Harder Than Life

Latest Episodes:

103: Overcoming Fear & Choosing Freedom w/ Henry Ammar Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

In this deeply inspiring episode of the Harder Than Life podcast, host Kelly Siegel sits down with special guest Henry Ammar, a global speaker, leadership expert, and founder of the Higher Love movement. Henry shares his journey of overcoming fear, developing emotional intelligence, and building a life rooted in freedom, love, and authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

Overcoming Fear Leads to Freedom: Henry explains how fear holds us back in every area of life—relationships, success, and personal growth. He emphasizes that by facing our fears and reframing them, we can transform them into strengths and unlock true freedom.
Emotional Intelligence is Essential: Understanding and managing emotions is critical in both personal and professional life. Henry and Kelly discuss how emotional triggers are messages that, if embraced and not resisted, can lead to healing and growth.
Resistance is a Path to Growth: Resistance is not something to avoid but to embrace. Henry shares that when we feel resistance, it is often an indication that we are on the brink of growth, and leaning into it can lead to greater strength, wisdom, and fulfillment.
Music as a Healing Tool: Henry’s journey in the music industry illustrates the power of music as a medium for healing and connection. Music can touch people deeply and inspire them to heal and grow emotionally and spiritually.
The Higher Love Movement: Henry's upcoming Higher Love initiative seeks to unite leaders, experts, and influencers from various fields to address global suffering and elevate the world through love, healing, and unity.
Healing Starts with Self-Awareness: Both Kelly and Henry agree that self-awareness is the foundation of all personal development. Becoming aware of your emotional triggers and working through them with compassion leads to a more fulfilling life.
Take Responsibility for Your Triggers: Henry urges listeners to take responsibility for their emotional triggers instead of blaming others. Facing and resolving these triggers is key to personal growth and emotional freedom.
There's Always Hope: No matter where you are in life, there is always hope for improvement. Henry emphasizes that change is possible, and your current situation does not define your future. Healing and growth take time, but persistence pays off.

"Your weaknesses are your strengths with fear attached to them."

Henry Ammar’s Links:
Website: https://www.henryammar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henryammar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henry.ammar/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehenryammar?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/henryammar

Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

102: Building a Million Dollar Empire w/ Coach JV Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

Key Moments & Takeaways:

The Power of Mindset: Coach JV emphasizes the importance of reprogramming the subconscious mind, explaining how our early life experiences shape our beliefs and behaviors. He shares personal stories of overcoming addiction and how changing his thoughts led to a complete life transformation.
Financial Mastery: The episode provides insights into building wealth through disciplined financial strategies. Coach JV explains the concept of the risk pyramid and how he uses a diversified approach to investing, including his views on cryptocurrency and the importance of financial literacy.
Overcoming Adversity: From a near-fatal suicide attempt to achieving success as a coach and entrepreneur, Coach JV’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. He discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, including the profound impact of reading The Secret and his experience with overcoming addiction.
The 3T Warrior Academy: Coach JV introduces his 3T Warrior Academy, a program designed to help individuals achieve financial freedom and personal empowerment. The academy combines mindset training with practical financial education, aiming to create generational wealth and personal transformation.
Freedom Asset Management: The episode also explores Coach JV’s creation of Freedom Asset Management, a company that helps manage and grow wealth for individuals through diversified investment strategies, including pre-IPO opportunities and real estate funds.

“To be harder in life is to be joyful when it's not going well."

Coach JV’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjv_/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoachjv/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachjv_
X: https://x.com/coachjv_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@3TWarriorAcademy

101: Secrets to Successful Leadership & Communication w/ Amy P. Kelly Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Harder Than Life podcast, host Kelly Siegel welcomes Amy P. Kelly, a powerhouse in HR and talent development, to discuss the transformative power of positive conversations. Amy shares key insights from her latest book, Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult, and offers practical advice on how to navigate challenging discussions in both personal and professional settings. This conversation dives into the importance of mindset, the impact of labels, and the role of empathy in fostering meaningful communication.
Key Moments & Takeaways:

Kelly Siegel introduces Amy P. Kelly, highlighting her role at the John Gordon Companies and her contributions to leadership and HR development, setting the stage for the discussion.
Amy discusses how labeling conversations as "difficult" can negatively impact the mindset and outcome, introducing the idea of reframing them as "growth conversations."
Amy explains the STAR3 method (Small Ego, Truth, Assume the Best, Rules of Engagement, Respect, Relationships), providing a framework for approaching challenging conversations.
Amy and Kelly dive into the importance of vulnerability in building trust during difficult conversations, highlighting how truth-telling requires vulnerability.
Amy introduces the three levels of encouragement: giving, receiving, and asking for encouragement, emphasizing the need to ask for support when needed.
Amy shares the NSR (Notice, Shift, Rewire) method as a tool for managing emotions during challenging conversations, helping listeners stay focused and productive.
Amy reflects on her personal growth journey, including challenges faced during childhood and how they shaped her approach to communication and leadership.
Amy shares her excitement about her book being featured in bookstores, highlighting the joy of seeing her hard work recognized.
Amy discusses her book You Grow Girl, sharing the "cultivate" structure and how it’s designed to promote personal and professional growth, particularly for women.
Amy emphasizes the importance of seeking out different perspectives to foster better understanding and communication, encouraging listeners to run towards challenging material.

"Don't call people out—call people up. Elevate them to greatness rather than tearing them down."

Amy P. Kelly’s Links:

Website: https://www.amypkelly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amypkelly1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amypkelly1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amypkelly

X: https://x.com/amypkelly

100: 100 Conversations On Personal Growth & Success Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

Kelly Siegel, host of the Harder Than Life podcast, celebrates a significant milestone—100 episodes! In this special episode, Kelly reflects on the journey of his podcast which began as a platform to share stories of overcoming adversity and has evolved into a thriving community focused on self-love, self-awareness, business, and health. This episode is a mix of powerful reflections, lessons learned, and impactful conversations that highlight the essence of what it means to be harder than life.
Key Moments & Takeaways:

Ryan Alford: Building a personal brand is less about self-promotion and more about leaving a legacy. By documenting your beliefs and experiences, you ensure that your impact on others is preserved, regardless of whether or not you seek financial gain.

Stefanos: Shame is a powerful and often debilitating emotion, but addressing it openly is crucial. By confronting and working through shame, you can avoid the pitfalls of narcissism and achieve deeper connections and personal growth.

Real Talk Kim: Hitting rock bottom can be a catalyst for profound transformation. Real Talk Kim emphasizes that sometimes, you must experience significant loss and hardship to find your true purpose and rebuild your life on a stronger foundation.

Jen Gottlieb: Resilience in the face of failure is key. Jen's experience of bombing a sales pitch taught her that bouncing back by reconnecting with what she does best—energizing and engaging people—can turn a failure into a powerful success.

Dan Martell: No matter how dire your circumstances, transformation is always possible. Dan’s journey from a troubled youth and near-tragedy to becoming a successful entrepreneur showcases the life-changing power of mentorship and self-belief.

Stephen Scoggins: Your mindset determines your destiny. Stephen's story underscores the importance of reprogramming limiting beliefs inherited from upbringing, showing that success comes from learning to think differently and more positively.

Amberly Lago: Embracing and working through pain is essential for growth. Amberly highlights that by confronting your pain and using it as a motivator, you can build resilience and transform your life, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

Tim Storey: True strength comes from serving others with humility. Tim’s approach to life, inspired by biblical teachings, emphasizes that by serving others rather than seeking dominance, you maintain a divine strength that influences others positively.

Danielle LaPorte: Forgiveness is essential for personal freedom and growth. Whether or not the other person is sorry, forgiving them is about releasing yourself from the burden and allowing yourself to move forward with greater peace and consciousness.

Sabrina Zohar: True healing comes from doing the inner work. Sabrina’s journey reveals that acknowledging and confronting your trauma is vital to breaking negative cycles and building a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Michael Chernow: Structure and discipline are lifesaving. Michael's recovery from addiction was anchored by a strict routine that included fitness, proper nutrition, and a supportive community, proving that a disciplined lifestyle can lead to profound transformation.

"Be awesome, be kind, be harder than life."

Let’s Connect:

Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harderthanlifepodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@harderthanlife.pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@harderthanlife

99: Thriving After Trauma w/ Erika Erickson Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Harder than Life podcast, host Kelly interviews Erika Erickson, an Emmy-nominated journalist and public relations professional. They discuss Erika's inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and her passion for storytelling. The conversation touches on topics such as growing up in Detroit, the changing landscape of journalism, and Erika's biggest breakthrough in her career. Kelly and Erika discuss their experiences with adversity, including the loss of loved ones, addiction, and trauma. They explore the impact of these experiences on their self-worth and relationships. The conversation highlights the need for self-reflection, self-compassion, and the willingness to seek help and support. Erika shares her involvement in philanthropy, particularly with organizations like First Step and Detroit Dog Rescue. They discuss the challenges of being a strong woman in a male-dominated field, emphasizing the need to love and trust oneself.
Key Moments & Takeaways:

Introduction of Erica Erickson
Kelly introduces Erica Erickson, an Emmy-nominated journalist and public relations expert, known for her impactful storytelling and dedication to community causes.
Growing Up Near Detroit
Erica and Kelly share their experiences growing up in Detroit's vicinity, reflecting on the city's evolution and the common misconceptions people have about it.
The Evolution of Journalism
Erica discusses the changing landscape of journalism, highlighting the impact of social media and the challenges of staying true to the craft in a rapidly shifting media environment.
Overcoming Career Setbacks
Erica shares a pivotal moment in her early journalism career when she froze during a live broadcast, explaining how this failure became a breakthrough in building her resilience and confidence.
Personal Struggles with Family
Erica opens up about her complicated relationship with her father, his struggles with addiction, and how these experiences shaped her approach to life and relationships.
Choosing Sobriety
A major turning point in Erica's life was her decision to embrace a sober lifestyle. She discusses the clarity and personal growth that followed this choice.
Surviving and Healing from Domestic Violence
Erica courageously recounts her experience with domestic violence, discussing the signs she missed and the steps she took to reclaim her life and self-worth.
Empowerment Through Advocacy
Erica talks about her involvement with organizations like First Step and Detroit Dog Rescue, emphasizing the importance of giving back and supporting those in need.
Navigating Male-Dominated Environments
Drawing from her experiences in journalism and PR, Erica offers insights into maintaining one's voice and presence in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Embracing Uncertainty
Erica reflects on her current approach to life, embracing uncertainty, and remaining open to new opportunities, all while continuing her journey of self-discovery.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Erica expresses her excitement about the future, focusing on continual personal growth and staying true to her values.

"You can't be in relationships, you can't have friends, you can't have the career, you can't have anything you want if you're not right with yourself."

Erika Erickson’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikaerickson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikaEricksontv/
X: https://x.com/ErikaEricksontv
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/erikaerickson

98: Permission to Offend w/ Rachel Luna Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

In this transformative episode of the Harder Than Life podcast, host Kelly Siegel sits down with the remarkable Rachel Luna, a certified master coach, international speaker, and bestselling author. Rachel shares her powerful journey of overcoming immense personal challenges, including losing her parents to AIDS, battling alcoholism and depression, and surviving triple-negative breast cancer. Through her experiences, Rachel has emerged as a beacon of strength and authenticity, with a mission to help others live freely and unapologetically.
Key Topics Discussed

Introduction to Rachel Luna: Rachel's inspiring background, her mission, and the significance of her bestselling book, Permission to Offend.
Rachel's Journey of Self-Discovery: From her traumatic childhood and struggles with alcoholism at Penn State to her turning point moments and eventual path to healing.
Navigating Personal Trauma: Rachel discusses her battle with breast cancer, the pivotal decision to reject traditional treatment, and her holistic approach to healing.
Empowerment and Self-Advocacy: The importance of questioning, unlearning, and giving yourself permission to offend, and how Rachel applied these principles to overcome fear and trauma.
Tools for Overcoming Fear: Rachel shares practical exercises from her book, including the All Outcomes Matrix, to help listeners navigate their fears and challenges.
Personal Anecdotes and Lessons: Engaging stories from Rachel’s life, including her former self Rachel Rodriguez, her family dynamics, and her deep connection to faith.
Reflection and Growth: Insights into how Rachel has evolved since writing her book and the ongoing journey of self-improvement and faith.

"Healing is not a magic pill. It’s a continual process that requires consistent effort and self-compassion."

Rachel Luna’s Links:

Website: https://www.rachelluna.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlconfident

97: Achieving Balance In Fitness & Life w/ Coach Bliss Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Key Topics Discussed

Early Struggles and Fitness Journey:
- Coach Bliss shares her start with running and initial lack of fitness knowledge.
- She discusses her battle with binge eating and weight fluctuations, reaching both extremes of the weight spectrum.
Turning Point:
- Coach Bliss realizes that drastic weight loss did not equate to happiness.
- She shifts her focus to sustainable fitness and balanced nutrition, leading to her becoming a personal trainer and starting Bliss Mode.
Bliss Mode Program:
- Coach Bliss emphasizes personalized fitness and nutrition plans, focusing on sustainable practices and realistic goals.
- She helps clients shift focus from weight loss to performance improvement.
Social Media Growth:
- Coach Bliss talks about her social media success, attributing it to vulnerability and relatability.
- She shares tips for growing a following by addressing common pain points and being consistent with content.
Balancing Life and Fitness:
- Emphasis on the importance of balance in fitness, nutrition, and personal relationships.
- Coach Bliss discusses her approach to maintaining balance despite the challenges of being an entrepreneur.

"People don't care about how much you know until they know about how much you care."

Coach Bliss's Links:

Website: https://blissmodefit.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach.bliss_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bliss.thecamptc/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blissmode_fitness

96: Natural Healing Secrets w/ Dr. Matt Chalmers Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

Key Topics Discussed

Dr. Matt Chalmers' Journey
- Inspired by personal injury and recovery through chiropractic care.
- Dedication to long-term wellness and holistic healing.
Holistic Health Approach
- Individualized treatment plans based on patient goals.
- Comprehensive diagnostics including echocardiograms, muscle testing, and blood work.
- Importance of managing stress and mental health for overall well-being.
Managing Stress
- Top methods: Exercise, practicing gratitude, and ensuring quality sleep.
- Emphasis on mental work and changing perspectives to reduce stress.
Common Myths in Health and Fitness
- Misconceptions about women and testosterone.
- Debunking the idea that lifting heavy weights makes women bulky.
- Challenges with the calories in vs. calories out model.
Nutrition and Supplements
- Importance of a balanced diet tailored to individual needs.
- Benefits of peptides like BPC-157 and the role of growth hormone.
Chronic Pain and Injuries
- Use of cannabis and other holistic methods to manage chronic pain.
- Detoxifying the liver to alleviate conditions like fibromyalgia.
Mental Health and Psychedelics
- Potential of ketamine and psilocybin in treating PTSD, addiction, and depression.
- Success stories and ongoing research supporting these treatments.
Practical Wellness Tips
- Daily routines that enhance physical and mental health.
- Importance of setting challenging goals and consistently working towards them.

"If you want long-term success, pick a hard project and work at it every day."

Dr. Chalmers’ Links:

Website: https://chalmerswellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchalmers1/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYU54FxJK1COaW8OhV4Q96w
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-chalmers-a422803b/
X: https://x.com/DrChalmers1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellnessinsightsdrchalmers/

95: The Truth Behind Achievement and Sacrifice w/ Jimmy Rex Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

Jimmy’s Links:

Website: https://www.mrjimmyrex.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjimmyrex/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrjimmyrex
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjimmyrex?lang=en
X: https://x.com/JimmyRex
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmyrexrealtor/

94: Leadership, Love, and Lifelong Success w/ Rudi Riekstins Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

Rudi’s Links:

Website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rudiriekstins/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudi-riekstins/

Podcast: https://www.inpoweruniversity.com/the-inpowered-life

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Ryan Alford: Building a personal brand is less about self-promotion and more about leaving a legacy. By documenting your beliefs and experiences, you ensure that your impact on others is preserved, regardless of whether or not you seek financial gain.

Stefanos: Shame is a powerful and often debilitating emotion, but addressing it openly is crucial. By confronting and working through shame, you can avoid the pitfalls of narcissism and achieve deeper connections and personal growth.

Real Talk Kim: Hitting rock bottom can be a catalyst for profound transformation. Real Talk Kim emphasizes that sometimes, you must experience significant loss and hardship to find your true purpose and rebuild your life on a stronger foundation.

Jen Gottlieb: Resilience in the face of failure is key. Jen's experience of bombing a sales pitch taught her that bouncing back by reconnecting with what she does best—energizing and engaging people—can turn a failure into a powerful success.

Dan Martell: No matter how dire your circumstances, transformation is always possible. Dan’s journey from a troubled youth and near-tragedy to becoming a successful entrepreneur showcases the life-changing power of mentorship and self-belief.

Stephen Scoggins: Your mindset determines your destiny. Stephen's story underscores the importance of reprogramming limiting beliefs inherited from upbringing, showing that success comes from learning to think differently and more positively.

Amberly Lago: Embracing and working through pain is essential for growth. Amberly highlights that by confronting your pain and using it as a motivator, you can build resilience and transform your life, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

Tim Storey: True strength comes from serving others with humility. Tim’s approach to life, inspired by biblical teachings, emphasizes that by serving others rather than seeking dominance, you maintain a divine strength that influences others positively.

Danielle LaPorte: Forgiveness is essential for personal freedom and growth. Whether or not the other person is sorry, forgiving them is about releasing yourself from the burden and allowing yourself to move forward with greater peace and consciousness.

Sabrina Zohar: True healing comes from doing the inner work. Sabrina’s journey reveals that acknowledging and confronting your trauma is vital to breaking negative cycles and building a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Michael Chernow: Structure and discipline are lifesaving. Michael's recovery from addiction was anchored by a strict routine that included fitness, proper nutrition, and a supportive community, proving that a disciplined lifestyle can lead to profound transformation.

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