Bouncing Back Podcast

Melissa McCurley

Bouncing Back Podcast: Professionals Thriving with Chronic Illness is hosted by Melissa McCurley, a resilient professional living with multiple chronic illnesses like Hashimoto’s, IBS, Psoriasis, ADHD, and more. Melissa creates a compassionate space for professionals to share stories of perseverance and success. Through inspiring conversations and practical insights, the podcast explores mindset shifts, support systems, and advocating for workplace accommodations while thriving with chronic illness. #autoimmunediseasewarrior

  1. Pivoting with Chronic Illness & Dominating the Creator Economy with Gigi Robinson

    1일 전

    Pivoting with Chronic Illness & Dominating the Creator Economy with Gigi Robinson

    How do you build a successful, self-made career when your body won't always cooperate? In this inspiring episode of the Bouncing Back podcast, host Melissa McCurley speaks with Gigi Robinson, a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the force behind Host of Influence. Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at 11 years old, Gigi shares her powerful journey of pivoting from competitive swimming to forging her own path in the creator economy. Gigi gets incredibly candid about the mindset shifts required to gamify your life, the power of focusing on what you can do, and the importance of unapologetic boundary-setting. She also dives into her podcast, Creator Etiquette, which bridges the professional development gap in the creator economy, and shares why self-advocacy is the ultimate skill you need to navigate corporate America with a chronic illness. 🎧 Hosted by: Melissa McCurley 🎤 Featuring: Gigi Robinson, Keynote Speaker & Creator Gigi Robinson is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and creator economy strategist. As the founder of the consulting practice Hosts of Influence, she helps creators and brands turn content into profitable businesses. Drawing from her own experience navigating chronic illness, she frequently speaks on the future of branding, business strategy, and digital wellness. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How an early EDS diagnosis forced Gigi to pivot to building her own digital empire. ✔️ Why focusing on the "opportunity cost of illness" is a game-changing mindset shift. ✔️ How to unapologetically say "no" to social obligations to protect your physical energy. ✔️ How Gigi translates executive leadership skills for digital creators. ✔️ Why self-advocacy is the ultimate key to inclusive workplaces and remote work. 📇 Connect with Gigi Robinson: 🌐 Website → https://www.gigirobinson.com/ 🌐 Website → https://hostsofinfluence.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/itsgigirobinson/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigirobinson/ Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/27IvxvPHrcUies6UnUxgXB Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/0yhBemYdRiVcJqq6r28wqo 🎙 Follow the Bouncing Back Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    29분
  2. From Unimaginable Loss to Chronic Pain: Surviving CRPS and Suicide

    6월 18일

    From Unimaginable Loss to Chronic Pain: Surviving CRPS and Suicide

    Have you ever wondered if the emotional pain you are carrying is manifesting in your physical body? In this deeply moving episode of the Bouncing Back podcast, host Melissa McCurley sits down with author, speaker, and advocate Tiffaney Childers to discuss the raw reality of living with Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and the devastating impact of suicide loss. Tiffaney shares her harrowing story of losing both of her parents to suicide within a year of each other, and how burying that emotional trauma for 18 years ultimately triggered a rare, debilitating neurological pain condition following a routine hip surgery. She opens up about the dangers of the opioid epidemic, how she regulates her nervous system to manage level-10 pain without pills, and why she dedicates her life to being a first responder for families affected by suicide. If you are struggling with chronic illness, grief, or invisible pain, this episode will inspire you to stop suffering in silence and make something beautiful out of your darkest moments. 🎧 Hosted by: Melissa McCurley 🎤 Featuring: Tiffaney Childers, Author of The Rise Back Tiffaney Childers is the founder of Rise Savage and an author, speaker, and advocate focused on resilience after trauma and chronic illness. Living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), she shares a powerful perspective on rebuilding identity, regulating the nervous system, and creating a meaningful life through small, intentional daily practices. Tiffaney is also the author of The Rise Back: Reclaiming Life After Suicide Loss, Pain, and Silence, where she explores healing after profound loss and long-term pain. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ What is CRPS?: Understanding Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome and the agonizing reality of living with invisible nerve pain. ✔️ The Trauma-Illness Connection: How burying emotional trauma and grief can manifest as severe physical illness decades later. ✔️ Surviving the Opioid Epidemic: Why Tiffaney chose to manage her chronic pain holistically instead of relying on heavy narcotics. ✔️ Regulating the Nervous System: Practical, everyday habits (like getting 10,000 steps and journaling) to help calm a pain-induced flare-up. ✔️ Advocating for Suicide Survivors: An inside look at the LOSS Team (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) and how to support families navigating unimaginable tragedy. ✔️ Finding Joy in the Pain: How to break out of a victim mentality and reclaim your life through gratitude. 📇 Connect with Tiffaney Childers: 🌐 Website → https://risesavage.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tiffaneychilders/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/tiffaney.childers 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffaneychilders/ 📇 Connect with Melissa McCurley: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

    33분
  3. How to Build High-Performing Teams Without Burning People Out

    5월 28일

    How to Build High-Performing Teams Without Burning People Out

    In this episode of the Bouncing Back Podcast, host Melissa McCurley sits down with Jessper Maquindang, founder of Family Lead Management Consulting and recognized 40 Under 40 honoree. Jessper Maquindang opens up about his personal health journey, recounting the life-changing moment in the eighth grade when he was diagnosed with asthma and told to lower his expectations for his physical abilities. Rejecting that narrative, Jessper Maquindang shares how he built a system of consistency and pacing that eventually allowed him to run a full 26.2-mile marathon. Jessper Maquindang and Melissa transition this powerful metaphor into the professional world, discussing how high-achievers living with chronic illness or going through difficult seasons of life can advocate for flexibility, pacing, and middle ground in the workplace. Jessper Maquindang also shares his expert strategies for leaders looking to build high-performing teams, explaining why the old models of "command and control" are dead and why compassion is the true driver of long-term employee loyalty and success. 🎧 Hosted by: Melissa McCurley 🎤 Featuring: Jessper Maquindang, Founder of Family Lead Management Consulting Jessper Maquindang is the founder of FamiLEAD Management Consulting, helping leaders build high-performing teams and strong cultures. He holds an Executive Master’s Degree in Leadership from USC and was recognized with “40 Under Forty” honors. Growing up with asthma, he overcame early limitations to become a marathon and ultra-marathon runner, bringing a unique perspective on resilience and growth. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Trust Your Training: How Jessper Maquindang used pacing and consistency to go from an asthma diagnosis to running a full marathon. ✔️ The Power of Pacing: Why adjusting your timeline and slowing down is actually the secret to reaching your goals without burning out. ✔️ Advocating for Flexibility: How professionals living with chronic illness can advocate for hybrid or remote work by focusing on the unique talents they bring to the table. ✔️ Building Strong Teams: Why aligning team members on a "big picture" goal is the key to overcoming personality clashes and process disagreements. ✔️ Compassion Over Command: Why modern leadership requires making room for everyone—and how showing compassion builds unbreakable loyalty. 🎙 Connect with Jessper Maquindang: 🌐 Website → https://www.famileadconsulting.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/marathon_jessper/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmaquindang 🎙 Follow the Bouncing Back Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    25분
  4. The Science of Happiness: Positive Psychology, PERMA, and Surviving Cancer with Les McGehee (Part 2)

    5월 7일

    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/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    36분
  5. From Improv Comedy to Cancer: A “Horrible Blessing” | Les McGehee (Part 1)

    4월 23일

    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/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    34분
  6. Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Finding Agency in the Dark

    3월 26일

    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/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    40분
  7. Why Chronic Illness Is Never One-Size-Fits-All (And What Actually Works)

    2월 26일

    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/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/  🔖 Follow, Rate & Share to help others bounce back stronger. ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

    34분
  8. Learning Disability, Advocacy, and Finding Your Strengths with Michelle Lee Steiner

    2월 12일

    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/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/ 📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa 📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/  🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    31분
모두 보기(28개)

예고편

소개

Bouncing Back Podcast: Professionals Thriving with Chronic Illness is hosted by Melissa McCurley, a resilient professional living with multiple chronic illnesses like Hashimoto’s, IBS, Psoriasis, ADHD, and more. Melissa creates a compassionate space for professionals to share stories of perseverance and success. Through inspiring conversations and practical insights, the podcast explores mindset shifts, support systems, and advocating for workplace accommodations while thriving with chronic illness. #autoimmunediseasewarrior

정보

  • 제작진
    Melissa McCurley
  • 방송 연도
    2025년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    28
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © Melissa McCurley
  • 웹사이트 보기
    Bouncing Back Podcast