Rewriting a Life in 30 Days with Sue Saller

Matt has a very inspiring talk with Sue Saller, a multi-faceted author, coach, and podcaster who opens up about her bold decision to uproot her life, move across the country, and face the challenges of change head-on. She goes into overcoming fear, embracing growth, and finding authenticity in her path. Sue explains how small steps can lead to big wins in life. Are YOU ready to redefine YOUR story? Chapters:00:00:00 - A New Year, A Bold Start00:00:25 - Snowy Days and Deep Connections00:02:09 - Who Is Sue Saller?00:02:44 - The Spark That Changed Everything00:06:09 - Facing Fear, Finding Freedom00:07:05 - The Big Leap to Iowa00:11:19 - Tears, Triumphs, and Walmart00:16:51 - Podcasting: Sue’s Creative Sanctuary00:21:59 - Meeting Brian Johnson: A Life Shift00:23:13 - Conversations That Transform00:24:24 - Anti-Fragility: Beyond Resilience00:26:50 - Mantras That Move Mountains00:29:22 - Dreams, Goals, and the Year Ahead00:33:40 - Writing a Book in 60 Days00:37:39 - Wisdom to Carry ForwardLinks and Resources:Sue SallerSue on LinkedInSmall Steps, Big Wins by Sue SallerSMALL STEPS BIG WINS™ with Sue Saller PodcastBook Recommendations:The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. SingerThe Untethered Soul by Michael A. SingerThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt welcomes Amy Chambers, a leader, marathon runner, and advocate for personal growth and transformation. Amy shares her story of overcoming a traumatic breakup that became the catalyst for deep self-reflection, growth, and ultimately a shift in mindset. She and Matt discuss accountability, the role of emotional anchors, and the mindset shifts required to face life’s hardest challenges. Amy opens up about her leadership philosophy, the importance of gratitude, and the lessons learned from running marathons—both on the track and in life. This episode is packed with insights on growth, resilience, and leading with intention.Chapters:00:00:00 - Fuel for Resilience: The Start of Something Special00:00:35 - The Optimist Meets Amy Chambers00:01:27 - Leadership Redefined: A New Perspective00:06:43 - Why Growth Never Ends00:08:46 - When Life Breaks You: Amy's Story Begins00:13:51 - The Long Road to Transformation00:17:22 - Anchors That Keep Us Afloat00:19:21 - The Surprising Power of a Social Feed00:22:12 - Gratitude: The Morning and Evening Rituals00:24:48 - From Fixed to Growth: A Mindset Shift00:26:22 - Turning Adversity into Opportunity00:34:59 - Stay Connected with Amy Chambers00:36:20 - A Simple Formula: Hope and Belief00:39:21 - Music That Moves Us00:41:50 - What It Means to Be an Eternal OptimistLinks and Resources:Amy M. ChambersAmy on LinkedInAmy on InstagramAmy on YouTubeBook Recommendations:Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential by Brian JohnsonMindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol DweckThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

In this deeply moving episode of The Eternal Optimist Podcast, Lydia Knight shares her extraordinary story of surviving a cult upbringing, an abusive marriage, and a life-threatening eating disorder. Through raw vulnerability and unflinching honesty, Lydia takes us on her journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. From confronting generational trauma to creating pathways for others to heal, Lydia’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and hope. Her insights into deprogramming harmful belief systems, embracing vulnerability, and finding true freedom make this episode a must-listen for anyone on a healing journey.Chapters:00:00:00 – A heartfelt welcome to a new year and a powerful dose of eternal optimism.00:00:45 – Meet Lydia Knight: A courageous voice with an extraordinary story of resilience and transformation.00:01:26 – Redefining Eternal Optimism: How hope and growth intersect to create lasting change.00:03:14 – Lydia opens up about her harrowing childhood growing up in a cult and the scars it left behind.00:08:28 – A tearful reunion after 25 years: Lydia’s emotional story of reconnecting with her father.00:14:38 – Breaking free from an abusive marriage: Lydia shares the hard-earned lessons from reclaiming her independence.00:17:36 – From secrecy to freedom: Lydia’s powerful journey of overcoming a life-threatening eating disorder.00:20:09 – Split: Lydia announces her upcoming memoir, a double narrative written with her father.00:23:13 – The hidden epidemic of eating disorders: Why open conversations and real solutions are critical.00:24:23 – Deprogramming harmful beliefs: Lydia explains her approach to healing and breaking free from toxic thought patterns.00:26:45 – A turning point: Lydia reflects on the breakthrough that began her journey to true healing.00:27:09 – Survival mode: How Lydia escaped the mental programming of her cult upbringing.00:28:30 – The power of honesty: Lydia’s life-changing moment of public vulnerability and the ripple effect it created.00:31:21 – Finding your people: The importance of safe spaces and trusted communities for sharing your story.00:33:37 – Healing beyond survival: How dreams and passion can guide the next chapter of your journey.00:35:44 – Returning to the cult: Lydia’s emotional visit back, seeking closure with compassion and grace.00:41:27 – The SHE Center’s mission: Empowering individuals to deprogram from trauma and reclaim their power.00:45:45 – Quickfire wisdom: Lydia shares her favorite books, music, and a heartfelt reflection on eternal optimism.Links And Resources:The She CenterLydia Knight on LinkedInLydia Knight on TikTokBook Recommendations:The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself<a...

Matt sits down with Matt Dawson, a world-record-setting extreme adventurer, speaker, and founder of Dawson’s Peak Foundation. They discuss how Dawson went from a successful yet unfulfilled investment banker to a purpose-driven explorer pushing human limits for a cause bigger than himself. Dawson shares his life-altering moments on Everest, rowing the Atlantic, and crossing the Mojave Desert—stories of resilience, purpose, and finding strength through surrender. Matt explores how Dawson’s lessons from extreme adventures apply to anyone seeking meaning and connection, regardless of their path. It’s a conversation about living with intention, embracing challenges, and understanding that true success lies in service to others.Chapters00:00:00 — Where Optimism Meets Unstoppable Adventure00:00:23 — The Man with Records, Peaks, and Purpose00:00:54 — The Final Spotlight: No Pressure, Right?00:01:18 — The Field Goal Kick of Life00:01:30 — Unmasking the Real Dawson00:02:41 — World Records, Oceans, and Unfinished Business00:03:35 — The Grand Slam That Almost Was00:05:47 — A Mission Bigger Than Mountains00:08:56 — 213 Miles of Desert Silence00:11:54 — Breaking Down to Break Through00:14:34 — Tears, Everest, and an Oatmeal Epiphany00:19:41 — Turning Pain into Purpose00:21:50 — Your Mountain Might Not Be a Mountain00:23:47 — Beyond Money: A Different Kind of Wealth00:24:52 — The Mirage of More00:25:41 — Stillness is the Loudest Answer00:28:44 — Dawson’s Peak: More Than Just a Name00:31:13 — Training Alone: No Music, No Excuses00:34:49 — Strength Isn’t Always Loud, Surrender Isn’t Always Weak00:41:28 — Wisdom, Books, and the Road Less ClimbedBook RecommendationsMan’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklMeditations by Marcus AureliusThe Prophet by Kahlil GibranLinks and ResourcesMatt DawsonMatt on LinkedInDawson on InstagramStrength in Surrender by Matt DawsonDawson’s Peak FoundationThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt Drinkhahn sits down with Ellen Petry Leanse for a thoughtful and impactful conversation about the power of curiosity, slowing down, and embracing life’s natural seasons. Ellen shares insights from her deep experience in neuroscience, coaching, and personal reflection, offering practical tools like the ABC method (Aware, Breathe, Curiosity) and the power of open-ended questions to navigate challenges and foster connection. Together, Matt and Ellen explore the idea of the “midlife chrysalis” and how obstacles—especially those within ourselves—can become gifts if we choose to see them that way. This conversation is a guide to approaching life with presence, purpose, and a brain-aware mindset.Chapters00:00:00 – A Door Opens: Welcome to a Transformative Conversation00:00:24 – Meet Ellen: The Curious Brain Enthusiast00:01:23 – Behind the Brain: Where Science Meets Everyday Life00:03:39 – Curiosity: The Brain’s Hidden Superpower00:06:23 – From Theory to Practice: Curiosity in Action00:09:35 – Life’s Seasons: Navigating Growth and Change00:18:49 – The Chrysalis Moment: Midlife Reimagined00:22:23 – The Zipline Story: A Lesson from the Brink00:24:28 – Pain or Information? Redefining How We Process Suffering00:27:45 – Brain Balance: Finding the Equilibrium We Crave00:29:35 – The Journaling Effect: Magic in Daily Reflection00:32:18 – Core Values: The Blueprint for Inner Peace00:36:05 – The Obstacle Within: Confronting the Self00:37:51 – Dreams and Impact: A Future Worth Building00:39:53 – Final Threads: Wisdom to Carry ForwardBook RecommendationsI Never Thought of It That Way by Mónica GuzmánThe Source by Dr. Tara SwartLinks and ResourcesEllen Petry LeanseEllen on LinkedInEllen on InstagramThe Brain and BeyondThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt welcomes Jeff Fields, a former law enforcement officer whose journey took him through the depths of addiction and the fight to reclaim his life. Jeff shares the tough choices he faced, the trauma he carried from both childhood and his career, and the turning points that led him to sobriety. With honesty and heart, Jeff opens up about the impact of his addiction on his family, the critical role of faith in his recovery, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience, humility, and the power of moving forward. It's a talk about struggle, redemption, and the strength it takes to rewrite your story.Chapters00:00:00 – A Guest with a Serendipitous Story00:00:43 – Jeff Fields: A Life Unfiltered00:00:58 – The Moment Sobriety Became Non-Negotiable00:01:55 – Behind the Badge: A Career in Shadows00:02:44 – When Two Worlds Collide: A Law Enforcement Love Story00:03:40 – The Cost of Addiction: A Family’s Turning Point00:06:49 – Unpacking the Past: Therapy’s Hardest Questions00:13:29 – Duty and Darkness: What Law Enforcement Leaves Behind00:16:41 – Ghosts of the Past: Confronting Childhood Trauma00:18:48 – Fragmented Memories, Whole Truths00:19:12 – Naming Demons: Trauma and Addiction’s Link00:20:39 – The Withdrawal Nobody Warns You About00:22:20 – On the Brink: Detox and Survival00:24:07 – Presence: The Gift That Changes Everything00:25:37 – Sobriety Is a Daily Battle, Not a One-Time Win00:27:57 – From Cop to Author: Sharing the Unvarnished Truth00:31:47 – Books That Heal and Inspire: Jeff’s PicksBook RecommendationsThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.Dangerous Prayers by Craig GroeschelThe BibleLinks and ResourcesJeff FieldsJeff on LinkedInSober from Sin13:33 ConsultingThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt welcomes Cheryl A. Heller to hear how she went from corporate executive to fractional CFO and strategic advisor. They explore the really hard times behind balancing a demanding career with family challenges, including how Cheryl supported her daughter through anxiety and personal growth. Cheryl shares insights for business owners, from understanding financial metrics to setting up KPIs that drive success. The conversation also touches on building resilience, managing burnout, and finding clarity in chaos. It’s an honest look at the lessons learned through challenges and how they shape leadership and life.Chapters00:00:00 - Where It All Begins00:00:39 - Who Is Cheryl Heller?00:01:06 - From Corporate Walls to New Horizons00:02:08 - Numbers Tell a Story00:02:41 - The Chaos We Carry00:04:10 - Breaking Through Family Storms00:13:03 - The Leap Into Entrepreneurship00:15:41 - Inside the CFO Mindset00:22:13 - Success Beyond the Spreadsheet00:25:13 - Wisdom Worth Sharing00:28:52 - Rapid Reflections and Closing NotesBook RecommendationsAll books authored by Dan SullivanThe 4-Hour Workweek by Tim FerrissLinks and ResourcesCheryl on LinkedInCheryl on InstagramDemystifying Financial Jargon: 30 Terms You Need to KnowStrategic Board CollectivePillar One ConsultingThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt welcomes Kelly Resendez, founder of GoBundance Women, an ambitious leader and advocate for women's empowerment. Kelly shares her life-changing journey from perfectionism and overachievement to accepting abundance and authenticity. She opens up about experiencing tragedies, including supporting her family through unthinkable hard times, and how these experiences shaped her commitment to a shame-free, present-focused life. Kelly gives a look into the power of feminine energy, the impact of stress, and how we can create a more balanced and inclusive world. Tune in to learn about tools to overcome self-sabotage and reclaim their worth.Chapters00:00:00 - Energy-Filled Welcome and Start00:02:05 - Meet the Trailblazer: Kelly Resendez00:06:34 - Breaking Free from Perfectionism00:11:36 - A Defining Awakening Moment00:19:06 - Turning Challenges into Growth00:26:01 - A Radical Take on Health Advocacy00:27:56 - Redefining Women’s Leadership00:34:12 - Lightning Round of Insights and FarewellLinks and ResourcesKelly ResendezGoBundance WomenGoodLeapBig Voices: Increase Joy, Reduce Suffering, Think DifferentlyFoundation to Sustainable Success: A Conscious Guide to Mastering the Mortgage BusinessKelly on LinkedInKelly on InstagramThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt reconnects with Cathy Christen, a powerhouse in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Cathy shares how she went from burnout at the peak of her career to finding sustainable success by redefining priorities and leadership strategies. They talk about how important it is to live intentionally, the power of mentorship, and how Cathy’s experiences have shaped her mission to help others achieve financial and time freedom. She explains how shifting from a "do it all" mindset to empowering others has allowed her to reach new levels of growth and fulfillment in her life.Chapters00:00:00 - Starting the Eternal Optimist Journey00:00:14 - A Reunion 15 Years in the Making00:00:54 - From Small Beginnings to Big Impact00:01:13 - Reflecting on Shared History00:02:21 - Early Struggles That Shaped a Vision00:04:34 - The Breaking Point That Changed Everything00:10:05 - A Mentor’s Words That Sparked a Revolution00:13:20 - Choosing Change Over Comfort00:19:29 - Building a Dream Team for Success00:21:44 - The Power of Trusting Your Team00:23:32 - Shifting from Doing to Leading00:24:44 - Redefining Control in Business and Life00:27:47 - Finding a Partner Who Amplifies Your Potential00:31:23 - Stepping into the Power of Feminine Energy00:34:45 - Daily Habits That Transform Mindsets00:38:25 - Rapid-Fire Reflections and Final TakeawaysLinks and ResourcesCathy ChristenCathy on LinkedInCathy on InstagramGoals + Greatness Unleashed PodcastGoals + Greatness on YouTubeGoBundance WomenThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Jonathan Bogner’s story is one of resilience and unyielding optimism. After surviving two strokes, navigating aphasia, and ultimately undergoing a life-altering heart transplant, Jonathan has redefined his purpose. A producer of films and reality shows, Jonathan now uses his platform to advocate for organ donation and shine a light on the challenges faced by caregivers and patients alike. He shares how rigorous optimism, rugged flexibility, and resilience have become his guiding principles in overcoming adversity.&nbsp;Chapters00:00:00 - A warm welcome to the Eternal Optimist Podcast00:00:19 - Meet Jonathan Bogner: A man of resilience00:00:57 - Achievements that paved the way00:02:21 - The battle begins: Health challenges and heart failure00:07:39 - Living life with a defibrillator00:10:25 - When your chest starts beeping: A surreal realization00:12:48 - The toll of repeated shocks and heart degradation00:15:00 - "Does size matter?" The heart transplant waiting game00:18:15 - The unexpected gift of a woman’s heart00:20:07 - The delicate balance of optimism and medical reality00:22:48 - Inside the heart transplant experience00:27:45 - Aphasia and intubation: A fight to communicate00:31:13 - Countdown to a heart transplant00:34:41 - Redefining routines post-transplant00:36:08 - Mental health and the philosophy of optimism00:42:01 - Juggling life’s roles: Caregiver, creator, and survivor00:45:00 - The three R's: Rigorous optimism, resilience, and rugged flexibility00:48:50 - Wisdom and reflections to carry forward00:55:15 - Lightning round: Favorite books and life-changing insightsLinks and ResourcesJonathan BognerJonathan on LinkedInPersonal StoriesJonathan on IMDbBook RecommendationsMaster of Change by Brad StulbergThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!