The Uplifters

We all have to learn that we can trust ourselves more than we trust our criticisms about ourselves. Because those are two different things.

From a young age, Emily Bailey was immersed in the world of human behavior thanks to her emergency room physician father. While most kids got bedtime stories, Emily got psychology journals to read with her dad. This early exposure and a complicated relationship with her mother sparked her curiosity about what makes people tick and set her on a path to becoming a therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders.

At 17, Emily experienced profound loss when her mother died by suicide. This devastating event shook her world and could have derailed her dreams, but Emily persevered with the support of her steadfast father. She learned that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to pick ourselves up, have compassion for ourselves, and keep moving forward.

Today, Emily uses her life experiences to help others overcome their own struggles. With warmth and wisdom beyond her years, she shows her clients that they are capable of so much more than they ever imagined possible. Tune in to hear Emily's incredibly uplifting story of resilience, hope, and the life-changing power of one supportive person.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Dr. Emily Bailey:

1. Self-compassion means more than just being kind to yourself - it's about picking yourself up after failure and trying again.

2. You are stronger than you think. Collect evidence of the challenges you've overcome when self-doubt creeps in.

3. Having just one stable, supportive person in your life can transform it, even after great loss or adversity.

4. It's okay not to have all the answers. Embracing uncertainty allows you to keep learning and growing.

5. You don't have to let your struggles define you. Choose to live your life in a way that honors your authentic self.

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Uplifters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The Great Web of Uplifters

Emily was nominated by Rev Katie O’Dunne from episode 38.

Today’s opening features Alexis Helfman.

Keep up with Emily

Emily Bailey is a licensed clinical psychologist in Georgia and through PsyPact. She is also the founder of Atlanta OCD and Anxiety Treatment, LLC, where she provides individualized, evidence-based treatment to children, adolescents, and adults who present with OCD, OCD-related disorders, anxiety disorders, parenting-related challenges, and other life stressors. Emily is passionate about helping her patients achieve a more meaningful, satisfying, and valued life. Follow her on Instagram @dr.emilybailey

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, like Emily’s, who Uplift us.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

From a young age, Emily Bailey was immersed in the world of human behavior thanks to her emergency room physician father. While most kids got bedtime stories, Emily got psychology journals to read with her dad. This early exposure and a complicated relationship with her mother sparked her curiosity about what makes people tick and set her on a path to becoming a therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders.

At 17, Emily experienced profound loss when her mother died by suicide. This devastating event shook her world and could have derailed her dreams, but Emily persevered with the support of her steadfast father. She learned that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to pick ourselves up, have compassion for ourselves, and keep moving forward.

Today, Emily uses her life experiences to help others overcome their own struggles. With warmth and wisdom beyond her years, she shows her clients that they are capable of so much more than they ever imagined possible. Tune in to hear Emily's incredibly uplifting story of resilience, hope, and the life-changing power of one supportive person.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Dr. Emily Bailey:

1. Self-compassion means more than just being kind to yourself - it's about picking yourself up after failure and trying again.

2. You are stronger than you think. Collect evidence of the challenges you've overcome when self-doubt creeps in.

3. Having just one stable, supportive person in your life can transform it, even after great loss or adversity.

4. It's okay not to have all the answers. Embracing uncertainty allows you to keep learning and growing.

5. You don't have to let your struggles define you. Choose to live your life in a way that honors your authentic self.

The Great Web of Uplifters

Emily was nominated by Rev Katie O’Dunne from episode 38.

Today’s opening features Alexis Helfman.

Keep up with Emily

Emily Bailey is a licensed clinical psychologist in Georgia and through PsyPact. She is also the founder of Atlanta OCD and Anxiety Treatment, LLC, where she provides individualized, evidence-based treatment to children, adolescents, and adults who present with OCD, OCD-related disorders, anxiety disorders, parenting-related challenges, and other life stressors. Emily is passionate about helping her patients achieve a more meaningful, satisfying, and valued life. Follow her on Instagram @dr.emilybailey

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, like Emily’s, who Uplift us.

Keep Up with The Uplifters:

https://www.instagram.com/aransas_savas/

www.theuplifterspodcast.com

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Cleyvis Natera hasn’t always been the author of a critically acclaimed novel. She always knew she wanted to be, and she was certain she had what it took, but big jobs and big paychecks kept distracting her, and the big break she was looking for kept eluding her. Her son’s life-threatening illness triggered an awakening that propelled her to reclaim her passion for writing.

I always knew I wanted to be a writer. I began to write stories in High School and even studied under a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer in undergrad. But as a child of immigrants, and as a person who immigrated myself, the idea of making a living by writing seemed out of reach. I tried. I worked full time, went to grad school for an MFA and it seemed as though switching careers would be a matter of time. Things didn't work out that way. After a relentless series of what I saw at the time as endless rejections, I stopped pursuing a writing career. I stopped writing. It wasn't until I had a medical crisis and almost lost my young son that I found myself compelled to get back to it. A few years later, I've now made a complete transition into a writing life and quit that full-time corporate job that provided such a sense of accomplishment and stability. I still marvel at how the toughest and most painful experience of my life led to a breakthrough -- and I feel the most free and fulfilled I've ever felt.

In our first-ever live episode of The Uplifters Podcast, Cleyvis shares with disarming honesty what it really took to achieve literary success and publish her chart-topping novel about immigrant Uplifters, Neruda on The Park. Most of all, Cleyvis shows us how to own our brilliance, badassery, and beauty instead of relying on the outside world to give us its’ fickle approval.

Prepare to be emboldened as Cleyvis invites us to embrace our singularity, confront the harsh realities of the world, and find the courage to birth the beautiful creations that are waiting within us.

5 Uplifting Lessons:

* Embrace Authenticity: You are more powerful when you use your unique voice even when it defies societal expectations.

* Cultivate Resilience: Rejection and setbacks are inevitable, but if you can learn how to learn from failures, then you can persist.

* Nurture Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself, celebrate small victories, and embrace self-love as a source of strength.

* Find Inspiration in Community: Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow creatives to fuel your inspiration, ignite your competitive spirit, and propel you to reach new heights.

* Birth Your Creations: Your story deserves to be told.

Check out our new show intro!

At our Uplifters Live event a couple of weeks ago, we asked each guest to tell us what it means to be an Uplifter! Each week, we’ll feature one of these voices in the intro of our show. This week, you’ll hear from Alexa Hladick.

Who’s ready to “Cleyvis” with me??

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Uplifters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The Great Web of Uplifters

Cleyvis was nominated by Kate Tellers from episode 59.

Today’s opening features Alexa Hladick.

Keep up with Cleyvis

Cleyvis Natera is an award-winning novelist, essayist, and professor. Her debut novel, Neruda on the Park, was awarded a Silver Medal by the International Latino Book Awards for Best First Book of Fiction in 2023. Her work has appeared in The New York Times Book Review, TIME, Gagosian Quarterly, The Washington Post, USA TODAY, The Kenyon Review, Aster(ix) and Kweli Journal. Natera has been supported through awards, fellowships and artist residencies by the Vermont Studio Center, PEN America, Hermitage Artist Retreat, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, among others. She teaches fiction at Barnard College of Columbia University and Montclair State University. Natera’s second novel, The Grand Paloma Resort, is forthcoming in 2025. Follow her @cleyvisnatera on all social platforms.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Cleyvis Natera hasn’t always been the author of a critically acclaimed novel. She always knew she wanted to be, and she was certain she had what it took, but big jobs and big paychecks kept distracting her, and the big break she was looking for kept eluding her. Her son’s life-threatening illness triggered an awakening that propelled her to reclaim her passion for writing.

I always knew I wanted to be a writer. I began to write stories in High School and even studied under a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer in undergrad. But as a child of immigrants, and as a person who immigrated myself, the idea of making a living by writing seemed out of reach. I tried. I worked full time, went to grad school for an MFA and it seemed as though switching careers would be a matter of time. Things didn't work out that way. After a relentless series of what I saw at the time as endless rejections, I stopped pursuing a writing career. I stopped writing. It wasn't until I had a medical crisis and almost lost my young son that I found myself compelled to get back to it. A few years later, I've now made a complete transition into a writing life and quit that full-time corporate job that provided such a sense of accomplishment and stability. I still marvel at how the toughest and most painful experience of my life led to a breakthrough -- and I feel the most free and fulfilled I've ever felt.

In our first-ever live episode of The Uplifters Podcast, Cleyvis shares with disarming honesty what it really took to achieve literary success and publish her chart-topping novel about immigrant Uplifters, Neruda on The Park. Most of all, Cleyvis shows it what it looks like we own our brilliance, badassery, and beauty and don’t rely on the world to give us its’ fickle approval.

Prepare to be inspired and emboldened as Cleyvis invites us to embrace our singularity, confront the harsh realities of the world, and find the courage to birth the beautiful creations that are waiting within us.

5 Uplifting Lessons:

• Embrace Authenticity: You are more powerful when you use your unique voice even when it defies societal expectations.
• Cultivate Resilience: Rejection and setbacks are inevitable, but if you can learn how to learn from failures, then you can persist.
• Nurture Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself, celebrate small victories, and embrace self-love as a source of strength.
• Find Inspiration in Community: Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow creatives to fuel your inspiration, ignite your competitive spirit, and propel you to reach new heights.
• Birth Your Creations: Your story deserves to be told.

Check out our new show intro!

At our Uplifters Live event a couple of weeks ago, we asked each guest to tell us what it means to be an Uplifter! Each week we’ll feature one of these voices in the intro of our show. This week you’ll hear from Alexa Hladick.

Who’s ready to “Cleyvis” with me??

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

In business, and life, everything is figureoutbable and every story can be rewritten. You can make progress each day with your biggest goals if you lean on your confidence, tenacity, resources and networks.

Have you ever felt the exhilarating rush of taking a leap into the unknown? Jennifer Maanavi certainly has. In the latest episode of The Uplifters Podcast, the CEO and founder of Physique 57 takes us on her entrepreneurial journey - from the serendipitous discovery of a life-changing exercise method to the bold decision to start her own business with zero experience.

With refreshing candor, Jennifer shares the twists, turns, and "oh crap" moments that have defined her path, reminding us that even the most successful ventures are paved with missteps and course corrections. From the demise of the DVD empire to the disruption of ClassPass, Jennifer's ability to embrace change and find opportunities in adversity is a lesson in resilience.

But it's her admission that she still messes things up - like accidentally taking down her company's entire cloud system just last week - that makes Jennifer a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Because true leaders don't pretend to have all the answers; they lead by example, with humility, hard work, and a willingness to learn through doing.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Jennifer:

1. The power of "Why not you?" When you believe in yourself and your vision, age and inexperience become irrelevant.

2. A sense of urgency trumps overthinking. Sometimes, you just have to take the leap and figure it out as you go.

3. Mistakes are inevitable; a growth mindset is essential. Embracing setbacks as learning opportunities is the path to resilience.

4. Work-life balance is a myth; strive for "work-life flow" instead. Prioritize what matters most in each season.

5. Stay humble and attuned to your market. When the winds shift, adapt promptly rather than forcing your original plan.

With candor, humor, and a refreshing lack of ego, Jennifer Maanavi reminds us that purposeful work and fulfilling lives aren't about having all the answers but about showing up wholeheartedly every day as our imperfect, ever-evolving selves.

Uplifters, have you ever believed that you need to be perfect or know all of the answers in order to start something new?

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Uplifters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Keep up with Jennifer

Jennifer Maanavi is the CEO and cofounder of Physique 57, a global barre fitness and media company founded in 2006, offering a specialized fitness experience in boutique studios worldwide and through numerous digital platforms. Jennifer is a connection, impact, and purpose-focused leader. Serving as Strategic Advisor to several companies in the wellness space, she has a passion for high-growth B2C health and wellness companies whose mission is to improve the well-being of their communities. You can follow Jennifer here and Physique 57 here.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Have you ever felt the exhilarating rush of taking a leap into the unknown? Jennifer Maanavi certainly has. In the latest episode of The Uplifters Podcast, the CEO and founder of Physique 57 takes us on her entrepreneurial journey - from the serendipitous discovery of a life-changing exercise method to the bold decision to start her own business with zero experience.

With refreshing candor, Jennifer shares the twists, turns, and "oh crap" moments that have defined her path, reminding us that even the most successful ventures are paved with missteps and course corrections. From the demise of the DVD empire to the disruption of ClassPass, Jennifer's ability to embrace change and find opportunities in adversity is a lesson in resilience.

