1136: Amanda Soukoulis - "Healing From the Inside Out"

What if the pursuit of peak performance left you completely burned out—and the only way forward was to become the CEO of your own health?In this jaw-dropping episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond sits down with Amanda Soukoulis, who shares her gripping journey from elite athlete, private equity star, and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader finalist—all seemingly at the top of her game—to a sudden health crash that forced her to rebuild her life from the ground up. Amanda pulls back the curtain on her transformation through functional medicine and nervous system mastery, revealing why chasing quick fixes doesn’t work and how real healing requires data-driven detective work from within.Highlights include:Amanda’s shocking health collapse right after hitting major career milestones—and what heart rate variability really tells you about your body’s readinessThe years-long quest to find answers, the frustrations of being dismissed by doctors, and the ultimate breakthrough with functional testing (like gut microbiome and more)The “U3 System”: Amanda’s three-step process for true wellness—Uncover, Uproot, Unleash—covering everything from bio-optimization tests and nutrition to accountability for lasting successHow perfectionism, pressure, and even environmental factors like mold contributed to burnout—and Amanda’s advice for overcoming those hidden stressorsThe call to help others: a fateful church event and a life-changing scholarship that set Amanda on her current missionPlus: what Amanda eats after a cleanse, her love for military movies, favorite jams (hello, Mr. Red, White and Blue!), and why a piece of her heart is always in GreeceWhether you’re stuck in a health plateau or feeling dismissed by the medical system, this episode will inspire you to take charge and “thrive” on a whole new level.Episode Overview:00:00 — Intro Announcer sets the stage: Amanda Soukoulis’s journey from elite performance to health rebuilding01:04 — Lou Diamond welcomes Amanda; Amanda’s story unfolds01:31 — Amanda details her sudden crash and struggle to find answers03:17 — Deep dive into functional medicine: what it is, how it’s different04:34 — Amanda’s healing timeline, setbacks, and lessons learned07:06 — The role of external pressures: perfectionism, stress, and environment09:31 — Amanda’s “why me” moment, pivotal church event, and purpose-driven pivot12:29 — The U3 System explained: uncover, uproot, unleash your health15:53 — Transforming lives: Amanda’s biggest reward17:03 — Amanda’s current cleanse and her infectious energy17:33 — Fun street: favorite movies, music, food, and travel22:12 — Amanda’s connection to Greece and Kalamata olives23:13 — Farewell: keep moving onward and upward!Tune in and discover what it truly means to move onward, upward, and thrive—no matter where you start.

What if the moment your life appeared most put-together was the exact instant everything fell apart? In this revealing episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond sits down with Tara Benoit—a competitive athlete, CEO, and self-described “purpose-filled powerhouse”—whose journey took an unimaginable turn after surviving a rare and life-altering heart event (SCAD: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection).Discover how Tara Benoit, a high-achieving woman who thought she’d mastered strength and resilience, was forced to redefine her own identity when her heart—and her life—quite literally tore apart. She opens up about the physical and emotional toll of her recovery, navigating a “devastating” loss of identity and learning that true strength isn’t found in always doing more.Key Highlights:Tara Benoit candidly shares her SCAD survival story, including the little-known realities of women’s heart health and the mystery behind her condition.Honest conversation about what “strength” really means—and why sacrificing balance can be dangerous for high performers.How an unexpected trauma became the catalyst for a life-changing shift in purpose, leading Tara Benoit to launch her own coaching program and author the book "Torn: A Journey Through Trauma, Truth, and Transformation."A closer look at her MOVE method and how she now empowers other women to reclaim their voices and live boldly.Fun insights into Tara Benoit 's everyday joys, from her love of EDM and vegetables to her ultimate travel dreams and her nerdy side for laundry gripes.Whether you’re driven to achieve more, facing your own crossroads, or just looking for evidence that transformation is always possible, this episode is packed with raw truth, hope, and next-level inspiration.Timestamped Overview[00:00:02] Intro Announcer introduces the episode and host.[00:00:26] Lou Diamond welcomes Tara Benoi and sets the stage for her story.[00:01:51] Tara Benoit recounts her SCAD heart attack and the start of her transformation.[00:03:17] Deeper dive into the emotional and identity challenges during recovery.[00:05:45] Physical recovery: the reality, adjustments, and ongoing health concerns.[00:08:30] Tara Benoit finds new purpose after loss—launching a book and coaching women to move forward.[00:12:27] An introduction to the MOVE method and the inspiration behind her new program.[00:13:36] Insights from her book release and the impact it’s having on others.[00:15:14] Where to find Tara Benoit online and connect further.[00:16:10] Fun Street: favorite movies, EDM jams, go-to foods, and lifestyle habits.[00:21:18] Dream travel destinations, family, and a final message of hope and inspiration.[00:22:12] Outro Voiceover wraps the show.This is one episode you’ll want to share with anyone looking for a comeback story—or who needs a reminder that life’s sharpest turns can reveal your true direction.

