The Live Free Podcast - The Evolution of You

Your Story, Your Power w/ Laura G. Patac

In this episode of the Live Free Podcast, I sit down with Laura G. Patac—entrepreneur, former corporate executive, mathematician turned poet, and master storyteller. With more than two decades of global leadership experience across five continents, Laura has lived and led in culturally diverse environments, and today she uses her voice to help others uncover the power in their own stories. Our conversation is all about the ways our stories shape who we are, how we show up, and the lives we create. Laura shares her personal journey from a shy child in Romania to a confident leader and entrepreneur, and how storytelling became the thread connecting art, poetry, leadership, and personal transformation. We talk about the role of self-expression in discovering our unique value, the resilience built through adversity, and how reframing our inner dialogue can open new doors. Laura also introduces frameworks for self-discovery, showing us how to find the threads in our own experiences and weave them into a narrative of strength, authenticity, and purpose. This conversation is rich with insights on resilience, empowerment, and the power of storytelling—not just as a way to share who we are, but as a way to create mirrors for others to see their own gifts. Laura reminds us that our stories are not something to hide, but something to honor, embrace, and ultimately share, because in them we find both healing and connection. Chapters 00:00 Journey of Self-Discovery and Expression 02:38 The Power of Storytelling in Art and Life 05:45 Corporate Life: The Art of Storytelling in Leadership 08:31 Embracing Diversity and Cultural Learning 11:21 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: Finding Purpose 14:37 Empowerment Through Unique Value Proposition 17:17 Frameworks for Personal Growth and Storytelling 20:17 The Importance of Self-Talk and Positive Affirmations 22:49 Books and Resources for Personal Development 25:43 Future Aspirations and Legacy Building Connect With Laura: LinkedIn [www.linkedin.com/in/laura-g-patac] Link We Promised: HERE [https://www.storiesholdpurpose.com/book] * What's Included: As promised, here’s your free download of Stories with Purpose in PDF format. And that’s not all—when you grab your copy, you’ll also receive a bonus digital workbook to help you apply the STORY framework to your own journey. Connect With Live Free Wellness ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/lvfree⁠⁠ [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Flvfree&e=AT0DGIjgpu6zaK47u1ZUPROjurjtp0lFTLmcN-qk-2q6kOSrovzTzB2mulx969xnoxz1a6nlnVKlaB1RFcQ-X_EIyfI9sWl1Sob231Tus0kb4ZcnovTeMA]

Your Story Defines You or Refines You W/ Diana Fritz

In this episode of the Live Free Podcast, I sit down with Diana, a cancer thriver and executive leader whose journey will inspire you to see challenges through a new lens. Diana opens up about the day everything changed—just 30 days into 2014, the year she had planned to thrive as a single mom, excel as a leader, and go on a missions trip. Instead, she got the call no one wants to hear: she had cancer near her left eye. Over the next nine years, her mission shifted from traveling overseas to showing up with faith, kindness, and purpose inside hospital walls. She shares how she saved her eye for nearly a decade, then faced a life-saving surgery that removed her eye and sinus areas—followed by radiation, MRIs, and a new chapter of resilience. Through it all, Diana embraced a profound mindset shift—from asking “Why me?” to declaring “Since it’s me…” She’s learned that adversity can refine us, not define us, and that our hardships can uniquely qualify us to serve and uplift others. Her story is a beautiful reminder that we can all choose to shine, even in the darkest places. Connect With Diana Website [https://grituiuq.com/] - Get The Book! LinkedIn [www.linkedin.com/in/diana-fritz-b032064] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/diana.kline.395] Connect With Live Free Wellness ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/lvfree⁠⁠ [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Flvfree&e=AT0DGIjgpu6zaK47u1ZUPROjurjtp0lFTLmcN-qk-2q6kOSrovzTzB2mulx969xnoxz1a6nlnVKlaB1RFcQ-X_EIyfI9sWl1Sob231Tus0kb4ZcnovTeMA]

The Secret To Less Days That Suck w/ Deborah Mallow

In this high-energy, joy-infused episode of The Live Free Podcast, I sit down with Happiness Expert and author Deborah Mallow to explore how we can all create fewer days that suck—by making joy a daily, doable choice. Deborah’s journey from the high-stress world of corporate sales and design to becoming a cheerleader for positivity (minus the pom-poms) is both inspiring and hilarious. Her book, 6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck, offers a refreshing, no-fluff guide to building resilience, shifting perspective, and actually enjoying life—even when it’s hard. We talk about how mindset shapes everything, why self-care is really about self-worth, and how small steps can lead to huge shifts over time. Deborah also shares how her Daily Decisions toolkit helps people stop waiting for life to get easier—and start dancing through the mess with more joy and confidence. If you’ve been craving more lightness, less guilt, and permission to celebrate yourself unapologetically, this one’s for you. Connect With Deb: thedailydecisions.com [www.thedailydecisions.com] IG @daily.decisions [https://www.instagram.com/daily.decisions/] Connect With Live Free Wellness ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/lvfree⁠⁠ [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Flvfree&e=AT0DGIjgpu6zaK47u1ZUPROjurjtp0lFTLmcN-qk-2q6kOSrovzTzB2mulx969xnoxz1a6nlnVKlaB1RFcQ-X_EIyfI9sWl1Sob231Tus0kb4ZcnovTeMA]

Everything You Need Is Inside Of You W/ Tammy Valicenti

In this deeply inspiring episode of The Live Free Podcast, I sit down with Tammy—a highly sought-after international psychotherapist, speaker, and podcast guest with over 25 years of experience in trauma recovery. Tammy has helped countless individuals transform the lingering effects of trauma, guiding them on a powerful journey from pain to peace. As the creator of the Transformation Solution™—a cutting-edge blend of EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and other evidence-based therapies—Tammy offers an approach that accelerates and deepens healing far beyond what traditional methods often achieve. Her work isn’t just professional; it’s personal. Having used these very modalities in her own life, she brings both clinical expertise and lived understanding to her clients and audiences. In our conversation, Tammy opens up about her own story of overcoming adversity, the importance of listening to your inner knowing, and why practices that promote self-connection and flow are essential for healing. We explore how trauma impacts the body, the unique power of EMDR therapy, and the role of helping professionals in walking alongside you—not in front of you—on the healing path. If you’ve ever wondered whether deep healing is truly possible—or how to begin that journey—this episode will leave you with hope, clarity, and practical ways to take your next step toward peace. Takeaways * Inner knowing is accessible to everyone, despite external noise. * Practices like meditation and nature can help access inner knowing. * Turning towards discomfort can lead to greater clarity and flow. * EMDR therapy is effective in processing trauma stored in the body. * Symptoms of trauma are invitations to explore deeper issues. Connect With Tammy Website [www.tammyvalicenti.com] Email [tammy@transformation-solution.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transformationsolution/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-valicenti-licsw-3925798/] Connect With Live Free Wellness ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/lvfree⁠⁠ [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Flvfree&e=AT0DGIjgpu6zaK47u1ZUPROjurjtp0lFTLmcN-qk-2q6kOSrovzTzB2mulx969xnoxz1a6nlnVKlaB1RFcQ-X_EIyfI9sWl1Sob231Tus0kb4ZcnovTeMA]

Mindset Overhaul: How Small Shifts Create Big Change w/ Lori Rogers

In this uplifting episode of The Live Free Podcast, Christine sits down with Lori Rogers—mindset expert, speaker, and co-founder of a multimillion-dollar woman-owned business—to talk about how burnout, fear, and anxiety led her to an unexpected breakthrough. Laurie’s story is one of radical reinvention—from high-pressure hustle to deep inner peace. Along the way, she created Positive Activity™, a mindset-based approach that helps people build resilience, shift their thinking, and create powerful daily habits rooted in joy, compassion, and clarity. She opens up about her personal experience raising a child with special needs, how it reshaped her perspective on gratitude and self-worth, and the specific practices—like meditation, appreciation, and kindness—that helped her transform anxiety into peace. Laurie also shares the books that changed her life, including You Can Heal Your Life, and offers grounded advice for anyone struggling to believe that change is possible. This episode is full of real tools, real talk, and a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan to heal—you just need the willingness to start. Connect with Lori" Positive Activity Website [https://www.positiveactivity.net] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/loriarogerspositiveactivity/ ] Instagram 2 [https://www.instagram.com/positiveactivitytm/ ] Facebook [ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070371891843 ] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-rogers-ma-7a285b5/ ] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6C_rB34QvfPpZkB67fzkqQ ] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@positiveactivity ] Connect With Live Free Wellness ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/lvfree⁠⁠ [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Flvfree&e=AT0DGIjgpu6zaK47u1ZUPROjurjtp0lFTLmcN-qk-2q6kOSrovzTzB2mulx969xnoxz1a6nlnVKlaB1RFcQ-X_EIyfI9sWl1Sob231Tus0kb4ZcnovTeMA]