Lifejacked is when an unplanned or unforeseen event happens to jack with your life.
Listen as each guest shares their tragedy to triumph story.
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8/5/24
3 Key Points​
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​Mimi Kroger overcame the debilitating symptoms of lupus, a chronic illness, through a holistic approach that focused on the interconnectedness of spirit, soul, and body.
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Mimi was determined to address the root causes of her illness, rather than just treating the symptoms.
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Mimi now guides others at Sozo Health and Fitness towards freedom, healing, and a faith-based approach to well-being.
Mimi Kroger shares her inspiring journey of overcoming lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, through a holistic approach focused on the spirit, soul, and body. Despite debilitating symptoms like fatigue and pain, Mimi was determined to address the root causes rather than just manage symptoms. Through her work at Sozo Health and Fitness, Mimi guides others to connect with the Holy Spirit and nourish their whole being for freedom and healing. Mimi's faith-based approach inspires taking a proactive stance on health and well-being by aligning the spirit, mind, and body. She emphasizes the power of community support, self-worth, and understanding God's unconditional love as keys to healing. Mimi shares how renewing her mindset, exploring past experiences through prayer, and having a vision-like encounter with Jesus helped replace feelings of lack with a profound sense of abundance and self-worth.
7/15/24
3 Key Points​
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Savio P. Clemente's battle with stage 3 cancer challenged him not just physically, but also emotionally and spiritually, prompting a journey of self-discovery.
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Despite the challenges, he remained committed to exploring different experiences and belief systems, ultimately finding his calling as a speaker, journalist, and wellness coach.
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Savio's resilience allowed him to embrace his authentic self and live with purpose, even in the face of significant hurdles.
Savio P. Clemente's resilience story involves his battle with stage 3 cancer, which prompted a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Despite facing challenges in his professional life, Savio embraced his authentic self and found his calling as a speaker, journalist, and wellness coach. This episode features powerful experiences of battling cancer and finding inner strength through integrative therapies, mindfulness, and a positive outlook. Savio describes the initial shock of being diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, despite being previously healthy. This experience forced him to confront mortality and reevaluate priorities, leading to personal growth. He also shares how a movie about the Buddha inspired him to find balance through chemotherapy and integrative therapies like energy medicine during his lymphoma journey. Savio's story highlights his resilience in embracing integrative therapies alongside traditional treatment for stage 3 cancer. He discovered the concept of "loving your inner stranger" and encourages exploring one's energy centers to find comfort in discomfort, celebrating 9 years of remission. Savio emphasizes addressing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being through practices like yoga and meditation, sharing insights from his own cancer experience. The episode also explores the concept of the "three brains" (head, heart, gut) and how understanding these centers of intelligence can contribute to resilience. Savio P. Clemente encourages listeners to own their stories, find gratitude, and focus on how they want to feel, rather than just setting goals, emphasizing the power of self-discovery and resilience.
8/12/24
3 Key Points
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Rhonda Parker Taylor was able to create life balance techniques and slogans to help others discover their potential despite the tragic loss of her adopted son.​
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Rhonda emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, creativity, and setting up one's own success, as well as the success of others.
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Rhonda's debut novel, "Crossroads," follows a character navigating challenges, mirroring Rhonda's own journey of navigating life's difficulties with grace and authenticity.
Rhonda Parker Taylor, a writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher, shares her inspiring story of resilience after the tragic loss of her adopted son. Despite the heartbreak, she found ways to create life balance techniques and slogans to help others discover their true potential. As an entrepreneur, Rhonda emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, creativity, and setting up one's own success and the success of others. Her debut novel, "Crossroads," mirrors her own journey of navigating life's challenges with grace and authenticity. Despite facing adversities like failing kindergarten and struggling in school, a caring teacher's mentorship helped her pass a crucial test, demonstrating the transformative impact of support systems. After experiencing the devastating loss of her adopted son, Rhonda found strength in acknowledging the pain and shifting into action to care for the children left behind. Her message emphasizes the importance of support systems, self-awareness, and resilience to persevere through life's most challenging moments. Rhonda shares strategies for navigating grief, such as finding purpose in helping others, seeking support from those who have gone through similar losses, and redefining one's lifestyle. She highlights the power of resilience and turning tragedy into a path towards growth and healing.
7/22/24
3 Key Points
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Bruce Schutter, a former corporate executive, overcame his personal struggles with bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and anxiety.
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Bruce's journey of self-empowerment and resilience led him to create the Mental Health Warrior Program, which provides guidance and resources to help others confront their own mental health challenges.
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Bruce's candid account emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues and the transformative impact that can result from taking control of one's emotional well-being.
Bruce Schutter, a former corporate executive, overcame his struggles with bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and anxiety to become a "Mental Health Warrior. " After 20 years of battling these challenges, Bruce reached a pivotal moment and decided to take charge of his mental health. He created the Mental Health Warrior Program to provide guidance, tools, and resources to help others conquer their own mental health battles. Bruce's inspiring journey of self-empowerment and resilience is a testament to the human spirit. He shares a powerful story of his mental health journey, from struggling with undiagnosed bipolar disorder and anxiety in high school to reaching a breaking point in his 40s. Despite the challenges, he found the courage to seek help and discovered that the same powerful emotions that had taken him down could also be the solution, if properly understood and managed.His candid account highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and the transformative impact that can come from taking control of one's emotional well-being. He shares his personal journey with mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of shifting the narrative from focusing on the negative to empowering individuals. Bruce recommends a "mental health tool belt" approach with mindset rules, lifestyle changes, and practical tools for managing specific challenges - Strategies discussed include the "swerve" technique for interrupting negative thoughts, the "reverse sauna" for creating a calming experience, and the importance of self-forgiveness.
8/19/24
3 Key Points
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Qin was born in a Shanghai shantytown during the Great Chinese Famine, which suggests she faced significant hardships and challenges from a very young age.
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Qin's mother's unwavering support and encouragement to pursue education played a crucial role in her ability to defy the odds and achieve success.
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Qin's journey took her from being a national tour guide in China to becoming a writer in America, demonstrating her adaptability and resilience in navigating different paths and opportunities.
Qin Sun Stubis shares her remarkable journey of resilience and triumph over adversity. Born in poverty during the Great Chinese Famine, Qin faced immense challenges in her early life, including being left alone as an infant. Despite the hardships, her mother's support and encouragement helped her pursue education and defy the odds. Qin's story is one of determination, from becoming a national tour guide in China to a celebrated writer in America. She shares her personal journey, from her public education in China focused on politics, to discovering her mother's remarkable life story, to studying English literature and becoming a tour guide for American visitors before pursuing a master's degree in the U.S. Qin reflects on her parents' resilience in the face of hardship, as her family's history was shaped by war and upheaval. Her parents endured immense struggles, including her father's imprisonment during the Cultural Revolution, but remained determined and filled with love and hope for their daughters. Qin's resilience was forged by witnessing her family's struggles and realizing she had to rely on her inner strength. Despite facing poverty and being teased by classmates, she found strength in her mother's support and academic achievements. Her memoir, "Once Our Lives," inspired by preserving her parents' legacy, has received numerous accolades. As a Chinese immigrant to America, Qin embraced cultural differences with an open mind, learning to adapt and even marrying an American man. Her experiences highlight the power of determination and the richness that comes from bridging diverse cultural backgrounds.
7/29/24
3 Key Points
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Despite facing challenges and resistance, Dr. Nikia Smith remained resilient and determined to pursue her dream job.
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With the help of therapy, Pilates, and setting boundaries, Dr. Smith prioritized self-care and self-discovery, which helped her overcome burnout.
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After prioritizing her well-being, Dr. Smith started her own company, Forged in Fire, where she shares her story of resilience and self-love.
Dr. Nikia Smith, a Las Vegas anesthesiologist, shares her inspiring journey of pursuing her dream job, which initially turned into a nightmare due to burnout. Despite facing challenges and resistance, she remained resilient and determined to be a great doctor. However, her dream job led to burnout, prompting her to prioritize self-care and self-discovery with the help of therapy, Pilates, and setting boundaries. She overcame obstacles like a non-favorable letter from a professor and lack of representation as an African-American woman in the medical field. With support from family and mentors, she persisted and succeeded in becoming an anesthesiologist. However, a new job that seemed like a dream opportunity quickly turned into a grueling experience with long hours, constant changes, and burnout. Dr. Smith made the courageous decision to prioritize her well-being, seeking help through therapy and self-discovery. Therapy helped her uncover self-doubts and let go of the "superwoman" pressure, while Pilates provided a welcoming environment to focus on her physical and mental health. Setting boundaries and saying "no" transformed her outlook and resilience. She now runs her own company, Forged in Fire, and is grateful to share her story of resilience and self-love.
