Nobody Told Me: A Keynote on Breast Cancer, Impact, and Showing Up for Each Other

In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal—a keynote I delivered at the Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer Gala, an event dedicated to supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 20s and 30s. As a survivor myself, this moment was emotional, meaningful, and powerful. The organization’s mission—offering medical stipends, peer support, and community—is a reminder that we all have the capacity to make someone else’s journey just a little bit lighter.This talk, titled "Nobody Told Me," reflects on the things no one prepares you for when you're facing a life-altering diagnosis. It’s about the things you learn the hard way—and the grace, grit, and growth that come with them. But more than that, it’s a message about the ripple effect we can create when we choose to lift others up. Whether you’ve faced cancer, supported someone through it, or just want to show up in the world with more intention—this episode is for you.If you're moved by this message and want to help make a difference, I’ve included a link in the show notes where you can support a woman navigating breast cancer today. Sometimes it’s the small, quiet acts of support that leave the loudest impact. Thank you for listening—and for showing up.One-time donation: https://thrivingbeyondbreastcancer.org/donateDonate $5 a month: https://thrivingbeyondbreastcancer.org/5-for-thriveInstagram: @motivational_monica

If you’ve never heard of EMDR therapy before, you’re not alone. It might sound like alphabet soup, but EMDR—short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—is a unique and effective approach to therapy that helps people work through trauma, anxiety, emotional challenges, and more— in a way that’s very different from traditional talk therapy.In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Pritchard, an EMDRIA-certified EMDR Therapist, and consultant with Sea Glass, where she helps both clients and clinicians navigate this powerful method of healing. Erin breaks down what EMDR actually is, how it works, and what you can expect if you're curious about trying it. Erin will even share her own personWhether you're exploring therapy options for yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply interested in how the brain processes emotions and experiences, this episode is a great introduction to a tool that’s helping people across the world heal in a whole new way.Links:Work with Erin at Sea Glass Counseling:https://www.seaglassohio.com/Find a certified EMDR Therapist:https://www.emdria.org/Instagram: @motivational_monica

Do you ever catch yourself chasing likes, waiting for praise, or needing outside approval to feel like you’re doing enough? You’re not alone. In a world that thrives on external validation, it’s easy to believe that happiness, confidence, and success come from what others think of us. But here’s the truth: everything you’re looking for—self-worth, joy, motivation—is an inside job.In this episode of Becoming a Better You, we’re diving deep into how to break free from the cycle of seeking validation, how to create your own dopamine hits without relying on social media or external praise, and why the most powerful confidence boost comes from within. I’ll share practical strategies to shift your mindset, recognize your own worth, and start celebrating yourself—not because the world approves, but because you do.If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly waiting for permission to feel good about yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in now and take the first step toward truly Becoming a Better You.🎧 Listen now Instagram: @motivational_monica

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but in this episode, we’re diving deep into how you can take control and stress less in 2025. Joined by the amazing Dr. Emily, a Functional Medicine Practitioner, we explore where stress originates, how elevated cortisol levels impact our bodies, and the long-term risks of unmanaged stress. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Dr. Emily shares empowering insights and practical strategies to help you reduce stress and reclaim balance in your life. Tune in to learn how to recognize stress triggers, support your well-being, and step into a calmer, healthier version of yourself.LINKSWEBSITE: https://balancedlivingfm.com/TAKE THE QUIZ: https://balancedlivingfm.com/energize-your-life/quizDR. EMILY'S INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/balancedlivingfxmed/DR. EMILY'S LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-roedersheimer/BOOK: The Untethered SoulInstagram: @motivational_monica

Join me as I take you through my journey of leaving the corporate world and the valuable lessons I’ve learned over the past three years. In this episode, I’ll share the challenges and triumphs of taking a chance on myself, and why you don’t need to quit your day job to follow your passions. We’ll explore how you can build a side business, pursue your dreams, and utilize powerful tools like AI and ChatGPT to thrive, no matter where you are in your career. Whether you’re looking to start a new project, expand your horizons, or simply take the next step in your personal growth, this episode will provide you with the inspiration and practical tips to turn your ideas into reality—all while keeping your 9-to-5. Tune in for actionable advice and encouragement to help you bet on yourself and succeed.Instagram: @motivational_monica

In this episode, we explore how to find the right words when someone you care about is going through a tough time. Whether in personal or professional situations, offering support can be difficult—especially when you don’t know what to say. We’ll share simple, powerful phrases that show empathy without minimizing the other person’s feelings, discuss common pitfalls to avoid, and explore how to be present when words aren’t enough. Tune in to learn how to provide meaningful support during life’s toughest moments, both for loved ones and colleagues.Instagram: @motivational_monica

In this episode of Becoming a Better YOU, we dive deep into the often dreaded world of feedback. Why does it so often feel like a personal attack? What's an effective way to give feedback? Monica Brooks unpacks the reasons why feedback sucks and offers practical strategies to transform it into a tool for growth. Whether you’re giving or receiving feedback, you’ll learn how to make the process more effective, empowering, and constructive. Tune in to discover how you can shift your mindset and create a feedback culture that actually works!Instagram: @motivational_monica

Does everything happen for a reason? In this episode, Monica explores a question that was posed to her during a recent keynote. She shares her perspective on trauma, particularly in relation to her cancer diagnosis. While it may not be that everything happens for a reason, implying that bad experiences are deserved, it’s possible to view these challenges as opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement, ultimately helping you become a better version of yourself. Monica acknowledges the pain and hardship that come with difficult experiences but highlights the potential for transformation that resides within them. She encourages her audience to approach life's challenges with an open heart and mind, to seek meaning in their experiences, and to recognize their own capacity for growth and healing. Instagram: @motivational_monica

I'm back! In this episode, I'll be sharing valuable experiences that have taught me important lessons, such as insights gained from serving on my son's swim team board. I’ll talk about the importance of understanding relationships in everything you do, but also the importance of giving timely feedback and how it fosters a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect.Stay tuned as I delve deeper into these topics and share more personal stories and tips that you can apply in your own life. Whether you're part of a team, leading a project, or navigating personal relationships, these lessons will help you build stronger connections, provide effective feedback, and ultimately, become a better YOU.Instagram: @motivational_monica

Have you ever thought about the difference between your character and personality? I encountered a revealing situation recently where this contrast became clear. During a call, the person inadvertently left me off hold, allowing me to overhear the entire conversation. It made me ponder: Who are we when nobody is watching or listening, and who are we when faced with challenges? In today's podcast episode, we'll delve into this Real Life Lesson (RLL) and also explore how personality and character play out on the popular reality show "Love is Blind."Instagram: @motivational_monica