E129. Embrace The Suck - with Ross Leppala, Coach, Guide, Speaker

Help is available. We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Dial 988. “There is nothing comfortable about powerlifting. I have an ability to embrace the discomfort. I have an ability to embrace the suck. Now I just have to also apply that to outside of the gym. There’s gonna be moments of discomfort, so I have to embrace those. And when I can embrace those moments of discomfort, I lean into it, and on the other side is a place of empowerment, and a place of pride and fulfillment and meaning.” - Ross Leppala Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Ross Leppala. Ross describes himself beautifully: “A soul, having a human experience.  A seeker.  A person who desires to elevate my own consciousness and support others in their journeys to level up.  It is my mission to impact growth and healing in this world in such a way that we radically reduce suicide rates.  I coach powerlifting, produce a self-development podcast (Project UnchainED), and guide people through a self-development course; I’m a public speaker, partner, and father to a wonderful 6-year-old girl.” We’re excited for you to hear Ross explore his consciousness and escape the victim mentality. Enjoy. (2:00) Ashanti’s introduction. (7:35) Ross introduces himself, his work as a powerlifter, passion as a public speaker, and how powerlifting saved his life. (14:05) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, passionate, caring - and reflects on managing his intensity. (17:50) Ross shares the front of his mask - capable, reliable, conscientious - and how these things help him approach things intentionally. (24:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - sadness, self-doubt, fear of… Then, Ross identifies with a lot of the young people that Ashanti is trying to help and serve. (31:10) Ross shares the back of his mask - personally (take things), destructive, narcissistic internal reactions (35:20) Ross describes his inner, hurt child. Then, he and Ashanti discuss how they structure their journaling. (46:50) Ashanti and Ross conclude their conversation. (50:10) Ross shares how you can connect with him. --- Connect with Ross Leppala: Instagram: instagram.com/ross.leppala Facebook: facebook.com/ross.leppala Podcast: instagram.com/project_unchained Email: [email protected] --- Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at [email protected] --- Connect with Ashanti Branch: Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch Website: branchspeaks.com --- Send in a voice message: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message