Life Is A Classroom Podcast

Transform Your Life: Daily Rituals, Sobriety, and Gratitude

Special Guest Kelly Seigel
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Life is a Classroom Podcast, hosted by Dr. Damian Nesser and co-host Sam. In today's episode, we dive deep into the life-changing journey of Kelly Seigel, exploring his insights on cultivating daily rituals, overcoming addiction, and embracing gratitude.
Kelly Seigel opens up about his daily routine, which begins at 4:15 AM with gratitude exercises and affirmations. He shares how these rituals, including meditation, journaling, and exercise, have transformed his life, creating a positive momentum that fuels his productivity and well-being.
Reflecting on his past struggles with alcohol, Kelly candidly discusses his decision to become sober out of curiosity for life beyond addiction. Without hitting rock bottom, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, confronting childhood wounds and finding true fulfillment in sobriety. Now five and a half years sober, Kelly radiates positivity and authenticity, emphasizing the joy and connection that come from living life fully present.
Central to Kelly's journey is the power of gratitude. He explains how practicing gratitude has been pivotal in maintaining a positive outlook, even during challenging times. From appreciating simple pleasures to valuing meaningful relationships, Kelly's perspective underscores the transformative impact of gratitude on mental well-being.
Beyond personal growth, Kelly is committed to giving back. He introduces his coaching program, which integrates fitness, business, and relationship coaching, guided by his Siegel Operating System (SOS). This program not only empowers individuals but also supports charitable causes, reflecting Kelly's mission to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Throughout the episode, Kelly's enthusiasm and wisdom shine through, inspiring listeners to embrace their own journeys of healing and growth. His message is clear: by cultivating daily rituals, practicing gratitude, and nurturing self-acceptance, anyone can unlock their full potential and create a purpose-driven life.
Join us on Life is a Classroom Podcast to delve deeper into Kelly Seigel's inspiring story and gain actionable insights for personal transformation. Follow Kelly Seigel on Instagram (@kelly.Seigel.71) to learn more about his coaching program and upcoming projects.
Discover how Kelly's journey can empower you to embrace authenticity, overcome challenges, and thrive in your own classroom of life.
Listeners are encouraged to visit https://lifeisaclassroom.net/bwya/  to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck.
 

From Hardship to Hope

Welcome to another insightful episode of our podcast, where each day is a lesson in life. In this episode, we had the honor of speaking with Kelly Siegel, a remarkable individual whose journey from hardship to success is truly inspiring.
Growing up was not easy for Kelly. Raised in a challenging environment with absent parents struggling with alcoholism, he often went hungry, relying on a paper route income just to eat. This early struggle deeply informs his brand, "Harder Than Life," reflecting the resilience and strength he developed.
Discussing his work with homeless and at-risk students in Florida, Kelly highlights the poignant reality faced by many young people today—hunger and instability. Through initiatives like "Felt Feeding Empty Little Tummies," he strives to provide support and nourishment to children in need, emphasizing that homelessness isn't always visible and can affect those without stable living situations.
Kelly's journey of personal healing and growth is reflected in his commitment to his own daughter, creating a stable and loving environment vastly different from his own upbringing. He emphasizes the importance of connection, meal times, and emotional support—things he never took for granted growing up.
Transitioning into his professional achievements, Kelly shares his role as the visionary behind National Technology Management, a company he founded over 26 years ago. Specializing in simplifying technology and protecting businesses from cyber threats, Kelly has established a culture of trust and excellence, guided by his core values of predictability, repeatability, and continuous improvement.
His success in business parallels his personal philosophy: maintain standards, teach others how to treat you, and never compromise on values. Kelly's approach to life and business is proactive and tenacious, attributes that define his path to success despite early adversities.
Kelly's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of taking small steps every day towards a better future. His upcoming book, "Harder Than Life," promises to delve deeper into his journey, offering invaluable insights and inspiration for anyone facing their own challenges.
Tune in to the next part of our interview with Kelly Siegel, where we explore more about his book, his personal growth strategies, and his vision for empowering others to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Kelly Siegel's journey is proof that with perseverance and a guiding purpose, anyone can rewrite their life story.
Stay tuned, and remember, every day is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Listeners are encouraged to visit https://lifeisaclassroom.net/bwya/  to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck.

Transformative Gratitude

Special Guest Dana Grant
In the second half of the interview with Dana Grant, the discussion delved deeper into her philosophy of radical gratitude and its transformative impact on breaking limiting beliefs. Dana emphasized that gratitude and despair cannot coexist; one must choose between them. She stressed that gratitude operates at a high vibrational frequency, aligning with love and positivity, which she incorporates daily by appreciating waking up healthy and well after years of sickness.
Reflecting on her decade-long struggle with chronic illness during her tenure as a business lobbyist, Dana revealed a pivotal moment of awakening at a stress clinic. There, an unexpected experience during yoga prompted her to question her identity and purpose. This seismic shift led her to renounce her former partisan beliefs, marking a profound spiritual and physical transformation.
Throughout the interview, Dana underscored the importance of authenticity and genuine connection in her coaching practice. Drawing from her extensive experience as an educator and counselor, she emphasized the need for individuals to pursue careers aligned with their passions rather than monetary gain. Her dedication to helping others stems from personal struggles, including childhood experiences of food insecurity and dyslexia.
She shared poignant insights into navigating personal trauma and societal expectations, advocating for embracing imperfections and honoring one's journey. Dana's approach integrates various modalities like therapy and hypnotherapy to facilitate holistic healing and personal growth. Her commitment to authenticity and heart-centered coaching resonated deeply, underlining her belief that transformation begins with self-acceptance and extends to positively impacting others' lives.
The interview concluded with reflections on Dana's profound encounters with figures like Robin Williams and her experiences at transformative events like Amberley's conference. These encounters reinforced her belief in the power of genuine connection and empathy. Dana's journey from illness to empowerment exemplifies resilience and the capacity for profound personal and professional reinvention.
Looking ahead, Dana's forthcoming book and her ongoing podcast endeavors promise to extend her message of empowerment and gratitude to a broader audience. Her accessibility and genuine engagement with her audience underscore her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, reflecting her belief that impactful coaching transcends mere professional success to encompass personal fulfillment and community upliftment.
Listeners are encouraged to visit https://lifeisaclassroom.net/bwya/  to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck.
Connect with Dana

Roots to Transformation: Embracing Change

Special Guest Dana Grant
In this episode of the "LIAC Podcast," Dana Grant shares a journey that began in a large, nature-loving family where wholesome foods and gardening were the norm. From childhood roots deeply embedded in nature and sports, Dana's path led her to a transformative career as an intuitive coach and entrepreneur.
Reflecting on her upbringing and pivotal moments like a career-altering illness, Dana emphasizes the power of choice in personal transformation. She encourages listeners to embrace change and release societal expectations, advocating for following one's passions at any stage of life.
Having conducted business and taught in numerous countries, Dana stresses the importance of cultural sensitivity and education. Her experiences underscore the value of understanding diverse cultural perspectives in today's interconnected world.
As Dana prepares to publish her first book with Hay House, fulfilling a long-held dream, she reflects on the patience and persistence that brought her to this milestone. Her journey serves as inspiration for listeners navigating their own paths, reminding them of the limitless opportunities available when one trusts the process and prioritizes personal well-being.
Join us on the "LIAC Podcast" as we delve into Dana Grant's journey—a testament to embracing change, honoring passions, and thriving through life's transformations.
Tune in for the second half of this interview next week.
Listeners are encouraged to visit https://lifeisaclassroom.net/bwya/  to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck.
Connect with Dana
 

From Aspiring Writer to Accomplished Author

Special Guest Corey Poirier
Welcome to the second part of this interview where Corey shares his journey from aspiring writer to accomplished author. He dives deep into the fears and triumphs of writing, offering insights that resonate with anyone contemplating their own book. Corey's story is a testament to perseverance and finding unconventional paths to success.
Corey began his literary journey by contributing a chapter to an anthology book. Initially hesitant, he found solace in collaborative publishing, where multiple authors share the workload and amplify marketing efforts. Despite misconceptions about anthology books being mere cash grabs, Corey explains how this experience bolstered his confidence and kickstarted his authorial ambitions.
Reflecting on his early struggles with reading, Corey humorously recalls his mother's advice to read a book before writing one—a pivotal moment that underscored the importance of literary immersion. Despite this, Corey's first significant reads, Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People and Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich, propelled him into a new realm of knowledge and aspiration.
Transitioning from anthology contributions to solo projects, Corey's first standalone book, Conversations With, featured interviews transcribed into book format. This unconventional approach marked his transition from a novice to a published author, reinforcing his belief that starting somewhere is more critical than waiting for the perfect moment.
The discussion pivots to meditation, where Corey challenges traditional views on practice, drawing parallels with yoga's evolution from ancient practices to contemporary adaptations like "Yoga for Regular Guys." Corey advocates for a personalized approach to meditation, emphasizing its essence of detachment rather than rigid adherence to rules.
Corey's insights extend beyond personal achievements; they delve into his latest book, The Enlightened Passenger, a fictional parable distilled from over 7,500 interviews with global thought leaders. Emphasizing ten profound lessons, Corey invites readers to embrace wisdom and personal growth without the intimidating connotations of "enlightenment."
The conversation concludes on a poignant note about life's purpose and giving back, echoing the teachings of legendary figures like John Wooden. Corey's commitment to impacting lives underscores his belief in learning, dreaming, achieving, and selflessly contributing to others—a philosophy encapsulated in his new foundation and ongoing community outreach efforts.
Listeners are encouraged to visit https://lifeisaclassroom.net/bwya/  to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck.
You can connect with Corey visit ThisIsTheBook.com
 

Discovering Passion and Purpose

Special Guest Coery Poirier
 
In this episode of the LIAC Podcast, Hosts Dr. Damian Nesser and co-host Sam welcome guest Corey Poirier. They dive into Corey’s background, starting with his upbringing in a very small family. Corey, an only child, was raised primarily by his mother, with his father being a less significant presence. Despite his small immediate family, Corey’s grandparents had larger families. Corey recalls his mother’s love for macaroni and cheese, a dish he can’t stand now due to overexposure, and a family favorite called "boiled dinner," common in East Coast Canada, consisting of potatoes, carrots, cabbage, turnip, and pickled necks or pork hocks.
 
The discussion transitions to Corey’s concept of "vitamin P"—a blend of passion and purpose. He believes passion is the activity you love, while purpose is the reason behind it. Corey shares how discovering his purpose helped him overcome hypochondria and anxiety, emphasizing that passion often leads to purpose. He outlines an exercise to help people find their passions, including listing activities they would pursue if money were no object, things they enjoyed as children, skills they excel at, and activities that make them lose track of time. Corey advises prioritizing this list and taking small, actionable steps towards each passion, rewarding oneself along the way. He stresses that pursuing a passion should not be about immediate financial gain but about the intrinsic fulfillment it brings.
 
Corey also discusses his popular TED talk, "How Schools Can Inspire Purpose," which has garnered significant attention. He reflects on his own academic struggles, attributing them to a system that focuses too much on weaknesses rather than strengths. Corey argues for incorporating discussions of passion and purpose into education, suggesting that doing so could transform students' lives by making learning more meaningful and engaging. He cites programs like Junior Achievement, which have shown that students' overall performance improves when they are passionate about what they are learning.
 
The conversation touches on the pressure of standardized testing and its impact on students. Dr. N, drawing from his extensive experience in education, argues for reducing or eliminating these tests, especially for students interested in vocational training. He highlights the success of technical colleges where students gain practical skills and often earn more than traditional professionals straight out of high school.
 
Corey concludes by discussing the importance of expanding one’s comfort zone. Drawing from Neil Donald Walsh's quote, "Life truly begins at the end of our comfort zone," Corey explains that most people live within a very limited comfort zone, which can hinder their personal growth and happiness. He suggests making public commitments to goals, finding an accountability partner, visualizing one’s comfort zone, taking action, and rewarding oneself for progress. By continuously pushing the boundaries of their comfort zone, people can transform what once felt uncomfortable into new norms, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.
 
Tune in next week for the second part of this interview.
 
Listeners are encouraged to visit https://lifeisaclassroom.net/bwya/  to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck.
 
You can connect with Corey ThisIsTheBook.com 
 

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Special Guest Lise Cartwright
Welcome to the second part of our interview with Lise, where we dive deeper into the highs and lows of the author's journey. Lise shares candidly about the inner battles many authors face—the nagging self-doubt and imposter syndrome that can haunt us when we embark on creative ventures. She reflects on her own initial fears, questioning her qualifications and the relevance of her voice. These fears are familiar to anyone who has dared to pursue a dream beyond the ordinary.
What resonates most is Lise's approach to silencing that inner critic. She reminds us that our responsibility as authors is not perfection but creation—to get our thoughts on paper, messy and raw, trusting that editors will polish our words into brilliance. This perspective liberates us from the paralyzing need to be flawless, recognizing that imperfection is human and relatable.
Yet, amidst the valleys lie incredible peaks. Lise paints a vivid picture of the euphoria when holding your book for the first time—a tangible testament to your dedication and creativity. Even more profound is the impact on readers' lives. The joy of receiving heartfelt messages from strangers touched by your words transcends any self-doubt or criticism. It's a reminder that writing is not just about words on a page but about forging connections and making a difference, however small.
However, success doesn't shield authors from fears. Lise candidly shares her early dread of negative reviews, fearing public judgment and ridicule. Over time, she's learned to embrace criticism as a testament to her authenticity—knowing that not everyone will resonate with her message, and that's okay. Her journey underscores resilience and the transformative power of vulnerability.
As we conclude our conversation, Lise leaves us with a poignant reflection on the essence of writing—to impact lives and spark change, one reader at a time. Her optimism and dedication shine through, reminding us that amidst challenges and uncertainties, the reward lies in the journey itself. Join us as we continue to explore the inspiring stories and insights that shape the world of literature.
Thank you for listening to this episode, where each story unfolds with wisdom and warmth. Remember to subscribe for more empowering conversations with visionaries like Lise, who remind us to bloom where we are planted.
Listeners are encouraged to visit https://lifeisaclassroom.net/bwya/  to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck.

Transform Your Life with Life Design Coaching

Pre-order the book 'Bloom Where You Are' HERE
 
Welcome to the latest episode of the Life is a Classroom (LIAC) podcast, hosted by Dr. Damian Nesser with his co-host, Sam. In this special relaunch episode, Karen Roberts interviews Dr. Nesser to delve deep into his journey, the evolution of the podcast, and the inspiring story of his co-host, Sam. Remember the podcast’s guiding mantra: "Learn, dream, and achieve, and give back to someone who can't give back to you in your classroom of life."
 
Karen Roberts introduces the episode, highlighting the absence of co-host Sam and setting the stage for an insightful conversation with Dr. Damian Nesser. A tribute is paid to Sam's incredible journey from depression to thriving, emphasizing his achievements in education and career.
 
Dr. Nesser shares his transformative experience at Amberley Lagos Mastermind in Malibu, California. He recounts the unexpected support and warm welcome from Brooke Hemingway that alleviated his anxiety and set the foundation for his career as a life design coach. This marked the beginning of his journey into helping others reinvent their lives, drawing parallels with mentoring and guiding students.
 
He discusses his process of mentoring individuals, illustrated through the case study of Sam Geiger. Sam, initially a tech-savvy yet insecure individual, evolved into a successful co-host, student, and police academy aspirant. Dr. Nesser emphasizes the importance of not forcing mentorship but rather facilitating growth through support and guidance.
 
Dr. Nesser then analyzes what holds people back from seeking help, primarily fear and concern about failure and judgment. He encourages listeners to overcome these fears and take proactive steps towards their goals. He explains the podcast’s mantra, inspired by his experiences and the teachings of the late John Wooden, emphasizing honesty, trustworthiness, and building relationships before conducting business.
 
He offers practical advice for young entrepreneurs and students: prioritize relationships over transactions and be cautious of people who approach business without first establishing a personal connection. Maintaining integrity and transparency in all dealings is crucial.
 
Information about the upcoming book launch, "Bloom Where You Are," set for release on July 14th, is shared along with instructions for pre-ordering the book through the podcast’s website. A teaser for the next episode features a special guest, Corriee, with both Dr. Nesser and Sam returning.
 
Dr. Nesser wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of the podcast’s guiding principles. He thanks Karen for the engaging interview and looks forward to the exciting new developments in the upcoming season.
 
Listeners are encouraged to visit lifeisaclassroom.net to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck. They are also invited to tune in next week for an inspiring conversation with special guest Corriee.
Thank you for listening to the LIAC podcast. Remember, life is a classroom. Learn, dream, and achieve. Give back to someone who can't give back to you in your classroom of life. Give back today. Stay connected and follow us on social media for updates, inspiring quotes, and behind-the-scenes content.

Bloom Where You Are

This week on the Life Is A Classroom Podcast, we would like to introduce our listeners to Lise Cartwright, the author working with us on our upcoming book "Bloom Where You Are." We hope you enjoy this look into what is to come before we take a Christmas hiatus and return with season 4 in January.

Classroom Corner #47 : The Natural Way To Better Health Part 3

This week on the Classroom Corner, we interview Chris Terzakos, an author, motivational speaker, and transformational coach. Tune in as we discuss healthier alternatives to naturally increase health and athletic performance.