Grief & Guts: Recent Episodes

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In this deeply honest conversation, Melissa sits down with entrepreneur, CPA, and author Mel Abraham to talk about the connection between grief, wealth, purpose, resilience, and the moments that actually define a meaningful life.

What starts as a conversation about money quickly becomes something much deeper.

Mel shares the life-changing moments that completely reshaped his perspective—from becoming a single father while $300,000 in debt… to surviving cancer… to rebuilding after losing millions in a Ponzi scheme. Together, Melissa and Mel unpack the emotional side of wealth, the grief hidden inside identity shifts, and why true richness has far more to do with moments than money.

This episode is for anyone navigating loss, rebuilding after adversity, questioning the path they’re on, or trying to create a life that feels aligned instead of performative.

Topics Discussed:
• Why most people don’t actually have a “money problem”
• The difference between leaving a legacy vs living one
• Work-life harmony vs work-life balance
• How grief reshapes identity and priorities
• Why wealth creation is mostly behavioral
• Healing through purpose after loss and adversity
• Rebuilding after financial betrayal and hardship
• The power of intentional living and choosing what matters

HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 – Why making more money alone will never create freedom
01:27 – Mel explains the “money machine” concept
02:16 – Entrepreneurs stuck on the treadmill of earning
03:51 – Becoming a single dad while $300K in debt
05:32 – The drawing from his son that changed everything
06:35 – Why work-life balance doesn’t work long term
06:40 – The concept of work-life harmony
09:41 – “You don’t want to leave a legacy. You want to live one.”
10:14 – What legacy actually means
11:16 – How intentional scheduling changed his relationship with his son
13:22 – Melissa shares her perspective on grief beyond death
14:38 – Identity loss, reinvention, and entrepreneurship
15:22 – Mel’s cancer diagnosis and everything changing overnight
17:20 – The dangerous spiral of asking “Why me?”
17:44 – “What if cancer happened because of what you were meant to do?”
18:50 – How cancer led Mel to write his book and serve others
19:32 – Finding meaning inside devastating experiences
20:20 – Melissa shares the moment that transformed her grief into purpose
21:25 – Living with the fear of cancer recurrence
22:48 – Why moments matter more than certainty
23:00 – Losing his mother and the regret she carried
24:15 – Wealth vs richness in life
26:50 – Losing millions in a Ponzi scheme
28:18 – Ignoring intuition and emotional financial decisions
30:29 – The moment he realized his son was watching how he handled adversity
31:32 – Rebuilding after betrayal and financial devastation
32:47 – Melissa reflects on how children become mirrors and teachers
35:02 – Every hardship becomes a choice point
36:24 – Focusing only on what you can control
39:18 – The biggest mistakes people make financially
40:13 – Why “money problems” are actually behavioral problems
41:33 – Why no amount is too small to start building wealth
42:42 – The power of getting in the game financially
43:16 – Final reflections on empowerment, grief, and choice
44:07 – Where to connect with Mel Abraham

If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs this reminder:
You are not powerless. Your pain does not disqualify you from building a meaningful, rich, and intentional life. 🤍

Catch up with me on socials!

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In this episode, we explore:

• Why most conflict is really unspoken expectations colliding

• How isolation is impacting men’s mental health and relationships

• The difference between confrontation and healthy communication

• Why avoiding hard conversations creates long-term resentment

• How to create safe environments for honest dialogue

• The role of overcommunication vs undercommunication in relationships

• Why community and connection are essential, not optional

• How to navigate difficult conversations without escalating into conflict

• The impact of prioritizing work over relationships, and how to shift it

• What it really means to take responsibility in your relationships

Connect with Me:

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In this episode, we explore:

• What it really means to be 100% responsible for your 50% in relationships

• Why your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship

• The concept of a heartprint and how it shapes your purpose and direction

• How to access your inner wisdom (wise woman / good man) in everyday life

• The difference between reacting from your human self and responding with awareness

• Why triggers, conflict, and discomfort are part of growth, not signs you’re failing

• How “away moves” like blame, shutdown, and criticism keep you stuck

• What “toward moves” look like and how they create real change

• The power of perspective and learning to witness your patterns

• Why emotional responsibility is the key to deeper, healthier connection

Highlights + Timestamps:

• 00:00 — The truth about your heartprint

What if your goals were always meant for you, and your job is to align with them?

• 02:00 — What is a heartprint, really?

Understanding your unique blueprint and why no two people are the same

• 06:30 — Your inner wisdom: wise woman / good man

How to access the voice that actually knows your next step

• 12:00 — Why most people feel disconnected from themselves

And how that disconnect shows up in your life and decisions

• 20:30 — 100% responsible for your 50%

The relationship principle that changes everything

• 24:00 — Why relationships feel hard

Two imperfect humans with two different histories trying to build one shared space

• 30:00 — Away moves vs toward moves

Blame versus ownership and how to shift in real time

• 33:30 — The power of perspective

How to stop reacting and start witnessing what’s really happening

• 36:30 — Why your brain wants to escape discomfort

And how to build the capacity to stay with it

• 40:00 — The real work: your relationship with yourself

Why self-trust changes everything

This one might challenge you in the best way.

So let me ask you this.

Where are you giving away responsibility, and what could change if you took it back?

Catch up with me on socials!

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In this honest, no-fluff conversation, Tracy and I dive into trauma, self-awareness, and what it really takes to transform.

We explore how the traits that once protected you can quietly become armor, and how to shift them into something that actually serves your growth. Tracy shares how her past shaped her ability to read people, and how she turned that from survival into purpose.

We also get real about healing: you don’t outgrow your patterns by avoiding them, you meet them, feel them, and move through them.

At the core of this episode is one powerful reframe: your triggers aren’t problems, they’re mirrors. If you’re willing to stay present, they can become your greatest tool for growth.

Because real change doesn’t happen from the neck up, it happens when you’re willing to feel.

This is for you if you know you’re meant for more… and you’re ready to stop circling the same patterns and actually step into it.

In this episode, we explore:

• What toxic positivity is and how it shows up in everyday conversations
• Why society often encourages us to suppress uncomfortable emotions
• The difference between unpleasant emotions and “bad” emotions
• Why unresolved grief and trauma often resurface years later
• How toxic positivity can appear in well-meaning support
• The role of emotional awareness in personal growth
• The difference between willingness and ability in support systems
• Common phrases that unintentionally dismiss pain
• Three ways to respond to toxic positivity in real life
• How boundaries can protect your healing process
• Why teaching people how to support you can deepen connection
• The concept of “scar tissue” and the growth that can come from it

Connect with Me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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In this short but powerful episode, I explore why toxic positivity has become so common in our culture and why it often prevents real healing.

Many of us were raised in environments where sadness, anger, grief, or overwhelm were quickly shut down with phrases meant to “fix” the moment. Over time, this conditioning teaches us to suppress emotions rather than understand them.

But emotions that are pushed down don’t disappear. They resurface later, sometimes years later, in ways that feel even harder to process.

In this conversation, I explain how toxic positivity differs from a true growth mindset and why acknowledging difficult emotions is an essential part of moving forward.

I also share three response strategies that can help you navigate moments when someone says something unhelpful. These tools allow you to protect your emotional space while also maintaining a connection with people who genuinely want to support you but may not know how.

This episode is a reminder that healing is not about pretending everything is positive. It’s about learning how to move through pain with awareness, courage, and intention.

In this episode, we explore:

• What toxic positivity is and how it shows up in everyday conversations

• Why society often encourages us to suppress uncomfortable emotions

• The difference between unpleasant emotions and “bad” emotions

• Why unresolved grief and trauma often resurface years later

• How toxic positivity can appear in well-meaning support

• The role of emotional awareness in personal growth

• The difference between willingness and ability in support systems

• Common phrases that unintentionally dismiss pain

• Three ways to respond to toxic positivity in real life

• How boundaries can protect your healing process

• Why teaching people how to support you can deepen the connection

• The concept of “scar tissue” and the growth that can come from it

Connect with Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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In this honest and strategic conversation, Nick and I pull back the curtain on what’s really happening behind most online businesses.

We talk about why marketing is not just social media, why operations matter more than you think, and how entrepreneurs unintentionally light money on fire by skipping foundational steps.

Nick shares what he’s learned from 15+ years behind the scenes of major brands, events, and digital products. We break down the simple but powerful marketing flow most businesses are missing, and why driving traffic without capturing it is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.

We also explore the emotional side of entrepreneurship. The loneliness. The ego. The pride that says “I can do it alone.” And why the most successful entrepreneurs rise together, not in isolation.

This episode is an invitation to stop guessing, stop reacting, and start building with strategy.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why 90 to 98% of website visitors never come back

• The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make with social media

• What a lead magnet actually needs to do to convert

• Why long, overwhelming freebies hurt your credibility

• The psychology behind quick wins and buyer trust

• The difference between brand marketing and operational marketing

• Why driving traffic to your homepage is usually a mistake

• The purpose of a low-ticket offer and how it builds momentum

• How to increase lifetime customer value through ascension and add-ons

• Why most entrepreneurs feel alone and how to fix it

• The common trait Nick sees in top-performing founders

• How mentorship shortens the learning curve and prevents costly mistakes

• Why transparency and integrity win in the long game

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

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In this deeply honest conversation, we explore what truly creates or destroys intimacy.

I share pieces of my own journey re-entering relationships after years alone, and Melissa brings the research, the neuroscience, and the lived experience of going on over 125 first dates before meeting her husband.

We talk about why most relationships don’t end because of one catastrophic event, but because of small unspoken resentments that stack over time. We unpack the four types of relational courage and why avoiding hard conversations is the fastest way to lose peace.

We also explore how chemistry can be built, why alignment cannot be manufactured, and how the honeymoon phase can actually last if you understand what’s happening in the brain.

This episode is an invitation to take radical ownership in your relationships... to stop expecting mind-reading, stop avoiding discomfort, and start acting from courage instead of fear.

In this episode, we explore:

• What “energy leaks” are and how unresolved issues quietly drain connection

• Why most relationships end from death by 1,000 paper cuts, not betrayal

• The four types of relational courage and how to practice them

• Why your partner cannot read your mind and why they shouldn’t have to

• How expectations and internal “stories” create friction

• The power of saying, “The story I’m telling myself is…”

• Why emotions only last 90 seconds if you don’t cling to them

• Tools to regulate your nervous system in the heat of conflict

• How fear acts as a compass toward growth in relationships

• The importance of value alignment over initial chemistry

• Why chemistry can be built but alignment cannot be manufactured

• The neuroscience behind dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin in long-term love

• How to keep the honeymoon phase alive through novelty and play

• The role of masculine and feminine balance in high-performing partnerships

• Three practical ways to invest in your relationship immediately

• Why radical ownership applies to love just as much as grief

Connect with Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

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Wounds Without Toxic Positivity

In this episode of The More Live Podcast, I sit down with my dear friend to talk about my book Scar Tissue: How to Find Relief from the Pain of Your Emotional Wounds Without Toxic Positivity and the deeper truths about grief, healing, and personal power.

We explore grief beyond death, why toxic positivity can actually delay healing, and how language, responsibility, and choice shape our emotional freedom. I share the story behind why this book exists, how losing my daughter Leyden reshaped every part of my life, and why grief is not something to get over but something to integrate.

This conversation is for anyone navigating loss, identity shifts, heartbreak, or the quiet griefs we don’t always name. If you’ve ever felt stuck between honoring your pain and wanting to move forward without betraying your love, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

Show Notes:

In this deeply honest conversation, I share the journey behind Scar Tissue and the lessons grief has taught me about power, responsibility, and freedom. We talk about redefining grief beyond death, dismantling entitlement disguised as worthiness, and why eliminating the word “should” changed my entire life.

We also explore how grief can become a source of connection rather than something that isolates us, how to work with emotional energy instead of numbing or bypassing it, and why healing is not about moving on but moving forward with love.

This episode is an invitation to stop outsourcing your worth, reclaim your agency, and become a conscious co-creator with your pain instead of a victim to it.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why grief is more than death and how it shows up in everyday life

• The difference between toxic positivity and empowered healing

• How language like “should” creates guilt, shame, and disempowerment

• The concept of grief as energy and how to transmute it

• Why you are worthy but not entitled and how that distinction creates freedom

• How to integrate loss without losing connection

• The role of radical responsibility in healing emotional wounds

• Why grief is not a blank check to be an asshole

• How nervous system regulation plays a key role in long-term healing

• What it really means to move forward without betraying love

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

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In this raw and honest conversation, I’m breaking down what it really takes to grow and succeed in business today. The conversation includes essential insights on branding, consistency, and how to manage your emotional landscape as a leader. Whether you're grappling with how to scale, building a personal brand, or wondering how to show up authentically, this episode is packed with actionable advice. I also touch on why grief and entrepreneurship are intertwined, and how facing the tough moments of life can be the catalyst for the next level of success. If you’re ready to take your brand to the next level in 2026, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The importance of consistency in branding (and why it’s about more than just colors and fonts)
• Why relationships are a major catalyst for growth in business
• How to create a brand that’s trustworthy and reliable for the long-term
• Why every founder needs to go “all in” — even when it’s uncomfortable
• How to navigate the emotional ups and downs that come with building a business
• The secret to mastering your brand’s message — and the content that drives it
• Why you can't wait for the "perfect" moment to build your business
• How to lead yourself through growth — and why seeking out the "burn" is essential for progress
• The difference between boundaries and avoidance, and how to set them without weaponizing them

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

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This conversation takes you behind the curtain of Scar Tissue, the creative process, the vulnerability, the strategy, and the soul work. We break down what makes a launch successful, why your “triggers are your teachers,” and how to stop taking everything so personally (especially in business). From ghosting to growth, this is an honest look at what it means to build, lead, and love in real time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it’s really like to publish a deeply personal book
• How to move through fear, resistance, and vulnerability
• The business side of a launch and what most people get wrong
• Why your triggers are your teachers and how to use them for growth
• The relationship between leadership, ego, and worthiness
• The difference between people-pleasing and authentic compassion
• How to balance masculine and feminine energy in business and relationships
• Why creativity requires space and how to actually make it

Connect with Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

If you loved this episode, share it with someone who needs a reminder that business, relationships, and healing are all connected. And don’t forget to rate and review Scar Tissue, it helps us reach more people who need these conversations.

Catch up with me on socials!

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This conversation is a masterclass in reshaping your inner operating system so health, wealth, and connection become your lifestyle, not another to-do. Gary shares how childhood coping patterns fueled success and burnout, why you can never have your way into being, and the simple reframes that brought his family closer than ever. We walk through his three pillars, the mentors who changed his life, and the prompt that can unlock your deepest relationship patterns in minutes. If you have ever felt stuck between ambition and intimacy, this is your invitation to build both.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to stop “shoulding” on yourself and shift from external validation to inner alignment
• The being, doing, having sequence and why most entrepreneurs run it backward
• Health as a lifestyle: metabolism reset, sleep quality, and energy that powers your business
• Wealth that runs on rails: what a virtual family office is and how it simplifies decisions
• Connection beyond gifts and getaways: practices that create safety, intimacy, and fun
• A two-question writing exercise that reveals your core relationship blueprint
• Why "what" is in the way is the way, and how to use resistance as your teacher

Connect with Gary Kadi:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gary.kadi/

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who needs to hear it and take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue creating meaningful content.

Catch up with me on socials!

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Catch up with me on socials!

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In this heartfelt and deeply honest conversation, Mike and I unpack the layers of grief, identity, and ego that come with reinvention. We explore how grief isn’t just about death; it’s about every place in life where expectation and reality don’t align. From navigating a major career pivot to learning how to release control, this conversation is about the power of witnessing your own transformation without bypassing the pain that comes with it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What “chosen grief” really means and why we all experience it
• How to let go of who you thought you’d be and make space for who you’re becoming
• The difference between toxic positivity and true emotional support
• Why grief can exist even when we “get what we want”
• How to find purpose and peace after endings in business or life
• The link between ego death, humility, and sustainable growth

Connect with Mike Michalowicz:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikemichalowicz/

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who needs to hear it and take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue creating meaningful content.

Catch up with me on socials!

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Catch up with me on socials!

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In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How grief has influenced my business and life in unexpected ways
• The truth behind the "soft girl era" and how to show up authentically without pressure
• Navigating the balance between masculine and feminine energy in business and life
• The importance of embracing discomfort and being true to yourself
• Why you shouldn’t put your joy on pause, no matter where you’re at in life

This episode is packed with insights about being unapologetically you, navigating life’s hardest moments, and how to continue building something powerful even when things feel uncertain.

This conversation with Angie Lee is incredibly special to me. We dive deep into the impact of grief and how it’s led both of us to transform in ways we never expected. I open up about my own journey of personal and professional growth, the importance of doing the work, and how I finally started to embrace my authentic self. Together, we explore the messy middle, the space between where we were and where we’re going and how to navigate that discomfort.

Catch up with me on socials!

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In this conversation, Jilly and I dive deep into how the energy of water mirrors so much of our inner wisdom in business and life. Jilly shares her experience of building a seven-figure business, healing from trauma, and stepping into her feminine power while navigating the world of high-performing entrepreneurship. We talk about the importance of boundaries, the energy of the sacral chakra, and why truly understanding your body is key to finding alignment and success in everything you do.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to embrace your feminine energy while leading in business
• The concept of “water codes” and how water holds memory in our bodies
• How Jilly’s journey of celibacy helped her tap into deeper creative energy
• The power of vulnerability and how it fuels personal and professional growth
• Why slowing down can actually speed up your success
• How to stay in alignment with your values and discern when to push forward or rest

Connect with Jilly:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterheiress/?hl=en

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waterheiress/

• Website: https://msha.ke/waterheiress

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who needs to hear it and take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue creating meaningful content.

Catch up with me on socials!

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Show Notes:

In this conversation, you’ll hear how four business owners went from struggling to scale to becoming leaders who now help others grow inside MCM. Whether you’re a gym owner, a lawyer, a coach, or any entrepreneur ready to level up, you’ll find practical strategies here to increase revenue, build trust with clients, and create an environment that supports your growth.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

Connect with the Speakers:

• Chris Harder: @chriswharder

• Andrea Sager: @andreasagerlaw

• Matt Aruda: @benchmarkburlington

Learn more about MCM:

👉 https://speakingofmelissa.com/mcm

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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Emily Ford opens up about the challenges of navigating life and business when you’re in the messy middle, that period of uncertainty and transition. She shares how her life changed when she left a seven-figure business to explore what truly lit her up, and how she faced the discomfort of building something new. From trusting the process to breaking down personal limitations, Emily's story is an inspiring example of surrendering to your true calling.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the messy middle is a necessary part of growth
• How to let go of limiting beliefs and break down internal barriers
• The importance of creating from a place of authenticity
• How to trust the process and embrace discomfort on your journey
• Why branding isn’t just about what you do… it’s about who you are
• How to combine both masculine and feminine energy in business

Connect with Emily Ford:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsemily/?hl=en

• Website: https://meetemilyford.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who needs to hear it and take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue creating impactful content.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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In this episode, Daniel G. shares how he built a high-energy personal brand, embracing his true self along the way. He gets real about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and why building a brand based on validation doesn’t work. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your brand without waiting for permission or struggling to figure out who you’re really serving, Daniel’s insights will speak to you. This episode is for anyone ready to take action and show up consistently, even when it feels hard.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why showing up consistently, even when no one’s watching, is key to building your brand
• How to embrace your true voice and stop waiting for validation
• The importance of knowing exactly who you’re serving and how to attract them
• Why building your brand around approval won’t get you far
• Daniel’s story of going from DJing to sales training and brand building
• How to stay true to yourself while scaling your brand

Connect with Daniel G:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielg/?hl=en

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielGShow

• Website: https://thesalesgamebook.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who needs to hear it and take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue creating content that makes an impact.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how to scale your income and influence while keeping your mission at the center. Chris shares the turning point that changed his trajectory, the truth about masterminds and how to make them worth it, and the steps to plant seeds for opportunities that may not bloom for years. Whether you are just starting your business or leading a multi-million dollar company, you will walk away with new ways to think about possibility, money, and legacy.

Connect with Chris Harder:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswharder/
• Podcast: https://chrisharder.me/podcast/

Scar Tissue Secret Access Link:
👉 https://speakingofmelissa.com/mcm#section-r8vbMb8E_z5

This is your private invitation into the Mentor Collective Mastermind, the coaching program Chris and I partner on. It’s the only place I coach marketing now, and it’s designed to help you scale your business with clarity, strategy, and support.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it and take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps spread this mission and message to more listeners.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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This episode dives deep into the balance between doing our best and doing the work, reflecting on Melissa’s personal growth and grief journey. Melissa shares valuable insights on overcoming challenges, setting boundaries, seeking support, and finding joy in the journey. Whether you’re navigating grief or striving for personal growth, this episode offers universal lessons and actionable advice to help you stand in your power.

Highlights:

• [0:09] Introduction: Melissa welcomes listeners and reflects on the journey. Emphasizing the importance of showing up and opening up to new possibilities.

• [1:02] Episode Theme: The episode focuses on understanding the balance between doing our best and putting in the necessary work, questioning if doing our best is enough.

• [2:19] Toxic Positivity and Spiritual Bypassing: Melissa revisits previous discussions about toxic positivity and the need for balance between effort and self-compassion.

• [3:15] Starting the Podcast: Melissa shares her initial struggles with starting the podcast, highlighting the emotional and energetic challenges she faced and the support she received from her podcast editor.

• [4:13] Doing Our Best vs. Complacency: Melissa explores the fine line between doing our best and using it as an excuse for complacency or avoiding necessary growth.

• [5:47] Enabling vs. Empowering: The importance of recognizing when we are enabling ourselves versus empowering ourselves to grow and develop.

• [7:00] Physical and Emotional Fitness: Drawing parallels between physical exercise and emotional growth, Melissa discusses the need to push beyond comfort zones without burning out.

• [8:11] Seeking Support: The value of coaches, mentors, and advisors in helping us see our blind spots and grow our capacity to do our best.

• [9:28] Accumulating Wins: Encouraging listeners to focus on small wins and incremental progress to build momentum and avoid overwhelm.

• [10:19] Reflection and Growth: Emphasizing the need to reflect on our efforts, embrace our journey, and find joy in the process, even during challenging times.

• [11:44] Setting Boundaries: Melissa advises on setting boundaries with others and being compassionate with ourselves to protect our energy and ensure personal growth.

• [12:31] Closing Thoughts: Melissa expresses gratitude for the listeners’ support, encourages feedback and episode requests, and highlights the importance of rating and reviewing the podcast to spread Leyden’s light.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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In this episode of “Scar Tissue,” Melissa Dlugolecki sits down with her friend and fellow entrepreneur, Alex White. Alex shares his journey of personal growth, the importance of authenticity, and how aligning your actions with your values can lead to a fulfilling life. They dive deep into the significance of taking action, learning from mistakes, and the various forms of capital we build through our experiences. Tune in for a powerful conversation that will inspire you to live a life true to yourself.

Introduction:

• Host Melissa Dlugolecki introduces the podcast, emphasizing the power within our pain and scars.

• The goal is to leverage these experiences to create massive impact and live authentically.

• Guest Introduction:

• Melissa welcomes Alex White, a thought leader, serial entrepreneur, and lifelong learner.

• Highlights of Alex’s background and their four-year friendship.

• Discussion Topics:

• The power of putting yourself in challenging environments.

• Importance of authenticity in personal and professional relationships.

• Alex’s journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

• The role of sports, music, and theater in Alex’s personal development.

• Transition from self-help consumption to taking actionable steps.

• Aligning actions with values and the importance of personal responsibility.

• Navigating the fear of failure and embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.

• The concept of ‘experience capital’ and how to leverage it.

• Values at different life stages and aligning them with actions.

• The significance of evolving values and the impact on personal growth.

• Key Takeaways:

• Living authentically and staying true to your values is crucial.

• Embrace failures as part of the journey to mastery.

• Continuous personal development and aligning actions with values lead to success.

• Building strong, meaningful relationships enriches both personal and professional life.

• Call to Action:

• Reflect on and define your core values.

• Align your actions with your values to reduce stress and increase fulfillment.

• Take intentional steps towards personal growth and development.

• Conclusion:

• Melissa expresses gratitude to Alex for sharing his wisdom and experiences.

• Encourages listeners to tune into future episodes for more insights and inspiration.

Key Quotes:

1. “Authenticity over everything.”

2. “People are afraid to take accountability and then take action because they know they’ll be responsible for whatever comes next and that’s scary.”

3. “Failure is not the definition of that end result. It is part of the process.”

4. “We are worthy of everything, but entitled to nothing. It is up to us to create it and to create from a place of love, opportunity, possibility, and authenticity.”

Timestamps and Highlights:

• [0:00] Introduction

• Melissa welcomes listeners to the podcast and introduces her guest, Alex White.

• [1:16] Meeting Alex White

• Alex White is introduced as an entrepreneur, father, and lifelong learner.

• Melissa shares how they met through a mutual community.

• [2:08] The Power of Environment

• Discussing the importance of putting yourself in environments where you can connect with like-minded people.

• [3:25] Alex’s Background

• Alex shares his upbringing, involvement in sports, and early life experiences.

• [4:42] Starting a Training Business

• How Alex’s journey led him to start a training business and focus on mental and emotional skills.

• [6:02] The Endless Loop of Self-Help

• Alex and Melissa discuss the trap of consuming self-help content without taking action.

• [7:00] Taking Responsibility

• The shift that occurs when you take accountability for your own thoughts and actions.

• [8:03] Lessons or Wins

• Embracing the philosophy that every experience is either a lesson or a win.

• [10:03] Mastery Through Failure

• Understanding that the path to mastery involves learning from failures.

• [12:23] Different Types of Capital

• Melissa and Alex discuss relationship, financial, time, and experience capital.

• [15:04] Aligning Actions with Values

• The importance of aligning your actions with your values to reduce stress and anxiety.

• [18:04] Alex’s Current Values

• Alex shares his top values: family, personal development, and impact.

• [20:19] Finding Friction to Identify Values

• How identifying areas of friction in your life can help clarify your values.

• [22:24] Defining Your Values

• The importance of defining what your values mean and how they show up in your life.

• [27:28] Living a Not Normal Life

• Embracing a life that is not dictated by societal norms.

• [28:12] Knowing When to Stop

• Alex shares his approach to stopping things that don’t work, regardless of external expectations.

• [30:05] Trusting Yourself and the Process

• Building self-trust and distinguishing between intuition and ego.

• [33:15] Reflecting on Your Life’s Data Points

• An exercise to identify and learn from the high and low points in your life.

• [37:00] Evolving and Letting Others Evolve

• Giving yourself and others the space to grow and change.

• [39:08] Creating New Content and Learning from Mistakes

• Encouraging listeners to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.

Action Steps:

• Write Down Your Values: Identify and write down your core values. Reflect on what they mean and how they show up in your life.

• Evaluate Your Highs and Lows: Draw a timeline of your life and note the high and low points. Reflect on what led to these points and what you learned from them.

• Take Action: Stop consuming self-help content passively. Start taking actionable steps towards your goals.

Connect with Alex White:

• Instagram: @howstrongisstrong

• YouTube: How Strong is Strong

• Company: Peak Human Performance

Final Thoughts:

Melissa emphasizes the importance of putting yourself in environments that foster growth and making meaningful, expansive relationships. She encourages listeners to take action, embrace their journey, and not be afraid of making mistakes.

Rate and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it and take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps spread this valuable content to more listeners.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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Episode Highlights:

• 00:00:00 - Scar Tissue introduction

• 00:02:06 - Melissa reflects on the personal and medical challenges faced during her daughter Leyden’s illness.

• 00:17:01 - The pivotal moments that transformed Melissa’s grief into motivation for personal and professional success.

• 00:25:18 - Discussion on guilt, grief, and the power of taking radical responsibility for one’s healing.

• 00:34:02 - Melissa shares the impact of holistic health on her grief journey and the transition into entrepreneurship.

• 00:38:01 - Insights into how grief can be leveraged for personal growth and service to others.

• 00:50:18 - Melissa emphasizes the importance of community and individual responsibility in the healing process.

About the Podcast:

“Scar Tissue” explores the lessons learned from overcoming significant life challenges. Hosted by Melissa Dugalecki, each episode encourages listeners to turn their hardships into opportunities for personal and communal growth.

Meet the Host:

Melissa Dugalecki integrates her personal experiences of loss into a broader narrative of empowerment and resilience, inspiring her audience to embrace life’s trials with courage and authenticity.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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In this deeply moving episode of “Scar Tissue,” host Melissa Dlugolecki explores the profound journey of grief and transformation with Dr. Aimie Apigian. Through their discussion, they delve into the complexities of grief, the power of self-love, and the transformative impact of personal tragedy on professional and personal growth.

Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to the podcast’s theme of transforming pain into growth.

• 01:17 - Dr. Aimie Apigian welcomes Melissa, who shares her unique and difficult journey of losing a child and how it has shaped her approach to life and coaching.

• 02:34 - Insight into Melissa’s background and the tragic loss that redefined her life’s path.

• 07:00 - An in-depth look at Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), the disease that affected Melissa’s daughter, and its impact on her family.

• 10:18 - How personal loss intertwines with professional endeavors, transforming Melissa’s approach to business coaching.

• 20:04 - The pivotal role of personal mission in navigating life’s toughest challenges.

• 27:31 - Discussion on the relationship between grief, love, and the journey of healing.

• 33:27 - How to support others in their grief without imposing one’s own processes or timelines.

• 49:00 - Closing reflections on the power of personal stories in fostering understanding and growth.

About the Podcast:

“Scar Tissue” is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the strength and resilience within all of us, as shared through the personal stories of those who have faced significant challenges. Hosted by Melissa Dlugolecki, each episode is a testament to the transformative power of facing our scars and using them as a catalyst for personal growth.

Meet the Host:

Melissa Dlugolecki is more than just the host of “Scar Tissue”; she is a beacon of hope for many. Through her podcast, she shares her journey from the depths of grief to finding her mission in empowering others. Her story and the stories she brings to light inspire listeners to embrace their own struggles with courage and to find the transformative power within their scars.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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In this inspiring episode of “Scar Tissue,” host Melissa Dugalecki introduces Lauren Courtney, an enigmatic figure whose life transcends traditional labels. From her beginnings in corporate America to becoming a spiritual guide and healer, Lauren shares her transformative journey of embracing her multifaceted identity and the profound lessons learned from navigating significant personal loss.

Highlights:
• [00:00] Introduction to the episode.

• 00:01:17 - Introduction to Lauren Courtney, discussing her unique blend of talents and the difficulty of labeling her expansive role.

• 00:02:19 - Lauren shares her philosophy that everything she does is a form of art, whether it’s healing, cooking, or creating visual art.

• 00:03:04 - Discussion on the importance of living a life that is not ‘normal’ and embracing paths that defy conventional labels.

• 00:05:00 - Lauren talks about her transition from a structured corporate role to pursuing a life aligned with her passions as a holistic health coach and spiritual advisor.

• 00:07:04 - Exploring how personal loss catalyzed a deeper spiritual awakening and shift in career path.

• 00:10:26 - Addressing the complex emotions of grief and guilt, and how to move forward authentically.

• 00:14:18 - The value of personal responsibility and gratitude in personal growth and healing.

• 00:23:03 - Navigating the ‘shadow’ aspects within spiritual and healing communities.

• 00:31:00 - Conversations around toxic femininity and masculinity, and the personal work required to navigate these energies.

• 00:41:36 - How listeners can connect with Lauren and learn from her experiences and teachings.

About the Podcast:

Scar Tissue is a podcast that delves deep into the challenges of life, offering listeners transformative insights and stories of resilience. Hosted by Melissa Dugalecki, each episode invites you to explore personal growth and self-realization through the lens of those who have faced their scars and emerged stronger.

Meet the Host:

Melissa Dugalecki shares her journey from grief to empowerment, weaving her personal losses into her professional life as a coach and mentor. Her stories of overcoming adversity and embracing authenticity inspire listeners to face their own challenges with courage and integrity.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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00:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and a brief recap of the concepts of leveraging pain as a tool for personal and communal growth.

00:01:30 - Melissa recounts the painful yet transformative experiences following her daughter Layden’s death, focusing on overcoming the feelings of punishment and unworthiness.

00:02:35 - Discussion on building the muscle of self-trust and focusing on one’s mission without external validation.

00:04:46 - Erik delves into the universal battle between our rational and irrational thoughts, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the ‘angel’ voice to combat the often louder, negative ‘devil’ voice.

00:08:44 - Strategies for maintaining a positive outlook, the benefits of physical activity on mental clarity, and the importance of establishing routines that encourage positive decision-making.

00:11:18 - Addressing the toxic impact of victim mentality and entitlement, and how these can hinder personal and professional growth.

00:19:43 - Closing thoughts on the power of owning your journey, disregarding the naysayers, and the importance of personal accountability in achieving dreams.

About the Podcast:

Scar Tissue is your go-to podcast for stories and discussions that dive deep into the ways we can use our most challenging experiences to forge our paths and live authentically. Join Melissa Dugalecki as she and her guests uncover the strength buried in the scars we carry.

Meet the Host:

Melissa Dugalecki is more than just the voice behind the podcast; she is a beacon of resilience who has turned profound personal loss into a platform for transformative growth and empowerment.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace their path with courage and authenticity, reminding us that growth often comes from our deepest challenges.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

View Details

00:00:00 - Introduction to the podcast philosophy of transforming pain into power.

00:01:13 - Melissa introduces Eric Rock, highlighting his journey and impact as an entrepreneur and mentor.

00:02:01 - Eric discusses his approach to life and business, emphasizing the importance of personal branding and authenticity.

00:03:39 - Conversation on how past experiences shape entrepreneurial spirit and the value of starting with a personal mission.

00:04:22 - Discussion on the value of hindsight and the advantages of learning from others’ experiences.

00:05:58 - Eric talks about the limitations of traditional education systems and the benefits of alternative learning paths.

00:06:51 - Eric shares a story about mentoring a young entrepreneur, demonstrating the impact of early exposure to business and high-level thinking.

00:09:17 - Melissa and Eric delve into how their personal histories influenced their career paths and the concept of “should” in life decisions.

00:10:16 - Discussion on turning adverse circumstances into sources of strength and mission.

00:11:39 - Eric explains his motivational mindset stemming from childhood challenges and the concept of “the burn” as described by his mentors.

00:14:12 - The importance of not over-protecting children from challenges to build resilience.

00:16:09 - Comparisons drawn between personal struggles and the story of Cinderella, emphasizing the value of hardship in character development.

00:17:35 - The metaphor of muscle growth through resistance as a parallel to personal development.

00:18:32 - Eric criticizes the culture of comfort and lack of challenge in modern life, advocating for high standards and personal growth.

00:22:36 - Discussion on the necessity of hard work and efficiency in achieving success.

00:23:33 - Melissa and Eric discuss the concept of “living rare” and the pitfalls of seeking shortcuts in life.

00:26:37 - A critique of generational wealth and the importance of earning one’s success.

00:28:15 - Eric emphasizes the detrimental effects of poor diet on performance and mindset.

00:31:33 - Melissa relates her experience with hunger and its metaphorical significance in terms of patience and resisting immediate gratification.

00:33:42 - Eric and Melissa discuss the pervasive negative effects of the food industry and advocate for a mindset of performance and health.

00:37:06 - The discussion highlights the critical role of health in overall life success and the importance of making informed choices.

00:39:18 - Personal reflections on age, health, and societal expectations about physical appearance and capability.

00:41:07 - Closing remarks, emphasizing the podcast’s philosophy and inviting listeners to engage further with the content.

This episode is rich with insights on personal development, the interplay of health and success, and the profound impact of one’s upbringing and mindset on their life trajectory.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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In this deeply personal episode of “Scar Tissue,” Melissa Dlugolecki and guest Gerard Adams delve into the transformative power of storytelling, the importance of embracing authenticity, and the challenges and rewards of personal growth. Gerard shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a beacon of change for others, emphasizing the critical role of authentic expression in both personal and professional success. The conversation also explores the dynamics of masculine and feminine energies and gender roles, highlighting how these forces shape personal identities and interactions in the modern world. Melissa and Gerard discuss the importance of recognizing and honoring these energies to foster a balanced life and healthier relationships, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for a deeper understanding of one’s authentic self.

Highlights:

• 00:01:14 - Reflects on her upbringing in Massachusetts, exploring how her environment shaped her early life choices and challenges.

• 00:02:50 - Discusses breaking norms during her college years, revealing her early desires to act against societal expectations.

• 00:04:18 - Shares the struggle of finding her identity post-college and the transition from seeking external validation to internal growth.

• 00:05:48 - Talks about the dichotomy of caring for people versus pursuing monetary goals, and how her career decisions were influenced by her values.

• 00:06:43 - Explores the evolution of her understanding of responsibility—from societal expectations to a deeper, personal sense of duty to herself and the world.

• 00:10:15 - Opens up about her role as a coach and mentor, emphasizing the honor and privilege of helping others realize their potential.

• 00:13:45 - Dives into the concept of doing ‘inner work’ and the importance of confronting personal challenges with honesty and resilience.

• 00:16:18 - Announces a new virtual training program designed to help individuals level up their lives through authentic branding and mindset strategies.

• 00:20:26 - Reflects on the life-changing decisions she has made, like moving to Tulum, and how these experiences taught her the value of surrender and presence.

• 00:28:00 - Gerard and Melissa discuss the intricate balance of masculine and feminine energies, the redefining of traditional gender roles, and how these elements influence personal development and interpersonal relationships.

About the Podcast:

Scar Tissue is designed for listeners who are navigating life’s challenges and looking for deep, transformative insights. Each episode, hosted by Melissa Dlugolecki, explores the raw and often unspoken realities of grief, loss, and healing, with a focus on how to turn pain into purpose and scars into strength.

Meet the Host:

Melissa Dlugolecki shares not only her professional journey but also the profound personal losses that have shaped her approach to life and work. From a grieving mother to a successful entrepreneur and coach, Melissa’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human capacity to find happiness, regardless of circumstances.

Connect with Melissa:
• Melissa’s Website

• Join the conversation on Instagram

This episode provides listeners with a raw and honest look at the struggles and triumphs of embracing one’s path, underscoring the message that true growth often comes from the most challenging experiences.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

View Details

In this deeply personal episode of "Scar Tissue," Melissa Dlugolecki shares her journey from rule-following high achiever to a life coach who embraces authenticity over convention. From her challenges with anxiety and people-pleasing as a young student in Massachusetts to confronting her identity and finding purpose beyond societal expectations, Melissa discusses the powerful life lessons she has learned about responsibility, authenticity, and living life on one's own terms.

Highlights:

• 00:01:14 - Reflects on her upbringing in Massachusetts, exploring how her environment shaped her early life choices and challenges.
• 00:02:50 - Discusses breaking norms during her college years, revealing her early desires to act against societal expectations.
• 00:04:18 - Shares the struggle of finding her identity post-college and the transition from seeking external validation to internal growth.
• 00:05:48 - Talks about the dichotomy of caring for people versus pursuing monetary goals, and how her career decisions were influenced by her values.
• 00:06:43 - Explores the evolution of her understanding of responsibility—from societal expectations to a deeper, personal sense of duty to herself and the world.
• 00:10:15 - Opens up about her role as a coach and mentor, emphasizing the honor and privilege of helping others realize their potential.
• 00:13:45 - Dives into the concept of doing 'inner work' and the importance of confronting personal challenges with honesty and resilience.
• 00:16:18 - Announces a new virtual training program designed to help individuals level up their lives through authentic branding and mindset strategies.
• 00:20:26 - Reflects on the life-changing decisions she has made, like moving to Tulum, and how these experiences taught her the value of surrender and presence.

About the Podcast:

Scar Tissue is designed for listeners who are navigating life's challenges and looking for deep, transformative insights. Melissa brings her personal experiences and professional expertise to each episode, aiming to empower listeners to embrace their scars, understand their pain, and harness their experiences to live a fulfilling and authentic life.

Meet the Host:

Melissa Dlugolecki shares not only her professional journey but also the profound personal losses that have shaped her approach to life and work. From a grieving mother to a successful entrepreneur and coach, Melissa's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human capacity to find happiness, regardless of circumstances.

Connect with Melissa:

• Melissa’s Website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

This episode provides listeners with a raw and honest look at the struggles and triumphs of embracing one's path, underscoring the message that true growth often comes from the most challenging experiences.

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki

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Melissa was already crying at the start of this episode. When she first lost her daughter, Leyden, she could barely leave the house, let alone get to a grief counselor’s office. But that is what she did. And that grief counselor is the special guest today, Kendra Allen.

Melissa was a puddle at Kendra’s office in the beginning. But everyone deserves to have a space held for them. And Kendra allowed that space for Melissa. And what Melissa thinks is powerful is not only the tools in which she was taught the ways that widened her understanding of grief but the space that Kendra fostered.

Melissa’s goal today is to inform you and educate you on the many aspects of grief that aren't spoken about and allow you to have a lens into the version of Melissa that could barely show up. As Melissa is publishing a book and hosting a podcast, the public sees a version of her that is much more healed. But Kendra is one of the only people who witnessed her at her rawest.

Melissa started this episode crying and uncertain how the conversation would go. But she was brave and moved forward. Melissa and Kendra speak on many things. Disenfranchised loss. Miscarriages and infertility. Why the second year after a loss is often more challenging. And much more.

No matter where you are on your grief journey, this episode will provide a space to learn and be heard. Whether or not you do the grief work, you’re moving forward. So why not do the work?

Highlights

• 1:20 - Meeting someone during the rawest time of grief
• 4:25 - The mindset to survive the early stages of grief
• 6:33 - Kendra predicts Melissa's future
• 8:16 - Expanding the scope of grief
• 10:12 - Separating yourself from your grief journey
• 12:30 - Exposing disenfranchised loss
• 15:21 - Choose your hard
• 17:41 - Grief doesn't change a person
• 24:04 - The hidden opportunities of grief
• 28:00 - Exploring secondary losses
• 34:55 - One of the hardest grief lessons to learn
• 39:19 - What is ambiguous loss?
• 43:35 - The four tasks of grief
• 47:43 - The #1 resistance to healing
• 52:45 - The difference between letting go and integrating
• 58:25 - Creating positive outcomes in therapy

Resources

• What’s your Grief website
• What’s your Grief on Instagram

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter, Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live...never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter, Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa is proud to bring back to the show Mike Michalowicz. Mike has supported Melissa in multiple ways over the years and is helping her bring her book to the world (very soon!).

In this episode, Mike and Melissa explore how grief can act as a form of connection. They examine the true purpose behind their writing and how success can be the opposite of what's best for you.

This episode is an understanding and loving exploration of grief. Mike and Melissa examine how we compound grief, how to support others' grieving, and the true normalcy of the grief we experience. You will leave this conversation feeling more supportive of yourself and how better to support those around you.

Mike Michalowicz is the entrepreneur behind three multimillion-dollar companies and is the author of Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, and his newest book, Get Different. Mike is a former small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal and regularly travels the globe as an entrepreneurial advocate.

Highlights

• 1:14 - How Melissa's story landed her a unique book deal
• 4:05 - Mike navigates his rock-bottom moment
• 9:51 - Pitfalls of ranking your success and grief
• 12:35 - Qualifiers to be a successful and helpful coach
• 18:08 - How to identify coaches that can help you
• 22:21 - Why do we resist the places we're meant to go?
• 26:45 - The ways we compound grief
• 35:09 - Embracing your experience of grief
• 41:19 - Forgiveness as the ultimate form of relief
• 47:09 - The perils of positivity
• 51:36 - The normalcy of grief
• 56:52 - Connecting with Mike

Connect with Mike

• Visit his website
• Get the free tools
• Read his books
• Listen to his podcast

Learn more about Mike

Mike is the creator of Profit First, which is used by hundreds of thousands of companies across the globe to drive profit. He is the creator of Clockwork, a powerful method to make any business run on automatic. In his 2020 release Fix This Next, Mike details the strategy businesses can use to determine what to do, and in what order, to ensure healthy, fast, permanent growth (and avoid debilitating distractions). His latest book, Get Different, will give you the tools to stand out in any market.

Today, Mike leads two new multi-million-dollar ventures, as he tests his latest business research for his books. He is a former small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal and a business makeover specialist on MSNBC. Mike is a popular main-stage keynote speaker on innovative entrepreneurial topics; and is the author of Get Different, Fix This Next, Clockwork, Profit First, Surge, The Pumpkin Plan, and The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur.

Fabled author, Simon Sinek deemed Mike Michalowicz “…the top contender for the patron saint of entrepreneurs.”

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live...never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa’s excited to introduce you to an incredibly dear friend and soul connection of hers. John Kempf is an amazing coach, an amazing human, and an amazing healer.

And when you talk about our beings and souls being medicine for this planet and other people, John is literally medicine in human form. He has so much wisdom to share.

Melissa and John talk in this episode about not only our nervous system regulation but about rebirth and past lives. So it's something that you might find really supportive and healing if you are on a grief journey to think about the rebirth and death that occurs naturally.

And if you’re not currently navigating a grief journey, these are things that can support you in better understanding yourself and better understanding your soul's purpose in this lifetime.

John shares two simple practices that will solve most of your problems, the power of pause and stillness, and what it means when yoga teachers say, “just be.” This episode will encourage you to ask, “What sets my heart on fire?”. Get ready to be inspired.

Highlights

• 1:39 - Merging strength, performance, and wellness
• 6:33 - The moment of clarity for the connection between health and miracles
• 11:13 - Accessing your masculine-feminine balance and simple steps to get in balance
• 16:53 - Why and how to do a wellness check
• 19:21 - Strengthening the regulation of your nervous system
• 24:15 - The #1 thing to facilitate healing and balance
• 26:43 -The constancy of death and rebirth
• 35:10 - How to allow life to feel like a video game (a.k.a. play)
• 42:52 - Connecting with John

Connect with John

• Visit his website
• Connect on Instagram
• Learn about his Men’s Program
• John's Linktree

Learn More about John

John Kempf, founder and head coach of Kempf Fitness Professional and Henosis Academy, has been training clients and athletes since 2010 and is backed by over 130 5-star reviews from former clients on Google and Facebook.

John has a Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree and six additional certifications as an ACE personal trainer, a USAW sports performance and Olympic weightlifting coach, an FRC mobility specialist, a KINSTRETCH group mobility instructor, an MBSC functional strength coach, and an MPI mindset behavior specialist.

He integrates a holistic and scientific approach to human development that focuses on the 3 pillars of functional movement, holistic nutrition, and lifestyle design to help his clients look, feel, and perform at their best.

John has been passionately practicing and teaching yoga and meditation since 2013. He blends various esoteric philosophies and Eastern practice with his functional strength coaching and athletic performance background to teach clients how to breathe, move, and flow more efficiently while connecting their minds and body to the present moment.

Yoga, Qi Gong, meditation, breath work, strength training, functional movement, journaling, fasting, cooking, and nature exposure have all become essential tools in John's daily life. He has made it part of his mission to share these powerful practices with others to bring more inner strength, awareness, and harmony into the world.

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live...never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa spends a lot of time on social media, and coaches and entrepreneurs frequently build their businesses through these platforms. Yet, she hears many people complain that social media is fake. They want authentic connections.

But that has not been Melissa’s experience. And today’s guest is one example of connecting authentically with a person through social media.

Jennifer Watson is a seeker of truth, a high-performance leadership coach, and a practitioner. She is here to share her magic and what’s alive in her today.

This conversation goes deep into our nervous system and regulation. No one walks around saying I have a dysregulated nervous system. Yet we experience many symptoms that are out of regulation, fight or flight, and autopilot. Jennifer helps leaders heal so they can activate others.

Jennifer shares her journey of mental wellness, emotional wellness, and her dysregulation struggle. She talks about coaching from your healing and not your wound, how you cannot separate wellness and leadership, and how to live one EPIC life. She also shares how sensing you are a fraud and the power of hourly check-ins can both be beneficial.

This practical episode will help you sit with the yuck so you can get out of the yuck.

Highlights

• 1:19 - The mindset for high performance
• 4:00 - A major myth on leadership
• 8:19 - How to start building trust with your body
• 13:27 - The power of knowing your fight, flight, freeze, and fawn response
• 15:34 - How to become unstoppable
• 17:16 - Two powerful sources for leaders
• 20:15 - How do I know if I'm dysregulated?
• 28:42 - Be a kid with yourself
• 31:12 - Get your 8 seconds on the bull
• 33:51 - Jennifer's free giveaway

Connect with Jennifer

• Visit her website
• Connect on Instagram
• Jennifer’s Linktree
• Listen to her podcast

Learn More about Jennifer

Jennifer Watson, MPT, I.M.T.C., owner of Jennifer Watson Leadership, is a dynamic speaker and coach with a gift for intuitive and visionary coaching. She is an expert in wellness + leadership development, identity & mental edge enhancement, peak performance, post-trauma growth, movement & change adaptation, and soul-aligned living mastery.

​Incorporating her expertise and athletic gifts as a former collegiate athlete and All- American, she has had the honor to share her message on the TEDx stage, NBC, Fox Radio, and top Summit & Podcasts.

With 20 years of experience in business and leadership management and health + wellness advocacy, she inspires those to unleash their potential and performance in all areas of their life.

Her company, Jennifer Watson Leadership, elevates high-performing, conscious business leaders to get rid of permanently their spiritual blocks keeping them stuck (TRUE WELLNESS), redefine and fan their unique gifts as leaders (TRUE IDENTITY), and reclaim their true VALUE and purpose (TRUE LEGACY). Her gift is to tap into the leader's “Jedi Flow State” in Wellness + Leadership and create their EXTRAORDINARY LIFE.

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live...never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa is excited to bring James to the podcast. His work has changed her life. A big part of what you experience on this podcast is because of James.

James works with the top-tier level of athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs. In addition, he’s working on a book and is a top 1% podcaster. He’s also a father, husband, and Melissa’s coach!

In this practical and tips-laden episode, James dives deep into how it’s one day at a time, one week at a time, and one month at a time to craft the version of ourselves we want. He shares how to get people to open up and outlines the 5 C’s that will change your leadership ability and your relationships.

James plays the mastery game, not the rich game. And this episode will speak to what that means and why we must do hard things intentionally. He also explores why it’s essential to understand that emotions are built. Get out your notebook and be ready to feel the chills.

Highlights

• 1:20 - The power of not boxing yourself in with titles and labels
• 3:15 - The one skill all leaders need
• 7:39 - Fostering an environment for hard conversations & change
• 10:15 - Setting yourself up to succeed as a good listener
• 14:18 - Identifying and shifting away from co-dependency
• 18:28 - How to win at life
• 24:56 - The 5 C's that will uplevel your life and relationships (Courage. Curiosity. Concentration. Compassion. Co-creation.)
• 27:48 - What are you feeling that's getting in the way?
• 31:43 - The prerequisite to change
• 35:39 - How to increase your connection to courage
• 42:28 - Integrating the body and mind
• 50:56 - Connect with James

Connect with James

• Visit his website
• Connect on Instagram
• James’s Linktree
• Listen to his podcast

Learn More about James

My journey starts in Las Vegas. As a kid, I always admired those who were able to create massive impact and achieve “greatness” in their industry. I started playing sports at the age of 6 so naturally athletes were the easiest to relate to. I would watch documentaries and videos on famous athletes and study how hard they worked to get to their level of mastery. In addition, my Mom and Dad would enforce that behavior until it became normal to show up early, leave late and practice, practice, practice.

Sports taught me invaluable lessons about Accountability, Integrity, Teamwork, Discipline and Leadership. My Dad taught me how to work hard, get and stay focused and when failure hits, how to “bounce back.” My mom taught me how to listen, how to connect and the importance of understanding others. The blend of all of these lessons helped me step into leadership roles within the sports I played.

I had a strong desire to win, but when you play team sports, it’s not just about you. As a leader, you have to have the ability to unify the team. So I listened. I studied. I observed. I worked. I embodied. And I sought to understand. Quickly, I learned how to communicate with those on my team. I knew what to say, what to do when the game was on the line that helped my team focus, come together and ultimately win.

From elementary to sophomore year, I switched schools 5 times. This wasn’t easy at first, but in retrospect, it helped me connect with new friends, get a diverse view on the world and know people from all over the valley. (Something I am very grateful I experienced.)

The skills I learned early on at home and in sports only sharpened in high-school. I was able to make friends with all groups of people. I learned to find people's strengths and amplify them. This continued exposure to different viewpoints, belief systems and value systems from those I was surrounded by helped me communicate effectively in social situations and game-time pressure situations on the field.

As I geared up for College, the questions that circulated my head was “ What do I want to do”? Many of my friends and teammates suggested being a psychologist, due to my ability to help them mentally with problems they were facing, but it didn’t resonate with me.

I received a few offers from D1 and Ivy leagues schools, but something in me wasn’t ready to dedicate as much time as I knew it would take to the sport. I decided to stay home, attend UNLV for their Kinesiology program and look into Physical Therapy.

This turned out to be the best decision. Not only did I meet my future wife, but I met a professor that inspired me to do what I am doing now.

His name? Dr. Mark Guadagnoli. He’s a 4x World Renowned Mental Training Coach and professor of neuroscience and neurology at UNLV's School of Medicine.

He introduced me to the world of mental performance and I was hooked. I became obsessed. I stayed after class, asked for additional readings and exercises and began applying the knowledge I was learning to my own life. After I saw success in my own ability to think and take intentional action toward the goals I had for myself, I began sharing it with friends and family.

I fell in love with helping people think deeper, find clarity, formulate a plan and execute it. I decided then that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I started studying neuro linguistic programming, neuroscience, sports psychology, practical and social psychology and leadership.

I started telling people that I was a performance coach and that I could help them achieve their goals, self-regulate, strengthen their leadership and overcome self-sabotaging behavior. It started small. Slowly, referral after referral, corporation after corporation, event after event I have had the honor and privilege to work with 6,000+ people from 8 different countries.

I’ve helped athletes, entertainers, CEO’s, Entrepreneurs, Spiritual leaders and growth-minded individuals looking to evolve, expand and explore more of who they are. I am looking forward to serving and helping you.

My style is a blend of many cultures, backgrounds and belief systems, which makes sense since that’s how I learned growing up. I’ll use whatever strategy helps solve the problem.

Thank you for being a part of the Be that 1% family.

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live...never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Today's episode takes a lot of discernment. Are we co-creating, or are we co-existing? And what does that mean? In this episode, Melissa breaks it down for you.

A coaching call inspired this topic with Melissa's new women's group, Own It (see below for more information!). Understanding the difference between these two ideas is essential. Because this is something that can have an intense impact on our nervous system as we process grief, trauma, heartache, or loss.

Melissa's goal is to support all of you in getting from a space of reactionary to proactively managing and navigating anything you're going through.

Melissa starts by defining the two terms and how they often get confused. She then shares the three parts integral to co-creation: structure and mechanics, shared values, and energetics. Next, Melissa breaks down these three parts and explains how even if one part is off, it impacts co-creation. She also shares how frequently we can confuse our body's fight or flight response with something not feeling good in our body.

This is an actionable and encouraging conversation to build up yourself and your relationships.

Join Own It

If you are a woman who wants to learn how to step into your power, do the energetic work, the manifestation work, the somatic and embodiment work in your body, you should join us! Melissa learned this stuff through her grief journey. She learned that the true healing and the release and being able to have an energy that feels good for herself and the people around her came from doing the work in her body. Learn more and sign up here. It gets started in May.

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

When Melissa sat down to speak with Jon, what came out was not what she expected. But it was perfectly perfect.

Jon and Melissa have different perspectives on grief. While they find a middle ground during this conversation, their experiences and lessons from grief contrast with one another.

So this episode shows that it’s okay to have different views. You can still respect each other. And even on emotionally-charged topics like grief, love, finances, and life’s purpose - multiple truths can exist.

And while we can’t allow others to make us wrong, it’s important to take a step back from the idea of right and wrong. And step into the choice and freedom to align with what authentically works for us. In that alignment, massive co-creation, learning, and evolution occur.

Melissa’s beliefs have evolved since the start of this podcast. If we do not recognize that we may see things differently one day, we are not leaving room for growth, discovery, or curiosity.

Jon Connelly recently published Grief is Not Sacred and created Rapid Resolution Therapy®. In this episode, Jon shares why he doesn’t believe the way to get over feeling bad is feeling bad, how the mind causes grief, and why his first job as a therapist is getting past the objections to being okay. Jon dispels what he views as some of the myths of grief and why he doesn’t believe emotions need to be released. This episode may challenge how you think of grief, but it may also show you a new way to move through difficult times.

Highlights

• 3:52 - How Rapid Resolution Therapy is different
• 8:31 - Why Jon doesn't agree with "It's okay not to be okay."
• 11:46 - How the dysfunction of the mind creates grief
• 17:57 - What grief is (according to Jon)
• 20:07 - Why people believe (incorrectly) it's important to grieve
• 23:49 - Taking the first step when you’re actively hurting
• 27:29 - How shame plays a role in grief
• 30:34 - Grief is not one-size-fits-all
• 32:27 - A powerful way to connect with Jon
• 34:45 - The life-changing possibility of Jon's ideas

About Jon

Jon Connelly first founded the Institute for Survivors of Sexual Violence, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization engaged in the research and development of cutting-edge treatment for trauma survivors.

His early career experiences as a child protective service worker and clinical supervisor in a program for traumatized teens helped shape the creation of Rapid Resolution Therapy®. RRT offers innovative training programs designed for people looking to relieve suffering. Doctors, dentists, mental health professionals, teachers, coaches, nutritionists, lawyers, caregivers, nurses, business owners, and others have become Rapid Resolution Therapy members to learn and apply the fundamentals of Rapid Resolution Therapy to themselves and their field. Jon Connelly is licensed as a clinical social worker and holds a doctorate in Clinical Pastoral Counseling.

Jon is the author of Life Changing Conversations with Rapid Resolution Therapy which demonstrates the power of a single session to resolve ongoing trauma and turmoil and dramatically improve well-being. His latest book is called Grief is Not Sacred.

Find Jon

• Visit his website
• Connect on Instagram
• Jon’s Linktree
• Watch the TED talk mentioned in the episode

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live...never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

We are switching hats on today’s podcast with a behind-the-scenes look at Melissa’s journey in a way you’ve not heard before! Melissa recently went on Lauren Salaun’s Amplify podcast to share her story.

Lauren’s a former coach and current client. In this episode, Lauren interviews Melissa as she shares stuff she’s never discussed on this show. They dive into masculine and feminine energies and the power of boundaries to foster relationships. And Melissa even gets into the choices and preferences that have shaped the more private parts of her life.

This is Melissa’s story from a new angle shared with deep vulnerability. And, of course, it’s filled with actionable takeaways to improve your life and business.

Highlights

• 2:25 - Rapid fire questions
• 8:22 - Navigating and setting boundaries with coaches, clients, and friends
• 13:09 - How Melissa started her entrepreneurial journey
• 18:28 - How grief taught Melissa about radical ownership of her life
• 24:04 - Exploring the masculine and feminine for business
• 29:32 - You are not your business, but it can be a mirror
• 35:23 - Why consistency and time are two essential factors in anything
• 38:15 - Melissa’s business superpower
• 43:02 - Addressing some of the current BS in the coaching space
• 50:27 - One myth to break for marketing your program
• 56:26 - Lauren’s trauma bond with her business
• 58:19 - Melissa’s big lesson when she shut down her business
• 1:02:01 - Melissa’s intention for 2023
• 1:05:52 - Accessing sacral energy (through celibacy)
• 1:13:44 - Melissa’s final mic drop

About Lauren

Lauren Salaun is a PR and marketing consultant, healthy lifestyle expert, media personality, and entrepreneur.

A lifelong athlete (and a bit of a recovering perfectionist workaholic), Lauren spent the first decade of her career in public relations and marketing before launching her health and fitness coaching business in 2015.

Over the last several years, while helping people live their healthiest lives and dipping her toes into the world of fitness competitions, Lauren has also coached many fitness professionals on how to build their influence online and monetize their social media.

Lauren decided to really get back to her PR and Marketing roots and launch influence+impact, an influencer marketing and social media PR agency, where she helps entrepreneurs elevate their visibility online and establish authority in their industry so they can increase their income and make more of an impact.

Find Lauren

• Connect on Instagram
• Listen to Amplify - her podcast
• Visit her website
• Lauren’s Linktree

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live...never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa goes in-depth on one of the most powerful forces that drive our subconscious behavior and emotional responses. Unfortunately, many prefer to avoid talking about it. Yet, if addressed, we can make massive progress. It’s shame.

What comes up for you when you hear the word shame? How does your body respond? What emotions come to the surface? In this episode, Melissa describes what it means that our energies have a depth chart and walks you through a helpful visual exercise. She offers tips on addressing binge behaviors and why hip openers can be so emotional. She also exposes why it’s never about the what but the why. And at the end, she shares the antidote to shame.

Shame is something we all deal with and manage throughout our life. This episode offers the inside perspective to face it down for good.

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

This episode doesn't jam on new topics, but Melissa and her guest find new perspectives on important topics and go deep on abundance and manifestation.

Andrea Lowell is an Old Soul on a mission to help everyone reach their own Self-Mastery and Self Actualization. Andrea provides clear guidance in learning to find our values, the difference between lying and denial, and how our beliefs about ourselves can trap us. She also touches on how she learned her purpose after leaving behind a successful career.

Additionally, Melissa and Andrea explore how to see the fallacy of our excuses, putting things into their right size, building your courage, why serenity is in the gray (not black and white), and what it means that your body is an ally of your soul.

This episode is about self-mastery, radical honesty, and why you should use your drive time to check your spiritual condition! Melissa was inspired during this conversation, and so will you.

Highlights

• 2:15 - Moving from fitting in to following your values
• 4:41 - How to know when you're betraying your values
• 9:05 - Why honesty unlocks your potential
• 12:05 - Navigating the personas we create and trap ourselves in
• 18:23 - Andrea's moment of clarity that awoke her from her denial
• 23:44 - Steps to get unstuck
• 29:22 - The value of grasping impermanence
• 31:31 - Explaining and exposing the sunk cost fallacy
• 34:45 - Going from people pleasing to being in service
• 35:59 - The difference between your intuition and your ego
• 41:03 - You can and should be living a life of abundance
• 48:50 - Connecting with Andrea

About Andrea

Andrea Lowell is an Old Soul on a mission! In complete alignment with her purpose on Earth, she wishes to guide you to yours! Andrea has been working in the realm of Self-Mastery and Self Actualization since 2009, with absolute success! She has dedicated her life to serving the growth of those who desire her specific type of work.

Andrea began to wake up to the world in 2001, experiencing a full-blown spiritual awakening in 2012. Since then, she has abandoned herself to guide others to their truest selves. She has shed her former career, ideas, and programming to light the way for others down the same path. This doesn't mean one needs to change everything, but the willingness to do the work to embody their truest essence, gifts, path, and Self Actualization.

Andrea has been a coach for over a decade, and her newest online course + mentorship opportunity is truly her gift to the world. The I AM Everything Project is her signature program. It is designed to enable all who take it to become everything they need to maintain the highest frequency, Self Mastery, bliss, self-awareness, and purpose.

Find Andrea

• Connect on Instagram
• Visit her website
• Andrea's Linktree

About the Podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live...never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It's not just a "think positive" method or a "go harder" approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa's website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

How do you know when you can trust your intuition? How can you know if it’s your intuition or mind telling you to do something? Melissa explains how to access your intuition and when you can trust it.

This episode is dropping right around Leyden’s birthday (February 20), which inspired the creation of this podcast. In this personal and powerful episode, Melissa offers one of the most potent lessons she learned from Leyden.

Melissa also goes in-depth on accessing your intuition and the all-important body and belly connection. She offers tips on making intuition more accessible and uses examples from past clients and her own life. This episode is about cleaning, clearing, and decluttering. Melissa provides the secret to getting past a major block in unlocking your intuitive mind, as well as knowing when you are being pulled by the very thing that is holding you back.

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa and Jenna dive into the obvious and not-so-obvious characteristics of narcissism and how to spot them. They also explore the why and how to detach from outcome, the power of trusting your intuition, and tips for strengthening your ability to do so.

Jenna Brocious is a spiritually intuitive guide and creator of the Positive Intention Prayer Cards. Jenna truly believes just because something bad has happened to you; it doesn’t mean that’s who you are. Having a positive mindset and keeping faith are two priorities she encourages in others. It's Jenna's mission to help, heal and spread love to others, and she's committed to sharing her message of love and healing with as many people as possible.

Find Jenna

• Connect on Instagram
• Visit her website
• Buy her Prayer Cards

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies that are effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

The podcast was edited and mixed by Andrew at TreasureMint. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Father and entrepreneur Brandon Cockrell shares lessons ignited from his daughter's journey.

Brandon dives deep into hitting the inevitable challenges we all face. Melissa and Brandon also speak about their shared journey with finding out their daughters were sick during pregnancy. And Brandon highlights how his now nine-year-old daughter changed the course of his life, how to embrace adversity, and how to commit to finding opportunities within adversity.

Find Brandon

• Connect @linchpinsales
• Visit his website

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa Martin is a business and embodiment coach and creator of the Boldly Courageous community and podcast. She has walked through dark seasons and knows what it’s like to start over and write a new story. Melissa’s a dog mom, loves her dance parties, and is about to join the Tulum swirl - so these two Melissas get it.

In this episode, Melissa shares why her life is about being an example, not the expert. She highlights the moments in her life when she became aware of grief, what true integrity looks and feels like, and the meaning of agreement changing.

