7h ago

"The Lies We Tell Ourselves: Breaking Free from the Thoughts That Define Us "with guest SCOTT POSSLEY

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Special Guest: Scott Possley — Author, Physician Assistant, Meditation Teacher & Founder of Imperfection Wellness What if the most damaging things you've ever believed about yourself weren't actually true? In this deeply personal and empowering episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary welcome Scott Possley, author of More Than My Thoughts and founder of Imperfection Wellness, for an honest conversation about the power of our thoughts, the pain we carry, and the journey toward self-acceptance. Growing up feeling different and struggling with societal expectations surrounding his sexuality, Scott spent years seeking external validation and believing negative messages about himself. Those internal battles eventually brought him to a devastating personal crisis that changed the direction of his life. Through his experiences as a healthcare professional, cancer survivor, and someone who has faced suicidal thoughts, Scott discovered a life-changing truth: Our thoughts do not define our identity, our value, or our worth. Together, Scott, Teresa, and Mary explore the emotional weight of grief, trauma, loneliness, and the pressure to appear strong when everything inside feels like it's falling apart. Mary courageously shares her ongoing journey after losing her soulmate, Chuck, including the challenges of finding meaningful grief support and learning that healing doesn't follow anyone else's timeline. Teresa reflects on her own experiences with trauma and the importance of finding people who truly listen, understand, and create a safe space for healing. The conversation also challenges the idea that simply thinking positively can erase emotional pain. Scott explains why genuine healing requires self-awareness, connection, compassion, and the willingness to seek support that truly meets our needs. From meditation and mindfulness to setting boundaries, trusting your intuition, and surrounding yourself with supportive people, this episode reminds us that healing isn't about becoming perfect. It's about recognizing that we were never required to be perfect to be worthy of love, kindness, and acceptance. No matter what you've survived, what you're grieving, or what your inner voice has convinced you to believe, you are more than your thoughts. And you are enough, exactly as you are! Scott challenges every listener to take a notecard and write these four affirmations: I AM BEAUTIFUL. I AM STRONG. I AM WORTH IT. I AM ENOUGH. Copy affirmations Place the card beside your bed or on your bathroom mirror. Read these words every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to sleep for seven days. Pay attention to whether anything begins to shift in the way you speak to yourself. The goal isn't to erase pain or pretend everything is wonderful. It's to begin recognizing the worth you've always had. Stronger Together. Unstoppable Always. Book: More Than My Thoughts - Breaking Free from the Grip of Negative Thinking and False Beliefs Website & Newsletter: ImperfectionWellness.com

5d ago

"You Are More Than What You Do: Rediscovering Purpose Beyond Burnout "with Guest Cheryl Olfert

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Special Guest: Cheryl Olfert — Nurse Practitioner, Educator & Women's Empowerment Advocate What happens when the life you've worked so hard to build no longer brings you the fulfillment you thought it would? In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary welcome Cheryl Olfert, a healthcare professional with 30 years of experience who now helps women move beyond exhaustion, overwhelm, and the expectations that often keep them from living authentically. From the age of three, Cheryl knew she wanted to become a nurse and make a difference in Africa. By 22, she had accomplished that dream. But her experiences caring for people in challenging and sometimes traumatic circumstances eventually led her to question something she had believed her entire life: Was nursing truly her purpose, or simply one way of fulfilling it? After years of pushing herself, experiencing burnout, and suffering an unexpected injury that forced her to slow down, Cheryl began a journey of self-discovery. She realized that her deepest fulfillment wasn't tied to a job title. It came from helping others recognize their potential, find hope, and discover their own purpose. Together, Teresa, Mary, and Cheryl explore the hidden toll of burnout, the cumulative effects of stress, and why so many people—especially women—struggle to set boundaries, say no, and prioritize themselves. Through candid conversations about caregiving, cancer, grief, healthcare challenges, and advocating for yourself and those you love, they reveal how easily we can lose ourselves while trying to be everything to everyone. This episode reminds us that our purpose is bigger than our profession, our circumstances, or the expectations placed upon us. Life will challenge us. Our roles will change. Sometimes the very things that once defined us will disappear. But that doesn't mean our purpose disappears with them. Sometimes, discovering who we're truly meant to be begins when life forces us to stop and ask why. Cheryl challenges listeners to think about the most fulfilling day of their lives and ask themselves WHY seven times. Start by identifying a moment when you felt genuinely fulfilled. Ask yourself why it mattered. Then take that answer and ask why again, continuing until you've explored seven layers of meaning. The goal is to look beyond what you were doing and discover the deeper reason it brought you fulfillment. Because your purpose isn't necessarily your job, your title, or what others expect from you. It's what gives your life meaning—and that can stay with you even when everything else changes. Links: www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-olfert Facebook Instagram Cheryl Olfert

Oct 20

"Stop Existing, Start Living: Give Yourself Permission to Be Happy"

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! When was the last time you did something that made YOU truly happy? Not because someone expected it, not because it was on your to-do list, but simply because it brought you joy? In this heartfelt, humorous, and refreshingly honest episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary explore the importance of rediscovering happiness in the middle of life's responsibilities, challenges, and unexpected changes. From Mary's journey through grief and finding moments of joy after losing her beloved Chuck, to Teresa's realization that constantly putting everyone else's needs first can leave little room for personal happiness, the conversation reminds us that joy doesn't always come from grand adventures or life-changing accomplishments. Sometimes happiness is cooking something new, walking your dogs, working in the garden, completing a difficult project, laughing with someone you love, or simply enjoying five uninterrupted minutes of peace. Together, Teresa and Mary discuss the power of changing our mindset from "I have to" to "I get to," learning to say no without guilt, setting healthy boundaries, and recognizing that taking care of yourself isn't selfish. They also share an important reminder: Life is too short to spend every moment meeting expectations, worrying about tomorrow, or waiting for permission to enjoy today. You don't have to be happy every minute. You don't have to have everything figured out. But you do deserve moments of happiness that belong entirely to you. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop, smile, and remember that your happiness matters.

Oct 15

"Breaking the Divide: Turning Pain into Purpose and Finding Common Ground "with Special Guest Richard Procida

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What happens when personal pain becomes the driving force behind a mission to create change? In this compelling episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary welcome Richard Procida, an attorney, author, activist, and trauma survivor who has dedicated much of his life to challenging societal expectations, advocating for others, and encouraging meaningful conversations about difficult issues. Richard courageously shares his experiences with childhood abuse, emotional trauma, and unhealthy relationships, shedding light on an often-overlooked reality: men can be victims of abuse, too. Together, they explore the stigma surrounding male survivors, the pressures society places on men and women, and how harmful stereotypes can prevent individuals from speaking up, seeking help, and living authentically. The conversation also examines the growing divisions in society, the influence of media and misinformation, and the importance of thinking independently rather than allowing fear, anger, or outside influences to shape our beliefs. Through personal stories, candid discussions, and moments of humor, Richard, Teresa, and Mary reinforce a message at the heart of Life Warriors: Everyone is fighting a battle we may know nothing about, and every person deserves to be heard, respected, and treated with kindness. Ultimately, this episode challenges listeners to recognize their own worth, question harmful expectations, stand up for what they believe in, and remember that their voice has the power to make a difference.

Oct 13

You've Survived 100% of Your Darkest Days: The Power of Mental Resilience with Guest Fernanda Reed

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What if the key to overcoming life's challenges isn't eliminating stress, anxiety, or fear, but learning how to navigate them with strength, compassion, and a different mindset? In this inspiring episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary welcome licensed clinical social worker Fernanda Reed for an honest, insightful, and sometimes humorous conversation about mental health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding emotional struggles. Fernanda shares valuable insights into the misconceptions surrounding OCD, the impact of childhood experiences on our adult lives, and why managing stress is more important than trying to eliminate it. Together, they explore the power of self-care, setting boundaries, practicing gratitude, and celebrating even the smallest victories. Through heartfelt personal stories of grief, survival, and resilience, the conversation reminds us that healing isn't about having everything figured out. It's about giving ourselves grace, recognizing how far we've come, and understanding that difficult seasons don't last forever. The message is simple but powerful: You've survived your darkest days, and you have the strength to face whatever comes next. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate your progress. And never underestimate the power of getting back up.

Oct 8

“It’s More Than a Bruise: The Truth About Domestic Violence”

