Real Things Living - podcast cover

Real Things Living

Brigitte Cutshallbrigittecutshall.com
Discover the real things that matter in life. Real Things Living explores resilience, connection, and navigating life’s challenges. Host Brigitte Cutshall shares her journey of surviving cancer twice and a rare brain tumor, offering insights to help you focus on what’s important and find strength. Each episode features practical tips and inspiring stories from Brigitte and her guests to help you overcome adversity, build resilience, and create a meaningful life.
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Episodes

Michelle Bishop on Choosing You First and Living Authentically

What happens when life as you know it shatters, and you realize you've spent decades living for everyone but yourself? Michelle Bishop shares her journey of rediscovery after the tragic loss of her husband. From shedding emotional weight to healing from breast cancer and long-haul COVID, Michelle shares how choosing herself first transformed not only her health but her entire life. Michelle is the author of the inspirational book, "Choose You First"—a guide to embracing your true self, setting h...

Jun 28, 202544 minSeason 6Ep. 28

Navigating Cancer, Grief, and Love: Tony Stewart’s Journey

The hardest experiences in life can become the most meaningful stories—especially when told with honesty, heart, and hope.In this deeply moving episode, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Tony Stewart, author of "Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving." The conversation unfolds on the day of the book’s official release—a memoir chronicling Tony’s journey as a caregiver to his wife Lynn during her six-year battle with stage 4 non-smoker’s lung cancer.He re...

Jun 23, 202545 minSeason 6Ep. 27

Born Superhuman: Dan Metcalfe's Journey of Healing and Mindset

What if your lowest moment became the launchpad for your greatest impact? In this powerful episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Dan Metcalfe — author of "Born Superhuman" — whose astonishing story of healing after paralysis reminds us of the untapped strength within each of us. 3 Key Takeaways: (1) Mindset Shapes Your Recovery: After being told he’d never walk again, Dan refused to accept defeat. He healed his body through an intense mindset shift—proving that belief, not...

Jun 18, 202542 minSeason 6Ep. 26

When Life Demands a Rewrite with Cynthia Moore

Cynthia Moore went from chasing applause on stage to helping others heal in silence. Her story is a powerful reminder that true transformation begins when we tune in—to our bodies, our intuition, and our past. In this soulful conversation, Cynthia shares how creativity, trauma, and healing intertwined to shape her calling as a therapist and author. Cynthia Moore is an award-winning playwright, author of "Dancing on Coals," and mental health counselor. 3 Takeaways: (1) Resilience Emerges from the...

Jun 12, 202536 minSeason 6Ep. 25

Mastering the Modern Job Market with Delaney William

In an era of rapid change and AI advancements, the job market can feel daunting. But what if you could not only navigate it but thrive, increasing your income and job security? On this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall welcomes Delaney William, founder of Elevated Technologies, to reveal how he's helping people do just that through remote work and innovative strategies like "job stacking." Key Takeaways from Delaney William: Leverage AI for Job Market Advantage: Becoming proficien...

Jun 07, 202531 minSeason 6Ep. 24

Quiet Strength: Redefining Success with Serena Low

What happens when a high-achieving attorney walks away from a prestigious career without a plan B—but with a deep knowing that her soul needs something more? Serena Low did just that, and she’s now helping others do the same. In this uplifting conversation, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Serena Low, a trauma-informed coach and host of The Quiet Warrior Podcast . They explore how quiet achievers—especially women—can embrace their strengths, navigate major life pivots, and redefine success on their...

Jun 01, 202531 minSeason 6Ep. 23

When Everything Changed: Kijuan Amey’s Life After the Crash

How do you rebuild your life when it feels like everything’s been taken from you? After a devastating motorcycle accident left Kijuan Amey blind and battling a traumatic brain injury, he chose resilience, humor, and healing over despair. Kijuan opens up about the moment everything shifted and how he found purpose on the other side. His book, 'Don't Focus on Why Me,' serves as a testament to his journey and a source of inspiration for others facing challenges. 3 Key Takeaways: You Are More Than Y...

May 27, 202537 minSeason 6Ep. 22

Reaching for Beautiful: A Journey Through Grief

Grief doesn’t follow rules and neither does love. In this heartfelt conversation, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Sally McQuillen , a psychotherapist and author of Reaching for Beautiful . Sally shared her powerful journey through grief following the unexpected loss of her son, Christopher, and how that experience inspired her to write a memoir. The episode explores the layers of parental love, the challenges of navigating modern mental health—especially in the digital age—and how storytelling can...

May 20, 202530 minSeason 6Ep. 21

Redefining Success: How to Thrive in Retirement with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

What happens when your identity is tied to your achievements? In this energizing episode, Elizabeth Parsons shares how retirement isn’t an end, but a powerful beginning. She is the author of "Encore", and a former international law firm attorney who made a bold mid-life pivot to create a more intentional life. The discussion dives into how our culture overemphasizes financial planning and underprepares us for the emotional transition of retirement, the myth of time abundance, and the importance ...

May 13, 202529 minSeason 6Ep. 20

Trust the Journey: Tally Koren on Staying True to Your Voice

What happens when you walk away from your dream and return with deeper purpose? Singer, songwriter, and healer Tally Koren shares how she rediscovered her voice, stayed true to her art, and found healing through music and spirituality. Tally opens up about the emotional detour that paused her music journey and the powerful return that followed. She discusses the importance of authenticity, trusting the creative process, and using music as a form of healing. This conversation explores the deeper ...

May 08, 202529 minSeason 6Ep. 19

Rethinking Possible with Becky Galli: Resilience Redefined

What if everything changed in a moment and you still found the strength to move forward? In this powerful episode of Real Things Living , author and advocate Becky Galli shares how she transformed a series of life-altering challenges into a life filled with meaning, purpose, and connection. From unexpected paralysis days after divorce to the loss of a child and raising kids with special needs, Becky has faced more than most. Yet her story is anything but bleak—it's a masterclass in grace, grit, ...

May 04, 202523 minSeason 6Ep. 18

Breaking Free from Self-Sabotage with Brittni Cosgrove

Do you ever feel like you're your own worst enemy? In this episode, Brittni Cosgrove shares her personal journey from anxiety and self-doubt to self-discovery and empowerment; overcoming perfectionism and burnout, and how that led her to becoming a life and business coach. 3 Takeaways: (1) Self-Awareness is Key: Recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors is the first step to overcoming them. (2) The Power of "Why": Understanding your deep motivations and "why" behind your goals is crucial for staying...

Apr 27, 202528 minSeason 6Ep. 17

Innovation for Women: Tara Harris on Confidence and Comfort

Tara Harris, founder and CEO of FemeFlex, shares how personal discomfort led to purposeful innovation. She opens up about the moment that sparked the idea for the pantyless panty liner, a reusable product that sticks to the skin. Through humor, honesty, and a passion for helping women feel more secure in their bodies, Tara shares how she’s redefining feminine hygiene and creating space for more open conversations. 3 Key Takeaways: (1) Necessity Sparks Innovation – Tara’s solution was born from a...

Apr 20, 202523 minSeason 6Ep. 16

Planting Seeds of Change with Aub Wallace

What happens when you follow your heart across the world—and end up transforming your purpose along the way? Aub Wallace did just that. Now based in the Netherlands, this nature-loving entrepreneur is helping mission-driven brands grow with clarity and impact. In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte speaks with Aub Wallace, co-founder of Dandelion Branding, about weaving sustainability into business and everyday life. Key Takeaways: Sustainability in Business: Dandelion Branding works ex...

Apr 13, 202526 minSeason 6Ep. 15

Focus on Fewer: A Mindset for Finding Your Path

In this conversation, Brigitte Cutshall and Rachel Langston discuss the power of life coaching, particularly in the context of the changes brought about by COVID-19. Rachel shares her journey from a diverse career background to becoming a life coach, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, focus, and authenticity in personal growth. They explore how mindset plays a crucial role in achieving goals and the necessity for younger generations to embrace learning and change in a rapidly evolving w...

Apr 06, 202534 minSeason 6Ep. 14

Finding Light in the Darkness: Judy Henderson's Story

What if you lost decades of your life to something you didn’t do? Judy Henderson endured 36 years of wrongful imprisonment; yet she found a way to turn pain into purpose. Judy became an advocate for battered women and a source of inspiration for many. She discusses the importance of perspective, resilience, and self-love, emphasizing that individuals have the power to control their emotions and their destinies. Judy believes everyone has a purpose in life. Her new book, "When the Light Finds Us,...

Mar 31, 202529 minSeason 6Ep. 13

Healing From the Inside Out with Diana Stobo

"Resilience is built through overcoming adversity and self-reflection." What if the key to healing wasn’t just medicine but a complete shift in mindset? Diana Stobo faced life-threatening health challenges. Instead of accepting illness as her fate, she transformed her life—and now helps others do the same. Diana Stobo is a health-conscious leader and founder of The Retreat Costa Rica. She shares insights on resilience and the power of self-care, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves...

Mar 24, 202536 minSeason 6Ep. 12

The Healing Power of Storytelling with Ehmandah Ramsey

What if the key to healing was simply sharing your story? In this powerful episode, Ehmandah Ramsey, founder of She Stories, reveals how storytelling can transform pain into purpose and why creating safe spaces for women to share their truth is more important than ever. 3 Key Takeaways: (1) The Power of Storytelling in Healing : Sharing personal experiences, even in intimate settings, can be transformative for mental health. Ehmandah emphasizes that every story matters and has the potential to i...

Mar 17, 202525 minSeason 6Ep. 11

Rewriting Your Story with Marianne Richmond

How do the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives Bestselling children's book author, Marianne Richmond, shares her deeply personal journey from writing for kids to publishing her upcoming memoir, If You Were My Daughter: Healing an Unmothered Heart. In this conversation, we explore resilience, the impact of emotionally unavailable parenting, and the power of storytelling as a tool for healing. Top 3 Takeaways: 1️⃣ Healing Through Creativity: Marianne’s writing journey began as a way to cope ...

Mar 10, 202530 minSeason 6Ep. 10

Geeta Sidhu-Robb on How to Be Your Best Self

What if you could unlock your full potential and achieve the success you've always dreamed of? Geeta Sidhu-Robb is a powerhouse entrepreneur and coach who helps women achieve their highest potential. Based in London, Geeta has an impressive track record of guiding female leaders to success. She shares her insights on overcoming challenges, building resilience, and the importance of self-care. Key Discussion Points: Geeta’s journey: From attorney to coaching powerhouse, Geeta's path is one of res...

Mar 03, 202527 minSeason 6Ep. 9

Understanding Fire Culture: A Conversation with Burt Clark

We trust firefighters to save us, but what if the real key to fire safety starts long before they arrive? Dr. Burt Clark, a veteran of the fire service for over 55 years, shares hard-hitting truths about America’s fire culture. His message is clear: luck is not a strategy when it comes to fire safety. He challenges the myths surrounding fire protection and reveals why prevention - not response - saves the most lives. 3 Key Takeaways: Fire prevention starts with you. Many home fire deaths occur b...

Feb 25, 202537 minSeason 6Ep. 8

Every Other Weekend: Growing Up Between Two Worlds with Anthony Mohr

What happens when you grow up with two families, two fathers, and two very different worlds? In this episode, retired judge and author, Anthony Mohr shares his personal journey of growing up in a blended family, the impact of divorce on children, and how those experiences shaped his career and storytelling. 3 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ The Power of Storytelling: Writing Every Other Weekend helped Anthony process his childhood and connect with others who share similar experiences. Stories have the power ...

Feb 16, 202542 minSeason 6Ep. 7

From Combat to Healing: A Veteran's Journey with Neil Markey

What if healing trauma, reducing stress, and enhancing well-being were possible through nature, meditation, and psychedelics? Neil Markey, co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats, shares his journey from military service to integrative wellness, exploring how psilocybin and holistic practices are transforming mental health. Main Takeaways: (1) Traditional pharmaceuticals aren't always the answer. Neil found more success with holistic approaches like meditation after struggling with conventional m...

Feb 09, 202522 minSeason 6Ep. 6

From Daughter to Caregiver: Navigating Parental Dementia

After 35 years of teaching, Kathy Bjork found herself in an unexpected new role ... parenting her own parent. Her experiences caring for her mother with dementia led her to write "My Mother is Losing Her Memory and I Am Losing My Mind," a candid look at the challenges and lessons learned while navigating this difficult journey.Taking action now can make all the difference later.Key Takeaways:(1) Preparation is Critical: Having proper documentation (power of attorney, consolidated bank accounts) ...

Feb 03, 202528 minSeason 6Ep. 5

Bridging the Gap: Medical Humanities in Healthcare

"Doctors should prioritize human connection over technology." After leaving bustling medical centers for rural Texas , Dr. Fazlur Rahman discovered that treating cancer was about much more than just medicine. His book , Our Connected Lives, shares powerful stories of resilience, highlighting how the human connection between doctors and patients transforms healthcare outcomes. Key Takeaways: (1) Medical humanities are crucial in doctor training - scientific knowledge alone cannot address patients...

Jan 27, 202539 minSeason 6Ep. 4

Trusting the Journey: How Brigette Panetta Found Strength in Spirituality

"Trust your journey, even in tough times." Brigette Panetta is from Australia and found spirituality amid a legal battle and personal turmoil. Brigette shares her journey through legal challenges, motherhood, and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing how trust and spirituality helped her navigate these adversities. She's also an Ambassador for Media.com, a platform aimed at providing a verified and clean space for truthful and accountable media interactions. TAKEAWAYS: - Motherhood can be a guiding...

Jan 21, 202526 minSeason 6Ep. 3

Finding Strength in Love with Kathi Lockwood

What if the challenges you face could be reframed into stories of love, resilience, and belonging? In this episode, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Kathi Lockwood, author, minister, and mother, whose incredible journey of turning personal pain into powerful stories inspires connection and healing. Kathi’s life is a testament to resilience. From adopting her son through what she calls “divine intervention” to losing her husband unexpectedly and becoming a single parent, she has faced profound chall...

Jan 13, 202540 minSeason 6Ep. 2

Maria Ross on Scaling Empathy in Leadership

Think empathy is a soft skill? Think again. Maria Ross reveals how it’s the secret weapon for effective leadership, stronger teams, and lasting success. She shares her journey from experiencing a life-changing health issue to becoming an empathy advocate and author. Maria also talks about how empathy is not just a personal virtue but a powerful tool to enhance professional success and foster meaningful connections. 3 Key Takeaways: Empathy is Scalable: Maria reveals how organizations can embed e...

Jan 03, 202538 minSeason 6Ep. 1

Unlocking Happiness: What Your Body Already Knows with Janice Kaplan

Can small physical changes lead to big emotional breakthroughs? In this episode, bestselling author Janice Kaplan, discusses her newest book, What Your Body Knows About Happiness , and shares how tuning into your body’s signals can unlock a deeper sense of happiness and well-being. Our physical sensations, environment, and simple actions profoundly impact our mental state and overall happiness. She explains the fascinating interplay between body and mind, offering science-backed strategies to el...

Dec 20, 202428 minSeason 5Ep. 46

Dream Big Dreams: Overcoming Adversity with Christian Ray Flores

What if aiming higher isn't the risky choice, but the safest? Christian Ray Flores, a refugee-turned-pop-star, entrepreneur, and high-performance coach, shares his remarkable story of resilience, transformation, and ambition. Christian’s journey proves that no dream is too big if you're willing to aim higher and embrace growth through challenges. Takeaways: * Resilience is a choice that can lead to growth. * Empathy is crucial for understanding driven individuals. * America offers unique opportu...

Dec 13, 202427 minSeason 5Ep. 45
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