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Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Reclaiming Your Power: A Life Unscripted Conversation with Maggie Boillot

 


πŸ”₯ Reclaiming Your Power: A Life Unscripted Conversation with Maggie Boillot

What if everything you need to create the life you want is already inside you?

On a recent episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Maggie Boillot, a powerhouse keynote speaker, self-discovery mentor, and host of The Power Shift podcast. Maggie is the founder of Power Within Her, Inc., and she's on a mission to help women unapologetically reclaim their voices, rediscover their worth, and boldly live the lives they were meant to live.

From the moment we hit "record," the energy was electric. Maggie shared how she spent over a decade living someone else’s version of a dream until one morning, she woke up and decided she was done settling. She was tired of her own BS—as she put it—and ready to choose differently.

πŸ”‘ The Shift Begins Within

The Power Within Her movement began with Instagram journal entries—raw reflections from Maggie’s healing and empowerment journey. From there, it evolved into community building, 1:1 mentoring, coaching, and public speaking. Now, Maggie is hosting the Power Shift Podcast, where she shares personal stories and amplifies others’ voices navigating similar transformations.

We discussed The Reclaim Your Power Summit, which she co-hosted alongside Sammy. The summit featured 12 incredible women who spoke about alignment, confidence, self-love, and truth. Maggie reminded us that we all start somewhere, and the most powerful transformations often come from ordinary decision-making moments.

πŸ’­ From Self-Doubt to Self-Discovery

One of the most profound takeaways from our conversation was Maggie’s insight into the most significant obstacle she sees in her work: self-doubt. That inner critic. That whisper of “Who am I to do this?”

But she doesn’t just leave her clients there. She helps them enter their unapologetic, joyful, “weird,” vibrant selves. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being real—about being yourself out loud.

“You don’t find courage. You create it.” — Maggie Boillot

🌿 Creating a Life You Love, 90% of the Time

Maggie also shared her new project for 2025: launching an exclusive women’s empowerment community designed to be a full-body, full-soul experience. It’s for the woman who knows there’s more to life, but doesn’t quite know where to begin. Together, they’ll laugh, cry, grow, and ignite the fire within.

The key? Becoming aware.

She left us with a powerful acronym: AWARE

  • Acknowledge what’s happening

  • Willingness to grow and change

  • Align with what lights your soul

  • Release what no longer serves

  • Experience a more fulfilling life

This isn’t just a formula—it’s a way of life.


🎧 Ready to Shift?

If you felt seen by this conversation, you’re not alone. Maggie’s story reminds us that change doesn’t begin with giant leaps—it starts with a decision to listen to that quiet inner voice that says: You were made for more.

πŸŽ™ Listen to the full episode on the Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel.
πŸ“² Follow, like, and message Maggie on Instagram at @PowerWithinHer.Inc
🌐 Visit her website: powerwithinerinc.com
πŸŽ™ Tune into her podcast: The Power Shift

And of course—
πŸ’Œ Connect with me, Rosabel V. Zohfeld, on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
πŸ“š Check out my book: The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream
🎧 Subscribe to Life Unscripted Podcast wherever you listen
πŸ“ Share this episode with someone who needs a little encouragement today



Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Unsung Stories of Courage and Healing: A Conversation with Dave Murphy

 


Unsung Stories of Courage and Healing: A Conversation with Dave Murphy

On this episode of Life Unscripted with Rosabel, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with a remarkable human being: Dave Murphy, host of The Unsung Podcast and author of two deeply moving children’s books. Our conversation was laced with moments of raw honesty, laughter, reflection, and mutual encouragement, all underscored by a shared mission: to use our voices and platforms to lift up the stories that often go untold.

From Trauma to Triumph

Dave’s story is one of profound resilience. In 1994, he survived a violent knife attack that left him with physical and emotional scars. Struggling with PTSD for over two decades, Dave turned to alcohol and unhealthy habits as a way to cope—until his daughter became his turning point. Her simple desire to race her dad home from the playground, and his inability to keep up, sparked a life-changing transformation.