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What does domestic violence really look like? In this raw and deeply personal episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary challenge the misconception that domestic violence is only physical. They explore the many ways abuse can appear—including physical, emotional, mental, verbal, sexual, financial, digital, social, pet-related, and workplace abuse—and share pieces of their own experiences to show just how complicated an abusive relationship can become. Teresa opens up about surviving seven years of abuse, ignoring early warning signs, enduring escalating violence, isolation, financial devastation, humiliation, and the fear that made leaving far more complicated than simply walking out the door. Mary shares her own experience of leaving an abusive marriage and the moment she finally knew: “There is no us. I’m done.” But this episode isn't only about surviving abuse. It is also about how we respond when someone we love is experiencing it. Teresa and Mary explain why telling someone to “just leave” can do more harm than good. Instead, they urge listeners to listen without judgment, believe survivors, ask “How can I help you?”, and allow the survivor to determine the next step in their own journey. The conversation also addresses what happens after someone leaves. The door may close on the relationship, but trauma doesn't simply disappear. Survivors may have to rebuild their confidence, identity, sense of safety, and ability to trust themselves again. As Teresa puts it, “your body is remembering what your mind is trying to forget.” Ultimately, this episode is a call to break the cycle. Learn the signs. Pay attention when someone you love begins to change. Listen without judgment. Believe survivors. Teach children what healthy relationships and boundaries look like. And above all, remind anyone experiencing abuse that they are not alone.

Oct 6

“Forged by Fire: From Doctor to Patient to Life Warrior”

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this deeply personal episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary sit down with author, artist, and former physician Liz Casper, whose life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 54. Liz shares what it was like to go from treating patients to becoming a patient herself, including multiple psychiatric hospitalizations and the realization that experiencing mental health care from the other side of the locked doors was very different from anything she had understood as a doctor. Pasted text But Liz’s story didn’t stop there. Shortly after finally reaching a more stable place in her mental health journey, she was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer and faced cancer treatment during 2020. During chemotherapy, she experienced a near-death experience that she says profoundly changed the way she views life, spirituality, love, and why we are here. Pasted text Together, Liz, Teresa, and Mary have a candid conversation about mental illness, stigma, asking for help, surviving the darkest moments of life, and what it really means to be a Life Warrior. The conversation ultimately turns toward gratitude, compassion, faith, and choosing how we approach each new day. Liz shares how keeping a gratitude journal helped her through some of her darkest days—even when the only things she could write were “I woke up” and “I breathe air.” Pasted text Her Warrior Challenge encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones, connect with people they might normally overlook, lead with compassion, and remember that another day of life is itself something worth being grateful for. lizcasper.com

Oct 1

“Find the Glitter: Turning Triggers Into Glimmers”

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this heartfelt episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary talk about grief, healing, triggers, and the unexpected glimmers that remind us there is still beauty in life after loss and difficult experiences. They explore how memories, places, songs, and everyday moments can unexpectedly bring both tears and smiles—and how something that once felt painful can eventually become a reminder of love, strength, and how far we've come. They also discuss the “glitter theory” of life: those little pieces of our past that seem to show up when we least expect them. For survivors of abuse and difficult relationships, moving forward can mean creating new memories, finding new places, rebuilding self-worth, and learning that you are not where you came from. Teresa and Mary talk about recognizing triggers, trusting yourself again, navigating new relationships, and learning to distinguish between the past and what is happening in the present. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder to stop living in the rearview mirror. The windshield is bigger for a reason. Your past may be part of your story, but it does not have to define your future. Because sometimes the things that once triggered us can become the very things that show us how much we've healed. You are a warrior. You are worthy. And there is still so much life ahead.

Life Warriors

"The Lies We Tell Ourselves: Breaking Free from the Thoughts That Define Us "with guest SCOTT POSSLEY

"You Are More Than What You Do: Rediscovering Purpose Beyond Burnout "with Guest Cheryl Olfert

"Stop Existing, Start Living: Give Yourself Permission to Be Happy"

"Breaking the Divide: Turning Pain into Purpose and Finding Common Ground "with Special Guest Richard Procida

You've Survived 100% of Your Darkest Days: The Power of Mental Resilience with Guest Fernanda Reed

“It’s More Than a Bruise: The Truth About Domestic Violence”

“Forged by Fire: From Doctor to Patient to Life Warrior”

“Find the Glitter: Turning Triggers Into Glimmers”

Trailer

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Life Warriors

Episodes

"The Lies We Tell Ourselves: Breaking Free from the Thoughts That Define Us "with guest SCOTT POSSLEY

"You Are More Than What You Do: Rediscovering Purpose Beyond Burnout "with Guest Cheryl Olfert

"Stop Existing, Start Living: Give Yourself Permission to Be Happy"

"Breaking the Divide: Turning Pain into Purpose and Finding Common Ground "with Special Guest Richard Procida

You've Survived 100% of Your Darkest Days: The Power of Mental Resilience with Guest Fernanda Reed

“It’s More Than a Bruise: The Truth About Domestic Violence”

“Forged by Fire: From Doctor to Patient to Life Warrior”

“Find the Glitter: Turning Triggers Into Glimmers”

Trailer

About

Information