On this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Stephen Wilson shares his powerful journey of overcoming the trauma of sexual assault and the subsequent battles with mental illness, including bipolar disorder and depression. He reflects on how the shame of his experience led him to keep his story hidden for over 30 years, affecting his life in profound ways.

As he discusses his early struggles, including a severe depressive episode in childhood and the lack of support during that time, he emphasizes the critical need for compassion and understanding for those facing mental health challenges.

Stephen's story is not just about personal survival; it’s also about his mission to help others navigate their own struggles through support groups and outreach. His book, "Teetering on a Tightrope," serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring those who feel alone in their experiences and showing that recovery is possible, even after deep pain.

Takeaways:

• Steve's journey illustrates the long-term effects of childhood trauma and the difficulty of sharing such experiences.
• He emphasizes the importance of support from loved ones for those dealing with mental health issues.
• Steve's experience demonstrates how mental health journeys can be complex, requiring patience and tailored approaches.
• Steve's commitment to helping others through support groups showcases the power of community in healing.

Steve Wilson, the Author of "Teetering On A Tightrope, my bipolar journey," was born in Delaware, Ohio, and now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife, Lenni. They have been married for 51 years and have three daughters and two granddaughters. Steve spent 50 years in the custom clothing business. He retired in 2019. In 1978, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It was not until 2000 that he was able to conquer the disorder. Since 2015, he has facilitated two mental health support groups. In 2024, he appeared on 30+ podcasts describing his journey and raising mental health awareness. One main focus is to discuss the inadequacy of government programs and the damage done by insurance companies when providing mental health care.

Teetering on a Tightrope: https://www.amazon.com/Teetering-Tightrope-My-Bipolar-Journey-ebook/dp/B0BTJ9DHNN

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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In this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Ashley Gould candidly shares her transformative journey following her father’s cancer diagnosis. In this conversation, we explore the impact of grief, the resilience required to navigate life’s unexpected challenges, and the importance of embracing change. Ashley reflects on her father's enduring influence, the pivotal shift in her life after his diagnosis, and how it shaped her path toward creativity and fulfillment.

• The Impact of Grief and Resilience
• Embracing Change and Finding Meaning
• Family Influence and Emotional Strength

Ashley Gould discusses the profound impact her father's cancer diagnosis had on her life, marking a pivotal shift that forced her to confront the realities of grief and loss. She shares how this experience shattered her perception of life’s continuity, leading to a journey of resilience and personal growth. The episode underscores the importance of acknowledging grief’s path, allowing it to guide healing and transformation.

Ashley’s story highlights the courage required to embrace change and find new meaning in life’s challenges. Despite the anticipatory grief and eventual loss of her father, Ashley’s journey emphasizes the power of living intentionally and pursuing joy. Her experience demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find fulfillment and purpose by following one’s passions and embracing the unknown.

Throughout the episode, Ashley reflects on her close relationship with her father and how it shaped her emotional strength and perspective on life. Her father’s warmth, humor, and presence continue to influence her, underscoring the enduring impact of familial bonds. Ashley’s narrative illustrates how these relationships provide both comfort and strength, serving as a foundation for navigating life’s transitions and honoring loved ones through personal growth.

Ashley Gould is a former corporate lawyer turned entrepreneur and podcaster. She founded Ame Atendre, a company dedicated to creating elevated everyday objects, and hosts the podcast "On the Table with Ashley," focusing on conversations about often-avoided topics.

• Website: Ame Atendre - https://ameatendre.com/
• Podcast: On the Table with Ashley - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282727/share

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

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Reflecting on my conversation with Betsy Pepine, I really connected with her journey, especially her struggle against societal expectations. Betsy opens up about breaking free from that exhausting success checklist that so many of us feel obligated to follow. She shares those pivotal moments when two major parts of her life unexpectedly disappeared, and it's clear how these events pushed her to rethink her priorities and find joy in the most surprising places. This theme of rediscovering oneself and chasing genuine happiness feels so relatable. Many of us find ourselves in similar situations, wondering if we’re on the right path and searching for fulfillment beyond the traditional markers of success.

Takeaways:

• Reflecting on conversations helps me gain new insights and perspectives on my guests' stories.
• Challenging societal checklists can lead to discovering true joy and personal fulfillment.
• Betsy's journey illustrates the importance of finding joy and purpose outside conventional paths.
• Engaging in different therapeutic modalities can provide valuable personal growth and healing tools.

Full episode: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/breaking-free-betsy-pepines-journey-from-boxes-to-boundless-joy/

Betsy Pepine shares her transformative journey of breaking free from the metaphorical boxes that once confined her, ultimately leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life. After experiencing significant life changes, including a divorce and job loss, she realized that many of her decisions had been driven by societal expectations rather than her true desires. Through her exploration of various therapeutic modalities, Betsy discovered the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability. These insights allowed her to reconnect with her inner self and redefine her version of success.

Her new perspective emphasizes the significance of personal happiness, which is rooted in authentic relationships and meaningful contributions to others. Betsy’s insights encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider how they might break free from the constraints holding them back.

Takeaways:

• Betsy Pepine discusses the importance of breaking free from societal expectations to find true happiness.
• The conversation emphasizes how recognizing and dismantling metaphorical boxes can lead to personal growth.
• Betsy encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and seek fulfillment beyond societal norms.

Betsy Pepine, Author of Breaking Boxes, is a transformative leader in the real estate industry and a distinguished entrepreneur. As Founder and CEO of Pepine Realty, Betsy has built one of the country's most respected and successful real estate firms. The Wall Street Journal has consistently recognized her real estate team as one of the top-producing in the United States. Her brokerage has been named one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the USA multiple times and earned spots on the Top 50 Florida Companies to Watch, and Florida Trend Best Companies to Work For lists.

In her book Breaking Boxes, Betsy delves into the metaphorical and literal boxes that shape our lives. From the expectations of becoming a doctor to creating a successful real estate business, Betsy shares compelling stories that help readers understand the labels and stereotypes associated with boxes. She encourages readers to step outside societal expectations, recognize the boxes that contain them, and discover their true identity to live free of others' expectations. Endorsed by her mentor, real estate mogul, and Shark Tank’s shark Barbara Corcoran, Betsy’s leadership and visionary approach have earned her numerous accolades and a stellar reputation in the industry.

Book:https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Boxes-Dismantling-Metaphorical-That-ebook/dp/B0D6CM2JSL

Website:https://www.pepinerealty.com/agents/betsy-pepine/

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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In this bonus episode, I reflect on a powerful conversation with Barb Higgins, who has faced numerous life challenges, including the tragic loss of her daughter.

Barb's journey is a testament to resilience and finding meaning in grief. She emphasizes that while our experiences shape us, they do not solely define us. She shares how she maintains her joyful spirit despite the hardships, even describing herself as a "wrinkly kid" at heart.

This is my little episode to convince you to listen to Barb's full story on The Life Shift - https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/s3e159.

Takeaways:

• Life experiences, even traumatic ones, can shape us without solely defining our identities.
• Barb's story illustrates the power of authentic storytelling in connecting with others.
• Embracing both joy and sorrow allows us to live more fully despite past traumas.
• The significance of community and support in overcoming life's toughest moments is paramount.

Barb Higgins shares a deeply moving and raw story about the loss of her daughter, Molly, an experience that transformed her life in unimaginable ways.

The conversation explores the complexities of grief, addiction, and the journey toward healing after such a profound loss. Barb candidly discusses her struggles with substance use as a coping mechanism and how she navigated the tumultuous emotions that followed Molly's death.

As she reflects on her experiences, Barb emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel and process pain without judgment. The episode concludes with a message of hope and resilience, highlighting that even in the darkest moments, there are pathways to new beginnings and personal growth.

Takeaways:

• Life is a balance of joy and sorrow, and both can coexist simultaneously.
• Straddling life's challenges can feel like being on a picket fence, with highs and lows.
• The journey through grief can lead to unexpected paths and new beginnings.
• Coping mechanisms, even unhealthy ones, emerge as we try to handle trauma.
• The importance of sharing stories lies in connecting with others who have similar experiences.
• Transformation often arises from our darkest moments, leading us to new perspectives.

Barb Higgins is a dedicated educator, coach, and author committed to inspiring others through her personal experiences. Her journey from overcoming childhood trauma to becoming a published author highlights her resilience and passion for personal growth. Barb's work in education and athletics continues to empower individuals to pursue their own paths of healing and transformation.

Connect with Barb Higgins:

www.athousandtinysteps.com

www.mollybfoundation.org

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Connect with me:

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This episode marks the conclusion of my ambitious 30-day challenge of producing daily content for the Life Shift podcast. I've shared my journey of reflecting on my personal growth and the insights I've gained through candid conversations with incredible guests. As I navigated this intense schedule, I realized the importance of balancing my commitment to the podcast with my full-time job and the support I owe the audience and generous Patreon members.

I explored new ideas for future episodes, including a potential weekly reflection on past conversations, allowing me to connect more deeply with both guests and listeners.

Join me as I wrap up this unique experience, sharing my thoughts on how it may shape the future of the show and my ongoing dedication to fostering a community where listeners feel understood and inspired.

Takeaways:

• The challenge of creating daily podcast episodes pushed me out of my comfort zone.
• I realized that sharing my personal experiences adds depth to each episode's conversations.
• The journey over these 30 days taught me the importance of authenticity.
• I am considering adding a weekly bonus episode to reflect on guest conversations.
• Being transparent about my struggles helps me connect with my audience more deeply.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com
• https://www.bonfire.com/store/thelifeshiftpodcast/
• http://www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast
• https://ko-fi.com/thelifeshift
• www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Bullying can leave lasting scars, and in today’s episode, I reflect on my own experiences with it throughout my childhood and adolescence. I share personal anecdotes, from being pushed into the mud by a bully in third grade to facing threats from a baseball team in high school. These moments shaped my reactions to conflict and how I navigated friendships, often leading me to prioritize others' approval over my own feelings.

Takeaways:

• Bullying can leave lasting emotional scars that affect us throughout our lives.
• The impact of childhood bullying can shape how we interact with others later on.
• It’s important to recognize that bullies often have their own issues they are dealing with.

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com