PODCAST · comedy
Truth Tastes Funny with Hersh Rephun
by Hersh Rephun
Truth Tastes Funny is a weekly conversation with Hersh Rephun and a special guest about the strange, fascinating, and often invisible ways human beings create meaning.How we form opinions.How we misunderstand one another.How we flatten complexity into certainty.And how those interpretations quietly become the reality we live inside.In a post-truth world, people rarely respond to reality first.They respond to what they believe reality means.Once that interpretation takes hold, everything else starts organizing around it.Each episode explores how ideas spread, identities form, assumptions harden, and why two intelligent people can walk away from the same experience with completely different stories about what just happened.Expect topical conversations.Unexpected observations.A few uncomfortable realizations.Plenty of laughter.And the occasional moment when you catch yourself doing exactly the thing we're talking about.The podcast also offers a glimpse into "First Contact Li
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Joey Chandler: When Everyone Still Thinks You’re the Old You
You change.Unfortunately, nobody sends your friends and family the software update.On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with Joey Chandler to explore the strange gap between who we're becoming and who everybody else still thinks we are.Joey approaches growth through personal values. Hersh comes at it through perception and interpretation. But they quickly find themselves in the same territory: relationships, divorce, parenthood, business, identity, and the sometimes awkward business of introducing the current version of yourself to people who remember all the previous ones.Joey shares what happened after divorce and burnout forced him to confront an exhausting realization: he could only be himself. The problem was figuring out who that actually was.That led him to three core values: connection, curiosity and fun.They've since become less of a personal-development exercise and more of a practical compass. Joey tells a terrific story about lying in an ER with his leg broken in three places when his 16-year-old son looked at him and asked, “Dad, which of your core values is missing right now?”Annoying? Absolutely.Also exactly the question he needed.Hersh and Joey get into the things we don't say in relationships, the little problems we step over until they've quietly become big ones, and whether becoming more ourselves sometimes requires grieving the choices we didn't make earlier.Then Joey introduces a deceptively simple experiment he's been trying: instead of waking up determined to be better, ask:How can I make today better than yesterday?Maybe it's dinner with your family. Calling a friend. Going outside. Having more fun. The point isn't relentless self-improvement. It's removing some of the pressure and getting curious about what would make today a little better.At its heart, this episode asks:What happens when you've changed, but the people around you haven't changed their idea of you yet?www.certaingrowth.com@joeychandler70--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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178
Desislava Dimitrova: The Courage to Question Your Own Story
How much of what you believe about yourself did you actually choose?On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun is joined by meditation teacher, spiritual life coach, and healer Desislava Dimitrova for a wide-ranging conversation about identity, intuition, fear, healing, self-trust, and the stories we repeat until they begin to feel like truth.Desi knows something about having those stories disrupted.Growing up in an environment where she was taught to be quiet and not question authority, she spent years disconnected from parts of herself she would eventually come to see as essential. Then, at 37, doctors discovered a rare tumor in her spinal cord. Surgery was unavoidable. Recovery meant learning how to walk again, living with the fear that the tumor could return, and spending years rebuilding herself physically and emotionally.Meditation became part of that recovery, but the deeper transformation involved finding her voice, establishing boundaries, understanding what love meant to her, and developing the confidence to build a life around work her own family didn't necessarily understand.Hersh and Desi explore the difference between instinct and intuition, why first impressions tell us as much about ourselves as the people we're judging, how fear can make an unhappy situation feel safer than change, and why knowing yourself may require challenging some of the beliefs you've carried the longest.They also find an unexpected intersection between Desi's spiritual work and Hersh's work around first contact: a label can be accurate and still be incomplete."Meditation teacher" may describe something Desi does. It doesn't necessarily tell you what happens when someone works with her. And that raises a question that applies to all of us: how much do people actually understand when they think they've figured us out?At its heart, this episode asks:What becomes possible when you stop treating the story you've always told yourself as the only story available?www.desi-divine.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/desislava-dimitrova-30271293Instagram : desisdivine--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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177
Whose Mission Are You On? with Mark Reynolds
What if you don't need another hack, another book, or another person telling you what to do?What if you already know?On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun is joined by decorated Army veteran, international speaker, high-performance coach, CPA, author, and one-time aspiring comic Mark Reynolds for a conversation about identity, agency, ambition, humor, and what actually has to change before change sticks.Mark works with high achievers who have done the homework. They've read the books. They know how calendars work. They understand the habits. And they're still not necessarily creating the lives they want.Which raises a much better question than "What should I do?"What do I actually want?Mark and Hersh explore what happens when people reach the middle of successful lives and realize they've spent years following a mission that may have been handed to them by a company, a profession, a family, or an earlier version of themselves. Knowing what you wanted at 25 doesn't answer what you want now.They get into Mark's unusual journey through the military, physics, psychology, corporate life, comedy and coaching, including the fourth-grade teacher who told him he could be smart or funny, but couldn't be both. Turns out she may have underestimated the usefulness of being both.Along the way, they talk about why some problems are really just "gravity," why purpose may be something we choose rather than discover, how identity can keep successful people trapped inside roles they've outgrown, and why the breakthroughs that change our lives are often the ones we couldn't possibly have planned.And eventually, they come back to comedy.Because humor doesn't merely make hard things easier to tolerate. Mark sees joy and laughter as part of the strategy for creating a bigger life.At its heart, this episode asks:If you already know what to do, maybe the question isn't what comes next. Maybe it's who you need to become to actually do it.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/successauditor/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.g.reynolds.3/Handle: @successauditorWebsite: http://markreynolds.tv/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Sandra Lena Silverman: When the Bullshit Stops Working
Sandra Lena Silverman has tried just about everything in the pursuit of looking and feeling better.Botox. Fillers. Facelifts. Breast surgery. Liposuction. Threads. Peptides. Red light therapy.She’ll also tell you exactly which ones she regrets.On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with the author of From Bullshit to Botox for a candid, funny, occasionally jaw-dropping conversation about beauty, aging, insecurity, marriage, infidelity, divorce, and what happens when external fixes stop solving internal problems.Sandra traces part of her beauty journey back to a comment from her then-boyfriend at 26 that made her question her body for the first time. That insecurity eventually led to years of procedures, treatments, and experimentation before she realized she had been chasing something the procedures themselves could never deliver.The conversation also goes much deeper into the relationship that shaped her upcoming second book, From Bullshit to Broken Hearts. Sandra talks openly about a 27-year relationship marked by repeated separations and infidelity, why she stayed as long as she did, the complicated choices involved when children are part of the equation, and what finally made her say, “No more.”Hersh and Sandra explore the line between self-improvement and self-rejection, why honesty can be liberating, what happens when humor becomes a survival tool, and why being able to laugh at something doesn’t mean you have to excuse it.Sandra also shares hard-earned lessons from her own cosmetic procedures, including what she would do differently, what she believes women should research before choosing a surgeon, and why consistency, strength training, nutrition, and internal work became increasingly important as she got older.And yes, there’s a Ring camera story involving a woman showing up at Sandra’s front door at 5:00 AM that may be impossible to top.At its heart, this episode asks:How much of ourselves do we spend trying to fix before realizing the bigger work may be learning what we no longer need to tolerate?Website www.sandralenasilverman.comInstagram @sandralenasilverman--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Miles Spencer: What If Goodbye Isn't the End of the Conversation?
