The Lafaya Way Podcast

From Cushing's Disease to Crossing Oceans - with Kiko Matthews

I’ll be honest… this episode didn’t go as planned—and that’s exactly why you need to listen. We hit record, and life showed up in real time. Kiko was there, her beautiful daughter Ocean popped in, bedtime didn’t quite happen… and suddenly, we were living the very message we were about to talk about: you don’t control life—you learn how to move with it. And then Kiko started sharing. About surviving a rare disease—three times. About rowing solo across the Atlantic… six months after brain surgery. About choosing purpose over pain. About something she calls Kikonomics—a way of managing your energy so life doesn’t drain you dry. And somewhere in between the laughter, the chaos, and the raw truth… something clicked. Because this wasn’t just a conversation. This was a masterclass in how to play your hand—no matter what you’ve been dealt. Key Takeaways * You can’t control most of life—but you can control your response * The moment you stop trying to control the uncontrollable, you free up energy for what actually matters. * Energy is your most valuable currency * Worry drains it. Perspective protects it. And without it, even your best resources are useless. * Mental fitness is trainable * Just like your body, your mind can be strengthened. Positivity isn’t luck—it’s practice. * Every experience has two sides * The skill isn’t avoiding pain—it’s learning to reframe it and extract growth from it. * Storms don’t last—but they do shape you * Every challenge builds resilience… if you allow it to. * Stop trying to escape discomfort—grow through it * The very thing you’re resisting might be the thing that transforms you. Favourite Quote "If you can’t control it, why waste your energy worrying about it? Save that energy for getting through it." 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:26 Kids on the Podcast 01:52 Meet Kiko’s Journey 02:50 Cushing’s and Radiotherapy 03:23 Atlantic Row Record 03:50 Living and Giving Mission 04:44 Adventures and Community Impact 06:31 Single Mom and New Book 08:09 Practicing Positivity 09:50 Conserving Energy Mindset 12:07 Perspective from Colin’s Story 14:56 Control What You Can 17:12 Mental Fitness Blueprint 18:32 Host Recap and Takeaways 22:00 Reframing Past Hardships 23:13 Storms Pass Build Resilience 25:31 Why Humans Need Challenges 27:23 Feel Emotions Then Reframe 30:12 Train Logic Save Energy 31:41 Book Progress And Purpose 33:44 Encouragement For Creators 35:19 Gratitude And Closing Thoughts 39:22 Final Sendoff And Takeaway Find out more and connect with Kiko Kiko Matthews is an adventurer, scientist, speaker, and author whose life is a powerful example of resilience in action. From surviving Cushing’s disease to rowing the Atlantic solo and leading environmental expeditions, she has built a life rooted in purpose, sustainability, and deep human connection. She’s now developing her concept of Kikonomics—a practical approach to mental fitness that helps people manage their energy, reframe challenges, and live more intentionally. Kiko’s work blends science, storytelling, and humour to explore leadership, adversity, and what it really means to live well. * Website: www.kikomatthews.co.uk [http://www.kikomatthews.co.uk] * Social: Kiko Matthews * Special: Reach out via email for coaching opportunities, speaking engagements, or to connect around her upcoming book (and maybe even receive a signed copy 👀) If this episode spoke to you, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone who needs the reminder that they’re stronger than they think—and that this moment, right now, is just part of the game. And remember… Life isn’t about the hand you’re dealt. It’s about how you play it. If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand your dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com [https://lafayawaypoker.com]

When One of Us Falls: A Call to Support Dan McGee - with Matt Francis

This episode wasn’t planned the way most are. Yes, Matt and I talked about poker.Yes, we talked about staying calm under pressure. But underneath it all… something else was happening. This became about a moment in real life where someone we know—someone who has quietly shown up for others for years—is now facing a hand he cannot play alone. And this time… it’s our turn to show up. Key takeaways: * Sometimes life doesn’t test your strategy—it tests your humanity. * The strongest people are often the ones least likely to ask for help. * Community isn’t built in the easy moments—it’s revealed in the hard ones. * You don’t have to do something big to make a difference—small actions add up fast. * Playing the hand you’re dealt sometimes means letting others support you. My Favorite Quote: “People don’t think about how much a small amount counts, but it really does. It adds up real quickly.” Why This Episode Matters (Dan’s Story)On February 27, 2026, Dan McGee was in a serious motorcycle accident near Sacramento. He suffered a fractured skull and multiple broken bones. He’s already undergone emergency, life-saving surgeries. And while he’s incredibly strong… The road ahead is long. He’s currently unable to walk, unable to work, and facing weeks—if not months—of recovery. Why We’re Sharing This Matt has known Dan for over 16 years. And if there’s one thing he made clear in this conversation, it’s this: Dan is the guy who shows up. The one who gives. The one who takes care of others. The one who doesn’t ask for help. In fact, Dan stepped away from his own business for years to become a full-time caregiver for his aunt during her battle with Alzheimer’s—using his time, energy, and savings to make sure she was safe and cared for. Now… He’s the one who needs support. And asking doesn’t come naturally to him. So we’re asking for him. What Your Support Helps With Because Dan was rebuilding his life when the accident happened—and doesn’t have a financial cushion—this fundraiser is about covering the essentials while he heals: * Rent, utilities, and groceries * Medical and rehabilitation needs * Home adjustments for accessibility * Transportation to medical appointments This isn’t about extras. It’s about giving him the space to recover without the added weight of financial stress. How You Can HelpIf this touches you, here are two simple ways to make a real difference: 👉 Donate (even a small amount helps): https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-dan-mcgees-recovery-journey/cl/s [https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-dan-mcgees-recovery-journey/cl/s] 👉 Share the link: Dan doesn’t have a big network. That’s why this matters. The more people who see this, the more support we can create around him. Dan spent years making sure someone else didn’t have to face their hardest days alone. Let’s make sure he doesn’t have to either. If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you're dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit: https://lafayawaypoker.com [https://lafayawaypoker.com]

Wrongfully Accused: The Story That Became a Memoir, a Mission, and a Movement

Some stories sound too unbelievable to be real. Imagine this: you’re a respected immigration lawyer… living the life you worked incredibly hard to build. Then one day, at LAX airport, a dozen armed federal agents arrest you for a crime you didn’t commit. That’s exactly what happened to Kelly Giles. What followed wasn’t just a legal battle—it was a journey through prison, trauma, identity, and ultimately deep healing. Through poetry, storytelling, and raw honesty, Kelly began unraveling a lifetime of buried pain—from adoption and abandonment to betrayal and injustice. And somewhere along the way, something powerful happened. The very experiences that could have broken him became the foundation for helping others heal. In this conversation, we explore how Kelly learned to play the hand life dealt him—even when the cards looked impossible. From federal prison to poetry workshops, foster youth advocacy, and a memoir now being adapted for film, Kelly’s story reminds us that even our darkest chapters can lead to unexpected purpose.  Key Takeaways Pain can become purpose. Kelly began writing poetry simply to survive emotionally. What started as “therapy on paper” eventually became published work that now helps others process their own trauma.  The stories we tell ourselves shape our lives. For years, Kelly operated from unconscious survival identities formed in childhood. Through reflection and writing, he began to understand—and rewrite—those narratives.  Sometimes the breaking point becomes the turning point. His arrest and prison sentence forced Kelly to confront buried trauma and reassess everything he believed about himself and the world.  Healing rarely happens alone. Throughout his journey, Kelly encountered “angels”—people who supported him when he couldn’t support himself. From a lawyer who believed in his innocence to a therapist who walked with him for years.  Your story may heal people you’ll never meet. Kelly once received a message from a doctor in Brazil who reads his poetry to patients facing serious illness. Proof that sharing your truth can ripple far beyond your expectations.  Favourite Quote“Until you learn how to love and forgive yourself, you’re already in hell.” Find Out More & Connect with Kelly GilesKelly Giles is a former U.S. immigration attorney turned author, poet, and advocate. After a life-altering wrongful conviction connected to a colleague’s fraud case, Kelly spent 10 months in federal prison—an experience that became the heart of his powerful memoir Killing Justice. Through writing, poetry, and storytelling, Kelly explores themes of trauma, identity, justice, and healing. Today he volunteers with foster youth, participates in poetry and hip-hop workshops supporting creative expression, and continues to use his voice to raise awareness about mental health and the criminal justice system. His memoir Killing Justice is the first in a planned trilogy and is currently being adapted for film. Website  http://www.kellygiles.com [http://www.kellygiles.com/] Author & Poetry Website  http://www.kgstoryteller.com/ [http://www.kgstoryteller.com/] Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyab303/ [https://www.instagram.com/kellyab303/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077323377913 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077323377913] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-giles-0260269/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-giles-0260269/] X: https://x.com/kellyab33 [https://x.com/kellyab33] Books Killing Justice https://books2read.com/killingjustice [https://books2read.com/killingjustice] Poetry Collection https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/kellyab3/ [https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/kellyab3/] If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you're dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit:  https://lafayawaypoker.com [https://lafayawaypoker.com/]

The Peace You’re Seeking Is the Peace You Bring with Andrea L. Wehlann

There are some conversations that stay with you long after the microphones are turned off. This was one of them. When Andrea L. Wehlann sat down with me, she didn’t just share her résumé as a bestselling author, award-winning poet, Reiki Master, and yogi. She shared the parts of her story that most people would never dare to say out loud. Sexual assault. Multiple miscarriages. The loss of a child. And yet… what stood out most wasn’t the darkness. It was her unwavering peace. Andrea said something that stopped me in my tracks: “The only peace you’ll find at the top of the mountaintop is the peace you bring there.” And that right there? That’s The Lafaya Way. Because life isn’t about escaping the storm. It’s about mastering yourself in the storm. Andrea’s journey is a masterclass in alchemy — taking unimaginable pain and transmuting it into clarity, love, and purpose. In this episode, we talk about how to stop playing the victim of your story and start rewriting it. And trust me — you’re going to want to lean in for this one. Key Takeways * Pain can become power — but only if you choose to use it. Your experiences aren’t happening to you. They can be happening for you. * Your mind is not always telling the truth. Andrea teaches that the mind speaks loudest and first — but it’s not always aligned with love. You can retrain it. * It’s either love or fear. Every decision. Every reaction. Every story you tell yourself. Love or fear. * Feel your feelings — don’t suppress them. Sad? Be sad. Angry? Be angry. Emotions are information. They’re your compass, not your enemy. * Writing is a powerful healing tool. When you put your pain on paper, you create space in your mind for compassion, clarity, and peace. * You are not what happened to you. You are who you choose to become because of it. * Forgiveness is freedom. When you understand we’re all interconnected, forgiveness becomes less about excusing behavior and more about reclaiming your peace. Favorite Quote “The mindset creates the story of ‘I’m a victim’ — but it’s the same mind that can create a love story out of anything that’s ever happened to you.” Mic. Drop. That’s the mental game right there. About Andrea Andrea L. Wehlann is a bestselling spiritual non-fiction author, award-winning poet, Reiki Master, and yogi based in Ontario, Canada. Through her books and transformational coaching, she helps women turn profound adversity into inner peace and purpose. Her books include: * No Matter How Dark the Stain – A poetry collection for women navigating pain * Deeper Days – A daily practice for calm amidst chaos * Stillness in the Storm – A guided yoga and spiritual healing journal She also offers a Transformational Coaching Call, a 60-minute deep dive designed to uncover what’s holding you back and create a personalized roadmap for healing.  Special Offer for The Lafaya Way listeners: Get 25% off a Transformational Coaching Call using code PODCAST25 at checkout here https://ganga-moon-yoga.square.site/ [https://ganga-moon-yoga.square.site/] -> Book Now  Website: https://ganga-moon-yoga.square.site/ [https://ganga-moon-yoga.square.site/]  Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/andrealwehlann [https://www.amazon.com/author/andrealwehlann]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-l-wehlann-a6b03b187/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-l-wehlann-a6b03b187/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrea_l_wehlann/ [https://www.instagram.com/andrea_l_wehlann/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.l.wehlann/ [https://www.facebook.com/andrea.l.wehlann/]  X: https://x.com/Gangamoonyoga [https://x.com/Gangamoonyoga]  Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/andrea-lynn-wehlann-14668342646 [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/andrea-lynn-wehlann-14668342646] Life isn’t about the hand you’re dealt — it’s about how you play it.  ... If you’re interested in learning more about playing the hand you’re dealt in this mental game of life, you’ll love my book Poker: A Woman’s Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com [https://lafayawaypoker.com/]

Still Priceless - Loving People with Dementia When Words Fade with Rev Ben Boland

There are conversations that gently rearrange how you see the world. This was one of them. I sat down with Rev Ben Boland—chaplain, pastor, and author—and within minutes, we were naming something many of us feel but rarely say out loud: older people don’t stop being priceless just because the world starts treating them as invisible. Ben has spent over 15 years walking alongside older people and those living with dementia. And this isn’t theory for him—it’s deeply personal. From visiting his great-grandmother as a child… to later accompanying his own father through dementia… Ben brings wisdom that’s tender, practical, and quietly confronting. If you’ve ever wondered: * What do I say when someone no longer remembers me? * Does dementia erase faith, identity, or worth? * How do we show love when conversation isn’t easy anymore? This episode will meet you right there. 💡 Key takeaways from this episode * Presence is love in action. You don’t need perfect words—showing up consistently matters more than saying the “right” thing. * Dementia doesn’t erase personhood. Memory loss is not loss of value. * Meet people at their strengths. Music, photos, touch, shared rituals, and sensory connection often speak louder than words. * Faith isn’t fragile. Dementia may change how faith is expressed—but not its depth or meaning. * Short, frequent connection beats rare, long visits. Familiar faces and voices ground people more than grand gestures. ❤️ Favourite quote from the conversation“If we visit babies who don’t know our names, why would we stop visiting people with dementia?” Let that one sink in. 📘 Find out more & connect with Rev Ben Boland Rev Ben Boland MDiv, Grad Dip (Ageing and Pastoral), has served as an older persons chaplain for over 15 years. He is deeply passionate about equipping Christians—and communities more broadly—to share love, dignity, and presence with older people and those living with dementia. His latest book, Priceless People (published by Christian Focus Publications), weaves theological depth with practical pastoral guidance for anyone navigating the often-scary terrain of ageing, care, and cognitive decline. 🔗 Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rev-ben-boland-b4572a108/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rev-ben-boland-b4572a108/] And if you want to go further, you can download a free chapter of my book Poker: A Woman’s Game and keep learning how to play your hand with courage and clarity: 👉 https://lafayawaypoker.com [https://lafayawaypoker.com]