The Dr. Melissa Show & The Stories That Shape Us

9 | Eric Devendorf | From Basketball Passion to Purpose by Building Community & Identity After the Game

Eric Devendorf  isn’t just a former basketball standout—he’s a living testament to how one’s love for the game can evolve into a mission. From scoring 1,680 points at Syracuse University and playing professionally to coaching, broadcasting, and launching a foundation in Central New York, Eric blends passion, resilience, and relentless commitment into everything he does. In this heartfelt conversation on The Dr. Melissa Show: The Stories That Shape Us, Eric opens up about his early years in Michigan—how his daily practice, high school struggles, and ability to brush aside negativity forged his competitive edge and mental toughness. He reflects on Syracuse and the transition to professional basketball, the internal pressure of unmet expectations, and the complex emotional terrain when goals shift or fall short. But this episode goes deeper than sports. Eric shares how community and family provided emotional armor; how peer support and mentorship helped him navigate depression and identity beyond the court; and how giving back through Ed 23 Hoops and Ed 23 Foundation became not just a purpose, but a form of healing and legacy. What You’ll Hear: *How childhood routines, parental support, and inner fire shaped self-motivation *Thriving in adversity: the role of criticism, expectation, and perseverance *The emotional cost of unmet dreams—and finding purpose through philanthropy *How to plant seeds that might not sprout now, but live on later *Coaching and mentorship with depth, authenticity, and heart This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered what to do after the dream fades—or how to turn passion into purpose that outlasts the game. Eric’s journey is a roadmap for embracing growth, even when life pivots you in unexpected directions. Connect with Eric and ED23 Hoops: 🌐 www.ed23hoops.com In August 2019 Eric decided it was time to return “home” and give back to the Syracuse community that has embraced him. Eric started what is now known as “ED23HOOPS.” With a focus on basketball skills on the court and life skills off the court, ED23Hoops offers basketball camps, clinics, one-on-one training and AAU leagues.  ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional. 🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience. 🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com 📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State. 💼 Looking for executive or performance coaching support? Explore Dr. Carman’s work with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-performing teams: 🌐 www.drmelissacarman.com 👍 Like, Subscribe & Share If this conversation moved you, helped you feel seen, or inspired you to reflect more deeply on your own story—please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs it. Want to be a guest on the show? Email: info@drmelissacarman.com This is what we explore in depth inside my private executive coaching practice. If you're a high-performer or leading a team navigating growth, identity, or burnout—let’s talk.

8 | Dianne Vitkus | Rebuilding Life After Trauma Through Reflection, Resilience and Reinvention

When everything changes in an instant, what do you hold onto? For Dianne Vitkus, the answer is resilience, determination, and a new way forward as she works to transform trauma into purpose.  In this episode, Dr. Melissa sits down with Dianne Vitkus—former Division I athlete, surgical PA, and current disability advocate—to explore what it really means to rebuild a life after trauma. After a spinal cord injury left her paralyzed from the chest down, Dianne’s story didn’t end. It transformed. Together, Dr. Melissa and Dianne dive into the emotional layers of grief, guilt, resilience, and reinvention. From ICU panic attacks to surfing in a wheelchair, Dianne shares how she redefined what strength, identity, and freedom looks like. They also reflect on their real-life therapeutic relationship, revealing raw truths about healing, holding space, and the beauty of being human, even when life doesn’t go to plan. If you’ve ever had to start over or wondered “who am I now?”—this conversation will stay with you long after the episode ends. In this conversation you'll hear about: *How trauma reshapes identity and relationships *The power of adaptive sports and community connection *Why emotional support matters just as much as physical recovery *The therapist’s perspective on showing up during crisis *The mindset it takes to move through darkness and reclaim purpose For More on Dianne, follow: @vittysvoyage ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional. 🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience. 🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com 📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State. 💼 Looking for executive or performance coaching support? Dr. Melissa’s proprietary framework, The Iceberg Approach™ for Leaders and Executive Teams, helps high-performing professionals uncover what lies beneath the surface to create lasting, integrated change.  🌐 Learn more: www.drmelissacarman.com 👍 Like, Subscribe & Share If this conversation moved you, helped you feel seen, or inspired you to reflect more deeply on your own story—please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs it. Want to be a guest on the show? Email: info@drmelissacarman.com This is what we explore in depth inside my private executive coaching practice. If you're a high-performer or leading a team navigating growth, identity, or burnout—let’s talk.

7 | Carlos Tearney | Community Leadership and Fighting for More than Survival

When Carlos Tearney walks into a room, he brings more than world championship titles and a fifth-degree black belt. For those of us lucky enough to know him, we know he brings his mega-watt smile, but he also brings depth.  Carlos' story was shaped by the streets of Syracuse, forged through loss, transformation, and an unshakable commitment to helping others rise. In this episode of The Dr. Melissa Show, we go far beyond martial arts. Carlos opens up about the night his sister was attacked—and how that moment became the catalyst for a lifetime of teaching others how to defend not just their bodies, but their sense of worth, safety, and self. We talk about identity, fatherhood, the quiet weight of trauma, and what it really means to “read the room” when survival is a skill you learn young. Carlos shares how he rewired his own mindset through years of training, built an empire of empowerment in his community, and why he believes confidence isn’t taught—it’s remembered. This conversation is raw, powerful, and deeply human. You’ll hear: *How self-defense becomes self-trust *Why men struggle with vulnerability—and what can shift that *The “fight” that happens off the mat *How trauma teaches hyper-vigilance—and how healing rewires it *What it takes to change your story (and why some never do) *The legacy Carlos is building with every student he trains This one’s personal. For Carlos. For Dr. Melissa. For anyone who’s ever had to get back up. Connect with Carlos: 🌐 https://ctchampionsma.com Carlos is currently the owner and head instructor of Champions Martial Arts and Fitness which offers training in multiple forms of martial arts as well as summer camps, combative self-defense and kickboxing based fitness training.  ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional. 🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience. 🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com 📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State. 💼 Looking for executive or performance coaching support? Explore Dr. Carman’s work with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-performing teams: 🌐 www.drmelissacarman.com 👍 Like, Subscribe & Share If this conversation moved you, helped you feel seen, or inspired you to reflect more deeply on your own story—please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs it. Want to be a guest on the show? Email: info@drmelissacarman.com This is what we explore in depth inside my private executive coaching practice. If you're a high-performer or leading a team navigating growth, identity, or burnout—let’s talk.

6 | Dr. Kaushal Nanavati | “K-Daddy” on Identity, Belonging & Becoming

What if the moments that nearly break us are the ones that reveal us? In this episode of The Dr. Melissa Show, Dr. Kaushal “K-Daddy”  Nanavati shares the hidden layers of his journey—from an immigrant childhood and academic collapse to becoming a physician, author, and Assistant Dean of Wellness. Through laughter, love, and honesty, he reveals how self-trust, family roots, and daily mindset shifts build a foundation for true peace. Dr. Melissa holds space for a conversation that unearths the emotional truths we often overlook—the quiet resilience behind high achievement, the connection between contentment and detachment, and the generational stories that shape our sense of self. Inside this episode: A powerful reframe on failure, identity, and belonging | “One-degree” shifts that change your emotional trajectory | Parenting from intention, not expectation | Dr. Nanavati’s unforgettable “wiggle wiggle, shake shake” for when you feel stuck | A fresh take on success: peace without stagnation, ambition without anxiety This is a story not just about where you end up—but about who you become along the way. To connect with Dr. Nanavati: nanavati.kaushal@gmail.com ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional. 🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC Where healing is personalized, inclusive, and rooted in compassionate care. We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience. 🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com 📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State. 💼 Looking for executive or performance coaching support? Using The Iceberg Approach with high achievers and leadership teams to identify the deeper emotional patterns beneath your decisions, relationships, leadership, and organizational culture.  🌐 www.drmelissacarman.com 👍 Like, Subscribe & Share If this conversation moved you, helped you feel seen, or inspired you to reflect more deeply on your own story—please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs it. Want to be a guest on the show? Email: info@drmelissacarman.com This is what we explore in depth inside my private executive coaching practice. If you're a high-performer or leading a team navigating growth, identity, or burnout—let’s talk.

5 | Christen Belcher | The Wizard Behind Scaling a Business | Systems, Strategy, & Growth

As a business founder, nothing is more exciting than scaling . . . but are you scaling and growing in a way that is sustainable?  In this episode, Dr. Melissa sits down with Christen Belcher, founder of Tre Cani Consulting and the woman behind some extremely successful operational turnarounds. With over two decades of experience building systems that scale, Christen has a gift for seeing what most founders can’t: the gaps in your structure, the blind spots in your team, and the processes that aren’t keeping up.  They dive into the stories that shaped Christen’s sharp instincts—from building software for massive data centers to managing multimillion-dollar growth inside startups. She shares how operational chaos sneaks in, what most founders get wrong about hiring, and how to build without burning out. Along the way, they unpack identity, grief, leadership, and what it means to define success on your own terms. If you're growing fast and flying by instinct—this episode is your pause-and-clarify moment.  In this conversation you'll hear about: *How systems make or break your ability to scale *What operational strategy really looks like *The personal cost of chasing growth without intention *Emotional intelligence as a business superpower *What to do when your business is outgrowing you Connect with Christen: 🌐 www.trecaniconsulting.com At Tre Cani Consulting, Christen helps entrepreneurs turn ambition into action by building the mindset, team, and infrastructure needed for real, sustainable growth. Her multi-step solution aligns vision, develops leadership mindset, optimizes operations, and strengthens teams—creating a business that can truly scale from the inside out. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional. 🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience. 🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com 📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State. 💼 Looking for executive or performance coaching support? Explore Dr. Carman’s work with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-performing teams: 🌐 www.drmelissacarman.com 👍 Like, Subscribe & Share If this conversation moved you, helped you feel seen, or inspired you to reflect more deeply on your own story—please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs it. Want to be a guest on the show? Email: info@drmelissacarman.com This is what we explore in depth inside my private executive coaching practice. If you're a high-performer or leading a team navigating growth, identity, or burnout—let’s talk.