6/24/24
3 Key Points​
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Michelle's ability to communicate telepathically with their dog Brady, which allowed them to have profound conversations about his treatment and their shared journey.
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Michelle's holistic approach to Brady's recovery, which combined traditional allopathic medicine with integrative treatments like acupuncture and Chinese herbs, leading to an unexpected positive outcome.
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The emphasis on building resilience through facing emotions head-on, using tools like meditation, and finding the beauty in adversity, even in the face of grief over the loss of a beloved pet.
Dr. Michelle Slater shares the incredible bond she had with her German Shepherd, Brady, who she describes as her "soulmate dog. " Their connection was so deep that they could communicate telepathically. When Brady fell critically ill with leptospirosis and acute renal failure, Slater's unwavering love and ability to understand Brady's needs helped him fight through the difficult treatment. Despite initial doubts, Brady recovered and lived 3 more wonderful years, defying the odds through integrative veterinary care combining traditional medicine with holistic approaches like acupuncture. Slater's journey with Brady highlights the resilience of pets, the profound human-animal bond, and the grief that comes with losing a beloved companion. Her book "Soulmate Dog" explores Slater's process of honoring her connection with Brady and building resilience through tools like meditation to face the grief of his passing head-on.
7/1/24
3 Key Points​
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Jessica Baladad, a 5-year breast cancer survivor, founded the "Feel For Your Life" app to provide free resources on self-exams and cancer screening, demonstrating her commitment to empowering others after her own experience.
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Jessica underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery as part of her extensive treatment, highlighting the significant medical interventions she underwent in her journey.
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Jessica's personal experience and advocacy work emphasize the importance of proactive healthcare, especially for young women, underscoring the need for early detection and preventative care.
Jessica Baladad, a 5-year cancer survivor, shares her powerful story of resilience and advocacy after being diagnosed with stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma in college. Despite her doctor's dismissive attitude, Jessica's self-exam detected a lump that led to her diagnosis. She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and reconstructive surgery. Determined to help others, Jessica founded the "Feel For Your Life" app, providing free resources on self-breast exams and cancer screening. Her personal experience and mission to empower women globally have made her a passionate advocate for early detection and preventative care. Jessica's story highlights the importance of self-exams and regular medical check-ups, even for young women, as cancer does not discriminate by age. Early detection through proactive healthcare like mammograms can be lifesaving. Her story serves as a powerful reminder for all women to prioritize their breast health, regardless of age or assumptions.
3 Key Points​
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Jalisa Hardy was born with Down Syndrome and severe medical issues, yet she has become a licensed minister and coach, empowering women.
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Despite experiencing childhood sexual abuse and an abusive marriage, Jalisa has found the strength to overcome these challenges and share her "Freedom Framework" to help others.
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Jalisa's personal journey of resilience, faith, and forgiveness has enabled her to inspire others, particularly mompreneurs, to find freedom and live abundantly.
Jalisa Hardy, a single mother of three, has faced numerous challenges since birth, including being born with Down syndrome and severe medical issues. Despite doctors advising her mother to have an abortion, her mother's deep faith led her to believe God had a plan for Jalisa's life. Despite enduring childhood sexual abuse, rape, and an abusive marriage, Jalisa remained resilient. She is now a licensed minister and coach, empowering women, especially mompreneurs, to find freedom and live abundantly through her "Freedom Framework." The episode explores Jalisa's journey of overcoming adversity, abuse, and health issues, and how her mother's faith and resilience shaped her own beliefs and ability to overcome challenges. Despite feeling unloved or forgotten by God at times, Jaleesa ultimately understood that God's love and plan were present, even in her darkest moments, shaping her into a resilient and faithful person. Jalisa emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, community support, and a holistic approach to healing and resilience, focusing on the spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects of our being. She shares the power of the "Freedom Framework," which includes faith, forgiveness, and fellowship, in helping them overcome trauma, depression, and substance abuse. The episode highlights the significance of speaking up, opening up, self-forgiveness, and breaking generational cycles of trauma.
6/3/24
Amy Taylor shares her inspiring journey navigating mental illness, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, and anxiety diagnosed at a young age. Despite challenges, she found ways to manage her conditions through consistent medication, self-care, and overcoming stigma. Her resilience and determination highlight the importance of support and understanding for those with mental health conditions. Amy discusses living with bipolar disorder, emphasizing the need for medication management, work-life balance, and understanding from employers. She stresses that with proper care and support, those with bipolar disorder can thrive and achieve their goals, challenging the misconception that they are "broken" or unable to have aspirations. The importance of support systems is emphasized, with Amy's mother and friends playing a vital role in managing their bipolar disorder. We also discuss her daughter's autism diagnosis, expressing relief at finally receiving proper resources and embracing her unique traits. Amy's advice encourages self-kindness, seeking help early for mental health struggles, and believing in one's ability to overcome adversity. Her journey serves as a reminder that even the darkest times can give way to inner calm and resilience with time and support. This episode mentions suicide. *Listener's discretion is advised.*
3 Key Points
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The importance of consistent medication management and self-care in managing mental health conditions, even in the face of challenges.
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The need to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health issues and recognize that people with mental health conditions are not "broken" and can thrive and achieve their goals.
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The vital role of a supportive network, including family and friends, in navigating mental health challenges and the journey of raising a child with autism.
6/10/24
Katie Arnold, an award-winning journalist, ultra runner, and author, shares her transformative journey of overcoming a near career-ending injury through the practices of Zen Buddhism and running. In her book "Brief Flashing in the Phenomenal World, Zen and the Art of Running Free," she explores the spiritual and philosophical aspects of endurance sports. After a harrowing river rafting accident that left her severely injured, Katie turned to Zen Buddhism as a path to healing. She found wisdom and presence in the simple teachings that helped her navigate life's challenges, both literally and metaphorically. The book recounts her recovery process, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to adversity, being present, and embracing a beginner's mindset. Katie shares insights on the power of mindset, affirmations, and surrounding oneself with support during difficult times. She highlights the principles of interconnectedness, accepting suffering, and approaching life with a fresh perspective, which guided her healing journey. The speakers also discuss the importance of embracing "zero" as a starting point for growth and renewal, letting go of limiting beliefs, and trusting one's intuition.
3 Key Points
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Katie Arnold found solace in Zen Buddhism after a nearly career-ending injury, highlighting the transformative power of spiritual practices.
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Her book, "Brief Flashing in the Phenomenal World, Zen and the Art of Running Free," explores the deep philosophical and spiritual dimensions of the ultra marathon of life.
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Despite early challenges, Katie's story emphasizes the resilience and self-discovery that can emerge from embracing the challenges of endurance sports.
6/17/24
Tara Pyram, a Bahamian native, who survived the devastating Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Tara, her wife, daughter, and pets were stranded in their flooded home, barely escaping with their lives. The episode recounts their harrowing experience of being trapped in the rising floodwaters, forced to take refuge on countertops, and eventually swimming out through a window to escape the perilous conditions. Despite the trauma, Tara and her family demonstrated remarkable resilience. They relocated to Atlantic Canada, where Tara pursued and completed her college degree as a valedictorian at age 40. Tara's book, "The Ocean in Our Blood," chronicles their survival story and the challenges of coping with PTSD, adjusting to a new life, and finding solace in writing and cultivating gratitude. We explore the deep connection Tara and her family share with the ocean, both as a source of joy and identity but also a force of nature that can threaten lives. It highlights the strength of their loving relationship, the resilience of their community, and the determination to overcome even the most daunting obstacles through perseverance, therapy, and a commitment to building a better future.
3 Key Points
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Tara's family narrowly escaped with their lives after being trapped in their flooded home during Hurricane Dorian, a harrowing experience that led to them facing the aftermath of PTSD.
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Despite the immense challenges, Tara found solace in writing and discovered that cultivating gratitude helped her build resilience.
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Tara's book, "The Ocean in Our Blood," recounts her family's survival story and the deep connection to the ocean that has shaped their identity as Bahamian natives.