In Episode 61 of The School of Hard Knocks, Amanda shares her story of growing up adopted and struggling to feel fully connected and grounded through some of the hardest seasons of her life. After years of navigating pain and rough patches, everything began to shift five years ago when she and her husband found their faith.

Now a mental health coach, Amanda reflects on how faith transformed the way she processes challenges, approaches healing, and shows up in her life and work. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about identity, belonging, and what it looks like to handle life differently when faith becomes part of the foundation.

If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at [email protected]

 In this powerful episode of The School of Hard Knocks, Sarah shares her extraordinary survival story—nearly losing her life and her child’s life at the hands of her first child’s father, surviving six motor vehicle accidents, and walking away from corporate America to build a business rooted in healing.

Often joking that she must have a team of guardian angels watching over her, Sarah reflects on why she believes she was protected—and how that protection led her to her calling. Today, she supports people in what she calls “after-therapy therapy,” helping those who’ve completed traditional therapy but still feel they need guidance, grounding, and connection.

This episode is about survival, purpose, and what it looks like to turn pain into meaningful work.

 If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at [email protected]

In this deeply honest episode of The School of Hard Knocks, Maureen Ortega shares her life journey with remarkable openness—from childhood abuse to the loss of a baby, divorce, a devastating house fire, and the quiet, ongoing work of healing.

This is not a story about being “fully healed,” but about staying with the process, choosing resilience, and learning how to keep moving forward even when life keeps taking. A powerful reminder that healing doesn’t have a finish line—and you don’t have to walk it alone.

If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Becky - a mother of three, entrepreneur, and fellow podcast host - to talk about the reality of motherhood and the identity shifts that come with it.

Becky shares what it's been like to balance raising her children, running a business, and choosing an unschooling approach to education, all while learning how to reconnect with herself as a woman beyond the role of

"mom."

If you've ever felt like you lost pieces of yourself in motherhood, this conversation is an honest reminder that it's possible to nurture your family and your own dreams at the same time.

If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at [email protected]

Another tool from my toolbox that I have used during some of my scariest moments. In the hospital with my Dad. During my Covid Era.

A positive mindset will take you so much further on your journey with such a sense of peace.

If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at [email protected]

 this episode, I sit down with Becky — a mother of three, entrepreneur, and fellow podcast host — to talk about the reality of motherhood and the identity shifts that come with it.

Becky shares what it’s been like to balance raising her children, running a business, and choosing an unschooling approach to education, all while learning how to reconnect with herself as a woman beyond the role of “mom.”

If you’ve ever felt like you lost pieces of yourself in motherhood, this conversation is an honest reminder that it’s possible to nurture your family and your own dreams at the same time.

If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Wynne Charles—an incredibly strong, resilient, and inspiring woman who shares her journey through disability, childhood trauma, and the loss of her mother.

Win’s story is one of courage, perspective, and choosing hope despite unimaginable circumstances. This conversation is a powerful reminder that what tries to limit us can also be what makes us unstoppable.

If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at [email protected]

Come sit with us as I talk with Janice, a fellow co-author from Empower Her Volume 1.

In this conversation, Janice shares her journey out of corporate America and the moment she realized the cost of climbing higher was missing time with her family—especially her son. She opens up about the pressure, the sacrifices, and the clarity that came when she chose alignment over advancement.

This episode is an honest look at what it really means to build an exit plan, redefine success, and choose a life that supports both your family and your peace.

(You’ll hear us reference Empower Her Volume 2 as “launching next year” in the conversation—at the time of recording, that was true. Volume 2 officially launches February 2026.)

If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at [email protected]

It’s the little things in a relationship that add up to big moments. Not every moment needs a grand gesture. Some simply need a snack.

If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at [email protected]

There’s no time limit to reach our goals. Our aspirations. There’s a time limit on our life. How long or kids and grandchildren stay young.

Slow down and take the time to truly appreciate the biggest blessings while the others are coming in perfect timing.

If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at [email protected]