Episodes

  • 366: How to Lift the Weight off Yourself that Emotional Difficulties Create

    366: How to Lift the Weight off Yourself that Emotional Difficulties Create
    Jun 17 2025

    Originally published May 06, 2021. In this powerful Best Of episode, we dive into the surprising science behind emotional stress and how our brains create outdated patterns in response to life’s challenges. Cedric Bertelli, Founder and Director of the Emotional Health Institute (EHI) explains how even the most emotionally healthy among us are shaped by unconscious predictions that trigger stress, anxiety, and depression.

    Learn how to shift your emotional state by understanding the brain’s predictive mechanisms—and how simply sitting with your emotions, even briefly, can begin to release their grip. This eye-opening conversation offers practical tools for lowering stress and reclaiming control of your emotional well-being.

    Guest Bio - Cedric Bertelli is the Founder and Director of the Emotional Health Institute (EHI), which educates individuals and professionals on Emotional Resolution (EmRes)—a method for resolving stress, anxiety, depression, and other disruptive emotions. Since 2009, Cedric has researched and refined the EmRes process, training thousands of adults, including over 200 teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area, to use it effectively. He also works directly with clients and trains mental health professionals, coaches, and educators.

    Social media links Cedric Bertelli:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/CedricBertelli
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theemotionalresolutioneffect/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotionalresolution/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedric-bertelli-%E2%97%87-trainer-in-emotional-resolution%C2%AE-68286224/
    • Website: www.emotionalresolution.org

    Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.

    This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

    We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!

    Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

    • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/
    • X: https://X.com/drallenlycka
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/

    Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device.

    Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • 365: Why Social Media Is A Productivity Killer

    365: Why Social Media Is A Productivity Killer
    Jun 10 2025

    Originally published April 29, 2021. In today’s fast-paced digital world, our addiction to social media is quietly draining our productivity and well-being. In this encore episode, Dr. Allen Lycka is joined by productivity expert Mark Struczewski—aka "Mister Productivity"—to discuss the hidden downsides of our always-online lives. Tune in for an eye-opening and energizing discussion that just might change the way you engage with technology.

    Guest Bio: Mark Struczewski was born and raised in North Chili, New York, and has called Houston, Texas, home since 1997. After losing his job in 2005, Mark embraced entrepreneurship and discovered a passion for helping others master productivity. Now a sought-after author, speaker, and trainer, Mark is on a mission to help you become the most productive version of yourself. Known as “Mister Productivity,” he’s the creator of How to Overcome Roadblocks on Your Path to Success, where he shares the mindset and habits that fuel long-term achievement.

    Social media links Mark Struczewski:

    • Website: https://markstruczewski.com/
    • iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mark-struczewski-podcast/id1257109620?mt=2
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstruczewski/

    Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.

    This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

    We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!

    Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

    • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/
    • X: https://X.com/drallenlycka
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/

    Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device.

    Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • 364: How to Get Unstuck from a Toxic Relationship

    364: How to Get Unstuck from a Toxic Relationship
    Jun 3 2025
    Originally published April 22, 2021. Our relationships impact every area of life—from emotional health to productivity. In this encore episode, Dr. Allen Lycka talks with Dr. Rhoberta Shaler, The Relationship Help Doctor, about how to identify and break free from toxic relationship dynamics, especially with those she calls Hijackals®—people who manipulate and drain others for their own gain. Learn how early life experiences shape the relationships we’re drawn to, how to stop enabling toxic behavior, and how to realign your life with your values. If you've ever felt stuck or unsure in a relationship, this episode offers clarity, tools, and hope. Guest Bio Rhoberta Shaler, PhD, The Relationship Help Doctor, provides urgent and ongoing care for relationships in crisis. Her mission is to provide the insights, information, and inspiration for clients and audiences to transform relationship with themselves and other humans to be honest, respectful, and safe in all ways. Even the United States Marines have sought her help! Dr. Shaler focuses on helping the partners, exes, and adult children of the relentlessly difficult, toxic people she calls Hijackals® to stop the crazy-making and save their sanity. Author of sixteen books including Escaping the Hijackal Trap and Stop! That’s Crazy-Making, she hosts the internationally popular podcast, Save Your Sanity: Help for Toxic Relationships. Her YouTube channel, ForRelationshipHelp, has reached a half million views. Social media links for Dr. Rhoberta Shaler: Website: https://www.forrelationshiphelp.comPodcast: SaveYourSanityPodcast.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhobertaX: https://twitter.com/rhobertashalerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhobertashaler/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/rhobertashaler/_created/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshaler/ Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often. This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us! Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlyckaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/X: https://X.com/drallenlyckaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/ Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device. Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • 363: How Movement Can Transform Your Health and Reduce Stress

    363: How Movement Can Transform Your Health and Reduce Stress
    May 27 2025
    Originally published April 15, 2021: Did you know that sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time can negatively affect your body in ways comparable to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day? For those with conditions like diabetes or chronic pain, inactivity only makes things worse. In this episode, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with expert physical therapist Colin Hoobler to explore how simple, consistent movement can significantly improve your physical and mental well-being—especially as we age. Whether you're managing a health condition or simply looking to build healthier habits, Colin shares practical guidance on how to get moving safely—at home or elsewhere—and how to find trustworthy sources of support. If you're over 50, the stakes are even higher, but so are the potential rewards. Learn how to reduce your health risks, elevate your mood, and start a routine that works for your life. Guest Bio: Colin Hoobler, DPT, MPT, MS, BS, brings over two decades of experience in physical therapy, with a strong focus on fall prevention and chronic disease management in older adults. He’s served as a guest professor at top institutions including Oregon Health & Science University and has educated future healthcare professionals on using exercise as medicine. Colin created and hosted The Fitness Show on PBS and served as NBC’s regional health expert. He’s also a longtime health columnist for The Oregonian, founder of the non-profit CARE (Coalition for Active Resident Engagement), and host of the Choose Your Age podcast. A former competitive bodybuilder, Colin brings both scientific expertise and personal passion to the conversation about aging well and staying active. Social media links Colin Hoobler: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/colin.hoobler.75X - https://twitter.com/colinhoobler?lang=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-hoobler-622aab1a3/Website - https://www.conniepheiff.com/ and https://talentconcierge.co/ Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often. This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us! Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlyckaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/X: https://X.com/drallenlyckaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/ Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device. Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • 362: How to Come Back from Domestic Abuse and Thrive

    362: How to Come Back from Domestic Abuse and Thrive
    May 20 2025

    Originally published April 8, 2025: This unforgettable episode features Rustie MacDonald, a survivor of abuse, poverty, and a near-death experience during childbirth. Faced with the ultimate choice—to give up or fight for her life—Rustie chose to rise. From those darkest moments, she transformed her pain into purpose. Now an author, consultant, and minister, she empowers others to reclaim their lives and “live by design.” Tune in to hear Rustie’s golden pearls of wisdom and be inspired by her remarkable journey to a fantastic life.

    Social media links Rustie MacDonald:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustie/
    • Website: https://rustie.info/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeliacRoads
    • X: https://twitter.com/RustieMac
    • Blog talk radio: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/rustie

    Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.

    This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

    We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!

    Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

    • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/
    • X: https://X.com/drallenlycka
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/

    Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device.

    Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • 361: How One Woman’s Near Death Experience Can Change Your Life

    361: How One Woman’s Near Death Experience Can Change Your Life
    May 13 2025

    Originally published April 1, 2021. In one of our most powerful episodes, we revisit the extraordinary journey of Melisa, a woman who overcame a devastating misdiagnosis, a massive stroke, multiple surgeries, partial blindness, and paralysis. Facing death on the operating table, she emerged with a renewed purpose—to inspire and uplift others. Now a bestselling author and thriving entrepreneur, Melisa’s story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of living a truly fantastic life. Don’t miss this unforgettable encore episode.

    Guest Bio: Melisa Lynn Lyons, born in 1982 in Lorain, Ohio, was raised by her grandparents and graduated from Clearview High School and Lorain County J.V.S. with a focus in Culinary Arts. Inspired by the birth of her daughter Chyenne in 2003, she began writing creatively. After suffering two strokes and undergoing a craniotomy in 2011, Melisa faced the daunting task of relearning how to walk, speak, and read. With support and determination, she overcame these challenges, remarried in 2013, and fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author in 2016 with her debut book Of Lite and Darke, edited by her daughter.

    Social media links Melisa Ruscsak:

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMLRuscsak
    Twitter - https://twitter.com/M_L_Ruscsak
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisa-ruscsak-5b6043139/
    Website(s) - www.trientpress.com and https://www.doveanddragonpublishing.com/

    Thanks for listening to the show!

    It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.

    This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

    We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!

    Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

    • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/
    • X: https://X.com/drallenlycka
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/

    Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device.

    Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • 360: Finding Yourself Beyond the Breakdown

    360: Finding Yourself Beyond the Breakdown
    May 6 2025

    Originally published on March 25, 2021: What happens when everything you’ve built—everything you’ve become—suddenly starts to fall apart? For Naveed Khljie, his identity was deeply tied to the mobile mechanic business he poured his heart into. It was thriving, it was growing, and it was who he was. But when a partnership to expand into a shop dissolved, he found himself at a crossroads.

    In this powerful episode, Dr. Lycka talks with Naveed about what it’s like to lose what you thought defined you—and how to find something even greater on the other side. With the support of loved ones, Naveed not only survived the disruption of COVID-19, but transformed his journey. He found his voice, launched Real Talks with Nav, and today is thriving in new and meaningful ways.

    💡 If you’ve ever feared losing yourself in your work or struggled with a sudden pivot in life, this conversation will show you the power of grit, perseverance, and love. Learn how to manage fear—not by running from it, but by turning it into fuel for your next chapter.

    About the Guest: Naveed Khljie is the founder and CEO of Mechanigo, a Licensed Mechanic, and the talk show host behind Real Talks with Nav. He’s committed to honest conversations, personal growth, and helping others rise from setbacks. His journey is a living reminder that your business may be what you do—but it’s not who you are.

    Social media links Naveed Khljie:

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realtalkswithnav
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realtalkswithnav/
    Website – http://www.realtalkswithnav.com and http://www.mechanigo.ca

    Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.

    This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

    We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!

    Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

    • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/
    • X: https://X.com/drallenlycka
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/

    Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device.

    Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • 359: How Being Unstoppable Brings the Light to Dream Big

    359: How Being Unstoppable Brings the Light to Dream Big
    Apr 29 2025
    Originally published on March 18, 2021. The world changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic—and so did our personal and professional lives. If you’ve struggled to adapt or felt your resilience stretched to its limits, you’re not alone. But hope and inspiration are just a conversation away. In this empowering episode, Dr. Lycka speaks with the unstoppable Connie Pheiff, a woman who refused to let the chaos of the pandemic dim her light. Instead, she leaned in, shifted gears, and found new opportunities in the virtual landscape. Connie shares how she reimagined her goals, built momentum, and continues to dream even bigger. Her story is a powerful reminder that reinvention is always possible—and sometimes necessary. Get ready to be inspired to pivot with purpose, lead with passion, and remember that your dream is still valid—even in uncertain times. About the Guest: Connie Pheiff is the dynamic force behind Talent Concierge®, a modern-day media and branding label for “talent who mean business”—the bold thinkers and dreamers ready to change the world. She’s a five-time author, award-winning speaker, high-performance coach, philanthropist, and activist in the #BeyondMeToo movement. From the C-Suite to the stage and airwaves, Connie’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable impact. She’s earned accolades including Inspirational Woman in Media, Community Leadership, and Radio Personality of the Year. Insights Success Magazine hails her as “a symbol of Exemplary Entrepreneurship.” Through every triumph and trial, Connie proves one thing: success doesn’t happen in spite of your failures—but because of them. Social media links Connie Pheiff: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/connie.pheiff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/conniepheiffshow/X - https://bit.ly/3tkIkRXLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3rEDSgeWebsite - https://www.conniepheiff.com/ and https://talentconcierge.co/ Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often. This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us! Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlyckaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/X: https://X.com/drallenlyckaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/ Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device. Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins