Why You Cling to Familiar Pain and How to Break Free— Aaron Gamble | Ep 236

You’re Stronger Than You Think—Keep Moving Forward | Motivational Quotes — T.L. Mccoy | Ep 238

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with T.L. Mccoy—a psych nurse and award-winning author of Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grimm—for a powerful conversation about resilience, inclusion, and finding the light in life's toughest moments. T.L. shares the mantra that keeps her moving forward: “It’s not how hard you get hit, it’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward,” a quote from Rocky Balboa that shaped her approach to both writing and life’s adversities. We dive deep into her journey as a nurse and grandmother navigating the challenges of Dravet Syndrome, how facing hardship builds skills for the future, and why authentic representation matters in children’s literature. Listeners will walk away with renewed hope, practical advice for dark times, and a reminder that everyone faces setbacks—but it’s our willingness to get up, learn, and keep going that defines our wisdom and strength. Want more? Join the newsletter. Get the best ideas from every episode delivered straight to your inbox — plus exclusive insights, reflections, and tools you won't hear on the show. No fluff. No spam. Just wisdom you can actually use. Sign up free at https://relatablewisdom.com/join/ Connect With T.L. Mccoy Website: https://blueroundbookgroup.com [https://blueroundbookgroup.com/] Chapters 00:00 Rocky’s Wisdom and Early Inspirations 01:07 Meet T.L. Mccoy 01:27 The Intersection of Nursing and Writing 02:30 The Power of Resilience Quotes 03:37 Facing Family Medical Challenges 05:43 Finding Light in the Dark 06:52 Advice to a Younger Self 08:01 Defining Resilience 09:07 Writing and Personal Connection 10:32 Psychiatric Thrillers and Authenticity 13:04 Using Life Experience in Stories 14:20 Empathy and Brain Science 16:11 The Purpose and Power of Delilah 18:18 Making Books Inclusive and Empowering 20:09 Simple Advice When Times Are Tough 21:49 Lightning Round and Favorites 23:22 Where to Find T.L. Mccoy

Stop Lying to Yourself About Your Choices— Joe Owens | Ep 237

On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joe Owens, an inspiring example of what it truly means to live by choice. Joe’s philosophy, “life is a series of choices,” isn’t just a mantra—it’s how he transformed his health, career, and outlook, especially after overcoming significant medical challenges. At 75, Joe shares how rejecting a passive, “patient” mindset and actively embracing better habits helped him regain vitality and youthfulness. His story is a motivating reminder that age and adversity don’t have to define us; what matters most are the choices we make every day and the purpose behind them. Whether you’re seeking renewed health, career reinvention, or simply want to feel “groovy” again, Joe’s journey and practical wisdom will energize you to step off the sidelines and truly participate in your own life’s direction. If you’ve been on the fence about making a change, this is your wake-up call. Want more? Join the newsletter. Get the best ideas from every episode delivered straight to your inbox — plus exclusive insights, reflections, and tools you won't hear on the show. No fluff. No spam. Just wisdom you can actually use. Sign up free at https://relatablewisdom.com/join/ Connect With Joe Owens Website: https://joeowensbooks.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeowensnc/ Chapters 00:00 Holistic Choices and Health Awakening 00:44 Welcome and Joe Owens’ Philosophy 01:11 SVT Diagnosis and Early Lessons 02:57 Hospitalization and Life-Changing Decision 04:15 Embracing Ageless Aging 05:20 Mindset vs. Just Exercise 05:54 Staying Young Through Purpose 06:46 Age Is Just a Number 07:39 Loving the Tough Workouts 08:17 Real vs. Pseudo Choices 09:53 Rationalizations and True Action 11:00 Joe’s Mother: Resilience Personified 12:26 The Boomer Blueprint for Youth 13:03 Making Choices That Shape Life 14:03 The Power of Bringing Choices to Life 14:30 Pressure, Integrity, and Talking vs. Doing 16:19 The Longevity Movement and Blue Zones 18:12 Stories of Extraordinary Aging 19:15 Purpose: The Fuel for Choices 20:33 Finding Purpose and Staying Connected 21:37 Writing Your Own Obituary 22:43 Legacy, Humor, and Lasting Work 23:20 Joe’s Books, Movies, and Projects 24:51 Historical Fiction and Remastered Mysteries 26:14 Connecting With Past Authors 26:49 Gratitude and Final Thoughts 27:06 Outro and Listener Inspiration

Why You Cling to Familiar Pain and How to Break Free— Aaron Gamble | Ep 236

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Aaron Gamble, a life coach and men’s work facilitator, who shares a quote that has deeply shaped his approach to life: “Our brains will accept a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven every single time.” We dive into the powerful idea that our minds are hardwired for the comfort of what we know—even if it isn’t healthy or fulfilling. Aaron Gamble opens up about how this played out in his own life, recognizing repeating patterns in relationships rooted in his childhood, and the hard work required to break out of that cycle. Together, we explore how awareness, self-questioning, and even physical movement can help us step into the discomfort of growth and possibility. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in old habits or unable to imagine a better life, this conversation will help you recognize your own “familiar hell” and inspire you to pursue your “unfamiliar heaven.” Join us for raw honesty, actionable insights, and relatable wisdom on how to make meaningful change—starting from within. Want more? Join the newsletter. Get the best ideas from every episode delivered straight to your inbox — plus exclusive insights, reflections, and tools you won't hear on the show. No fluff. No spam. Just wisdom you can actually use. Sign up free at https://relatablewisdom.com/join/ Connect With Aaron Gamble Website: https://www.aarongambel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronmgambel/ Chapters 00:00 How Our Minds Resist Change 00:26 Introduction And Show Purpose 00:50 Meet Aaron Gamble 01:03 Aaron’s Favorite Life-Changing Quote 01:28 Exploring The Familiar Hell Quote 01:37 Why Our Minds Prefer the Familiar 02:34 Life Example: Unheard Childhood Patterns 03:31 Breaking Awareness And Shifting Mindsets 04:53 Modern Day “Familiar Hells” 05:28 The Brain Resists Discomfort 06:04 Why Change Feels So Hard 06:45 Comfort Zone Examples: Exercise & People Pleasing 07:52 Prioritizing Self As The Unfamiliar Heaven 08:14 Excuse-Making And Sabotage 08:53 How Growth Happens Through Discomfort 09:40 Listener Pause & Podcast Invitation 10:23 Recognizing Self-Sabotage 11:16 Growing From Challenges And Grit 12:08 Using Fuel From Naysayers 13:15 Redefining Identity Beyond Suffering 13:58 The Mental And Physical Battle 14:49 Unsticking By Moving Your Body 15:29 Advice For Emotional Stuckness 16:21 Quotes Articulate Lived Experience 16:48 Survival Versus Thriving 17:08 Why We Stay Addicted To Struggle 17:26 Imagining A Better Life Is Hard 18:13 Importance Of Self-Awareness 18:42 First Steps To Change: Ask Why 19:49 Real Change Comes From Self-Inquiry 20:15 Closing Gratitude And Reflections 20:47 How To Connect With Aaron 21:48 Final Thoughts And Farewell

You’re Choosing Drama Without Noticing —Leadership Is a Choice— Charlie Sheppard | Ep 235

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Charlie Sheppard, a professor of leadership, organizational consultant, biotech co-founder, and lifelong learner. Charlie shared the mantra that has shaped his work and teaching: “Leadership is a choice.” We dove deeply into his perspective that the true opposite of leadership isn’t management—but drama—that energy-draining cycle we can all fall into. Through personal stories, insights from decades of experience, and thought-provoking distinctions (over 500 of them in his latest book), Charlie reminded us that positive leadership starts with leading ourselves. We spoke about the drama triangle of victim, adversary, and rescuer; how culture is constantly formed by these dynamics; and practical ways leaders can set others up for success. Whether you’re building teams or reflecting on your own sense of agency, Charlie’s wisdom offers a powerful lens for creating more energy, clarity, and growth in every area of life. This is an episode packed with actionable wisdom, real honesty, and inspiration for anyone ready to step up as a leader—by choice, not by accident. Want more? Join the newsletter. Get the best ideas from every episode delivered straight to your inbox — plus exclusive insights, reflections, and tools you won't hear on the show. No fluff. No spam. Just wisdom you can actually use. Sign up free at https://relatablewisdom.com/join/ Connect With Charlie Sheppard Website: https://sheppardpartners.com/ Linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesheppard/ Chapters 00:00 Choosing to Go to Work 00:20 Introducing Charlie Sheppard 00:47 Charlie’s Background and Projects 01:20 Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment 02:05 Early Data and Impact 03:12 Campus Locations and Time Zones 03:15 Leadership Is a Choice 04:12 Drama Triangle Defined 05:17 Adversary, Rescuer, and Victim 06:27 Transforming Drama to Leadership 07:06 The Power of Distinctions 08:22 Creating Vision and Partnering 09:44 Coaching, Questions, and Smart AI 10:51 Distinctions That Spark Growth 11:18 Leaders Setting Others Up for Success 12:05 Keys to Effective Communication 13:15 Minimal Viable Product Mindset 14:18 Structuring Positive Organizational Culture 15:00 The Rescuer’s Role in Drama 16:30 Breaking Cycles for High Performance 17:22 Management Versus Leadership—A Modern View 18:14 Self-Diagnosis Using Drama/Leadership 18:44 “Have to” vs. “Choose to”—Generating Energy 19:37 Defining Culture Through Leadership 20:13 Drama Exists Everywhere 21:35 Leadership and Personal Vision 22:43 Using Superpowers for Impact 23:18 Where to Find Charlie’s Work 24:02 Daily MBA and Contact Info 25:10 Episode Wrap-Up and Thanks

Stop Quitting Before You’re Done — The Real Secret of Success — Ruth Douthit | Ep 234

What does it really mean to succeed? For this episode, I sat down with Ruth Douthit to unpack the power behind her personal mantra: "Completion equals success." I was deeply moved as Ruth Douthit shared her journey of finishing her college degree at 38, the trials she faced juggling family, work, and studies, and the life-changing inspiration she drew from Booker T. Washington’s determination. Her story reminds us that seeing things through—not giving up when they get tough—is often the real win, even if public recognition or rewards don’t follow. In a world obsessed with flashy outcomes, Ruth Douthit shows us that fulfillment comes from finishing what we start, finding personal meaning and resilience in the process. Whether you’re wrestling with self-doubt, starting over later in life, or just need a nudge to keep going, this episode will inspire you to redefine what success truly means. If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world. Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens. Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/join Connect With Ruth Douthit Website: http://www.artbyruth.com/ Chapters 00:00 Booker T. Washington’s Story 00:37 Welcome and Show Introduction 00:59 Meet Ruth Douthit 01:19 The Power of Completing Things 01:40 Ruth’s College Journey 03:17 Wanting to Quit 04:35 A Life-Changing Essay 06:17 Staying Motivated to Finish 07:48 Defining Success as Completion 08:15 Finishing Projects Beyond School 09:43 Challenges in Writing a Book 10:32 The Tough Editing Process 11:36 Why Completion Matters 12:20 Finishing vs. Outcomes 13:26 Abandoning Projects and Grief 15:18 Handling the Urge to Quit 16:05 The Importance of Your “Why” 17:23 How Success as Completion Changes Life 18:29 Life Gets Lighter 19:32 Building Confidence Through Completion 21:19 Advice for Late Bloomers 22:50 New Books and Staying Busy 23:10 Connect with Ruth 23:59 Episode Wrap-Up