• #182: From School Dropout at 14 to €25 Million in Sales | Pat Slattery
    Apr 3 2026

    The Mindset That Turns Ordinary People Into Leaders

    What does it really take to build confidence, create success, and lead at a high level?

    In this powerful episode of GRASP Confidence, host Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with internationally recognized life and business strategist Pat Slattery, a man whose journey proves that your starting point does not determine your destination.

    Pat left school at just 14 years old. By the age of 15, he was already working in the security industry. What he lacked in formal education, he made up for with something far more powerful: an extraordinary work ethic, relentless determination, and a mindset focused on growth.

    Those qualities would eventually lead him to build companies generating over €25 million in sales, deliver more than 3,000 keynote speeches, and mentor thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders around the world.

    But Pat's journey wasn't built on theory. It was built on real-world experience—the ups, the downs, the failures, the lessons, and the relentless pursuit of becoming better.

    In this conversation, Pat shares the mindset shifts and principles that have guided him through nearly three decades in personal and professional development. From leadership and sales to self-esteem and strategy, his insights reveal what truly separates those who dream from those who build.

    As Brian Tracy once said about Pat:

    "Pat has one of the greatest minds in the personal and professional growth industry."

    And Bob Proctor described him simply as:

    "The man is a genius."

    But what makes Pat's message so powerful isn't just the success; it's the practical wisdom that comes from living the journey himself.

    Together, Tara and Pat explore:

    • Why confidence is built through action, not titles
    • The mindset that transforms ordinary effort into extraordinary results
    • How work ethic becomes a competitive advantage in today's world
    • Why attitude and responsibility determine your trajectory in life and business
    • The lessons Pat has learned after mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs

    If you've ever questioned your path, doubted your potential, or wondered whether success is truly possible for you—this conversation will remind you that your past does not define your future.

    Confidence isn't something you're born with.

    It's something you build through discipline, responsibility, and action.

    And as Pat's story proves, when you commit to growth and refuse to quit, the results can be extraordinary.

    🎙️ Listen now and discover how the power of work ethic, mindset, and belief can transform not only your career but your entire life.

    What does GRASP stand for?

    Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose.
    These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling.

    🎙️ Have you subscribed yet?
    Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.

    🎧 Available on:
    Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio

    Share the inspiration
    Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

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    44 mins
  • #181: Aligning Your Heart: Faith, Righteousness, and Spirit-Led Confidence | Hal Blackwell
    Mar 30 2026

    Righteousness Begins with Heart Posture and Faith

    What if confidence isn't something you build… but something that flows from your heart posture?

    In a world obsessed with performance and self-improvement we rarely stop to ask the deeper question: What is the condition of my heart? Because righteousness doesn't begin with behavior, it begins with posture and intention. And faith isn't just belief, it's alignment.

    In this powerful episode of GRASP Confidence, we explore what it truly means to live from a place of righteousness shaped by faith and filled by the Holy Spirit.

    Hal Blackwell joins me for a thought-provoking conversation combining moral psychology, self-deception, philosophy, and the subtle ways we justify ourselves. But this isn't theoretical. It's personal. It's spiritual. It's transformational.

    We unpack:

    • Why humans are masters at rationalizing their motives

    • How self-deception distorts our integrity

    • What "righteousness" actually means beyond religious performance

    • The role of surrender in allowing God's Holy Spirit to reshape your inner life

    • Why your heart posture determines the fruit of your life

    Hal brings wisdom from his experience in business leadership, addiction recovery work, and faith-rooted reflection. Together, we challenge the idea that confidence is self-generated. Instead, we examine how true confidence flows from a heart aligned with truth, humility, and obedience.


    If you've ever wrestled with:

    • Wanting to lead with integrity but feeling internally misaligned

    • Knowing the right thing but struggling to live it

    • Wondering whether confidence can coexist with surrender

    This episode will speak directly to you.

    Because righteousness is not about perfection. It's about orientation. It's about a heart that is open, softened, and willing to be transformed. When your heart posture shifts, your leadership shifts. Your relationships shift. Your confidence shifts.

    True confidence is not ego-driven. It is Spirit-filled.

    And when faith moves from intellectual agreement to lived conviction, everything changes.

    Listen to this episode of GRASP Confidence and reflect honestly:
    What is the posture of your heart?

    If this conversation challenges and encourages you, share it with someone walking their own faith journey and leave a review to help others discover what it means to live with righteousness, faith, and unshakable confidence.

    Because confidence that is rooted in righteousness doesn't need to perform.
    It simply overflows.

    🔗 Connect with Hal Blackwell

    🌐 Website: Thehalblackwell.com

    What does GRASP stand for?

    Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose.
    These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling.

    🎙️ Have you subscribed yet?
    Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.

    🎧 Available on:
    Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio

    Share the inspiration
    Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • #180: Wealth Isn't Money, It's Consciousness in Motion | Christopher Mackin
    Mar 23 2026

    The Real Reason You Can't Hold Wealth Yet: Self-Worth

    "Wealth isn't something you chase. It's something you learn how to hold."
    What if the reason abundance hasn't stuck isn't strategy — but capacity?


    In this powerful episode of GRASP Confidence, Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with Christopher Mackin, a wealth advisor with over two decades of experience who bridges finance, spirituality, and planetary stewardship.

    After a life-altering spiritual awakening in Sedona and a chance meeting on a private island retreat in Belize, Christopher introduces a radically different way to think about money, success, and abundance. He challenges traditional manifestation culture and explains why rooted wealth creates fulfillment — while unrooted wealth often leaves even the most successful people feeling empty.

    As Christopher puts it:
    "You can build wealth from a rooted place—or an unrooted place. One creates fulfillment. The other creates lack, no matter how much you have."

    In this conversation, you'll discover:

    • why most money mindset work fails at the identity level

    • how self-worth determines how much wealth you allow yourself to receive

    • the difference between fast money and sustainable wealth

    • why regulation, not hustle, is the foundation of abundance

    • how giving, play, and service activate true prosperity

    And yes — Christopher delivers one of the most unforgettable lines of the episode:
    "Putting manifestation on top of unhealed patterns is like putting whipped cream on poop."


    If you've ever made money but still felt "off," burned out, or disconnected… this episode will resonate deeply. Christopher reframes wealth as WELLTH — a holistic state of abundance rooted in purpose, balance, community, and conscious stewardship.

    "Most people don't have a money problem. They have a relationship-with-money problem."
    "You can make money fast—but without internal capacity, you'll lose it just as fast."

    This is not a conversation about getting rich quick.
    It's about becoming the kind of person who can hold, steward, and expand abundance with integrity.


    Tune in, listen all the way through, and reflect deeply. Then head to Apple Podcasts and leave a review sharing your biggest takeaway — because this episode may change how you define success forever.

    🔗 Connect with Christopher Mackin

    🌐 Website: https://christophermackin.co/

    What does GRASP stand for?


    Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose.
    These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling.

    🎙️ Have you subscribed yet?
    Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.

    🎧 Available on:
    Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio

    Share the inspiration
    Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

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    32 mins
  • #179: You Are the Gold: Stop Searching Outside Yourself | Breyn Hibbs
    Mar 16 2026
    Worthiness Isn't Earned. It's Unearthed. In a world that constantly tells us to optimize, perform, and push forward, many high-achieving individuals still feel an undercurrent of disconnection — from themselves, from their bodies, and from the deeper truth of who they are. We learn to function. We learn to succeed. But we rarely learn how to truly meet ourselves. In this expansive and deeply human conversation, Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with Bre Hibbs — consciousness-based healer, Inner Space Technique (IST) regression therapist, and somatic practitioner — to explore what it means to move beyond surface-level self-improvement and into profound self-relationship. Bre works with individuals who are no longer satisfied with quick fixes or intellectual insight alone. Her work guides clients beneath inherited patterns, protective stories, and nervous system conditioning to access clarity, truth, and emotional freedom from the inside out. Through somatic awareness and regression work, she helps people reconnect with parts of themselves that have long been silenced, guarded, or misunderstood. But Bre doesn't only teach sovereignty — she lives it. In this episode, we explore how she has created a life rooted in presence rather than hustle. Bre has cultivated financial freedom that supports creative choice, travel, beauty, and meaningful connection. She reframes money not as status or accumulation, but as a tool that supports aliveness, spaciousness, and possibility. Together, Tara and Bre unpack the relationship between nervous system safety, self-worth, desire, and the capacity to receive both healing and abundance. They discuss why many driven individuals struggle to slow down, how embodiment restores clarity, and what becomes possible when we stop abandoning ourselves in pursuit of external success. Bre also shares about her role stewarding a meditation retreat center in Northern California and co-creating luxury wellness retreats at Prana Maya Island Resort in Placencia, Belize. These retreats blend inner alchemy, embodiment practices, healing work, pleasure, depth, and childlike joy — offering participants a rare opportunity to experience transformation in an environment designed for both expansion and restoration. This episode is not about escaping life. It's about inhabiting it more fully. Together, Tara and Bre explore: • Why true healing goes beyond mindset work • The role of nervous system regulation in confidence and clarity • Releasing inherited patterns and unconscious identity loops • The connection between embodiment, desire, and self-trust • Creating a life rooted in beauty, depth, and meaningful connection Whether you are navigating burnout, craving deeper self-trust, seeking emotional freedom, or simply sensing that there is more available to you than the life you've been living, this conversation offers both insight and permission. Bre invites us into a bolder intimacy with ourselves — where clarity sharpens, desire returns, and life begins to open from the inside out. This episode may change how you think about healing. More importantly, it may change how you meet yourself. Connect with Bre: IG personal: @breynmarr IG regression therapy + somatic practitioner: @the_gold_inside Website: https://gold-inside.life/ Tune in, listen all the way through, and reflect deeply. Then head to Apple Podcasts and leave a review sharing your biggest takeaway. What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.
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    40 mins
  • #178: Why Money Stress Isn't a Math Problem—It's a Mindset Problem | Josh Greenbaum
    Mar 9 2026

    Confidence, Clarity, and the Numbers Behind a Healthy Business

    Money is one of the biggest sources of stress for entrepreneurs and yet, it doesn't have to be. If the words cash flow, financials, or numbers make you want to look the other way, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Today on GRASP Confidence, we're reframing the entire conversation around money, leadership, and freedom.

    Josh Greenbaum is a founder, advisor, and author who has made it his mission to help entrepreneurs build financially healthy businesses—without spreadsheets, shame, or jargon. Through his book Numbers Scare Me & Other Excuses, his advisory firm CFO Minded, and his upcoming Replaceable program, Josh is changing how founders relate to money. Instead of seeing numbers as overwhelming or intimidating, he helps leaders use them as a tool for clarity, confidence, and better decision-making.

    In this conversation, Josh breaks down why most founders struggle with money—not because they're bad at math, but because they were never taught how to think about numbers in a way that supports the life they actually want to live.

    You'll learn how to move from financial avoidance to financial ownership, how to turn "messy" numbers into clear leadership decisions, and why understanding your finances is one of the most empowering confidence shifts you can make as a business owner. This episode is especially powerful for entrepreneurs who are tired of running businesses that feel heavy, confusing, or misaligned and are ready for simplicity, clarity, and freedom.

    If you want to build a business that supports your life (not the other way around), this episode will change how you see money—and yourself as a leader.

    Learn more about Josh and his work here:
    👉 https://cfominded.com

    📚 Grab your copy of Josh's book here!

    What does GRASP stand for?


    Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose.
    These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling.

    🎙️ Have you subscribed yet?
    Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.

    🎧 Available on:
    Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio

    Share the inspiration
    Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • #177: Why Confidence Starts in Your Nervous System (And How to Fix It) | Dr. Amelia Kelley
    Mar 4 2026
    Confidence is often framed as a mindset problem; something you fix with better habits, stronger discipline, or positive thinking. But what if confidence isn't a mindset issue at all? What if it's a nervous system issue? In this powerful and deeply grounding conversation, Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with Dr. Amelia Kelley—trauma-informed therapist, author, professor, and TED speaker to explore why so many capable, intelligent, high-achieving people struggle with confidence, clarity, and self-trust despite "doing all the right things." Dr. Kelley brings a refreshing, evidence-informed perspective that bridges neuroscience, clinical practice, and real-world lived experience. Together, they unpack how chronic stress, unresolved trauma, and nervous system dysregulation quietly shape how we show up in leadership, relationships, work, and daily decision-making. This episode reframes confidence not as something you force—but something that emerges naturally when your nervous system feels safe. You'll learn why sensitivity is not a weakness, but a form of cognitive diversity; how many women—especially those with ADHD or trauma histories—are misreading dysregulation as personal failure; and why traditional "push through it" approaches often backfire for high performers. Dr. Kelley explains how the nervous system responds to perceived threat, why survival mode erodes self-trust, and what it actually takes to move from reactivity into regulation. The conversation also explores trauma-informed approaches to healing that don't pathologize sensitivity or label people as broken. Dr. Kelley shares insights from her clinical work using somatic therapies, Internal Family Systems–informed frameworks, EMDR-informed treatment, and nervous system–based interventions—translating complex psychological research into language that is practical, compassionate, and accessible. Beyond individual healing, this episode expands the lens to systems and prevention. Dr. Kelley discusses her advocacy for trauma-informed mental health support in schools, early screening, and why nervous system literacy is essential for long-term well-being, safety, and leadership development. If you've ever felt confident one moment and completely shut down the next… If you've questioned why success hasn't brought the inner calm you expected… If you're tired of fixing yourself instead of understanding yourself… This episode offers a new framework—one rooted in regulation, safety, and self-trust. Because real confidence doesn't come from forcing courage. It comes from a nervous system that finally feels safe enough to lead. 🎧 Listen now to this episode of GRASP Confidence and discover how choosing positivity, connection, and purpose can transform the way you lead, communicate, and live. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who needs encouragement todayand be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review to help more people find these powerful conversations. Connect with Amelia + Support her work Amelia's Profile linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley Website ameliakelley.com Are you highly sensative? Take Amelia's quiz to learn more! What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.
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    37 mins
  • #176: Life Happens. Positivity Is a Choice. Here's How to Choose It | Russ Hedge
    Feb 25 2026
    In a world that feels louder, faster, and more negative than ever, confidence isn't just a mindset; it's a choice. And when life throws curveballs (as it inevitably does), the leaders who rise aren't the ones who avoid challenges, but the ones who decide how they respond. In this powerful episode of GRASP Confidence, host Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with inspirational speaker, international bestselling author, and master connector Russ Hedge to explore what it truly means to choose positivity, purpose, and forward momentum—no matter what season of life or business you're in. With over 30 years in marketing, sales, and relationship-driven business, Russ has seen it all. And more importantly, he's learned how to turn experience into encouragement, setbacks into fuel, and connection into one of the most underutilized confidence accelerators available today. Known as an "Inspiration Specialist," Russ Hedge is a positive force in an often hectic and high-pressure business environment. He's been recognized as a top salesperson across multiple industries, not just for his results—but for the way he builds trust, networks authentically, and adds value before ever asking for anything in return. In this episode, Russ shares how confidence is built through connection, not perfection. He opens up about the power of encouragement, the importance of mindset in leadership and business growth, and why choosing positivity is a strategic advantage—not a personality trait. Listeners will hear real-world stories from Russ's decades-long career in marketing and sales, along with insights from his bestselling book, Live Happens… and Then You Choose!—a message that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs, leaders, and high-performers navigating uncertainty, transition, or growth. This conversation goes beyond tactics. It's about how you show up when things don't go as planned, how you lead with purpose, and how intentional encouragement can change not only your business; but your life. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, speaker, coach, or professional who: Feels drained by constant pressure and negativity Wants to build confidence without burnout Knows relationships are key but wants to deepen them authentically Is navigating change, growth, or uncertainty Wants to live and lead with more purpose and positivity …this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Russ doesn't preach motivation—he models it. His ability to connect, inspire, and make people feel seen is why he's trusted as a speaker, coach, consultant, and podcast host across platforms. From mindset shifts to practical encouragement strategies, this conversation offers both heart and application. You'll walk away reminded that confidence isn't something you wait for—it's something you choose, especially when life happens. 🎧 Listen now to this episode of GRASP Confidence and discover how choosing positivity, connection, and purpose can transform the way you lead, communicate, and live. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today—and be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review to help more people find these powerful conversations. 🔗 Connect with Russ Hedge Website: https://www.russhedge.com Email: russ@russhedge.com Calendar: https://www.russhedge.com/contact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russhedge/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russhedgecoaching Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/russhedge YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/greerbros/videos 🎥 Shows & Podcasts: Marketing with Russ (#RussSelfie) The Experience Live with Russ & Scott Russ Reals Live Available weekly on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and major podcast platforms. 📘 New Book: Live Happens… and Then You Choose! 👉 https://www.russhedge.com/buy-book-now What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.
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    34 mins
  • #175: Our Beliefs Can Make You Sick or Well (Here's How to Shift Them) | Dr. Hamad Shirazi
    Feb 19 2026

    Aligned to Heal: Chiropractic, Consciousness, and Whole-Body Confidence

    What if your pain isn't a problem to "fix"… but a message to listen to? In this episode of GRASP Confidence, I sit down with Dr. Hamad Shirazi (D.C., M.S.Ed.)—chiropractor, educator, and wellness leader—who introduces a powerful reframe: pain as a teacher guiding you back into alignment.

    I met Dr. Shirazi in Belize on a private island, and his grounded energy immediately stood out. In our conversation, we go far beyond "neck and back pain" and into the deeper root: posture, breath, nervous system regulation, belief, and purpose. We talk about how our beliefs can influence healing (yes, even the placebo effect), why many people stay stuck in suffering, and how shifting from fear to trust can change everything. You'll also hear a mind-blowing concept you may have never heard before: "pronoia"...the belief that life is conspiring in your favor.


    Inside this episode, we cover:

    • Why Dr. Shirazi says "pain is direction"—not punishment

    • The most common issues he sees (neck, back, shoulder, knee) and what they often reveal

    • How he blends chiropractic + physical therapy principles + strength & conditioning to get to root cause

    • The role of breathing, posture, mobility, and balance in lasting healing

    • Why "being right" can keep you stuck—and how curiosity opens the door to change

    • How gratitude, surrender, and nervous system safety support transformation


    If you've been feeling out of alignment—physically, mentally, or spiritually—this episode will help you reconnect to your body, rethink your beliefs, and move forward with intention. Listen now, and if it resonates, follow GRASP Confidence on your favorite platform and leave a quick Apple review—I read every one.

    Connect with Dr. Hamad Shirazi: https://linktr.ee/coachshirazi

    What does GRASP stand for?


    Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose.
    These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling.

    🎙️ Have you subscribed yet?
    Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.

    🎧 Available on:
    Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio

    Share the inspiration
    Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

    Show more Show less
    33 mins