The Amberly Lago Show: Stories of True Grit and Grace

Latest Episodes:

Make an Impact, Shine your Light with Travis Believes Mar 30, 2022

Show notes

If you're ready to make your gifts known to the world to create an impact, I cannot wait for you to hear the conversation in this episode with Travis Believes! We discuss some of his career highs working with huge entrepreneurs like Lewis Howes and Jay Shetty, to the personal lows of dealing with homelessness, jail, and abandonment. It's all about finding the unique work that you are here to do and sharing your light with the world.

"Failure is just rerouting you to the place you need to go."

Travis Believes is a motivator, speaker, entrepreneur and founder/CEO of InnerLightMedia, the premier social media agency for brands and influencers with positive and life affirming messages. Travis has worked with the top entrepreneurs and personal development brands on social media and continues to make an impact everyday.

Coming from St. Louis, MO and having to overcome some of life's most challenging circumstances -- extreme poverty, homelessness and living in a state run children's facilities, Travis deeply understands the value of self belief and how inspiration impacts everyone. Travis wants to usher in ultimate authenticity -- owning every aspect of who you are, not living up to anyone else's expectations of who they think you should be and realizing you are enough. We can give the world the fullness of our gifts when we are able to live our truest selves.

Travis and I talk about the journey of figuring out how to share your message and make your unique impact. We talk about resilience through tough times and vision to fuel us forward into our best work.

Here's what you will learn:

How growing up without parents affected Travis as a kid (6:20)
How jail became an incubation period that taught him life lessons (16:37)
The importance of emotional involvement in a goal (21:42)
How to make YouTube videos work for your brand (28:32)
Why connection can help you pivot and grow your business (37:46)
How to choose the best platform for you to make the most impact (43:27)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @travisbelieves so we can see!

Follow Travis:

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today's episode, don't forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Turn Fear Into Fuel with John Assaraf Mar 23, 2022

Show notes

If you are ready to learn proven brain secrets to make more money, turn fear to fuel, break bad habits and live life on your terms this is the episode for you. Get ready to UNLOCK YOUR BRAIN POWER!! Today I have the legendary John Assaraf joining us and he is one of the leading mindset and behavioral experts in the world who has appeared numerous times on Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper, and The Ellen Degeneres Show. He has done so much work on mindset and understanding our brains and he is able to make sense out of complex neuroscience so that anyone can understand it.

"First you build the habit and then the habit will build you."

John Assaraf has built 5 multimillion dollar companies, written 2 New York Times Bestselling books and has been featured in 8 movies, including the blockbuster hit "The Secret" and "Quest For Success" with Richard Branson and the Dalai Lama.

Today, he is founder and CEO of MyNeuroGym.com a company dedicated to using the most advanced technologies and evidence-based brain training methods to help individuals unleash their fullest potential and maximize their results.

John and I talk about how to unlock your limitless mind and train your brain for success! This episode might just change your entire life! I am sooo excited for you to listen!

Here's what you will learn:

How John went from a troublemaker to being one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world (2:31)
How to flip the switch from fear, anxiety and stress to calmness and certainty (13:29)
How to stop self sabotaging and use your brain to create your ideal identity (24:54)
How to activate subconscious tendencies to overcome bad habits (30:35)
Retraining your brain to achieve any goal faster (32:08)
The key to turning fear into fuel (41:37)
NeuroGym--Unlocking your mind for success and happiness (42:00)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @johnassaraf so we can see!

Follow John:

Links mentioned in this episode:

Innercise Book - NeuroGym

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Making Your Life Matter Now with Dan Clark Mar 16, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is with my favorite motivational speaker. Yes, he has made me laugh and cry when attending his speaking events over the years. We discussed motivation, purpose, and how "reason leads to conclusions, but it's our emotion that leads to action." I loved this conversation with Dan because it was so relatable and powerful.

Dan Clark is the founder and CEO of an International Leadership Development Company; a High Performance Business Coach; New York Times Best Selling Author of 35 books; University Professor; a primary contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series; International Podcaster; Gold Record Songwriter; and an Award Winning Athlete who fought his way back from a paralyzing injury that cut short his football career.

Dan was inducted into the National Speakers Hall of Fame – and has been named one of the Top Ten Motivational Speakers In The World. Dan has spoken to over 6 million people, in all 50 states, in 71 countries, on 6 continents, to more than 6000 audiences including most of the Fortune 500 companies, Super Bowl Champions, NASA, and to our Combat Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Asia and Africa. Dan has appeared on over 500 television and radio shows including Oprah and Glenn Beck, PBS and NPR, and has been featured in the Mayo Clinic Journal, Forbes, Inc., Success, Entrepreneur, Thought Masters and Millionaire Magazines.

Dan and I had an amazing conversation about healing after devastating injuries, why believing in miracles gives us the perspective we need, and how you can change your circumstances no matter what, making your life matter now!

Here's what you will learn:

How a paralyzing accident changed Dan's life (5:32)
Why what we believe aids our healing (11:20)
How "ordinary miracles" help us to understand a higher calling (22:41)
How going through space helped him to gain perspective (31:21)
Why his course helps impact lives in a positive way (38:14)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @danclarkspeak so we can see!

Follow Dan:

Links mentioned in this episode:

Speak Like a Pro Masterclass

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Finding Courage & Success through Failure with Emily Lyons Mar 09, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace hits close to home because not only has my guest Emily Lyons faced huge physical and mental health challenges, she has persevered through it all, moving forward to create multiple thriving businesses.

Emily is a serial entrepreneur, a podcaster, and author. She is the founder and CEO of North America's top event staffing agency. What started as a small agency has exploded like firecrackers across the entertainment scene in Canada and the United States.

A long list of accolades have already made a home with Femme Fatale Media Group, including five consecutive Annual Toronto Nightclub Awards and three Top Choice Awards. What's more, Emily's hustling has won over big names like Warner Bros., MAXIM, UFC, Justin Bieber, Drake, Lamborghini, and so on. Lyons agency was named "Canada's Top Agency" by Forbes.com.

Emily and I had a powerful conversation about building a business after a major health issue, what happens when we share our story with our true audience, and how to value failures as part of the road to success.

Here's what you will learn:

Initial challenges Emily experienced on her journey (2:21)
What she learned from her stay in a mental hospital (11:34)
Why a healthy fear has steered her away from alcoholism (20:25)
How experiential marketing can build your passion and create impact (26:42)
How visibility can level up your business (34:33)
How to get more eyes on your brand (43:31)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @emilylyoness so we can see!

Follow Emily:

Links mentioned in this episode:

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

From Tragedy to Olympian with Cliff Meidl and Dr. Malcolm LeSavoy Mar 02, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is a special one. I got to actually sit down with my guests in real life and talk about the incredible story of resilience that they have lived.

When American kayaker Cliff Meidl led Team USA into the stadium at the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Sydney, nearly two billion television viewers were watching globally. Millions of Americans learned of the amazing comeback he made from a tragic near-death construction accident when he was 20 years old.

Working on a construction site in 1986, Cliff was operating a jackhammer and within moments "the lights went out" for him. He had made contact with three live electrical cables suffering cardiac arrest due to the severe electrical shock. In addition, Cliff also sustained serious electrical burns and exit wounds over fifteen percent of his body with major damage to both knees. Nearly a third of each knee compartment was disintegrated.

Fortunately, first responders arrived quickly and saved Cliff's life. Cliff's battles were not over yet. Due to the severe damage to both legs, doctors were recommending amputation. Cliff's family was able to find UCLA Medical Center Plastic Surgeon Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy, who devised an innovative procedure and was able to help save Cliff's legs.

As they say, "the rest is history." Several years later through many surgical procedures and an extensive rehabilitation process, Cliff was able to gain enough mobility to walk again (to the amazement of his doctors). Nearly ten years after his horrific accident and his commitment and dedication to battle through adversity, Cliff realized his dream when he marched into the Opening Ceremonies of the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta as a member of the USA Olympic Kayaking Team.

Four years later at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Cliff competed again in his second Olympics and received one of the highest honors as an Olympian. He was selected by his peers to carry the Unites States flag during the Opening Ceremony. Following the Games, he received a number of honors including the "Arete Courage in Sports Award," the Philadelphia Sportswriters "Courage Award," the Los Angeles Marathon "Patsy Choco Award," and many more. In addition, Cliff was named as one of the 20 all-time inspirational Olympians for the "Olympian Heroes Series," and continues to receive national and international media coverage through his spokesperson and motivational speaking events.

I sat down with both Cliff and Dr. Malcolm to talk about this powerful story, with their decades of perspective on how it has unfolded. I can't wait for you to hear what they had to say!

Here's what you will learn:

How Cliff's life changed when he had a major accident (1:34)
How hope can help in recovery (20:31)
Teamwork and having someone believe in you can help you overcome trauma, challenges, and adversity (22:25)
The importance of micro-steps (31:11)
Why believing in something bigger than yourself is essential (40:39)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag me at @amberlylagomotivation @twosparksofiinspiration so we can see!

Follow Cliff and Dr. Malcolm:

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Nourish Your Spirit with Brad Jensen Feb 23, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is about a subject that is close to my heart: ADDICTION. What I have learned is addiction doesn't discriminate. Whenever I talk to others in recovery who have claimed a life of sobriety, I am always uplifted and inspired by the daily choices they make to live in gratitude and to be of service to others. This is a powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, sobriety and spiritual transformation that will nourish your soul. It's about finding the grit to persevere through life's toughest challenges and giving yourself the grace to do it with kindness. I couldn't be more excited to introduce you to today's guest, Brad Jensen, who just happens to have "GRIT" and "GRACE" tattooed on his knuckles.

Brad's passion for the fitness industry has been engrained into his life since he was 14 years old. The minute he picked up his first fitness and nutrition magazine, he knew that it was what he was born to do. He became NASM and ACE certified so that he could understand all parts of fitness and nutrition. He wanted to absorb as much as he could to feel his best and share his passion with others. He has since gone on to acquire numerous certifications, including NCI, Oracle applied science, and the Well-Fit mentorship. This passion lifted him from his darkest times and helped him overcome a decade of addiction to drugs and alcohol, which resulted in his sobriety. His sobriety date is November 20th of 2012, and for that, he is eternally grateful.

Brad opened the doors to Key Nutrition in March 2017 and has never looked back. He now operates a course called The Next Level Experience, where he helps individuals level up in all areas of their life in an intimate, intense, and interactive course.

Here's what you will learn:

How Brad was first exposed to alcohol and drugs before starting his journey toward sobriety (2:43)
What he learned through chronic pain, addiction, and trying heroin (13:26)
The difference between being clean and being in recovery (21:03)
How to build grit mentally, spiritually and physically (29:31)
How he has been able to stay sober through entrepreneurship (38:25)
The importance of spirituality outside of religion (45:21)
The importance of reaching out while struggling with any kind of addiction (46:49)

I am excited to share that I will be joining Brad soon in Salt Lake City for his event "MINDSTRONG." I am honored and excited to be the keynote speaker and share tips and tools on who to build grit and strengthen your resilience!!

Join us and nourish your mind, body and spirit! March 18th-19th 2022 https://amberlylago.com/events/

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag us at @amberlylagomotivation and @thesoberbodybuilder so we can see!

Follow Brad:

Links mentioned in this episode:

Next Level Experience

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Networking, Brand Building, and Finding Your Customers with Kim Kaupe Feb 16, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is about a different kind of resilience: building a successful business or career. If you've been working on this kind of goal, you know the ups and downs it takes you through all sorts of challenges, ESPECIALLY with things like social media, SEO and getting more eyeballs on your brand. I am so excited to bring you an incredible expert on how to build "career capital," find your dream customers, and share your best work with the world.

Kim Kaupe is an accidental entrepreneur, educator, podcaster, and speaker. She started her first business in 2011 at age 25 and in 9 years, she learned how to go from zero clients to Oprah, no one knowing who she was to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and not knowing what an LLC was to securing offers from 4 out of 5 sharks on Shark Tank.

Now, she opens her my playbook to show others exactly how she did it. Kim works with executives & future leaders to harness their voice & image to expand their network. She dusts off the ordinary to reveal the extraordinary in her clients whose perceived value in the workplace does not match the actual value they bring to the table. By showing others how to showcase their strengths, she's building an army of leaders who are ready to take center stage.

Here's what you will learn:

How growing up in elementary school birthed her curiosity in marketing (4:39)
Why LinkedIn is the best platform to build from (9:23)
Why creator mode on LinkedIn can help you make a more attractive brand (14:54)
How to figure out where your customers are (22:18)
How you can leverage mentors and advocates (36:46)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag us at @amberlylagomotivation and @kimkaupe so we can see!

Follow Kim:

Links mentioned in this episode:

TurnonCreatorMode.com

If you are ready to leave your mark by discovering your message and sharing it with the world, you've come to the right place!! Let's work together to build your influence, your impact, and your income! Join the tribe you have been waiting for to activate your highest potential and live the life you deserve! Another Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is starting soon!!! Early bird countdown starts now! JOIN NOW and let us know you are ready for greatness!

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Stop Overthinking and Finish Your Biggest Goals with Jon Acuff Feb 09, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace covers a topic we all deal with: overthinking AND overanalyzing. I had the honor of having a conversation with one of the top experts on how to change the soundtrack in your mind and finish what you start. He says, "If you listen to any thought long enough it becomes a part of your personal playlist." The good news is we can change the script, rewrite the story and change the soundtrack in our heads. We can create a playlist that empowers us and allows us to show up fully, confidently and authentically. Our guest shows us how!

Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including his most recent, Soundtracks, The Surprising Solution To Overthinking.

Published in more than a dozen languages, his work is both critically acclaimed and adored by readers. When he's not writing, Acuff can be found on a stage, as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He's spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges and companies around the world including FedEx, Nissan, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Chick-fil-A, Nokia and Comedy Central. Known for his insights wrapped in humor, Acuff shared the stage with an American Icon when he opened up for Dolly Parton at the Ryman Auditorium.

For over 20 years he's also helped some of the biggest brands tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, and Staples. His fresh perspective on life has given him the opportunity to write for Reader's Digest, Fast Company, The Harvard Business Review and Time Magazine.

Here's what you will learn:

How humor helps convey your message in audiobooks and speaking engagements (3:27)
The importance of writing down our reaction to retire our broken soundtracks (7:11)
How to "turn the dial down" on broken soundtracks (10:39)
The importance of positive affirmations in changing your mind patterns (18:21)
How knowing the difference between arrogance and celebrating success is essential (27:39)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag us at @amberlylagomotivation and @jonacuff so we can see!

Follow Jon:

Turning Frustration Into Inspiration with Jess Ekstrom Feb 02, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is about a side of resilience that is easy for some people and really hard for others. I'm talking about optimism! It's a game changer when you learn how to harness it, and I'm so excited to bring you this conversation with the queen of optimism, Jess Ekstrom. As she told me in our interview, "Let the wonder be louder than the limits."

Jess Ekstrom is the founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope, a company she started as a junior in college in 2012. For every headband sold, a headband is given to a child with cancer. Her first brush with success was selling all of her toys on eBay when she was twelve. Since then, Jess has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, the Hallmark Channel, Inside Edition, Vanity Fair, Forbes, and People Magazine ran an exclusive on her when her book released. Jess is a regular guest on QVC. More importantly, Headbands of Hope has donated over half a million headbands reaching every children's hospital in the United States and in fifteen countries.

Her book Chasing the Bright Side debuted as a #1 New Release on Amazon and Apple picked her audiobook as their Must-Listen of the month. Jess is also a professional speaker and founder of Mic Drop Workshop, an online course with the mission of empowering more women to share their message as a speaker. She is the Founder of Bright Pages, a guided online journal for the doers with daily prompts based on your goals.

Some of her career highlights have been... Hosting proms at Children's Hospitals, being dubbed "The Ultimate Game Changer" by Women's Health Magazine, making the Under 30 Women to Watch list by Business Insider, being named a "top motivational speaker" by Forbes, and donating over half a million headbands to every children's hospital in America and 15 countries. Jess and her husband, Jake, travel around the country in their Airstream with their dog, Ollie.

Here's what you will learn:

Why Jess was inspired to found Headbands of Hope (4:24)
How to find the optimism to do big projects (13:17)
How sharing her uncle's story helped her to live what she was teaching on turning frustration into inspiration(18:39)
The importance of leaving the future open for possibility (26:55)
How an internet journal can help you flesh out your thoughts (33:48)
A great resource to help you get started with writing a book (39:48)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag us at @amberlylagomotivation and @jess_ekstrom so we can see!

Follow Jess:

Links mentioned in this episode:

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

Reprogramming Your Mind for Courage with Craig Siegel Jan 26, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode of True Grit and Grace is for everyone who has been struggling with finding the courage to be vulnerable, go after your dreams, and reinvent the story you tell yourself. My guest is someone who has had to do all of this in his own journey and he has powerful insight about how you can do the same.

Craig Siegel is a value-based Keynote Speaker, Performance Coach, Entrepreneur, Online brand exploder, Master Elevator, Host of the record-breaking podcast, The CLS Experience, and rising thought leader, as featured in Entrepreneur and endorsed by some of the world's most well known celebrities, such as Rob Dyrdek, Ed Mylett, Bethany Hamilton, Suzanne Somers and NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins.

When the pandemic happened, Craig felt guided and left his lucrative and stable job on Wall Street and went all in with his passion and purpose to help people revamp their mindset and fulfill their potential. Craig's unique combination of energy, motivation, inspiration, charisma and business has led to the meteoric rise of Cultivate Lasting Symphony (CLS), a contagious, never before seen explosion that has impacted millions of lives worldwide.

Removing limiting beliefs is the key to success in all areas of life. Most people feel unworthy, Craig helps people release the negative beliefs they have cultivated over time and implement positive and constructive thoughts, which then create powerful and positive beliefs which change your behaviors and ultimately, create brand new results in your relationships, business, and all facets of life.

Here's what you will learn:

Why Craig left Wall Street to become a coach (3:21)
How he's been able to reprogram his mind (6:20)
Where Craig got his grit and passion (11:35)
What he learned through his experience with a foot tumor (15:13)
How to tap into the courage to be vulnerable (20:38)
How finding trustworthy friends helps create a system for not burning out (25:17)

What did you learn from this episode? Share on Instagram and tag us at @amberlylagomotivation and @craigsiegel_cls so we can see!

Follow Craig:

Links mentioned in this episode:

The CLS Experience with Craig Siegel on Apple Podcasts

Read the "True Grit and Grace" book here and learn how you can turn tragedy into triumph!

You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships!

Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going? Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation!

Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook

Website @amberlylago.com

Instagram @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker