Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Finding Agency in the Dark

The Science of Happiness: Positive Psychology, PERMA, and Surviving Cancer with Les McGehee (Part 2)

Are you running out of room in your "coping bank account"? In Part 2 of this incredible conversation on the Bouncing Back podcast, host Melissa McCurley sits down with cancer survivor, speaker, and positive psychology expert Les McGehee. Building on his journey through a life-altering diagnosis, Les dives deep into the science of human thriving and how we can literally rewire our brains for optimism. Drawing from his certifications at UPenn and Yale, Les breaks down actionable frameworks like the PERMA model, the WOOP method, and why we must balance the exhausting act of "coping" with the intentional art of "savoring." Whether you are navigating a chronic illness or the everyday hurdles of business and life, Les provides the exact mental tools you need to find authentic success and leverage your unique signature strengths. 🎧 Hosted by: Melissa McCurley 🎤 Featuring: Les McGehee, Thought Leader & President of Rialto Academy 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Savoring vs. Coping: Why you will "go bankrupt on coping" if you don't actively learn how to savor the good moments. ✔️ The PERMA Framework: The 5 pillars of authentic happiness (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement). ✔️ Rewiring Your Neural Pathways: How the simple "What went well and why?" exercise can transform your daily mindset. ✔️ The WOOP Method: A practical tool (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) to anticipate roadblocks and achieve your goals. ✔️ Active Gratitude: Why spending $5 on someone else triggers the same neural reward as spending it on yourself. ✔️ Signature Strengths: How discovering your top 5 character traits via the VIA Institute can change your life. 📇 Connect with Les McGehee: 🌎 Website → https://rialtoacademy.com/ 📘 Book → https://surl.li/wwrvkm 🎙 Follow the Bouncing Back Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/] 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ [https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/] 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/] 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa [https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa] 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ [https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/] 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

From Improv Comedy to Cancer: A “Horrible Blessing” | Les McGehee (Part 1)

In this episode of Bouncing Back, host Melissa McCurley sits down with Les McGehee, a speaker, author, coach, and serial entrepreneur whose background in improv comedy and positive psychology took on a whole new meaning when he received a sudden cancer diagnosis just two days before Christmas. Les opens up about the chaotic and terrifying first eight weeks of his journey, the "horrible blessing" of learning how to accept help, and why he chose to advance rather than retreat when his life was threatened. Together, Melissa and Les explore the profound difference between comedy (a commodity) and humor (a deeply rooted human health condition), and how shared laughter can literally alter our biology, build trust, and foster life-saving resilience. They also dive into the PERMA model of positive psychology, the historical medical definition of "humors," and how humor can be a light in our darkest, most humbling moments. 🎧 Hosted by: Melissa McCurley 🎙 Guest: Les McGehee Les McGehee is the President and co-founder of Rialto Academy, a real estate education, coaching, and training organization serving professionals and associations across North America. He has delivered thousands of live and virtual presentations in the U.S. and internationally, authored the leadership book Plays Well With Others, and co-created the original The ONE Thing Trainer Certification Program based on the bestselling book The ONE Thing. Under his leadership, Rialto Academy’s training team was twice named the #1 training organization in the world by Training Magazine.  💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How Les processed a life-threatening cancer diagnosis while on a comedy tour ✔️ The “horrible blessing” of learning to ask for and accept help ✔️ Why choosing to “advance” instead of “retreat” changed his cancer journey ✔️ The profound difference between comedy (a commodity) and humor (a human condition) ✔️ How shared laughter builds instant trust, connection, and physical resilience ✔️ The historical medical background of “humors” and positive emotion ✔️ How the PERMA model in positive psychology can help you navigate dark moments ✔️ The story of how Les got his start in comedy (and his first gig opening for Sinbad!) 📇 Connect with Les McGehee: 🌎 Website → https://rialtoacademy.com/ 📘 Book → https://surl.li/wwrvkm 🎙 Follow the Bouncing Back Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/] 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ [https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/] 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/] 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa [https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa] 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ [https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/] 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Finding Agency in the Dark

In this episode of Bouncing Back, host Melissa McCurley sits down with Meagan Harold, an integrative mental health and registered health coach who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at just 24. Meagan opens up about the early symptoms, the long road to diagnosis, and the grief that can follow — not just once, but again and again through flare-ups and life changes. Together, Melissa and Meagan explore what it means to “live in two places at once”: acknowledging the hard reality of chronic illness while still holding onto light, hope, and small choices that restore a sense of agency. They also dive into the mind–body connection, how stress and emotions can amplify pain, why all-or-nothing thinking makes flare-ups harder, and how Meagan’s “Five Foundations of Thriving” gives people a practical roadmap for managing daily life with more stability and self-trust. 🎧 Hosted by: Melissa McCurley 🎙 Guest: Meagan Harold Meagan Harold is a certified Integrative Mental Health Coach (via the Nickerson Institute) and a Registered Health Coach with the Health Coach Alliance, dedicated to supporting individuals navigating life with chronic illness. Her own journey through anxiety, depression, OCD, and a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 24 has given her deep empathy and insight into the challenges of chronic pain, shifting identity, and the emotional burden of chronic health conditions. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why grief is a major (and ongoing) part of diagnosis ✔️ How to hold space for both pain and hope at the same time ✔️ What “agency” looks like when you’re at your lowest ✔️ How stress and emotions can intensify pain perception ✔️ Why all-or-nothing thinking makes flare-ups harder ✔️ How to build a flare-up toolkit that actually works ✔️ Meagan’s “Five Foundations of Thriving” framework ✔️ What support systems help most — including “incognito” spaces ✔️ Why coaching bridges the gap between advice and real life habits 📇 Connect with Meagan Harold 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577579484511 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousmeagan 🌐 Website → https://www.tenaciouswellnesscoach.com/ 🎙 Follow the Bouncing Back Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/] 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ [https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/] 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/] 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa [https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa] 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ [https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/]  🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

Why Chronic Illness Is Never One-Size-Fits-All (And What Actually Works)

Registered nurse and wellness coach Amber Villarreal joins Bouncing Back to share a thoughtful, real-world approach to healing chronic illness. With more than two decades in healthcare, Amber explains why true wellness requires more than medication alone—and how stress, environment, gut health, and lifestyle choices play a critical role in inflammation and long-term health. This episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical insight for anyone navigating autoimmune disease, burnout, or the desire for sustainable healing. 🎧 Hosted by: Melissa McCurley 🎙 Guest: Amber Villarreal Amber Villarreal is a Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of experience, a Certified Life & Health Coach, and the founder of Rise Unbound. Through her work, she supports individuals navigating chronic health challenges, helping them build resilience, sustainable self-care practices, and a stronger sense of empowerment. By combining her nursing expertise with holistic coaching, Amber guides clients toward reclaiming balance, prioritizing their well-being, and creating lives rooted in purpose and possibility. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why healing must be personalized, not standardized ✔️ How stress and environment impact chronic illness ✔️ The role of gut health in inflammation and recovery ✔️ Integrating holistic care with traditional medicine ✔️ Simple, actionable changes for healthier living ✔️ A sustainable approach to mind, body, and soul wellness 📇 Connect with Amber Villarreal: 🌐 Website → https://rise-unbound.com/home 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/VillarrealAmber 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/coachinghtsfinancialfreedom/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-villarreal-coach/ 🎙 Follow the Bouncing Back Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/] 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ [https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/] 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/] 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa [https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa] 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ [https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/]  🔖 Follow, Rate & Share to help others bounce back stronger. ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com [https://iconsofrealestate.com]

Learning Disability, Advocacy, and Finding Your Strengths with Michelle Lee Steiner

Michelle Lee Steiner joins Bouncing Back to share her journey living with dyscalculia and other invisible challenges—and how advocating for accommodations, leaning into creativity, and focusing on strengths helped her thrive. This episode is for anyone navigating chronic illness, disability, or limitations who needs a reminder: it’s okay to ask for what you need, and success can look different—and still be powerful. 🎧 HOSTED BY: Melissa McCurley 🎤 FEATURING: Michelle Lee Steiner Michelle Lee Steiner is a writer, speaker, photographer, and disability advocate whose work highlights life with a learning disability. She has contributed to publications such as The Mighty, the Non-Verbal Learning Project, and the Dyscalculia Blog, and her photography has appeared in Word Gathering and Independent & Work Ready. In addition to her creative work, Michelle is a para-educator supporting students with disabilities, bringing advocacy and empathy into the classroom. 💡 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️ How self-advocacy changes everything at school, work, and in life ✔️ Why focusing on strengths beats obsessing over struggles ✔️ How Michelle helps students build confidence and speak up ✔️ Reframing “limitations” into a new kind of perspective and purpose 📇 CONNECT WITH MICHELLE: 🌐 Website → https://www.michellesmission.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michelle.steiner.493966/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/ 🎙 Follow the Bouncing Back Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/] 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ [https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/] 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/] 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa [https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa] 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ [https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/]  🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]