Never Ever Give Up Hope

Stress is everywhere and in everything we do. Dr. Pete Alexander gives us some fast, effective tools to help deal with stress in all phases of our lives. Professor Pete Alexander is a results-based coach helping hard-driving leaders overcome their self-imposed barriers to success in business and life. A recovering, hard-driving leader with over 30 years of sales, marketing, and entrepreneurial experience, Pete successfully battled the negative effects of stress head-on and developed the LIGHTEN™ stress relief model that motivates his peers to take action in only a few minutes per day.  Livelihood Imagination Genius (unconscious mind) Health Time - take action Environment Network of relationships Dr. Pete is no stranger to stress: Growing up in an alcoholic and dysfunctional home he learned coping skills no child should need to know. At 13 he was seduced by a 46-year-old friend of his mother. At 14 he tried committing suicide with the encouragement of his mom and stepfather. At 23 he found his stepfather’

Jacqueline Carlisle is the editor-in-chief/creative director of Thinkmag an online digital glossy for sustainable living. Thinkmag is an online digital glossy for sustainable living featuring quality craftsmanship in design and service for all facets of a greener lifestyle. Stunning global editorials take you to beautiful destinations where reducing waste is paramount and luxury is compulsory.  Jacqueline overcame the effects of an abusive marriage and several deaths in her family by taking those negative events and creating something positive. Her creations are a MUST see -- they are exquisite and all eco-friendly.  

Dr. Thomas Caulfield kept a secret journal for two decades which documented the legendary journey of his deaf son, Christopher, and his family's valiant attempts at helping Christopher be the best he could be. That secret journal was kept to present to his son as a gift when he was older. Dr. Caulfield never imagined that this journal would someday help others learn from their experiences and help face their challenges. As you listen to this interview realize that this is not an ordinary story of the struggles parents face when faced with devastating news about their child. This family and specifically their son Christopher is changing the world for people who are deaf. Amazing story Ephphatha is the legendary journey of Dr. Thomas Caulfield's Deaf son, Christopher.         When they learned their son had so little residual hearing - the ability to sense any sound—that even the best hearing aids in the world would have been ineffectual for him, Dr. Caulfield and his wife were devastated. They bega

Mary Jane Black is an author and a literacy specialist for the State of Texas. Her debut memoir tells her inspiring story of finding love later in life, in the midst of abuse and pain. “She Rode a Harley” details the kick-ass adventures of a woman whose second husband, a biker since he was 13, taught her how to save herself by believing in her own strength, power, and individuality. Mary Jane writes courageously, as though her time spent riding Harleys has transferred to the page, with smooth, gliding transitions and powerful, engine-revving scenes. In her interview here, Mary Jane will encourage anyone who has loved and lost and how to be strong no matter what direction your life takes:

Katherine Appelo is an Italian-American poet, blogger and songwriter.  Her passion is to help others make a positive impact by using their talents even when they may be physically suffering from chronic illness. Many people find it difficult to be productive when they live in chronic pain, especially from fibromyalgia.  Katherine shares how to 'give back' when life seems to be crashing around you. She shows us how to heal during times when circumstances may be out of our control.  On her website, Katherine Appelo Inspiration, she gives samples of her poetry and songs to inspire, coach and reflect on life.   You will enjoy her interview.    

Dr. Joanne Lefebvre is a veterinarian promoting intuitive medicine.  Dr. Joanne's first book, "Animal Teachings from Hayley's Angel's Methods" is a guide for better living for both animals and humans.  During her years of practice, she helped over 10,000 pets when it was their time to pass.   She created a very successful in-home end of life care/euthanasia service and, sadly, became a prisoner of it.  The stress involved with watching so much anguish and suffering was overwhelming.  She fired herself and closed down the service.  She moved across the country to regain her balance and save her life -- the hardest challenge she ever faced.   Dr. Joanne explains what animals teach us and how to live our lives as they do.  She shares these lessons in her book and in her interview:

Deborah (Deb) Brandon, PH.D., is a brain injury survivor.  She is also a professor in the Mathematical Sciences Department at Carnegie Mellow University.  Deb has raised awareness of and improved understanding of brain injury.   Deb is an award-winning author of two books:  But My Brain Had Other Ideas:  A Memoir of Recovery from Brain Injury and Threads Around the World: From Arabian Weaving to Batik in Zimbabwe." Deb's sheer stubbornness and determination got her through one of the greatest challenges anyone has ever encountered.  In her interview, she shares her secrets on how to realize your gains instead of your losses through any adversity. When Deb Brandon discovered that cavernous angiomas―tangles of malformed blood vessels in her brain―were behind the terrifying symptoms she'd been experiencing, she underwent one brain surgery. And then another. And then another. And that was just the beginning. Unlike other memoirs that focus on injury crisis and acute recovery, But My Brain Had Other Idea

Maureen Scanlon is the founder and CEO of Maureen Scanlon Life Coaching. She is a relationship expert, motivational speaker, and positive change integrator who has successfully helped people make positive changes to overcome past experiences and negative thinking. Most people go through their daily routines oblivious to the beauty of life and others around them. They often do not realize the impact they have on the world -- and miss out on so much.  Maureen was in an abusive marriage to an alcoholic. While her young daughters were asleep in the next room, her ex-husband tried to strangle her. As she was starting to blackout, she realized she HAD to survive because no one could care for or love her babies as she did. It gave her the strength she needed to turn the situation around by inner strength. Maureen has lived the pain of having to admit her daughter to a mental health institution when she was suicidal and fighting drug addiction. This made Maureen feel like a total failure as a mother. Yet, through t

Patricia Eagle was thirteen when the sexual relationship with her father - a relationship that began when she was four years old -- ended. Patricia's journey is one of courage and hope as she finds the strength to see what was unseeable - and finally speaks the unspeakable to help herself and others. For Patricia, shame became too great a burden. Not speaking up added to that weight. Sexual abuse is so prevalent - so many abused children, so many perpetrators injured in some way that leads them to inflict injury - and all this in our big world of secrets. How can anyone get help when we don't talk about this? Patricia decided to step into that pool of courageous survivors who have told their story. She believes that continuing to stay silent would have killed her. In Patricia's interview, she addresses the questions many people have regarding the sexual abuse of children. Have attitudes about addressing childhood sexual abuse changed? What can we do to erase the stigmas about openly discussing these issues

Tina Yaeger is an author, podcast host, licensed counselor, life coach, and a speaker with a passion for encouragement.   Tina teaches how to bust through common lies women believe and how to counter falsehoods.  A self-image makeover helps women identify the issues which handicap them and how to recognize and refute negative self-talk.  She will help you unlock the secrets to mental strength and to recognize common habits that can be toxic. Tina is 'wired' as an encourager and is passionate about helping others who struggle with low self-worth.  As a young teenager, she felt unlovable which led to an eating disorder that lasted into her college years.  During her third year of college, still in the grip of the eating disorder, she was assaulted and has vivid memories of shuffling along the gutter, leading for death after this attack.  In her interview she discusses:  the key ways to identify a lie specific lies about femininity and significance how to counter falsehoods

Darrick T. Miller Jr. is an author and motivational speaker who is reaching his generation -- black male and female millennials. His books are written with a two-fold purpose. First to inspire hope and faith to a generation of men and women who feel there is little hope for them. And, secondly, to anyone who wants to understand and relate with millennials. No matter what your age or race, Darrick has tremendous insight and passion to help others. His message: DARE TO BE YOU! and Do NOT allow circumstances to change you. Each of us can benefit from Darrick's books and this interview. Darrick's books are designed to guide and direct you as well as ignite your dreams despite any negative circumstances, age, or race. He discusses subjects that are taboo in many circles - but desperately need to be shared. Darrick believes that each of us has a message that can make an impact. All we need to do is find our gifts and calling.

Natalie Jenkins is from a small town in Kentucky.  She has a bachelor's degree in foreign languages and enjoys writing.  A simple life that she planned to share with the love of her life.  She got engaged and 14 days later, her fiance was killed.   Her story begins with his death.  Not only did she have to cope with her grief but his accidental death was covered up by the authorities because it was a policeman who killed him.   Her pain almost drove her insane and she struggled with living in the past while trying to look to the future.

Terry Tucker has had many challenging jobs during the course of his career including a SWAT Team hostage negotiator ….. but his greatest challenge was a personal one.  Terry’s story of overcoming this incredible challenge will encourage you on many levels.  Terry is an author, a motivational speaker and his blog, Motivational Check, has daily posts of inspiration. During his time in law enforcement and over my years of battling cancer, Terry has seen many people die. He noticed that the people who died peacefully were the ones who were able to find their purpose and live it. Conversely, the people who begged for more time and fought their demise, where those who had never done much with their lives. In many cases, these people never even looked for their purpose. Battle Your Mind for Supremacy It Knows Your Fear, Your Weakness You will be captivated by his story and want to share it with anyone who needs a boost.  When you are listening, pay close attention to what he says about the Forty Percent Rule:  

Ken Rupert is an educator, a strategist, a life coach, a 2nd-degree Financial Black Belt and the author of The Financial Black Belt Academy’s Financial Self-Defense Training Manual as well as the Financial Self-Defense Training program. As a first generation, self-made millionaire, Ken has built his wealth by practicing the financial strategies he developed and teaches. His innovative financial wellness program is designed to empower others to succeed financially. Ken always held onto the belief that things would work out. He uses what he has learned in helping people in his coaching practice by providing hope that anyone can overcome their financial struggles.  Learning how to stay focused on the end goal Despite the noise and chaos of the current environment Helps maintain a level of HOPE The Financial Black Belt’s Financial Self-Defense Program  This innovative financial wellness program provides the knowledge necessary to be financially successful, and the strategic path upon which knowledg

Dr. Diane Pomerantz is a clinical psychologist who has been in practice working with children, adolescents, and adults in the Baltimore, Maryland area for over 35 years. She has done extensive work in the area of trauma and child abuse and research in the area of personality development of abused children. She currently runs Healing Through Writing groups in her practice. She is a breast cancer survivor and has two grown children. She and her shaggy dog, Rug, live amidst tall trees on the outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland. Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times Best-Selling Author says "Diane Pomerantz's story of a punishing marriage may be an often-told tale, but she has a majestic talent for conjuring emotion and compelling the reader with an authentic and heartbreaking story."  Lost in the Reflecting Pool A memoir and a psychological love story that is tender but, at the time, horrifying. Lost in the Reflecting Pool is a chronicle of one woman's struggle to survive within, and to ultimately break free of -

Christophe Lafontant was a healthy little boy who had a near death experience due to sudden complete heart failure and blockage at the age of six years old.  He has survived pacemaker implantation, TWO heart transplants, diabetes, dialysis treatment, a kidney transplant, a tracheostomy, and other life-altering procedures. Christophe's autobiography, 1 Man, 3 Hearts, 9 Lives, is an inspiration to anyone who may be facing a nightmare of their own.  It is also a great read with all 5-star reviews. Christophe is the founder and president of The Christophe Lafontant Foundation for Myofibrillar Myopathies, Inc whose ultimate goal is to raise funds to provide medical care and supplies to patients afflicted by MFM and in need of financial assistance and also to further research.

Anita Lesko is an award-winning author and speaker.  She has a Master's of Science degree in nurse anesthesia specializing in neurosurgery, organ transplants, trauma/burns, and joint replacement surgery for the past three decades.  Anita was a guest speaker at the United Nations Headquarters in NYC for World Autism Awareness Day. She is on the panel of the Autism Spectrum with the Autism Society of America.  She is a certified life coach specializing in the Autism Life Skills Coaching, Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching and Health Care Professional Coaching, and Executive/Corporate Coaching.  Using visualization since childhood, Anita Lesko re-wired her autistic brain which enabled her to fit into the mainstream with a successful career, happy marriage, and fulfilling life.  She is about to change the lives of millions on the autism spectrum.     Anita did not discover she was autistic until age 50 Dr. Tony Attwood:  "Anita's book is a bridge between our knowledge of the neurology of autism and

Lawrence Berger is a self-made entrepreneur who has survived eight car accidents and seven suicide attempts.   Despite the trauma, Lawrence has been able to change his focus and his life.  He is a motivational speaker, author of eight books, five feature-length movies, two 'shorts,' wrote (and sold) a TV pilot.  He went from severely depressed to being a mentor, speaker, author, playwright, and nationally renowned poet. He has taught multiple educational seminars sharing his secrets from a thirty-year sales career. Lawrence's self-help guide is used as a college text and he has also written nine poetry books. If you know anyone who has struggled with depression, they need to hear Larry's story.   Lawrence is a survivor!  Period!  Listen to his compelling interview how he turned his life around from severe depression to being a mentor and encourager  

Matt Rifenberg has a remarkable story of resilience, tenacity, and success. When Cathy Goguen, an award-winning playwright heard his story she knew it would make a great play. Together they produced that play with an incredible message. Unstoppable by Design. Matt has been homeless, friendless, hungry, married to someone addicted to drugs, a clueless father trying to raise his son, and had a brain tumor. He was terrified of what might happen as a penniless, unemployed man without direction. Currently, Matt is employed by the government engineering the destruction of chemical weapons -- well-respected and successful in that community. You do NOT want to miss this interview with both Matt and Cathy. On many levels, we can all relate with his story and it is an encouragement to everyone who hears it.      

Lisa Kohn is the author of To The Moon and Back which is a term often associated with love.  But for Lisa, it had a much deeper meaning.  Lisa grew up in the East Village of New York City in the 1970s and in the Unification Church (the Moonies).  Lisa was raised in two conflicting bipolar worlds.  Her mother's world was the fanatical, puritanical cult of the Moonies.  Her father's world was based on sex and drugs in the East Village of New York City. In her interview, she shares how she escaped the lifestyle that almost destroyed her.  She was anorexic, addicted to cocaine and engaged to an alcoholic.  Today she has a successful leadership consulting and coaching practice and blessed with a happy marriage of over twenty years and two amazing children. Listen as she shares her amazing transformation, what she learned, and how she offers hope to anyone struggling with self-destruction and esteem issues.  Most of us know someone who has been swept into a world of addiction or poor choices which can be destructiv