#20: Damian Schechter – How Plant Medicine & Emotional Accountability Transformed My Life

#20: Damian Schechter – How Plant Medicine & Emotional Accountability Transformed My Life

In this episode of The Deeply Aligned, I’m joined by Damian Schechter, a fitness coach and entrepreneur who seemed to have it all—an enviable physique, a thriving business, and a picture-perfect life. But behind the scenes, Damien was battling the pressure to prove his worth, using external validation as a shield against unresolved pain. After a tough breakup forced him to choose between spiraling down or leveling up, Damien took the road less traveled. With the help of plant medicine, brutal self-examination, and a willingness to walk away from a life that no longer served him, Damien embarked on a profound journey of healing and growth. We dive into: * Damien’s decision to leave a prestigious job and build his own coaching business * How his pursuit of success led to personal and relational breakdowns * The transformative role of plant medicine in uncovering his authentic self * The balance between ambition, self-care, and emotional accountability * Lessons in walking away, rebuilding, and finding purpose through pain This is not just a story about reinvention—it’s a raw, real exploration of what it means to stop performing for the world and start living authentically. 🔔 If this conversation sparks something in you, subscribe for more stories about alignment, purpose, and self-discovery. #DamienSchechter #DeeplyAlignedPodcast #FromBurnoutToBreakthrough #HealingJourney #SelfRediscovery #EntrepreneurshipLessons #PlantMedicineHealing #EmotionalAccountability #PurposeDrivenLife #SelfDevelopmentJourney #OvercomingPressure #AlignmentAndGrowth #AuthenticLiving #BreakupToBreakthrough #Inspiration Support the podcast: * Share this episode with a friend 🙏 * Rate, review, and follow the podcast * Subscribe to the YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Appelgren] * Follow @deeplyalignedpodcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/deeplyalignedpodcast/] ★ Join the Deeply Aligned Newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] – Ready to rethink "success" and design a deeply aligned life that lights you up? Sign up and receive a special gift on the other side! ✨ RESOURCES: * Join the Next Client Community [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/free-trainings] * Subscribe to The Deeply Aligned Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/6J6PF7BRU9QalLyioXkQc0?si=5cedcdfac5e9457d] * Free resources [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/biolinks] * Book a discovery call with Chris [https://calendly.com/work-withme/1on1-with-chris] Connect with Chris Appelgren: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Appelgren] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christofferappelgren/] * Newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] * Twitter [https://x.com/chris_appelgren] * Official Site [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/] Connect with Damian Schechter:  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/damian_theallrounder/?hl=en] YOUTUBE: * YouTube @chrisappelgren [https://www.youtube.com/@chrisappelgren] PODCASTS: * The Deeply Aligned Podcast [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/] OFFERS: * 1:1 Guidance & Business Coaching [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/] * The Next Client Community [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/]: Sign your next 3-5 clients online for your services or programs Free Resources: * The Top 100 Book List [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/biolinks] * Free trainings [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/free-trainings] * Free EBOOK: Aligned Irresistible Offer [https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1cdmUlhsElY-SOr4nz8dAVckRJusE5bORlnwVPTouk5w/edit] ★ Join my weekly newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] on how to grow your online business, and build a biz you love in every way for abundant freedom.

#19: From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Emily-Jane Saroff Found Alignment and Built a $100K Online Business

Ever wonder what it takes to walk away from a life you’ve meticulously built and start fresh? In this episode of The Deeply Aligned, I’m joined by Emily Jane Saroff, a former architecture graduate who did the unthinkable: she left her nearly-completed degree and a stable career path to follow her heart into the unknown. At just 22 years old, Emily faced the daunting challenge of pivoting from a path she had invested years and thousands of dollars into, but in doing so, she found a life of fulfillment—and a $100,000 income in just eight months. Emily shares the raw, real moments of burnout, the fear of wasting her education, and the courage it took to listen to her gut when everyone around her doubted her choice. This is more than a story about leaving a career; it’s about learning to trust yourself, rewriting the rules, and finding alignment with your true purpose. We dive into: * Emily’s journey from architecture to entrepreneurship * The internal conflict of pursuing passion versus following societal expectations * How she overcame fear, embraced opportunity costs, and built a new life * Lessons in self-trust, clarity, and making the boldest decisions * Balancing practicality with intuition to create a deeply aligned life This inspiring conversation is a reminder that the hardest decisions often lead to the most rewarding transformations. 🔔 If this story resonates with you, make sure to subscribe for more deep dives into alignment, purpose, and self-discovery! #EmilyJaneSaroff #DeeplyAligned #TrustYourself #LifePivot #EntrepreneurshipJourney #OvercomingBurnout #SelfDiscovery #SunkCostFallacy #PurposeDrivenLife #OpportunityCost Support the podcast: * Share this episode with a friend 🙏 * Rate, review, and follow the podcast * Subscribe to the YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Appelgren] * Follow @deeplyalignedpodcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/deeplyalignedpodcast/] ★ Join the Deeply Aligned Newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] – Ready to rethink "success" and design a deeply aligned life that lights you up? Sign up and receive a special gift on the other side! ✨ RESOURCES: * Join the Next Client Community [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/free-trainings] * Subscribe to The Deeply Aligned Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/6J6PF7BRU9QalLyioXkQc0?si=5cedcdfac5e9457d] * Free resources [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/biolinks] * Book a discovery call with Chris [https://calendly.com/work-withme/1on1-with-chris] Connect with Chris Appelgren: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Appelgren] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christofferappelgren/] * Newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] * Twitter [https://x.com/chris_appelgren] * Official Site [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/] Connect with Emila Jane Sarroff:  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/empowerwithem/] YOUTUBE: * YouTube @chrisappelgren [https://www.youtube.com/@chrisappelgren] PODCASTS: * The Deeply Aligned Podcast [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/] OFFERS: * 1:1 Guidance & Business Coaching [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/] * The Next Client Community [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/]: Sign your next 3-5 clients online for your services or programs Free Resources: * The Top 100 Book List [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/biolinks] * Free trainings [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/free-trainings] * Free EBOOK: Aligned Irresistible Offer [https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1cdmUlhsElY-SOr4nz8dAVckRJusE5bORlnwVPTouk5w/edit] ★ Join my weekly newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] on how to grow your online business, and build a biz you love in every way for abundant freedom.

#18: From Injury to 'Mobility on Steroids': William Soo on Creativity, Fitness, Calisthenics & Letting Go of Control

In this episode, I sit down with William Soo, a multifaceted fitness coach and graphic designer whose journey from art to fitness has transformed his approach to life, creativity, and movement. Starting as a designer, William found himself on an unexpected path after a back injury, which led him into bodybuilding, then calisthenics, and now what he calls “mobility on steroids.” William shares insights on the balance between discipline and freedom and how these practices have redefined his relationship with his body and mind. We dive into how his journey evolved from traditional fitness goals to embracing movement as a form of creative expression, how psychedelics shifted his perspective on control, and why he believes curiosity and creativity are essential to living fully.  In this episode, we talked about: * William's transition from a career in graphic design to a life dedicated to fitness and self-exploration * How injury and bodybuilding led him to new realms of movement and "mobility on steroids" * The impact of psychedelics on letting go of control and embracing change * Why creativity is essential in both physical and mental growth * Balancing strength, flexibility, and the power of staying curious Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on reimagining life, fitness, and creativity! 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe for more on unconventional journeys, fitness philosophies, and creative living. #WilliamSoo #Movement #Mobility #Creativity #Psychedelics #FitnessJourney #Calisthenics #SelfDiscovery #DeepYellowLine #Podcast Support the podcast: * Share this episode with a friend 🙏 * Rate, review, and follow the podcast * Subscribe to the YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Appelgren] * Follow @deeplyalignedpodcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/deeplyalignedpodcast/] ★ Join the Deeply Aligned Newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] – Ready to rethink "success" and design a deeply aligned life that lights you up? Sign up and receive a special gift on the other side! ✨ RESOURCES: * Join the Next Client Community [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/free-trainings] * Subscribe to The Deeply Aligned Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/6J6PF7BRU9QalLyioXkQc0?si=5cedcdfac5e9457d] * Free resources [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/biolinks] * Book a discovery call with Chris [https://calendly.com/work-withme/1on1-with-chris] Connect with Chris Appelgren: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Appelgren] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christofferappelgren/] * Newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] * Twitter [https://x.com/chris_appelgren] * Official Site [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/] Connect with William Soo:  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wsoo_mvmt/] YOUTUBE: * YouTube @chrisappelgren [https://www.youtube.com/@chrisappelgren] PODCASTS: * The Deeply Aligned Podcast [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/] OFFERS: * 1:1 Guidance & Business Coaching [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/] * The Next Client Community [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/]: Sign your next 3-5 clients online for your services or programs Free Resources: * The Top 100 Book List [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/biolinks] * Free trainings [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/free-trainings] * Free EBOOK: Aligned Irresistible Offer [https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1cdmUlhsElY-SOr4nz8dAVckRJusE5bORlnwVPTouk5w/edit] ★ Join my weekly newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] on how to grow your online business, and build a biz you love in every way for abundant freedom.

#16: From Pain to Purpose: Atlas Martin's Journey of Radical Acceptance

In this episode, I engage with Atlas Martin, a remarkable individual whose journey through a near-death experience has led him to embrace deep alignment and radical acceptance. Atlas shares how confronting pain and starting from a blank canvas transformed everything for him. If you’re ready to overcome life's biggest obstacles and discover strength in surrender, this conversation is for you.We delve into the profound lessons learned from his accident and recovery, exploring how these experiences shaped his understanding of life’s purpose. Atlas discusses the importance of accepting life as it unfolds and how this acceptance can lead to profound personal growth. We also touch on the significance of finding alignment amidst chaos and the transformative power of embracing change.In this episode, we explore: * Atlas’s journey from a traumatic accident to a life of radical acceptance * The role of pain in uncovering our true purpose * Strategies for realigning ourselves with our current reality * The importance of surrendering to life’s challenges * Insights on how to view obstacles as opportunities for growth Join us for an inspiring conversation about awakening, resilience, and the path to a deeply aligned life. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on personal growth, resilience, and transformative journeys! #DeeplyAlignedPodcast #Resilience #LifeChallenges #Awakening #Transformation #Mindfulness #PainToPurpose #AtlasMartin #RadicalAcceptance #PersonalGrowth Support the podcast: * Share this episode with a friend 🙏 * Rate, review, and follow the podcast * Subscribe to the YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Appelgren] * Follow @deeplyalignedpodcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/deeplyalignedpodcast/] ★ Join the Deeply Aligned Newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] – Ready to rethink "success" and design a deeply aligned life that lights you up? Sign up and receive a special gift on the other side! ✨ RESOURCES: * Join the Next Client Community [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/free-trainings] * Subscribe to The Deeply Aligned Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/6J6PF7BRU9QalLyioXkQc0?si=5cedcdfac5e9457d] * Free resources [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/biolinks] * Book a discovery call with Chris [https://calendly.com/work-withme/1on1-with-chris] Connect with Chris Appelgren: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Appelgren] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christofferappelgren/] * Newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] * Twitter [https://x.com/chris_appelgren] * Official Site [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/] Connect with Atlas Martin:  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theatlasmartin/] YOUTUBE: * YouTube @chrisappelgren [https://www.youtube.com/@chrisappelgren] PODCASTS: * The Deeply Aligned Podcast [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/] OFFERS: * 1:1 Guidance & Business Coaching [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/] * The Next Client Community [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/]: Sign your next 3-5 clients online for your services or programs Free Resources: * The Top 100 Book List [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/biolinks] * Free trainings [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/free-trainings] * Free EBOOK: Aligned Irresistible Offer [https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1cdmUlhsElY-SOr4nz8dAVckRJusE5bORlnwVPTouk5w/edit] ★ Join my weekly newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] on how to grow your online business, and build a biz you love in every way for abundant freedom.

#17: From Corporate to Coaching: Sven Loss on Transforming Relationships through Vulnerability, Self-Acceptance & True Connection"

In this episode, I engage with Sven Loss, a relationship coach dedicated to helping people break free from recurring relationship patterns and cultivate true self-acceptance. Sven shares how addressing limiting beliefs, embracing vulnerability, and mastering self-worth can reshape our lives and relationships. Together, we explore his journey from a corporate role to a life of purpose and alignment, as well as the pivotal moments that shifted his path. In this episode, we discuss: * How relationships act as mirrors, revealing areas within ourselves that need healing * Sven's journey from a corporate career to becoming a relationship coach * The role of self-acceptance in transforming relationship patterns * Insights on embracing vulnerability to build authentic connections * Practical steps to reframe limiting beliefs and develop self-worth Join us for an insightful conversation on relationships, personal growth, and living in alignment with your true self. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on relationships, personal transformation, and living with purpose! #DeeplyAlignedPodcast #Relationships #SelfAcceptance #PersonalGrowth #SvenLoss #MindfulLiving #PurposeDrivenLife #HealingJourney Support the podcast: * Share this episode with a friend 🙏 * Rate, review, and follow the podcast * Subscribe to the YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Appelgren] * Follow @deeplyalignedpodcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/deeplyalignedpodcast/] ★ Join the Deeply Aligned Newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] – Ready to rethink "success" and design a deeply aligned life that lights you up? Sign up and receive a special gift on the other side! ✨ RESOURCES: * Join the Next Client Community [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/free-trainings] * Subscribe to The Deeply Aligned Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/6J6PF7BRU9QalLyioXkQc0?si=5cedcdfac5e9457d] * Free resources [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/biolinks] * Book a discovery call with Chris [https://calendly.com/work-withme/1on1-with-chris] Connect with Chris Appelgren: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Appelgren] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christofferappelgren/] * Newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] * Twitter [https://x.com/chris_appelgren] * Official Site [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/] Connect with Sven Loss: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sven_loss/?hl=en] YOUTUBE: * YouTube @chrisappelgren [https://www.youtube.com/@chrisappelgren] PODCASTS: * The Deeply Aligned Podcast [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/] OFFERS: * 1:1 Guidance & Business Coaching [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/] * The Next Client Community [https://chrisappelgren.transistor.fm/]: Sign your next 3-5 clients online for your services or programs Free Resources: * The Top 100 Book List [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/biolinks] * Free trainings [https://chrisappelgren.xyz/free-trainings] * Free EBOOK: Aligned Irresistible Offer [https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1cdmUlhsElY-SOr4nz8dAVckRJusE5bORlnwVPTouk5w/edit] ★ Join my weekly newsletter [https://www.deeplyaligned.com/] on how to grow your online business, and build a biz you love in every way for abundant freedom.