The Amberly Lago Show: Stories of True Grit and Grace

Latest Episodes:

Get Out of Your Head and Stay in Your Heart with Marcus Black Jun 23, 2021

Show notes

"The questions you ask in this life determine everything."

This conversation is for anyone who feels like life has gotten too noisy, too distracting, and too exhausting. So we might be speaking to everyone today.

Marcus Black is a former pastor and current urban missionary providing leadership and mentoring programs to several inner city schools. He's a traveling inspirational speaker, life coach, and host of The Vitalize Podcast.

Ever since he nearly lost his life at age 18, he's been committed to making the most of every moment given to him on this earth! Not only does he want to live life to the fullest, but he also wants to give wisdom, love, life, and energy to you and all those he comes into contact with along his journey! That's the driving force behind his movement The Vitalize Project! Marcus lives, works and podcasts from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and travels all over the country for speaking engagements.

In this episode, Marcus shares powerful, relatable insights into how we are struggling with the noise of the world and how we can bring back calm, quiet, and confidence into our lives.

Here's what you will learn:

How we create our own outlets as children (5:21)
What Marcus learned from his life changing accident at age 18 (9:52)
What writing a book can do for you and others (20:06)
How a mastermind can shape your career and life (31:29)
Why celebrating your wins along the way is so important (46:23)
How learning to overcome worry about pain can help you succeed (54:21)
How expressing gratitude affects our brains (1:01:21)

Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @mblackspeaks so we can see and repost to our stories!

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Your Unstoppable Life Mastermind is coming June 26th! We will work to help you activate your highest potential, so that you can live the life you deserve!! Apply now and let us know you are ready for greatness! Hiitide Book Club: I am excited to share that registration for the True Grit and Grace Book Club is now OPEN!!! Register here!

Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!

Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!

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

How to Live an Extraordinary Life You Love with Jimmy Rex Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

"Be a creator, not a consumer."

Whenever I talk to my friend Jimmy, I get excited, fired up, and thinking adventurously. He is entrepreneur, realtor, coach, speaker, and more, and he loves to give back in a big way.

Jimmy Rex is best known for his top rated podcast "The Jimmy Rex Show" and his best selling book "You End Up Where You're Heading." But his life is so much more than that. He is a real estate expert having sold over 2500 homes in his career, an angel investor in over a dozen businesses, including a seed round investor in Nikola motors, entrepreneur, adventurer, and family man.

Jimmy is also an adrenaline junkie and loves to give back, always looking for the next great story. Whether it is swimming with tiger sharks, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, running with the bulls, or working undercover to help rescue kids being sex trafficked, Jimmy is never bored. Recently he returned back from his 70th country visited. His mission is to share love with all and to show everyone around him how to live an extraordinary life.

In this episode, Jimmy shares amazing stories of how he has created success in business, life, relationships, and more. Get ready!

Here's what you will learn:

How Jimmy started out as an entrepreneur (1:31)
Where to get your sales drive (9:32)
Why you must learn to be the victor of your life (14:31)
How to use Instagram effectively for exposure (20:14)
How interviewing great people can help others (28:41)

Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @mrjimmyrex so we can see and repost to our stories!

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Links mentioned in this episode:

Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!

Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!

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

Setting Up Boundaries In Order to Thrive with Michael Forde Jun 09, 2021

Show notes

"Think of ways you can grow offline, so that you can grow online."

One of the keys to success is setting healthy boundaries. As Warren Buffet says, " The difference between successful people is that really successful people say NO to almost everything." Well, I was taught you should always say YES? I had the chance to bring my friend Michael on the show to share his perspective on this topic and he was an amazing resource.

Michael H. Forde is an American author and public health specialist. He is the author of Success Begins From Where You Are! and is known for his work in health communications and disparities in the community. He has served several public and private community organizations.He is a New York City native who attended Johnston County Middle College High School in Smithfield, North Carolina, graduating at the age of 16. Toward the end of his high school senior year, he received the Gates Millennium Scholarship which granted him the opportunity to receive full funding to pursue undergraduate and graduate programs.

Forde received his undergraduate degree in health science from Southern Adventist University in 2014. In 2017, he graduated from Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, earning a graduate degree in public health. Forde authored Success Begins From Where You Are!, a book designed to inspire and motivate individuals to have faith and determination in their journey toward success. Forde is a firm believer of harnessing the power of one's own potential by leveraging positivity. He lives in Washington, D.C.

In this episode, Michael shares the keys to what a healthy sustainable life looks like including setting boundaries, consciously using social media, and the importance of time management.

Here's what you will learn:

What it was like to graduate high school at 16 (2:11)
The difference between a coach and a mentor (6:35)
How Michael started to grow his following on Instagram (13:21)
How Michael manages his boundaries around social media (19:29)
The importance of time management to your success (26:41)
What you learn from saying no and setting boundaries (31:24)
How to set proper boundaries around Clubhouse (38:29)
How accountability partners help in life (41:43)

Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @michaelhforde so we can see and repost to our stories!

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Links mentioned in this episode:

Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!

Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!

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

Level Up Your Relationships, Level Up Your Life with Rachele Brooke Smith & Emilio Palafox Jun 02, 2021

Show notes

"Kill your Superman to find your Wonder Woman."

This episode is all about relationships and what we can do to heal ourselves in order to attract the relationship of our dreams. I got to talk to my two friends, Rachele and Emilio, who are an incredible couple and have led by example in doing the work to create an extraordinary relationship with each other.

Rachele Brooke Smith is an Actress, Filmmaker, Host, Speaker, & Coach who is dedicated to helping YOU create "Hero Habits," Disrupt Doubt, Bend Reality, and Be The HERO of your own life's movie, everyday. Emilio Palafox is an actor, radio show host, entrepreneur and coach who is dedicated to helping you find yourself and find your partner. Together Rachele and Emilio co-host the Dash Radio Show Relationship Renegades.

In this episode, Rachele and Emilio tell the stories of what their relationships were like before they did the work, what changed when they did, and how they have continued to grow together as a couple during this past year.

Here's what you will learn:

How Rachele got started with gymnastics and what she learned from shattering her hand (3:51)
What she learned from relationships and starring in the Center Stage sequel (9:54)
Why the mission of disrupting the perception of suffering is so important (15:32)
How Emilio and Rachele found each other after so many previous wounds (21:14)
How she confronted her deep rooted religious beliefs with her current relationship (26:52)
How to reconcile one's childhood with your current self (30:18)
What Emilio learned through confronting the toxicity of fixing others versus fixing himself (36:18)
The importance of "the list" in finding the right person for you (45:27)
How Emilio and Rachele have made things work being around each other every day (50:37)
How they found they were perfect for each other (57:41)
The importance of "unbecoming" (1:03:26)
How gender energies play into the success of their relationship (1:12:41)

Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @rbrookesmith and @emiliopalafox so we can see and repost to our stories!

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Follow Emilio:

Instagram

Links mentioned in this episode:

Relationship Renegades Instagram

Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!

Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!

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

Mindset Fitness Over Willpower with Ricky Mendez May 26, 2021

Show notes

"Ask and attract."

I'm talking to one of my good friends on the show today. He's a seasoned salesman and speaker, but he also has a beautiful heart and is passionate about turning around businesses that are struggling.

Ricky has been President, VP of sales, and COO of companies spanning Southern California over the last 10 years. With the help and dedication of his teams, Ricky has overseen operations in excess of a half-billion dollars in southern California and has appointed key personnel to implement the mindset and sales programs. Many of the great relationships have been with national brands such as Home Depot, Costco, American Residential Services, and Sears, where Ricky has spoken at national conferences to share his ideas and best sales practices.

Ricky's specialty has been to rebuild divisions of mediocre or failing businesses. Again, with the support of his team, he has accomplished this repetitively and Ricky believes it all starts with the foundation of the proper culture that facilitates and celebrates the success of others. In rebuilding these companies, Ricky has faced some severe challenges and obstacles that have confirmed the strength of his teachings through consistent implementation of a positive mindset and Prosperity Planning.

In this episode, Ricky shares his own story of resilience and grit, how to get unstuck, and why we have to filter our own thoughts if we want to be successful.

Here's what you will learn:

What inspired Ricky to get started in speaking and coaching (2:31)
How to get unstuck (6:42)
How difficult or easy asking for help can be (13:28)
How limiting beliefs can affect us (19:31)
How to get started as a public speaker (28:43)
Things Ricky does to grow his brand (38:31)

Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @rickymendezspeaks so we can see and repost to our stories!

Follow Ricky:

Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!

Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!

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

Former Drug and Sex Addict Amy Dresner: Getting Dirty and Staying Clean May 19, 2021

Show notes

"Shame can't survive the light."

If you have been on this podcast journey with me for awhile then you know that addiction and recovery are a recurring theme on the show--subjects very close to my heart as someone whose life has been spared by sobriety. With so much going on in the world and addiction on the rise, and so many people suffering in silence, I think it's important to talk about mental health, addiction and shine some light on the subject. After all, shame can't survive the light.

So today on the show I am sharing the story of Amy Dresner--a true badass and an amazing example that you can get through anything with resilience and turn tragedy into triumph.

Amy Dresner is a journalist, author, and former comedian as well as a recovering addict and alcoholic. She has been a columnist for the addiction/recovery magazine theFix.com since 2012 and has freelanced for Addiction.com, Psychology Today, Vice and many other publications. Her first book, "My Fair Junkie: A Memoir of Getting Dirty and Staying Clean," was published by Hachette in 2017 to rave reviews from critics and readers alike. Elle magazine compared Dresner's darkly comic memoir to Carrie Fisher's "Postcards from the Edge" and Mary Karr's "Lit," calling Dresner's book "one for the ages."

Dresner has appeared on the television show The Doctors TV and on numerous radio shows and podcasts, including Dr. Drew, Dopey and Rich Roll. She does regular speaking engagements around the U.S. and Canada. Her book is currently in development for a TV series.

In this episode, Amy candidly shares her journey into and out of addiction and why it's never too late to change your life for the better. This conversation is raw, courageous and even shocking at times. We talk about the dark side of addiction, fear, self hatred and shame. The is a candid conversation about the struggles to success, the will to survive, and the conviction and strength required to achieve sobriety.

Here's what you will learn:

How Amy started her journey from pain to purpose (2:50)
What she learned and how she grew from her arrest and jail (11:31)
How being on the "chain gang" shifted her perspective and changed her life (19:21)
How shame affects us and how the 12 Steps helps us (23:51)
Addiction doesn't discriminate and how to overcome the dark side by shining light on it (29:45)
How to navigate feelings that come and go (36:52)
How Amy was able to manage her depression and mood in the pandemic (45:43)
How to manage making decisions about medications in sobriety (52:18)

Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @amydresner so we can see and repost to our stories!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!

Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!

Going Through The University of Adversity with Lance Essihos May 14, 2021

Show notes

"How many times do I want to learn the same lesson?"

Here's what you will learn:

How Lance overcame the biggest challenge of adversity (2:27)
How the weekly cycle of the bar industry affected his life (9:32)
How he fought to overcome the cycle of alcohol (15:42)
How goals help with focus (20:38)
The importance of asking for help in the low times (26:21)
How a routine of spiritual connection everyday helps (30:57)
How facing the difficulty of writing his book has helped Lance (38:41)

Links mentioned in this episode:

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From Surviving to Thriving with Rosie Acosta May 12, 2021

Show notes

"My body was a direct reflection of survival."

One of my dearest friends is on the show today and I can't wait for you to meet her. Rosie is an incredible human who I look up to so much and her story of grit and grace is as real as they get.

Rosie Acosta is an Inspirational Speaker, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Yoga Teacher Trainer, Holistic Health Coach, as well as the founder of Radically Loved: Yoga, Health + Wellness and host of Radically Loved Radio. In all of her work, Rosie is COMMITTED to teaching and practicing being guided by RADICAL LOVE every day and connecting to that through yoga, diet, affirmation, self-inquiry, and curiosity. In helping others find their unique gifts and fire within, she aims to create practices and connect with people in a way that will help everyone live radically loved lives together.

As an East Los Angeles native, Rosie was a troubled teen who suffered from depression, anxiety, and overeating who turned her POTENTIAL into a Yoga + Meditation teacher. She is an expert at helping her students cultivate a life of mindfulness, presence, and intention. She is known for her PASSION as a teacher who is skilled in her ability to guide students into experiencing a deeper connection with themselves and exploring the consistent changes of life while creatively weaving in spiritual elements from her own practice and experience.

In this episode, Rosie shares her journey from growing up in trauma and survival to discovering healing, breath work, love, and the power she has to thrive. I hope you hear and see yourself in her story and remember your own ability to love and be loved as you listen.

Here's what you will learn:

How Rosie got her start growing up in East LA (4:28)
What she learned from her parents' divorce (9:43)
How panic attacks are related to trauma (16:12)
The power in meditation and positive thinking (20:21)
Why each person's experience is valid and not mundane (26:29)
Suggestions for managing anxiety during the pandemic (32:45)
The success of intention over habit (37:48)
How to enjoy your journey healthfully (42:31)

Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @rosieacosta so we can see and repost to our stories!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Dunscaith Castle | Highlands | Castles, Forts and Battles

Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!

Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!

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

The Power of Resilience: Achieve Anything with Grit with Bedros Keuilian May 05, 2021

Show notes

"Action alleviates anxiety."

Bedros Keuilian has been one of my biggest inspirations and I have to admit I was fan-girling big time during this interview. He is a legend in the fitness industry and the author of one of my favorite books, "MAN UP." Growing up poor and being bullied as an overweight immigrant kid filled him with rage and he channeled this to become a man with something to prove to himself and the world. I am amazed he can be humble despite all his luminous accomplishments and was jumping for joy when he said yes to being on the show. He is a sought after Keynote Speaker, Business Consultant, Founder of the Modern Day Knight Project, CEO and Founder of Fit Body Boot Camp and more than anything, he is one of the best humans I have ever, ever met.

A true rags to riches story of a self made entrepreneur who escaped communism, came to the United States, ate out of dumpsters and built several multiple million dollar generating global brands and businesses, Bedros Keuilian is the mastermind behind many of the most successful brands, businesses, thought leaders and best-selling authors throughout multiple industries. Odds are you've seen his international franchise Fit Body Boot Camp in your town, or his coaching and consulting clients on hit TV shows featured on ABC, NBC, Spike TV, in popular magazines, & on top of the New York Times Bestseller list.

In this episode, Bedros shares the details of how being an immigrant, healing from abuse, and owning his power and worth have transformed his life. I can't wait for you to be inspired by his story and wisdom.

Here's what you will learn:

How Bedros' father left communist Armenia to become American (3:21)
Using your darkest times to fuel your passion and drive (8:33)
How grit is built (10:29)
Overcoming an anxiety attack(16:36)
How to heal trauma (22:41)
Why writing a letter to your child-self helps you to heal (27:20)
How Bedros managed things through the pandemic with his business (35:26)
How to become a better leader (40:53)
How to build your confidence (43:26)

Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @bedroskeuilian so we can see and repost to our stories!

Follow Bedros:

Mentioned in this episode:

Fit Body Boot Camp

Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!

Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!

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 Living on Autopilot with Antonio Neves Apr 28, 2021

Show notes

"Play to win instead of playing not to lose."

Today's guest is the real deal. I couldn't stop reading his book, and I even woke up early on several days to read more of it. If you feel like you are ready for a big course correct, get ready for some tough love and powerful inspiration.

Antonio Neves is the author of Stop Living on Autopilot, host of The Best Thing podcast, and an internationally recognized leadership speaker. He's a success coach, professional question asker and storyteller. He's an award-winning broadcast journalist. For over 10 years he worked as a correspondent, host and producer with top television networks in New York City. Antonio speaks about 40 times a year at top companies, conferences and events. He believes that the best thing to happen to you hasn't happened yet.

This conversation is an incredible insight into what we all deal with when it comes to getting stuck on auto-pilot, going through the motions, and living at less than our potential. I hope you take the time to re-set whatever you need to in your life after listening.

Here's what you will learn:

How Antonio started turning his life around (3:41)
How isolation can lead you to getting vigor back in your life (9:32)
What the thirty day question is and how it works (16:17)
How focusing on others' success can stunt your growth (25:43)
How shifting what our community is can help our network (32:58)
Some of Antonio's non-negotiables (41:21)

Screenshot your favorite part and post to your IG story and tag me @amberlylagomotivation and @theantonioneves so we can see and repost to our stories!

Follow Antonio:

Mentioned in this episode:

Stop Living on Autopilot

Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve!

Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!

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