What if everything you thought was “common sense”… isn’t actually common at all? On this eye-opening episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond welcomes Natsuyo Lipschutz—Tokyo native, global consultant, five-time speech contest champion, and cancer survivor—who reveals how our assumptions about culture, communication, and even “common sense” can lead to major misunderstandings, lost opportunities, and game-changing breakthroughs in business and life.Together, they dive into Natsuyo Lipschutz’s transformative “Culture of One” framework, showing how cultural diversity goes way beyond nationality or ethnicity and is shaped by layers of personal experience, values, and perspectives. From getting fired by someone in her own culture for being “too Americanized,” to helping international leaders overcome cross-cultural barriers, Natsuyo Lipschutz shares candid stories and practical strategies for building trust, asking game-changing questions, and helping teams find their one powerful voice.Key highlights include:Why cultural misunderstandings are often greatest between people who THINK they’re similar (hint: even US and UK, not just US vs. Japan!)How Natsuyo Lipschutz’s own shocking career setback led to her mission to decode cultural layers in real time—not as a researcher, but as a master connector.The secret power of asking “good questions” to break through assumptions, surface blind spots, and create “aha moments” in multicultural settings.How generations, gender, and life experience shape how we communicate—and why every individual has a “culture of one.”Behind the scenes of Natsuyo Lipschutz’s keynote speeches, including her memorable trick to reveal how speaking the same language doesn’t guarantee true understanding.Fun street revelations: ballroom dancing, favorite foods, and global dreams.Timestamped overview: 00:00: Intro and welcome00:01: Career rewind and roots in cross-cultural communication00:05: The true meaning of cultural diversity (“Culture of One”)00:08: Why “common sense” isn’t always common—real-life consulting lessons00:12: Asking powerful questions & uncovering blind spots00:14: Speech contest wins and delivering content in English00:15: Audience aha moments and the impact of communication00:17: Natsuyo Lipschutz’s “happy accident” gift from her work00:18: Fun Street—movies, music, food, and dancing revelations00:24: Final reflections—life as a global citizen and adapting through experience00:26: Closing thoughts and Thrive Loud outroGet ready to challenge the way you think about culture, leadership, and connection—with actionable advice you can use today. Listen in, and start building YOUR culture of one!

What if the secret to surviving—and thriving—in the chaos of change is learning to lead as if you’re skydiving into the unknown? In this shockingly honest and insightful episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond welcomes innovation strategist and author of "Leading Through Free Fall," Brianna Sylver. Prepare for an eye-opening conversation that rewrites the rules of leadership during turbulence, revealing why true growth often begins when you let go of certainty and learn to trust—both yourself and your teams.Brianna shares her journey from accidental entrepreneur to the founder of Sylver Consulting, an innovation research and strategy firm serving Fortune 1000 organizations and city governments. Drawing parallels between skydiving (yes, literal free-fall!) and guiding organizations through massive change, Brianna unpacks how embracing turbulence and uncertainty is the key to unlocking trust and transformation.Key highlights include:The real meaning behind “free fall” leadership and why turbulence is necessary for growthHow empathy and intention are Brianna’s superpowers for building trust in traumatized, uncertain workplacesPractical insights from her book, including actionable tools like the “Five Intention Setting Questions” that have solved decade-old roadblocks for organizationsStories of inner and outer transformation from readers who’ve discovered their own power as innovatorsThe shifting definition of movement and momentum in today’s business world—sometimes patience is the smartest moveFun rapid-fire favorites: Brianna’s go-to movies, musical theater dreams, and her passion for the perfect chocolate cakeWhether you’re a leader navigating layoffs, organizational paralysis, or personal uncertainty, this episode is packed with the encouragement and strategies you need to turn turbulence into trust—and thrive at the next level.Timestamped Episode Overview: 00:00 – Meet Brianna Sylver: accidental entrepreneur and innovation strategist03:30 – The metaphor of “free fall” leadership revealed06:05 – Turning turbulence into trust—how Sylver Consulting does it09:36 – The epidemic of uncertainty in Fortune 1000 organizations13:50 – Rethinking movement: why sometimes you need to pause to grow15:09 – The “gift” of creating transformational content17:40 – Real-world breakthroughs from Brianna’s book18:56 – Where to connect with Brianna: LinkedIn, Silver Consulting, and more19:53 – Fun Street: movies, music, chocolate cake, and more24:00 – Musical theater dreams and hot yoga bootcamp25:50 – If Brianna could be anywhere…why Brazil beaches win26:59 – Closing thoughts: leading through free fall27:34 – Thrive Loud outro and where to find moreReady to unlock growth and navigate change with confidence? Dive in and get inspired!

What if being a Jewish leader today meant navigating both unprecedented pride and relentless adversity—all at the exact same time? In this episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond, you’ll hear firsthand how Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy are answering that challenge for their community, and what lessons their journey might hold for all of us during turbulent times.Co-hosted by the ever-insightful Michelle Katz, Lou brings you an uplifting, thought-provoking conversation exploring faith, identity, and the surprising power of disagreement. The rabbis share their distinct paths to leadership, their emotional response to recent global events affecting their community (including the aftermath of October 7th), and reveal how anti-Semitism has fostered a deeper sense of purpose—and clarity—within their roles.You’ll also get an exclusive peek into their podcast, In Such a Time: a daring initiative at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester that confronts divisiveness with honest, respectful dialogue. The rabbis discuss why modeling disagreement is sacred, how Jewish tradition champions debate, and what they've learned about creating content in a rapidly changing world.Catch this episode for:Behind-the-scenes stories from Jonathan Jaffea nd Rabbi Leora Londy’s personal and professional journeysVulnerable reflections on leading a Jewish community through challenge and changeInsights into the art of creating content that connects and healsAn infectious sense of hope, humor, and authenticityTimestamped Overview:00:00:02 – Intro Announcer introduces the show and host Lou Diamond00:00:26 – Lou Diamond welcomes listeners and co-host Michelle Katz00:01:54 – Michelle Katz introduces guests Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy00:02:45 – Jonathan Jaffe shares his journey to Temple Beth El00:03:46 – Rabbi Leora Londy shares her path from Israel to the congregation00:05:00 – Discussion on transitioning into a new community and building leadership00:07:41 – How Jewish identity and anti-Semitism are shaping community responses00:12:18 – The emotional toll and responsibility of spiritual leadership00:14:32 – Introduction and purpose behind the In Such a Time podcast00:17:26 – Content creation as a relational and spiritual gift00:22:23 – Where to find the rabbis’ podcast and community resources00:22:42 – “Speakeasy Pub Crawl”: Rapid-fire fun questions and personal insights00:29:02 – Closing remarks: reflections on leadership, community, and hopeWhether you’re seeking inspiration, understanding, or just great conversation about thriving in extraordinary times, this episode is guaranteed to deliver.

In this powerful episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond welcomes Tiffaney Childers—author, speaker, and suicide loss advocate—for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation. Tiffaney shares her deeply personal story of losing both parents to suicide, her long journey through grief, and the moment that inspired her to reclaim her identity and help others find hope after tragedy. She introduces her "Rise Up Method," a step-by-step approach to healing that includes reaching out, journaling, embracing change, and protecting your peace.Together, Lou Diamond and Tiffaney Childers discuss the urgent mental health crisis, the importance of talking openly about suicide, and the life-changing work being done through local outreach programs for survivors. Tiffaney also shares how listeners can find support, start their own groups, and utilize resources to help themselves or others struggling with loss.Tune in for an inspiring story of courage, practical tools for healing, and essential information about building community in the face of mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is navigating loss or needs hope, this episode is a must-watch.Learn more about Tiffaney's book, her advocacy work, and key suicide prevention resources in the episode links!

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?