What happens when your body tells you the truth before your mind is ready to hear it?

Andrew Lang had built a life around doing the most. He was a teacher, a union rep, and a quiet emotional anchor for everyone around him. But underneath it all, exhaustion was building until one night, his body gave out, and that unexpected breaking point became the beginning of something new.

Here’s what you’ll take away from Andrew’s story:

• Letting go of the need to fix everything can create space for clarity and compassion.
• Gentleness is not weakness; it's a powerful response to burnout and emotional overload.
• Healing often begins with halting steps, not grand plans.

Topics Discussed

• What burnout can actually feel like in the body before the mind registers it
• The illusion of being “good enough” and how overperforming keeps us stuck
• Carrying others’ emotional weight, especially in under-supported school systems
• The pivotal bike ride that marked Andrew’s shift from burnout to beginning again
• Why silence can be the most honest response when everything gets too heavy
• The decision to walk away from teaching after years of pouring everything in
• Starting again with intention, not obligation
• Creating space for honest storytelling and the power of community
• Redefining personal success through presence and permission
• Learning to say no, and how that can unlock a different version of life

Andrew Lang is an educator in the Pacific Northwest and core facilitator of the Gentle Change Collective, where he leads folks in finding sustainable ways to turn their experiences of overwhelm into action that brings repair and healing in their communities.

Links:

Gentle Change Collective: https://www.andrewglang.com/gentlechange

Resource that guides you in developing sustainable actions within the context we're currently living in: https://practice.andrewglang.com/products/gentle-change-starter-kit

🎧 Listen to Andrew Lang's episode now at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/183

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

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I’m excited to share something new.

It’s Okay If… is a short-form podcast I created as part of my own healing journey — a space for bite-sized permission slips to feel what you feel and be exactly where you are.

Each episode is under 3 minutes, and a new one drops every Wednesday at noon.

In this short intro, I’ll share why I made this show, what you can expect, and how you can listen.

🎧 First 3 episodes release on Wednesday, May 21

Follow It’s Okay If… on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

💻 https://feeds.captivate.fm/its-okay-if/

Alex Knight joins me again to share how his life has shifted since we last chatted on The Life Shift. We kick things off by revisiting the pivotal moments that shaped his relationship with music and how those experiences continue to influence his life decisions. Alex shares that music has been a constant anchor, helping him navigate expectations and societal pressures. Since our last episode, he’s become more aware of how music plays a role in his happiness and creativity, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passions without the weight of external validation.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of how sharing our stories can lead to unexpected insights and connections, making it easier to embrace the journey we’re on.

I’m excited to share bonus episodes from Patreon, where I revisited past guests to discuss what has changed and the value of sharing their stories. Since I currently only have the lower tiers available, I wanted to make these conversations accessible to the public feed. If you'd like to support the show directly, please consider joining the $3 or $5 tier on Patreon – www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast.

Links referenced in this episode:

• patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast
• www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

What if you woke up one day unable to speak, move, or even swallow?

Vanessa Abraham, a thriving speech pathologist and mother, was plunged into a life-threatening health crisis that left her trapped in her own body. With no clear diagnosis and a long road ahead, she found herself on the other side of the hospital bed, experiencing everything she once treated.

In this episode, Vanessa shares how she reclaimed her voice, fought for her life, and redefined her identity in the aftermath. You’ll hear:

• What it's like to live with post-intensive care syndrome (PICS)
• How motherhood fueled her survival
• Why community and mental health advocacy are at the heart of her healing

About Vanessa Abraham

Vanessa Abraham, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a certified speech pathologist, author, and advocate for ICU survivors. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked extensively with children using communication devices, a skill she unexpectedly relied on during her own medical journey. Vanessa is now a passionate advocate for trauma-informed care and post-intensive care syndrome awareness, using her personal story to educate and inspire others. Her memoir, Speechless, captures her journey from provider to patient and back, offering hope and insight to those navigating similar challenges.

• Book: Speechless on Amazon
• Instagram: @speechless_slp
• Facebook: Speechless SLP

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

Topics Discussed

• The rare Guillain-Barre variant that left...

In this special solo episode of The Life Shift Podcast, I step away from interviews to reflect on the three people who shaped me most—my mother, my grandmother, and my father. Mother’s Day has always felt complicated, layered with grief, gratitude, and unexpected resilience.

I share how losing my mom at eight changed everything, how my grandmother stepped in and became my safe place, and how my father quietly carried the weight of it all while helping me find my way forward.

This episode is a tribute to them—and to you, the listener, who may also feel the complex emotions that days like this bring.

If this episode resonates, please consider following the show and leaving a review to help others find these stories.

Resources & Links:

🔗 Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

💌 Stay connected: Follow on Apple Podcasts

Marty Klein returns for a bonus episode where we dive into his journey since his original appearance on The Life Shift Podcast. The main takeaway from our chat is how sharing his story about losing his mom at a young age has impacted him and helped him reflect on the deeper shifts it created in his life.

We discuss the nuances of dealing with grief, the importance of talking about it openly, and how sharing experiences can lead to unexpected connections with others. Marty shares how he initially felt unsure about sharing his story but found that it sparked important conversations with friends and family. We also touch on how revisiting these stories can help us understand not just the shifts themselves, but the ongoing effects they have on our lives.

I’m excited to share bonus episodes from Patreon, where I revisited past guests to discuss what has changed and the value of sharing their stories. Since I currently only have the lower tiers available, I wanted to make these conversations accessible to the public feed. If you'd like to support the show directly, please consider joining the $3 or $5 tier on Patreon – www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast.

Have you ever felt trapped by the need for certainty in your life? Allison Carmen, a spiritual teacher, author, and podcaster, shares her journey from being addicted to certainty to embracing the power of "maybe."

Allison takes us through her early years, where anxiety and worry dominated her life. She recounts the pivotal moment when a simple Daoist story about a farmer and his horse opened her eyes to a new way of thinking that would change her life forever.

• How Allison's need for certainty affected her daily life and relationships
• The power of the word "maybe" in shifting perspective and reducing stress
• Learning to find hope and possibility in life's uncertainties

• Allison's experience of using her own teachings to cope with a sudden divorce
• The importance of accepting what is while maintaining hope for the future
• How embracing uncertainty can lead to personal growth and new opportunities

• Practical ways to incorporate "maybe" thinking into your daily life
• The difference between using "maybe" as a tool and adopting it as a life perspective
• How this mindset can help in making decisions and facing challenges

As you listen to this episode, consider:

• In what areas of your life might you be clinging to certainty?
• How could adopting a "maybe" mindset change your approach to stress and worry?
• What possibilities might open up if you embraced uncertainty more fully?

This conversation reminds us that life's uncertainties can be a source of hope and potential rather than fear. Allison's journey offers practical insights for anyone looking to reduce anxiety and find more peace in the face of life's unknowns.

Allison Carmen is an author, TEDx speaker, podcaster, business consultant, and CFO/General Counsel at the Motherhood Center of New York. She holds a B.A. in accounting, a J.D. in law, and a Master of Law in taxation. Allison’s books include The Gift of Maybe: Offering Hope and Possibility in Uncertain Times and A Year Without Men: A Twelve Point Guide to Inspire and Empower Women. She also hosts the podcast 10 Minutes to Less Suffering, where she shares tools to help alleviate daily stress. Allison is a regular contributor to Psychology Today, The Daily Beast, and AARP and is a sought-after speaker and media guest.

• Website: allisoncarmen.com
• Podcast: 10 Minutes to Less Suffering on Allison's website
• Books: Available on Allison's website
• Social Media: Find Allison on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn via her website.

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot:

Becca Berkey is back to chat about her journey since her appearance on The Life Shift. We dive right into the heart of the conversation, exploring how her experiences have shaped her perspective on vulnerability and connection. Becca reflects on a pivotal moment from her childhood that introduced her to the concept of shame, and we discuss how those early experiences can influence our adult lives. There’s a lot to unpack about how sharing our stories can foster deeper connections and understanding among us. Plus, she shares some exciting life updates, including her new dual role at the university and the lessons she's learning along the way. It was a real treat to catch up with Becca and see how her journey continues to unfold.

I’m excited to share bonus episodes from Patreon, where I revisited past guests to discuss what has changed and the value of sharing their stories. Since I currently only have the lower tiers available, I wanted to make these conversations accessible to the public feed. If you'd like to support the show directly, please consider joining the $3 or $5 tier on Patreon – www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast.