Shows
Persistence U with LizbethShowing Up Anyway: Lessons in Grace from Unmapped’s Final Story with Wanda MalhotraWhat does it really mean to “show up anyway”?In this inspiring episode of Persistence U with Lizbeth, host Lizbeth Meredith welcomes back wellness entrepreneur, certified health coach, and author Wanda Malhotra—one of the 24 contributors to Unmapped: Solo Women Travelers – Bold Journeys of Healing, Resilience, and Self-Discovery.Wanda’s chapter, “What Germany Taught Me About Showing Up Anyway,” closes the anthology with grace, humor, and insight. She recounts how a lost suitcase, an unexpected divorce, and a demanding business trip collided into a defining lesson on self-trust and authenticity. Together, Lizbeth and Wa...
2025-10-2227 min
Persistence U with LizbethBehind the Curtain of Physician Life with Dr. Tali Lando, author of BreathlessIn this episode of Persistence U with Lizbeth Meredith, I’m honored to introduce Dr. Tali Lando—pediatric ENT surgeon, survivor, and author of Breathless. I had the privilege of endorsing this book, and from the first conversation with Dr. Lando, I knew she was someone I could sit down with for hours over coffee.Breathless is more than a memoir—it’s a rare look behind the curtain of physician life. Dr. Lando shares the pressure of balancing a high-stakes career, family, and her own cancer diagnosis, all while carrying the life-and-death stories of her patients. She writ...
2025-10-1428 min
Persistence U with LizbethThe Neuroscience of Art: Dr. Vasu Tolia on Resilience, Creativity, and Giving BackDr. Tolia discusses the challenges of transitioning from a structured medical career to the creative freedom of art, how she merges her passion with purpose by supporting charities, and the therapeutic benefits of art for the brain.You Will Learn:1. How Dr. Tolia transitioned from medicine to art and found new meaning in life.2. The connection between art, neuroscience, and mental health.3. Why prioritizing creativity can strengthen resilience and improve well-being.Connect with Dr. Vasu Tolia:Grab your brain relaxation freebie HERE • Website: www.vasutolia.art• Newsletter Signu...
2025-04-0919 min
Persistence U with LizbethFaith Over Fear: Rick Cheatham’s Journey of Resilience and EmpowermentRetired firefighter and union leader Rich Cheatham's life was forever changed by tragedy, resilience, and redemption. After the heartbreaking murder of his son and a life-altering injury, Rick faced immense challenges that tested his faith, resolve, and purpose.Rick shares how he overcame a downward spiral of anger, grief, and depression, using his AIM framework—Awareness, Intention, and Mindset—to regain control and rebuild his life. Today, Rick is thriving as a coach, speaker, and advocate, helping others overcome addiction, trauma, and loss. His story is a testament to the power of choice, faith...
2025-03-2625 min
Persistence U with LizbethFrom Struggle to Service: Gina Economopoulos on Finding Purpose Through PainIn today's bonus episode, we welcome Gina Economopoulos, author of Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk. Gina shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming physical disabilities, grief, and spiritual searching, which ultimately led her to discover her life’s purpose as an author and an end-of-life doula.Gina opens up about the challenges of growing up in a family of able-bodied siblings, the pivotal loss of her mother, and her path to finding peace, love, and service after years of searching. Her remarkable story of resilience, spirituality, and self-discovery is one that will resonate with anyone striving to...
2025-03-1233 min
Persistence U with LizbethPromises, Secrets, and Memoir: The Story Behind The Housekeeper's SecretToday, we dive into the fascinating journey of Sandra Schnakenburg, author of The Housekeeper’s Secret: A Memoir. Sandra shares how a deathbed promise to her family’s housekeeper led her on a years-long investigation filled with unexpected twists, profound discoveries, and the ultimate challenge of uncovering hidden truths while writing a deeply personal memoir.Sandra reveals the process of uncovering Lee Mottoyer’s mysterious past, including navigating false starts, life-altering surprises, and even spiritual interventions. With candor and grace, Sandra describes how writing this memoir not only fulfilled a promise but also became a powerful avenue for healing and growth...
2025-02-2629 min
Persistence U with LizbethFrom Congo to Cop: Dr. Fidele Sebahizi's Journey of ResilienceIn this powerful episode of Persistence U with Lizbeth, we are honored to share the incredible story of Dr. Fidele Sebahizi a massacre survivor from Congo who overcame unimaginable odds to create a life of purpose and service. Dr. Fidele shares his journey from surviving a brutal attack in a United Nations refugee camp to becoming a police officer, earning a Ph.D., and inspiring others through his memoir, Creating a Life from Ashes.You Will Learn:• The challenges of starting over as a refugee in the United States.• How Dr. Fidele’s unwavering commitment to education propelled him forward.• The impo...
2025-01-2921 min
Persistence U with LizbethBreaking the Silence: Patrisha McLean on Finding Our Voices and Transforming Trauma into AdvocacyPatrisha McLean, founder and CEO of Finding Our Voices, shares her personal journey from being the wife in a picture-perfect marriage to a survivor of intimate partner violence who now empowers others. Patrisha’s story highlights the courage it takes to leave a well-known partner amid public scrutiny and the transformative power of advocacy.From finding solidarity in unexpected places to launching a statewide movement to support survivors, Patrisha's work shines a light on red flags, green flags, and the importance of breaking the silence around domestic abuse. Her organization provides practical support, from financial aid to dental care, and bu...
2025-01-1533 min
Persistence U with LizbethLooking Back and Moving Forward: A 2024 Recap and 2025 PreviewEpisode Summary:Welcome back to Persistence U with Lizbeth! As we kick off Season 5, Lizbeth reflects on the ups and downs of 2024, shares personal milestones, and previews the exciting guests and topics coming in 2025. From publishing her novel Tilka Faces the Odds to planning an anthology of solo women travelers, Lizbeth discusses the power of celebrating effort, embracing resilience, and living life with intention.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:A recap of the most popular episodes from 2024, including guest favorites like Melamere Logan, Bill Mitchell, Kim Sorrell, Hera McLeod, and Rebecca Galli.Lizbeth’s lessons from the past year, incl...
2025-01-0110 min
Persistence U with LizbethFrom Mission to Movement::A Conversation with Crunchy Mama's Wanda MalhotraPersistence U will begin a new season in January, 2025. Enjoy the extensive backlist until then!Wanda Malhotra is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of Crunchy Mama Box. Connect with Wanda at CrunchMamaBox.com.Wanda shares her journey of resilience and mission-driven entrepreneurship, from her beginnings in Brazil to building a community in the U.S. dedicated to holistic wellness and ethical beauty. Learn how her unwavering commitment to her "why" helped her overcome obstacles as a young female entrepreneur, an immigrant, and a mother.Wanda dives into the challenges and joys of building a business that not only sustains itself...
2024-11-2023 min
Persistence U with LizbethLaughing at the Sky: One Woman's Journey to Healing and Bold DreamsAuthor of the inspirational memoir Laughing at the Sky, Heidi’s journey is one of resilience and determination. After surviving a violent childhood trauma, Heidi sought healing through a remarkable 12,000-mile, five-year sailing journey. Along the way, she learned to overcome PTSD through calming practices, weathering both internal and external storms.Connect with Heidi at heidiloveauthor.com.Heidi shares her experiences of how trauma affected her life, and how her dream of sailing to a healing waterfall in French Polynesia became the metaphorical and literal anchor for her healing journey. We also discuss her workbook that focuses on calming practices to...
2024-10-2334 min
Persistence U with LizbethDomestic Violence Awareness with Author and Mother Hera McLeod: What Happens When Leaving Isn't the End?In this episode of Persistence U with Lizbeth, we have the of hearihonor of hearing from Hera McLeod, a survivor and advocate who bravely shares her story of unimaginable loss after leaving an abusive relationship.Connect with Hera McLeod, activist, professional speaker, and author of Defying Silence: A Memoir of a Mother's Loss and Courage in the Face of Injustice and learn more about her book at https://heramcleod.com/.Hera’s journey is both heartbreaking and empowering, as she not only endured the unthinkable but also chose to channel her pain into advocacy, helping others navigate the complex and of...
2024-10-0956 min
Persistence U with LizbethRethinking Possible: Rebecca Galli's Journey from Grief to GratitudeRebecca Galli was no stranger to hardship by the time her son died of a degenerative disease, her daughter diagnosed with autism, and an unusual infection left Rebecca in a wheelchair when her children were young, shortly after her once idyllic marriage ended in divorce. Rebecca learned to parent from a wheelchair, and to turn her writing talents into a career as a columnist who continues to focus on gratitude and resilience today.Connect with Rebecca Galli, author of Rethinking Possible and Morning Fuel (published in Oct. 2024) at https://rebeccafayesmithgalli.com/.You will learn:We learn coping with setbacks from...
2024-09-2534 min
Persistence U with LizbethFrom Poverty to Purpose: How Malumir Logan Transformed Her Life and CareerMalumir Logan, a dynamic leader and creative from Ontario, Canada, to share her remarkable journey from challenging beginnings to finding her voice and purpose. Malumir’s story is one of resilience, persistence, and the courage to step into the unknown.To connect with Malumir Logan, visit her on LinkedIn or check out her website at acornandburdock.ca or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/malumir-r-logan/.Malumir talks about her early years in small-town Ontario, where she juggled multiple jobs while living below the poverty line, with no formal high school diploma and little awareness of her own potential. A pi...
2024-09-1128 min
Persistence U with LizbethBreaking Free: A Journey Beyond Religion and Trauma with Sarah WestbrookSarah Westbrook, author of Trauma Bonded: A True Story of Navigating Attachments Forged in Complex PTSD was raised in a tightly controlled, fundamentalist religious environment. Today,Sarah shares her journey of breaking free from the Mormon Church, overcoming generational cycles of trauma, and finding her authentic self. From challenging the concept of polygamy to raising children with special needs, including pediatric schizophrenia, Sarah’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth.You will learn:Questioning Belief Systems: Sarah’s upbringing in the Mormon Church taught her the importance of questioning authority and doctrines, especially when they conf...
2024-09-1141 min
Persistence U with LizbethWhen Dating Hurts: A Father’s Fight Against Dating ViolenceBill Mitchell is a devoted father whose life was forever changed when his daughter Kristin became a victim of dating violence.Connect with Bill at WhenDatingHurts.com and listen to his podcast and book by the same name.Bill shares the harrowing experience of losing Kristin to dating violence and the journey he and his family have taken since her tragic death.He discusses the pervasive nature of domestic violence, breaking down stereotypes, and emphasizes that it can happen to anyone, anywhere.Through the lens of a loving father’s memory, this episode sheds light on the importance of recognizing th...
2024-08-2858 min
Persistence U with LizbethNavigating Life's Crossroads: Turning Challenges into Pages with Rhonda Parker TaylorRhonda Parker Taylor is a bestselling author, academic, and mentor whose journey is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of small steps. Rhonda shares her surprising path from a small-town Indiana girl who never considered herself academically inclined to becoming a best-selling author and earning a doctorate. She opens up about the struggles she faced, including feelings of inadequacy and the challenges of navigating new environments.Rhonda talks candidly about her early life, where she was the first in her family to attend college, and how the experience was both daunting and transformative. She shares her philosophy on...
2024-08-1429 min
Persistence U with LizbethThe Power of Persistence: Navigating Chronic Illness with Self-AdvocacyLu is a university professor. A dancer. And a woman who's battled a hidden heart condition for many years before receiving the correct diagnosis: non-obstructive microvascular dysfunction. This episode sheds light on the power of self-advocacy, the importance of supportive relationships, and the necessity of trusting oneself in the face of persistent medical issues.You will learn:Trust and Advocate for Yourself:The journey to a diagnosis often involves navigating dismissals and misunderstandings. Our guest emphasized the importance of trusting one's own experiences and advocating persistently. She kept detailed records of her symptoms and used them to argue her case...
2024-07-3150 min
Persistence U with LizbethBeyond the Scars: Marcy Langlois on Healing and ResilienceHost of Living Beyond Limits podcast Marcy Langlois had a tough start in life. Born with a cleft palate that required many surgeries, Marcy spent much of her life trying to cover the pain of not feeling pretty enough or good enough. A later car accident as a teen that left three people dead weighed on her for years, and Marcy found herself over-drinking, then over-working until she got clear on what her healing journey would look like.Marcy shares her powerful story of resilience. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to heal and thrive.Key...
2024-07-0331 min
Persistence U with LizbethA Promise Kept: Turning Tragedy into Triumph with Jack MaherJack Maher, a historical novelist and retired TV news executive, is a man of his word. Jack shares his heartfelt journey of writing his novel "Poppy," inspired by the lives of his grandfather and his late brother, Chris. Through their stories, Jack delves into themes of mental illness, survival, and the transformative power of keeping promises.You will learn:The Power of Promises: Jack Maher fulfilled a promise made to his brother Chris, transforming grief and tragedy into a meaningful and creative endeavor. This highlights the importance of keeping promises, especially those made to loved ones, as a way to...
2024-06-0529 min
Persistence U with LizbethThe Daughter of Time, The Mother of Reinvention/Carmen MicsaCarmen Micsa takes nothing for granted.The podcast host of Seeds of Sunshine and successful realtor left Romania in her youth for the United States. Since then, this wife and mother of two, has found her footing as a successful realtor, a poet, a marathonrunner, and more recently, a rapper. Her pivotal moment came in her teens when she and her father peacefully protested for freedom from Communism in Romania.You will learn:What we can accomplish together is exponentially more impactful than when we operate alone.Tough times can create a perspective of gratitude during the less turbulent ones...
2024-05-2324 min
Persistence U with LizbethEthical True Crime::Inside the National Center for Crime Victims with Renee WilliamsWelcome to an insightful episode where we delve into the vital work of the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) with Renee Williams, their esteemed Executive Director. Get ready to be inspired and enlightened by the transformative efforts of this remarkable organization.You will learn:· The NCVC was founded by the children of Sunny Von Bulow after their own mistreatment by the justice system, portrayed in the 1990 movie Reversal of Fortune.· The growing consumption of true crime podcasts and documentaries can be over-consumed by viewers, leading to secondary trauma.· Including voices of survivors can make the difference between retelling a...
2024-05-2223 min
Persistence U with LizbethThe Transformative Power of Writing with D Arlando FortuneToday, I'm joined by D Arlando Fortune, or "Fortune" as he prefers, a self-publishing coach and PhD candidate, who shares his incredible journey from facing legal troubles and addiction to transforming his life through writing and personal development. Fortune discusses the significant role writing has played in his healing process and his passion for helping others harness the therapeutic benefits of writing.You will learn:*The Healing Power of Writing:*The Journey of Personal Change*Empowering Others Through Writing:As a self-publishing coach, Fortune is dedicated to helping others tell their stories to facilitate healing and inspire change in others...
2024-04-2430 min
Persistence U with LizbethThink only women get breast cancer? Two male survivors and a fierce mom want you to know the truth.Podcaster Ron Rappaport (It's a Wrap with Rap) was stopped in his tracks when he received the diagnosis. Breast cancer?!! But he was a guy. How could that be?After Googling the matter, he found Male Breast Cancer Happens, founded by mom Peggy Miller with her son Bret Miller, who first found his lump at 17 and today is the youngest known male breast cancer survivor in the US.You will learn:* If a human has breasts, they can get breast cancer, regardless of gender.* Because men aren't encouraged to do self-examinations or know that they can get breast cancer, they...
2024-03-1342 min
Persistence U with LizbethWhat if You Finally Reach that Big Goal, and Still Feel Empty? For Attorney Amber Fuhriman, it Led Her to Redefine What Success Really MeantAmber Furhiman's father thought she should be a lawyer. She thought it was a ridiculous idea. Then, unexpectedly, he died.Amber worked toward her law degree with renewed interest. Once she achieved both it and the financial benchmarks she set for herself, she felt empty.Connect with Amber on The Success Entrepreneur Podcast or by clicking HEREYou will learn:Living life, telling ourselves that, "If only X happened, then everything would be great," is a setup for disappointment. Finding out what void the rabid pursuit of accomplishments might fill is key to finding contentment.Living outside of our comfort zone m...
2023-04-1923 min
Persistence U with LizbethGetting Beyond Surface Emotions and Why 'Bootstrapping' Doesn't Work in the Long Run: Interview with Sharon HughesWhen we don't take time to grieve and feel our tough emotions, the pain often resurfaces.That's what Sharon Hughes found after a lifetime of "bootstrapping," skimming over big issues in her life like trauma in her childhood, an assault as a teen, and a later, divorce. Today, she's a confidence coach who helps faith-based women give themselves permission to pursue their dreams and succeed, and the author of The Girl in the Garage. Connect with her at SharonHughes.net.You will learn:* Proclaiming a goal publicly can increase our accountability.*Believing a lie can be as powerful as believing t...
2023-04-1224 min
Persistence U with LizbethFrom Compton to Alaska in the 60's: How One Young Black Woman Found Opportunity and Never Stopped Paying It ForwardEleanor Andrews made a huge change.A young wife in the 60's, she moved from her home in Compton, California to Fairbanks, Alaska and began life in the Last Frontier. She was one of a few Black women living there at the time. And though her husband died young, leaving her to face frigid temperatures and parenting two children alone, she opened her mind to opportunity. And those opportunities never stopped coming. Today, Eleanor is a retired businesswoman. A philanthropist. A great-grandmother. A mentor.You will learn:Having the confidence to say yes to things you've never done is critical t...
2023-03-2922 min
Persistence U with LizbethHow Being a Child Misfit Inspired Heather Flynn to Later Champion Inclusion, and Why She's Proud to Have Helped Pass Title IX in AlaskaImagine a time when your ability to get a raise was not based on merit, but on whether your importance to your family merited it. That's what Heather Flynn faced early in her career, as did countless other women who did the same work as their male counterparts but were told they would be paid less money since they weren't the head of the household. You will learn:Sometimes, it's the childhood experience of being excluded that sparks a passion for inclusion.Title IX is an important part of women's history, and is the US federal civil rights law that pr...
2023-03-2230 min
Persistence U with LizbethWhat Does it Take to Change a Justice System Stacked Against Women? For a Young, Kentucky-Based Journalist, Grit Was Only The BeginningMaria Henson was a young journalist based in Lexington, Kentucky in the early 90's when she found a problem that needed solving. Too many victims of family violence were not being protected when they called the police, or when they filed for a protective order before judges.With a dynamic team of writers and editors behind her at the Lexington Harald-Leader, she spotlighted stories of justice, publishing photos and names of victims and discussing the judges, prosecutors, and officers who stood in the way. She gave voice to the survivors. And laws in Kentucky rapidly changed.You will learn:To...
2023-03-1529 min
Persistence U with LizbethThe Tale of Two Fathers and Why It's Worth Hearing From an Estranged Parent with Ahmard VitalAhmard Vital readily accepted his mother's second husband as a father when he was young after his parent's split, enjoying the guidance and wisdom he offered. Not considering his new dad a "step," Ahmard found advantages to having input from two fathers, and celebrates having a closer than ever relationship with his first father today.Now he's working with today young men who struggle with parental relationships and boundaries.Connect with him HERE. You will learn:When a parent is estranged, sometimes it's worth finding them to get their side of the story as to why they disappeared from their...
2023-03-0129 min
Persistence U with LizbethAddressing Racism and Inclusion in Business to Produce Lasting Change/Organizational Coach, Dr. Helen OfosuAnyone can schedule an annual training at work that satisfies the requirements to create an inclusive and anti-racist office environment. It checks a box, and can create a false sense of compliance to administrators without delivering measured success.That's where Dr. Helen Ofosu comes in. With an advanced degree in occupational therapy, she works individually with employees in a respectful and confidential environment. She shares her journey of her educational journey that helped her become an entrepreneur making a huge impact. Today, she's the author of newly released How to Be Resilient in Your Career: Facing Barriers at Work. Connect wi...
2023-02-2221 min
Persistence U with LizbethRobin Landa on The New Art of Ideas and the Importance of Giving Ourselves Permission to Have a Creative OutletThere's a reason the Carnegie Foundation calls Robin Landa one of the great teachers of our time. An educator at Kean University, she pours into her students and other university professionals, helping them pursue their creative passions.This, while she's authored more than 20 books herself. Connect with Robin at http://RobinLanda.com.You will learn:Creativity is rarely an inherited trait, and can be fostered with time and commitment.Robin's most recent book, The New Art of Ideas, was written to help people produce ideas with benefits.Despite having an extensive platform and much expertise, Robin's learned that book marketing...
2023-02-1523 min
Persistence U with LizbethWho Am I, Now that My Family No Longer Needs Me? Vivian Gray Helps Midlife Women Rebalance and Find Their AnswersVivian Gray found herself wondering what came next. Her kids were headed to college. Her husband, whose poor health had long necessitated that she become his caregiver, was now stabilizing. The pillar of her family no longer needed to eat life's leftovers. Now what? Today, Vivian Gray is the director of Phoenix Ascension, where she helps uplift other women through coaching and courses as they plan their own lives next chapters and find a balanced approach to success. You will learn:Finding or creating a judgment-free community of people in similar circumstances is a critical step in Women need a spac...
2023-02-0919 min
Persistence U with LizbethJohn Giordano on Why Never Giving Up on Ourselves is Especially Important in Substance Abuse TreatmentJohn Giordano is passionate about substance abuse treatment. With his personal history and ongoing education, he's given workshops around the world embracing holistic and unorthodox treatment methods. Today, he's an author and speaker. Connect with John at https://johnjgiordano.com/and find publications he's participated in or learned from You will learn:* A simple definition of substance abuse is the willingness to continue to use despite knowing that their are adverse consequences.*Gut health is critical to manufacture dopamine and serotonin, our natural feel-good drugs, therefore effective treatment includes avoiding or reducing processed food and getting exercise.* Untreated medical conditions ca...
2023-01-2531 min
Persistence U with LizbethWhy Would An Educator Tell a Teen to Run Away from a Fundamentalist Home in Rural Arkansas? Author Chad Peevy Shares Why He Took the Advice, and How He Learned to ThriveChad Peevy knew early on that he didn't fit in. Not in his strict, Fundamentalist home. Not in his rural Arkansas town. Chad was gay, and had no one he could safely tell, and knew no one else like him. The result were feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and anxiety."Run away," he was encouraged by an educator at his school.And eventually, he did.Today, Chad is the founder of businesses, non-profits, and a popular speaker, and the author of Break & Untangle: Discover the Freedom to Be You Despite the Inherited Mindsets Holding You Back.You will learn:* Being rejected...
2023-01-1126 min
Persistence U with LizbethAuthor Jodee Gibson on the Moment Her Life Changed, and Why She'll Never Stop LearningJodee Gibson recalls the moment she gave up her limiting beliefs to become an expert in trauma, and later, the author of Healing Your Map. A teen mom who was later shocked when she found herself on the Dean's list in college, Jodee was motivated to keep moving forward and continue expanding her education.You will learn:*Jodee believes our map is the lens through which we see our world, determined by our unique history and experiences.*Limiting beliefs keep us from making choices in confidence that can open new opportunities. *New opportunities we embrace lead to new relationships which l...
2023-01-0428 min
Persistence U with LizbethSam Thiara Shares Why It's Important to Look at Who Rather Than What We're BecomingBy the time Sam Thiara traveled across the globe from Canada to India in search of his ancestral roots with a faded photograph and a name of a relative, he was ready to know himself more fully. He'd graduated college only to find work as a janitor, and struggled for a time to figure out where he best belonged.You will learn:* Credentials and professional roles are no substitute for attitude and character.* We are all a blend of our cultural experiences and history, * Writing a statement on who you are rather than what you do yields more important information...
2022-12-1424 min
Persistence U with LizbethJem Fuller Used His Rock-Bottom Moment to Mend the Relationship with Himself and Shares Tips on HowJem Fuller lost his job, his marriage, and his home in one fell swoop during midlife. Rather than simply get through a rough time, Jem saw it as an opportunity to rebuild a relationship with himself, which had a positive impact on the rest of his life.You will learn:* Authentic self-acceptance creates an ecosystem for a strong support network.*Acknowledging one's strengths doesn't equate to arrogance.* Curating one's internal dialogue is necessary to create change.The Art of Conscious Communication for Thoughtful Men by Jem Fuller is available to order wherever books are sold.Jem Fuller is an author...
2022-11-1624 min
Persistence U with LizbethDr. Nicole Bradford Tells Why Setting the Bar High for Ourselves Trumps Other's Low ExpectationsDr. Nicole Bradford came from a large, bustling family that seemed focused on just getting by. Punctuated by parental domestic violence and siblings who got caught up in the criminal justice system, the younger Nicole always believed she was made for more. Today, Dr. Bradford is a speaker, author, and founder of Maintain the Flame, a nonprofit she established in memory of her sister.You will learn:Our families don't always celebrate our accomplishments if they've not acheived what they've wished. Finding mentors we wish to emulate is key to success. We can lose ourselves trying to fit in where we d...
2022-11-0919 min
Persistence U with LizbethParenting coach and molecular biologist Klara Sedlacek explains how our great-grandparents we've never met may impact us more than we think, and what can help when that impact isn't positiveWe all have certain childhood memories that stick. For parenting coach Klara Sedlacek, one defining moment was when she was 8 and a stranger found her crying with fear since she'd received a grade her mother was sure to rage over. The stranger walked her home and deescalated her mother, and likely planted the seeds of why this molecular biologist focuses her career on helping strengthen mother's bonds with their toddlers.You will learn:1. Our ancestral histories can have a direct link to our own stress levels.2. There are many interventions outside of traditional therapy that may assist in interrupting intergenerational...
2022-11-0225 min
Persistence U with LizbethFormer Social Security Attorney Spencer Bishins Shares From His Book on Why It's So Hard to Access Disability Benefits, and What You Can Do About ItChances are, if you live in the United States, chances are you’ll interact with the Social Security Office. It’s can be simple if you’re applying for retirement benefits. But should you be the one of millions who are petitioning for assistance regarding a physical or mental disability, good luck. Your work is cut out for you.Spencer Bishins was a lawyer for the Social Security Administration for over a decade, and was frustrated by the volume of consumers he couldn't help. Today, he's authored Social Security Disability Benefits Revealed: Why It's So Hard to Access Benefits and What Y...
2022-10-2643 min
Persistence U with LizbethWhat Do We Get By Creating Challenge for Ourselves? Runner and Podcaster Muwiya Adebiyi Describes the BenefitsAfter high school and college, our lives can become smaller and smaller, with the chance to meet people who challenge our thoughts and beliefs dwindling as our age increases.U.K. based athlete Muyiwa Adebiyi began the Day In Day Out podcast to continue to expand his knowlege base and his circle of support and influence. You will learn:Challenging ourselves by setting new goals or aspiring to get out of our comfort zone is one way to continue to grow and change and avoid complacency.The road to success with new goals is often two steps forward, one step back...
2022-10-1928 min
Persistence U with LizbethHarvard Graduate Bracha Goetz Traded Money for For a Career That Made a Difference, and Never Looked BackAs a Harvard graduate, Bracha could have worked in any number of high-paying fields. But she longed to make a difference in the lives of young people and became a prolific children's author. You will learn:Creating books for children that would have helped Bracha when she was young, dealing with eating disorders, has created opportunities for her to enrich the lives of her grandchildren and other readers by introducing her Jewish faith.Many of us try to fill our empty feelings inside, often with external things like food or substances, which Bracha says will never satisfy the inner longings o...
2022-10-1228 min
Persistence U with LizbethAuthor and Martial Artist Cindy Villanueva Shares Her Unlikely Method for Maintaining Her Cool During a Rocky Divorce That Reshaped Her Life ForeverAt 18, Cindy Villanueva was clearly on the fast path to success. Attending UCLA after an illustrious high school journey that included near- perfect grades, Cindy instead got pregnant and became a teen mom and college dropout. But even after three more children and a volatile divorce, Cindy didn't give up. You will learn: Deferred goals can always be resusitated if they're worth preserving.Martial arts are not only helpful for self-defense, but for character building.Reaching back out to others who can benefit from the wisdom of your former pain points makes awful events meaningful. Cindy Villanueva is the author of...
2022-10-0524 min
Persistence U with LizbethA Few Survival Skills Gained After My Daughters Were Kidnapped, and Why They Might Just Help YouSometimes it feels as though life has it in for us. Since publishing my book and more recently, when that book became a movie, I've had the pleasure of connecting with so many people around the world, many experiencing crises similar to those I wrote about like abuse and parental kidnappings.But though I don't work with people who're in acute active crises any longer, there are some things that helped that may help you the next time you're in the thick of it.You will learn:Strong communication skills, beginning with how you speak to you, helps build and...
2022-09-2832 min
Persistence U with LizbethChristina Foxwell on Shedding Shame and the Need to Please In Order to Ignite Her PurposeChristina Foxwell's early life in South Africa was with loving and strict parents. Her father was a Penecostal minister. It was during the age of apartheid, and Christina, a fair-skinned person of color, found herself longing to fit in and to be loved. Christina said she looked to men to abdicate her authority to and had a series of codependent relationships. It took a few tries in marriage, but Christina learned that finding her voice and strength would rely on her deciding to heal. Today, Christina makes her home in Australia, where she runs a consulting and coaching practice and...
2022-09-2136 min
Persistence U with LizbethCan You Forgive a Parent That You Have a Turbulent History With? Author Laura Davis Shares How She Did It, And Why It's Not For EveryoneThe bumpy relationship between bestselling author Laura Davis and her mom was well-documented long before her recent memoir The Burning Light Between Two Stars: A Mother-Daughter Story was published and resulted in a long period of estrangment. Yet where some of us may have written the relationship off forever, Laura and her mother worked hard to lay a foundation of respect and forgiveness.You will learn:As long as both parties are willing to work, the opportunity for both hope and change are endless.People with an abuse history with their parent might wisely c...
2022-09-1436 min
Persistence U with LizbethHas Parenting Your Adult Kids Been a Challenge? Empowerment Life Coach Denise Drinkwalter Helps to Navigate the Relationships By Cutting the Cord, Not the TiesParenting books and experts have much to say on parenting kids during the early years. Then the information seems to stop.Denise Drinkwalter is a former educator who's helped scores of parents who are wrestling with issues of communications, expectations, and disappointments when it comes to their adult kids.You will learn:* The dynamic doesn't magically change between parents and kids once the child reaches adulthood.*When adult kids move back home for a time, they need to understand the home is no longer their space, but the parents.*Flexibility is key when dealing with agreed upon guidelines and rules...
2022-09-0722 min
Persistence U with LizbethHow Do We Navigate Differences Without Unfriending and Unfollowing? The Therapy Twins Share Their Secrets on How to Get AlongYou might think that being a twin means you'll experience the world around you similarly.Not so, says identical twins and authors Joan and Jane, former therapists turned psychiatric entertainers. Perhaps it was their forced separation by medical staff when they emerged as preemies and sequestered from one another and all physical touch for a prolonged period of time. But each twin felt and acted out their shared experiences differently.You will learn:Even tiny infants can bear lifelong impact when dealing with trauma.Despite the same DNA and life experiences in early childhood, trauma can present differently for twins...
2022-08-1736 min
Persistence U with LizbethHow Cheryl Ilov Solved Her Chronic Pain Problems When Doctors Could Not and Became the Author of Forever Fit and Flexible.After a diagnosis of arthritis in her spine created neverending pain, Chery Ilov was told to resign herself to the fact she'd need medication for life and wouldn't be able to dance or become a physical therapist as planned. The pain was just a part of aging. Today, Cheryl is a physical therapist, martial artist, a podcast host, and an author of Forever Fit and Flexible: Feeling Fabulous After 50 and Beyond. She is the host of FemiNinja Podcast.You will learn:There are many routes to healing beyond traditional Western Medicine.Each of us is ultimately responsible for our own we...
2022-08-1028 min
Persistence U with LizbethHow Her Son's Addiction Issues Helped Colleen Elaine's Family Come CleanAs a young man spiraling out of control with drug addiction, Colleen Elaine's son clearly had a problem. He wasn't the only one.Colleen Elaine shares lessons learned after her life unraveled, and the permanent changes made as her son and entire family inched forward to wellness.You will learn: Sometimes a "problem child" indicates a family system deficit that needs addressing.Keeping secrets in the family is a surefire way to staying stuck.Processing one trauma can unearth old buried ones.To connect with Colleen Elaine, click HERE.For show notes, click HERE.Lizbeth’s linksBuy Lizbeth a Coffeehttps://www...
2022-08-0333 min
Persistence U with LizbethThe Most Important Lessons Learned on the Path to a New Life Across CountryIt's been over nine months since I packed my few boxes, stuffed my cats in an airplane, and flew from Alaska to Tennessee to a home where I knew no one, leaving the place where I'd spent more than 5 decades of my life. It's been tough, leaving the state that essentially raised me, leaving my grown daughters, and starting over again.But the gold has been in the struggle.You will learn:Often a goal becomes less important than the incremental emotional muscle gained during the process.Too much time alone, even for introverts, can be counterproductive.Developing a solid...
2022-07-2719 min
Persistence U with LizbethWhen Dr. Allen Lycka was Misdiagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease, He Found the Secret to Living a Fantastic LifeWhat do you say when a doctor tells you that you've got six months to live?When you're Dr. Allen Lycka, you get a second opinion. And a third. And so on. Rather than close his practice down and get his affairs in order, Dr. Lycka followed his intuition and kept digging for the truth. Today, Dr. Lycka is a motivational speaker, a popular radio host of How to Live a Fantastic Life, and co-author of several books.You will learn:* Some of the symptoms of Lyme's disease are in other diseases and syndromes.* When a doctor can't find the sou...
2022-07-1324 min
Persistence U with LizbethWhen Fiona Demark's Family Told Her to Not Expect Too Much of Herself Due to Her Disability, She Found Support ElsewhereBack when Fiona Demark was growing up in a small town in Australia, resources to help support her sight loss weren't readily available. Legally blind since birth, she worked hard in school and envisioned a future for herself that included a career. But her family didn't rally for her as she'd hoped, demonstrating apathy and even incredulity that Fiona would expend the effort for dreams that wouldn't likely come true. Today, Fiona is a mother, an entrepreneur, and a keynote speaker in addition to her government job.You will learn:* How wrestling with big issues in isolation can lead to fee...
2022-07-0625 min
Persistence U with LizbethDr. Susan Landers Talks About the Importance of Being a Good Enough MotherDr. Susan Landers had it all. A brilliant career in neonatology in the NICU unit, a supportive husband, also a doctor, and three children. It was wonderful, and sometimes, it was far too much.Today, Susan is the author of So Many Babies: My Life Balancing a Busy Medical Career and Motherhood.You will learn:Attempting to give 150% to parenting and your profession will lead to burnout Work- life balance is a myth when in a full time demanding profession while parenting a young family, according to Susan. At best, it’s a challenging juggling act. Pushing back against perfectionism is k...
2022-06-2234 min
Persistence U with LizbethWhen Stand-Up Comedian Karen Mills Found Something Funny in Her Belly Karen Mills wrote off her tummy pooch as simply another sign of menopause. After all, what menopausal woman doesn't gain a bit of belly weight, or have trouble fully evacuating during urination ?When her doctor saw her for a routine appointment, she eventually learned that she had ovarian cancer.You will learn:The signs of ovarian cancer are often non-existent, or mimic symptoms of general menopause or other conditions.Even in the thick of crisis, there are opportunities for hilarity.A positive mindset and the ability to laugh are important to becoming a victor over adversity.For Karen Mill's TEDx ta...
2022-06-1530 min
Persistence U with LizbethThe Pale-Faced Lie Author David Crow on Rejecting the Intergenerational Inheritance of Trauma "We need to get rid of your mother," David Crows father told him when he was a young boy. He'd worried David would experience the mental health problems that she did, and insisted David help dispose of her to reduce the likelihood. What happened next became the award-winning memoir, The Pale Faced Lie, now optioned for film.You will learn:1. Parents forcing children to form allegiances after their relationship together ends create near-irreparable harm 2. Our brains can be retrained, no matter what’s happened in our past if we have the right interventions. 3. The process of writing whether it be jour...
2022-06-0842 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 72: Author Frank Zafiro's Long Journey to Becoming an Accidental PublisherFrank Zafiro isn't afraid of a challenge. A police officer for many years before retiring as a captain, he'd long been a writer with a string of successes. But as the world of publishing changed, he found himself fighting to get his books into the hands of readers, before taking action that would change the trajectory of his career.You will learn:*How the publishing industry continually evolves.*Why developing and sustaining community inside the writer's journey is critical to sustained success.*That obstacles present opportunities for often-needed change.For show notes, click HERE.Lizbeth’s links Support the podcast an...
2022-05-2536 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 71: Unfreezing Trauma Using EMDR With Author Mary HeldFirst, the diagnosis was epilepsy. Then, a host of other symptoms besides seizures were identified and treated. By the time Mary Held finally found a doctor who landed on the right intervention, she'd lost mobility and nearly all the ability to work and live as she'd been previously accustomed.You will learn:*Trauma can create lasting debilitating physical and emotional harm.*Some people are falsely diagnosed with epilepsy actually have PNES (Psychogenic Non Epileptic Seizures).*EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a highly effective way to alleviate stress regarding traumatic memories.For show notes, click HERE.Lizbeth’s link...
2022-05-1828 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 70: Filmmaker/Author Daniel Hess Shares Why He Couldn't Afford to Delay Pursuing a Career That MatteredDaniel Hess was just a little boy when his close-as-a -brother cousin died. Daniel himself was born with aortic valve stenosis, a heart defect that meant he couldn't play sports like other kids. He could have easily focused on the limitations, but from the beginning, pursued academia.You will learn:* The inability to pursue some things due to health problems created opportunities and motivation to pursue others. * Serious health problems can crystalize and help prioritize what is important. * Filmmaking and writing can be a powerful way to commemorate a lost loved one.For show notes, click HERE. Lizbeth’s links Su...
2022-05-1133 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 69:The Beginnings of New Community, and an Invite to My Book Marketing MasterclassA quick interview with yours truly about what's happening these days, the signs of spring and the ending of isolation due to moving and the pandemic.You're invited (If you're an author or soon to be!) to my FREE masterclass tomorrow and the day after (May 4 and 5, 2022 at 7PM EST) on The Three Mistakes New Authors Make, and the Mindset Shifts to Fix Them. Sign up HERE!There's a fun show up bonus for those who attend live!Thanks for being here, and we'll resume the podcast with guests next week.Lizbeth’s links Support the podcast and Lizbeth's writing for...
2022-05-0408 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 68: Would You Trade Financial Security for Personal Passion? Actress Jinny Wong Shares How She Did It ResponsiblyJinny Wong was living the dream. With a supportive husband, a secure job with great benefits, and a growing family, what could be better?But she wasn't living her dream. Jinny wanted to pursue her passion of acting. But should she? How could she? What all was she willing to risk?You will learn:* Creating a plan of action with timelines is helpful to master goals.* Preparing for unforseen circumstances can make the difference between success and failure. *Teaching others from the missteps made along the way can create additional income streams.For show notes, click HERE Authors! Join me f...
2022-04-2745 minPersistence U with LizbethMinisode: The Book-to-Movie Journey, Mistakes Made, and Your Questions Answered, Pt 1Welcome to this three-part miniseries about the book-to-movie process. Contrary to what I mentioned in the recording, the next two will be published this week! :) I'll be sharing some of what I learned when my memoir, Pieces of Me: Rescuing My Kidnapped Daughters, became Stolen By Their Father on Lifetime Television, and mistakes I made (and nearly made) throughout the process. I'll answer questions some of you have asked, relying on my experience and my research that included speaking with a screenwriter, a producer, an author-turned screenwriter, and an author who signed too many rights away when optioning her memoir.I...
2022-04-1127 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 65: LaTonia Edwards Talks Healing for Sexual Abuse and Military Sexual Assault, and the Signs She Saw in Herself that She'd HealedFor LaTonia Edwards, seeking help to heal from childhood abuse and, later, military sexual assault, wasn't something she learned from her family growing up.But her journey to find the right services led her to become the vibrant business woman she is today, creating the very support she'd not found back when she was seeking help. Today, LaTonia is a trauma-informed violence and sexual assault coach at recoveringyoursoul.com. You will learn:Healing can't be rushed, and must occur at one's own pace.Not all therapy is created equal.Finding a trauma informed therapist or coach means you'll work with...
2022-04-0614 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 64: Stel Coombe-Heath Talks Beating Binge Eating and How Trying Less Can Lead to MoreStel Coombe-Heath sat in her home a few years ago, surrounded by the evidence of fast food and donuts she'd eaten, and realized it was her time to ask for help. She'd long taken her fitness and weight to punishing levels, depriving herself for period of time, followed by bingeing. Then shame. Discomfort. And pushing herself to exercise more and eat less. It was time for a change.You will learn: *It's possible to retrain and rewire the brain.*There is support for individuals with eating disorders, but it can be harder to find if the sufferer doesn't exhibit extreme...
2022-03-3025 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 61: How Kerryn Vaughan Allowed the Loss of Her Younger Sister to Help Others and Create Her WorldKerryn Vaughan was living her best life in her 30's, playing in a rock band in Australia and enjoying the adulation when her younger sister received a cancer diagnosis. Kerryn felt helpless, watching her sister die, and it took a long while before she was able to pivot. Today, Kerryn's the host of Get Off the Bench Podcast, an author, and a leader teaching others how to greenlight their own world-changing passion projects.The oldest child in a large family often takes on the role of protector.Grief can be transformative when not rushed.The best intentions for charitable giving c...
2022-03-0933 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 60.5 The Truth About Happily Ever After and the Journey of Recovery (From Anything!)Today is so very significant to me.Stolen By Their Father, the Lifetime Television movie based on my book, Pieces of Me: Rescuing My Kidnapped Daughters, premiers today. And it's 32 years to the day after leaving abuse behind, something to celebrate, indeed.You will learn:Happily Ever After is for fairy tales, but my family been so fortunate to live our lives reunited in a Happily Ever After sort of way.In books and movies, not all characters can be identified for reasons of privacy, budget, and time. But the real heroes in my story were many, and spanned the...
2022-03-0508 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 55:Is the Pandemic Killing You Softly? Physical Therapist Teresa Moerer Shares Easy Ways to Stay Sharp and HealthyTeresa Moerer was certain physical therapy would be her dream career. It was not. But rather than waste the training and experiences earned during her long career spent in numerous locations, she found fulfillment in creative outlets and taking the best of the training and principles she learned to create her own business model where she promotes health and wellness for older adults.You will learn:The crushing impact isolation and touch starvation may cause.Small changes we can do at home, like cooking a new recipe with different herbs and spices than we normally use, having art on the wa...
2022-02-0220 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 49: Educator/Author Lynne Podrat's Personal Story of Why She's Passionate About Celebrating the Contributions of People With Special NeedsLynne Podrat wasn't supposed to hear the conversation about her baby brother having Down Syndrome many decades ago. As a teenager, she wasn't supposed to intervene in her parent's plan to place him in a home for children with disabilities. But she did. And from those early days, Lynne learned to become a fierce advocate for her brother, and for others experiencing disabilities.You will learn:* The positive impact Lynne's brother made, not only on her, but the world around him.* Why it's important that schools and workplaces to welcome people with disabilities. * That many people feel awkward or even...
2021-12-2226 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 48: Think There's Only One Way to Treat Anxiety and Depression? Toby Passman is Here to Talk NeurostimulationToby Passman isn't your typical 20-something. When his anxiety interrupted conversations and relationships, he began to apply the research he'd been doing in school to himself, using neurostimulation to retrain his brain. He saw the difference almost immediately. He went to work later at an EEG lab and started data collection with an eye toward helping improve the brain function of those impacted by some mental health conditions. You will learn:* There are different ways to address anxiety and depression besides medication.* Neurostimulation is a painless way to stimulate different parts of the brain, and may provide positive effects earlier th...
2021-12-1526 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 47: Mindset Maestro Melanie Wexler on Why Career Coaching Is Not About Amplifying Employee SkillsMelanie Wexler understands well what happens when we spend eight to ten hours a day at a job that doesn't light us up.After leaving the corporate conveyer belt, Melanie briefly worked at a friend's business, where she again found herself being under-utilized. As a single mom, she was hardly poised to quit and find her passion project. But she did take on a side-hustle. And from there, her business was accidentally born leading her to become a fulltime career coach.You will learn:Why amplifying great job skills and experience is NOT the secret sauce needed for finding meaningful wo...
2021-12-0824 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 46: Comedian Katie Barbaro is Fed Up with How We Torture Ourselves With Food and Body Image, So She's Creating ChangeKatie Barbaro's world was rocked when a relationship ended. It created opportunity for self-discovery, and emboldened her to look deeply at issues which were holding her back, like her longtime eating disorder and the accompanying shame. So in her recently published graphic novel Fed Up, she unpacked serious issues in an accessible format. You will learn:Individual therapy alone may not be sufficient to treat eating disorders.Overeaters Anonymous is a supportive group that provides free support for those struggling with issues related to food, not just weight struggles.Sometimes the most important part of getting support to address a p...
2021-12-0130 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 45: What Happens When it Seems You've Had Your Share of Loss and Someone Else's, Too? Author Emily Thiroux Threatt Shares Lessons Learned As She's Navigated How to Love and Live Her Way Through GriefLosing a spouse once in a lifetime is hard enough, but against all odds, Emily Thiroux Threatt found love again. And then he died.While it would've been understandable if she'd decided to take a yearlong nap, Emily instead found a way to connect with others who were grieving their own losses.You will learn:How creating space for healing provides opportunities to connect with others experiencing similar emotional wounds.Creative ways to serve others may just turn into a passion project.That keeping the focus on benefits to the readers may just be the best marketing tip for authors.Fo...
2021-11-2424 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 43 B: Judith Joy on Midlife Re-Do's and Being an Influencer to Her DaughterWhen Judith Joy's daughter asked her mom to teach her whatever she'd learned that had worked to combat headaches, depression, and other symptoms, Judith was only too happy to share. Her daughter followed her footsteps into a healing profession, and today, both are committed to principals of gratitude, manifestation, and creating possibilities. You will learn:That children watch their parent's example closely, even when they appear to dislike us.Gratitude is a perfect first step in choosing to heal.The way to surviving teenagers may well be to understand that they're not a reflection of us, but their own individual...
2021-11-1719 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 43: How New Author Cassie Sanchez Pursued a New Dream and Identity After Two Decades as a Stay-at-Home MomCassie Sanchez knew she was lucky. She'd enjoyed two decades as a stay-at-home-mom, minding the family's details and having time to herself when the kids were at school.But kids grow up. And when Cassie's did, she questioned her purpose and her worth.You will learn: That the first step to pursuing your dream is to give yourself permission.About National Novel Writing Month, which happens each November and invites EVERYONE to participate for free.How findng classes, community, and coaching, helped Cassie get her first book published.For show notes, click HERE.Lizbeth’s links Support the podcast and Liz...
2021-11-1027 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 42: Two Heart Attacks in His Early 20's Turned Cartoonist and Comic Trenton Hudson into an Entrepreneur to Bring a Healthy Coffee Alternatives to AllWhen gym fanatic Trenton Hudson felt pains in his chest, he was sure he could walk them off. He was barely 20 and in great health. But it was a heart attack. Not long after, a second heart attack threatened his life.You will learn:How running down a dream sometimes means launching before all details are perfectly hammered out, then refining again and again.That re-using resources that are already around us can result in a re-imagination that benefits many.Different opportunities like comedy, comic writing, and coffee distribution and all played a part in Trenton's healing and health.See...
2021-11-0337 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 39: When Illness Impacts Libido, What Can You Do? The Founder of Entwine Dating App Tells About Her Journey From Cancer to CreatorEight years ago, cancer and subsequent treatment impacted what was left of Anna Leonarda's libido. Later on, her marriage to her childhood sweetheart ended after the pair drifted apart. Many cancer survivors would have sat around and wondered, "Why me?"But for Entwine dating app creator's Anna, she wondered, "Who else is in my shoes?"You'll learn: How leaning in to a pain point can ignite desire to create change for others.Many different issues create a need for a dating app that de-prioritizes intimacy from the list of factors to address.That healing can come from creating change after s...
2021-10-2014 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 38: Persistent Growth's Michael Landau Gets You Results in a Few Minutes a DayLet's be honest. The last year-plus hasn't been super inspirational for a lot of us.Today's guest, Michael Landau, had long been working with clients to get them physically moving. And then came the pandemic, a time when, more than ever, we needed to double-down on our health habits. But who wanted to?You will learn:* Positive results of movement can happen in just 3 minutes a day.* On camera exercises are as impactful and effective as in-person.* Improving mood, calming stress, and improving focus are still within reach.For show notes, click HERE.Lizbeth’s links Support the podcast and Lizbe...
2021-10-2023 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 36: Author MK Meredith on Her Journey from Romance Writer to Breast Cancer Survivor and the Importance of Being OK with Not Being OKAuthor MK Meredith dreaded turning 39, the age her own mom was when she died of breast cancer. MK had watched her health, did BRACA tests to look at her level of risk, and held her breath through her 39th year. Two days before her 40th birthday, her doctor delivered the breast cancer diagnosis.A successful romance writer, MK used her writing chops to document her cancer and wellness journey in Not Your Usual Boob.You will learn:Trusting your gut regarding health is critical, even when medical providers are resistant.Self-advocacy and persistence can mean the difference between life and...
2021-10-1332 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 34:Twice a Daughter Author Julie McGue on Adoption and the Long Journey to Finding Her Biological FamilyToday, thanks to Ancestry.com and open adoptions, finding one's biological family has never been easier for adoptees. But when Julie McGue began her search for her and her twin's biological parents, she was over 40, in need of her health history, and facing the old-school world of closed adoption records.You will learn:That adoption laws have traditionally protected the needs of parents giving their children up, not the needs of the children. Agencies intended to assist searching children are limited by both resources and current laws. A negative response from a biological family member can be temporary, and evolve ove...
2021-10-0627 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 35: Pushing Back Against Gender and Cultural Norms, Author/Podcaster Anu Verma Refuses to Let Abuse Continue to Be a SecretMany who experience abuse would rather take the easy way out, putting it behind them, and moving on. But what isn't addressed can linger in the body for months, years, and even decades. Anu shares her story of how she refused to keep secrets and be isolated, which led her to a fun and fullfilling life. You will learn:How Anu uses her life experiences to improve the lives of others.About some unique challenges Anu faced as a woman in the United Kingdom experiencing abuse, and how her Indian culture added unique challenges to speaking out about her own...
2021-10-0621 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 32:Author and Writing Coach Esther Buerki on How Divorce Led Her to a Midlife Metamorphasis that helped Her Master her EmotionsWhen journalist and mom Esther Buerki found herself suddenly single, traditional support didn't get her where she wanted to go. Esther shares her journey working with a coach who helped her master her emotions.You will learn:How therapy, pharmaceuticals, and other self-help interventions didn't help Esther master her emotions to achieve her goals. Choosing to hire a coach did.That replacement messages helped Esther move forward and get un-stuck.How a single mom makes time to write for pleasure and published her first book after 50.For show notes, click HERE.Lizbeth’s links Support the podcast and Lizbeth's writing fo...
2021-09-2921 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 31:Her Father's Cancer Spurred Nicole Spindler to Turn This Obstacle Into a Series of Fortunate EventsWhen Nicole Spindler's father fell ill with cancer when she was only 15, things didn't appear to be hopeful at first.But she committed to being intentional about how to think and respond to the diagnosis. And she saw the benefit to incorporating the setback into her life to create something good.You will learn:How a high school project paved the way for a book with benefits. That mindset about trauma led to reaching out to others, even though that hadn't been the family culture Nicole grew up in. Navigating challenges is a skill worthy of attention since obstacles can sto...
2021-09-2224 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 29: Finding, Keeping, and Finally Leaving a Home after 27 years in AlaskaIn 1995, when my kidnapped daughters were still living in hiding out of country, I bought a starter home in Alaska.Twenty-seven years later, I'm closing one chapter and beginning another. You will learn:How neighbors can become a makeshift family.The work to create stability and sustain a household isn't for the faint of heart.A home isn't built of walls and cement, but of the love and memories made.For show notes and pictures, click HERE. Lizbeth’s links Support the podcast and Lizbeth's writing for $2 or $5 a month on Patreon HEREOR Buy Lizbeth a Coffee Lizbeth's memoir Pieces of M...
2021-09-0822 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 27: Single Mom-Turned-Empty-Nester Karey Spransy's Fight Against Cancer to Reclaim the Life of Her DreamsKarey Spransy made a series of terrific choices after becoming pregnant in her teens.Parenting alone and putting her child first meant so many other dreams were put on hold, but she knew it was for the best. When her son was ready to leave the home, she looked forward to a life filled with possibilities. Then cancer came.You will learn:How sacrifices made in her youth as a teen single mom helped Karey have laser focus on financial and personal goals.When crisis strikes, how clarity of meaning and purpose can come and redefine what success is and is...
2021-08-2527 min
Persistence U with LizbethEpisode 24: Jen Kiaba on Coercive Control and Her Life after Leaving the Unification ChurchLooking at Jen Kiaba's art and writing, you'd never guess that she grew up inside a religion that discouraged personal expression.In this interview, Jen talks about her wedding to a virtual stranger within the Unification Church, and how breaking her vow to him meant vowing to move toward freedom.You will learn:That oppressive religions and cults exercise similar control over members as abusers do over domestic abuse victims. That leaving the Unification church or similarly high-control groups can be dangerous and have many unintended consequences, including alienation from family members remaining inside the group.There is life after le...
2021-08-0426 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 20: Maura Sweeney's Second Chapter Began with a Dance/How Daring to Learn a New Skill Fueled Her Courage to Create a New LifeAt a time when many women look forward to sitting on the couch with their feet up and watching television, Maura Sweeney's post-retirement plan included embarking on the life of her dreams. After working in corporate America and homeschooling her daughter who'd successfully launched, Maura made good on her daughter's challenge to take dance lessons. Clumsy by nature, yet having long dreamed of learning the art of dance, Maura enrolled in and subsequently failed the course more than once. But she didn't give up. Lesson by lesson, Maura muscled up and discovered that some dreams are worth failing for. Today, Ma...
2021-07-0717 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 19: When Author Olivier Mankondo Renovated His Diet to Pursue Health, He Lost a Lot More than Weight/How He Navigated the Pressure to Stay Heavy from Some Family and FriendsFrom skin problems to aches and fatigue, the symptoms related to Manchester resident Olivier Mankondo were enough to spur his doctor to recommend lifelong medication. Olivier rejected that plan and did what few dare to do: made permanent and radical changes to his diet. While he lost weight and gained health, he also lost support of some family and friends.You will learn:How to respond to your support network when they're threatened by changes you're making to improve your life. The dietary change that erased Mankondo's symptoms. The journey of wellness that led to Mankondo's career change and book on...
2021-07-0125 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 23: Erin Mac on Recalibrating After Achieving the Goal You've Worked for and Discovered it Wasn't the One You WantedAfter Erin Mac nearly ran over her friend's husband while driving to help a client in crisis, she knew that the successful business that she'd built wasn't the destiny she'd hoped for.Here, Erin shares her journey to find joy and create the life and work that continues to be fulfilling.You will learn:How getting what you want might not be what you need.That now, in the midst of struggle, joy can be found.The simple act of breathing can bring focus and aid in navigating anxiety.Find Erin here.Show notes here.Lizbeth’s links Support the podc...
2021-06-2524 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 18: Her Book Cover Says it All/Author of My Missing Peace Author JoJo MarieSince battling chronic illness, Toronto Native JoJo Marie has the unique distinction of spending 1,460 days on bedrest. But the time was not wasted. While JoJo focused on getting better, she also took a deeper look at the life she'd lived thus far, and mentally prepared to make steep changes and do better. You will learn: Unaddressed trauma may turn into emotional pain. Learning to be grateful for the darker times or circumstances aids in the healing process.Time spent convalescing can inspire personal growth.For show notes, click here.Lizbeth’s links Support the podcast and Lizbeth's writing for $2 or $5 a month...
2021-06-2324 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 17: When a High-Risk Pregnancy Inspired Traci Philips to Master the Art of Having Courageous ConversationsWhile a master's degree in curriculum development may have helped The Innate Coach Traci Philips map out how to serve executive leaders worldwide, her experience with new motherhood was the internship that provided opportunity for growth In this week's episode, Traci shares how she had courageous conversations with the team of doctors and nurses on the importance of how to deliver cautionary news, and gives tips on what is needed to unify a team that could easily be divided by conflict.You will learn:Cultivating empathy for the offending party, choosing to see the world through their lens, can make ad...
2021-06-1630 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 16: How Writing Helped Meg Nocero Heal from Losing Her Mother and Leave a Career as a Federal Prosecutor to Bring Bliss to Her WorldAuthor Meg Nocero left a career as a federal prosecutor at the Department of Homeland Securities after her mother sucuumbed to breast cancer. By writing insights of the day as she navigated the healing process, she felt pulled to share them with others in her first two books.Meg's third book, Butterfly Awakens, will be published in September of 2021 by She Writes Press. To learn more about Meg's books or coaching, click here.Connect with Meg on Manifesting with Meg Podcast on Spotify.You will learn: How writing can help in the healing journey. That walking the Camino de Santiago aid...
2021-06-0925 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 15: Former Radio Star and Stand-Up Comic Steve Gamlin Stokes a Flame of Inspiration as the Motivational Firewood GuyAt 35, Steve Gamlin's life took a downward spiral. He'd experienced great success as a radio personality, but knew it was not where he wanted to land. Unhappy at work, inattentive to debts, and his marriage folding before him, he felt he was standing in ashes. Here, with humor, Steve tells the story of how he rebuilt his life, slowly and steadily and with great intention, to become one filled with peace and love and meaningful work. You will learn:What a vision board is.That pursuing a passion as a side-hustle rather than quitting the day job is a perfectly wo...
2021-06-0222 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 14: From Modeling Fashion to Modeling Courage/How Christine Handy Found Her Joy After CancerAfter routine medical procedures turned ugly, successful model and mom of young boys, Christine Handy was then diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She doubted her will to fight it, but friends, family, and faith prevailed, and today she is a survivor and ambassador for cancer survivors everywhere.Today, Christine is an author and speaker who partners with Paul Mitchell's EBeauty to provide wigs for cancer survivors. Her book, Walk Beside Me, is a fictional account of her life.You will learn: Friends and family sometimes long to be useful and help us during hard times.Christine's definition o...
2021-05-2620 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode13: Winning the Game at Work author Terry McDougall Shares How Her Past Fail Informed Her Futures SuccessesWhen Terry McDougall jumped into the deep end of the applicant pool for her ideal job many years ago, she did a belly-flop. She'd thought she was a shoo-in, having performed the duties of the position and enjoying a positive reputation at the company. But rather than get mad or give up, she hired a coach who helped her do a realistic assessment of the obstacles and create an action plan. Soon Terry was applying again. She faced more setbacks, but ultimately found the exact position that fueled her passions. Now, a career coach herself with a thriving business, Terry B...
2021-05-1927 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 11: From SWAT Negotiator to Cancer Warrior: Author Terry Tucker Talks Life, Death, and the Space BetweenBefore he was a cancer survivor, Terry Tucker had a life filled with exciting challenges and goals achieved. An NCAA Division I college basketball player, a Citadel cadet, a marketing executive, a hospital administrator, and a SWAT Team Hostage Negotiator, that all changed when he found the callus on his foot was actually cancer. At least for a while. Now as Terry fights for his life, he uses the lessons learned to motivate others through his blog, book, and inspiring talks.For show notes, click here:You will learn:How being a SWAT negotiator prepared Terry for hard conversations when...
2021-05-0526 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 8: From Robbery Victim to Victim's Advocate, Victoria Shanklin Invites You to Get InvolvedNo one expects to be a victim of crime, especially not in the broad daylight on a sunny Alaskan evening.Victoria Shanklin was held at gunpoint while leaving a friend's birthday party. The justice system's response sparked a passion to create change and help others in similar circumstances.In the United States, it's Crime Victim's Right's Week April 18-24 this year. The other 51 weeks of the year, however, appear to forget victims of crime.See show notes here. Find Victoria at Victimsforjustice.org, and don't hesitate to donate, volunteer, or find other ways to support crime victims.Lizbeth’s links Sup...
2021-04-1420 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 7: Author Allen Klein on Healing with Humor and Finding Awe During the Worst of TimesMany years ago, Allen Klein's wife died while in her thirties. Their shared sense of humor that had strenghtened their bond served Allen later to help him heal as he processed grief and loss. Afterward, he wanted to bring his message of humor's power to others, but was told he could never be a public speaker, and hadn't a chance to get his book published.Nearly thirty books later, the joke was on the naysayers.You will learn:How to use a prompt or a prop to channel your lighter side.That humor is critical to healing.How to train yourse...
2021-04-0727 minPersistence U with LizbethEpisode 6: When Scar Tissue Left By Childhood Sexual Abuse Lingers/Author Deanna CarpenterWhen Deanna Carpenter saw a childhood picture as she decluttered during COVID, she was flooded with old memories of sexual abuse. In this episode, she discusses how her sudden inability to remain busy during the pandemic forced her to address the issue head-on, and eventually find herself in a supportive online community and as a co-author of The Survivor Memoirs, Book 1.You will learn:*Despite therapeutic interventions, old traumas from childhood can wreak havoc on mental health later in life.*Finding/creating community can facilitate healing.* It's never too late to resolve trauma and not simply survive, but thrive.Lizbeth’s link...
2021-03-3116 min