of conquering fear and demonstrating perseverance in entrepreneurship
• Valuable insights on launching new ventures and adapting to difficulties
• Words of encouragement for those navigating their own entrepreneurial hurdle

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In the latest episode of the Once We Dare podcast, psychotherapist and a holistic coach Ionica Bazna shares insights on overcoming negativity and fostering personal growth. She discusses her journey from writing a transformative book to understanding the link between negative thought patterns, body chemistry, and emotional resilience. Key topics include:

• Roots of Negativity: Negative thoughts are part of our survival mechanism but can be managed.
  
  
• Acceptance and Community: Embracing our current state and surrounding ourselves with supportive environments helps redefine identity and develop positive thought patterns.
  
  
• Mindfulness Techniques: Practices like meditation and gratitude can help manage negativity, though they should be used mindfully to avoid distraction.
  
  
• Digital Detox: Disconnecting from external stimuli fosters clarity and self-awareness, allowing for deeper processing of thoughts.
  
  
• Intentional Living: Reconnecting with our inner selves promotes holistic well-being and aligns actions with true intentions.
  
  

Listeners are encouraged to adopt practical strategies to empower their lives and transform their mindsets.

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