Translate

Sunday, April 6, 2025

From Grief to Purpose: The Transformational Journey of Tony Lynch

 


From Grief to Purpose: The Transformational Journey of Tony Lynch
By Rosabel V. Zohfeld | Life Unscripted Podcast

Grief is a universal experience—yet it is as unique as a fingerprint. On the latest episode of Life Unscripted, I had the honor of sitting down with a remarkable man whose life story is a testament to resilience and a powerful guide for those navigating unimaginable pain.

Tony Lynch is a grief coach, author, podcast host, founder of Memories of Us, and the visionary behind the Global Grief Network and Global Grief Conference. But beyond the titles lies a journey shaped by profound loss, trauma, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Tony’s life has been anything but easy. A survivor of childhood abuse, gang violence, homelessness, and incarceration, Tony has experienced the kind of losses that would bring most to their knees. He’s lost over 400 friends and family members, including both parents, his brother, and most heartbreakingly, his son. “My gift was born out of trauma,” he shared with honesty and conviction. “Grief became my teacher. And through it, I found my purpose.”

His story took a turning point after surviving two suicide attempts—the second leading to a spiritual awakening in the desert. Tony realized then that his life was never indeed about him. It was about service. Healing. Connection. That moment transformed his pain into purpose and set him on a mission to create safe spaces for men and others experiencing grief.

In our conversation, Tony and I discussed the cultural differences in how grief is expressed and perceived. We both shared personal stories—mine from losing my mother as a teenager in Colombia, and his from the tragic loss of his son. The common thread? Grief often hides in plain sight. And too many people suffer silently because they fear being misunderstood.

Tony is changing that.

Through his initiatives like Grief Talk Magazine, the Memories of Us podcast, and the upcoming Global Grief Conference (April 25–27), he’s creating community-centered platforms for healing. From comedy and live music to heartfelt keynotes and support groups, his conference is more than just an event—it’s a lifeline.

Tony reminded us that while grief may break us, it can also build us. “My job,” he says, “is to walk with people through the mud and leave them better than I found them.”

💬 A Final Thought from Tony:

“The three most powerful words in the human language? I love you. We need to say it more. We need to feel it more. And above all—we need to live it more.”

📌 Get in Touch with Tony Lynch:

  • Facebook: Tony Lynch

  • YouTube: Grief: Let’s Talk About It Podcast

  • Instagram: @mensgriefsupport

  • LinkedIn: Tony Lynch

  • Books:

    • Relentless: Empowering Stories of Overcoming Grief – Available on Amazon

    • Men Grieve Too – Available on Lulu.com

Don’t miss the upcoming Global Grief Conference, streaming live from April 25 to 27 across all major platforms. With 13 hours of daily programming and speakers worldwide, this event is bound to uplift, educate, and inspire.


🎙️ Love this episode?
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast wherever you listen. Join our growing community and discover more powerful stories like Tony’s—stories that remind us we’re never alone on this journey.

Until next time,
Rosabel



Saturday, April 5, 2025

Breaking Free from the Grip of Scammers: A Conversation with Zoey Michaels


🎙️ Breaking Free from the Grip of Scammers: A Conversation with Zoey Michaels
By Rosabel V. Zohfeld

In a world where trust often feels fragile, few stories hit home quite like that of Zoey Michaels, a writer, advocate, and survivor of emotional and financial manipulation. I had the incredible honor of welcoming Zoey onto The Life Unscripted Podcast to discuss a subject that’s often cloaked in silence and shame: being scammed.

But Zoey didn’t just survive—she turned her pain into power.


The Scam That Changed Everything

What began as a simple Facebook friend request spiraled into a long-term emotional entanglement involving deception, manipulation, and, ultimately, profound personal loss. Despite all her precautions—even tagging the individual as a “possible scammer”—Zoey was drawn into a well-crafted scheme that targeted her empathy and trust.

“They adapt like viruses,” she explained. “They’re not artists—they are diseases.”

Scammers aren’t always after quick money. They work slowly, gaining trust, building emotional connections, and gradually breaking down resistance. Zoey describes the experience as “wrapped inside the coils of a constrictor snake.” You think you can breathe—until the squeeze tightens again.


From Victim to Voice: The Power of Storytelling

Rather than retreat in silence, Zoey chose to speak out. Her book, Breaking Free: How Scammers Manipulate and How to Fight Back, offers a rare dual-perspective narrative that explores both the manipulator’s strategy and the victim’s psychological experience.

In doing so, she gives voice to what so many endure silently—emotional coercion, shame, confusion, and the gut-wrenching process of reclaiming control.

Writing became her form of healing. “Ideas are my happy place,” she told me. “The reverse-engineering helped me understand myself—and help others see the red flags before it’s too late.”


A Community of Courage

Our conversation also revealed something deeply personal for both of us: we’ve both experienced this in different ways. Whether it was family manipulation, financial coercion, or false emotional promises, the damage runs deep—and so does the courage it takes to heal.

It’s why Zoey’s upcoming book, I Am NOT Your ATM, hits so hard. A satirical but truth-laden take on what it means to be seen as a resource instead of a person, the book speaks directly to the self-employed, creators, and caregivers who often find themselves emotionally and financially drained.


Beyond the Scam: Healing, Advocacy & Reclaiming Power

Scams aren't just transactions—they're emotional betrayals. As a nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable elderly patients, individuals with dementia, and even healthcare professionals are. That’s why this conversation isn’t just about Zoey’s story—it’s about all of us.

Together, we discussed:

  • How family dynamics and codependency can shape susceptibility to manipulation

  • Why shame and stigma prevent victims from speaking up

  • How scammers use emotional hooks—romance, fear, false opportunity—to exploit

  • Why it’s time to protect not just ourselves, but our elders and children, too


Zoey’s Message: You Are Not Alone

If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this: you are not alone, and you are not to blame. Scammers are professional manipulators. They train themselves to exploit emotions and routines. But by speaking out, we remove the veil. We arm ourselves—and each other—with knowledge, compassion, and the courage to break free.


🎧 Listen & Engage

You can listen to our full conversation on The Life Unscripted Podcast—available wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to check out Zoey’s website for more on her books and tools she’s created to help others recognize red flags and regain control:

🌐 ZoeyMichaels.com
📩 ZoeyMichaelsBooks@gmail.com

Her blog also offers a free questionnaire for those who wonder if they—or someone they know—might be involved in a scam.


🔔 Final Thoughts

If you or someone you love has been scammed, please know there is no shame. There is only bravery in speaking out, learning, and helping others avoid the same trap.

📣 If this blog post resonated with you, please:

  • Share it with someone who might benefit from reading it

  • Leave a comment below—let us know your thoughts or experiences

  • Subscribe to The Life Unscripted Podcast for more authentic conversations 

Together, let’s shed the shame and reclaim our stories.

Until next time, stay alert, stay empowered, and keep living unscripted.



Friday, April 4, 2025

Practical Growth Through Conversation: My Interview with Michal Stawicki

 

Practical Growth Through Conversation: My Interview with Michal Stawicki

On a recent episode of my podcast, The Life Unscripted with Rosabel, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michal Stawicki, an author and personal growth advocate from Poland, known for his pragmatic approach to self-improvement.

Michal shared how his journey into personal development began unexpectedly when he stumbled across Jeff Olson's book, The Slight Edge, while visiting family in Ireland. He described how the book’s concept—success and failure resulting from simple, consistent actions—deeply resonated with him and prompted him to make meaningful changes in his life.

During our conversation, I was intrigued by Michal's creation of a personal mission statement inspired by Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Michal explained that crafting this statement became his compass, guiding him to align his daily actions with his deeper goals. His advice on how listeners could create mission statements through introspection felt particularly insightful.

I asked Michal about balancing practical methods with abstract concepts like visualization and gratitude. He initially admitted to feeling skeptical about these methods but eventually recognized their power through personal experience and scientific research. Michal emphasized gratitude as particularly transformative—a sentiment I deeply connected with based on my experiences.

One topic I was especially curious about was Michal's transition from his career in IT to becoming a full-time author. Michal candidly shared his significant challenges, such as replacing a stable salary and dealing with skepticism from friends and family. He highlighted the importance of community support, reinforcing my belief in building a supportive network.

Michal and I discussed extensively how family influenced his personal and professional growth approach. He explained his strategy for balancing work and family life by adapting his writing schedule around his commute and creating a flexible business model. This conversation resonated with my own experiences in balancing ambition with family responsibilities.

I found Michal's philosophy of taking small, sustainable steps particularly relatable and valuable. He illustrated this with his personal story of overcoming shyness by breaking down his goal into manageable actions, reinforcing the powerful message that incremental changes can lead to significant breakthroughs.

I asked Michal how he recommends listeners track their personal growth. He suggested practical metrics, emphasizing the consistency of actions over immediate results, particularly in less tangible practices like gratitude. This helpful advice seemed immediately applicable and beneficial for our listeners.

Our conversation highlighted continuous learning. Michal shared his preference for reading to stay updated on personal development. He encouraged listeners to find methods that resonate with them, an idea I fully support based on my learning journey.

Finally, we discussed Michal's future goals. He mentioned his current focus on mindfulness meditation techniques he's learning from a client, reflecting his ongoing commitment to personal growth. Michal’s key takeaway—that passion grows through consistent action—was a message that deeply resonated with me and provided valuable inspiration to our audience.

I hope this conversation with Michal provides practical insights and inspiration for our listeners, highlighting how consistent, small actions can drive transformative results.

To explore more of Michal’s insights, visit ExpandBeyondYourself.com.

Spring Flower: A Story of Resilience, Identity, and the Human Spirit


 Spring Flower: A Story of Resilience, Identity, and the Human Spirit

Imagine surviving one of the worst natural disasters in history as a newborn, growing up amidst cultural upheaval, and then later documenting a journey that spans continents, wars, and decades of personal challenges. This is precisely the extraordinary story in "Spring Flower," a memoir originally begun by Dr. Jean-Tren Hoa Perkins and completed by her son, Richard Perkins Hsung.

Jean-Tren Hoa Perkins' life was dramatically shaped from birth. Born into an impoverished farmer's family during the catastrophic Yangtze River flood of 1931, her survival was miraculous. Her biological mother, displaying remarkable foresight and love, sought refuge and aid from American medical missionaries operating near their devastated village in China. Here, Jean was adopted at just one year old by American missionaries who became her real parents in heart and spirit.

Richard Perkins Hsung, Jean's son, shared on the Life Unscripted Podcast the poignant narrative of his mother's early years, characterized by an extraordinary blend of hardship and happiness. Despite a tumultuous beginning, Jean spent her formative years embraced by the warmth of her adoptive parents and their community. Educated in English-speaking schools and absorbing Western ideals, Jean enjoyed a loving and nurturing environment that defied the norms for women in her native China at the time.

Her journey was marked by extraordinary encounters, including witnessing Mahatma Gandhi during one of his famous hunger strikes and experiencing World War II firsthand. Jean was briefly repatriated to the United States during the war, but she returned to China afterward due to her parents' commitment to their missionary work. However, political upheaval would dramatically shift the trajectory of her life once again.

Jean found herself trapped in Communist China for 30 long years, separated from her American adoptive parents, who were forced to flee during the rise of anti-American sentiments. During this isolation, Jean navigated life through the perspective of an American-educated woman in a culturally oppressive environment. Her son, Richard, was born during this turbulent period and later accompanied Jean when she returned to the U.S. in 1980.

Richard candidly shared his own experiences, recalling his shock and struggles at adjusting to life in America. Forced to leave behind family and friends at 14, he grappled with his identity, feeling caught between two worlds—neither entirely Chinese nor thoroughly American. Despite the challenges, Richard built a meaningful life, teaching chemistry and eventually completing his mother's memoir, a profound labor of love and duty.

Completing "Spring Flower" was an emotionally arduous process for Richard, mirroring his mother's struggles while writing the memoir. Jean herself fell into depression while revisiting painful memories and eventually developed dementia, passing away shortly after Richard promised to finish her life's work. The memoir has preserved Jean’s remarkable story and provided Richard with a journey of healing and self-discovery.

The story of Jean-Tren Hoa Perkins and Richard Perkins Hsung resonates deeply with anyone who has faced cultural displacement or felt caught between worlds. It's a testament to resilience, the power of storytelling, and the journey to find one's unique identity amidst life's unpredictable challenges.

"Spring Flower" offers readers a rare glimpse into the personal and historical events of the 20th century through the eyes of a remarkable woman and her son. Above all, it is a powerful reminder that every person's journey—filled with adversity, resilience, and transformation—is a story worth telling.

To explore more about this inspiring story, check out "Spring Flower: A Tale of Two Rivers," available now on Amazon. For more information and to connect directly with Richard Perkins Hsung, visit his official website at RichardPerkinsHsung.com.

Visit the Yankse River Website

Subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast for more inspiring life stories here: YouTube

Rewrite Your Story: Empowering Women Through Intuitive Mindset Coaching

 


Rewrite Your Story: Empowering Women Through Intuitive Mindset Coaching


In a recent episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I welcomed Sasha Greenidge, an intuitive mindset coach specializing in guiding high-achieving women to break free from limiting beliefs and rewrite their life stories.


Sasha's journey toward becoming an intuitive mindset coach began with her transformation. Like many women, she found herself in her mid-thirties, outwardly successful yet deeply unhappy, burned out, and disconnected from her true self. Her path to healing started when she encountered a coach who opened her eyes to mindset work influenced by Bob Proctor's teachings, leading her into the profound worlds of Gene Keys and Human Design.


Gene Keys and Human Design blend ancient wisdom with quantum physics, providing a personalized blueprint for unlocking one's highest potential. Sasha shared how these tools illuminated her life's shadows and ego patterns, empowering her to reclaim her authentic voice and true happiness.


A significant aspect of Sasha's approach is self-study and introspection. During sessions, Sasha encourages women to explore their inner thoughts, feelings, and motivations within a safe, judgment-free space. Rather than offering quick fixes, Sasha emphasizes the importance of deep, intentional work over time, notably in her 12-month coaching program, Becoming: A Year to Own Your Story and Lead Your Life. The first three months of this transformative journey involve intense deconditioning—letting go of deep-rooted beliefs and societal conditioning—to help women rediscover their innate worth and genuine desires.


One compelling insight Sasha shared was the importance of reconnecting with our inner child. Women can reconnect with joy, creativity, and freedom by revisiting this pure, unconditioned self. This practice helps combat the weight of societal expectations and roles, allowing women to thrive authentically rather than merely survive.


The coaching process Sasha offers isn't just about individual transformation—it's about empowering women collectively. Sasha's mission is clear: to return power to women, helping them realize that fulfillment isn't found externally—in careers, relationships, or societal validation—but from deep within themselves. This inner clarity brings authenticity, strength, and meaningful connection to all areas of their lives.


In closing, Sasha's powerful message resonates deeply: "Take your power back." Life is not meant to be spent tiptoeing cautiously toward its end; it's meant to be lived boldly, joyfully, and authentically.

Sasha offers a complimentary "Rewrite Your Story" session for those ready to embark. 


To connect with Sasha and learn more, visit SashaGreenidge.com or IntuitiveDesignCoaching.com.  

You can also follow her insights and guidance on Instagram and TikTok at @SashaHarris_Greenidge.

Until next time, keep rewriting your story and embracing life unscripted.

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Is Your Snoring Impacting More Than Just Your Sleep? – Insights from Tiffany Ludwiki


 Is Your Snoring Impacting More Than Just Your Sleep? – Insights from Tiffany Ludwiki

Have you ever considered that your snoring might be affecting far more than your night's rest? In my latest episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I sat down with the incredible Tiffany Ludwiki, a passionate myofunctional therapist whose story of resilience, determination, and innovation will inspire you.

From Struggle to Success

Tiffany's journey was anything but easy. Facing homelessness early in life, she overcame immense obstacles to earn a university degree and establish her own dental hygiene practice. When regulatory barriers threatened her success, Tiffany innovatively transitioned her practice online, creating specialized programs that help people overcome snoring and dramatically improve their health.

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is akin to physical therapy, but specifically for your tongue and face muscles. It involves exercises designed to strengthen these muscles, significantly impacting how you breathe, sleep, eat, and speak. Tiffany explained how poor muscle function in the mouth can lead to issues like sleep apnea, snoring, teeth grinding, and more subtle symptoms like headaches, acid reflux, and even anxiety.

The Hidden Dangers of Snoring

According to Tiffany, "Snoring is not okay." This common nighttime nuisance could signal deeper health issues, impacting physical wellness, relationships, mental health, and quality of life. Symptoms like chronic fatigue, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and even gut health issues are often linked to snoring-related sleep disruptions.

Why Traditional Treatments May Fail

Many people try solutions like nasal strips, CPAP machines, or surgeries, yet still struggle with snoring. Tiffany highlights that while these methods may temporarily alleviate symptoms, they often fail to address underlying issues like muscle dysfunction and improper breathing habits.

How Tiffany Helps

Tiffany employs a holistic approach, combining exercises to strengthen facial and tongue muscles, coaching for mindset and accountability, and comprehensive sleep hygiene practices. Her methods have provided life-changing results for many, enabling better sleep, improved relationships, and renewed vitality.

Take Action Today

Are you or a loved one struggling with snoring or sleep issues? Tiffany offers valuable resources and personalized solutions through her online platforms.

Remember to subscribe to and follow The Life Unscripted Podcast for more conversations that can transform your health, mindset, and life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it!

Until next time, live your life unscripted!

Breaking Free: The Inspiring Journey of Chris Baus

Breaking Free: The Inspiring Journey of Chris Baus

Life sometimes hands us challenges that seem insurmountable. For Chris Baus, a Master Certified Life Coach and powerful public speaker, overcoming over 25 years of addiction, trauma, and even a near-fatal suicide attempt became his life's greatest triumph and mission.


In a candid and robust conversation on Life Unscripted Podcast, Chris shared the realities of struggling silently as a man in society today. Starting young as a promising musician and quickly succumbing to the lure of the rock star lifestyle, Chris found himself deep in addiction. 

Eventually, the combination of alcohol, prescription drugs, and unmanaged trauma nearly ended his life.

Yet, at his lowest point—homeless, unemployable, divorced, and medically on the brink—Chris found clarity. After waking up from a medically induced coma, doctors gave him a grim ultimatum: sobriety or death. This stark reality pushed Chris toward rehabilitation, where a transformative encounter with a life coach sparked a new purpose: to heal himself and help others do the same.


Today, Chris uses his experiences and vulnerability as strengths, empowering men to speak up about their struggles. He emphasizes the power of vulnerability, reframing it not as a weakness but a profound strength and a critical step toward healing. This message is meant to empower and encourage you to share your struggles.


"First, you're not alone," Chris stressed during our conversation. Highlighting staggering statistics—600 men in the United States commit suicide daily—he advocates tirelessly for more openness, resources, and support for men's mental health.


Beyond one-on-one coaching, Chris passionately shares his journey through public speaking engagements, his book Becoming a Better Man (soon to be published), and two YouTube channels, Awareness to Obtain and Men's Forum 2025. These platforms offer guidance, support, and community for men struggling silently, covering crucial topics from addiction recovery to emotional health and wealth-building.


One particularly memorable success story Chris shared involved a friend he helped guide from relapse to becoming a successful financial investor and co-creator of the Men's Forum 2025 channel. Stories like these fuel Chris's mission to ensure no man faces their struggles alone.


His personal story also includes reconciliation and remarriage to his wife after overcoming addiction, symbolizing hope and the immense power of change and forgiveness. Chris embodies resilience, reminding us of the potential within each struggle.


Get Connected


Chris invites everyone, especially men who are feeling isolated in their battles, to reach out and engage:



Don't miss Chris's's upcoming book, Becoming a Better M. It isn, a profoundly personal roadmap to personal development, overcoming struggles, and embracing one's authentic self.


Subscribe & Engage


Subscribe to The Life Unscripted Podcast for more inspiring conversations, personal growth stories, and insights that empower and uplift. You can also engage directly with Chris through social media—your voice matters. You're not alone.


Remember, vulnerability isn't weakness; it's your greatest strength. Take the first step today.

Life Unscripted with Rosabel

Investment Secrets Revealed: 7 Powerful Truths from Dani Lynn Robison’s Journey to Financial Freedom

Investment Strategies with Heart: What Dani Lynn Robison Wants You to Know When most people think about investment , they picture spreadsh...