Over several years, Dave lost 170 pounds, gave up alcohol, and completely rewired his lifestyle—all while raising his daughter and finding joy in their shared journey toward health and healing.

A Voice for the Unsung

That same little girl who sparked his transformation also inspired his first book, The Great Race: My Daddy and Me. It's more than a children’s story; it's a symbol of hope for families seeking a healthier path. His second book, In the Heart of the Forest, uses the metaphor of a fox facing its fears to discuss trauma and courage, touching readers of all ages and backgrounds.

But Dave didn’t stop there. He launched The Unsung Podcast, a space to highlight the real, raw, and remarkable stories of people who rarely make the headlines. From blind mountain climbers and Special Olympians to domestic abuse survivors and everyday heroes, Dave’s podcast celebrates human strength in its quietest, most potent forms.

Music, Humor, and the Courage to Share

What I admire most about Dave is his humility. Whether he’s nervously performing guitar at a church concert (sober, for the first time!) or reading his book in Spanish with a Puss-in-Boots accent, Dave brings sincerity and humor to everything he does. We laughed about awkward language learning moments and bonded over emotional movie scenes (Titanic, anyone?).. We talked about how the smallest acts—like showing up or looking someone in the eye—can be transformative.

Our conversation also touched on:

  • How Dave’s viral transformation post got picked up by Arnold Schwarzenegger (and how he handled the trolls).

  • His live mental health open mic project, “Rock and Resilience.”

  • The importance of consistency and joy in podcasting, even when the numbers don’t seem impressive.

  • We both believe deeply in sharing our stories—not for fame, but for impact.

Final Words of Wisdom

Dave gave us a simple but powerful message: “If you’re struggling, talk to someone. Just get through the next five minutes. Your day can start over at any time.”

He also reminded us that the size of your audience doesn’t matter—what matters is who you reach. As he said, “If your episode has 52 plays, but one person writes you to say it saved their life? That’s the only play that counts.”

🎧 Listen, Subscribe, and Share

If you’re looking for stories that make you feel seen, uplifted, and deeply moved, I encourage you to subscribe to The Unsung Podcast with Dave Murphy. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more.

Of course, I’d love for you to subscribe to Life Unscripted with Rosabel. Let’s keep building a community rooted in storytelling, connection, and healing—one real conversation at a time.

Until next time, stay curious and stay kind.

Rosabel Zohfeld
Writer, Host of Life Unscripted with Rosabel



Monday, April 14, 2025

Strong Moms, Strong Families: A Conversation with Meg Kuhnle

 


Strong Moms, Strong Families: A Conversation with Meg Kuhnle

In this heartwarming episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I had the incredible pleasure of sitting down with Meg Kuhnle—aka The Capable Mom Coach—for a conversation that felt like two moms sharing a deep, needed breath together.

Meg is a certified Life, Health, Wellness, and Menopause Coach and the heart behind MegaThrive Coaching. With over 15 years of experience, a degree in Exercise Science, and three kids of her own, she’s no stranger to motherhood's wild, beautiful chaos.

When our conversation began, Meg’s authenticity and compassion poured through. She reminded us that being a mom isn’t about doing everything—it’s about learning to make space for ourselves and our families without losing who we are.

Letting Go of Guilt and Overwhelm

One decisive moment came when we discussed the ever-present feeling that we’re never doing “enough.” Whether folding mountains of laundry or trying to keep up with healthy meals, we often live with a persistent inner critic. Meg’s advice? Start by telling yourself, “I’m doing pretty well right now.” Because chances are, you really are.

She also shared how tuning into your nervous system—yes, even pausing to ask yourself, “What do I need right now?”—can be a game-changer. It's not just about external help (though we need that, too); it’s about internal compassion.

The Invisible Load of Motherhood

We laughed about our kids making plans for lunch without informing the grown-ups (because,, of course,, they did). We reflected on how being a mom means being the ship's captain, the household's leader. While that title can feel heavy, Meg encouraged us to see it as empowering.

“You are doing way better than you think you are,” she said—and I felt that truth in my bones.

Energy Drains and How to Reclaim Yourself

Meg broke down the layers of tiredness we experience as moms—physical, emotional, mental, and sensory—and why a one-size-fits-all solution won’t cut it. Her practical, grace-filled tips like drinking water, stepping outside without your phone, or putting your feet up for just five minutes were simple, accessible ways to start caring for our energy again.

Identity After Motherhood

Perhaps the most profound part of our talk was exploring identity. Who are we beyond the laundry, tantrums, and school pickups? Meg reminded us that it’s okay if our hobbies change or our priorities shift. What matters is staying connected to who we are becoming—not just who we were.

And don’t underestimate the power of a simple, honest question: “How are you?” Especially when we ask it of ourselves.


Want More from Meg Kuhnle?

Meg offers free resources like the “Chaos Conquering Companion” and monthly virtual workshops to help moms reconnect with themselves and their families. Upcoming sessions include:

  • Let Go of Guilt – April 27

  • Handling Pushback and Big Feelings – May 18

πŸ‘‰ Visit www.megathrivecoaching.com to download her free planner and stay in the loop.

You can also find Meg on Instagram and Facebook @megathrivecoaching.


πŸ’¬ If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a fellow mom who needs to hear that she’s not alone. Also, remember to connect with Meg and tell her Rosabel sent you!

πŸŽ™️ And of course, subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

Until next time—remember, you’re not just allowed to thrive… you’re meant to. 🌱



Sunday, April 13, 2025

Awaken Your Inner Guide: A Soulful Conversation with Ellie LalibertΓ©


Awaken Your Inner Guide: A Soulful Conversation with Ellie LalibertΓ©

Published by Rosabel Zohfeld | Life Unscripted Podcast | April 2025

“No one is to be blamed for your triggers, as they are all mirrors of you.” — Ellie LalibertΓ©


Rediscovering the Voice Within

Have you ever felt like something deeper within you was trying to speak? A voice beyond the noise, the to-do lists, the pain—one that holds peace and power? That’s the essence of my recent conversation with Ellie LalibertΓ©, writer, spiritual guide, and author of Letters From You to You: Awaken Your Power Through Conversations with Your Higher Self.

Ellie’s book offers 21 poetic, potent letters written from the voice of our inner being—guiding us through emotional healing, surrender, grief, and self-realization. These aren’t just pages to read—they're letters to live.

πŸ“– Letters From You to You is available on Amazon and Audible. Visit lettersbyellie.com to learn more.


What It Means to Live from Your Authentic Self

In our conversation, Ellie explained the difference between the default self (our conditioned ego identity) and the authentic self (our inner being). Naming her inner self “Ellie” helped her distinguish between reaction and presence.

“When I react from fear, I ask: am I being Michelle or Ellie right now?”

This daily practice of self-awareness creates space for transformation, especially in challenging moments. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.


Emotional Triggers Are Mirrors, Not Enemies

One of my favorite insights from Ellie’s book is the reframing of emotional triggers. Instead of labeling them as bad or shameful, she encourages us to view them curiously. Triggers reveal patterns—often rooted in childhood—that are ready to be healed.

If you’ve been cut off in traffic and stewed over it for hours, you’ve experienced how the ego clings to stories. But with practice, we can witness the reaction, pause, and respond gracefully.

πŸ™ Spiritual growth begins with self-observation. It continues with compassion.


Make Space, Not Time

Ellie beautifully explains that your inner being isn’t asking for more hours in your day but for space in your heart. Whether washing dishes, sitting in traffic, or caring for your family, you can shift your awareness and invite your authentic self into that moment.

“Time is already there. It’s space we need to create.”


Embracing the Unknown

Letting go of control is a common struggle,  especially during life transitions. But Ellie reminds us that the unknown isn’t something to fear. It’s where freedom lives. When we stop trying to grip everything so tightly, we make room for life to surprise, heal, and guide us.


Daily Practices for Inner Peace

Here are a few practices Ellie swears by:

  • Silent meditation every morning (40–60 minutes)

  • Witnessing thoughts without judgment

  • Allowing emotions to be fully felt and released

  • Naming her authentic self as a daily check-in tool

🧘‍♀️ “If you can’t sit with yourself in silence, you’ll always be at conflict with others.”


Gentle Words for Heavy Days

For anyone navigating grief, loss, or emotional overwhelm, Ellie offers this tender guidance:

“Let yourself feel everything. Sit in the discomfort. Your higher self is already speaking—you just need to make space to listen.”

Sometimes the most radical thing we can do is not rush our healing.


What’s Next for Ellie?

Ellie is wwritinga new book faboutpracticing witness consciousness and plans to launch silent retreats where readers can emore effectively ngage with her letters  These retreats will offer space for reflection, stillness, and deep connection to yone'shigher self.

Stay tuned at lettersbyellie.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook @ellielaliberte.


✨ Connect with Ellie


🎧 Subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast

If this episode moved something in you, I invite you to subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast on your favorite platform. Each week, we explore conversations that nourish the soul—from healing to humor, and everything in between.

🌟 Let’s grow together—one unscripted moment at a time.


Until next time:
Stay curious. Stay compassionate.
And above all—stay connected to your inner being.

With love,
Rosabel



When Advocacy Becomes a Lifeline: A Conversation with Melissa Winger

 



When Advocacy Becomes a Lifeline: A Conversation with Melissa Winger

Episode Recap: Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel

Author Melissa Winger joins the Life Unscripted Podcast to share her journey as a mother advocating for her son with complex medical needs. In this powerful episode, she reveals the emotional toll of navigating a broken healthcare system—and why her story is a call to action for all of us.


🩺 Real Stories, Real Impact

In a profoundly moving episode of The Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel, I interviewed Melissa Winger, a mother, advocate, and author of Who Cares? The Real Patient Experience. Melissa’s story is a testament to what it means to advocate not just with passion but with resilience—through heartbreak, finterviewednd moments of isolation that many families quietly endure.

Melissa became a mom at 18, stepping into a world of medical unknowns when her son was born with rare genetic conditions that went undiagnosed for months. From being dismissed by ER staff to navigating a maze of home health agencies, she quickly realized that families like hers aren’t just underserved—they're often unheard.

“Why am I always having to defend my child’s existence?” she asked. A question no parent should ever have to voice.


πŸŽ™ What We Talked About

In our conversation, Melissa opened up about:

  • The emotional toll of long-term medical caregiving and advocacy.

  • What’s broken in the healthcare system—and how poor reimbursement and high burnout drive providers and families alike to the brink.

  • How can we advocate without becoming adversarial, and why does a partnership approach often yield better care?

  • Moments of light, like when a single pediatrician simply said, “You’re doing a great job.” Those words changed everything.

Melissa’s story goes beyond one family—it’s a lens into the lives of thousands navigating fragmented care systems while trying to live fully and love deeply.


πŸ“– About Who Cares?

Melissa’s book isn’t just her story—it’s an exposΓ© on the structural failures of our healthcare system, backed by deep research. Each chapter begins with a personal experience and evolves into a broader discussion about systems like home care, patient safety, and the la deep-researchedg-term impact of inaccessible or dismissive healthcare.

If you’re a caregiver, a provider, a policymaker—or simply someone who wants to understand what genuine patient-centered care should look like—this book is for you.


🎧 Want More?

Melissa’s audiobook version of Who Cares? is coming May 2025—perfect for those who prefer to listen while driving, walking, or reflecting. And if you haven’t yet...

πŸ‘‰ Visit her website: www.whocaresbooks.com
πŸ‘‰ Follow her on social media: Links available on her site
πŸ‘‰ Reach out: Melissa welcomes conversations and opportunities to advocate for patient-centered change.


πŸ”” Subscribe and Stay Connected

If Melissa’s story inspired you, please subscribe to The Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel. Each episode features raw, honest, and relatable conversations that matter.

🌟 Leave a review — It helps amplify the stories that too often go untold.
πŸ“¬ Send feedback or share your story — We’d love to hear from you.

Together, we can build a world where empathy, advocacy, and care are the norm—not the exception.

Until next time,
—Rosabel


#PatientAdvocacy #HealthcareSystem #LifeUnscriptedPodcast #MelissaWinger #CaregiverStories #DisabilityAwareness #RosabelUnscripted #WhoCaresBook #PodcastRecap #HealthcareReform #Motherhood #LivedExperience #EmpathyInHealthcare


Saturday, April 12, 2025

Embracing Neurodivergence: A Conversation with Rebecca Engle



Embracing Neurodivergence: A Conversation with Rebecca Engle

By Rosabel V. Zohfeld

In a powerful and profoundly insightful episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I sat down with Rebecca Engle, an author, teacher, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals. Her journey from a non-speaking child to a voice for thousands is not just remarkable—it’s revolutionary.

Rebecca was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. At the time, she only spoke 22 words by age five and was told by professionals that she would never live independently. Today, she is an educator, author of Step Into My Shoes, and a member of the Autism Community Networks Advisory Board. She is also preparing to release her second book, Tangled and Silent Norms, a resource designed to break down barriers in understanding the neurodivergent experience.

A Story of Resilience and Advocacy

Rebecca shared how traditional educational environments often rewarded masking—suppressing natural behaviors to fit into rigid systems—while punishing authenticity. Her early experiences left her feeling unseen and unheard, but with the support of her mother and a few key teachers, she learned to self-advocate and push against the limiting beliefs society tried to place on her.

“Don’t let people peel your stickers off,” Rebecca said.
She uses the metaphor of a Rubik’s cube to describe the beauty of complexity—and the importance of solving, not shortcutting, life’s unique puzzles.

From the Classroom to the Conference Stage

Rebecca’s advocacy began not in a boardroom but on the playground—as a young girl, offering advice to special ed teachers. Since then, she’s become a powerful voice in the autism and neurodivergent community. Her first book, Step Into My Shoes, gives readers a firsthand look into the everyday experience of a special education student. Readers from all walks of life have found themselves reflected in its pages.

Her upcoming release, Tangled and Silent Norms, arrives May 1 and is designed for adults—especially parents and educators—who want a clearer, more compassionate understanding of neurodivergence. It’s short, approachable, and grounded in research, to inspire further learning and empathy.

What We Can All Do

Rebecca offered practical, heartfelt advice on how society can move beyond mere “awareness” into true celebration of neurodivergence:

  • Assume competence. Everyone processes and communicates differently—start by believing in their abilities.

  • Honor all forms of communication. Speech is not the only way people express themselves.

  • Redefine success. Let go of outdated, one-size-fits-all metrics.

  • Respect sensory needs. Fidgets, headphones, movement, and non-traditional classroom behaviors are not distractions but tools.

  • Create connection over control. Building trust matters more than enforcing compliance.

Connect with Rebecca

Rebecca is committed to helping others better understand and support neurodivergent individuals. You can connect with her through:

  • Instagram: @StitchesStanzas and @RE02.20

  • Facebook: Becca Engle

  • LinkedIn: Rebecca Engle

  • Books on Amazon: Step Into My Shoes (new link coming soon for Tangled and Silent Norms)

She’ll also be speaking at the Hustle + Socialize Conference this summer and presenting (in person and virtually) in Austin on June 20 about inclusive education strategies for autistic children.


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If Rebecca’s story resonated with you, I invite you to subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast. We explore the voices and stories that often go unheard. Every share, review, and listen helps us amplify these essential conversations.

πŸ’¬ What stood out most to you from Rebecca’s story? Let’s talk in the comments.
🎧 Listen to this episode and more wherever you get your podcasts.
πŸ“© Know someone navigating neurodivergence? Send this post their way—they might need to hear it today.

With gratitude,
Rosabel



Prevention Before Desperation: Changing the Conversation on Suicide


πŸŽ™️ Prevention Before Desperation: Changing the Conversation on Suicide

By Rosabel V. Zohfeld


“Having a conversation might just save a life.”

In one of the most heartfelt episodes of Life Unscripted Podcast, I sat down with two extraordinary people whose personal experiences and advocacy are reshaping how we approach suicide prevention. Deborah Susan—author, suicide attempt survivor, and certified HCA—joined us alongside Brian Wardale, whose deeply layered story includes caregiving, grief, trauma, and survival.

Together, they’ve created a bold and compassionate initiative: SurvivorsofHopelessness.com, a program rooted in early prevention and emotional education. Their mission is clear—prevention must happen before desperation sets in.


πŸ” Prevention Over Intervention

Today’s model of mental health care is reactive. Deborah and Brian are determined to shift that by creating tools for youth—especially ages 8 to 13—so they can develop emotional intelligence before reaching crisis.

“We teach them to understand the bigger picture,” Deborah said. “Hopelessness can feel like the end. But it isn’t.”


❌ Debunking Common Myths About Suicide

Brian helped us dismantle one of the most harmful assumptions:

“People who die by suicide don’t want to die. They want to escape pain.”

They also challenged the idea that talking about suicide encourages it. On the contrary, silence breeds misinformation. Kids are already hearing about suicide—from TV, friends, and social media. If parents avoid the topic, they risk leaving their children vulnerable to dangerous myths.

“If you're not talking about it, someone else is,” Brian said. “And you won’t know where they're getting their information.”


πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘§‍πŸ‘¦ What Parents and Caregivers Must Know

Deborah was clear:

“Teaching your kids about suicide is as important as teaching them to cross the street or wear a seatbelt.”

By initiating honest, age-appropriate conversations about emotional pain and resilience, parents can become a crucial line of early defense. Their program offers a simple, one-hour video and companion workbook designed to be accessible and transformative.


πŸ’” My Personal Story: From Survivor to Advocate

This episode hit home. I lost my mother to suicide as a teenager. A counselor once told me, “Statistically, you might do what your mother did.” That moment fueled something in me: a refusal to be defined by statistics and a deep belief in individuality.

“Each of us is born with unique fingerprints—how can we be anything but unique souls?”

I shared this on the podcast because I want others who’ve been left behind by suicide to know—they’re not alone. There is healing in truth.


πŸ–Ό️ Insert Image Here:

Prompt:

“A teenage girl standing alone in a school hallway, light shining from a window, symbolizing resilience after loss.”


πŸ” From Pain to Purpose: How Deborah and Brian Teamed Up

Their partnership started through a chance connection in hospice care. What followed was years of collaboration, healing, and the creation of an educational tool that fills a gap in the world of mental health.

They speak with sincerity, humor, and depth—and their lived experience is their most powerful credential.

“This isn’t just a conversation,” Brian said. “It’s a responsibility.”


🧠 Recharging the Heart: How Advocates Protect Their Energy

Both guests shared how important it is to set emotional boundaries after sharing such intense stories. They recharge through solitude, music, personal rituals, and quiet reflection.

Whether introverted or extroverted, they both agree:

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”


❤️ What Can You Do?

Start with kindness. Tell someone they matter. Ask how they’re really doing. Share a memory of when they made a difference in your life. You may never know how much it means—or how much it helps.

If you’re the one hurting, hear this: Wait one more day. Give yourself 24 hours. Then another.

Because this too shall pass.



πŸ“ž Connect With Deborah and Brian

Visit www.survivorsofhopelessness.com to:

  • Watch their educational video

  • Download their workbooks

  • Reach out directly via the “Reach Out” button

  • Explore Deborah’s book: Spots on a Leopard: EMDR Saved My Life

They welcome your stories, your questions, and your desire to be part of the change.


🎧 Subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast

Moved by this conversation? Subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel for more unfiltered, real-life conversations that matter.

  • πŸ’Œ Share this episode with someone who needs it

  • ⭐ Leave a review to help others find us

  • πŸ“² Follow us on your favorite podcast app

Because having a conversation might just save a life.



Life Unscripted with Rosabel

Success Secrets from Costa Rica: 7 Inspiring Lessons from Richard Blank’s Journey

  Success Starts with Being True to Yourself What does success really look like? For many, it's tied to money, titles, or ticking of...