LOA Today - Rewriting the Dyslexic Story

In a world that too often writes off those who struggle, some voices shine a light so powerful that it changes lives forever. In a recent conversation on LOA Today, host Walt Thiessen sat down with Anne Marie Young and a guest, Russell, who transformed his painful experience with severe dyslexia into a beacon of hope for countless others.

What if the path to true healing isn’t paved with relentless struggle and painful reliving of the past but with joy, deep self-compassion, and seeing the wholeness that’s been within us all along?

In a world so often overcast with negativity, a single conversation can be a ray of sunlight, reminding us of the immense power of kindness, self-reflection, and inner magic

What does it mean to rebuild your life in the face of relentless adversity? What if your pain became the birthplace of your greatest power? In an extraordinary return to the LOA Today show, Alyx and Walt explored these questions - illuminating how vulnerability, boundaries, and boldness can ignite a cosmic return like no other. From the opening words, you could feel the warmth and camaraderie. Walt greeted listeners and celebrated Alyx’s presence, “the woman who knows how to set personal boundaries.” Alyx replied with laughter and honesty: “It’s good to be back. It’s been a minute years! Yeah. Lots happened during that time, too. Lots has happened.” Their chemistry was instantly apparent, setting the stage for candid conversation and big-hearted reflection. As Alyx detailed her struggles with thoracic endometriosis and the sometimes isolating road to healing, a profound lesson emerged. “It was a lot trials and tribulations, ups and downs, but I kept it positive. I kept pushing and advocating. That was key,” she said. Her persistence led not only to personal healing but the founding of a community support group, proof that suffering can become service. Throughout the episode, Walt invited Alyx to reflect on the transformative power of hardship. “How do you feel about it? Do you look back and say, ‘That was the best thing that ever happened?’” Alyx’s answer soared: “I won’t say it’s the best thing that happened, but I will say we have to go through things to create the person that we are today. It’s not always the incident. It’s the reaction.” The conversation radiated with humor and resilience, especially as Alyx described her return to standup comedy. She gave the audience a peek into her crowdwork process - “If nobody participates, that again, ruins the rest of my five minutes. So, yeah, you gotta pin them down” and her passion for laughter as healing. “You have to have a passion for it. Otherwise, it’s just work. And who wants that?” she quipped. Walt and Alyx also delved into the power of boundaries at work, in comedy, and in life. Alyx shared, “If you don’t have boundaries for yourself, you’re going to end up absorbing everybody else’s stuff. Boundaries are vital in every spot in your life.” This became a recurring theme: that self-care, honesty, and even humor are crucial tools for navigating both difficulty and joy. Perhaps most touching was Alyx’s account of her relationship with her husband Kenny, and their forthcoming PBS feature. From a chance connection on Facebook Dating (prodded by a nudge from a relationship coach on a previous episode!) to finding love and building a life together, Alyx’s story is a testament to faith, tenacity, and hope. In a world eager for hope, this conversation is a powerful reminder: We become stronger at the broken places, laughter truly is medicine, and our stories can change and even save lives. As Walt movingly said, “On behalf of those people you’ve never met, Alyx, thank you for what you’re doing. Because you’re making a difference in this world.”

Teri M Brown: Riding Into a New Life What does it truly take to reclaim your life after heartbreak? How do you turn pain into growth and hesitation into adventure? In a heartfelt conversation with Walt, Anne Marie, Teri, and guests, listeners were swept into a journey that was as much about the road as the destination, and as much about rediscovering oneself as overcoming adversity. From the very first words, warmth and vulnerability set the tone. “We are so happy you decided to join us today, and we're happy to have Anne Marie back after the last couple of weeks,” began Walt, infusing the gathering with affection and care. Anne Marie, candidly reflecting on her struggles with jet lag after an ill-fated shopping trip, reminded us all that “I'm human again”—a simple yet powerful nod to resilience. But the heart of this episode belonged to Teri, whose story is a shining beacon for anyone who has ever felt lost. “I lived in an emotionally abusive relationship for 14 years,” Teri revealed - the courage it took not to let that chapter define her radiated through every word. Instead, Teri did the unthinkable - riding a tandem bicycle across the United States, 3,102 miles of healing, learning, and reclaiming self-worth. “Do you find that each book becomes easier and easier to write?” Walt asked Teri, to which she replied, “No, partially because I keep challenging myself to do more, to do it differently, to think about it differently.” Her honesty illuminated the lesson: growth doesn’t come from comfort - it thrives in challenge. Anne Marie’s curiosity probed deeper: “What would you be willing to do? Where is your line?” And Teri’s answer was equally profound, “I always try to think like that, and then I put my character into that spot and say, ‘Okay, where is her line?’” This approach anchored her writing - stories that aren’t just stories, but emotional explorations of survival, empathy, and transformation. The conversation beautifully peeled back the layers of what it means to live truly. “I get bored really easily. I don't like to do the same things over and over, so I switch it up,” Teri confided, explaining how she has embraced life’s unpredictability post-trauma. Her books, including "Sunflowers Beneath the Snow" and "10 Little Rules for a Double Butted Adventure," are more than titles - they’re testaments to saying yes to life, to new forms, new voices, and new adventures. Perhaps the most resonant takeaway came from Anne Marie: “Just take that deep breath, go for it, and see where it takes you.” Authenticity is the golden thread; accepting who you are, emotional and all, is the true liberation. Teri’s journey, punctuated by tears and laughter, showed that being "too emotional" is actually the heart’s hidden gift. The show closed with gratitude, hope, and an invitation: visit Teri’s website, reach out, start a new adventure, and never apologize for who you are. In this episode, we are reminded - outside the comfort zone is where life begins. LOA Today Episode Page: https://www.loatoday.net/teri-m-brown Thank you, and have a great day ahead.  

Michelle’s Journey Into Hypnosis & AI In a world full of hidden struggles and relentless self-doubt, it takes courage and innovation to open new pathways for healing. This heartwarming conversation brought together Michelle, a trailblazer blending hypnotherapy and AI, Walt, a curious innovator, and Jodielynn, an empowering coach, to spotlight the dawn of deeply personalized wellness. A Journey Born of Pain and Purpose Michelle began by sharing how her own hardships- loss, grief, and a quest for self-understanding - sparked a journey into hypnotherapy. “I wrote a book about law of attraction, inspired by my teacher. She was a hypnotherapist, though I didn’t recognize it at first. Her work helped me through trauma I’d never anticipated,” she said, her voice echoing the raw honesty that would define this conversation. Fuelled by empathy for others yet constrained by time, Michelle imagined a way to extend healing and support through technology. “Earlier this year, I got this idea to make an app Make My Hypno, that creates custom hypnotherapy recordings in minutes. There’s nothing quite like it. People crave something that's made just for them, not a generic recording off YouTube.” The Power of Personalization Walt probed further: “Can you tell us what led you to build this for others, and how it works?” Michelle’s answer was simple yet profound: “People love self-hypnosis, but most tools aren’t personal. My app bridges that gap, letting users create scripts with their own names, affirmations, and even their most peaceful places. They get a recording in about five minutes, all designed just for them.” Customization, as Michelle emphasized, was the game-changer. “I once helped a woman visualize herself at her favorite gym. That image was far more powerful than any generic advice. These scripts become a ‘coach in your ear,’ and, as another user shared, ‘It finally kicked in, and I started dancing to the TV- I felt alive again.’” As Jodielynn reflected, “This takes the best of a hypnotherapist session and makes it accessible. The customization is where it’s at without the prohibitive price tag. For many, that opens the door they never thought possible.” Overcoming Resistance and Creating Community Yet, challenges loomed, not just in coding, but in changing minds. Walt raised the issue: “How do you address resistance to AI and technology in this healing space?” Michelle acknowledged, “Many hypnotherapists see this as a threat. But it isn’t, it’s a support. It means clients can get help daily, not just once a month. And when they need deeper work, they’ll know where to turn.” Walt, himself an AI developer, connected on a personal level: “Building these systems taught me as much about myself as about the technology. The process is a mirror - if you contradict yourself, AI will find it, just like life does.” Ripples of Impact and a Hopeful Future Closing the conversation, Jodielynn celebrated the “Robin Hood moment” Michelle created- making transformation accessible for all. “This isn’t just about a product; it’s about bringing hope and empowerment to those searching for healing.” As Michelle put it, “The feedback is heartening. I hope to work with more guides, coaches, and healers, because the world deserves custom support.” If you’re ready to explore a new path to well-being, Michelle’s journey and her hope-fueled innovation may be just what you need.

Power of Effort When was the last time you woke up and believed truly believed that your effort could move mountains? In a powerful and deeply honest conversation, Walt and Joel reminded us that turning vision into reality hinges on the energy we bring to every action, and on the mindset we choose to cultivate, even in the darkest moments. The heartbeat of their discussion was simple, yet profound: Effort, when guided by authenticity and the right mindset, becomes a superpower. Joel asked, “Have you ever felt afraid to let people see you struggle?” He spoke openly about his own fear of being judged during tough times, how, after losing everything to addiction, the shame of being seen waiting tables weighed heavy on him. But then he arrived at a turning point: “Now I have, I never hide my struggle or my effort. And effort is an action. It's under the action-based category. Effort yields results. Effort is attractive.” Walt echoed this, asking, “What’s the effort regarding what it is you’re hoping to accomplish? Is it something consistent with the kind of person you want to be or the opposite?” This question cut straight to the heart of the matter. Walt and Joel explored how effort, applied blindly, can reinforce our limiting beliefs; but with positive, affirming intent, it can break barriers and rewrite what's possible. The pair shared stories of legendary athletes: Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan—icons who became household names not just for their talent, but for their “freakish work ethic,” their relentless drive to be better, to aim higher, to never leave anything on the table. Yet it wasn’t just about sporting glory. Joel spoke of overcoming catastrophic personal failures and how the daily habit of writing five things he was grateful for (a streak unbroken since August 17, 1995) grounded him, bringing resilience and quiet power. He confessed, “That is probably the least energy effort, and probably the most powerful effort of all” Walt contributed his own hard-earned wisdom: “I put in tons of effort. I was working ridiculously long days, but I wasn’t producing the financial results I was hoping for because I kept focusing on the wrong stuff.” Mindset, they agreed, is everything. More than effort, we must choose where to aim our energy. From stories of overcoming addiction, cancer in a child, losing everything, finding faith, building with artificial intelligence, and learning to embrace failure as the root of greatness, Walt and Joel confront the hard questions: “If you don’t believe in your own beliefs, is success even possible?” and “What habit will you build today that will carry you through tomorrow’s storm?” The answer, echoed in their parting wisdom: Start with gratitude, adjust your mindset each morning, and pour your effort into what truly matters.Because a life well-lived is less about avoiding hardship and more about being “all in,” every day. LOA Today Episode Page: https://www.loatoday.net/power-of-effort   --  

Reclaiming Real Life in a Digital World: Kelsey Green on LOA Today Have you ever wondered if your screen habits are stealing precious moments from your real life? During our latest "LOA Today" podcast, I, Walt, sat down with Kelsey, a passionate consultant and advocate for digital minimalism, to explore what it truly means to reclaim our lives in a hyperconnected world. From the start, Kelsey’s warm authenticity shone through. "I am a bit heartened by the younger generations deciding to go a different route," she shared, reflecting on how millennials and Gen Z are increasingly questioning the role of social media in their lives. Together, we dove into a crucial question: Can real happiness flourish in a world where our attention is constantly under siege? Kelsey didn’t propose throwing our phones away. Instead, she encouraged us to "curate your feed relentlessly," and more importantly, to examine the role technology plays in our well-being. She shared her personal journey from nonprofit burnout to digital marketing expert, explaining how, even while working in online communications, she struggled with focus and fulfillment until she actively set digital boundaries. One powerful insight arrived when Kelsey described her commitment to being off screens from 7 pm to 7 am. "There is so much research around how terrible screens are for your sleep, and we know sleep is so important for your happiness," she explained. We explored the blue-light dilemma and practical solutions hiding right in our device settings, reminders that technology can help us solve problems it sometimes creates. A poignant moment occurred as Kelsey recounted the challenges and revelations of her "screen-free Sunday" challenge: "People find this impossible," she admitted. But survey feedback reveals that participants rekindle forgotten hobbies and gain "so much more time in the day than they thought." The emotional core of this challenge? Rediscovering who we are when not mediated by a screen. We also probed deeper. I asked, “Do you suggest there be some kind of connection going on during phone-free Sundays?” Kelsey’s response was heartfelt: “If you can connect with someone in person, do it absolutely." She advocated for the beauty of in person community and just as importantly, solitude, intentionally allowing ourselves space to process and reflect without digital input. One of Kelsey’s most transformative takeaways was a gentle reminder that "you can change your life" with intention, even through small, repeated actions. As we shared personal stories of struggle, recovery, and growth, the message became clear: Life’s greatest fulfillment comes from intentional relationships, mindful boundaries, and the courage to reconnect both with ourselves and with others. So, are you ready to reclaim your real life? Will your next step be curating your feed, carving out screen-free hours, or gathering your own mastermind community? LOA Today Episode Page: https://www.loatoday.net/kelsey-green Thank you, and have a great day ahead.

In a conversation rippling with raw honesty and hope, Walt and Joel explore the powerful journey from deep resentment to true gratitude. Their discussion, equal parts heart-wrenching and uplifting, pulls back the curtain on trauma, mindset shifts, and the courage required to embrace joy in the shadow of adversity. Joel begins with a bold statement: “Every day is a day of gratitude for me.” For him, Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday but a daily practice. He credits gratitude as “the most powerful connective energy to the law of attraction,” illuminating how this practice rewires the brain and reshapes perspective. But gratitude, he reminds us, does not erase pain or hard days. “It’s not that everything’s perfect what gratitude allows me to do is quickly focus on what I am grateful for, instead of the stuff I perceive is going wrong.” The heart of the conversation dives into a question Walt asks: “Can we find a way to appreciate the things we used to feel resentment about?” Joel answers with remarkable vulnerability, sharing his darkest moment: homelessness in Las Vegas and eating from a dumpster. Years later, this trauma became a bridge - allowing him to connect with and eventually adopt a foster son, TJ, who experienced similar hardship. “That horrible event really became a transformative event. I reframed my perspective of that trauma into a necessary event, and became grateful for it.” Walt shares his own doubts, recalling the first time he heard someone say they were grateful for their worst moments: “My mind boggles, like, what is this guy talking about?” Yet, after years of interviews, he’s found near-universal agreement: “I haven't had a single person say no. They all just jump right on the bandwagon. Yes, absolutely. That was the best thing that ever happened.” But how do you even begin to flip resentment, especially when life feels impossible? Joel and Walt offer actionable hope. “What is an actionable step?” Joel presses. For those in crisis, simply reaching out to a utility company, a shelter, or social services can start the momentum. “The system is in place for most areas where you can get some relief of some sort.” Joel’s real-world stories underscore that even small steps break through the paralysis of shame and hopelessness. Shame, they agree, is one of the biggest barriers. Joel reveals, “Shame is something you place on yourself,” and recounts his journey from hiding his mistakes to using his mugshot on the cover of his book, a symbol not of disgrace, but transformation. The conversation closes with the simple, profound strategies for self-care exercise, connecting with nature, seeking beauty that help re-anchor gratitude after difficult moments. For Walt, even pausing to appreciate a flower on a walk became a tool for rewiring his inner world. Walt and Joel prove, through lived experience, that the leap from resentment to gratitude is possible. Their emotional stories are a beacon for anyone ready to take the first, small step forward. LOA Today Episode Page: https://www.loatoday.net/resentment

Have you ever found yourself asking, “What am I even doing here?” It’s a question that came up in a recent deep-dive conversation between Walt and Joel, one that echoed not just in their stories, but in the hearts of anyone who’s worked a job they didn’t love or lost their passion along the way. Walt opened the discussion by sharing greetings and reflections, setting the stage for what unfolded: a frank and thoughtful exploration of what it means to pay attention in a world overflowing with distractions, expectations, and, sometimes, jobs that “tear you apart.” Joel, drawing on his experience as a life coach, challenged the standard narrative of ADHD and distraction. “I don’t have a deficit of attention. I have an abundance. My problem is, where does it go?” he reflected, highlighting how society’s labels often misplace the root of struggle. “Who decides what the right thing is?” Walt pressed, probing deeper into how we judge ourselves and how others judge us for what we focus on. The conversation moved like a river, sometimes gentle, sometimes turbulent. They shared stories of people stuck in lucrative but unfulfilling careers. Joel recounted a client working 6.5 days a week in a data center job he hated, staying only for the paycheck, and mapping out small steps to reclaim his passion for education. Walt mirrored these struggles with stories from his IT days: “I didn’t really love it. It was as if my soul was being ripped apart. But I stayed for the money.” Personal stories drove home a universal truth: too often, we find ourselves chasing security at the expense of happiness, passion, and even health. “Is your happiness more important or the financials?” Joel asked. The answer isn’t always simple, but the process is: Break it down into steps. Take micro-actions. Try new things, even for a single day or hour, to discover what excites you. Walt found new passion in artificial intelligence, a field he’d ignored for years—proving that sometimes, a change of perspective is all it takes to ignite curiosity again. Joel described how step-by-step action plans, especially for those with ADHD, can build confidence and momentum. “When you condition the brain to say, ‘I got this done’, instead of ‘I can’t do anything right’, that’s when everything starts to shift,” he advised. The conversation ended on a life-affirming note: the importance of reframing work, passion, even challenges, as opportunities for meaning and self-discovery. “Your perspective dictates your reality,” Joel repeated. Walt agreed, reminding listeners that black-and-white thinking keeps us stuck, but small steps into the “gray” can make mountains feel moveable. This wasn’t just talk, it was a roadmap for anyone searching for purpose, battling distraction, or craving more meaning in their daily grind. The invitation is simple: ask yourself the big questions, take baby steps, and never underestimate the power of a changed mindset. LOA Today Episode Page: https://www.loatoday.net/pronoia