Sterling Walker with @sterl_fitness has been one of my most favorite guests so-far. He is so young, yet so wise! I wish I had his determination and attitude at 25! But I also am glad I didn't have to endure the things he did in order to have that attitude.

To hear him talk about his life in the beginning, it doesn't sound so bad. It sounds better than my childhood at first, at least he had a mom and a dad at home. At least he was involved in something (wrestling) in high school, and graduated. At least he got to go to college right out of high school. But we quickly realize, his childhood wasn't that great after all. I wonder how many people on the outside looking in thought he had a great home-life too. It is just another example of how you really never know what is going on behind closed doors.

Sterling says it was his late grandmother who gave him the strength he has today. She must have been one amazing and tough woman because he sure has a lot of strength.

After figuring out Wrestling really wasn't his passion, it was his father's, he realized fitness is his true passion. So he's set out on a mission to inspire others and help people with their fitness, but honestly, he can inspire people in so many other ways too. He inspired me to hit the gym the day we did the recording, and he hadn't even talked to me yet. And after completing the editing I'm now inspired to get up and meditate and set my intentions in the morning before I start my day. He didn't even say in so many words to do that, and I'm not sure if he even does that himself, but he did say something. He said you have to get up in the morning and take care of yourself. Its the whole concept of putting on your oxygen mask before helping others. And that is so important for us all to remember. We have to take care of ourselves before we can really do a good job taking care of others.

I titled this blogpost "If you fail, they fall" because it is these words that truly hit home with Sterling when he had to take in his younger brother and sister after child protective services removed them from their parent's home due to an abusive father. Wes Walker, Sterlings mentor, said these words to him and Sterling took them to heart and they have been his mantra ever since. Sterling really impressed me with how he took little nuggets from different people all through his life and really learned what they meant, and applied them to his life in his own, unique, way.

Check out Sterling's Instagram (@sterl_fitness) if you're ready for some "tell-it-like-it-is" advise, tough love and a lot of colorful language :)

***Trigger warning: This episode contains depictions of violence, rape and trauma and may not be suitable for all listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This is Part 2 of a 2 part series in which Author and Public Speaker Amanda Blackwood tells her heroing story, beginning with her childhood, of being trafficked on three separate occasions; how she escaped all three times and ultimately took her life back after one of her traffickers posted pictures and videos of her on porn sites without her consent making her famous. She explains what human trafficking actually is (not what the media would have you believe) and clears up several myths surrounding trafficking as well as sharing how she was able to heal and become a successful author and public speaker. Amanda has become a Trauma Mentor and works tirelessly to help others in need and also hosts 2 podcasts: The Survivors (by Amanda Blackwood) and Growth from Darkness along with Hrisanthi Dokos.

***Trigger warning: This episode contains depictions of violence, rape and trauma and may not be suitable for all listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This is Part 1 of a 2 part series in which Author and Public Speaker Amanda Blackwood tells her heroing story, beginning with her childhood, of being trafficked on three separate occasions; how she escaped all three times and ultimately took her life back after one of her traffickers posted pictures and videos of her on porn sites without her consent making her famous. She explains what human trafficking actually is (not what the media would have you believe) and clears up several myths surrounding trafficking as well as sharing how she was able to heal and become a successful author and public speaker. Amanda has become a Trauma Mentor and works tirelessly to help others in need and also hosts 2 podcasts: The Survivors (by Amanda Blackwood) and Growth from Darkness along with Hrisanthi Dokos.

In this episode, my niece Brenda explains her struggle with FND (Functional Neurological Disorder), the things that caused her FND including Rape, a narcisistic husband, self-doubt and a son who has autism. But most importantly, she talks about how she got out of her bad relationship, and how she copes with dayt-to-day life now with FND. Oh and April is National FND Awareness Month!

For over 35 years I have held a grudge against my half-sister who was given up for adoption by my mother. She found evidence to identify her birth mother and managed to find our mom when I was 12 years old. Having always known she existed I was very excited to meet her. After 2-years our mom invited her and her family to come live with us in Florida until they got on their feet. After 4 months of them living with us and putting a financial burden on our Mom, they moved back to Indiana. I was 14 at the time. They didn't leave on the best of terms and we didn't speak for 10 more years. I have never told my sister that I had hard feelings, I have just sat on them for over 35-years. She had no idea. This is the first time we have discussed it since it happened. This is the first time I've given her a chance to let me know her side of things - where I have gotten out of thinking about the whole situation from my 14-year-old point of view.

My hope for this podcast episode is to show how there are always two sides to every story. Family is important, whether raised together or not. A lot of familes can't get passed things in their past and some never make amends. Here is a real-life, real-time example of how a healthy conversation can have a big impact and take a huge weight off of all parties involved. Forgiveness is a wonderful thing!!!

The title says it all!

Most women have trouble knowing their worth in the work place. We don't negotiate salary well, we don't ask for what we want. Joy helps us all understand how we can be much better at this while explaining how she got to where she is today. 

Self Awareness is a MUST. So what is it and how does it work? And WHY is it so important? Also I tell you about my weightloss surgery journey. 

My daughter Trey-c talks about life lessons and how she found happiness in her career and life in general. 

My Brother the ass hole who says no one gives a fuck (the one with the F-Bombs). We talk about our Mom, more about our Dad, our kids, trying not to get murdered, why my brother thinks he is an ass hole (he's right) and a whole lot more!