Real Things Living

Епизоде

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  The Science of Love in Healthcare: Mindset & Recovery with Winston Meikle 16.09.2026 35мин

  A 40-year ICU nurse says your response to a diagnosis matters more than the diagnosis itself, and he's built a whole theory of care around it.Winston Meikle — nurse educator, author of "The Power of Love: A Nursing Theory", and founder of Loving Care Partners — joins Brigitte Cutshall to explore how quantum physics, ancient wisdom, and a love-based mindset can transform patient outcomes. They dig into patient advocacy, why nurses may know patients better than doctors do, and the real risks of staying passive in your own healthcare journey.3 Takeaways(1) Recovery is active, not passive. (2) The Four A's for shifting perspective: Acknowledge, Accept, Adopt, Actualize.(3) Authenticity beats love alone. Love paired with genuine authenticity becomes the real driver of better outcomes.Visit Winston Meikle’s work at https://poweroflovetheory.com and explore his patient advocacy platform at https://lovingcarepartners.orgSubscribe to Real Things Living for more uplifting conversations on health, self-advocacy, and resilience!
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  Autism & Mental Health: Stop Trying to Fit the Mold / Lawrence Harris 13.09.2026 35мин

  Youth mental health advocate, Lawrence Harris, breaks down why we need to stop trying to fit the mold when it comes to autism, mental health, and choosing our own path. Brigitte Cutshall speaks with 20-year-old Lawrence to explore neurodiversity, self-advocacy, and bridging generational divides. He shares his journey from childhood adversity to inspiring young people nationwide, offering practical ways parents and teens can build trust and mental well-being. Key Takeaways(1) Question Your Beliefs: Self-discovery begins when you pause, ask why you hold certain beliefs, and separate your identity from social pressure. (2) Listen and Validate: Parents can best support their teens by listening without judgment and protecting their privacy with tools like private journaling. (3) Labels Are Just Context: Conditions like autism or ADHD aren't limits—they are simple frameworks that help us understand unique mindsets. Learn more about Lawrence Harris at https://lawrencecharris.com. Also check out his YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@UC9iiryh1sa5QylGuPrjGUzQ Subscribe to Real Things Living for more conversations on resilience and self-advocacy!
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  He Asked Himself One Hard Question — Then Chose to Live / Devin Fish 08.09.2026 31мин

  16 moves before he turned 18. Another 16 in the Army. Here's what it built.Devin Fish grew up in poverty, moving constantly and eventually joining the Army at 18 to escape instability at home. After a decade of service — including a mental health crisis that landed him in the hospital — he channeled his lowest point into his memoir, "Answering the Hard Questions."Devin talks with Brigitte Cutshall about resilience, faith, and why telling the truth about your story might be the thing someone else needs to survive theirs.3 Takeaways(1) Instability builds capacity, not just damage.(2) The hardest chapter became the whole point.(3) Authenticity is the antidote to a fake world. Grab a copy of "Answering the Hard Questions" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or as an ebook. Follow Devin's new YouTube channel, Answering the Hard Questions, for his daily reflections. https://www.youtube.com/@9d7fishFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/devin.fish.79/
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  Why Your Mouth Might Be Driving Inflammation Everywhere Else / Dr. Eugene Antenucci 04.09.2026 42мин

  Dr. Eugene Antenucci — dentist, LSU dental school instructor, and author of "A Journey of a Thousand Smiles" — joins Brigitte Cutshall on Real Things Living to break down the mouth-body connection most people never learn about. We cover gum disease and chronic inflammation, the blue zones' link between longevity, family, and movement, why sugar is a bigger threat than most realize, and how to find a doctor who actually listens.Key Takeaways:(1) Your mouth mirrors your whole-body health: Gum disease sends bacteria and inflammation straight into your bloodstream, quietly affecting your heart, immune system, and long-term vitality. (2) Longevity is built, not inherited: Blue zone research ties long life to daily nutrition, movement, and family/community connection. (3) Advocate for yourself: Persistence in finding a provider who truly listens, and getting second opinions, can change the trajectory of your health. Connect with Dr. Antenucci: Website - https://drgene.health/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eugene_antenucci/Check out his book, "A Journey of a Thousand Smiles" - https://tinyurl.com/5j5jrduh
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  Control-Alt-Delete: How Thayne Martin Rebooted His Life Using Neuroscience 31.08.2026 38мин

  Can you actually rewire your nervous system to get unstuck? In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with transformation coach Thayne Martin to discuss trauma recovery, emotional intelligence, and how experiential neuroscience can reset your life. After surviving severe childhood trauma, over-medication, and a near-death drowning accident, Thayne experienced a total "control-alt-delete" reset. He discovered why traditional talk therapy alone wasn't keeping him from feeling stuck—and how simple, physical action retrains the brain far faster than reading or talking ever could. Key Topics Covered:Dealing with constant life changes and stepping out of fear The near-death experience that acted as a life reset button Experiential neuroscience: How doing physically rewires your brain Practical tools for managing anger, amygdala triggers, and emotional intelligence Metacognition: Moving from default mode to becoming the observer of your mind Connect with Thayne Martin and learn more about his work at https://itspurelove.com
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  Unfiltered Truth: From Poverty and Pain to Blue-Collar Purpose / Denny LaVe 26.08.2026 38мин

  Denny LaVe joins Brigitte to talk about a life defined by pivots — from a broken childhood in Montana, to a near-fatal heat stroke that ended his Marine Corps dream, to nearly taking vows as a monk, to marriage, fatherhood, and building a construction company from the ground up. He opens up about the "shame culture" he grew up in, the years of stoicism that quietly strained his marriage, and the therapy-fueled journey that led to his bestselling book, "Blue Collar Blessed."The conversation also digs into his run for U.S. Senate in Idaho, the state of the trades, and why he believes learning to love yourself is the real starting point for everything else.Key Takeaways(1) Self-Compassion Drives Healing.(2) Embrace the Power of Pivoting.(3) There is Dignity and Success in the Trades.Ready to rewrite your story? Pick up a copy of Denny LaVe's international bestseller, "Blue Collar Blessed", on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and visit https://NewLionofIdaho.com to learn more.
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  Rewiring Trauma from the Inside Out / Dr. Judith Swack 22.08.2026 47мин

  A biochemist accidentally became a pioneer in trauma-clearing therapy—and it all started when she couldn't figure out her own dating life.Dr. Judith Swack was told repeatedly by mentors that she had a "research mind" and belonged in a lab, leading her to earn a PhD in biochemistry and neurochemistry. However, personal struggles in her dating life introduced her to Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and the power of the unconscious mind. After an insistent social worker pushed her to expand her focus beyond simple phobias, Dr. Judith mapped the biological structure of trauma, identifying it as the hidden root of most physical and emotional struggles.Key Takeaways:(1) Trauma is a physical reflex, not just a mental state.(2) Tapping activates the body's natural "off switch".(3) True healing addresses root causes rather than identities.Pick up a copy of Dr. Judith Swack's book, "Clear Trauma Now" (available in paperback and eBook on Amazon) and visit https://hblu.org to claim a free consultation or register for her upcoming live trauma-healing webinar series!
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  NIL & Mental Health: The Real Cost of Winning / Jay Paterno 17.08.2026 38мин

  College sports used to be about the love of the game. Now the money, the betting, and the pressure are rewriting what it means to be a young athlete.Brigitte Cutshall sits down with author, coach, and commentator - Jay Paterno - for an eye-opening conversation on the shifting landscape of college athletics. From the financial pressures of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and rampant sports gambling to the mental health strains on young athletes, Jay breaks down why human connection and authentic leadership are more critical now than ever. He also discusses his novel "Blitzed" - which offers a candid, reality-based look at the hidden challenges facing modern coaches and players.3 Main Takeaways:(1) Money changes everything. NIL deals and sports betting have introduced pressures — from family expectations to online harassment — that didn't exist a few years ago, even trickling down to high schoolers.(2) "A want-to, not a have-to." The healthiest athletes are the ones playing because they love it — research shows kids just want their parents to say "I enjoyed watching you play," not critique their performance.(3) Human connection is the antidote. As technology isolates young people, mentors, coaches, and team communities play a critical role in keeping kids grounded and supported.Know a young athlete or sports parent navigating this new landscape? Share this episode with them, and find more from Jay Paterno at https://www.jayvpaterno.com/
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  The Guy With Stage 4 Breast Cancer / Jake Messier 12.08.2026 41мин

  Less than 1% of breast cancer diagnoses belong to men—leaving Jake Messier on a mission to demand representation in a system that often forgets they exist.Jake Messier, a former Marine and marketer turned patient advocate living with stage IV male breast cancer, joins Brigitte Cutshall to talk about finding a lump while putting on deodorant, navigating the isolated reality of a traditionally female-centered diagnosis, and confronting the reality that male breast cancer cases have gone largely unstudied for decades. Jake shares how he turned his diagnosis into advocacy, becoming the first male patient appointed to a Susan G. Komen board, and opens up about vulnerability, finding daily joy, and making every moment count.3 Takeaways:(1) Male breast cancer is rare (about 1 in 726 men) but under-researched — there's never been dedicated funding comparing male vs. female cases.(2) Social stigma, not disease severity, drives higher mortality in men — most boys are never taught to check for lumps the way girls are.(3) Saying your scariest fears out loud — to a partner, a doctor, anyone — takes away their power.Follow Jake on TikTok and Instagram @theguywithstage4breastcanceror visit theguywithstage4breastcancer.com for resources and direct support. Don't forget to subscribe to Real Things Living for more authentic, unfiltered conversations on living with purpose!
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  Just Keep Tri-ing: James Logan's Stage 4 Cancer Comeback 08.08.2026 43мин

  He was given six months to live. Twenty-five months later, he's training for the Ironman World Championship.James Logan was 59, in the best shape of his life, and training for triathlons when a stage four cancer diagnosis gave him six months to two years to live. In this episode of Real Things Living, James opens up about the six-month mental shift from "worrying about dying to worrying about living," how he kept training through 24 rounds of chemo and major surgeries, and why he wrote his book, "Just Keep Tri-ing", to bring hope to others walking the same road. His story is proof that a terminal diagnosis can become the start of the most purposeful chapter of your life.100% of proceeds support the Ironman Foundation!3 Takeaways:(1) The mindset shift is the real battle. James says the turning point wasn't physical — it was surrendering the fear of dying and deciding to focus only on today.(2) Purpose fuels healing. Training for Ironman Kona and writing his book gave him something to move toward, and he credits that pursuit with helping his recovery.(3) You measure a life by impact, not time. James's guiding question — how many people can I positively impact before I go — reshaped how he spends every day.Follow James on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stage42025/Grab his book to help support the Ironman Foundation - https://justkeeptri-ing.com/
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  Creativity is Survival / Antonio Michael Downing 04.08.2026 35мин

  A cemetery at the end of a one-road village in Trinidad, a grandmother who couldn't read without help. This is where author, speaker, and musician Antonio Michael Downing learned that creativity isn't a talent, it's a survival tool.Antonio joins Real Things Living to share how his grandmother in Trinidad taught him to read and sing, not as hobbies, but as ways to cope with a hard life. It's the lessons that carried him through an unstable teenage years, a corporate tech career, and into becoming a published author (Saga Boy, Black Cherokee) and musician. The conversation explores creativity as a mindset, not just an output, and how art helps us process difficulty, find authenticity, and connect with others.3 Takeaways:(1) Creativity isn't reserved for artists — it's a life skill for coping, problem-solving, and reframing your story.(2) Art gives us practice for real life, helping us sit with ambiguity and hard emotions before we face them directly.(3) What connects people is more powerful than what divides them, and that connection builds resilience.Follow Antonio Michael Downing on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter/X @AntonioMichaelDowning, and pick up "Saga Boy" and "Black Cherokee" wherever books are sold.
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  Embracing Non-Traditional Paths to Motherhood / Leslie Lopez 30.07.2026 32мин

  Six years of uncertainty, navigating a high-stakes third-party journey, and finding the courage to redefine motherhood on her own terms. In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Leslie Lopez, founder and host of the Mothers in Arms podcast. Leslie opens up about her personal six-year journey navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and the decision to leave her marriage to pursue motherhood through third-party reproduction. She shares the emotional, financial, and societal realities of using egg/sperm donors and surrogacy, dismantling myths around fertility statistics and highlighting the profound healing found in building a supportive community. Key Takeaways(1) Infertility affects 1 in 6 people worldwide, across every race and background. The "it doesn't happen to us" myths are just myths.(2) Surrogacy and donor conception are more accessible than people assume. Grants, loans, and even employer programs are opening the door beyond just the wealthy.(3) Get specialized legal and mental health support. A general therapist or a skipped notarized agreement can leave real gaps in a third-party journey.Connect with Leslie Lopez and listen to the Mothers in Arms podcast on YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, or Instagram (@mothersinarms.pod) to join a growing community advocating for fertility awareness and reproductive freedom.Links referenced:https://www.cryobank.com/https://www.tsonglaw.com/ivf-calculatorhttps://www.counselingwithjoey.com/https://www.get-carrot.com/https://seedsethics.org/https://www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org/
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  A Combat Marine's Faith-Driven Recovery / Keith Cole 27.07.2026 39мин

  Surviving mortar rounds in Vietnam was only half the battle. The deepest healing began when a Marine veteran finally confronted the invisible weight of lifelong trauma.Keith Cole, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran wounded three times in combat, joins Brigitte to talk about the invisible wounds that outlast the battlefield. Keith shares his journey from enlisting after his father's sudden passing to enduring multiple combat injuries and carrying the heavy emotional burden of notifying fallen soldiers' next of kin. He candidly discusses hitting rock bottom with alcohol, turning to his faith, and transforming his personal pain, memories, and redemption into his book, "Burnout: God's Recovery Plan." 3 Takeaways:(1) Unresolved Trauma Takes Many Forms.(2) Healing Demands Vulnerability.(3) Daily Structure and Faith Restore Peace.If you or someone you love is carrying trauma alone, don't wait like Keith did. Visit https://recoverybyfaith.com to get the book and learn about the 12-week recovery workbook. And reach out to someone you trust — a friend, clergy, or therapist. You don't have to go it alone.Enjoying these conversations? Don't forget to subscribe to Real Things Living on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs an encouraging reminder that hope and healing are always within reach.
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  Unsung Heroes and Final Redemption / Neil Adams 23.07.2026 29мин

  He wasn't a doctor, but he talked his way past the barricades on 9/11 anyway — and spent the next 24 hours saving strangers' eyes.Author, Neil Adams, joins Brigitte Cutshall to talk about his book "From the Pile", written to honor his late best friend Michael Dorian — a veterinary technician who posed as medical personnel to help injured firefighters at Ground Zero on 9/11.Neil shares how Michael's selfless act ultimately cost him his health, the years-long fight to prove he was there, and the surprising twists (a lost news tape, a local Emmy, a Spike Lee documentary "Epicenters") that followed.Takeaways:(1) A civilian with no medical credentials talked his way into helping first responders on 9/11; and it changed the rest of his life.(2) Proving he was there decades later became its own story, complete with a rediscovered news tape and an Emmy win.(3) Michael's life became one of quiet redemption, using his final years to help others and leave a legacy through Neil's book.To learn more about Michael’s story, watch the Emmy-winning news footage, or order your copy of "From the Pile", visit https://readneiladams.com or request a copy of the book at your local brick-and-mortar bookstore today!
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  He Almost Lost His Son — Then Found His Purpose / Drew Norton 18.07.2026 29мин

  A standard check-in call, an ambulance, and a mother's quick instincts changed everything for Drew Norton's family in a matter of minutes. That terrifying crisis became the ultimate wake-up call, completely reshaping how he leads, loves, and shows up for the people who matter most. In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with sales leader and founder of the Abundant Man Project, Drew Norton. Drew shares the harrowing story of his infant son's medical emergency and how his wife's split-second actions saved their son's life. He opens up with raw vulnerability about how that exact moment forced him to pivot, ultimately launching his mission to help men become better husbands, fathers, and leaders through intentional self-development. Key Takeaways:(1) Fix Yourself First: Real, lasting change in a marriage or team starts by looking in the mirror, not by trying to fix your spouse or the people around you. (2) The Growth Cycle: Belonging, believing, and becoming are deeply connected. The community you choose to surround yourself with directly dictates what you believe is possible for your life. (3) Ambition is Service: Wanting more for yourself isn't selfish. Elevating your own health, mindset, and career directly expands your capacity to serve and support others. Shift Your Perspective. Connect with Drew on Intagram - https://www.instagram.com/theeverydaysalesleader/Visit https://AbundantManProject.com to learn about coaching, retreats, and membership for men ready to grow in faith, family, fitness, and finances.
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  Living Beyond a Diagnosis / Nicholas Kelly 12.07.2026 24мин

  Every obstacle is an open door for greatness, and staying in motion is exactly how you step through it.Nicholas Kelly is a registered dietitian, patient advocate, and TEDx speaker who has lived with cystic fibrosis for all of his 39 years. Nick shares how he turned his own health journey into a career helping others navigate chronic illness, why he calls passion his superpower, and the daily systems (like sorting 35–39 medications by shape) that keep him on track. Nick and Brigitte dig into the mind-body connection, the power of curiosity in patient care, and why he believes rest is a "necessary evil."3 Takeaways:(1) Be informed. The more you understand your own condition, the better you can communicate it, advocate for it, and manage it.(2) Build a routine. Simple systems create consistency and catch mistakes before they become problems.(3) Let others hold you accountable. You won't always have the energy to manage your health alone; a support system fills the gaps.Connect directly with Nick by visiting https://NicholasKellyRD.com Reach out to him across all major social media platforms at @NicholasKellyRD
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  Fueling the Human Machine / Axay Shah 08.07.2026 31мин

  He turned 50, watched his energy crash, and instead of reaching for a pill, he threw out cooked food entirely — 16 years later he's run eight marathons and never taken a single medication.Axay Shah, author of "In Nature We Trust," joins Brigitte to explain why he ditched cooked food at 50 and hasn't looked back. His philosophy is simple: if Mother Nature didn't make it, it doesn't go on his plate. No more diabetes, no blood pressure issues, no doctor visits — just raw fruits, vegetables, and a mantra he built his life around. Brigitte and Axay swap notes on food intolerances, the myths around dairy and calcium, and why listening to your body beats listening to marketing.3 Takeaways:(1) Energy dips aren't always "just aging" — sometimes it's what's on your plate.(2) Pain and soreness aren't the enemy; they're your body asking for repair, not a painkiller.(3) You are the one responsible for your health — not your doctor, not your parents, not your spouse.Curious if raw living could work for you? Grab Axay's book "In Nature We Trust" on Amazon, or reach him directly at https://rawfoodiest.com
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  From Seizures to Self-Trust: Hannia Zanana's Journey 03.07.2026 28мин

  Before she was a healer, she was numb—trapped under heavy medication for epilepsy and jumping out of airplanes just to feel a spark of life.Hannia Zanana, founder of Be HLTH, opens up about living with epilepsy and the six years she spent over-medicated and disconnected from her own body. She shares the turning point — a face-to-face encounter with a sperm whale — that cracked open her relationship with vulnerability, intuition, and healing. Now a certified health coach, Hannia helps women listen to what their bodies are trying to tell them, from emotional eating to unresolved childhood trauma.3 Takeaways(1) Your body keeps score, not a battlefield. (2) Suppressed emotion often shows up as appetite. (3) Trust beats trend. Connect with Hannia:Instagram -   / be.hlth  Her website - https://behlth.comLinkedIn -   / hanniazanana  
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  Your Mindset Is Your Business Plan / Joy Foster 29.06.2026 30мин

  Women are launching businesses in record numbers — and most still won't charge what they're worth, show up online, or ask for the funding they need. Joy Foster has spent a decade figuring out why.Joy Foster, founder and CEO of Tech Pixies, joins Brigitte Cutshall on Real Things Living to explore why so many brilliant women hold themselves back from scaling their businesses and how neuroscience can unlock the confidence needed to break through income plateaus.3 Takeaways:(1) Your blocks are biological, not personal. (2) Mindset scales with revenue. (3) Forget grants and loans — learn to sell. Ready to stop letting fear run your business? Visit https://TechPixies.com to explore Joy's social media, life coaching, and business programs — and follow her everywhere at @TechPixies.
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  Reclaiming the Heart: Overcoming Trauma and Finding Joy / Lena Fein 24.06.2026 29мин

  From a hyper-vigilant engineering career built on survival to a life anchored in pure, unadulterated joy—discover how one woman broke through a lifetime of shame to reclaim her authentic voice.Retired engineer turned author, Lena Fein spent decades outrunning a childhood shaped by relentless maternal criticism and hidden shame. She became a high achiever, a communicator, a marketing pro — all from her head, never her heart. It wasn't until her mother's death at 51 that Lena began a radical journey inward. Now at 68, she's reclaimed her voice, her joy, and her story — and published it in her memoir "Shattering the Mirror." Brigitte Cutshall and Lena dig into generational wounds, the courage it takes to face trauma, and why it's never too late to come home to yourself.Key Takeaways:(1) Healing requires facing the trauma. (2) It is never too late to reclaim yourself.(3) Embody kindness and presence.You can find Lena Fein's book, Shattering the Mirror, on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, and Audible) as well as Book Baby. Visit her website at https://shatteringthemirror.com