What if you could talk to someone you love after they're gone?Not watch an old video.Not scroll through photographs.Not even a seance.Actually ask them a question and hear them answer.On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with entrepreneur, author, and Reflekta AI founder Miles Spencer, whose new "soul tech" venture is using artificial intelligence to create interactive digital legacies from the voices, memories, stories, and values people leave behind.And Hersh has tried it.He talked to Miles' late father.That experience opens a fascinating conversation about memory, grief, technology, family, and what it means to preserve more than someone's image.Miles shares the deeply personal origin of Reflecta, including his father's words near the end of his life about the body being temporary while spirit and soul endure. Years later, technology finally gave Miles a way to interact with those words, stories, and memories in a form neither of them could have imagined.Hersh and Miles explore:What it feels like to have a spontaneous conversation with someone who is goneThe difference between preserving memories and interacting with themWhy a few seconds of recorded voice can preserve something remarkably powerfulThe emotional responsibility that comes with recreating someone we loveWhere digital legacy ends and unhealthy dependence might beginWhy families lose enormous amounts of history with every generationHow AI could preserve the wisdom of people long after their deathsThe ethical line between digital legacy and deepfakesAnd whether future generations have a claim on the stories we're allowing to disappearMiles also shares the moment his digital version of his father unexpectedly called him "Tiger", just as he had throughout Miles' life.Miles knew that memory had been entered into the system.He'd simply forgotten.His father hadn't.At its heart, this episode asks a very human question made possible by very new technology:If someone you loved could answer one more question, what would you ask?https://milesspencer.com/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bQIoqgAyhCbx9TYqPWOlMlYwIMpwZqD3q0O-zpZGi1Y/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.lpmur2fiqvlw--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Dr. Mary Donohue: Your Brain Wasn't Built for This
We're more connected than ever.So why do so many of us feel exhausted?On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with neuroscientist, author, and Digital Wellness Center founder Dr. Mary Donohue for a conversation about stress, technology, human behavior, and why the same devices draining our attention might also help us reclaim it.After studying the behavior of more than 34,000 people, Mary came to a surprising conclusion:Technology isn't the enemy.Our relationship with it is.Together, Hersh and Mary explore:Why our brains weren't designed for constant digital stimulationHow stress quietly reshapes decision-makingThe surprising link between loneliness and technologyWhy community is still one of our greatest biological needsHow humor interrupts stress and changes brain chemistryThe power of three-minute "micro breaks"Why kindness may be one of the healthiest habits we can practiceAnd how to use technology to build connection instead of dependencyAlong the way, Mary shares the research behind Digital Wellness Center, where AI-powered micro breaks are helping individuals and organizations reduce stress by changing behavior one small moment at a time.At its heart, this episode asks:What if the smartest thing your phone could do... is remind you to put it down?www.thedigitalwellnesscenter.com--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Stephany Poe: The Patterns You're Missing That are Running Your Life
Why do the same problems keep showing up......even when the people change?On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with organizational alignment strategist Stephany Poe for a conversation that starts in the workplace and quickly becomes something much bigger.Stephany helps organizations identify breakdowns in communication, culture, and leadership. But beneath those challenges, she sees something else.Patterns.The habits, assumptions, and behaviors that quietly shape relationships long before anyone realizes what's happening.Together, Hersh and Stephany explore:Why organizations often fix symptoms instead of systemsThe hidden cost of taking every workplace problem personallyHow communication breaks down when process gives way to emotionWhat COVID revealed about work, identity, and expectationsWhy listening is one of leadership's most overlooked skillsThe difference between work relationships and personal relationshipsHow accountability begins with self-awarenessAnd why meaningful change always starts with a decisionAt its heart, this episode asks:What patterns have become so familiar that you no longer recognize them?Stephany Poe is an Organizational Alignment Strategist and founder of POEE Coaching and Consulting, and she helps leaders see what’s really happening inside their organizations. Not the surface-level stuff. The real intersection of culture, communication, and performance where things either click or quietly fall apart. With a sharp multigenerational lens, Stephany unpacks how differing expectations, lived experiences, and communication styles shape decision-making, leadership effectiveness, and daily operations. And when alignment slips, she calls it straight. You feel it in morale, turnover, productivity, and trust. Her work is about bringing clarity to what leaders know is off but can’t quite name. She challenges them to communicate with intention, examine whether their systems truly support their people, and make decisions that strengthen both performance and sustainability. Stephany partners with corporate, nonprofit, government, and founder-led organizations navigating growth, transition, and internal strain, bringing a rare balance of structure and humanity to the table. And with a Master’s in Legal Studies from ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, she brings a grounded understanding of policy, governance, and organizational risk into every conversation. Stephany Poe helps leaders get aligned for real. --Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Jason Lyle: Why Knowing Isn't Enough
Most people already know what they should do.Exercise more.Drink less.Be more patient.Show up differently.So why is change so hard?On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with men's coach and Sacred Grit founder Jason Lyle for a conversation about resilience, nervous system regulation, addiction, identity, and why information alone rarely changes behavior.A former pastor turned wilderness guide, Jason believes the gap between intention and action isn't a lack of willpower.It's a lack of connection between the body and the mind.Together, Hersh and Jason explore:Why insight doesn't automatically create transformationThe relationship between trauma and everyday behaviorWhat nervous system regulation actually meansWhy many men struggle to ask for helpHow resilience is trained instead of inheritedThe difference between knowing and practicingWhy community matters more than isolationAnd what it means to rebuild a life one small decision at a timeAt its heart, this episode asks:What if the problem isn't that you don't know what to do... but that your body no longer believes it's possible?https://thesacredgrit.comhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576917194889--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Danielle Frank Uncorks the Wisdom Hiding Inside a Glass of Wine
On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with author and wine industry executive Danielle Frank for a conversation about parenting, perspective, humor, and the unexpected places wisdom can be found.After careers in Hollywood publicity and the luxury wine business, Danielle never expected her first book to blend wine terminology with lessons about raising children.She also never expected to write a parenting book as someone who isn't a parent.Yet that's exactly what makes her perspective so refreshing.Together, Hersh and Danielle explore:Why good humor often carries serious truthThe difference between saying yes and serving someone wellWhat children can teach us about becoming better adultsWhy resilience begins with allowing people to failHow curiosity grows from observationThe surprising parallels between wine and human developmentWhy independence is one of life's greatest giftsAnd how writing became a way to transform disappointment into contributionAlong the way, Danielle shares the deeply personal story behind A Wine Lover's Guide to Parenting and why she chose to celebrate parents rather than lament the life she thought she would have.At its heart, this conversation asks:What if the role you never expected to play turns out to be the one you're uniquely suited for?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Dr. Karen Curry Parker: The Story You're Living May Not Be Yours
What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your circumstances...It's the story you've been living without realizing it?On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with author, educator, and Quantum Human Design creator Dr. Karen Parker for a conversation about identity, self-worth, human design, and why lasting transformation begins by changing more than your thoughts.Karen believes insight alone isn't enough.Real change happens when a new story is practiced until your mind, body, and nervous system begin to believe it.Together, Hersh and Karen explore:Why awareness is only the first step toward transformationThe stories we inherit about money, success, and self-worthWhy lasting change requires more than positive thinkingHow Human Design becomes a tool for rewriting identityThe relationship between intuition and decision-makingWhy your body often knows before your mind doesHow authenticity dissolves comparisonAnd why the world changes when we stop competing and start recognizing our own valueAlong the way, Karen shares how her work as a midwife led her to notice the powerful connection between the stories people tell themselves and the lives they ultimately create.At its heart, this episode asks:If you could rewrite the story you've been living... what would change first?https://freehumandesignchart.com/https://www.instagram.com/drkarenparker22/https://www.youtube.com/@drkarenparkerhttps://www.facebook.com/DrKarenParker22--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Karen Cheong: Are We Being Shaken Awake?
