What happens when you say yes to life’s unexpected opportunities? In this episode, Judy and Erik Thureson share their experiences surrounding The Ultimate Experience events with host Meredith Bell. Judy opens with the incredible story of how a Facebook contest led her to a life-changing road trip with Steve Hardison. She talks about the inspiration from her late son Jacob, the humor of her husband's concerns, and the profound lessons she learned along the way. Judy's journey from chance encounters to powerful collaborations is a testament to the magic that unfolds when we embrace possibility.
Erik and Judy dive into the heart of transformational events and the power of "who you're being." From navigating production challenges to raising $100,000 for charity at a single event, their stories highlight the role of trust, love, and radical commitment in creating meaningful impact. Whether you're looking for inspiration, leadership lessons, or a reminder of the miracles that unfold when we step up with purpose, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
About the Guest:
About Judy Thureson
Judy Thureson has a genuine desire to see people live their most authentic life. In the last decade, she has helped thousands of clients transform their mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Judy helps her clients un-lock their super power! She is passionate about helping her clients heal and grow through adversity.
In June of 2019, Judy experienced the tragic loss of her eighteen year old son, Jacob to opioid overdose. In the midst of her unimaginable grief she wrote the #1 Bestselling book BEAUTIFUL TRAGEDY: How to Build Strength and Resilience during life’s Greatest Challenges. Her book chronicles her experience and introduces the GIVE Principle.
Judy is a trusted advisor for grieving families. She shares tools on how to use healthy coping skills to navigate the storms of grief and uncertainty.
https://judythureson.com/
https://thecreatorcollective.com/theultimateexperience2026
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554829303776
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judythureson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-thureson-4783631b8/
About Erk Thureson
With over three decades of learned experience from Disney, Oscars, Fox Sports, GSN, and the NFL in the areas of programming and production, Erik’s skillset is rich and vast. The depth of his industry experience accompanied with an extensive education from CSU Fullerton, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Emory University, and Berklee College of Music, make him a powerful force of creativity. From creating client engagement solutions to managing over $65M in digital product development, he knows how to identify road blocks and develop solutions to overcome them. Erik sees potential pathways, in situations and in people.
In 2019, Erik experienced the tragic loss of his 18 year old son, Jacob, to an opioid overdose. In honoring his son’s legacy, Erik courageously confronts the stigmatized issues of mental health and substance abuse, encouraging audiences to join in the collective effort to remove the barriers that prevent open dialogue about mental health and substance abuse.
He is passionate about serving others and creating films that make the world a better place. From the jungles of El Salvador to track side at Nuremberg Ring, From lighting grip to Executive producer, Erik not only has a wealth of experience and knowledge, what makes him stand out is his heart for others both behind the line and on the screen, his intentional presence with people as his priority changes lives and creates deep, rippling impact.
Personal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikthureson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erik.thureson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikthureson/
X: https://x.com/erikthureson
Documentary – Two Week’s Notice
https://2weeksnoticedoc.com/
https://cupidsoldiersfilms.com/
https://www.instagram.com/2weeksnoticedoc
https://www.facebook.com/2weeksnoticedoc
https://x.com/cupidsldrsfilms
About the Host:
Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home.
Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else.
Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other.
https://growstrongleaders.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell
The Ultimate Coach Resources
https://theultimatecoachbook.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theultimatecoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultimatecoachbook
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14048056
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUltimateCoachBook
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