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
LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Davis Hawn
Jan 23, 202500:31:07Tap to summarizeINTRODUCING DAVIS HAWN When Davis Hawn’s best friend, his dog Booster, saved his life twice … he promised Booster he’d share him with the world. With Booster in tow, Davis earned a Master’s Degree in Canine Life Sciences, with an Emphasis on Service Dog Education from the acclaimed Bergin University of Canine Studies. He became an international service dog advocate. From live television in Havana Cuba, to appearances in Thailand, Korea, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Bahamas and beyond .... he’s championed access rights for the disabled accompanied by service dogs. Though Booster passed away years ago, Davis pursues his passion to this very day, accompanied by two of Booster’s clones, Boosted and Busted, produced by SOOAM biotech in Seoul, South Korea. YOU CAN PURCHASE DAVIS’ BOOK, MY BOOSTER! (English), ¡MI PERRO BOOSTER! (SPANISH) (paperback, hardcover at most retailers including Barnes and nobles. The audiobook is also available, in English and Spanish! GO TO DAVIS AND BOOSTER’S WEBSITE: WWW.BOOSTERTHESERVICEDOG.COM IF YOU ORDER THE BOOK DIRECTLY FROM DAVIS AND BOOSTER’S WEBSITE YOU WILL GET A 50% DISCOUNT AND DAVIS AND BOOSTER WILL AUTOGRAPH THE BOOK PERSONALLY. (DAVIS HAD BOOSTER’S PAW PRINT, PLASTER IMPRESSION, TURNED INTO A STAMPER …”How special is that???” FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/boostertheservicedog Davis welcomes all inquiries. Simply email him at boostertheservicedog@yahoo.com and share your stories of canine love. Booster would like that! DAVIS … AND BOOSTER … WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW THAT THE PROCEEDS FROM ALL BOOK SALES ARE GIVEN TO BERGIN COLLEGE OF CANINE STUDIES TO FUND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS SEEKING TO CHANGE THE WORLD THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF THE CANINE-HUMAN BOND!!!
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Brian Stroh
Jan 23, 202500:28:43Tap to summarizeLeadership Insights with Brian Stroh Host: Dr. Allen Lycka Guest: Brian Stroh, Maxwell Certified Leadership Team Speaker, Coach, and Trainer Introduction Welcome and IntroductionDr. Allen Lycka introduces Brian Stroh, highlighting his role as a Maxwell certified leadership team speaker, coach, and trainer.Brian shares his background as a pastor in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and his journey into leadership coaching, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Brian's Journey into Leadership From Pastoral Work to Leadership CoachingBrian discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to explore opportunities with the John Maxwell team.Desire for freedom and flexibility led him to develop his own business alongside his church responsibilities.Personal growth and transformation over the past few years. Impact of COVID-19 on Leadership and Congregations Challenges Faced During the PandemicTransition from in-person gatherings to online platforms like Zoom and Facebook Live.Decline in attendance and engagement within religious congregations and nonprofit organizations.Ongoing challenges in restoring pre-pandemic levels of participation and support. Personal Background and Character Development Growing Up in Grand Forks, North DakotaBeing the oldest of four siblings and the responsibilities that come with it.Influence of parents' long-term careers on values like consistency, loyalty, and faithfulness.How childhood experiences shaped Brian's leadership style and sense of responsibility. Traits Valued in Leadership Integrity and ConsistencyImportance of doing what you say and maintaining consistent behavior across different environments.Valuing team members who complement personal strengths and weaknesses.Preference for working with outgoing and influential individuals to balance personal introversion. Philosophy on Leadership Development Nature vs. Nurture in LeadershipDiscussion on whether leaders are born or made, likening it to the "chicken or the egg" scenario.Recognition that while some traits may be innate, leadership skills can be taught and developed.Emphasis on continuous growth and avoiding complacency to maintain impact and influence. Effective Leadership Strategies Starting with