The Look Up Mindset

Heidi Siefkas
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Self-Improvement

The Look Up Mindset is where extraordinary true stories of resilience, transformation, and adventure come to life. Hosted by author, TEDx speaker, and Look Up Mantra creator Heidi Siefkas, this podcast explores the mindset shifts that help people rise from adversity and create a new path forward. Each episode features courageous conversations with sheroes, heroes, and badasses from around the world who have navigated life-changing events, bold reinventions, unexpected detours, and adventures of the heart, mind, and spirit. Listeners gain insights into how ordinary people discover extraordinary strength — and how you can too. The Look Up Mindset reminds us all of two things that we can leverage to pivot our mindset at anytime and anywhere: Be in the moment.Find the upside. Through intimate storytelling and practical wisdom, this podcast reveals how embracing these principles can ignite resilience, spark transformation, and inspire you to seek adventure in everyday life. If you're craving real stories, deep perspective, and a mindset that helps you bounce forward into your next chapter, you're in the right place. Look Up. There’s a story waiting to shift your world.

  1. 4d ago

    Life Lessons from the Cockpit with Author and Pilot Donald R. Payseur

    What happens when you apply the discipline of pilot training to life and business—and what happens when you don’t? In this episode, author, pilot, and entrepreneur Donald R. Payseur shares a gripping story of resilience—from a near-fatal flight experience as a young pilot to building (and losing) a multimillion-dollar business. Through the lens of aviation, Donald reveals how structure, discipline, and mindset can elevate success—and how ignoring those same principles can lead to a crash. Key Takeaways“Fly the Plane First” (Be in the Moment): In crisis, focus on what’s directly in front of you before reacting emotionally or overthinking.Discipline Drives Success: The same structured mindset from pilot training can fuel massive growth in business and life.Failure is a Teacher, Not the End: From bankruptcy and starting over with almost nothing, resilience is built by choosing to try againYou Don’t Have to Go It Alone: Mentorship, community, and asking for help are essential to navigating life’s turbulence. Grounded in the Look Up Mindset, this conversation reminds us that even in life’s lowest moments, we have the power to steady ourselves, refocus, and rise again. About Donald R. Payseur Donald R. Payseur is an entrepreneur, pilot, and author who believes life’s greatest lessons are learned through presence, humility, and perseverance. Raised by an adoptive father who chose consistency, faith, and quiet strength, Donald carried those values into aviation and business. After experiencing both success and failure, including rebuilding his life after a major business collapse, he found renewed purpose in service and storytelling. He is the founder of Coastal Broadband, serving underserved communities in coastal Georgia, and the author of two memoirs. Find out more about Donald and his books at: www.flyinghighthebook.com www.thedadwhoadoptedme.com About Heidi Siefkas Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer. 📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH. 🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/ 🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

  2. Jul 21

    A Journey of Resilience and Stamina with Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik

    What does it truly mean to Look Up in the face of uncertainty, adversity, and transformation? In this inspiring episode, Author Heidi Siefkas sits down with Dr. Mariana Blumen-Kararsik (Dr. MBK)—board-certified dermatologist, entrepreneur, and founder of Stamina Cosmetics—for a deeply human conversation about resilience in all its forms. From immigrating to the U.S. from the former Soviet Union to navigating the emotional and physical rollercoaster of IVF, building a thriving dermatology practice, and launching a skincare line during the uncertainty of COVID—Dr. MBK’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and perspective. Key TakeawaysKnow Your Why: Purpose fuels perseverance. Dr. MBK’s desire to make a meaningful impact guided every chapter of her journey.Resilience is Built, Not Born: From immigration to infertility to entrepreneurship, resilience is strengthened through lived experience.Community is Everything: Support systems can be the foundation that helps you rise.Find the Upside: Challenges are universal—but so is beauty, love, and opportunity when you shift your perspective. Through it all, her journey reflects the essence of the Look Up Mindset: being present in the moment and finding the upside—even when life feels overwhelming. In this conversation, Dr. MBK reminds us that resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about evolving. About Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik (Dr. MBK) is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Stamina® Cosmetics, and co-founder of Precision Skin & Body Institute®. She blends science, innovation, and a holistic approach to promote long-term skin health, beauty and wellness. Connect with Dr. MBK: https://www.instagram.com/dermwithstamina/ About Heidi Siefkas: Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer. 📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH. 🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/ 🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

  3. Jun 23

    Look Up Mindset Podcast Season 1 is a Wrap—Season 2 Teaser

    Season 1 of the Look Up Mindset Podcast is officially a wrap—and what a journey it’s been. From extraordinary stories of resilience, transformation, and adventure to powerful reminders that perspective can change everything, this season has proven one thing: we all have the ability to Look Up—to be present in the moment and find the upside, no matter the circumstances. And we’re just getting started. Season 2 is on the way, bringing even more real-life sheroes, heroes, and badasses who have faced life’s toughest moments—and chosen to rise. Get ready for deeper conversations, bolder stories, and even more inspiration to help you navigate your own path forward. 🎧 Stay tuned. Stay inspired. And as always… here's to looking up! About Heidi Siefkas Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer. 📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH. 🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/ 🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

  4. Jun 9

    Pain with a Purpose: Creating a Meaningful Mosaic with Krystle Knight

    In this episode, "Pain with a Purpose: Creating a Meaningful Mosaic" Krystle Knight shares her journey of resilience, highlighting the transformative power of community support. Krystle's story of overcoming addiction and finding hope is a testament to the human spirit's ability to rise above challenges. From shattered to a meaningful mosaic, her narrative reflects the beauty that emerges from life's broken pieces, leading to a new beginning and healing. Takeaways Resilience in the Face of AdversityCreating a Meaningful MosaicHope Lives Here: Look UpCommunity Support from the Nashville Rescue Mission About Krystle Knight: Krystle Knight is a mother, wife, daughter, friend, and mentor to many. She is a Tennessee native who currently hangs her hat with her husband Kyle in Nashville. Both are graduates of the Nashville Rescue Mission and have worked at the Mission for several years. To learn more about the Nashville Rescue Mission and volunteer/donate, visit: https://nashvillerescuemission.org/ About Heidi Siefkas: Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer. 📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH. 🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/ 🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

  5. May 26

    Living with Grief, but Seeing the Beauty with Mary McQuain

    In this episode, "Living with Grief, but Seeing the Beauty" Mary McQuain shares her journey of resilience and transformation after experiencing the unexpected loss of her daughter, Bonnie Sue, and then two other tragic losses within a year and a half. Mary found beauty in grief through gardening, a labor of love, and through community support, starting with her next door neighbor. Her story highlights the power of community, the process of grieving, and the ability to find joy and purpose amidst loss. Takeaways Unexpected loss times threeGrieving and finding beautyHelping hand of a neighborGiving back About Mary McQuain: Master Chief Master-at-Arms (MACM) Mary Catherine (Pratt) McQuain was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia. She entered the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1988, and later went on active duty. She and her husband have four children as well as seven grandchildren. About Heidi Siefkas: Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer. 📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH. 🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/ 🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

  6. May 12

    Finding the Gift in Your Situation with Michelle Mann

    In this episode, "Finding the Gift in Your Situation" special guest Michelle Mann shares her journey of resilience and transformation, highlighting the impact of a life-changing, drunk driving car accident and the subsequent growth and self-discovery. She emphasizes the power of community support and the importance of finding the gift in challenging situations. The candid narrative also explores the themes of vulnerability, self-love, and the significance of looking up in the face of adversity. Takeaways Resilience through simultaneous lossesCommunity support and creating Sacred CirclesLooking up in face of adversity About Michelle Mann: Michelle is a healer and practitioner of Native American and non-traditional healing techniques. She lives in Vail, Arizona, where she hots monthly healing circles called Sacred Circles. Find more about Michelle and her Sacred Circles on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.i.mann. About Heidi Siefkas: Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer. 📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH. 🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/ 🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

  7. Apr 28

    Looking Up and Around with Rhonda McGowan

    The episode of the Look Up Mindset Podcast features special guest, Rhonda McGowan, and her journey of resilience in the face of a health challenge. Rhonda's story, "Look Up and Around," unfolds through chapters that cover her health diagnosis, impact on personal and professional life, community support, and resilience. During this candid chat, Rhonda shares advice for those facing health challenges. Takeaways ResilienceCommunity supportThe importance of looking up and around Find out more about Rhonda and Amyloidosis: From Wisconsin, Rhonda is a retired Spanish teacher. Rhonda and her husband of thirty years are proud parents of two adult sons.  As a born educator, she also speaks for the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau. To learn more about Amyloidosis and the mission, visit https://mm713.org/ About Heidi Siefkas: Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer. 📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH. 🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/ 🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

  8. Apr 14

    Tidal Wave of Loss with Amy Becker

    In this episode, "Tidal Wave of Loss," Amy Becker recounts her family's tragic loss of Sydney, age 22, followed by the grieving process, and the journey to finding a new normal. In this not sugar-coated and emotional story, Amy highlights how surrounding yourself with the right people is essential for support after the loss of a loved one. She also stressed that Look Up is a genuine tool that has allowed her to slow down and be in the moment. Takeaways Resilience as a parent and as a familyFind your peopleLook Up allows you to slow down and be in the momentIt's ok to walk alongside your pain About Amy Becker: Amy is a proud mother, wife, and athlete, and the Lead Educator in the Quality & Patient Safety Department at Emplify Health, previously known as Gundersen Health System, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Amy, her husband, and daughter encourage supporting the Mini Donut Foundation (www.minidonutfoundation.com) or your local mental health awareness non-for-profit. About Heidi Siefkas: Heidi Siefkas is a Nashville-based author of 4 books, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and adventurer. 📖 To explore her latest book, Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience: https://bit.ly/49QOPCH. 🎤 Bring Heidi to your event: https://heidisiefkas.com/speaking/ 🌐 To connect with Heidi and share your story for the Look Up Mindset Podcast, visit www.heidisiefkas.com.

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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Look Up Mindset is where extraordinary true stories of resilience, transformation, and adventure come to life. Hosted by author, TEDx speaker, and Look Up Mantra creator Heidi Siefkas, this podcast explores the mindset shifts that help people rise from adversity and create a new path forward. Each episode features courageous conversations with sheroes, heroes, and badasses from around the world who have navigated life-changing events, bold reinventions, unexpected detours, and adventures of the heart, mind, and spirit. Listeners gain insights into how ordinary people discover extraordinary strength — and how you can too. The Look Up Mindset reminds us all of two things that we can leverage to pivot our mindset at anytime and anywhere: Be in the moment.Find the upside. Through intimate storytelling and practical wisdom, this podcast reveals how embracing these principles can ignite resilience, spark transformation, and inspire you to seek adventure in everyday life. If you're craving real stories, deep perspective, and a mindset that helps you bounce forward into your next chapter, you're in the right place. Look Up. There’s a story waiting to shift your world.

Information

  • Creator
    Heidi Siefkas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Heidi Siefkas

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