Bronwyn Schweigerdt

Introduction

• Guest: Bronwyn Schweigerdt, licensed psychotherapist, podcaster, and anger management expert from Sacramento, California.
• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka
• Podcast: "Angry at the Right Things"
• Educational Background: Master's in Counseling Psychology and Nutrition

Personal Journey and Career Shift

• Initial Career: Nutritionist
• Depressive Episode: Prompted career change to psychotherapy.
• Experience with Therapists: Inspired to become a better therapist.

Anger Management and Cultural Context

• Therapist Training: Lack of focus on anger management.
• Cultural Suppression of Anger: Anger often suppressed due to societal and familial norms.
• Goal: Helping people develop healthy relationships with their anger.

De-escalation Techniques

• Training in De-escalation: Techniques to calm individuals experiencing extreme anger.
• Counterintuitive Methods: Validating anger to calm individuals rather than using logic to dismiss feelings.

The Concept of "Angry Person"

• Misconception: Everyone experiences anger; no one is inherently an "angry person".
• Externalizing vs. Suppressing Anger: Both can be harmful.

Effects of Suppressed Anger

• Harmful Impacts: Suppressed anger can lead to depression, anxiety, and affect relationships negatively.

Root Causes of Depression and Anxiety

• Medication and Therapy: Often manage symptoms rather than addressing root causes.
• Suppressed Anger: Viewed as a core issue behind depression and anxiety.

Addressing Suppressed Anger

• Identifying Triggers: Analyzing recent events to find the source of anger.
• Validation and Expression: Acknowledging and expressing anger through healthy channels like setting boundaries.

Role of Shame

• Shame and Anger: Shame often prevents people from expressing anger and admitting mistakes.
• Overcoming Shame: Using imagination exercises and self-affirmation to dismantle learned shame.

Living a Fantastic Life

• Freedom from Shame: Key to living a full, complete life.
• Self-attunement: Being in tune with one's feelings and needs.
• Boundaries: Recognizing responsibility for one's own feelings, not others'.

Advice for Listeners

• Life is Short: Importance of being true to oneself.
• Self-attunement: Understanding and expressing personal feelings and needs.

Closing Thoughts

• Message to Younger Self: Importance of avoiding codependency and staying true to oneself.
• Podcast and Contact Information: "Angry at The Right Things"

Host's Closing Message

• Additional Resources: www.lifequalityassessment.com for self-assessment.
• Website: www.DrAllenLycka.com for further information and weekly golden pearls.

Contact Information

• Bronwyn Schweigerdt: Host of the podcast "Angry at The Right Things"

BIO:

Bronwyn Schweigerdt is a licensed psychotherapist, podcaster and anger expert. She has a master's in counseling psychology and another in nutrition. Her podcast is Angry at the Right Things.

Social Media:

https://angryattherightthings.podbean.com/

From Tragedy to Triumph: Amy Downs' Journey of Transformation

Introduction

• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka
• Guest: Amy Downs, Oklahoma City bombing survivor, CEO, and Ironman triathlete
• Overview: Amy Downs shares her story of survival, transformation, and the power of hope.

1995 Oklahoma City Bombing

• Amy's Background: 355-pound bank teller, struggling with math, and living a complacent life.
• Bombing Incident: Amy recounts the day of the bombing, her survival, and the harrowing experience of being trapped under the rubble.

Moments of Realization and Rescue

• Initial Impact: Amy describes the immediate aftermath of the bombing and her feelings of falling and being buried.
• Rescue Effort: The painstaking process of her rescue, the fear of a second bomb, and the moment she was finally pulled from the rubble.

Hospital and Community Response

• Hospital Stay: Eight days of recovery, including dealing with the loss of coworkers and her best friend.
• Community Spirit: The unity and support within the Oklahoma community post-bombing, known as the "Oklahoma Standard."

Path to Transformation

• New CEO's Influence: Introduction to the "magic wand" question, leading to significant organizational and personal changes.
• Personal Goals: Amy's journey to overcome her educational setbacks, weight issues, and ultimately becoming an Ironman triathlete.

Overcoming Obstacles and Self-Doubt

• Ironman Challenge: Amy's experience of completing the Ironman, including the physical and mental hurdles.
• Importance of Community: The role of her coach and community in encouraging her to persevere.

Life Lessons and Philosophies

• Resilience and Hope: The importance of not being defined by tragedy but using it as a catalyst for positive change.
• The Role of Failure: Emphasizing that failure is a crucial part of the journey to success.

Dr. Lycka's Insights

• Power of Perspective: How changing one's outlook can transform their life experiences.
• Historical Example: Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile barrier as an illustration of overcoming limiting beliefs.

Amy's Recommendations for a Fantastic Life

• Magic Wand Question: Encouraging listeners to ask themselves what they would do if they had a magic wand.
• Small Steps: The importance of taking incremental steps towards one's dreams.
• Living Authentically: Finding and living a life true to oneself to avoid future regrets.

Conclusion

• Recap: Amy Downs’ remarkable journey from a bombing survivor to an Ironman and CEO.
• Final Thoughts: The significance of hope, community, and taking actionable steps towards one's goals.

Call to Action

• Book Promotion: "Hope Is a Verb: My Journey of Impossible Transformation" by Amy Downs.
• Encouragement: Listeners are urged to reflect on their lives, ask themselves the magic wand question, and take steps towards their dreams.

BIO:

In 1995, Amy Downs was one of the last survivors to be pulled from the rubble following the Oklahoma City bombing which killed 168 people including 18 of her 33 co-workers at the Federal Employees Credit Union. Embracing her second chance at life, Amy launched a campaign of self-improvement and transformed from a 355lb teller who couldn’t pass a math class to a CEO with a master’s degree in business administration and is a Full Ironman Triathlon Finisher. Amy is the author of a book called Hope is a Verb: My Journey of Impossible Transformation which is available on Amazon.

Social Media:

Linkedin.com/in/amydownsspeaks

Facebook.com/amyon2wheels

Guest: Captain Genevieve Evans

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Dr. Allen Lycka introduces Captain Genevieve Evans, a seasoned sailing instructor and the owner of Go Sail Flathead Lake and Go Sail Virgin Islands. Despite growing up in Montana, a landlocked state, Genevieve developed a passion for sailing and turned it into a successful career.

Falling in Love with Sailing

Genevieve shares her early experiences sailing on Flathead Lake in Montana, a stunning freshwater lake fed from Glacier National Park. Her love for sailing grew from these childhood experiences and later led her to start sailing businesses in both Montana and the Virgin Islands.

Expanding to the Virgin Islands

Genevieve began exploring the Caribbean after 2009. She initially spent time in the Bahamas and then moved to the US Virgin Islands, where she found the perfect environment to expand her sailing business. The Virgin Islands offered a safe and welcoming community, making it an ideal location for sailing lessons and charters.

Safety Concerns in the Caribbean

Dr. Lycka raises concerns about safety in the Caribbean, specifically the threat of pirates. Genevieve assures listeners that the US and British Virgin Islands are very safe, with a strong presence of tourism and excellent communication services. The region is considered secure, and she has never encountered safety issues during her time there.

Navigating Storms and Weather

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June through September. Genevieve explains that her sailing operations are suspended during the peak hurricane months of August, September, and October to ensure safety. She emphasizes the importance of monitoring weather patterns and having contingency plans in place.

Learning to Sail: The Curriculum

Genevieve outlines the curriculum she follows, based on American Sailing Association standards. The program covers everything from basic sailing terminology to advanced boat systems and navigation. Students learn practical skills like route planning and weather prediction, essential for safe sailing.

The Joy of Sailing

For Genevieve, sailing is a continuous learning journey. She highlights the importance of a growth mindset, as every sailing experience presents new conditions and challenges. Her favorite part of sailing is the constant learning and the opportunity to share this passion with others.

Life Aboard: The Sailing Experience

Genevieve describes the typical sailing experience offered by her company. Using 42 to 50-foot catamarans, she accommodates groups of up to six people for week-long, immersive sailing courses. These trips provide hands-on sailing practice and a chance to explore the beauty of the Caribbean.

The Cost of Sailing Adventures

A catamaran like the ones used in her courses costs between $800,000 and $1 million. These vessels are built to handle long voyages, making them safe for world travel.

Embracing a Fantastic Life

Genevieve shares her philosophy on living a fantastic life. She emphasizes the importance of simplifying life, valuing experiences over material possessions, and maintaining a positive outlook. Her lifestyle allows her to enjoy the best of both worlds: the beautiful summers of Montana and the warm winters of the Caribbean.

How to Connect with Captain Genevieve Evans

For those interested in learning to sail or booking a sailing adventure, Genevieve provides contact information for her sailing schools:

• Go Sail Virgin Islands: www.gosailvi.com
• Go Sail Montana: www.gosailmontana.com

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/gosailvirginislands

https://www.instagram.com/gosailvirginislands/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-evans17/

Understanding Addiction Recovery with Dave & Susan Kenney

Introduction

• Guest: Dave & Susan Kenney
• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka
• Topic: Addiction recovery and the role of brain function
• Background: Dave and Susan are co-founders of Emergent Academy, an online community supporting people in addiction recovery and life crises. They have coached over 2000 individuals and co-authored the best-selling book "Actualized Recovery."

The Journey to Addiction Recovery

• Educator Background: Both Dave and Susan began as educators and observed students and families struggling with various challenges.
• Hypothesis: In 2007, they hypothesized that changing brain function could help overcome learning, behavioral, and addiction challenges.
• Influence of Dr. Daniel Amen: They discovered Dr. Amen's work on SPECT imaging, which looks at brain function before diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

The Brain's Role in Behavior

• Neuroscience Agreement: The brain drives behavior, influencing everything from driving habits to addiction.
• Neuroplasticity: Addiction is seen as a disease of neuroplasticity, meaning the brain's ability to rewire itself. Rewiring can reverse addictive behaviors.
• Donald Hebb's Law: The more a neuron fires, the stronger it wires, explaining how habits are formed and can be changed.

Critique of Traditional Recovery Programs

• 12-Step Programs: While popular, the 12-step model hasn't evolved with scientific advancements in understanding the brain.
• Actualized Recovery: Combines beneficial elements of the 12-step program with neuroscience, psychology, and nutrition for a holistic approach.

Principles of Actualized Recovery

• Lifestyle Changes: Emphasize sleep, diet, and movement to support brain health.
• Brain Nutrition: Focus on what the brain needs for optimal function.
• Addressing Trauma: Recognize that trauma can be emotional, physical, mental, or chemical, and all can impact brain function.

Steps to Recovery

• Starting Point: Look at current lifestyle and relationships.
• Setting Realistic Goals: Break down goals into manageable steps to create a "winnable game."
• Consistency: Small, consistent actions lead to long-term change.
• Environment: Create an environment that supports new habits and makes old habits difficult to maintain.

Overcoming Challenges

• Misconceptions: Recovery isn't instant or easy; setbacks are part of the process.
• Setting Up for Success: Ensure the environment supports recovery, and avoid perfectionism.

Living a Fantastic Life

• Focus on the Future: Encourage a forward-looking mindset, using positive psychology and strengths-based coaching.
• Brain-Healthy Lifestyle: Embrace habits that support brain function for overall well-being.
• Hero vs. Victim Mindset: Choose to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Final Advice

• Identify Desires: Clearly define what you want in life, rather than focusing on what you don't want.
• Small Steps: Begin with small, consistent actions to build new neural pathways and habits.

Conclusion

• Inspiration: Dave and Susan Kenney's work emphasizes the power of the brain in overcoming addiction and living a fulfilling life. Their approach integrates science and practical steps to help individuals achieve lasting recovery.

For more information on Dave and Susan Kenney and their work at Emergent Academy, visit Emergent Academy's https://www.emergoacademy.com

Alana Joy Newton

In this episode, we welcome Alana Joy Newton, a Reconnection Coach from Vancouver, British Columbia. Alana shares her journey of overcoming significant health challenges and how she found her path to helping others reconnect with their true selves. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of living authentically.

Early Health Challenges and Diagnosis

Alana discusses her early health challenges, which culminated in a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in her 30s. This rare genetic disorder affects connective tissues, causing a range of symptoms from joint issues to severe internal complications. Alana recounts her near-fatal experience at the age of nine due to a hemorrhage after a routine tonsillectomy, a pivotal moment in her health journey.

Balancing Health and Family

Alana talks about the challenges of managing her own health while caring for her young son, who also has EDS. During this period, her father was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a severe lung condition. His passing deeply impacted Alana, leading her to reassess her life and priorities.

Transition from Nursing to Psychotherapy

Initially pursuing a career in nursing, Alana realized the physical demands were too much given her health condition. This led her to earn a Master's in Counseling Psychology, focusing on the emotional well-being of healthcare providers and patients. Her experiences in psychotherapy eventually guided her towards becoming a Reconnection Coach.

Understanding Disconnection

Alana explains the concept of disconnection, which can manifest as anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing subtle signs of disconnection to prevent long-term emotional and physical harm.

Steps to Reconnection

Alana outlines the first steps to reconnecting with oneself, starting with self-compassion. She highlights the importance of distinguishing between the critical inner voice and the compassionate voice, approaching the inner critic with curiosity rather than judgment.

Living by Authentic Values

Alana discusses the significance of living in alignment with one's authentic values. She helps clients explore whether their values are truly their own or influenced by external factors. This exploration is crucial for genuine self-connection.

Embracing Joy and Love

At the core of Alana's coaching is the belief that joy and love are fundamental aspects of our being. She shares practical exercises, such as a joy scavenger hunt, to help clients reconnect with these essential emotions and shift their focus from negativity to positivity.

Conclusion: Living a Fantastic Life

Alana concludes with her perspective on living a fantastic life, which involves continuously shedding layers of the false self to reconnect with the true self. She reminds us that we are complete and enough just as we are. Alana's name, Alana Joy, symbolizes her belief that joy is the essence of our being and a birthright always within reach.

Connect with Alana Joy Newton

• Website: alanajoynewton.com
• Instagram: @Alana_Joy_Newton