But it's her admission that she still messes things up - like accidentally taking down her company's entire cloud system just last week - that makes Jennifer a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Because true leaders don't pretend to have all the answers; they lead by example, with humility, hard work, and a willingness to learn through doing.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Jennifer:

1. The power of "Why not you?" When you believe in yourself and your vision, age and inexperience become irrelevant.

2. A sense of urgency trumps overthinking. Sometimes you just have to take the leap and figure it out as you go.

3. Mistakes are inevitable; a growth mindset is essential. Embracing setbacks as learning opportunities is the path to resilience.

4. Work-life balance is a myth; strive for "work-life flow" instead. Prioritize what matters most in each season.

5. Stay humble and attuned to your market. When the winds shift, adapt promptly rather than forcing your original plan.

With candor, humor, and a refreshing lack of ego, Jennifer Maanavi reminds us that purposeful work and fulfilling lives aren't about having all the answers, but about showing up wholeheartedly every day as our imperfect, ever-evolving selves.

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Keep up with Jennifer

Jennifer Maanavi is the CEO and cofounder of Physique 57, a global barre fitness and media company founded in 2006 offering a specialized fitness experience in boutique studios worldwide and through numerous digital platforms. Jennifer is a connection, impact, and purpose focused leader. Serving as Strategic Advisor to several companies in the wellness space, she has a passion for high growth B2C health and wellness companies whose mission is to improve the wellbeing of their communities. You can follow Jennifer here and Physique 57 here.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

When crisis hits, instead of asking "Why me?" ask "What now?" because you never know what beauty can come out of a brutal hardship.

When Jessica Patay's second son Ryan was born, she knew something was different. Ryan didn't cry like other newborns and had trouble feeding. After a month in the hospital with no answers, a DNA test finally revealed Ryan had Prader-Willi syndrome - a rare genetic disorder causing low muscle tone, developmental delays, and an insatiable hunger starting in childhood.

Jessica found herself thrown into the world of caregiving for a child with extraordinary needs. But she was fortunate to quickly find a local support group and mentor parents also caring for children with Prader-Willi. This community proved vital, giving Jessica the tools, understanding, and lifeline she needed to not just survive, but to thrive as a "caregiving mom."

Over time, Jessica turned to writing and blogging to share her raw, honest journey. This awakened her passion for bringing caregivers together and empowering them through connection and community. In 2017, she founded the non-profit We Are Brave Together to serve mothers like herself on the brave path of caregiving.

5 Uplifting Lessons in Jessica’s Story:

1. The power of shared stories: Sharing our truth allows us to heal and others to feel seen, heard, and validated.

2. Normalize asking for help: As caregivers, we must have the courage to voice our needs and allow others the opportunity to be supportive "uplifters" in our lives.

3. Surround yourself with believers: Having people who understand your mission and believe in your ability to grow as a leader is critical when starting any new venture.

4. Progress over perfection: You don't have to have everything perfectly planned. Take imperfect action by using the resources you do have and believing in your vision.

5. Self-care is essential: Carve out time for the activities, relationships, and solitude that refill your cup as a human being first.

Human beings are not machines meant to simply serve others. We all need community, compassion, and the courage to prioritize our own needs as well. Jessica's story inspires us to share our authentic struggles so we can uplift and be uplifted in return.

Check out the beautiful anthology Becoming Brave Together here.

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Uplifters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

When Jessica Patay's second son Ryan was born, she knew something was different. Ryan didn't cry like other newborns and had trouble feeding. After a month in the hospital with no answers, a DNA test finally revealed Ryan had Prader-Willi syndrome - a rare genetic disorder causing low muscle tone, developmental delays, and an insatiable hunger starting in childhood.

Jessica found herself thrown into the world of caregiving for a child with extraordinary needs. But she was fortunate to quickly find a local support group and mentor parents also caring for children with Prader-Willi. This community proved vital, giving Jessica the tools, understanding, and lifeline she needed to not just survive, but to thrive as a "caregiving mom."

Over time, Jessica turned to writing and blogging to share her raw, honest journey. This awakened her passion for bringing caregivers together and empowering them through connection and community. In 2017, she founded the non-profit We Are Brave Together to serve mothers like herself on the brave path of caregiving.

5 Uplifting Lessons in Jessica’s Story:

1. The power of shared stories: Sharing our truth allows us to heal and others to feel seen, heard, and validated.

2. Normalize asking for help: As caregivers, we must have the courage to voice our needs and allow others the opportunity to be supportive "uplifters" in our lives.

