1129: Cristina Simmons - "The Trauma Alchemist"

What if the wounds holding you back aren’t the ones you can see—or even remember? In this thought-provoking episode of “Thrive LouD,” host Lou Diamond sits down with certified trauma care practitioner and rapid transformational therapy expert Stacey Uhrig, unlocking the surprising truths about trauma, healing, and why so many high-achieving people struggle with feeling “not enough”—despite seemingly perfect childhoods.Discover:The pivotal “whisper” that steered Stacey Uhrigtoward a transformative, purpose-driven career—plus how her own 30-year journey in therapy led her to create something she’d never seen before in the mental health space.The emotional roots behind the most common wound her clients face, and why psychological safety matters just as much as physical safety—whether you recognize the trauma or not.Insider insights into Polyvagal Theory, nervous system science, and rapid transformational therapy, and how Stacey Uhrig combines these modalities to empower healing and resilience.How her podcast, “Flip Your Mindset,” was born out of pandemic necessity and now delivers top experts and real stories for those seeking guidance beyond traditional therapy.Her refreshing philosophy on rest, self-compassion, and giving yourself permission not to be “on” 24/7.Fun street favorites—from movie picks like “Sliding Doors” to why Taylor Swift’s newest ballad is on repeat in her life.Whether you’re looking to understand your own stuck-ness, supercharge your resilience, or simply get inspired by someone who’s turned hard-won wisdom into healing for herself and others, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest conversation that just might flip your worldview.Episode Timestamp Overview:[00:00:02] Meet your host and guest: The “whisper” that launched Stacey’s career[00:02:24] Personal emotional wounds, therapy, and the path to trauma expertise[00:05:31] The science behind why traditional therapy often misses the mark—how Stacey’s approach is different[00:07:28] The surprising “everyday wound” most of us share[00:10:16] Explaining psychological/physical safety, nervous system responses, and client breakthroughs[00:11:22] The origins and evolution of the “Flip Your Mindset” podcast[00:12:32] What Stacey loves most about podcasting and teaching trauma concepts[00:14:33] Stacey’s self-care, rest philosophy, and why thriving isn’t always about “doing”[00:16:58] Where to find Stacey and her resources[00:17:55] Fun Street: Movies, music, favorite foods, activities, and dream destinations[00:24:48] Final words of wisdom and episode wrap-upDon’t miss the episode that might just flip your understanding of trauma, healing, and thriving for good.

What if the harshest traumas you’ve faced could become the very fuel that drives you to thrive?In this deeply moving episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with Cristina Simmons—a dynamic speaker, trauma-informed wellness coach, pediatric occupational therapist, and author of Eat Your Feelings—for a conversation packed with raw honesty, resilience, and hope. Cristina opens up about her journey through childhood verbal abuse, unimaginable loss, a cancer scare, marital challenges—including infidelity—and raising a son with autism. She shares how these experiences not only shaped her, but catalyzed her mission to help other women move beyond survival into true, lasting healing.Key highlights include Cristina’s unique perspective on identifying and working with trauma, how “Eat Your Feelings” was born from the intersection of personal and professional wisdom, and the powerful role of self-love and faith in healing. She reveals the “aha” moments from the stage that connect so deeply with audiences. Plus, hear about her upcoming plans: launching a podcast, expanding her publishing company to support vulnerable storytellers, and stepping onto even bigger speaking platforms.If you've ever wondered how to channel pain into purpose—or just need a jolt of inspiration—this episode is for you.Episode timestamps[00:00:02] Intro & Cristina Simmons’ introduction[00:01:26] Cristina’s childhood trauma and the journey to becoming a wellness coach & pediatric OT[00:03:05] Origins of “Eat Your Feelings” and connections between emotion and food[00:04:36] How to identify and cope with trauma—Cristina’s approach[00:06:12] Discovering inner strength and the role of faith in recovery[00:07:16] The hidden gift Cristina received from writing her book[00:08:32] What’s next: podcast plans, publishing company, bigger stages[00:09:56] Cristina’s “aha moments” and audience reactions[00:11:02] Where to find Cristina online[00:11:43] Fun Street: Movies, music, food, travel, and creative pursuits[00:15:05] Closing thoughts and gratitudeListen in for an episode full of heart, healing, and the unstoppable power of resilience.

What if taking a sledgehammer to your old apartment could reveal not only a spectacular new home—but also the secret ingredients to thriving in one of the toughest industries out there?On this episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond sits down with Elizabeth Vergara, CEO and founder of Vergara Homes and the creative force behind the demo-to-decor podcast “Demo this, Build that.” Elizabeth shares her incredible journey from growing up on construction sites with her father to breaking barriers as a woman entrepreneur in the design-build sector—especially in New York’s fiercely competitive Upper East Side.Discover:The truth behind what really happens during high-end Manhattan renovations—and why “blowing out a wall” is often just a TV fantasy.How Elizabeth seamlessly blends interior design with construction management, turning dusty chaos into dream homes (and happy clients).The often-overlooked challenges—and unique advantages—for women in the construction industry, plus Elizabeth’s fearless mindset for overcoming stereotypes.Insider stories from behind the scenes, including why trust is the key ingredient for every stunning transformation.A sneak peek into Elizabeth’s new podcast “Demo this, Build that,” which offers an unfiltered look at the beautiful mess of real-life renovations (hint: it’s definitely not just HGTV magic).Whether you’re dreaming of a home makeover, fascinated by the world of design, or just love a good story about smashing through barriers—this episode is a must-listen.Timestamped Episode Overview:[00:00:02] Intro to Elizabeth Vergara and her unique design-build journey[00:01:43] Growing up in construction and building expertise[00:03:00] Challenges and opportunities as a woman entrepreneur in construction[00:05:42] The “Queen of 72nd Street”: Surviving and thriving in NYC renovations[00:07:46] Building client trust and handling the chaos of home makeovers[00:09:32] “Demo this, Build that”: Why Elizabeth’s new podcast pulls back the curtain on real renovations[00:13:23] Where to find Vergara Homes and follow Elizabeth’s work[00:13:47] Fun Street: Favorite movies, food, music, and more[00:17:27] Dance lessons, painting, and life outside the construction zone[00:18:41] Wrap up: Takeaways, gratitude, and where to connectTune in for inspiration, real talk, and a behind-the-scenes look at transforming spaces—and lives.

What if the true thief of your wealth isn’t out there—it’s lurking in your own mind?On this episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond welcomes Hall of Fame speaker, best-selling author, and renowned relationship marketing expert Bill Cates. Bill introduces listeners to the concept behind his latest book, The Hidden Heist, and reveals how our unconscious beliefs and emotional hang-ups around money are, quite literally, robbing us blind.Lou and Bill have a candid, humorous, and at times eye-opening conversation about the “psychological bank robbers” hiding within all of us. They dive into why even the ultra-wealthy secretly fear losing it all, how social media is warping our money mindsets, and why most financial education skips the crucial step—what we believe about money itself.Key Highlights:Bill reveals what the “hidden heist” really is and why it’s the biggest obstacle to building lasting wealth (02:12)Why anxiety, shame, and secrecy around money are universal and sabotage our true potential—regardless of net worth (03:43)The dangerous myth of “money as a scarce resource” and how reframing this core belief can set you free (06:05)Behind-the-scenes on writing a financial parable (instead of a “how-to” manual), and why storytelling matters for true change (14:54)The difference between external financial freedom and internal financial peace (13:35)The double-edged sword of social media, “financial gurus,” and the pressure to keep up—especially for millennials (17:58)Bill’s favorite heist movies, bucket list adventures, and a fun run through the Thrive Loud “Speakeasy Pub Crawl”(21:19)Whether you’re struggling with your money mindset or just want a totally fresh take on building wealth, this episode has priceless insights—and more than a few laughs.Timestamped Overview:00:00 – Introduction and welcome to Bill Cates02:12 – What is “The Hidden Heist” and how did the book come to be?03:43 – The unspoken emotional barriers and anxieties people have about money06:05 – Reframing beliefs: Scarcity vs. abundance and how money truly flows08:10 – Storytelling through parable: Why Bill’s new book departs from traditional guides 13:35 – Two types of financial freedom and why inner peace often eludes even the wealthy 14:54 – Co-writing a parable, real-life stories, and crafting the book for all ages17:58 – Social media’s impact, financial “gurus,” and the cost of keeping up20:01 – Where to learn more: TheOrdinaryMillionaire.com & TheHiddenHeist.com21:19 – Speakeasy Pub Crawl: Heist movies, classic rock, food, and travel dreams26:18 – Closing thoughts and remindersTune in and discover: What’s the hidden heist keeping you from your wealthiest, happiest self?

What if everything you thought about “good” was wrong? What if being “good enough”—not perfect, not exceptional, just genuinely good—was actually… amazing?In this thought-provoking episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond welcomes Heather Campbell, author of Good is Amazing, for a conversation that will challenge everything you’ve ever learned about success, self-worth, and the drive for greatness. Together, they dig deep into why society tends to undervalue “good” and equate it with mediocrity, how the pressure to always be “great” or “exceptional” can drain our joy, and why recognizing and celebrating the everyday “good” might be the real key to fulfillment and thriving.Key highlights include:Heather’s inspiring journey from ESPN to author, and why her consistent mission has always been about making people feel seen, heard, and celebratedA candid discussion about report cards, performance evaluations, and why a “B” became “bad” in our cultureLou’s analogy of “par” in golf and life, and a reframing of what it truly means to thriveHeather’s real-life stories (from business school finals to corporate management) that reveal the surprising power of “good” outcomesStrategies for leaders and entrepreneurs on using the “Good is Amazing” mindset to create motivating, strong teamsAn uplifting “fun street” speed round, where Heather shares her favorite sports movies, songs, sushi spots, and moreThe moving gift Heather has received from sharing her book with the world—and how just embracing “enough” can change everythingIf you’ve ever wondered why you (or your kids, or your employees) don’t feel like “enough” or how to break free from the relentless chase for “greatness,” this episode is for you.Episode Timestamp Overview:[00:00:02] Lou introduces Heather Campbell and the “Good is Amazing” concept[00:01:30] Heather’s career journey and the consistent thread of “seeing” people[00:02:44] Why “good” lost its value—and the cultural shift around the meaning of “B”[00:05:12] Lou’s analogy on “par,” performance, coaching, and redefining thriving[00:07:09] Behind the legendary “Good to Great” book versus Heather’s philosophy[00:13:06] How leaders can use this mindset to motivate and understand teams[00:14:33] The unexpected gift Heather has received in return from her message[00:16:02] Speed round: sports movies, music, favorite foods & personal reflections[00:23:32] Closing thoughts and where to learn more about HeatherReady to shoot for “good” and realize it might be better than you ever imagined? Hit play now!

What if building a billionaire’s legacy, launching the next big blockchain, and closing Miami real estate deals could all happen in one place—over sun, champagne, and buried treasure hunts in the Hamptons?In this jam-packed episode of Thrive Loud, Lou Diamond takes you inside the ultra-exclusive Global Passion Project event in Southampton, NY. You’ll get an unfiltered look at how family office leaders, tech visionaries, legacy builders, and luxury lifestyle juggernauts are making their mark to “change the world, and have a little fun while they’re at it.”Key Highlights from This Episode:Black Opal Life’s Billionaire Playground – Discover why this luxury membership club is dubbed “the billionaire’s little black book,” and how their invite-only perks go far beyond booking private jets—including wild, nostalgic treasure hunts on private Bahamian islands.Deploying Capital for Good – Get insider insights on how next-gen family offices (think Rockefeller, Lamborghini, Maybach) are leveraging heritage, impact investments, and capital deployment to spark both innovation and fun.Blockchain for the Real World – Amit Mindal from XDC Network reveals how blockchain is finally moving from crypto confusion to powering trade finance, cross-border payments, and even stablecoin partnerships with giants like Kraken and Circle.Secret to Multigenerational Wealth – Nexus’ Scott McGrath and Miguen Agaray break down the “reverse legacy” trust structures that keep assets protected for generations—so the kids come to the assets, not the other way around.Miami’s Power Collab – Meet the duo blending Grammy-nominated music stardom (Mi Gente!) and high-stakes real estate deals, diving into Miami’s red-hot market, and building networks that turn “net work” into net worth.Event Reflections – From the value of genuine connections, to what legacy and fun really mean for world-changers, hear how attendees are walking away inspired, fueled, and maybe even a little sunburned.If you’ve ever wondered how today’s wealthiest, most visionary leaders are “having it all”—impact, family, legacy, and legendary parties—you’ll find a front-row seat inside this episode.00:00:02 – Meet Lou Diamond, your connector to the globe’s most inspiring leaders00:01:03 – Black Opal Life: Secret luxury for the unique few (and buried treasure in the Bahamas!)00:04:55 – Building Black Opal: Making time the greatest luxury00:07:09 – Heritage, fun, and capital: What legacy families crave00:09:15 – Blockchain, reimagined: XDC Network’s impact on trade and finance00:12:34 – The power of real ecosystem-building in Web3 and beyond00:15:16 – Why legacy trusts matter: Nexus explains true asset transfer00:17:47 – Unexpected joy: What makes top-tier networking events matter00:20:01 – Staying resilient: Where do these leaders seek inspiration?00:21:27 – The Miami Boys: Fusing music legends with major real estate00:23:33 – Market insights: When should you buy in Florida?00:25:50 – Networking with Hiltons, Rockefellers, and more00:27:09 – Massive plugs, new companies, and where to connectReady to peek behind the curtain of how the world’s movers and shakers really connect, invest, and thrive? Hit play on this unforgettable edition of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond.Show NotesTimestamped Episode Overview

What if the only thing holding you back from greatness is sitting quietly between your ears—your own mindset?Get ready to have your mind blown on this episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond, as we dive into the fascinating world of mindset mastery, self-hypnosis, and performance breakthroughs with celebrity hypnotist, motivational speaker, and author, Ricky Kalmon.In this genuinely eye-opening interview, Lou and Ricky break down the real science (and a bit of the “magic”) behind mindset transformation—from reducing stress, banishing mental clutter, and boosting productivity to transforming how you play golf, pitch in the boardroom, and show up in life. Ricky shares the wild story of how his comedy hypnotist show for corporate events evolved into game-changing growth mindset keynotes, why he believes all hypnosis is actually self-hypnosis, and how training your brain is now recognized as a powerhouse hard skill across industries.You’ll hear about:The critical difference (and surprising overlap) between meditation and hypnosis—and why YOU are already your own most powerful hypnotist.How a CEO slashed his golf handicap and discovered it changed his business leadership just as much.The secret to clearing mental clutter (and why even Ricky listens to his own advice to stay on his A-game).Why focusing your mindset is key to thriving, whether you’re an executive, athlete, or just someone looking to lower your score (on the green or in life).Ricky’s approach to corporate performance, personal reset routines, and why sometimes you have to “listen more” to both yourself and the world around you.Plus, you’ll get some fun insights into Ricky’s preferences (snappy cookies over soft, sushi fan, and why The Godfather is his ultimate “golf” movie). And if you love golf, don’t miss the insider story behind Ricky’s new book, Leverage Your Mindset for Golfers—even though he doesn’t play!Ready to unlock your hidden mental superpowers? Hit play and thrive loud with mindset maverick Ricky Kalmon!Episode Overview: 00:00 – Lou’s energetic introduction & why mindset matters01:06 – Meet Ricky Kalmon: His journey from hypnotist to corporate mindset expert03:57 – Why has it taken so long for mindset to get its due?06:07 – Meditation vs. hypnosis: What’s the difference?08:45 – How suggestions and self-hypnosis can shape your life10:41 – The real challenge: Decluttering the mind for peak performance13:25 – How Ricky practices what he preaches (even listening to his own audios)15:06 – Golf, mindset, and the story behind Leverage Your Mindset for Golfers18:12 – Ricky’s surprising admission: he doesn’t golf, but his methods work everywhere20:26 – Feedback and transformative results from clients (leaders and athletes alike)22:30 – Where to find Ricky, his books, and app24:31 – Fun Street: Ricky’s favorite “golf” movie, food, routines, places, and more29:40 – Ricky’s top pick of magical golf courses and favorite destinations30:47 – Final thoughts, thanks, and outtroTune in and discover how your mindset can change your world—one thought at a time!

What if you discovered that bravery isn’t something you’re born with—but a muscle anyone can build, one courageous act at a time?In this inspiring episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, US Marine Corps veteran, keynote speaker, and bravery expert Jill Schulman unveils the science behind fear and how anyone can practice and grow their own courage. Jill shares her unlikely journey from a small-town Minnesota girl—arriving at Marine training in a hot pink outfit—to leading Marines and ultimately becoming a thought leader on bravery. She reveals the evidence-based tools and daily practices that helped her (and can help you) push through fear, pursue uncomfortable challenges, and experience profound personal growth.Key highlights from this episode:The surprising truth: bravery isn’t innate, but trainable like a muscle—discover how to flex it dailyJill’s classic “Legally Blonde” moment in the Marine Corps—and what it taught her about moving past fearThe “embrace the suck” mentality and why seeking out discomfort leads to growthHow cognitive reframing, morning routines, and your “brave tribe” boost your courage and consistencyThe behind-the-scenes fears and breakthroughs in writing her book—and how a conversation with Ken Blanchard changed everythingJill’s practical advice for leaders, teams, and anyone who wants to step up and perform at their best, even when scaredWhether you’re ready to conquer a big goal, take a small brave step, or simply curious how courage really works, this episode will give you actionable strategies and the motivation to thrive onward and upward.Timestamped Episode Overview:00:00 – Lou Diamond opens with a challenge: How brave are you?01:00 – Meet Jill Schulman: USMC vet, bravery expert, and her “Legally Blonde” arrival 02:54 – How Jill discovered the science of bravery and overcame her early Marine hurdles 04:34 – Why bravery is built, not born (the muscle analogy)06:14 – Defining bravery: Voluntary action in the face of fear09:05 – Practical ways to get braver: cognitive reframing, “embrace the suck,” and behavioral hacks12:34 – The power of your “brave tribe” and implementing bravery daily13:22 – Writing a book: Jill’s personal “suck” and how Ken Blanchard helped her push through16:10 – What Jill gained from creating her bravery movement (and overcoming good for great)18:33 – Where to find Jill’s bravery assessments, tools, and more19:39 – Fun Street: Avatar, pump-up music, brussels sprouts, peach cobbler, skydiving, Paris, and more!26:32 – Lou and Jill wrap up with a call to keep moving “onward and upward” bravelyReady to grow your own bravery? Hit play now!

What if the power to change the world—for good or for ill—rests in the hands of today’s most innovative leaders, and AI is the key?In this eye-opening episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, recorded at the exclusive Global Passion Projects event in Southampton, Long Island, Lou sits down with three remarkable guests: Mark Jennings (Byte Investments), Larry Leeds (philanthropist and investor), and Edwin Wang (frontier technology investor). Together, they deliver candid insights on the future of technology, philanthropy, and the very fate of society.You’ll discover:How Byte Investments is revolutionizing fundraising for philanthropy and private deals by making the worst parts of financial compliance a breeze.What happens when some of the planet’s top minds in medicine, AI, and investment collide to explore the intersection of health, longevity, and legacy.Why AI’s explosive growth isn’t just hype, and why companies like Nvidia are changing what’s possible—not just for business, but for humanity itself.Worries and hopes about the state of political leadership and why one guest would put up $5B for a centrist, military leader to fix U.S. polarization.The existential resource crack in the AI revolution: Is the world even ready for the energy demands our digital future requires?Candid, rapid-fire speed rounds revealing what today’s leaders wish they did more (and less) of—and favorite places, from Bermuda to the present moment.Whether you’re passionate about investment, curious about the future of AI, or searching for hope and honest perspective in uncertain times, this episode delivers powerful, thought-provoking conversation you won’t hear anywhere else.[00:00:02] – Introduction: The Global Passions Project and the mission of Thrive Loud[00:01:04] – Mark Jennings on Byte Investments, supporting philanthropy, and open water swimming[00:04:09] – Larry Leeds reflects on AI, medicine, and concerns for political leadership and America’s future[00:10:34] – Edwin Wang discusses transformative technology, investment trends, and the AI revolution’s challenges and potential[00:17:21] – Rapid-fire speed rounds with the guests: personal insights and quick-hit recommendations[00:18:38] – Outro and where to connect with Thrive LoudDon’t miss this exclusive behind-the-scenes plunge into the minds moving the needle on what’s next—for tech, for business, and for humanity.

What if a world-renowned surgeon could solve your decade-long medical mystery…in just three seconds—all thanks to TikTok?On this eye-opening episode of Thrive Loud, Lou Diamond welcomes Dr. Erin Nance, a double-board-certified orthopedic surgeon, TikTok influencer, best-selling author, and trailblazing founder of the Feel Better app. Dr. Nance shares the incredible story of diagnosing a patient’s elusive condition in mere moments—over social media—unveiling both the shocking gaps and untapped solutions in today’s medical information landscape.Dive behind-the-scenes with Dr. Nance as she reveals:The dangers of spiraling medical misinformation online—and why it spreads six times faster than accurate data.The genesis of Feel Better: a free, health-focused social media app combating confusion and empowering patients to have better conversations with their doctors.Secrets to building trustworthy online communities and content that truly helps.The gift—and emotional impact—of sharing medical expertise at scale.How gratitude from thousands has reshaped her approach to medicine and content creation.Dr. Nance also gets candid about her personal pivots, the realities of modern healthcare, and the balance she finds in tennis and creating original (sometimes cringe-worthy!) content.Whether you’re tired of Dr. Google’s doom scrolling or want to hear how innovative experts are restoring trust in health communication, this episode will absolutely change your perception of medical advice online.Timestamped Episode Overview:00:00 – Lou’s introduction + the rampant problem of medical misinformation01:20 – Dr. Erin Nance joins & her viral TikTok diagnosis that changed everything03:58 – The struggle to find trustworthy health advice online05:30 – How the Feel Better app works and what makes it unique07:34 – Free vs. paid content and supporting physician creators08:56 – Early impact and restoring trust in healthcare10:33 – The rewards—and surprises—of medical content creation13:05 – Dr. Nance’s personal journey and pivots14:37 – Where to find Dr. Nance, her book, podcast, and the Feel Better app15:45 – Fun Street: Movies, food, tennis, and the inside scoop on content creation22:39 – Snap decision: Where Dr. Nance would travel instantly22:59 – Final plugs and episode closeDon’t miss this empowering conversation—filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable ways you can cut through the noise, feel better, and thrive.