Podcast
LIVE with The Famous Unshakeable Dr. AL
Hosted by Dr. Allen Steven Lycka · EN
Broadcast on syndicated radio and available as a podcast, LIVE with The Famous Unshakeable™ Dr. AL is where resilience, mindset, and personal transformation take center stage. Hosted by Dr. Allen Lycka — internationally acclaimed cosmetic dermatologist, bestselling author, and global keynote speaker — the show inspires listeners to thrive in health, business, and life.
Dr. Lycka is celebrated as a pioneer in modern cosmetic surgery, but his life took a dramatic turn in 2003 when he was misdiagnosed with ALS and given just six months to live. Choosing courage over fear, he embraced an Unshakeable™ mindset and not only survived but built a powerful second act as an author, mentor, and media personality. His journey inspired the bestselling book The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life with a foreword by Jack Canfield of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Now, with over 500 episodes of his original show behind him, Dr. Lycka brings his signature energy to a new stage. Each episode delivers high-impact conversations with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, innovators, and celebrities — offering strategies for resilience, success, and reinvention.
Listeners can expect:
- Proven mindset tools for overcoming adversity
- Health, wellness, and lifestyle insights
- Business and leadership strategies
- Inspirational stories of transformation and triumph
If you’re ready to unlock your potential, rise stronger, and build an Unshakeable™ future, this show delivers the wisdom and motivation you need.
49episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Lead Yourself First — The Self-Leadership Blueprint for Resilient, Influential Leadership
Oct 2000:27:45Tap to summarizeEpisode Overview In this inspiring conversation, Paul Lawrence Vann, known as The Leadership Catalyst and founder of Wealth Building Academy, reveals how true leadership begins with self-leadership. From growing up as one of ten children in North Carolina to serving 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and advising Pentagon generals, Paul shares the leadership lessons that shaped his life — and how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience can transform yours. 🔑 Key Takeaways Lead yourself first. You can’t guide others until you master self-awareness and discipline.Influence > Title. True leaders inspire trust and collaboration, not compliance.Adversity reveals greatness. Every challenge is an opportunity to build resilience.Empathy wins. Great leaders listen, care, and serve their people first.Develop leaders, not followers. Empower others, and your organization thrives. 🎧 Listener Q&A Q: What exactly is self-leadership? A: It’s your ability to influence yourself — your mindset, habits, and emotions — before you influence others. Q: How can leaders turn adversity into strength? A: Through the “Leadership Trinity”: resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. These qualities forge true character under pressure. Q: How can I balance leadership and personal life? A: Lead with humanity. Foster team connection outside the office and prioritize relationships that matter. Q: What’s the first step to becoming a better leader? A: Start small — read, learn, take initiative. Leadership begins when you decide to grow. 📘 What You’ll Learn How to lead yourself before leading othersHow to develop resilience and emotional intelligenceWhy empathy outperforms authorityThe habits of leaders who inspire influence and trustHow to align personal values with professional excellence 👤 Guest Links 🌐 PaulVanSpeaks.com📗 Leadership Is Influence by Paul Lawrence Vann – Amazon 💎 FREE DOWNLOAD: The Self-Leadership Mastery Guide Transform the way you lead — from the inside out. This exclusive downloadable guide walks you through the five pillars of self-leadership: self-awareness, resilience, emotional intelligence, influence, and action. 👉 Download The Self-Leadership Mastery Guide (Free)
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Break Free from Blind Blaming: Use the RCD Method to Find Root Causes and Decide Faster
Oct 1700:28:42Tap to summarizeGuest: Kevin D. St.Clergy What happens when the real problem isn’t what you think it is? In this revealing episode, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Kevin D. St.Clergy—transformational business leader, podcast host, and author of Beyond Blind Blaming—to uncover how “blind blaming” keeps people and organizations stuck solving the wrong problems over and over again. From his early career as an audiologist and founder of multiple successful businesses to his personal journey of rediscovering purpose after a major exit, Kevin shares how he developed the RCD Method—Reflect, Connect, Decide—to help leaders and entrepreneurs uncover the unseen obstacles holding them back. Through relatable stories, scientific insights, and practical tools, Kevin explains how to identify hidden root causes, make faster, smarter decisions, and create transformation that lasts. His breakthrough framework, the ODNA (Obstacle Deep Nexus Analysis), helps you isolate the one constraint that, when addressed, creates ripple effects across your entire life and business. If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing the same goals without progress or wondered why “solutions” never seem to stick, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s really going on beneath the surface. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • How “blind blaming” forms—and the three hidden biases that sustain it • Why most people succeed at fixing the wrong problems perfectly • The 3-step RCD Method to stop overanalyzing and start deciding • How to use ODNA to uncover one leverage point that transforms everything • Why faster decisions—with quick pivots—create compounding gains Connect with Kevin D. St.Clergy: • Website: blindblaming.com • LinkedIn: Kevin D. St.Clergy • Book: Beyond Blind Blaming — Get Your Copy Click here to claim your free gift: 👉 Download the Free Toolkit The Blind Blaming Breakthrough Toolkit (RCD + ODNA) Transform how you think, decide, and solve problems with Kevin’s proven framework. This free workbook helps you uncover hidden patterns, stop blind blaming, and start creating lasting breakthroughs in your business and life.
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Sustainable Food Travel: From Dumplings to Tapas, How Local Flavors Connect Us
Oct 1700:28:25Tap to summarizeGuest: Tonya Hennessey What happens when food becomes more than a meal? In this flavorful episode, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Tonya Hennessey—San Francisco Bay Area travel and food writer—to explore how simple dishes, local markets, and farm-to-table traditions reveal the soul of a place. From backpacking in Beijing and tasting dumplings in hidden alleyways, to sipping cava with tapas in Spain, Tonya’s stories uncover how food sparks connection, sustainability, and joy. She shares experiences of kindness from strangers abroad, how agritourism reshapes the way we value food, and why eating seasonally can change the way we travel—and live. If you’ve ever craved deeper cultural connection, wondered how to travel sustainably, or simply wanted to recreate the tastes of your journeys at home, this episode will inspire you to see food as the bridge between people and places. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How local dishes like dumplings and tapas open doors to culture.Why agritourism and indigenous stays connect travelers to food systems.How farm-to-table supports sustainability and flavor.Why markets and small merchants are the heart of community travel.The destinations that surprised Tonya most—and why Connect with Tonya Hennessey: Website: tonyahennessey.comVideo Show: https://create24.co/ Click here to claim your free gift: The Sustainable Food Traveler’s Playbook
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Unshakable Leadership: What a Police Dog Taught Me About Trust, Resilience, and Retention
Oct 1600:28:57Tap to summarizeGuest: Vynny Hick What can a police dog teach us about leadership? In this powerful episode, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Vynny Hick—decorated law enforcement veteran, bilingual keynote speaker, and leadership trainer—to uncover lessons from 30 years in policing, recruitment, and K-9 handling. From leaving home at 15 to becoming a respected Ontario Provincial Police officer and national recruiter, Vynny’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and service. He shares candid lessons about choosing to be “better, not bitter,” why retention matters as much as recruitment, and how gratitude practices keep leaders grounded. And yes—you’ll hear the unforgettable story of the police dog who cracked a cold case. If you’ve ever faced setbacks, struggled with leadership challenges, or wanted to build deeper trust with your team, this episode will inspire you to lead with clarity, courage, and calm. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why leadership is about mindset, not titles • How trusting your experts can change everything (including a K-9 story that solved a crime) • Why retention is the missing piece in most recruitment strategies • The “bitter or better” choice that builds resilience in hard times • How daily gratitude rituals strengthen leaders and teams Connect with Vynny Hick: • Website: vynnyhick.com • Social: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Click here to claim your free gift: The Unshakable Leadership Toolkit
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From Fear to Flow: How Creativity Builds Resilient, Conscious Youth
Oct 1600:28:33Tap to summarizeGuest: Rafael McMaster What happens when fear takes the driver’s seat? In this powerful episode, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Rafael McMaster—creative visionary, social entrepreneur, and founder of Indivisible Arts—to explore how art, mindfulness, and community tools are transforming the mental health landscape for today’s youth. After hitting his own rock bottom at 35, Rafael turned pain into purpose, dedicating his life to equipping young people with simple, science-backed practices that spark resilience and connection. From his signature “G-flipping” gratitude practice to the ABCs of the Heart morning ritual, he shows how anyone can shift from fear to love, judgment to compassion, and isolation to authentic connection. If you’ve ever wrestled with anxiety, felt trapped in negative loops, or wanted better ways to support your kids or grandkids, this conversation will leave you inspired—and ready—with tools to rise above fear and live from the heart. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why fear isn’t the enemy—it’s a signal you can flip into love, courage, or faith • The 7 Core Tools that build resilience: awareness, acceptance, intention, gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and connection • How “G-flipping” instantly reframes negative thoughts into empowering perspectives • Why creative flow—whether painting, cooking, or walking the dog—can act as therapy • How teens are teaching other teens the very tools that transformed their own lives Connect with Rafael McMaster: • IndivisibleArts.org • RaphaelMcMaster.com • StreamOfConsciousness.life • StreamOfConsciousness.org Click here to claim your free gift: From Fear to Flow Toolkit
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How Bold Action Transforms Your Life: From Finance Burnout to Fearless Living
Oct 1500:26:33Tap to summarizeGuest: Gregory Russell Benedikt What happens when you walk away from the “perfect” career everyone else admires but you secretly hate? In this transformative episode, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Gregory Russell Benedikt—TEDx speaker, ICF-certified coach, and founder of the Bold Action community—to explore what it means to face fear, leave comfort zones, and create a story worth telling. From quitting finance at the height of the pandemic to launching a 100-Day Rejection Challenge, Gregory’s journey reveals the real formula behind courage: terrified action. With humor, playfulness, and practical wisdom, he shares how to break big dreams into small bold moves and why the universe truly rewards those who dare. If you’ve ever felt stuck in someone else’s expectations, struggled with fear, or wondered how to spark more meaning in your life, this conversation will inspire you to step boldly into your next chapter. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why staying the same can be scarier than making a leap • How to use the “Fear Flipper” technique to turn fear into fuel • The surprising power of “terrified action” and dancing with fear • What Gregory discovered from 100 days of playful rejection experiments • Why breaking dreams into bite-sized bold steps leads to lasting change Connect with Gregory Russell Benedikt: • Website: gregoryrussellbenedikt.com • LinkedIn: Gregory Russell Benedikt • TEDx Talk: How Being Bold Will Change Your Life Click here to claim your free gift: The 5-Day Bold Action Starter Kit
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Learn-It-All Leadership: Turning Setbacks Into Growth and AI-Ready Success
Oct 1500:28:14Tap to summarizeGuest: Damon Lembi What happens when your lifelong dream ends overnight? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Damon Lembi—former elite baseball player, two-time best-selling author, CEO of Learn It, and host of The Learn It All Podcast—to explore how failure, resilience, and curiosity can transform both leaders and organizations. From being drafted by the Atlanta Braves to suddenly facing the end of his baseball career, Damon rebuilt his identity, starting as a receptionist in his father’s small computer-training business. Today, he leads Learn It, a global live learning platform that has upskilled over two million people. Damon shares how leaders can shift from “know-it-all” to “learn-it-all,” overcome imposter syndrome, and prepare their teams for the AI-driven future. If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, career pivots, or the pressure to “have all the answers,” this episode will give you practical tools to lead with humility, confidence, and agility. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why “learn-it-all” leaders outperform “know-it-alls” in every field • Damon’s 4-step framework to beat imposter syndrome and build confidence • The 4C’s of leadership: Character, Curiosity, Courage, and Confidence • How to create a psychologically safe culture where people grow through feedback • Practical steps to get your organization AI-ready and future-proof Connect with Damon Lembi: • Website: LearnIt.com • LinkedIn – Damon Lembi • Podcast: The Learn It All Podcast Damon’s book, The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Tools, and Traits, is available on Amazon and at major booksellers. 🎁 Free Gift: The Learn-It-All Leader Starter Kit Your downloadable workbook with: The 4C’s Leadership Self-AuditThe 4-Step Framework to Beat Imposter SyndromeManager Essentials Toolkit (1:1 agenda, delegation checklist, feedback script)Team “Learn-It-All” rituals you can launch in 30 daysAI-Readiness Quickstart for organizations of any size 👉 Click here to get your free gift: The Learn-It-All Leader Starter Kit
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz
Feb 28, 2025Tap to summarizeUnderstanding GLP-1 Drugs and Supporting Muscle Health with Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz Guest Introduction Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz, a pharmacist with a postdoctoral residency in integrative medicine and co-founder of the Integrative Health Pharmacy Residency Program. Named one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy in 2023, Dr. Swathi is a trailblazer in healthcare innovation. What Are GLP-1 Drugs? Dr. Swathi explains GLP-1 drugs, a class of medications derived from glucagon-like peptide 1 hormones. These medications regulate blood sugar and appetite and were initially FDA-approved for managing Type 2 diabetes. Popular drugs in this category include: Ozempic (semaglutide): Approved for Type 2 diabetes.Wegovy: A higher dose aimed at appetite suppression and weight loss. Risks Associated with GLP-1 Drugs Dr. Swathi discusses common and lesser-known risks of GLP-1 drugs: Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, and delayed stomach emptying.Off-Label Misuse: Use by individuals outside approved populations.Mental Health Concerns: Potential adverse effects.Muscle Loss: Accelerated loss of muscle mass, impacting quality of life. Supporting Muscle Health Dr. Swathi highlights the importance of preserving muscle health, especially for aging individuals or those on GLP-1 drugs. Her recommendations include: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in salmon, chia seeds, or fish oil supplements.Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Prevent muscle breakdown and support protein synthesis.Fortetropin (MyosMD): A natural compound from fertilized egg yolks that boosts muscle protein synthesis. Dietary Strategies For individuals on GLP-1 drugs, Dr. Swathi recommends: Eating small, frequent meals with a focus on whole foods.Prioritizing high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.Considering prebiotic fibers to support gut health. New and Emerging Drugs Dr. Swathi introduces other groundbreaking drug classes, such as PCSK9 inhibitors for managing cholesterol in individuals with familial high cholesterol. Supplements and Clinical Research Dr. Swathi emphasizes the importance of selecting supplements backed by clinical research and regulated for safety and efficacy. Connect with Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz Instagram and LinkedIn: Search for her name to stay updated.Website: Visit www.myosmd.com for educational resources on muscle health and longevity. Closing Remarks Dr. Allen Lycka thanks Dr. Swathi for her insights and encourages listeners to visit his website, www.drallenlycka.com, for more information on living a fantastic life. BIO: Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz, Pharm.D., is a trailblazing healthcare innovator and the first U.S. pharmacist to complete a postdoctoral residency in integrative medicine. Co-founder of the Integrative Health Pharmacy Residency Program, she combines expertise in biotech, personalized medicine, and clinical research to revolutionize patient care. Named one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy in 2023, Dr. Swathi is a sought-after advisor, lecturer, and published researcher driving healthcare innovation forward. Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/doctorswathi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swathi-varanasi/ Website: https://myosmd.com/ or https://myosmd.com/pages/medical-advisors
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Michelynne Bell
Jan 24, 202500:28:53Tap to summarizeBIO: Michelynne, Founder and CEO of HR Growth Spurts (a division of MKK Bell Consulting), boasts over 20 years of HR experience. She has led HR operations for teams from 5 to 20,000 employees, excelling in Recruitment, Organizational Development, Employee Relations, and Compliance. Known for strategic recruitment and strict compliance, Michelynne drives organizational success as Chief Growth Officer at HR Growth Spurts. Social Media: HRGROWTHSPURTS across all channels
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Kathleen Klug
Jan 24, 202500:26:36Tap to summarizeUnlocking Holistic Health with Kathleen Klug Episode Overview In this enlightening episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Kathleen Klug, a seasoned expert with over 40 years in the fitness, health, and wellness industry. Kathleen shares her journey, insights on holistic health, and practical strategies for making lasting lifestyle changes. Whether you're looking to improve your physical health, mental well-being, or spiritual balance, Kathleen's holistic approach offers actionable steps to transform your life. Guest Introduction: Kathleen Klug Background:40-year veteran in fitness, health, and wellnessHolistic Health CoachHealth Educator at Kaiser PermanenteSpeaker and AuthorAchievements:Creator of the "Start with One" courseAuthor of Start with One: A Simple Approach to Upgrade Your Health, Body, Mind, and Spirit Journey to Holistic Health Early Career:Began teaching group exercise in her late teens alongside her twin sisterWorked at Jack LaLanne Gym in the early 1980sProfessional Growth:Transitioned from group exercise to personal trainingRaised a family while pursuing higher education in addiction studiesAttended the Institute of Integrative NutritionCurrent Roles:Health Educator at Kaiser PermanenteIndependent Health CoachAuthor and Course Creator Understanding Lifestyle Change Common Challenges:Overwhelm from excessive informationContradictory advice leading to confusionDifficulty in breaking long-standing habitsCore Principles:Basics of Health: Eat healthy, move your body, reduce stressBehavior Change: Importance of awareness and deliberate actionAddiction to Habits: How processed foods and ingrained behaviors act like addictions The "Start with One" Approach Concept Origin:Inspired by the need to simplify the change processEmphasizes starting with one manageable action to avoid overwhelmIntegrative Life Circle:Assessment tool covering body, mind, and spiritIdentifies strengths and areas for improvementFocuses on selecting one target behavior to change The GEAR Mnemonic: A Framework for Change Get Your Goal: Set a specific, achievable daily target behavior Environment: Design your surroundings to support your goal (e.g., laying out walking shoes) Ask for Support: Seek accountability and connection from others Reward: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements to reinforce positive behavior Key Takeaways Start Small: Focus on one change at a time to build momentum.Understand Your Why: Clarify the deeper reasons behind your desire to change.Create a Supportive Environment: Modify your surroundings to make healthy choices easier.Seek Accountability: Engage with a support system to stay motivated.Reward Progress: Use positive reinforcement to maintain new habits. Resources Mentioned Books:Start with One: A Simple Approach to Upgrade Your Health, Body, Mind, and Spirit by Kathleen KlugAtomic Habits by James ClearChange or Die by Dr. Dean OrnishWebsites:Kathleen Klug’s Coaching: www.KathleenKlug.comKathleen Klug’s Book: www.KathleenKlugBook.comDr. Allen Lycka’s Site: www.drallenlycka.com How to Connect with Kathleen Klug Website: www.KathleenKlug.comBook Purchase: Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.KathleenKlugBook.comFree Resources: Accessible through her website BIO: Kathleen Klug, a 40-year veteran in Fitness, Health, & Wellness, is a Holistic Health Coach, Health Educator at Kaiser Permanente, and Speaker. She's the creator of the START with ONE eCourse and author of START with ONE – A Simple Approach to Upgrade Your Health – Body, Mind, and Spirit. Kathleen empowers people to revitalize their health through a holistic approach that nurtures body, mind, and spirit. Her teachings offer practical tools, mindset shifts, and a healthy dose of grace to inspire lasting, positive change. Social Media: Instagram: Kathleen Klug (@kathleenklughealth) • Instagram photos and videos Coaching Website: https://kathleenklug.com Book Website: https://kathleenklugbook.com
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