3. Surround yourself with believers: Having people who understand your mission and believe in your ability to grow as a leader is critical when starting any new venture.

4. Progress over perfection: You don't have to have everything perfectly planned. Take imperfect action by using the resources you do have and believing in your vision.

5. Self-care is essential: Carve out time for the activities, relationships, and solitude that refill your cup as a human being first.

Human beings are not machines meant to simply serve others. We all need community, compassion, and the courage to prioritize our own needs as well. Jessica's story inspires us to share our authentic struggles so we can uplift and be uplifted in return.

Check out the beautiful anthology Becoming Brave Together here.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

"I always say instead of win or lose, it's win or learn. From each chapter, I have learned things that have then helped me with the next chapter."

~Sandy Samberg

Meet Sandy Samberg, a nurse practitioner turned serial startup founder.

Sandy’s ventures have spanned the full life journey. Her first, BABY-C, created health educational starter kits for parents & caregivers of infants. She then co-founded SOUL RYEDERS, an organization that provides personalized resources, innovative programs, and community support to people impacted by cancer. Most recently, as Director of The Joe & Sandy Samberg Foundation, she’s turned her focus to psychedelic-assisted therapies to help those approaching end-of-life as well as a wide range of mental health conditions.

Through each stage of her journey, Sandy has stayed true to her mission and purpose. She looks for problems to solve and then teams up with smart people to solve them in ways that make a positive impact on others.

Sandy's approach to problem-solving blends an attitude of humble curiosity with a willingness to take bold action. From launching a wig exchange program to involving multi-generational volunteers, she exemplifies how uplifters can create waves of change.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Sandy:

1. Identify needs and get creative about filling them. Don't be deterred if the solution doesn't yet exist - you may be the one to create it.

2. Build diverse teams of collaborators. Gather people with varied perspectives and strengths to tackle challenges together.

3. Adopt a "win or learn" mindset. View setbacks not as failures but as opportunities to gain wisdom for the next endeavor.

4. Ask, "Does this person want to be helped, heard or hugged?" Then, tune into how you can be of the greatest service.

5. Prioritize self-reflection and self-care. Make time to look inward, pinpoint areas for growth, and replenish yourself through practices that spark joy.

Sandy was nominated by the always-inspiring, Lia Buffa De Feo from episode 44 of The Uplifters! If you aren’t reading Lia’s Substack, Fly Bravely you’re missing out on her beautiful and courageous lens on life.

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Uplifters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Meet Sandy Samberg, a nurse practitioner turned serial startup founder.

Sandy’s ventures have spanned the full life journey. Her first, BABY-C, created health educational starter kits for parents & caregivers of infants. She then co-founded SOUL RYEDERS, an organization that provides personalized resources, innovative programs, and community support to people impacted by cancer. Most recently, as Director of The Joe & Sandy Samberg Foundation, she’s turned her focus to psychedelic-assisted therapies to help those approaching end-of-life as well as a wide range of mental health conditions.

Through each stage of her journey, Sandy has stayed true to her mission and purpose. She looks for problems to solve and then teams up with smart people to solve them in ways that make a positive impact on others.

Sandy's approach to problem-solving blends an attitude of humble curiosity with a willingness to take bold action. From launching a wig exchange program to involving multi-generational volunteers, she exemplifies how uplifters can create waves of change.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Sandy:

1. Identify needs and get creative about filling them. Don't be deterred if the solution doesn't yet exist - you may be the one to create it.

2. Build diverse teams of collaborators. Gather people with varied perspectives and strengths to tackle challenges together.

3. Adopt a "win or learn" mindset. View setbacks not as failures but opportunities to gain wisdom for the next endeavor.

4. Ask "Does this person want to be helped, heard or hugged?" Then tune into how you can be of greatest service.

5. Prioritize self-reflection and self-care. Make time to look inward, pinpoint areas for growth, and replenish yourself through practices that spark joy.

Sandy was nominated by the always-inspiring, Lia Buffa De Feo from episode 44 of The Uplifters! If you aren’t reading Lia’s Substack, Fly Bravely you’re missing out on her beautiful and courageous lens on life.

Follow the Uplifters podcast on social media or our Substack www.theuplifterspodcast.com.

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe