Author: Paul Gichia

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Rising from Rock Bottom

Mayim Vega:

Rising from Rock Bottom

Mayim Vega never expected that expanding her family would push her to the brink—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Struggling with a severe health crisis and strained relationships, she found healing through unconventional methods, ultimately emerging stronger than ever.

Bio

Married since 2003, she raises her own 7 children plus 2 adopted that she cares for. She loves speaking on a wide range of topics that she has personal experience and success with, including business, marriage, parenting, education, faith, nutrition, herbs, holistic health, and life coaching. Mayim’s insights unlock new possibilities for thriving in every aspect of life – health, wealth, relationships, and personal / spiritual.

Topics

  • Overcoming health crises through holistic healing
  • The impact of stress on the body and mind
  • Blended families and the challenges of adoption
  • How mindset coaching can transform relationships
  • The journey from burnout to balance
  • Alternative approaches to healing hypothyroidism
  • The power of nutrition and organ supplements for hormonal health
  • Resilience in marriage and navigating tough seasons
  • Homeschooling while managing a business and large family
  • Learning to embrace hardship as a path to growth

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to that moment when you realized your health was in crisis?
  • What were some of the biggest challenges in bringing two adopted children into your family?
  • How did you navigate the stress and strain on your marriage during this time?
  • What role did holistic healing play in your recovery?
  • You’ve mentioned mindset coaching was a game-changer—how did it shift your perspective?
  • What were the most effective changes you made in your diet that helped restore your health?
  • What advice would you give to other parents blending families or adopting children?
  • How do you balance being an entrepreneur, homeschool mom, and wellness advocate?
  • What are some of the biggest misconceptions about healing hypothyroidism naturally?
  • If someone listening is feeling overwhelmed and at rock bottom, what would you say to them?

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Turning Loss Into Purpose

Carrie Schmitt:

Turning Loss Into Purpose

Carrie Schmitt’s story of tragedy and transformation revolves around her son’s unexpected death from cancer. Determined to make a difference, she founded Love Like Jackson, a nonprofit that provides therapy for grieving children and families while spreading vital awareness about childhood cancer.

Bio

Carrie Schmitt originates from Iowa, and resides in St. Louis, graduated with a Psychology degree, mother of 2, wife to Mike, former surrogate, non profit founder, childhood cancer advocate and a coffee snob. Carrie prides herself on finding joy in the little things in life. She drives all over the country for her son’s ninja and delicious coffee. Carrie’s path took a hard left when her precious 7 year old son, Jackson, died leaving their family heartbroken and his younger sibling with debilitating anxiety.

This set a fire to Carrie and changed her path.

Her non profit, Love Like Jackson, is her heart’s work providing resources to families whose child has died. Carrie is a lover of words and was changed by the words of her therapist, Glen Doherty, who says if you replace the word “hard” with “important,” it changes how you approach things.

Topics

  • The emotional impact of childhood cancer on families
  • Turning grief into advocacy and action
  • The importance of providing therapy for children who’ve lost a sibling
  • How losing a child changes your perspective on life
  • Creating a nonprofit from personal tragedy
  • Raising awareness for underfunded childhood cancer research
  • Kindness as a tool for healing and resilience
  • Coping with anxiety and grief in the aftermath of loss
  • The emotional toll of surrogacy in the face of personal loss
  • The power of community support for grieving families

Guiding Questions

  • What was the moment when you realized that Jackson’s illness was more than just a leg pain?
  • How did you manage to balance being a surrogate with what your family was going through?
  • Can you talk about the first steps you took after Jackson passed away, and how you decided to start Love Like Jackson?
  • What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your nonprofit?
  • How did your personal grief shape the way you advocate for childhood cancer research today?
  • What role did therapy, both for your son and yourself, play in your healing process?
  • How do you manage to spread kindness despite the immense pain you’ve been through?
  • What advice would you give to other parents facing a similar loss?
  • How has your view of kindness and empathy evolved since Jackson’s death?
  • Can you share some of the ways that Love Like Jackson has impacted other families?