Self-LeadershipImportance of personal development for effective leadership.Encouraging leaders to engage in activities like reading, listening to podcasts, attending conferences, and networking.Balancing self-improvement with serving and improving teams and organizations. Handling Challenging Team Members Addressing Performance IssuesStrategies for coaching underperforming team members to address blind spots.The importance of having "high courage conversations" to reassess roles and fit within the organization.Balancing empathy with the need to maintain team effectiveness. Leadership Development Programs Implementing DISC AssessmentsUtilizing DISC personality profiles to understand team dynamics and individual strengths.Tailoring leadership training based on assessment results to enhance team communication and collaboration.Offering complimentary virtual groups for deeper dives into DISC for leaders. Closing Remarks and Contact Information Connecting with Brian StrohBrian shares his contact information: www.BrianStroh.net and LinkedIn.Invitation to join virtual groups and engage in further leadership development.Final Thoughts from Dr. Allen LyckaEncouragement to visit his website: www.drallenlycka.com.Invitation to sign up for "Golden Pearls" for weekly insights and a chance to win exciting prizes. BIO: Brian Stroh is a Maxwell Certified Leadership Team speaker, coach and trainer. He provides customized leadership development that’s fun and relevant so organizations can grow their teams and attract new people. Social Media: LinkedIn Facebook
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Ash Goel
Jan 22, 202500:29:21Tap to summarizeUnlocking the Power of Storytelling and Book Publishing with Ash Goel Host: Dr. Allen Lycka Guest: Ash Goel, Co-founder of Global Book Publishing, TEDx speaker, and best-selling author. Introduction: Dr. Allen Lycka introduces his guest, Ash Goel, as a remarkable individual who has climbed many mountains in his career. Ash is a co-founder of Global Book Publishing, a four-time TEDx speaker, and a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author. He is passionate about branding, book-to-business strategies, and AI. He has helped over 300 authors from 17 countries achieve international best-selling status and empowered over 430,000 students worldwide as one of Udemy’s top instructors. Ash Goel’s Journey to Success: Growing up in India: Ash shares his early experiences and how a cultural belief about not branding oneself held him back.Breaking through limiting beliefs: With the help of a business mentor, Ash overcame his fears and began to embrace personal branding.Corporate career: From working with top tech companies like Amazon and Qualcomm, to advising C-suite executives on Wall Street, Ash’s journey began in the corporate world.Transition to entrepreneurship: Founding Global Book Publishing and helping authors around the world share their stories. The Power of Book Publishing: Why writing a book matters: Ash explains how writing a book elevates personal and professional authority far beyond other forms of media, such as podcasts or video.Trust and credibility: Books command respect and establish trust, as they require significant effort, research, and dedication.Dr. Lycka’s personal experience: Dr. Lycka reflects on how writing 17 books during his career as a cosmetic doctor set him apart as an authority in his field. Why Everyone Has a Story to Tell: Unique perspectives: Ash encourages aspiring authors, stating that everyone has a unique perspective that can resonate with readers.The importance of storytelling: Storytelling is crucial for connecting with others, conveying important messages, and making an impact.Dr. Lycka on storytelling: As a grandfather, Dr. Lycka reflects on the importance of stories in teaching life lessons to younger generations. Mistakes Aspiring Authors Make: Lack of clarity: Authors often begin without a clear understanding of why they are writing a book, leading to unfinished projects.Not defining their unique perspective: Ash stresses the importance of offering a unique angle or framework that sets your book apart.Failure to include personal stories: Including personal experiences makes a book more engaging and impactful. The Transition from Corporate Career to Entrepreneurship: Challenges of leaving a stable job: Ash opens up about the difficulty of transitioning from a lucrative corporate career to entrepreneurship.Entrepreneurship as a journey: For Ash, the rewards of entrepreneurship extend beyond financial gain to making meaningful connections and impacting lives through storytelling. BIO: Ash is the Co-Founder of Global Book publishing. He is a 4-times TEDx speaker and a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling Author. He is passionate about Branding, Book to Business and AI. He has spent more than a decade in the corporate world and transitioned into entrepreneur journey with helping coaches, consultants, and thought leaders become instant authority and generate numerous sources of income leveraging their book. He has helped 300+ authors from 17 different countries become International bestselling authors. He has delivered multiple speeches globally, including 7 keynotes, in 9 different countries. He is one of the Bestselling Instructors on Udemy, with more than 430,000 students from over 189 countries and with over 8000+ reviews. Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theashgoel/ https://www.udemy.com/user/ashgoel https://www.facebook.com/theashgoel1
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Amy Huentelman & Carl Hunter
Jan 22, 202500:25:59Tap to summarizeTransform Your Reality in Minutes with Amy Huentelman and Carl Hunter Guests: Amy Huentelman & Carl Hunter Pioneers of Mind Flavors, a revolutionary technology designed to rapidly elevate consciousness and transform reality. Key Discussion Points: 1. Introduction to Amy Huentelman and Carl Hunter Dr. Allen Lycka introduces guests Amy Huentelman and Carl Hunter, creators of Mind Flavors, a system designed to eliminate negative mind chatter and instill a more positive mindset in just four and a half minutes. They work with visionary leaders to help them transform their reality and achieve their personal heaven on earth. 2. Carl's Personal Journey of Transformation Carl shares his experience of feeling stuck in life and how that led him to develop Mind Flavors. He explains how his consciousness was creating his reality, which propelled him on a quest to elevate his own mind and break free from negative patterns. 3. The Power of Perception Dr. Lycka and Carl discuss how our perceptions shape our reality and how the way we "are being" is influenced by our thoughts and feelings. Amy contributes, noting that people are often programmed to focus on negative aspects of life, a habit rooted in our evolutionary survival instincts. 4. Amy's Story: Overcoming Doubt, Worry, and Fear Amy opens up about her personal struggles with chronic fear and doubt, which prompted her lifelong quest to change her internal state. She studied various healing modalities but was unsatisfied with the speed of the results. This eventually led to the creation of Mind Flavors and the couple’s focus on accelerating personal transformation. 5. Meeting in Salt Lake City Amy and Carl recount the serendipitous story of how they met on Valentine’s Day in 1991 at an event in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their instant connection sparked a lifelong partnership, both personally and professionally. 6. Developing Their Philosophy and Tools Together The couple shares how they developed their transformational philosophies both independently and together. Carl had already begun his journey of reprogramming his mind when they met, and Amy later contributed with her Invigorate technique—an 8-minute daily energetic cleanse that complements Mind Flavors. 7. Mind Flavors and Invigorate: Transforming Lives in Minutes Amy and Carl explain the science behind Mind Flavors—a four-and-a-half-minute video with specific brain stimulation designed to clear negative thought patterns and expand consciousness. Amy’s Invigorate method complements this by clearing cellular memory and emotional heaviness in the body, creating a balanced and complete transformation process. 8. Living a Fantastic Life The couple elaborates on their guiding philosophy: living from the inside out. They believe that personal alignment with one's inner principles creates effortless decision-making and attracts positive experiences. Dr. Lycka adds that by being conscious of our thoughts and actions, we can choose to create either a heaven or a hell on earth. BIO: Carl and Amy are pioneers in crafting cutting-edge tools that rapidly elevate consciousness, empowering you to transform your reality in mere minutes. Their revolutionary technology, MindFlavors®, obliterates negative mind chatter and banishes chronic doubt, worry, and fear in just 4 ½ minutes. They collaborate with visionary entrepreneurs, speakers, and trailblazers, helping them create their own Heaven on Earth. Social Media: https://mindflavors.com https://mindflavors.com/Experience https://ConsciousnessExpansionCommunity.com https://www.facebook.com/AmyLoveHuentelman https://www.facebook.com/carl.hunter.nyc https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhuentelman https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlhunternyc
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Ananta Ripa Ajmera
Jan 21, 202500:29:15Tap to summarizeUnlocking Inner Strength with Ananta Ripa Ajmera Guest: Ananta Ripa Ajmera Host: Dr. Allen Lycka Date: October 2, 2024 Introduction Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Ananta Ripa Ajmera, a spiritual teacher, award-winning author, and co-founder of The Ancient Way. Ananta shares her extensive background in monastic studies, Ayurveda, yoga, and Vedanta, highlighting her mission to empower spiritual seekers. Ananta's Spiritual Journey Beginning the Quest Ananta discusses how her journey started with a question during her college years about creating sustainable, pattern-breaking change in her life. This inquiry led her back to her roots and the discovery of Ayurveda and Vedanta. The Concept of the Inner Warrior Understanding the Inner Battle Ananta explains the "inner warrior" as the essential force needed to overcome internal conditioning, limiting beliefs, and inherited stories that hinder personal growth and alignment with higher values. Restoring Dharma She connects the awakening of the inner warrior to restoring Dharma, the greatest good of all, by fighting internal battles to achieve personal and spiritual balance. Starting Your Spiritual Journey Nine-Step Spiritual Hero's Journey Based on her book The Way of the Goddess, Ananta outlines the first step: cultivating stability in the root chakra. She provides practical advice on grounding oneself through connection with nature, eating on a circadian rhythm, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Importance of a Healthy Body Ananta emphasizes that a healthy body is the foundation for any spiritual journey, advocating for practices that restore the connection between the physical self and nature. Ayurveda and Diet Connecting Yoga, Spirituality, and Health The Chakra System Ananta delves into the chakra system, describing it as a map of the mind connected to physiological centers in the body. She explains the significance of each of the nine chakras and their corresponding spiritual superpowers. Detailed Chakra Breakdown Ananta provides an in-depth explanation of each chakra, from the root chakra's focus on stability to the astral chakra's emphasis on integrity. Five Essential Self-Care Rituals 1. Eating Warm, Cooked Foods Ananta explains the importance of consuming warm, cooked foods to ignite the digestive fire, essential for nutrient absorption and overall health. 2. Oiling the Body She describes the practice of oiling the body with warm sesame and coconut oil to rejuvenate the skin, reduce stress, and strengthen bones and joints. 3. Mindful Smelling Ananta encourages contemplation of scents to ground oneself, linking the sense of smell to the earth element and promoting mental equilibrium. 4. Regular Movement She advocates for regular physical activity, such as yoga, dance, or martial arts, to stimulate the fire element, boost metabolism, and enhance mental well-being. 5. Time in Silence Ananta highlights the importance of spending time in silence to reconnect with oneself, reflect on thoughts, and cultivate gratitude. BIO: Ananta Ripa Ajmera is a spiritual teacher, 10-time award-winning, 2-time bestselling author, and co-founder of The Ancient Way. She empowers spiritual seekers through her Spiritual Warrior Program and Conscious Conversations webinar series. With 14 years of monastic study in Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedanta, Ananta transforms challenges into strengths and heals intergenerational trauma. Featured by Dr. Deepak Chopra, Forbes, Vogue, and Yoga Journal, she has also spoken at Stanford, NYU, and UNICEF. Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anantaripaajmera/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ananta.one/ Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fananta_one Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ananta-Ripa-Ajmera/pfbid0T6cssZgQVW5xoL83VYWVCSqkx2maRyxFLkxKYcbaMf8RrAkcba15Jw1UDcTBmAGFl/
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Evelyn & Natalie Kelly
Jan 21, 202500:31:16Tap to summarize"Exploring the World with Evelyn & Natalie Kelly" Introduction In this episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Evelyn and Natalie Kelly, who have collectively traveled to 88 countries, 50 U.S. states, and all seven continents. Evelyn, a medical writer and speaker, and Natalie, a CEO in mental health services with a background in government, share their travel adventures and insights from years of globetrotting. Starting Their Travel Journey Evelyn reflects on how their travel journey began after losing an election for public office.Encouraged by her husband, she and Natalie took a leap, embarking on their first trip to Europe, which covered 13 countries in three weeks.This trip gave them the "travel bug," leading to a lifetime of exploring new places every year (except during COVID). Traveling Through History The Kellys share their love for historical travel. Evelyn recounts their recent trip to New England, where they explored the birthplace of U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, appreciating the historical depth and values he embodied.They emphasize the importance of history in their travels, highlighting how even spontaneous trips, like their New England leaf-peeping tour, lead to meaningful discoveries. The Joy of Travel—Beyond the Destination Natalie shares her unique perspective on travel, enjoying not just the destination but the journey itself.Dr. Lycka and the Kellys discuss how overcoming travel inconveniences, like flight delays or packing challenges, adds to the overall adventure.Natalie and Evelyn have included tips in their upcoming book to help readers appreciate the entire travel experience. Memorable Travel Experiences The conversation is filled with anecdotes, such as experiencing a thunderstorm at the Eiffel Tower and unexpected moments, like a delayed flight leading to an impromptu concert by Portuguese musicians at an airport.These unplanned moments often become the most memorable parts of a trip. Exotic Foods and Cultural Adventures The Kellys share their adventurous spirit when it comes to trying new foods, including Evelyn’s taste test of fried crickets and silk cocoons in Cambodia.Natalie, however, admits to being less adventurous with food, passing on fried water bugs during the same trip. Travel Mishaps Turned Adventures Dr. Lycka shares his own travel story from Vietnam, where a mishap involving his wife’s knee injury led to an impromptu hospital visit.Natalie highlights the importance of being prepared for travel setbacks, recommending travel insurance as a crucial part of travel planning. The Importance of Connecting with Locals The Kellys encourage making friends with locals and guides while traveling. They emphasize that these relationships can lead to deeper and more authentic travel experiences.Dr. Lycka shares a heartwarming story about giving a small Canadian flag pin to a child in Cambodia, demonstrating how small gestures can create meaningful connections. Traveling Beyond Expectations Natalie tells a fascinating story from Dawson City in Canada’s Yukon Territory, where she participated in a local tradition: drinking the Sourtoe Cocktail—a drink that involves touching your lips to a real human toe.This quirky tradition is just one of many unforgettable experiences they've had while exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Encouraging Armchair Travelers Not everyone can travel, but Evelyn and Natalie believe that reading about other people's adventures can still provide a sense of excitement and exploration. Their upcoming book is designed to offer these experiences to "armchair travelers." Closing and Book Information The Kellys’ book, "Have a Love Affair with Travel: Your Ticket to an Exhilarating Life", will be available on Amazon in November.Their website, travelersatheart.com, will feature a direct link to the book once it’s live on Amazon.
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Cindy Wageman
Jan 20, 202500:27:41Tap to summarizeOvercoming Multiple Sclerosis: Cindy Wageman’s Journey to Complete Healing Guest: Cindy Wageman Host: Dr. Allen Lycka Date: 1-20-25 Introduction In this inspiring episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Cindy Wageman, a remarkable individual who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the young age of 24. Despite the daunting diagnosis, Cindy embarked on a four-decade journey of self-advocacy, extensive research, and lifestyle transformation that led to her complete recovery. She shares her story, insights from her book “Completely Healed: How Understanding the Link Between Trauma, Stress, and Autoimmune Disease Helped Me Get My Life Back”, and offers valuable advice for those battling chronic illnesses. Key Topics Discussed 1. Cindy’s MS Diagnosis and Initial Struggles Early Symptoms: Numbness in legs, extreme fatigue, dizziness.Impact on Personal Life: Challenges of managing symptoms while caring for young children.Emotional Response: Devastation upon diagnosis and fear of losing independence. 2. The Role of Medical Information and Self-Education Merck Manual: How accessing detailed medical information initially increased her anxiety.Self-Advocacy: Cindy took charge of her health by researching beyond conventional medical advice.Eight Laws of Health: Introduction to foundational health principles that guided her recovery. 3. Lifestyle Changes and Holistic Approaches Nutrition and Sleep: Importance of a balanced diet and proper rest in managing MS symptoms.Spirituality: Trusting in a higher power and integrating faith into her healing process.Benevolent Detachment: Learning to let go of negative influences and focusing on positive changes. 4. Breakthrough with Dr. Sang Lee’s Epigenetics Research Epigenetics: Understanding how environmental factors can influence gene expression.Cellular Healing: Techniques to create a positive environment for cells to heal and regenerate.Hope and Transformation: How Dr. Lee’s teachings provided Cindy with the tools to achieve complete recovery. 5. Overcoming Emotional and Psychological Barriers Forgiveness: Letting go of resentment towards doctors who didn’t provide hope.Trauma and Stress: Recognizing the impact of past traumas on physical health.Positive Mindset: Shifting from a negative to a positive outlook as a crucial step in healing. 6. Sharing Her Story and Helping Others Testimony: The pivotal moment when Cindy realized the importance of sharing her journey.Life and Relationship Coaching: How her experiences led her to help others overcome similar challenges.Book Promotion: Details about her book “Completely Healed” and where to find it. Resources Mentioned Cindy’s Book: Completely Healed: How Understanding the Link Between Trauma, Stress, and Autoimmune Disease Helped Me Get My Life BackAvailable on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle.Cindy’s Website: www.cindywegman.comNational Multiple Sclerosis Society:www.nationalmssociety.orgDr. Allen Lycka’s Website: www.drallenlycka.com BIO: Cindy Wageman's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at just 24, she refused to accept the limitations it imposed. For over four decades, Cindy became her own health advocate, diving deep into research and applying every insight to her life. Her relentless pursuit of healing paid off—she fully recovered from MS. Now, in her transformative book, Completely Healed: How Understanding the Link Between Trauma, Stress, and Autoimmune Disease Helped Me Get My Life Back, Cindy shares her incredible story of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit. Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007814115682
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Giri Puligandia
Jan 20, 202500:27:32Tap to summarize"Transforming Communities with Giri Puligandla" Guest: Giri Puligandla, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Edmonton Region Introduction In this episode, Dr. Allen Lycka interviews Giri Puligandla, a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in mental health. Giri shares his journey from working with the Schizophrenia Society to leading the CMHA in Edmonton. Together, they dive into mental health challenges, societal impacts, and how individuals and communities can take part in addressing these issues. Early Inspiration Giri's journey into mental health began during his university days, when he worked with the Schizophrenia Society.He realized how mental illness affects people’s futures, leading him to dedicate his life to supporting those with mental health challenges.Giri emphasizes that mental health is not a problem that happens to "others"—it affects all of us. Mental Health and Society Dr. Lycka and Giri discuss how many issues we see in society, like homelessness, are deeply rooted in mental health challenges.Giri argues that addressing underlying mental health problems could alleviate other societal issues like addiction and violence.Often, families of those suffering from mental health issues have made multiple attempts to get them help, highlighting the difficulty of navigating the system. Public Perception of Mental Health The stigma around mental health has improved, but it remains a challenge.Giri mentions how more people are realizing that mental health issues are personal, not just societal or institutional problems.Everyone either knows someone struggling with mental health or is affected themselves. Solutions and Public Involvement The key to addressing mental health is changing perceptions and involving everyone in the conversation.Dr. Lycka asks how the public can get involved, and Giri stresses the importance of empathy, reflection, and education.Families, communities, and healthcare systems all play critical roles in fostering environments where mental health can be supported. Resources for Mental Health Giri advises that in North America, people can access mental health services by calling 211 or 988, which connects individuals with local services, distress lines, or crisis lines.These services are staffed by trained professionals who can provide appropriate guidance and resources, making them an essential first step for those in need. The Role of Community Support Mental health recovery requires more than just medical care.Giri highlights that having social support, a purpose, and meaningful work can significantly impact recovery and overall well-being.Programs like Prosper Place in Edmonton provide individuals with volunteer and employment opportunities, giving them purpose and helping them reintegrate into society. Prevention and Early Intervention Both Dr. Lycka and Giri agree that early intervention can prevent many tragic outcomes associated with untreated mental health issues.Encouraging people to reach out for help early on is crucial in preventing crises.Society should work on making mental health resources more accessible and reduce the stigma around seeking help. BIO: Giri Puligandla is the Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Edmonton Region, dedicated to empowering individuals and transforming communities. He brings extensive experience in system planning, data innovation, and strategic leadership from his roles at Homeward Trust, Caregivers Alberta, and the Schizophrenia Society of Edmonton. Giri holds a master’s degree in health Promotion from the University of Alberta. Social Media: Instagram FacebookLinkedIn
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LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Susan Lax
Nov 5, 2024Tap to summarizeIntroduction: Host: Dr. Allen LyckaGuest: Susan P. LaxEpisode Topic: Insights into Susan's journey, her spiritual evolution, and her book "A Heart's Landscape: An Invitation to the Garden of Moments." 1. Susan Lax's Background and Journey: Susan's evolution from a creative drama teacher to a spiritual counselor and inspirational writer.Importance of life's hardships in her personal growth.Transition at age 50: Susan reflects on redefining her identity beyond societal roles and embarking on a spiritual journey. 2. Embracing the Present Moment: Discussion on the significance of living in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.How societal pressures often distract us from the present.The concept of shifting from "What if?" to "What is?" to fully experience life. 3. The Power of Music: Susan shares the story behind her song "The Haig Joy," written during a time of sorrow, but inspired by the belief that joy can coexist with grief.The song was dedicated to a friend who was a victim of the October 7 massacre in Israel. 4. Writing "A Heart's Landscape": The origin of Susan's morning blessings, initially written for a friend battling cancer.The transformative power of offering moments of positivity during challenging times.The journey from morning blessings to compiling them into a book. 5. Insights from "A Heart's Landscape": Dr. Lycka reads a passage from the book about the metaphor of an ocean wave, reflecting the choices we make when facing life's changes.Susan discusses the importance of taking risks and embracing change for personal growth. 6. The Importance of Gratitude and Time: Susan emphasizes the role of gratitude in her life, especially during challenging times.The importance of recognizing the value of time and making conscious decisions to spend it meaningfully. 7. Living a Fantastic Life: Susan shares her three recommendations for living a fantastic life: Identify one thing that consistently makes you smile.Reflect on a daily task you dread, and counteract it by thinking of what makes you smile.Physically let go of stress by raising your shoulders and releasing them, symbolizing the release of negative thoughts. 8. How to Connect with Susan Lax: Book: "A Heart's Landscape: An Invitation to the Garden of Moments" is available on Amazon.Additional Offerings: Susan shares insights, photography, and more through her online presence. Conclusion: Dr. Lycka wraps up the conversation, thanking Susan for sharing her journey and wisdom on living a fulfilled life.Encouragement to listeners to incorporate moments of joy, gratitude, and presence into their daily lives. BIO: Susan P. Lax is an author, spiritual counselor and inspirational writer. She is the creator of the “Morning Inspiration" series, which provides readers with reflections to start the day with. Her book, A Heart's Landscape was a book Pick by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. Susan's Morning Inspirations have been put to Music and are part of The Heart-to-Heart Songbook performance. Social Media: Face Book-https://www.facebook.com/SusanLaxAuthorMorningInspiration Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/slaxmorninginspiration/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@susanplax?_t=8nI2VoH74uc&_r=1
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