Melissa also shares her framework for POWER: pause, observe, welcome, embody, release and rejoice. The two Melissas also talk about how to stay in your truth without making someone else wrong and why it matters that you can only connect the dots looking back. This conversation will leave you will several journal prompts and new insights on each listen.

Links

• Listen to Boldly Courageous
• Learn about the Embody Mastermind
• Connect @themelissamartin

Highlights

• 1:25 - What Melissa’s about & how her villain calls her in
• 4:06 - The root of imposter syndrome
• 8:02 - Two different perspectives on grief
• 11:15 - How defining moments often bring grief
• 14:43 - A healthy view of integrity
• 18:47 - Grief can be paused (or even ended)
• 25:14 - Navigating defining moments that may have a grief element
• 30:13 - Identifying and knowing when you are complete to move forward
• 34:49 - How to find completeness when life forces your move
• 43:57 - Savoring the magic show of life

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and investor Diamandia Lingos joins Melissa to discuss how we can create our dream life, regardless of our circumstances. After navigating an earth-shattering grief journey and having no money in the bank, Diamandia took action to rebuild her life, leading her to be a world traveler, speaker, coach, consultant, and investor.

In this episode, Diamandia shares why servicing others is the key to unlocking ourselves, how to break the generational shame, and why reflecting on your exes might be the key to understanding yourself.

Listen to Diamandia’s TEDx talk and connect with her on Instagram @diamandia.

Highlights

• 1:02 - Who gets your deep conversations?
• 2:33 - On the forefront of suicide, trauma, and resilience
• 6:39 - The universe brings Diamandia and Melissa back together after years
• 8:52 - Opting into your growth and choosing to do the work
• 11:59 - How to make your fear insignificant
• 14:24 - The steps to take ownership of what's broken in your life
• 21:33 - Why we need to talk about the things that scare us
• 27:54 - Generational shame as a toolbox
• 29:01 - Diamandia's evolution
• 36:28 - Show up for yourself

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

This is Melissa’s person. Former Nike Master Trainer. Former New York City Rockette. Current multi-six figure entrepreneur. Melissa and Samantha are meant to be in each other’s lives.

Get ready to get in touch with your intuition. Samantha shares the harrowing and brave story of moving through divorce, choosing herself over her dance career, and how she discovered her superpowers.

Samantha is a person whose energy you want in your life. Melissa often shares that you are the product of the energies you surround yourself with - and this person should be a part of your energy.

This episode is about choosing you. Standing in your power. Finding your superpowers. Staying open to the possibilities - even when it’s going to suck. You will want to listen to this one.

Highlights

• 2:01 - Paying attention to goosebumps
• 4:11 - The value of expanding the definition of grief
• 6:30 - Ignoring your intuition
• 11:07 - How to navigate "what if"
• 14:47 - Finding neutral is step one
• 17:40 - How Sam became a Rockette (even though it was impossible)
• 23:30 - Choosing between your intuition and love
• 28:33 - Redefining our past versions
• 36:48 - The two ways Sam changes women's lives
• 41:56 - Unbecoming your past to step into your true self
• 42:49 - Get in touch with Sam's energy

Find Sam on her website or Instagram @samanthajoharvey. And follow her podcast, Full Out!

And if you want to go deeper with Melissa and Samantha in person, learn more about their upcoming event in Tulum!!! That’s right, Samantha will be there leading a workshop!

About Samantha

Samantha is a professional dancer, life coach, and entrepreneur. Through her personal struggles with worthiness, disordered eating, and divorce, she discovered the importance of personal development, spirituality, gratitude, and a supportive tribe. She empowers women to rediscover their passion, rewrite their stories, and step into their power. She’s here to help YOU get out of your own way so you can LIVE LIFE FULL OUT.

About the podcast

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

In this special episode, Melissa shares parts of her story she has never shared. Melissa’s guest shares so many similarities with Melissa’s story it’s almost eerie! Melissa and Sydni O’Connell go deep on betrayal and moving forward after all you envisioned for your life is taken from you. Sydni talks about fighting for her job on her honeymoon and the surreal reality check of managing the unexpected.

Melissa and Sydni also explore the following:

• Why you owe yourself to build your safety from within.
• How and why to visualize the highs and lows.
• Believing “If I don’t do anything wrong, everything will go right” can be detrimental to your success - and how it shows up.

Highlights

• 1:24 - Working with kids in a unique way
• 2:43 - Dream jobs get crushed
• 7:19 - The consequences for standing for your beliefs
• 9:00 - Strength through adversity and politics
• 11:10 - Taking full ownership of your safety
• 14:56 - Managing the feelings-fallout from a setback
• 16:23 - Recognizing when to leave “right” behind
• 20:08 - Keeping yourself out of victimhood
• 22:39 - One lesson to have always
• 26:12 - True pivotal moments
• 29:21 - Control what you can control (and leave the rest)
• 32:05 - How to know when to move on

Find Sydni on Instagram @exerpsyched.

And if you want to go deeper with Melissa to have your best year ever, learn more about her upcoming event in Tulum!!!

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa rides solo and shares THE MOST life-changing lesson she learned from her daughter Leyden. We’ve all experienced something being taken from us and the ground ripped out from underneath. However, Melissa is here to share some hard truths - we are not entitled to anything but worthy of everything.

Melissa explores the power of worthiness and invites you to curiously explore the possibilities when we move from entitlement to ownership. In this episode, she examines the gap between expectation and ownership and how that impacts all areas of your life (fitness, finances, business, relationships). If you can embody this one lesson, it will change your life.

And if you want to go deeper with Melissa to have your best year ever, learn more about her upcoming event in Tulum!!!

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

Podcast was edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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This episode provides a glimpse into Melissa’s life and one of the major factors that led to Melissa reinventing herself and finding the clarity to take action. Brad Barnes has changed Melissa’s life and will change yours.

Brad and Melissa discuss their grief journeys and offer mindset tips and support no matter what stage of the grief or life journey you find yourself. Brad shares how he had to discover that he had something to grieve and the role that gender had in his grief experience. He highlights why you might want to check in on the strong people in your life and why mindset is the most powerful place to put your energy. He also puts forth these prompts.

• Can I only compare myself to who I was yesterday and not to who anyone else is today?
• Can I give a level 10 for today, not my level 10 for yesterday?
• How can I collapse my timeline as fast as possible?

Highlights

• 1:15 - The most beautiful stage of the grief journey
• 4:15 - The launching point of Brad’s life
• 8:37 - Grief isn’t about gender or circumstances but human beings
• 13:19 - Giving permission to grieve
• 17:10 - It’s you vs. you
• 20:29 - The different manifestations of grief
• 26:38 - Advice if you are currently experiencing loss
• 29:48 - Commit to what is possible
• 34:02 - Serving as mirrors for each other
• 36:10 - Connect with Brad

Find Brad on Instagram @bradjbarnes. And if you want more Melissa and Brad, join them for their upcoming event in Tulum!!!

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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The podcast has returned to explore the not-so-comfortable things of life. The podcast started in honor and memory of Melissa’s daughter Leyden who passed in 2014. But like many of you, Melissa’s journey has evolved, and new lessons are coming alive in her that she’s ready to share with you!

Grief is a lot more than the loss of life. It’s a fertility journey, job loss, a relationship ending, or leaving your hometown. In this episode, Melissa dives into the why and how to talk about grief so we’re not shocked, shut down, or afraid of it. We’re empowered.

Melissa also highlights the idea of actively creating the choice to create a loss. Why would you choose grief? She explains why. She also goes in-depth about why she told herself she stopped the podcast and the real reason she stopped.

This episode will give you permission. Permission to get comfortable with closures and new beginnings. On choosing grief. On allowing yourself to not miss what’s new after you close one aspect of your life.

Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:

• Bereaved parents
• Aging parents
• Divorce
• Empty nest
• Fertility journey
• Job loss
• Relationship ending
• Moving
• The loss of sense of self
• The loss of life envisioned

Meet the host

When Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.

As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.

​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.

Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…

We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.

It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.

Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.

Connect with Melissa

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits

Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa digs into the difference between doing your best and doing the work. How each has a purpose and a place in our lives and our growth, but how important it is to be aware of what you need to grow, and how to enable and empower not only yourself but others around you, too.

About this podcastIn each episode, we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa goes live with the founder of the NEC Society, Jen Canvassar, to talk about Leyden's story, how her case was termed a catastrophe and the feeling of being powerless in her grief. She talks about channeling that energy and educates on the link between NEC and Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) in honor of CHD Awareness week, to contribute to others having the information that Melissa didn't have.

Learn more about the NEC Society at https://necsociety.org/.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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LCP and EMDR practitioner, Michelle Quiroga joins Melissa on the pod today. They go deep on understanding what toxic positivity is and how it can be damaging in grief and in life and dive further into how the body and brain store trauma and emotional experiences and share tips for releasing.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa breaks down the dark and light side of competition to explain how society can negatively position competition and how you can shift energy to allow competition to be a place of growth and inspiration.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa explains a crucial observation she made early in her grief days when she didn’t have the energy to “spare.” She offers two steps for integrating this concept so you can have more energy no matter where you are at on your journey.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa gets into the nitty-gritty of relationships. You will hear of tools she has coached to help you find more clarity and happiness in your relationships. And then she goes beyond that to tell you the ONE foundational piece needed for happiness in relationships, what to let go of, and how to be truly present for each chapter and phase of the relationships you are in.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa builds off last week to take you through a deeply rooted ceremony that draws on the door directions and elements of life. She shares the most challenging and surprising part of it, when she was really tested was the moment she wanted to quit. And helps you consider how you can integrate aspects into your own life for release.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa shares the hardest part of her grief journey since losing Leyden - the conscious decision to release Leyden's soul. In this episode, she explains what it means to do this, what signs she had that led her to this path, and the resistance she felt in doing so. She relates it to varying parts of the grief journey and revisits how Teammates play a role during these difficult times.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa connects grief, life, holidays, and the implications of the pandemic, this holiday season to support you in navigating it to feel your best and most connected. She offers action steps for you to take and shares suggested resources to go deeper and best prepare for the heightened emotions, stress, and unease this season can bring.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Honoring the loss of her grandmother, Melissa abandoned the planned podcast episode and talks straight from the heart, explaining how to show up for your pain through different steps and gets into why it's so important to do so. Not only did doing so allow her to transform from avoiding her grandmother after losing Leyden but to celebrating her grandmother and making new memories, one that she will always cherish. Her message will help you ensure that you don't allow your pain to cause more isolation, loneliness, or pain, on top of your challenges, too.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa gets real and raw talking about the energetics behind alcohol as related to grief and life. She expands the same principle to other "defaults" people can gravitate to such as shopping, food, relationships, and more. And she offers her own experience as well as space for you to reflect on yours.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa teaches you how to create your grief (and life) depth chart to understand how to adjust your responses and explanations to people based on the depth of the relationship. She also identifies three different levels of depth for the people in your life - so that you can connect more meaningfully, use boundaries where you need to, and hold safe places, safe, for you.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Last week Melissa introduced you to two of the loudest behind-the-scenes voices in building out her work and while this was a big part of her professional journey, it's also been a big part of her personal journey.

In this episode, she dives into what to do when things get bumpy and aren't going the way you wanted, planned, expected, or hoped. 

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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In this joint episode with 90DAYCEO, Mooch and Melissa are taking it back to the early days of their business building with their very first business coaches, Bowie and Brian. Get ready to hear about the roadblocks Mooch and Mel faced, what made them coachable, how to break through plateaus, and advice for other coaches.

While it may seem unusual that an episode focused on business building relates to your grief journey, please believe it does. These three voices (Mooch, Bowie, and Brian) have changed Melissa’s life, and she hopes they change yours too!

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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As a member of the Board of Directors for the NEC Society, Melissa speaks out to share Leyden’s story to help others understand trauma, anticipated grief, unanticipated grief, and how deadly the disease necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) truly is. Thank you for listening to share in Leyden’s story and light in this special episode.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa closes out Interview Interval week with an incredible story. Dawn Canada shares the impact of trauma and substance abuse in her life, relationships, and more. And how that has transformed into her doing the work, to now helping others, do it too.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa goes deep behind the scenes in an interview with a 1:1 coaching client who talks about the difficulty she experienced sharing her truth from fear, embarrassment, and shame - and the freedom and power she found from finding the tools to do so.

About this podcastEach episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa* Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits* Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Assumptions are very common. And very exhausting. Melissa breaks down 2 main reasons WHY we are conditioned to make assumptions and offers ways to break free of that conditioning. When you do, you'll save energy and exhaustion and cultivate more compassion and trust.

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa shares the dynamics that go into play when you are feeling loss or pain, while also supporting someone who may have been more directly related to the loss. She teaches you how to create ways for both you and the person you are supporting to grieve productively and shares two examples of how this worked in her own loss.

To learn more about building your grief support team, listen to episode #3!

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa teaches how and why most of our society journals unproductively, which is often subconsciously why people avoid journaling. You’ll learn four types of journaling and how to integrate each differently based on your needs. Melissa shares the hardest aspect of journaling through her loss and trauma and how she navigated those challenges.

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa uses lasagna and the principles of giving and receiving to show you how to receive more abundantly and to give more intentionally. When you do, you and the people you are connected to will find more fulfillment, ease, and joy.

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Keep going. Melissa shares a powerful story of two words from a friend that changed her trajectory and teaches you how the moment of wanting to quit can actually be an incredible breakthrough moment for you, too.

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa breaks down how the obsession with being perpetually positive or pretending like everything is ok, does major harm to our growth. She teaches how it is a major source of anxiety, shame, depression, unhappiness…and by talking about it more and taking certain action steps, you can shift to a place of growth.

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Whether you have ever heard "must be nice" said to you, or felt it towards someone else, this episode is for you! Melissa takes you out of the shame of that phrase and into your power.

In this episode you will learn:

• Where "Must Be Nice" comes from
• What it is telling you
• How to respond to others who say it
• How to respond within when you feel it
• And how to start small, each day, to create your very dream version of "must be nice"

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like you are letting people down, this is for you. If you’ve gotten stuck in trying to “prove” what is wrong or right, this is for you. If you’ve felt hurt because someone didn’t agree with you or your choices, this is for you. If you’re like Melissa and done all of the above at one point in your life, this is most definitely, for you.

In this episode, you'll learn how integrating this concept will help you with:

• Setting boundaries
• Releasing guilt
• Forcing things
• People pleasing
• Difficult conversations
• And more!

This episode leads up to her free event on all things relationships on July 28! DM Melissa for details.

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa gets into the creaks and cracks of relationships - what makes them dependent and what makes them growth-producing. She shares a way to tease out what role different relationships play in your life and how to make shifts to make them even more powerful. And she might also ruin love songs for you. This is part 1 of this topic, leading up to her free event on all things relationships at the end of July! DM Melissa for details.

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa goes deeper into the popular, and also not so popular, topic of personal responsibility to offer two ways that you can begin to integrate it into your life. She shows you how doing so will transform you from reactionary to feeling empowered in control. By mastering this for yourself, you can then master it in your relationships.

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa shares how much she loathed a concept taught by Louise Hay - that of personal responsibility. Melissa shares how letting go of the "icky" feeling of the term, the concept itself, changed her grief journey, then her life journey - and how it can begin to do the same for you.

About this podcast

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa * Learn more at Melissa’s website * Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits * Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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You asked, Melissa is answering - how do you forgive the unforgivable? Leyden's case was termed a "catastrophe" and Melissa is teaching you how to move forward in such devastating circumstances - whether, for a situation of medical care or loss or something in your day-to-day, this process will help you transform the pain and grief that surfaces.

About this podcast:

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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In an emotional interview, Melissa meets with Dr.Raymond Moody, philosopher, psychologist, physician, and author, most widely known for his study of life after death and near-death experiences (NDE). Melissa met Dr.Moody in her infamous quest to understand grief when she traveled out of the country by herself to hear him speak. She says that experience changed her life - and now Dr.Moody is here to answer more questions for you, too.

Raymond A. Moody Jr, Ph.D., MD is a world-renowned scholar, lecturer, and researcher, and is widely recognized as the leading authority on near-death experiences as he coined the term NDE. He is the bestselling author of many books, including Life After Life, Glimpses of Eternity, The Light Beyond, and Coming Back. Dr. Moody’s work profoundly illuminates our understanding of death, dying, and grief and offers compelling answers to the question: Is there an afterlife?

Connect with Dr. Moody:

• Visit his website - https://lifeafterlife.com/

About this podcast:

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Interview: Raymond Moody
• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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The protests and push for social justice as a result of the unveiling of the previously unknown or ignored injustices, impacts people differently. It's important to honor and make space for that. Melissa shares 4 tools that will help you through a wide range of emotions and reactions to help you best navigate this time. She reminds us that we all need to individually feel our best to collectively give our best.

About this podcast:

Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Pharaoh joins Melissa today to talk about all things manifestation, growth, pain, and power. He dives deep not only into how at a young age he set out to hit incredibly ambitious goals (and did) but how he was still craving something more. Pharaoh shares how fasting has played an integral part in his own healing and strengthening and shares how this practice could help you too. Get ready to get inspired to level-up!

Follow Pharaoh:

• Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pharaoh333/
• Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/IamWise01

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Interview: Pharaoh Kyle
• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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There is a major difference between ego and confidence but the truth is most of society has them confused. Melissa untangles them for you and teaches you how to channel both in a way that helps you learn and grow, powerfully!

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Using Mother's Day as a guide and personal share, Melissa talks about why it can be hard to talk or write about things that are hard or painful for you. And how to understand these so you can remove pressure from yourself and choose to process and expand in a way that will help you heal and feel more powerful.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry, and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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If you have ever felt disappointed in your life, this is a must-listen. In this sprint episode, Melissa identifies where disappointment derives and gives you a 5 step-method to break free of disappointment at this moment and beyond.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa shares why ego is our biggest roadblock to our personal, relationship, and professional growth. She shares stories of how her ego hindered her own path until she learned the art of disarming it. Understanding how ego presents helped her not only understand herself better but understand others better. And these tips can help you do so, too.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Powerhouse Tara Morris joins Melissa for a high energy conversation about the twists and turns of life, our opportunity (and privilege) to learn from them and how to detach from what it looks like...and focus on what it feels like.

Follow Tara:

• Check out her website - https://www.theloveoffensive.com/
• Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taramorris/

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Interview: Tara Morris
• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa dives into the hardest realization she had....one that changed her entire life when she said the words out loud. She shares the difficult truth here, to support you during this time, and always.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Mike Michalowicz shares how the lowest moment in his own life journey fueled his greatest growth, personally and professionally. From it, he has helped over 350,000 business owners grow through uncertain times and now, he is helping you, too.

Follow Mike:

• Check out his website - https://mikemichalowicz.com/
• Get the free tools - https://mikemichalowicz.com/get-the-tools/
• Preorder Fix This Next - https://mikemichalowicz.com/fix-this-next-book/
• Listen to his podcast - https://mikemichalowicz.com/podcast/

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Boundaries are back! Are you struggling with quarantine living and the challenges it brings? Melissa teaches you how you can make it a little more manageable and growth-producing through some simple at-home shifts.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Using her experiences in grief, Melissa shares three ways we can find growth amidst the real challenge of the coronavirus. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed and uncertain of what lies ahead in your personal or professional life, this episode is for you.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

If you aren't sure if yoga is the practice for you - give this a listen. Melissa shares the reasons behind resistance to yoga, why she avoided it for a year after losing Leyden and how it played into her grief (and life) journey.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

If you have ever worried that letting go of control or trying to take on less would make you less achieving, lazy or worthy, this episode is your must listen. Melissa teaches how to integrate both energies of being high-achieving and laid-back so you can actually do less and be more productive.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Leyden's Dad joins the podcast for Leyden's 6th birthday. And together he and Melissa share 6 powerful lessons their daughter taught, talk about their different grief journeys, and what they want to remind anyone struggling with grief or life challenges.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Money Mindset! After coaching men and women of all ages on money mindset - to help them make shifts in their thinking to achieve significant shifts in their bank account, Melissa shares the why behind money mindset and tips that can help you improve your financial abundance, starting today.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it the loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa shows you how those moments of comparison to others, of feeling less-than, fearful or discouraged, are huge growth opportunities. All it takes is a shift in mindset and three steps that she challenges you to try this week and see how massively your energy, and your life, can change.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa shares the story of building her businesses on puke and the power of possibility. Most importantly she teaches how leaning into the resistance and discomfort we can intuitively feel in grief, trauma and challenge, can lead us to exactly where we need to be.

Discover 90DAYCEO:

• Learn more about 90DAYCEO - https://www.movewithmm.com/90day-ceo.
• Follow the new podcast - https://90dayceo.simplecast.com/

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Interview: Christina Muccio
• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa gives you two reasons why this saying isn't enough - and takes you through a step-by-step process to create change in your life, especially in those places you are feeling stuck.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Angela Gentile, the founder of Sweat Remix, joins Melissa to chat about how the loss of her father completely changed the trajectory of her life and how she applies what she learned to rebuild her life and build her business.

Follow Angela:

• Check out Sweat Remix - https://www.sweatremix.com/
• Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sweatremix/

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Interview: Angela Gentile
• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa shares 5 steps you can do from anywhere; car, office, home or during travels, that are not only free, but will offer huge changes for you. Little investment, massive return on investment.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa teaches you why saying no is not only important but how it is actually selfless when done correctly. She breaks down why to say no, how to say no, and the gifts that saying no give to you and to others.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa shares the top 10 lessons and 4 "wish I knew's" of the decade- things she has learned in her journey that can certainly help you in yours. Tune in to prepare to enter the new decade your strongest and most clear self.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Manifestation; the what, the how and the why you need to integrate this into your life to make massive changes into the new year and new decade. Don't wait to manifest - start today and see how the things you truly desire will magically enter your life.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Lisa Price joins the show, as a bereaved mom and founder of Better, Not Bitter Lisa knows the overwhelming path of not only grief, but in finding growth through it. She shares the range of emotions that can bring, the process she coaches others to implement and the resources she has created to help bereaved mothers and anyone else navigating grief, shift energy from bitter, to better.

Follow Lisa:

• Check out Better Not Bitter Mom - https://www.betternotbittermom.com/
• Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betternotbittermom/

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Interview: Lisa Price
• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa teaches why the holidays can feel so much heavier for those grieving, experiencing loss or feeling overwhelmed. She shares strategies of things you can do to feel your best during this time while handling the pressures as well as reminding you of something never to do during such times.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Mooch is back on to share some inspiration on the possibility of leveling up for yourself in your personal and professional life. She gives the rundown on the top tip for doing so and two ways you can join her in taking your goals to the next level NOW instead of the infamous "wait until January."

Follow Christina:

• Check out Move - https://www.movewithmm.com/
• Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmooch/

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Interview: Christina Muccio
• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

In this episode, you will learn why traditions (from the holiday season and beyond) can come with so much pressure and stress - how to release that, build connections with those you love through doing so and navigate the holiday season with less overwhelm and tension and more love and enjoyment.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa’s Grief SuperHero returns to the show! Melissa credits her grief coach for helping her find hope and understanding of grief in the most vulnerable and shattered journey.

And now Kendra returns to the show to share 4 ways you can help a loved one or friend through their grief journey and 3 coping strategies if you are currently dealing with personal grief journey. This is a must listen for anyone experiencing grief, whether the loss of life, a relationship, a move etc. and for anyone supporting someone in grief.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa shares 4 lessons from children that we can implement to feel better in our day to day lives. She guides you to tap into your intuitive state of being, to take off the masks we put on as we grow and to implement a process that will help you feel more free, clear and empowered.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa credits her grief coach for helping her find hope and understanding of grief in the most vulnerable and shattered journey. And now Kendra, Melissa's Grief Superhero, is on the show to talk with all of you about ways that grief manifests, myths about it and offers helpful tips in navigating it. This is a must listen for anyone experiencing grief, whether the loss of life, a relationship, a move etc. and for anyone supporting someone in grief.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

In this episode you'll learn about decluttering your energy and the ways that you can get better results and find more success by applying the law of attraction. No extra time, work or finances required - just intention!

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa teaches how anticipatory grief can surface in many ways whether it is anticipating the loss of a loved one in critical care or aging or anticipating the loss of the family dynamic in a divorce or with a child moving or going to college. You will learn what it is, how it surfaces, how to manage it and ways to move through it productively and meaningfully with your loved one.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Being honest isn't the same as not telling lies. And dishonesty keeps us from growing and keeps our relationships and careers from growing, too. It's time to take personal responsibility and stop lying. Melissa covers 7 ways that dishonesty surfaces, teaches a process for addressing change and how to navigate it when it occurs for you or someone in your life.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

After coaching hundreds of people on how to frame and engage in difficult conversations so that they are positive and progressive, Melissa shares her method here. It's one that has helped people of all ages in the workplace, in their relationships, friendships and even when making returns or ordering off the menu. You'll be ready to stop avoiding that convo you've been putting off after taking notes on this process!

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Angie Lee dropped out of college, was 100k in debt, and ignored all the people who doubted her dreams. At age 29, she has already built multiple 6-figure businesses and shows other people how they can do the same, whether it's pursuing a personal or professional dream, she reminds you that it might be scary and a little overwhelming, but it is so possible.

Connect with Angie:

• Learn more at her website - https://www.angielee.com/
• Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/angieleeshow/
• Check out Pays To Be Brave - https://www.angielee.com/pays-to-be-brave-2019

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa challenges YOU to retrain your brain using 3 steps. She teaches how just like physical fitness, we can change our emotional fitness, but it takes action and consistency. When we do focus on our energy and emotional health, we have the strength and power to change our entire lives. The 3-step challenge is broken down and explained so you can integrate it into your life.

Editor’s note: If you’ve ever been confused about the difference between goals, affirmations, or manifestations (like I was), this episode will answer your questions. For anyone looking to direct their energy in a more positive direction or if you need a pick-me-up in a trying time, this episode and challenge is for you. (Andrew)

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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In both her professional and personal life, Meghan Sandve let triggers be her teacher and that made all the difference in her transformation. Hear her story of change and the recommendations she makes for you to level up in living your best life.

Connect with Meghan:

• Learn more at her website - https://fitandfierce.co/
• Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fittandfierce
• Listen to her podcast -

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fit-fierce/id1444248599

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Sometimes it can feel impossible to tell if we are quitting and giving up or letting go and opening space for something new. Whether a job, personal relationship, running a race or taking on new classes - we all face moments of having to decide if we want to continue to pursue the endeavor or if we want to walk away. Melissa shares examples of facing this in her own life and gives you 5 thinking tips on how to assess which one it is, for you.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com
• Join the conversation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Melissa breaks down how when we pursue growth, distance between ourselves and others can grow, too. She shares how this may surface in dialogue, criticism, or resistance and shares 8 tips to keep all your relationships at their healthiest point, regardless of the phase you, or they, are in.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Ravi Abuvala shares the journey from walking away from a career in law to running an online business. We discuss how to navigate the fear, loneliness, shame, discomfort and adversity that accompanies making "the leap" and how and why it is SO worth doing. And Ravi dives deep into what can happen when you are your authentic self - professionally and personally. This interview will fire you up.

Follow Ravi:

• Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raviabuvala
• Find on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/raviabuvala

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Interview: Ravi Abuvala
• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Ever fear saying "no"? Have you found yourself wondering why you are always staying late at the office, chronically deferring your needs to help someone or getting annoyed when others don't seem to get it? In this episode, Melissa will define the misconceptions of boundaries, explain what makes them so hard, and then cover 4 types of boundaries that can change your energy and change your life. She ends reminding you of what NOT to do when setting boundaries.

Special announcement: I have two one-on-one coaching spots opening up in the next couple weeks. If you would like to learn more, please contact me at the links below!

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

View Details

Back by popular demand, Christina Muccio, aka Mooch, joins Melissa to talk all things business. In their second interview, the two shares how they organically grew a 6-figure online business in 5 months, without any paid ads. They touch on common mistakes, their biggest advice, and what changes have transpired through entrepreneurship.

Follow Christina:

• Check out Move - https://www.movewithmm.com/
• Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmooch/

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Interview: Christina Muccio
• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.

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Melissa covers the energies behind gossip, being "two-faced," negativity, drama and judgment. In breaking down the needs behind these different behaviors, she equips you with the tools to handle it when they enter your life. And teaches how the "rule of 5" is so important, not only in your life, but for the role you play in the lives of others.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew [at] 51features.com.

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Becca Pizzi developed a love for running at a young age, and through running, has chosen to see what's possible in life. As a single mom, overseeing 2 businesses, she shares how she ditched excuses and found solutions to meet her goals. And not only did she complete the World Marathon Challenge (twice) - she won both times as well!

She chats about her partnerships with TB12, Lululemon, and other opportunities she never imagined possible, what's next for her races, and how and why her tiny track group has a special place in her heart. She will leave you inspired, motivated and ready to run (or sprint) towards your goals.

Reach out to Becca!

• Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/beccapizzi
• Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beccapizzi/

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew [at] 51features.com.

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Melissa lost her daughter Leyden in 2014 to a sick gut. After resenting gut health for some time, she began to study it and incorporate it into her life. She shares how gut health changed the trajectory of her grief journey and life, and explains how it can change your life, too.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew [at] 51features.com.

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Bereaved mother, Jennifer Canvasser, lost her son just before his first birthday. She shares how she navigated the intensity of grief, transformed much of the energy into founding an international organization, The NEC Society, and is bringing awareness to people world-wide about this disease no one talks about, but that is killing babies every single day of the year. And she offers powerful advice for anyone experiencing grief, at any stage.

• Learn more about The NEC Society - https://necsociety.org/
• Learn more about The Human Milk Banking Association of North America - https://www.hmbana.org/

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew [at] 51features.com.

View Details

This is the final day of Melissa's week of sprint episodes exploring the full landscape of grief. Melissa goes into the most commonly asked question about grief - how to identify and manage delayed grief. In this episode you will learn what it is, signs of delayed grief existing and how to take action steps to manage it productively going forward.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew [at] 51features.com.

View Details

Welcome to day 4 of Melissa's week of sprint episodes exploring the full landscape of grief. Linking objects and grief gifts plays a huge role in grief journeys. Melissa explains what both are and offers a list of gifts you can give to someone grieving as well as sharing what NOT to do when offering gifts and support.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features.com

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This is day 3 of Melissa’s week of sprint episodes exploring the full landscape of grief. Today, Melissa dismantles the belief that there are linear stages of grief and offers an analogy to better understand the chaos, swirl and unpredictable nature of grief. In this episode you will learn how to assess each day, and in each moment, what energy or aspect of grief is presenting so that you can feel your best and hold your center.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features.com

View Details

Welcome to day 2 of Melissa's week of sprint episodes exploring the full landscape of grief. Anniversaries of death, birthdays, holidays...they can make the weight of grief a whole lot heavier. Melissa shares how to recognize the signs of grief surfacing around these days and how to take action to navigate through, feeling your best.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features.com

View Details

To open up a week of sprint episodes on grief, Melissa first identifies what grief is- and shares how it is much larger than the loss of life. Learn how everyone, even if they haven't lost someone close to them, is impacted by grief. And how recognizing this allows us to live more productively.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at Melissa’s website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features.com

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Melissa sits with Transformation Coach and Energy Expert, Tory Dube. They chat about the difference between intuition and anxiety (and how we know the difference) and how our paths are not linear. And they dive into what took Tory from waitressing in a bikini to running her own business to a new exciting career endeavor! You will take away several actionable items to use today, including Tory walking you through how she has set boundaries in her own life.

• Learn more about Tory
• Listen to Tory’s podcast, An Excellent Example of Being Human
• Follow Tory on Instagram

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Learn more at my website
• Join the conversation on Instagram

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features.com

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As a life coach, Melissa believes in the importance and transformative power of coaching. In searching for her own new coach, she realized there were three reasons why working with a coach who doesn't have a coach is not going to work for her.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Visit my website
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features.com

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17: Why the law of attraction ISN’T working for you

Melissa coaches and teaches the law of attraction - it's the ONLY thing she asks each client to incorporate each day. In doing so, she has discovered 4 common mistakes that prevent people from accessing the power of the law of attraction. Come hear what the LOA is and why it might not be working for you.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Visit my website
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features.com

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Susan Cabana, working full time, married with 3 girls and counting calories as a form of staying healthy, lost her husband suddenly. Left with 3 young girls to raise, a heavy weight of grief and grinding in a corporate job that wasn't aligned with her vision, she took a scary leap to shift her juicing from distributing them to neighbors from her kitchen to opening a store and making health more widely accessible. Free from counting calories (or any fad diet) she shares how holistic health played a major role in her grief journey and advice to anyone apprehensive of green juices or career changes!

• Learn more about Nourish Your Soul and find free events near you

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features.com

View Details

Melissa chats all things capacity. Understanding what it is, how it impacts our lives and how we can build it. You'll learn how to understand not only your capacity, but the capacity of others, the roles they can play in your life and how triggers within are powerful feedback. A lesson learned from Leyden that can support you in your constantly evolving journey!

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features.com

View Details

This week Melissa interviews her other half, Mooch (Christina Muccio) who is her best friend and business partner. Mooch opens up about her own grief journey and how that has impacted her values and aspirations. The two share the story of how they met, their belief in "power of potential" and the many ways in which they both felt right away that they were connected at a deeper level. Mooch and Mel strongly believe in the power of signs and share one very significant one to them - which they happen to accidentally unravel another layer to while talking on the show.

• Learn more about Move
• Mooch on Instagram

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every means to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with Melissa:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features.com

View Details

After speaking at Yoga Reaches Out, Melissa shares two of many takeaways in this episode. The "Vulnerability Hangover" that sets in after opening up and exposing yourself and realizing that so many people who are spreading Leyden's light, do not know Leyden's story. Here, she gets even more vulnerable and opens up about the details of Leyden's life, loss and light.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at andrew [at] 51features [dot] com

View Details

Jacqui Bonwell shares advice incredibly poignant for anyone feeling stuck in their current life situation or career. With insight on her transformation from an over-caffeinated, Marlboro Red loving social worker in Ireland to a renowned yoga instructor, workshop presenter and teacher trainer (and green smoothie drinker), there was one constant - leading with a desire to help others. And there was also major change, transitioning away from muscling through life, trusting the universe and manifesting her life situation. Jacqui and Melissa will both be speaking at Yoga Reaches Out New England, the details and importance of this event raising money for Boston Children's Hospital are covered - join us!

To join us at Yoga Reaches Out 2019, visit its website.

Connect with Jacqui

• Visit her website

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at spelledgeary [at] gmail [dot] com

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In this episode Melissa shares about her recent Boston Marathon run, how it started as a promise to Leyden and the ways in which our journeys of marathon training and grieving are similar. She concludes with one major distinction between the two that is so important for anyone grieving or supporting someone in grief, to remember.

To come hear me at Yoga Reaches Out 2019, visit its website.

Host: Melissa Dlugolecki

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at spelledgeary [at] gmail [dot] com

View Details

Former New England Patriot, Teddy Johnson, 3x Super Bowl Champion, joins us to chat all about how Guts (and maybe a green smoothie or two) has and continues to shape his journey. We talk about applying the on-field lessons off the field and he dishes some solid advice in how to take a stand and own your truth, no matter what your story may be.

To hear Melissa at Yoga Reaches Out 2019, visit its website.

Host: Melissa Dlugolecki

Reach out to Teddy

• Connect on Twitter
• Check out on Instagram

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at spelledgeary [at] gmail [dot] com

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In this episode, I highlight three strategies that helped me as I transitioned to being able to confront and discuss my grief journey. This episode is for anyone that is having or has had difficulty discussing their grief with others.

To come hear me at Yoga Reaches Out 2019, visit its website.

Host: Melissa Dlugolecki

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at spelledgeary [at] gmail [dot] com

View Details

Each year around Leyden’s anniversary, I speak to my congregation at Arlington Street Church. In this talk, I reflect on how shame is contributing to deaths all around us. I talk about how shame can close us in a bubble, and when we begin to exist outside that bubble, how our world can crumble if we don’t learn to deal with shame. And I close with steps you can take to rise above others shame directed at you.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at spelledgeary [at] gmail [dot] com

View Details

In this episode, Melissa goes back to the basics. WHAT is grief? How long does it last? How can we understand it to better manage it. And what are do’s and don’ts when supporting someone through their grief journey?

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary at spelledgeary [at] gmail [dot] com

View Details

Each year around Leyden’s anniversary, I speak to my congregation at Arlington Street Church. In this message, I reflect on the unspoken opportunities that destruction, adversity, and loss provide for us to reconstruct our world with mindfulness, beauty, and choice.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary

View Details

What Leyden’s birthday, being busy, and blank checks have in common. Plus 4 things to help during times of heightened challenge.

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary

View Details

Each year around Leyden’s anniversary, I speak to my congregation at Arlington Street Church. This message, from the four-year anniversary, explores four strategies for overcoming grief, the importance of knowing your values, and why we should practice courage every day.

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:04 - Matching your passions & skillsets
• 4:12 - Pursuing the trophy of grief
• 5:39 - Strategies for growth and progress for life's challenges
• 6:02 - Strategy #1
• 7:16 - Strategy #2
• 9:20 - Strategy #3
• 10:39 - Strategy #4
• 15:16 - The greatest challenge we face

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self…or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary

View Details

In the last episode, I touched on identifying the types of supporters in your life. I love a good analogy to sports; much like any successful team needs a roster of individuals who contribute DIFFERENTLY, we need to understand that not every person in our life can contribute to every need we have. When we become clear on this and place others in a position to succeed through our own clear expectations and celebration of their specific skills and personality - things in grief and life - get a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.

Highlights of this episode:

• 1:22 - How sports supported my grief journey
• 3:00 - Put the people in your life in areas to succeed
• 5:35 - Two things to look out for when selecting your team
• 7:36 - The 4 types of teammates: listeners, doers, distractors, & the Xers
• 13:02 - How these teammates helped me in my grief journey

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self… or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me
• Join the conversation

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary

View Details

Struggling with the overwhelm and pain of losing my daughter, I had a less than rational response to learning a meaningful tree had been cut down from the Boston Public Garden. In my quest to know how this could happen (to me) I was humbled and stunned by the compassion and connection shared from a stranger.

Mary had every opportunity to turn me away or hang up the phone but instead, she listened. And that choice is one that continues to teach me the power we all must lead with open minds and open hearts. When we do, we might just change someone’s world.

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:08 - The story of Leyden's tree
• 4:54 - The story takes a shocking turn
• 7:45 - The story takes an awe-inspiring turn
• 9:05 - Essential lessons from Leyden and a compassionate and curious stranger

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self… or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com/meet-melissa
• Join the conversation - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary - https://twitter.com/spelledgeary

View Details

Your grief is real; the grief someone else in your life may be carrying is real. The holiday season can amplify the intensity of the emotions and experiences attached to grief. While it’s impossible to try to avoid or dismiss the reality of this, it’s important to employ strategies to navigate through and position ourselves to feel the best we can through such challenge. Here I share 3 strategies to employ during the holidays (and in truth year-round) to support you in your journey.

Highlights of this episode:

• 1:40 - How I got the nickname, Elf
• 2:56 - The holidays change significantly
• 5:21 - Effective strategies for managing our grief journeys
• 6:44 - Strategy #1: Identify the TYPES of supporters in your life
• 8:28 - Strategy #2: Recognizing your triggers
• 9:56 - Strategy #3: Have a game plan

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self… or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

• Meet me - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com/meet-melissa
• Join the conversation - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary - https://twitter.com/spelledgeary