The world feels louder, more confused, and harder to make sense of.So what do we do with all that fear, pressure, and helplessness?On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with frequency-work pioneer and Spherical Luminosity founder Karen Cheong for a wide-ranging conversation about consciousness, perception, manifestation, and what it takes to remain grounded while reality appears to be coming apart at the seams.Karen believes much of what keeps people stuck is not visible on the surface. It lives in the unconscious filters and “distortion patterns” that shape what they notice, expect, and believe is possible.Hersh and Karen explore:Why the world’s chaos may be shaking people awakeHow fear narrows perception and creates helplessnessThe filters that quietly distort personal realityWhy positive intentions can still produce unwanted outcomesWhat manifestation advice often leaves outHow emotional patterns repeat until they are addressedWhy humans readily believe bad news and distrust good possibilitiesHow presence can affect someone without either person realizing itAnd why raising your “resonance” begins with releasing what keeps you stuckKaren also shares a free Resonance Reboot Bundle for listeners who want to explore her group frequency calibrations and begin working with the patterns influencing their experience.At its heart, the episode asks:What becomes visible when you stop looking at life through the same old filters?Connect on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/spherical_luminosity/Connect on YT – https://www.youtube.com/@SphericalLuminosityWebsite – SphericalLuminosity.com--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Dr. Amy Albright: What If Your Brain Isn't the Problem?
What if burnout isn't just about doing too much?What if it's about believing you're doing it alone?On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with neuroscientist, clinician, and Holon co-founder Dr. Amy Albright for a conversation about fear, connection, consciousness, and why the modern nervous system may be responding to an illusion more than reality.Drawing from neuroscience, anthropology, and years of helping high-performing leaders rewire their brains, Amy argues that many of our deepest struggles begin with a false sense of separation.Together, Hersh and Amy explore:Why community is a biological need, not a luxuryThe hidden cost of "not enough" thinkingHow fear hijacks both intuition and decision-makingWhy high performers often mistake anxiety for ambitionThe relationship between safety and creativityWhat meditation changes in the brainHow play becomes a neurological advantageWhy ease is more productive than constant effortAmy also leads Hersh through a simple breathing exercise that demonstrates how quickly the nervous system can shift from vigilance to presence.At its heart, this conversation explores a deceptively simple question:What changes when you stop believing you have to carry everything alone?https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amy-albright-gamechanger/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramyalbright/https://www.instagram.com/holon_experience?igsh=bzcwd2Fxd3Q5cW03Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyAlbright--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Ambika Devi: The Stories That Quietly Run Your Life
What if changing your life doesn't begin with changing your circumstances...What if it begins with noticing the stories you've been telling yourself?On this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with researcher, author, speaker, and self-described "rebel anthropologist" Ambika Devi for a conversation about thought, consciousness, fear, self-acceptance, and the invisible narratives that shape how we experience the world.Drawing from decades of studying meditation, Eastern philosophy, holistic health, and human behavior, Ambika explores why our greatest limitations often begin as unquestioned assumptions.Together they explore:Why thought is "the architect of the mind"The surprising relationship between fear and identityWhy meditation is less about escaping than observingThe difference between reacting and witnessingHow self-acceptance changes perceptionWhy the present moment is more powerful than predictionThe role story plays in shaping realityHow humor helps us loosen our grip on certaintyAlong the way, Ambika shares her unlikely journey from a child struggling to read to becoming an award-winning author, researcher, and lifelong student of consciousness.At its heart, this conversation asks:If you aren't your thoughts... who is doing the thinking?Find Ambika's speaking topics, books, blog, and podcast at:https://ambikadevi.com/Connect with me on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambikadevi/https://linktr.ee/AmbikaDeviYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbikaDeviInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambikadevi1008/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmbikaDevi1008Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmbikaDevi1008--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Leah Marone Asks, What If Your Need to Help Is Actually About You?
In this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with psychologist, Yale clinical instructor, and author Leah Marone for a conversation about perfectionism, performance anxiety, self-worth, and the hidden patterns that keep high achievers exhausted.After more than 20,000 therapy sessions and years spent helping athletes, executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals navigate pressure, Leah has noticed a recurring theme:Many of the people who seem the most capable are carrying far more than their own responsibilities.Her new book, Serial Fixer, explores the tendency to over-function, over-help, and over-own problems that don't actually belong to us.Hersh and Leah explore:Why high achievers struggle with imposter syndromeThe fierce inner critic and where it comes fromWhy confidence can swing wildly from day to dayThe trap of tying self-worth to achievementHow burnout often begins with good intentionsWhy entrepreneurs are especially vulnerable to over-functioningThe difference between supporting and solvingAnd how helping others can quietly become a form of controlAlong the way, Leah shares practical insights for building self-trust, celebrating progress, setting healthier boundaries, and creating space for genuine connection.At its heart, this conversation asks a deceptively simple question:When someone shares a problem, are you helping them... or helping yourself feel needed?Thoughtful, relatable, and full of hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on success, anxiety, and what it means to truly support the people we care about.https://www.leahmarone.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leahmaronelcsw/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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Fran Tabor: From Vacuum Repair to Novelist, a Life Built Without Fear
In this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun gets the scoop from entrepreneur, author, and lifelong storyteller Fran Tabor for a conversation about purpose, business, family, creativity, and the values that shape a meaningful life.Fran and her husband started a vacuum repair business with just $2,000 in seed money. Over the decades, that business survived divorce, embezzlement, uninsured cancer, recessions, and countless challenges while growing into a company generating more than a million dollars annually. In 2024, Fran sold the business to two longtime employees who had helped carry it forward when family circumstances pulled her away.But this conversation isn't really about vacuum cleaners.It's about how values become culture, how purpose sustains people through difficult seasons, and why success means more than financial freedom.Hersh and Fran explore:Why her parents refused to let fear make decisions for themThe role of purpose in building a sustainable businessHow helping competitors can actually strengthen your own companyWhy great employees deserve ownership opportunitiesThe difference between freedom and having a reason to be freeHow entrepreneurship and creativity overlapAnd why curiosity remains one of life's greatest giftsThey also dive into Fran's second act as a novelist and nonfiction author, discussing science fiction, faith, imagination, extraterrestrial life, and the importance of wrestling with life's unanswered questions.Wise, funny, and deeply authentic, this episode is a reminder that the businesses we build often become reflections of the values we choose to live by.https://books2read.com/ap/8GkDdM/Fran-Tabor--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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164
Pia Mailhot-Leichter: Why Creativity Begins When You Stop Escaping Yourself
In this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with creative director, author, entrepreneur, and recovering nomad Pia Mailhot-Leichter for a deeply personal conversation about creativity, identity, belonging, and the courage to consciously create a life that actually fits.After years of living across the world, from New York and London to Sri Lanka, Bahrain, France, and Copenhagen, Pia developed a lifelong relationship with movement, reinvention, and the search for home. But after a difficult divorce and years of constant relocation, she faced a realization that changed everything: maybe the answer wasn’t another move. Maybe the real work was learning how to stay.Hersh’s conversation with Pia explores the emotional connection between creativity and impermanence, and why many people use movement, busyness, or even success itself to avoid sitting with themselves.They dive into:The search for belonging in a constantly changing worldWhy “home” ultimately becomes internalHow travel and novelty fuel creativityThe myth that alcohol and drugs enhance creative thinkingWhy sensitive people often numb themselves instead of creatingThe difference between coaching and consultingAnd how creativity becomes a way of consciously designing your lifePia also shares the story behind her book Welcome to the Creative Club, her transition out of agency life after the death of her mother, and the launch of Kollective Studio, where she helps others bring their “wild visions and ventures” into the world.Thoughtful, funny, vulnerable, and energizing, this episode is a reminder that creativity isn’t reserved for artists. It’s how we shape a meaningful life.https://kollektiv.studio/book--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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163
Steven Seidel on Storytelling, Men’s Groups, and Why Connection Beats Perfection
In this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with brand strategist, TEDx speaker, and media expert Steven Seidel for a conversation about connection, creativity, grief, identity, and the stories that help people survive hard seasons.Steven has spent years helping entrepreneurs, startups, and leaders clarify their message and communicate with impact. But behind the branding and business strategy is a much more personal story.Hersh’s conversation with Steven explores what happened during the pandemic, when caregiving, fatherhood, isolation, business pressure, and the loss of Steven’s mother all collided at once. Out of that chaos came a deeper understanding of community, vulnerability, and the need for spaces where people can actually tell the truth.They dive into:Why connection is the real currency in business and lifeHow storytelling helps people heal and relate to each otherThe creation of Gent’s Journey, Steven’s men’s collectiveWhat COVID revealed about isolation, identity, and relationshipsWhy brands fail when they skip the human storyAnd how authenticity creates trust faster than polished messaging ever willThe conversation moves fluidly between business strategy and real life, touching on branding, fatherhood, grief, creativity, purpose, and the strange ways adversity can clarify what actually matters.Funny, thoughtful, and deeply human, this episode is about learning to build connection in a world that often pushes people apart.Connect with Stephen:https:://www.StephenSeidel.comhttps://www.TheSeidelAgency.com@StephenSeidel + @TheSeidelAgency--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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162
Bar Tips' Neil Rogers: Sales, Service, and the Lost Art of Actually Showing Up
In this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun shares some laughs with sales veteran and Bar Tips author Neil Rogers to unpack what really drives success in business and life.With more than 35 years in sales, marketing, and hospitality, Neil built his career not on flashy tactics, but on simple, repeatable principles learned the hard way, starting behind the bar. From reading customers to building trust, those early lessons became the foundation for a career rooted in discipline, service, and consistency.Hersh’s conversation with Neil explores how those same fundamentals still apply today, even in a world obsessed with shortcuts and scale. Together, they dive into the mindset behind Neil’s Positive Activity™ program, a system built on small, intentional actions that compound over time.They also get into:Why sales is really about relationships, not transactionsThe overlooked power of “showing up” and following throughHow hospitality principles translate into every businessWhy humility beats ego in the long runAnd how small daily habits create lasting successBlending humor, real-world stories, and hard-earned wisdom, Neil shares how a simple shift in mindset can change not just your results, but your entire trajectory.https://positiveactivity.net--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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161
The Business of Fear and the Fight for Truth with informed.now's Kira Shishkin
Kira Shishkin joins Hersh Rephun to challenge how we consume news and what it’s doing to our thinking.As CEO of informed.now, Kira is building a radically simple solution to information overload: delivering fact-based news via text, stripped of bias, noise, and emotional manipulation. A four-time entrepreneur with a background spanning investment banking, corporate strategy, and private equity, Kira brings a systems-level perspective to a deeply human problem.In this episode, he breaks down the hidden structure of the news industry, from “retail” media to the wholesale layer where facts actually originate. He explains how outrage and fear became the business model, why most people are stuck in echo chambers, and how informed.now flips the script by prioritizing primary sources over commentary.The conversation explores truth, perception, and personal responsibility in a world where information is abundant but clarity is rare. The result is a fresh take on staying informed without losing your mind.Connect with Kira Shishkin:l.informed.now/kiraGet https://informed.nowRead Kira Shishkin's Bio: https://l.informed.now/kira--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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160
Heidi Johnson: When Loss Hands You a Card, Play It for Good
In this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with Heidi Johnson, and from the first minute, it’s clear, this isn’t just another conversation. Heidi shows up with heart, perspective, and the kind of grounded wisdom you can’t fake. A truly wonderful guest in every sense.Heidi is a nonprofit founder, storyteller, and the force behind Charity Matters. She’s also the bestselling author of Change for Good. But titles aside, what makes her compelling is the way she’s lived her story.After a devastating family tragedy, Heidi was handed the kind of moment that changes everything. What she did next is what makes this conversation stick. Instead of staying in the loss, she turned toward service, co-founding the Spiritual Care Guild at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Today, it stands as a national model, proof that purpose isn’t theoretical, it’s built.Hersh and Heidi dig into that pivot. Not the polished version, the real one. The kind where pain doesn’t disappear, but it gets repurposed into something that helps other people breathe a little easier.They also get into what’s gone sideways in modern life. Too much surface, not enough substance. We’re “connected but not connected,” and paying the price for it. Heidi makes the case for going smaller, not bigger. Start local. Start human. Start with one person.Because the truth is simple, and a little inconvenient:If you want to feel better, help someone else.What they get into:The moment that changed Heidi’s life, and what she did with itTurning grief into something usefulWhy service isn’t selfless, it’s essentialThe illusion of connection in a hyper-connected worldRebuilding real community, one small act at a timeHow purpose shows up when you stop looking for it and start doingThe takeaway:Forget the overhaul. Forget the grand plan.Do one small, decent thing for someone else. Then do it again tomorrow.That’s how change actually happens.Find Heidi:Website: https://charity-matters.comInstagram: @CharityMatters and @HeidiJohnsonOfficalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharityMattersLALinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-mcniff-johnson-7758b225/Twitter: @Charity_MattersPodcast: Spotify for Podcast- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/charity-mattersYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@CharityMatters/featuredChange for Good Book: https://www.sherisesstudios.com/heidi-johnson--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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From Straight Razors to Tranquil Retreats: The Patrick Bryan Renaissance Experience
Every once in a while, you meet someone and there’s no friction. No posturing. Just a clean, genuine connection.That’s what happened when Hersh met Patrick Bryan, thanks to a quick intro inside Kay Suthar’s Podroom community. (Shout out to Kay for creating spaces where this kind of thing actually happens.)Patrick and his wife Jane are the minds behind Casa Torreta Blanca, a retreat venue in Almería, Spain, a place that feels intentionally off the beaten path. Not overrun, not overhyped. Just right for the kind of deep, focused work most retreats promise but rarely deliver.What unfolds is more than just a conversation. It’s a look into how the right people build something real and how aligned partnerships tend to start simply by showing up as yourself.What We Cover:Patrick's winding road to owning a Spanish retreat and why it makes perfect sense now.Why Almería offers a completely different retreat experience than Spain’s usual hotspotsWhat makes Casa Torreta Blanca stand out as a venueHow Patrick and Jane help coaches create, market, and run profitable five-figure retreatsThe growing demand for retreats that actually deliver transformationWhat happens when expertise meets the right environmentAbout Patrick & Jane Bryan:Patrick Bryan and his wife Jane are the proprietors of Casa Torreta Blanca, a retreat venue in Almería, Spain. They specialize in helping coaches design, market, and run successful five-figure retreats, serving as trusted partners to the coaching community.Connect & Explore:www.casatorretablanca.comwww.janebryanbeautytraining.comwww.wetshavingacademy.com--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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158
Scaling Without Sacrifice: Sophie's Guide for Independent Professionals
Some marketers talk about strategy. Sophie Zollmann builds systems that actually work.With more than 25 years in digital marketing, Sophie has spent her career separating signal from noise. She is a best-selling author, speaker, and the founder of FMD Strategic Partners, where she helps independent businesses compete with corporate giants and win.But what makes Sophie especially interesting is not just her expertise. It is why she does this work.While large healthcare systems, law firms, and financial institutions often rely on enterprise marketing teams and massive budgets, Sophie is fiercely committed to helping independent, family-owned, and employee-owned practices stay independent. Instead of selling out to private equity or getting absorbed into corporate consolidation, her clients build the kind of marketing infrastructure that allows them to dominate their markets on their own terms.That mission led Sophie to pioneer the fractional marketing department model for 7- and 8-figure professional practices. Rather than forcing growing firms to assemble expensive in-house teams or juggle disconnected agencies, Sophie delivers enterprise-level strategy and execution through a cohesive marketing system that produces measurable growth.In this conversation, you will meet the real Sophie: the strategist who believes independence is worth fighting for, the operator who turns scattered marketing into focused momentum, and the truth-teller who insists that meaningful metrics matter far more than vanity numbers.At the heart of her work is a simple philosophy. Marketing should not be a pile of tactics. It should be a strategic engine that drives real business outcomes.If you are an independent practice owner who refuses to be outmatched by corporate competitors, this episode will feel less like a marketing conversation and more like a roadmap.In this episode, we explore:Why independent practices can absolutely compete with enterprise organizationsThe hidden marketing disadvantages smaller firms face and how to overcome themHow the fractional marketing department model gives growing businesses enterprise capability without enterprise overheadThe difference between vanity metrics and numbers that actually drive growthWhy strategy must always come before tacticsHow independent firms can dominate their markets while staying true to what makes them uniquefmdstrategicpartners.com--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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157
Your Difference Is Your Superpower: John Kippen on Resilience, Reinvention, and a Little Magic
In this open and enlightening conversation, Hersh sits down with entrepreneur, professional magician, speaker, resilience and empowerment coach, and author John Kippen to explore how life’s most disorienting setbacks can become the very thing that sets us apart.John’s story took a dramatic turn in 2002 when he was diagnosed with a large benign brain tumor. While the surgery to remove it was successful, it left him with permanent facial paralysis. The physical and emotional impact stopped his forward momentum and led him into more than a decade of hiding from the world.But rock bottom has a funny way of clarifying what matters.As John began rebuilding his life, he rediscovered something that had always lit him up as a kid: performing magic and telling stories. What began as a return to joy slowly transformed into a powerful shift in perspective. Instead of seeing his facial paralysis as something to hide, John realized it had become his greatest superpower.Today, John is a sought-after resilience and empowerment coach who combines storytelling, magic, and lived experience to help people break through their own self-imposed barriers. His work reminds audiences and clients alike that adversity can reveal strengths we never knew we had.In this conversation with Hersh, John shares how reframing difference can unlock courage, creativity, and purpose, and why the very thing you think holds you back may be the key to moving forward.Two guiding mottos shape John’s philosophy and his work:“Being Different is your Superpower!”“Feed your Heart with your Art.”This episode is a powerful reminder that authenticity, resilience, and a little bit of magic can change the story we tell ourselves about who we are and what we’re capable of becoming.You can learn more about John by visiting https://johnkippen.com Facebook • Instagram • LinkedinCheck out the ENTIRE EPISODE for John's free gift and it's one you will definitely appreciate!--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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156
Going Viral After 40: The Rise of John Wellington, "The Dadbod Veteran"
Truth Tastes Funny host Hersh Rephun sat down with Jon “The Dadbod Veteran" Wellington on the eve of The GenX Takeover Tour - a contagious comedy show that unites viral comedians in a nostalgia-fueled live show blending sharp generational humor and real-life storytelling, earning sold-out dates and enthusiastic local press praise.Jon's a Navy vet, proud father of five, and digital comedy breakout who’s living proof that it’s never too late to go viral. After a decade of military service and years of raising a full house, Jon found himself an empty nester in 2022... and accidentally launched a new career as a content creator.Today, with over 5 million followers and a hit nationwide comedy tour he’s telling raw, funny, and refreshingly real stories about parenting, midlife purpose, and the unexpected freedom of finding your voice on social media.https://genxtakeover.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0pVwZdzjVIUcaavNZKmiAhttps://www.instagram.com/thedadbodveteran/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/Dadbodveteran/https://www.tiktok.com/@thedadbodveteran?lang=en--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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155
Exploring Consciousness: Leo Marrs on Truth, Breathwork, and Sacred Commerce
This episode was sparked by several off-mic conversations between Hersh and Leo about creativity, consciousness, reinvention, and what it really means to build something meaningful in a world that feels increasingly artificial. The depth and energy of those exchanges made it clear this needed to be recorded.Leo Marrs is a writer, creative strategist, and former nightlife entrepreneur turned consciousness explorer. Born in the Alaskan wild, his life has been shaped by extremes, from bear encounters and raw nature to founding America’s first breathwork studio. His work now bridges ancient wisdom and future tech, helping creators navigate modern chaos with clarity, resilience, and creative power.Leo is currently writing The New Creator: Rise of the Mindful Artist in the New Meaning Economy, a book exploring how we reclaim purpose in a post-labor world where automation rises and meaning becomes the true currency.In this conversation, Hersh and Leo dive into reinvention, the intersection of spirituality and technology, the emerging meaning economy, and how creators can stay grounded while everything accelerates.As always on TRUTH TASTES FUNNY, the dialogue moves between sharp insight and real talk, because when truth leads, the funny follows.Connect with Leo:https://www.leomarrs.comhttps://instagram.com/theleomarrsHersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
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154
From Loss to Light: Lindsay Mitcheson's Inspirational Story
Lyndsay Mitcheson's journey is one of resilience, creativity, and transformation. After losing her leg to an MRSA infection, she set out to design a walking stick she could feel proud to use. What began in her kitchen became Neo Walk, a bold brand of stylish, colourful acrylic walking sticks that empower people living with disabilities to embrace their mobility with confidence and pride.Neo Walk now ships to over 28 countries and offers a wide range of designs- from sleek classics to light-up sticks- redefining what mobility aids can look and feel like. Lyndsay’s mission is simple but powerful: to make walking sticks that people actually want to use.In 2023, Neo Walk received both a National Diversity Award and a Women in Business Award, and its unique designs have even appeared on red carpets through collaborations with Hollywood stylists.Lyndsay’s story is a powerful reminder that personal challenges can spark meaningful change- and that mobility aids can be more than functional; they can be beautiful, bold, and proudly carried.IG: @neowalksticksFB: https://www.facebook.com/neowalk.neowalk/Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Resources:60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz: https://getoffyourassets.scoreapp.com/60-second Personal Brand Quiz: https://bit.ly/QuizHR
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153
Navigating Autism and Introversion with Coach Lee Hopkins
Coach Lee Hopkins helps late diagnosed autistic adults and introverted professionals build real relationships without masking or burning out.As the founder of Patterns of Possibility, he supports individuals and organizations in creating connection through authenticity, boundaries, and conscious conversation.Connect with Coach Lee:Website: patternsofpossibility.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachleehopkins/Let’s talk: https://calendly.com/patternsofpossibility/clarity-connectionFree Guide to Easy Reconnectionhttps://www.patternsofpossibility.com/s/The-3-3-3-Method-How-to-Reconnect-Without-the-Awkwardness.pdf
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152
Beyond the Brink: Rob Lohman's Path to Recovery and Faith
"Lohman" was known as a happy-go-lucky good-time guy. In this episode of "Truth Tastes Funny," Rob Lohman discusses his experiences with addiction and the pivotal moments that led to his recovery. He recounts his journey from the depths of alcoholism to becoming a successful entrepreneur and author. Lohman shares insights from his book, "The Addiction Intervention," and talks about his faith-driven approach to overcoming life's challenges. He discusses his near-death experiences and the role of his faith in pulling him back from the brink. He also explores the importance of humor and community support in his recovery and how he uses these elements to help others facing similar struggles. Through candid storytelling, Lohman emphasizes the power of transparency and self-awareness in leading a life of purpose and fulfillment. Please contact Rob via [email protected] OR 970.331.4469Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobLohmanLiftedFromTheRut/Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/LiftedfromTheRutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/roblohman_lifted/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlohman/Main Website: ChristianRehabServices.com
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151
High-Frequency Healing & Magnetic Leadership with Dr. Neja Zupan
Hersh met Dr. Neja Zupan on the Marketers Cruise—and immediately knew she needed to be on the show. A global speaker and holistic mentor, Dr. Neja shares how she beat a 5% survival prognosis from cancer using high-frequency living, energy mastery, and deep spiritual alignment. Now cancer-free for over a decade, she helps high achievers activate vitality, clarity, and soul-aligned leadership through nervous system recalibration, ancestral healing, and multidimensional awareness. 💡 In this episode: Why healing is a side effect of alignment How Neja helps clients transition off meds by addressing root causes What embodiment really means — and why it trumps mindset How energy work impacts relationships, career, and physical wellbeing 🎁 BONUS GIFT: 👉 Download Neja’s free eBook: 7 Steps to Energetic AlignmentHighFrequencyEnergyFormula.com 📲 Follow Dr. Neja: [@drnejazupan] 🎧 Subscribe to YES, BRAND for more transformational convos. #YESBRAND #DrNejaZupan #Vitality #EnergyHealing #EmbodiedSuccess
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150
No Soft Pedals: Lynn Harris on Humor, Advocacy, and Saying the Thing
We kick off a new year and season of TRUTH TASTES FUNNY as Hersh sits down with Lynn Harris - a culture-shifting producer, award-winning journalist, and author/co-author of six books, whose comedy and campaigns for social justice and gender equity have changed laws and conversations from Capitol Hill to NASCAR. Lynn is founder and CEO of GOLD Comedy—the comedy school, professional network, and content studio where women and non-binary folks grow their comedy careers, build powerful communities, and make funny stuff. She co-created Breakup Girl (acquired by Oxygen), one of the first multiplatform internet success stories, and served as the first VP of communications at global human rights group Breakthrough, where her blend of humor and advocacy powered some of the team’s most effective U.S. campaigns. Connect with Lynn www.goldcomedy.com@goldcomedy
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149
Satori Shakoor: Art, Storytelling, and Self-Discovery
Satori Shakoor is an acclaimed storyteller, multidisciplinary artist, and social entrepreneur, recognized as a 2017 Kresge Literary Arts Fellow. She began her career touring with George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic as a member of the Brides of Funkenstein before expanding into acting, comedy, and writing. A Moth Mainstage storyteller and host of Detroit Performs Live for Detroit PBS, Satori captivates audiences worldwide on stages, PBS, NPR, and top podcasts. She is the Executive Producer of The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers®, an internationally recognized storytelling platform, and leads The Society for the Re-Institutionalization of Storytelling, partnering with major institutions like Duke University and the University of Michigan. Her latest project, the comedic stand-up storytelling concert film CONFESSIONS OF A MENOPAUSAL FEMME FATALE, premieres Thursday, June 12, on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Google Play, and YouTube. A lifelong learner, Satori studied at Wayne State University, Michigan State, the University of Hawaii, The Groundlings, and Second City Toronto. Through her artistry and leadership, she continues to inspire, transform, and connect communities across the globe. https://www.satorishakoor.comhttps://www.twistedtellers.orghttps://www.instagram.com/satorishakoorfilms/
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148
From Baseball to Business: Damon Lembi's "Know-it-All Mindset"
Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. Connect with Damon: Learnit Website: https://www.learnit.comDamon Website: https://www.thelearnitallleader.comThe Learn-It-All Podcast: https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi
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147
Love Over Fear: Lisa Stuart's Guide to Peace Amidst the Chaos
This week on Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh sits down with Lisa Stuart — wife, mom of three, attorney, speaker, and author — who’s rewriting the rules of balance and self-acceptance. Lisa refuses to be boxed in by labels, and her soon-to-be-released book The Drama Diet (with companion card decks available now) offers a fresh, sustainable path to peace amid the chaos of life. What makes Lisa’s approach different is her willingness to face the drama head-on — whether it’s the noise in our own heads or the judgments that come from outside. She reminds us that light doesn’t mean denying the dark; it means dancing with it. Her guiding mantra says it all: “Dance with your darkness, but let love take the lead.” This conversation is equal parts truth, humor, and heart — a reminder that fear can walk beside us, but love is always in charge. Connect with Lisa: 🌐 thedramadiet.com 🌐 lisastuart.com 📸 Instagram: @lisastuartofficial 📘 Facebook: @lisastuartofficial
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146
Sound Healing and Success: Mike Reed's Blueprint for Wellness
Mike Reed is a renowned sound healer, musician, and entrepreneur, dedicated to helping others experience deep transformation through the power of sound. As the founder of Sound Quest and Sound Quest Academy, he has led thousands through immersive sound healing experiences, blending his background in music, counseling, and shamanic practice to create powerful, restorative journeys. Through Sound Quest Academy, Mike empowers aspiring sound healers with the tools and strategies to turn their passion into a thriving business. His Sound Healer Business Blueprint has become a leading resource for those looking to build a sustainable career in the healing arts. With a deep belief that sound is medicine, Mike’s mission is to elevate sound healing as both an art and a business, guiding practitioners to success while making a profound impact on the world. Connect with Mike: www.soundquestacademy.cominstagram.com/sound_questfacebook.com/soundquest.soundhealing
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145
From Overwhelmed to Empowered with Nicole Burbank
Feeling fried? Nicole Burbank’s here to remind us that peak performance doesn’t mean constant burnout. Nicole joins me on TRUTH TASTESFUNNY to share the science (and sanity) behind lasting success: how to rewire your habits, boost energy, and stop mistaking “busy” for “thriving.” On this week's episode of the TRUTH TASTES FUNNY podcast, Hersh talk with Nicole Burbank, a Peak Performance Coach who helps high achievers stop running on fumes and start firing on all cylinders. She’s got the science, the psychology, and the mental game plan to turn “I’m exhausted” into “I got this.”"Nicole doesn’t do quick fixes," Hersh notes, "she rewires people." With a mix of functional nutrition, mindset work, and emotional intelligence, she helps clients break through burnout, reprogram their habits, and build energy that sticks. Connect with Nicolehttps://www.nicolemburbank.com https://www.instagram.com/nicole.burbank/
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144
Reclaiming Magic: Sunshine's Journey to Sobriety and Self-Discovery
From Hersh: "To stand is the glow of Sunshine is a bewitching experience!" He sat down with this trailblazing Psychic Medium, Soul Healer, Spiritual Advisor, High Priestess, Reiki Master, and Recovering Alcoholic to discuss all of the above. Known as The Sober Witch, Sunshine (aka Jen Romanowski) her mission is to help highly motivated witches in recovery rediscover their magic, align with their highest purpose, and live the abundant life promised in sobriety. Connect with Sunshine https://www.illuminateunschool.comhttps://www.soberwitch.lifehttps://www.youtube.com/@IlluminateUnschoolofWitchcrafthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/soberwitchsbazaar/
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143
A Peaceful Departure: Monique Brignoni Helps Doulas Walk Your Pet Home
Monique Brignoni trains aspiring pet death doulas worldwide, offering holistic skills that transform end-of-life experiences into peaceful, conscious, and regret-free journeys. Instead of despair, she helps deepen bonds, creating a loving bridge across forever. Her approach turns challenging moments into opportunities for healing and awakening. Free sessions of Walk Your Pet Home - The Complete Guide To Consciously Navigating Our Animal Friend’s End-Of-Life Journey: https://training.animalchemy.com/free-gift-wyph www.petwise.world or Pet Wise App (in Apple Store or Google Play) If people register for free, they get access to a 45 min presentation called What Do Pets Teach Us On Life & Death. Free support for pet parents that are going through an end-of-life journey: https://one.animalchemy.com/widget/bookings/peaceful-pet-discovery-session Free support for aspiring pet death doulas: https://one.animalchemy.com/widget/bookings/sacred-pet-doula-discovery-session
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142
Exploring Sleep Science - and Medication - with Dr. Lucinda Sykes
Lucinda Sykes MD is a retired Canadian doctor and a longtime teacher of mindfulness. Since 1997, she directed Meditation for Health clinic in Toronto, teaching medical programs of MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction). More than 6000 patients attended the clinic, referred for help with the many medical conditions worsened by stress. Since retiring from medical practice, Lucinda continues to speak publicly about medicine’s over-prescription of sleeping pills. Women 50+ are at special risk. Learn more - and get your FREE GIFT - at https://www.happysleepsecrets.com/
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141
Freedom Biker Joseph 'JD' Dubois’ Road to Authentic Living
In this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, I sit down with Joseph "JD" Dubois, the man behind Freedom Biker Tours. JD spent 40 years in hospitality—translation: he knows what it’s like to smile politely while you ask for extra ice. But after a major career derailment, he took a sharp turn (on two wheels, no less) and built his own business. Now, JD’s story isn’t just roadside postcards and leather jackets. He’s been through it: a brutal divorce, multiple motorcycle wipeouts, and a property battle that dragged on longer than The Fast and the Furious franchise. Through it all, he kept showing up—banged up, but not broken. What makes JD’s ride worth listening to is his relentless commitment to courage, authenticity, and self-healing. He talks resilience, real love, and why the hell we shouldn’t sit around waiting for a permission slip to chase our dreams. Spoiler: you’ll crash more often playing it safe than you will risking failure. So buckle your helmet—this episode isn’t about coasting, it’s about taking the damn road.
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140
Bridging Gaps with Abagail McKiernan, 'The Professional Do-Gooder'
When Hersh met Abby, the conversation just flowed, from the introduction onward! Dubbed a "professional Do-gooder," and the Co-founder of two companies, Abagail McKiernan is on a mission to make sure that everybody has somebody in their time of need by harnessing the power of technology to connect people, businesses, and nonprofits. With 100,000 needs met since 2017 through her nonprofit organization Spark in the Dark, and her newest venture, HelpLink, that helps companies proactively remove barriers to work for their staff -- she is a force to be reckoned with as she continues to make giving and receiving better, easier, faster, and more transparent for all. Speakkindness.comHelplink.org
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139
Unlocking Connection: Shelley Doyle Discusses Hybrid Leadership
Shelley Doyle is a Social Wealth Strategist and a Master's student at Royal Roads University, researching the social connection habits of hybrid leaders, and facilitating an 8-week social intervention program. With over 20 years in professional communications working and studying across three continents, Shelley now works with leaders, founders and corporate teams, equipping them with evidence-based tools and strategies to strengthen their relationships, so they can feel deeply connected, trusted and supported, within and beyond the workplace, online and offline. She is also a podcaster, hosting the show “Rediscovering Connection” where she speaks to cutting edge researchers, innovative leaders and community builders – who are passionate about connection. Website: http://thecommuniverse.com/Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@thecommuniverse
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138
James German: Problem-Solving through Einstein Lenses and a New Perspective on AI Ethics
“We go to others for advice, because other people don’t share our blind spots.” A simple statement from Hersh's interview with AI ethicist, author, and consultant James German, and this premise is at the heart of “MDGP,” the "hero-making" framework he created to help leaders train and utilize AI in the service of their organization. LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/JamesGerman (with over 100 references)Personal Portfolio website: www.JamesGerman.com (Extended resume, portfolio samples and more information)Calendly Interview Link: https://calendly.com/jamesgerman/interview
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137
Revolutionizing Health with Clean Air and Water: Meet Michael Dillon
Michael Dillon has built a company dedicated to enhancing well-being through the most essential elements of life. His mission is to show how clean air and pure water can transform health and unlock the body’s natural ability to restore balance. Mike is also the Vice President of SELF Wellness in Boynton Beach, Florida, a center focused on holistic therapies and alternative health solutions. As more people in the U.S. seek out integrative approaches to address root causes of health challenges, centers like SELF Wellness play a critical role in bridging the gap between modern innovation and natural healing practices. Hersh's guest today also brings a unique perspective as a mission-driven entrepreneur who combines science-backed products with a passion for helping others live healthier lives. On podcasts, Mike shares actionable insights into the future of alternative health, how environmental factors shape well-being, and the entrepreneurial journey of creating impactful products. His expertise resonates with audiences who are curious about natural health solutions, environmental wellness, and taking a proactive approach to living well. Dillon’s story is both inspiring and practical, making him a compelling guest for any show focused on health, wellness, or entrepreneurship. Connect with Mike: Website: www.airwaterhealing.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/airwaterhealing/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airwaterhealingYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@AirWaterHealing
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136
Clarity, Confidence, Consistency: The C3 Method for Success with Michael Blunt
Michael is an executive mindset coach and former marketing executive dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners unlock their potential by overcoming the limiting beliefs that stand between them and their goals. With over a decade of experience, he has worked with more than 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, athletes, and business leaders, guiding them to achieve exponential growth, cultivate lasting relationships, increase their wealth, and transform ambition into tangible success. A former corporate executive with an MBA, Michael has firsthand experience of the intense pressure of high-level roles, having overcome severe anxiety and depression. This personal transformation led him to refocus his life’s mission, creating the Business Mindset Collective (BMC) — a global platform designed to make self-improvement and business acceleration accessible to all. The BMC offers a unique annual membership that equips founders with powerful mindset mastery techniques grounded in science and spirituality. Members learn strategies to reach their 10-year goals in just one year. Through a global network of expert coaches and monthly mindset training calls led by Michael, BMC delivers the support, accountability, and inspiration needed for sustained growth and personal transformation. Website: https://michaelablunt.com/
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135
Tattoo Tales: Thinking and Inking with Mark Nara
Mark offers a deeply spiritual and innovative approach to tattooing. With over 15 years of experience, he has dedicated his career to redefining tattoos as a sacred and transformative practice. Drawing from both contemporary training and traditional indigenous guidance, Mark integrates ancient wisdom into a modern context, making it accessible to those outside traditional cultures. Mark challenges the mainstream focus on aesthetics, reframing tattoos as tools for navigating personal growth and self-discovery. Through his platform, Tattoo Pathway, he teaches how tattoos can serve as profound records of transitional periods, offering guidance and intentionality. Unlike much of the tattoo industry, Mark’s approach emphasizes meaning over trend, helping tattoos resonate with their wearers' deeper intentions. His unique perspective inspires others to reflect on what it truly means to be tattooed and how these marks can align with one’s identity and journey. By combining technical skill with spiritual insight, Mark invites others to rediscover tattooing as a rite of passage and a pathway toward personal evolution, setting him apart as a trusted guide for those seeking to mark their transformations. Connect with Mark: https://tattoopathway.com/https://themarkofnara.com/https://www.instagram.com/themarkofnara
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134
Balancing the Scales: Law, Humor, and Humanity with Andy J. Semotiuk
Andy Semotiuk is a U.S. and Canadian immigration attorney and member of the New York and California bars in the U.S. and Ontario and B.C. bars in Canada. He has practiced law in Los Angeles for ten years and in New York for five years. A former U.N. Correspondent stationed in New York, Andy has been a Forbes contributor for ten years and his articles there have been read by over 1 million readers. Andy served on the Tribunal Panel of the Canadian Human Rights Commission for three years. He has written four books and lives in Toronto, where he practises law with Pace Law Firm. Connect with Andy Web sites:Law firm website: https://pacelawfirm.comPersonal legal website: https://myworkvisa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysemotiuk/Instagram: SemotiuX: ASemotiukFacebook personal: https://www.facebook.com/asemotiuk/Facebook business: https://www.facebook.com/myworkvisaYouTube: @AndySemotiukEsq
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133
12 Minutes to Transformation with Jennifer Takagi
Jennifer, The 12-Minute Success Coach and Certified High Performance Coach, empowers women to unlock their purpose by trusting their intuition, releasing emotional blocks, and gaining clarity to achieve their next level of success. Using multiple modalities, she helps clients break through limitations and pursue their dreams in simple, 12-minute increments. With 10,000+ trained, six best-selling books, and a podcast with 24,000+ downloads, she’s excited for what’s next!
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132
Unleashing Creativity Through Play: Insights from Dinalynn Rosenbush
Dinalynn Rosenbush is a Consultant and Parenting Coach, Speaker, 30-year public school Speech Language Pathologist, international best-selling Author, and Creator/Host of the Top 1.5% podcast: The Language of Play. Dinalynn helps parents understand how children communicate so they can connect more deeply with their children. She gives practical, daily strategies for building speech and language skills during normal daily activities - even in the presence of a delay. Dinalynn loves to empower parents through education and guidance. Dinalynn resides in Minnesota where she is near her children and grandchildren. FREE GIFT: 5 Ways To Get Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91 MY CONTACT: [email protected] MY PODCAST: The Language Of PlayLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dinalynn-rosenbush-b5750854 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thelanguageofplay IG: https://www.instagram.com/dinalynnrosenbush/
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131
Overcoming Chronic Illness: Olivier Mankondo's Plant-Based Transformation
Olivier Mankondo is a speaker, author, and weight loss and wellness coach with a passion for helping people achieve optimal health. Olivier has been able to lose 35Kgs(5 ½ stone or 77 Lbs) in 9 months, reverse all his chronic diseases, and slow down quite dramatically his ageing process after adopting a plant-based nutrition. Since 2016, Olivier has not been sick a day and has since helped hundreds of people create an amazing level of health and vitality through his talk and his health coaching. He has completed the training program for weight loss coaching accredited by the International Association of Therapists. He is also the creator of the”3-Step Weight Loss & Wellness program” and the author of the book: “The Plant-based Nutrition: How It’s Going to Change Your Life” which has been translated into French as well. On a side note, Olivier can speak 4 languages including French. Connect with Olivier Free gift “ 7 tips to lose weight”https://oliviermankondo.com/opt-in My Book: ”The plant-based nutrition: how it’s going to change your life”https://oliviermankondo.com/my-book-funnel-ebook-sales-page Book your free weight loss & wellness discovery callhttps://tidycal.com/oliviermankondo/discovery-call Websitehttps://oliviermankondo.com YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/OLIVIERMANKONDO
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130
Heal Yourself: A Discussion with 'America in Therapy' Author Phyllis Leavitt
Phyllis Leavitt has a Masters’ Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Antioch University. She co-directed the Parents United sexual abuse treatment program in Santa Fe, New Mexico for two years and then went into private practice full time. Phyllis has treated children, families, couples, and individual adults for 34 years, and has worked extensively with abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics, their aftermath, and some of the most important elements for healing. She has two previous books, A Light in the Darkness and Into the Fire. Her latest book, America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis, published by Morgan James Publishing, explores the roots of divisiveness and violence in America from a psychological point of view, with the goal of bringing the best of what heals relationships and restores us to safety, into national conversation. Phyllis lives with her husband in Taos, NM and is now focusing on writing and speaking. Connect with Phyllis:https://www.phyllisleavitt.comhttps://www.facebook.com/phyllis.leavitthttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOdxqvDK9N421AZ5TTxqUgQhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllis-leavitt-630179255/https://www.instagram.com/phyllis_e_leavitt/https://twitter.com/PhyllisLeavitt2https://substack.com/@phyllisleavitt1
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Truth Tastes Funny is a weekly conversation with Hersh Rephun and a special guest about the strange, fascinating, and often invisible ways human beings create meaning.How we form opinions.How we misunderstand one another.How we flatten complexity into certainty.And how those interpretations quietly become the reality we live inside.In a post-truth world, people rarely respond to reality first.They respond to what they believe reality means.Once that interpretation takes hold, everything else starts organizing around it.Each episode explores how ideas spread, identities form, assumptions harden, and why two intelligent people can walk away from the same experience with completely different stories about what just happened.Expect topical conversations.Unexpected observations.A few uncomfortable realizations.Plenty of laughter.And the occasional moment when you catch yourself doing exactly the thing we're talking about.The podcast also offers a glimpse into "First Contact Li
HOSTED BY
Hersh Rephun
CATEGORIES
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