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The Power of Pause

Jason Tremblay:

The Power of Pause

After years of running a multimillion-dollar business, Jason faced an unexpected mental health crisis during the pandemic. Through this challenging experience, he discovered the power of mindset and coaching and now helps others find balance amidst the chaos of modern life.

Bio

From Resilience to Leadership: A Journey of Transformation

At just 19, I stepped into the world of sales, not knowing it would become the foundation of a 24-year career. My entrepreneurial spirit led me to establish a successful consumer electronics business, which I ran for 16 years. The journey wasn’t without challenges—there were setbacks and struggles that tested my resilience and shaped my approach to leadership. In 2023, I exited the business, but the following year brought an even greater personal challenge. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in 2024, a moment that forced me to confront my mindset and embark on a journey of intense mental work to rebuild my confidence, purpose, and vision.

This transformation gave me the clarity to channel my energy into helping others. With the guidance of mentors like Dan Lok, Alex Mandossian, Richmond Dinh, Tony Kay, and Mary Morrissey, I developed the 5P Leadership Blueprint—a proven framework that helps men in business master their mindset, overcome obstacles, and lead with clarity, balance, and purpose. My mission is to show others that even the toughest challenges can be the catalyst for a more empowered and impactful life.

Topics

  • Managing mental health while running a business
  • The impact of COVID on entrepreneurship and mental wellness
  • Overcoming burnout: Jason’s personal story
  • The role of mindset in business success
  • Why anxiety is rising in today’s fast-paced digital world
  • Finding balance in the age of social media and constant stimulation
  • The importance of self-awareness in overcoming mental health challenges
  • E-commerce and the challenges of building a business during uncertain times
  • How to use vibrational energy and mindfulness practices in business
  • From business owner to business coach: A journey of self-transformation

Guiding Questions

  • Jason, you went through a major shift in your life after experiencing a mental health crisis. What was that process like for you?
  • How did you come to understand the link between anxiety and the fast-paced digital world we live in?
  • Can you talk about the moment when you realized it was time to step away from your business and focus on your mental health?
  • What is the biggest misconception people have about anxiety and its impact on business owners?
  • You mentioned the power of mindset work. How can someone start developing a healthier mindset, especially if they’re facing anxiety?
  • How does the rapid pace of technology and social media affect our mental health, and what can we do to manage it?
  • What does it mean to “shift your vibration,” and how can that help someone in their personal or professional life?
  • You’ve transitioned into coaching—what was that experience like, and how has it shaped your perspective on business?
  • Can you share more about the role of e-commerce in your journey and how you’ve used it to fuel your growth?
  • What advice do you have for people who feel overwhelmed by everything happening in the world and need to regain control over their mental well-being?

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From Darkness to Light

Nikki Serenity:

From Darkness to Light

At 17, Nikki Serenity found herself alone across the country, abandoned by the person she trusted most. Facing homelessness, emotional abuse, and deep depression, she had to decide whether to sink or fight for a new life.

Bio

The first thing that comes to mind in the spiritual world is the time I realized God was the real deal when I heard Him speaking to me at church. I could also talk about how I got demons to stop startling me awake every morning weeks straight.

Topics

  • Overcoming childhood bullying and rejection
  • The hidden struggles of teenage depression and self-harm
  • How emotional abuse rewires self-perception
  • Surviving unexpected homelessness as a teenager
  • The power of faith in mental health recovery
  • Breaking free from toxic relationships
  • The psychology of self-worth and confidence-building
  • Transforming trauma into personal and professional success
  • Rewiring negative thought patterns for long-term happiness
  • How gratitude and mindset shifts create new opportunities

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to the moment when you realized your long-term relationship was turning toxic?
  • What was it like navigating homelessness as a 17-year-old across the country?
  • How did your experiences with bullying and rejection shape your early self-perception?
  • What were the biggest turning points in your journey to healing?
  • You mentioned that depression and attention can be addictive—how did you break that cycle?
  • How did finding faith play a role in your transformation?
  • What were some of the most effective mindset shifts that helped you overcome self-doubt?
  • After everything you went through, what gave you the courage to step into the world of modeling and media?
  • What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck in a cycle of depression or self-hatred?
  • Looking back, what would you tell your younger self during your darkest moments?

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Guided by Purpose

Jeff Patterson:

Guided by Purpose

Jeff Patterson’s journey as a meditation teacher spans over three decades. In his practice, he discovered three key principles—finding a strong personal “why,” committing to consistency, and the importance of having a guide—that he believes can transform one’s meditation experience.

Bio

Jeff Patterson has been practicing martial arts for the past 36 years, learning from highly skilled masters across seven countries. He has achieved black belt equivalency in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Eskrima, Muay Thai, Kenpō, Tai Chi, and Qigong. Deeply committed to the meditative arts, Jeff has studied their historical, philosophical, and health aspects, which led him to a transformative realization about the concept of yielding. His mission is to share his knowledge with others, having witnessed the profound impact his teachings have had on thousands of students. Jeff has authored three books, created two audio courses, and produced hundreds of videos on Tai Chi and Qigong, aiming to help others achieve their personal goals.

Topics

  • Developing a personal purpose for meditation.
  • How consistency shapes meditation practice over time.
  • The importance of mentorship in spiritual practices.
  • Overcoming common obstacles to starting and maintaining a meditation practice.
  • The mental and physical benefits of meditation.
  • How to find a meditation guide that aligns with your needs.
  • Building a meditation habit that lasts.
  • The role of meditation in reducing stress and anxiety.
  • The connection between mindfulness and overall health.
  • Meditation for athletes and enhancing performance.

Guiding Questions

  • What motivated you to start meditating, and how did that initial “why” influence your practice?
  • You mentioned consistency as a key to success—what does that look like in a daily meditation routine?
  • Could you share more about the ancient stone cutter story and how it relates to meditation?
  • How do you guide someone who is struggling with consistency in their meditation?
  • What advice do you have for someone new to meditation who doesn’t see immediate results?
  • What are some common misconceptions people have about meditation?
  • Why do you believe having a guide is essential for a meditation practice?
  • How can someone make meditation feel less like a chore and more like a rewarding habit?
  • What personal transformation have you experienced through your decades of meditation practice?
  • How does meditation help in stressful situations, and could you share any real-life examples?

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The First Snap

Gregory Thomas:

The First Snap

Gregory Thomas stepped onto the field at the University of Arkansas with a dream of playing quarterback. What he didn’t expect was the backlash that came with breaking racial barriers in the 1980s. His story is one of adversity, teamwork, and redefining what’s possible.

Bio

Greg Thomas is a trailblazer in sports, celebrated for his historic achievements as the first Black starting quarterback at both San Angelo Central High School and the University of Arkansas. His leadership on the field was instrumental in the Razorbacks’ success during his tenure, leaving an indelible mark on the program.

 

Transitioning from his illustrious football career, Greg has dedicated the past 25 years to shaping the lives of young athletes as an assistant boys’ basketball coach at Plano East High School. His commitment to mentoring and developing future leaders in sports has solidified his reputation as a respected and influential figure in the athletic community.

 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Greg is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who values the importance of family and takes pride in sharing his rich legacy with the next generation.

Topics

  • The mental toll of breaking barriers in sports
  • Overcoming racial adversity in athletics
  • The role of teammates in resilience and success
  • Lessons from being a trailblazer in college sports
  • Handling hate, criticism, and pressure as an athlete
  • The evolution of diversity in college football
  • What leadership really looks like under adversity
  • Navigating fame, scrutiny, and public perception as a young athlete
  • How college football shaped his outlook on life and career
  • Writing his story: The process of turning lived experience into a book

Guiding Questions

  • When you first arrived at the University of Arkansas, did you realize the history you were making?
  • How did the support (or lack of support) from coaches and fans impact your experience?
  • What was the hardest part of being the first Black quarterback at the university?
  • Can you share a moment when the racial adversity you faced hit you the hardest?
  • How did your teammates help you through this challenging period?
  • What lessons did you take from this experience that you still apply today?
  • If you could go back and give advice to your younger self during that time, what would it be?
  • How did writing your book help you process those experiences?
  • Do you think things have changed for Black quarterbacks in college football today?
  • What’s the biggest misconception people have about your journey?

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Doubling Human Wealth

Noah Healy:

Doubling Human Wealth

Noah Healy’s breakthrough invention could transform financial markets, making them hundreds of thousands of times more efficient. His system introduces a four-player model that would radically change how prices are set and markets operate, paving the way for a more transparent and productive global economy.

Bio

Noah Healy is a market designer and game theorist working on better economic systems. After training in nuclear engineering he worked for tech startups at the peak of the dot com boom. Becoming fascinated by the mathematics of information and computation led to patent work on a better commodity market design.

Topics

  • The development and inspiration behind Noah’s financial market invention.
  • The mathematical principles that led to discovering the more efficient system.
  • The four-player market system and how it differs from traditional models.
  • How transparency and productivity can reshape the global economy.
  • The potential for this invention to double human wealth.
  • The practical applications of this system in current markets.
  • Challenges faced in bringing this system to the public domain.
  • How this innovation could affect everyday consumers and producers.
  • The role of technology in advancing economic systems.
  • The philosophical implications of efficiency in economics and human well-being.

Guiding Questions

  • What sparked your interest in math, and how did that lead to this invention?
  • Can you walk us through the concept of your four-player market system?
  • What makes your system so much more efficient than current market systems?
  • How would this invention affect everyday people involved in production and consumption?
  • You mention the potential to double human wealth—can you explain that in more detail?
  • What were some of the biggest challenges in turning your idea into a public patent?
  • How do you see the transition from our current financial markets to this new system?
  • What changes would we see in the economy if this system were widely adopted?
  • Can you explain how this system would reduce costs and increase transparency?
  • How does your invention align with your personal philosophy on productivity and fairness?

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The Risk-Takers Mindset

Shane Emmons:

The Risk-Takers Mindset

Shane built a career in corporate tech, proving himself at every turn. But after hitting a glass ceiling, he made a radical choice that transformed his career—and his mindset.

Bio

Shane Emmons is the Founder and CEO of Swept.AI, a company challenging the way we think about the management of artificial intelligence. With 25 years in the tech industry, Shane brings decades of deep expertise in data science and modeling, combined with 15 years of hands-on experience as a startup engineer and executive. His journey through the startup landscape includes early failures, 9-figure successes, and every waystation in between.

An active voice in technology discourse, Shane shares his rich insights through blogging and LinkedIn, focusing on critical issues such as AI ethics, organizational design, and technology and businesses strategies. At Swept.AI, he is at the forefront of developing advanced systems for validating and supervising AI agents, setting new benchmarks for ROI, reliability, and transparency in the field.

Shane’s leadership style is profoundly influenced by ‘teal’ thinking, which prioritizes adaptability, shared purpose, and self-management, a mindset cultivated under the mentorship of his long-time coach and friend, Dr. Keith Merron.

Topics

  • Breaking Free from Corporate Bureaucracy
  • The Power of Taking Risks in Your Career
  • Trusting Your Gut vs. Overanalyzing Decisions
  • How Podcasts Can Spark Major Life Changes
  • The Challenges of Scaling a Startup from the Ground Up
  • Why Climbing the Corporate Ladder Isn’t Always the Best Move
  • From Employee to Entrepreneur: Lessons from the Transition
  • The Realities of Leading a Startup vs. a Corporation
  • The Role of Imposter Syndrome in High-Stakes Leadership
  • Overcoming Fear and Taking the Leap Into the Unknown

Guiding Questions

  • What was the moment you realized corporate life wasn’t for you?
  • How did your first major career shift come about?
  • What role did podcasts play in changing your perspective?
  • You mentioned negotiating a hybrid schedule—how did that change your mindset?
  • What were the biggest surprises when transitioning from corporate to startups?
  • Did you face imposter syndrome as a startup leader? If so, how did you handle it?
  • How do you know when it’s time to take a career risk?
  • What advice would you give to someone stuck in a bureaucratic job?
  • What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about trusting your gut?
  • If you could go back and give yourself advice at the start of your career, what would it be?

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Purpose Beyond Pain

Terry Tucker:

Purpose Beyond Pain

In 2012, Terry Tucker’s world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with melanoma and given a death sentence. Over ten years later, after losing both a foot and leg, he’s found a new mission in life—sharing lessons learned through adversity and helping others find meaning even in their darkest times.

Bio

Terry Tucker is an author, speaker, and podcast guest on the topics of motivation, mindset, and self-development. He has a business administration degree from The Citadel (where he played NCAA Division I college basketball) and a master’s degree from Boston University. Among his diverse professional roles, Terry has been a marketing executive, a hospital administrator, a SWAT Hostage Negotiator, a business owner, and for the past thirteen years, a cancer warrior (which saw the amputation of his foot in 2018 and his leg in 2020). He is the author of the book Sustainable Excellence, Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life, and a featured author in the book Perspectives On Cancer, Stories Of Healing, Hope, & Resilience. Terry has been published in Authority, Thrive Global, and Human Capital Leadership magazines, along with being quoted and highlighted in the books, Your Blueprint for Purpose by John Creekmur and Audaciousness, Your Journey To Living A Bold And Authentic Life by Maribel Ortega and Helen Strong.

Topics

  • The psychological and emotional impact of receiving a terminal diagnosis.
  • How faith, family, and friends have been integral to surviving cancer.
  • The concept of “finding meaning in your misery” and how to apply it to life.
  • The role of resilience in overcoming personal and physical challenges.
  • Navigating life after losing a limb: physical, emotional, and mental hurdles.
  • The shift in identity from athlete and law enforcement officer to cancer warrior.
  • How to find new purpose after life-altering events.
  • The lessons cancer has taught him about being a better person.
  • How adversity helps reveal one’s true self.
  • The importance of relationships and connections in facing adversity.

Guiding Questions

  • When you were first diagnosed with melanoma, how did you process the initial prognosis?
  • What role did faith, family, and friends play in helping you stay strong during your treatments?
  • You mentioned that cancer has made you a better person. In what ways do you feel you’ve grown through this experience?
  • What has been the hardest physical challenge for you since losing your foot and leg, and how did you overcome it?
  • You speak about finding meaning in your misery. Can you share an example of a moment when that mindset shifted everything for you?
  • How did your past as a college athlete and SWAT officer prepare you for the fight against cancer?
  • What’s been the most surprising lesson you’ve learned from the adversity you’ve faced?
  • How do you stay motivated when there are no “good days” or “remission periods” in your treatment?
  • Can you talk about the importance of relationships, specifically with your family and creator, in making you feel like the richest man in the world?
  • If someone is facing a major life challenge, what advice would you give them to help them endure and even thrive?

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The Power of Surrender

Imani Robinson:

The Power of Surrender

Imani knew God from a young age, but without strong discipleship, she found herself lost in the world. It wasn’t until she surrendered fully that she saw how God could rebuild what was broken.

Bio

Minister, Wife, Mother, Author

Masters of Arts in Psychology, Bradley University (Peoria, IL), Bachelors of Arts in Education, Certified Biblical Counselor, Certified Life Coach, Certified Urban Youth Leadership/Development (DVULI) Initiative, 10 years experience in Trauma/Crisis Rehabilitation for Youth and Women, 14 years health and wellness experience,16 years experience in Public Speaking, 20 years in Community Ministry. 

Topics

  • The dangers of backsliding and its consequences
  • How faith can truly rebuild a life
  • Recognizing red flags in relationships through a spiritual lens
  • Learning to surrender control to God
  • Overcoming loneliness when your transformation distances old friends
  • The ongoing process of sanctification and personal growth
  • How early faith without discipleship can lead to missteps
  • The role of hardship in deepening one’s relationship with God
  • Breaking free from destructive patterns through faith
  • The importance of discernment in major life decisions

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to your early faith and how it shaped your childhood?
  • What led you away from your faith, and what were the consequences?
  • You mentioned marrying someone without seeking God’s guidance—how did that impact your journey?
  • What was your turning point when you realized you needed to surrender everything to God?
  • How did your transformation affect your relationships with old friends and family?
  • What were some of the biggest internal struggles you faced during this rebuilding process?
  • Can you describe a moment when you truly felt God’s presence in your transformation?
  • What advice do you have for those who feel stuck in a backslidden state?
  • How do you continue to grow spiritually, and what does that process look like for you today?
  • What would you say to someone afraid to surrender their life to God?

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