In this deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Ed Di Gangi, an adoptee who embarked on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery at the age of 69. Adopted at birth in New York City, Ed never sought out his birth family—until a visit to a cemetery changed everything. Over eight years of DNA testing, archival research, and serendipitous discoveries, Ed uncovered a fascinating story of resilience, love, and identity. His birth mother, once an unknown figure, was revealed to be a renowned ice skater who traveled the world in the 1940s and '50s. Through meticulous research, Ed pieced together his birth mother's emotional and physical journey, leading to his bestselling memoir, "The Gift Best Given." Join us as Ed shares: * How a simple visit to a cemetery sparked a life-changing journey * The emotional revelations of uncovering his birth mother's story * The challenges of reconciling identity as an adoptee * Why he believes adoption is often misunderstood and how it shaped his life * His inspiring perspective on gratitude, vulnerability, and resilience * The upcoming release of his second book, "Gliding Through Goodbye", chronicling his birth mother's journey This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever questioned their roots, struggled with identity, or wants to understand the power of self-acceptance. Contact Info: Website: www.digangiauthor.com  [https://www.digangiauthor.com/] Email: edward.digangi.author@gmail.com  Books: * The Gift Best Given: A Memoir – Available anywhere books are sold * Gliding Through Goodbye – Releasing June 2025 🎙️ Love This Episode? If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us continue bringing inspiring conversations to Vulnerability Muscle!

"Never deny them the struggle." That quote from her father shaped Daina Hughes' parenting—and her purpose. But what happens when the struggle itself becomes the sacred teacher? In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Daina Hughes, a soul coach, end-of-life doula, and co-author of Look Up, for a heart-expanding conversation about spirituality, grief, motherhood, and the sacred art of holding space. Daina opens up about losing her best friend at 18 and how that grief became a catalyst for her spiritual awakening. She shares how she and her father—who's not only her mentor but also her business partner—discovered their spiritual paths together. We explore how Daina helps others navigate death with dignity as an end-of-life doula, and how she balances absorbing deep human emotion without letting it consume her spirit. The episode also dives into: * Why scheduling your crying sessions might just save your sanity * How to raise resilient kids without recreating generational pain * What it means to be a "gifted" or intuitive child and how to nurture that * The emotional boundaries that protect healers from burnout * Reframing spirituality as a journey back to self-belief Daina's book, Look Up, offers a unique fusion of memoir and spiritual coaching, answering life's biggest questions through deeply personal storytelling. If you've ever felt "too sensitive," "too emotional," or struggled to process grief, trauma, or even your spiritual curiosity—this episode will feel like a soft place to land. Contact Info: Website: angelichealing.ca [https://angelichealing.ca/]Book: Look Up by Daina Hughes and Larissa Soren — available on Amazon Social: @divinedainn on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Ready to explore the divine through your own vulnerability? Hit play now and discover how your greatest pain can become your most powerful path to purpose.

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Dr. Mark A. Hicks—author, counselor, ghostwriter, and relationship coach—to unpack one of life's deepest questions: How do we truly learn to love? Drawing from his groundbreaking book, Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last, Dr. Hicks reveals the five core components of love that can transform romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, and workplace relationships: grief, emotion, practicality, acceptance, and passion. These insights blend wisdom from ancient biblical texts with modern psychology to offer a holistic, teachable path to deeper connection. Listeners will hear: * Why grief is the foundation of love and a gateway to healing * How emotional safety and expression create lasting bonds * The role of practicality in avoiding relational breakdowns * Why self-acceptance is essential to loving others * How passion brings joy and meaning to everyday life * Real-life stories of toxic love, healing, and rediscovery * Lessons from the Book of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs * Reflections on Brene Brown's research and Maslow's hierarchy of needs * Candid conversations about childhood trauma, conditional love, and emotional resilience This episode is an invitation to unlearn dysfunctional relationship patterns and embrace love as a learnable skillset. Whether you're navigating heartbreak, rebuilding trust, or seeking deeper emotional intimacy, this conversation will equip you with actionable wisdom. Contact Info:  * Website: www.markahicks.com [https://www.markahicks.com/] * Coaching, workshops, speaking inquiries, or to grab his free eBook: Use the contact form on his website * Book: Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last

"What if your left side belonged to your father and your right side to your mother—down to your DNA?"  That's the haunting premise behind Split, a gripping novel inspired by a rare real-life diagnosis: chimerism. In this episode, Dr. Michael Swartz—a transplant and pediatric cardiac surgery researcher turned novelist—joins Reggie D. Ford to explore identity, science, and storytelling. From the quiet roar of unwritten stories in his mind to 100+ rejections on the path to publishing, Michael opens up about the challenges of switching from academic to creative writing and why fiction can be both a lie and a truth-teller. They dig into what it means to be shaped by genetics and environment, how small physical traits can carry deep psychological weight, and the liberating power of simply putting words on the page. Call to Action: If you've ever wrestled with the question "Who am I really?", this episode is for you. Tune in now to discover how a rare diagnosis, a drive between cities, and a lifelong passion for helping others became a beautiful, bold exploration of identity and belonging. Guest Contact Info: Website: michaelswartzwrites.com Book: Split available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million Host Contact Info: Website: reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] Social: @reggiedford on all platforms Key Quotes / Takeaways: * "Writing is like a game of chess. The story gets louder when the moves start to make sense." * "A chimera is someone with two sets of DNA—often the result of one twin absorbing the other in utero." * "Everybody's different. Their biology, their upbringing, their path—and that's something to celebrate."

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Terry Tucker—former SWAT hostage negotiator, Division I college basketball player, motivational speaker, and 13-year cancer warrior. Terry shares his extraordinary journey of surviving a rare form of melanoma that led to the amputation of his foot and leg, and how that adversity revealed his life's true purpose. Terry opens up about his career transitions—from business executive to police officer and hostage negotiator—detailing how his father's expectations and his own calling led him to follow his purpose later in life. He introduces us to his personal philosophy called the Four Truths, including: 1. Control your mind or your mind will control you. 2. Embrace the pain and use it to grow stronger. 3. What you leave behind is what you weave into the hearts of others. 4. As long as you don't quit, you can never be defeated. This episode goes beyond surface-level inspiration. Reggie and Terry dive deep into the psychology of vulnerability, how empathy was key to Terry's success as a negotiator, the neuroscience of communication (the 7-38-55 rule), and how faith, family, and friends sustained him through his darkest days. Terry also shares practical tools from his book Sustainable Excellence, including how to reframe suffering and align with your purpose. Whether you're facing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to take control of your mindset and embrace your own journey. Contact Info:  Website & Blog: motivationalcheck.com [https://www.motivationalcheck.com/]Book: Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life

In this deeply moving and motivational episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with transformational leader and founder of Freedom for Life, Mark Collins, to explore the power of vulnerability, identity, and intentional living. As the author of Life Mastery: Living by Design, Not by Default, Mark has guided hundreds through his signature framework to unleash their purpose, heal from limiting beliefs, and master the life they were truly created for. * Together, Reggie and Mark dive into * Why vulnerability is discomfort—and why that's a good thing * How your thoughts, words, and actions shape your reality * The four pillars of Life Mastery: Identity, Experience, Meaning, and Emotion * How to break free from performative success and imposter syndrome * The "I Am" statement and celebration list that transform self-perception * Mark's personal story of grief, healing, and overcoming inner criticism * How faith and inner work create sustainable, soul-aligned transformation * Why living from identity—not for identity—is the key to fulfillment This conversation is more than inspirational—it's instructional. Whether you're at a crossroads or already on your growth journey, Mark's wisdom will help you reconnect with your true self, reframe past experiences, and master your life by design, not default. Guest Contact Info Email: mark@freedom-for-life.net Website: https://freedom-for-life.net [https://freedom-for-life.net/]Book: Life Mastery: Living by Design, Not by Default available on Amazon and his website Course: Life Mastery suite available at freedom-for-life.net [https://freedom-for-life.net/]

"I had my gun in my hand… and my kids were right there." In one of the most raw and riveting episodes yet, Anthony Wilson opens up about the moment he hit rock bottom—and what pulled him back. From ADHD misdiagnosis and childhood trauma to a 911 call that saved his life, Anthony's story is a powerful testament to resilience, transformation, and self-love. He takes us through his journey from self-destruction to healing: yoga at sunrise, journaling on ayahuasca in the Colombian mountains, and a spiritual awakening that led him to sobriety and purpose. This isn't just a story about mental health—it's about reclaiming your identity, rewriting the narrative of masculinity, and redefining what success really means. Whether you're healing from trauma or searching for deeper meaning, this episode reminds us that the love we're looking for often starts within. Call to Action: Listen now to hear how Anthony turned pain into power—and why vulnerability just might be your greatest strength. Contact Info: Guest: Anthony Wilson Instagram: https://instagram.com/nashville_n_foodiehttps://www.instagram.com/nashvillianfoodie/ Host: Reggie D. Ford Website: https://reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] Socials: @reggiedford [https://instagram.com/reggiedford] on all platforms Key Quotes & Takeaways: * "If you listen to your fears, you'll never know the great person you're meant to be." * "Ayahuasca didn't let me run from my trauma. It made me sit in it—and heal from it." * "I had the house, the car, the money—but I felt so small inside. Now I live in a camper with my mom and I've never been happier."

"I try to show up and show love—even in business."  In this soul-stretching episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford is joined by culture curator and leadership consultant Darius E. Moore for a conversation that blends storytelling, emotional truth, and practical wisdom. Together, they explore how early life experiences, especially Darius' deeply personal family history marked by tragedy and healing, shaped his approach to relationships, leadership, and fatherhood. From breathing through trauma to curating workplace cultures rooted in love, this episode shows how real power comes from showing up as your whole self—scars, stories, and all. They discuss the importance of seeing others not as data or problems to solve but as people to love. They also dive into what it means to parent with presence, the grief of a lost childhood, and why every child—and adult—deserves to be seen as a star. Darius shares stories from his upbringing in a military household, how his therapist wife helped him discover emotional regulation, and what his daughter taught him about living in the moment. This episode is a tribute to collective kinship, vulnerability as a practice, and leadership through love. Key Takeaways & Quotes: * "Discipline and punishment aren't the same thing. I wasn't punished; I was prepared." * "Breathing is how I regulate. I believe every inhale is the breath of God." * "If you want to build better cultures—at home, at work, in the world—start by loving people right where they are." Call to Action: This episode will change the way you think about love in leadership, parenting, and personal growth. Listen now to discover why vulnerability is the key to healing and connection—and how we build a better world through radical, consistent love. Contact Info: Connect with Darius E. Moore: darius.e.mmore@gmail.com Instagram: @GenesisThought [https://instagram.com/genesistthought] LinkedIn: Darius E. Moore 🎙Podcast coming soon: Let's Build Something Connect with Reggie D. Ford: reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] @reggiedford on all platforms Subscribe to the Vulnerability Muscle podcast wherever you listen

"I was just a kid trying to survive, and they called me a murderer." In this unforgettable episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Ashlee Sellars, a powerhouse advocate for restorative justice whose life journey defies everything you thought you knew about crime, punishment, and healing. At just 17 years old, Ashlee was sentenced to 25 years in prison under Tennessee's felony murder law—despite never pulling a trigger. But this isn't just a story about incarceration. It's about survival. It's about trauma, accountability, and ultimately, transformation. Ashlee shares a jaw-dropping account of how the criminal legal system failed her at every turn, how she discovered the power of restorative justice through a life-altering meeting with her victim's parents, and how she now leads community healing efforts at the Raphah Institute. With raw vulnerability and unapologetic truth, she challenges us to redefine what justice really means—and who deserves redemption. Key Takeaways / Social Highlights: * "Incarceration is not accountability. It's removal from the conversation." * "Some of the worst behaviors in our communities come from the most beautiful intentions—like trying to protect our families." * "I was never given a chance to speak my truth. So now, I create space for others to speak theirs." Call to Action: You won't hear a story like this anywhere else. Listen now to understand why true justice means more than punishment—and why vulnerability just might be the most powerful force for change. Share this episode, leave a review, and flex your own Vulnerability Muscle. Contact Info: Guest: Ashlee Sellars 🔗 Website: https://www.raphah.org/ 📱 Social: @RaphahInstitute on all platforms Host: Reggie D. Ford 🌐 Website: https://reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] 📱 Social: @reggiedford on all platforms

What if the key to transformation lies not in fighting your past but in rewriting its meaning? In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Kyle Smith, a clarity consultant and creator of the Supra Being Blueprint, to explore how men can break free from limiting beliefs and emotional stagnation using a potent framework: Neuro-Linguistic Somatic Experience (NLSE). Kyle unpacks how story work, breathwork, and character integration can rewire the nervous system, empower self-leadership, and help people embody emotional sovereignty. Together, Reggie and Kyle discuss: * Why vulnerability doesn't have to be heavy—and can even feel neutral or powerful * How breath is the remote control for your nervous system (high & tight = ready to fight, low & slow = ready to flow) * The role of story meaning in healing trauma and transforming self-worth * How to move from "I am my pain" to "I am my power" * Affirmations backed by evidence, not wishful thinking * Helping men discover clarity, confidence, and purpose through internal character work * Practices for reconnecting with sensation in the body after trauma or dissociation * The metaphor of the inner courtroom: rival vs. role model—and how to judge your thoughts wisely * Breathwork demo: A powerful guided practice you can follow along with This is a deeply healing conversation that fuses practical strategy with soulful insight, offering a new lens for anyone struggling with self-doubt, disconnection, or emotional numbness. Whether you're navigating trauma, burnout, or simply looking to grow, Kyle's approach to embodied transformation will resonate. 🧠 "Words are the ethereal macronutrients of the mind." 💭 "You're not broken—you're holding on to stories that haven't been updated." 💡 "Our breath is our first tool for reclaiming agency." Guest Contact Information Website: clarityconsultant.ca [https://www.clarityconsultant.ca/]Instagram: @dapperdudekyle [https://www.instagram.com/dapperdudekyle] Breathwork follow-up: Kyle invites listeners to DM him on Instagram and share their experience from the episode's guided breathwork session.

Why do we procrastinate, and how can we break free from its grip? In this episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with procrastination coach Chris Abdey, founder of The Procrastination Station, to uncover the hidden reasons behind procrastination. Chris shares his personal journey from achieving 'success' by societal standards to hitting rock bottom, leading him to a deep exploration of why we delay, avoid, and escape the things that matter most. Together, Reggie and Chris dive into: * The five procrastination archetypes—which one are you? * How procrastination is often rooted in fear, perfectionism, or escapism. * The surprising connection between addiction and procrastination. * Why procrastination doesn't mean you're lazy—but rather that your brain is trying to protect you. * How to shift from a to-do list to a to-be list and prioritize based on your values. * Real-life strategies to overcome chronic procrastination and take back control of your time. Chris also shares a powerful personal story about how last-minute improvisation led to an unexpected academic success—and how this experience reinforced a pattern of high-stakes procrastination. Whether you struggle with work deadlines, personal projects, or just showing up on time, this episode will give you practical insights and a fresh perspective on why you procrastinate and how to break the cycle. Tune in and discover how you can transform procrastination into purposeful action—without the shame or self-judgment. Contact Info: https://procrastinationstation.ca/

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Jeff Siegel—a men's health and wellness coach, writer, and mindfulness teacher at Harvard University—for a transformative conversation on redefining masculinity, healing from disordered eating, and reimagining success beyond hustle culture. Jeff shares deeply personal stories from his upbringing, including his struggle with an eating disorder, the impact of absentee fatherhood, and the cultural pressures that push men away from vulnerability. From martial arts to Buddhist studies, neuroscience to spiritual embodiment, Jeff walks us through his multi-layered healing journey and offers listeners tools to return to their bodies, center their nervous systems, and reframe productivity with compassion. Together, Reggie and Jeff explore questions that men—and all humans—need to sit with: * What do you need that you didn't get? * Can success coexist with rest, presence, and peace? * How do we shed societal expectations and allow ourselves to simply be? This episode is an open invitation to redefine strength, create space for healing, and finally come home to ourselves. Key Topics Covered: * The duality of physical vs. emotional vulnerability * How shame shapes male identity and behavior * Jeff's story of developing and recovering from an eating disorder * The connection between trauma, control, and food * Why asking for help is the ultimate act of strength * The masks of masculinity and where they originate * Naming internal "parts" to understand and integrate them (e.g. "Productive Pete") * Redefining hustle culture and success on your own terms * Presence over perfection in fatherhood and life * How Buddhist studies and mind-brain education inform Jeff's healing philosophy * Spiritual practices for grounded well-being in a materialistic world * The limitations of corporate wellness if culture doesn't change If this episode resonates with you, share it with a man in your life who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Vulnerability Muscle for more soul-stretching conversations, and don't forget to rate and review! Connect with Jeff Siegel: * Website https://jeffsiegelwellness.com/ [https://www.jeffsiegelwellness.com/] * Email: jeff@jeffsiegelwellness.com * Instagram: @jeff.siegel.wellness [https://www.instagram.com/jeff.siegel.wellness]

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with the dynamic Dr. JaNee Mobley—pharmacist, speaker, author, coach, mom, and mentor—to unpack her extraordinary journey from homelessness to building a purpose-driven life and business. Dr. Mobley opens up about the emotional toll of living unfulfilled despite achieving academic and professional success. She vulnerably shares how losing her job and home—while pregnant—became the turning point that launched her into entrepreneurship and deeper self-discovery. Together, Reggie and Dr. Mobley explore: * What vulnerability truly means and how it creates emotional safety. * Why success without purpose leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. * How Dr. Mobley turned a season of homelessness into the foundation for a bestselling book and thriving coaching business. * The five-part coaching framework she uses to help women move from mindset to movement: Mindset, Management, Mastery, Message, and Marketing. * Real stories of self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and the fear of success. * How women can give themselves permission to profit from their purpose while maintaining their integrity and peace. * The power of showing up—especially when it's hard. * How vulnerability is her superpower—and can be yours too. This is a must-listen for any woman sitting on a dream, navigating burnout, or battling self-doubt. It's also a reminder for all of us that vulnerability is the gateway to personal freedom, transformation, and true power. * Website: https://www.drjanee.com/ * Instagram: @DrJaNeeMobley [https://www.instagram.com/DrJaNeeMobley] * Coaching & Speaking: Success & Wealth Institute

In this soul-stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Dame Clarissa Burt—former supermodel turned award-winning author, media powerhouse, and self-esteem advocate. From gracing 250 magazine covers to being knighted and standing proudly beside the likes of Brené Brown and Deepak Chopra on bookstore shelves, Clarissa shares her incredible journey through generational healing, emotional resilience, and radical self-acceptance. Clarissa gets candid about growing up with deeply rooted family shame, finding her voice in Europe's fashion world, and ultimately stepping into her purpose as the founder of The Self-Esteem Regime. She opens up about how modeling transformed her confidence, why baking cookies grounds her spirit, and how witnessing the struggles of her mother and grandmother ignited her mission to redefine worth for women everywhere. You'll learn the four pillars of self-esteem (Look Good, Feel Good, Be Good, Greater Good), why self-work is a sacred duty, and how to flex your own vulnerability muscle in pursuit of inner strength. If you've ever struggled with self-image, imposter syndrome, or breaking free from your past, this episode is your permission to heal and rise. Contact Info: * Website: https://clarissaburt.com [https://clarissaburt.com/] * Instagram: @clarissaburt [https://instagram.com/clarissaburt] * Book: The Self-Esteem Regime – available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and major booksellers

"I don't believe everything is forgivable... but I do believe everything is connected." In this stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with writer, mother, and poetic truth-teller Fatima-Ayan Malika Hirsi, whose work is rooted in world-building, social change, and collaborative liberation. Based on the unceded lands of the T'Sou-ke Nation, Fatima is a Black mother and artist whose poetry appears in MAYDAY, Torch, Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora, and beyond. She brings fierce conviction and emotional clarity to topics many avoid—grief, rage, justice, and the sacred role of feeling deeply in a numbed world. From a dream visitation with her late mother to crying as a sacred act of surrender, Fatima opens her heart and reveals the raw edges of what it means to live fully and love radically. She shares how her upbringing shaped her lifelong commitment to justice, the roots of her poetic activism, and why society's fear of emotion is a systemic tactic of control. Together, she and Reggie explore: * Why crying is not weakness, but a portal to healing * How motherhood deepens empathy and fuels global love * Why true change demands action beyond art, voting, or performative allyship Fatima closes the conversation with an unforgettable reading of her poem, This is the Soul of My Soul, a eulogy and indictment born from the crisis in Gaza. Through it all, she invites us to see each other—not as strangers or enemies—but as kin. 🎧 Call to Action: This episode will stir your soul and ask more of your heart. Listen now—and let it move you into feeling, into action, and into kinship. 📇 Contact Info: Guest – Fatima-Ayan Malika Hirsi 🌐 Website: fatimaayanmalikahirsi.com [https://fatimaayanmalikahirsi.com/] 📱 Socials: @fatimawritingdoula Host – Reggie D. Ford 🌐 Website: reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] 📱 Socials: @reggiedford on all platforms 📌 Key Quotes / Takeaways for Social Media or YouTube Description: * "Crying is a portal. I'm not the same person after the tears come." * "We are kin—not just by blood, but by being alive, by feeling." * "Art is not enough. If you read my poems and don't take action, then what's the point?"

In this raw and resonant episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Kevin Palmieri, founder and co-host of the globally-ranked Next Level University podcast, for an unforgettable conversation about how vulnerability saved his life. Kevin shares his powerful journey from early financial instability and the absence of his father to climbing the ranks of success—only to find himself spiraling into depression and near suicide at the peak of his external achievements. From bodybuilder to podcaster to transformational coach, Kevin recounts the moment he hit rock bottom in a New Jersey hotel room and the brave call to a trusted friend that altered the course of his life forever. Together, Reggie and Kevin explore: * What true success feels like beyond money and metrics * The meaning of vulnerability as strength—and the difference between sharing scars vs. open wounds * How the Compound Effect and sustainability apply to podcasting, personal growth, and belief * The emotional toll of overachievement and fear of success * Building a purpose-driven business without sponsors or ads * The secrets behind monetizing a podcast by solving real problems * The inner work required to develop unshakable self-worth * Healing the father wound: Kevin's unexpected Facebook message and reunion with his estranged dad * Identity, alignment, and how to chase goals while feeling whole now This episode is a masterclass in transformation, mental wellness, entrepreneurship, and emotional intelligence—all grounded in personal truth. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster, a high achiever seeking deeper meaning, or someone working through past wounds, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical wisdom. Contact Info: * 🎙️ Founder & Chief Success Officer, Next Level University * 🌍 Podcast streams in 175+ countries * 📊 Over 2,000 episodes & 1.3M listens * 💼 Services: Podcast coaching, group coaching, personal development consulting * 🌐 Website: www.nextleveluniverse.com [https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/] * 📧 Email: kevin@nextleveluniverse.com * Facebook - Kevin Palmieri [https://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri] * Instagram: @dontquitkidhttps://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri

In this heartfelt episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Sukhvinder Kaur, a mental health advocate, counselor, and author of There is Light at the End of the Tunnel of Loneliness. Together, they explore the profound impact of loneliness on mental and physical well-being, shedding light on how isolation can be a silent yet deadly struggle. Sukhvinder shares her deeply personal journey—from experiencing loneliness after a major life transition to becoming a beacon of hope for others. She opens up about how writing, community, and faith played vital roles in her healing and how she now dedicates her life to helping others navigate their own feelings of isolation. Through this conversation, she emphasizes the importance of acceptance, seeking support, and taking actionable steps toward connection and healing. Listeners will gain practical tools for managing loneliness, including the power of journaling, meditation, and reframing vulnerability as a strength. Reggie and Sukhvinder also discuss the post-pandemic loneliness epidemic, the stigma surrounding mental health in different communities, and the life-saving impact of human connection. If you've ever felt lonely, disconnected, or struggled with mental health, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a compassionate and insightful discussion that reminds us all: You are not alone, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Contact Info: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sukhvinder-kaur-91227a2b8

In this gripping episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Ryan Christensen—a hypnotist, peak mental performance coach, and former military intelligence and counterterrorism expert—to explore a mind unlike any other. Diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism at age 48, Ryan takes us on a riveting journey through classified counterterrorism operations, mental breakdowns, and ultimately, self-discovery. We explore how Ryan uses hypnosis to help clients overcome deep-rooted emotional resistance, reframe limiting beliefs, and unlock peak performance. He dives deep into the neurodiverse mind, explaining how autism became his superpower and why bipolar disorder is both a curse and a compass. This episode is a masterclass in emotional reframing. Ryan reveals why emotions are not pain, but questions—powerful signals asking for attention and solutions. He shares how reframing internal conflict transforms lives and why his mission is to end human suffering by unlocking human potential. If you've ever struggled with emotional overwhelm, felt unseen in your neurodivergence, or wondered how to truly heal—not just cope—this episode will leave you transformed. Topics Covered: * Ryan's diagnosis journey: discovering ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism at 48 * Why emotions aren't pain—they're questions your mind is asking * Reframing trauma and emotional wounds through hypnosis * The dangers of masking and emotional suppression in high-stakes environments * How counterterrorism experience shaped Ryan's mindset and resilience * Weaponized insight: leveraging pattern recognition for emotional and mental clarity * The difference between psychedelics and hypnosis in healing trauma * Building a relationship with your subconscious mind * The philosophy behind his book Winter Peace: How to End Inner Conflict and Make Success Inevitable * How to turn "I'm not good enough" into "I already am enough" * Daily strategies for emotional regulation and peak mental performance * The power of authenticity when vulnerability is no longer a risk Guest Book: Title: Winter Peace: How to End Inner Conflict and Make Success Inevitable Available on: Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/] 🔗 Guest Contact Info: Website: www.ryanthehypnotist.com [http://www.ryanthehypnotist.com/] Free Consultation: 45-minute session to uncover and resolve emotional blocks

In this soul-stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Silvia Garcia-Romero, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Sentara Health, for a raw and revelatory conversation about immigration, identity, and inclusion. At just 10 years old, Silvia crossed the U.S.–Mexico border undocumented, guided only by faith, love, and the hope of family reunion. What unfolded afterward is a journey of resilience—growing up in a trailer with eight children, learning English as a second language, and rising above systemic barriers to become a powerful voice for equity in healthcare. Silvia shares the unfiltered truth of what it means to navigate a country where language can be both a barrier and a weapon, and how moments of marginalization became fuel for her purpose-driven leadership. She offers moving reflections on childhood memories, the sacrifices of her parents, and the emotional toll of assimilation—revealing how her life's hardships laid the groundwork for a mission that's about more than a job title; it's a calling. Together, Reggie and Silvia confront societal misconceptions about DEI work, challenge xenophobic mindsets, and explore what it takes to humanize healthcare—one story, one conversation, one act of inclusion at a time. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the immigrant experience, the real meaning of vulnerability, and the transformative power of compassion. Contact Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviagarciaromero/

"Let the hard things in life be fractions—not racism." In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with Shanera Williamson, host of the Brown Mama Bear podcast, for a deeply moving and necessary conversation about raising Black children in predominantly white schools, reclaiming generational stories, and the spiritual responsibility of parenting with presence, identity, and intention. Shanera shares raw reflections on the intergenerational trauma passed down from a grandfather who survived the Wilmington Massacre of 1898, her own navigation of private Christian schools built on segregationist foundations, and the pain of realizing she once unknowingly prioritized academic prestige over her daughters' emotional well-being. With grace and accountability, she details how apologizing to her children for past decisions deepened their relationship and empowered them to thrive—and how now, as a fierce advocate, she equips other mothers to do the same. If you've ever questioned how to raise whole, resilient children in a fractured society, this conversation will meet you where you are and lovingly challenge you to go further. Call to Action: This is more than a parenting episode—it's a blueprint for legacy. Tune in now to hear Shanera's five-step plan for raising racially conscious, emotionally grounded kids, and why she believes mothers can dismantle racism just like they changed drunk driving laws. Share this episode with a parent, educator, or advocate who needs it—and flex your vulnerability muscle with us. Contact Info: Guest – Shanera Williamson Website: https://brownmamabear.com Instagram: @brownmamabearpodcast [https://instagram.com/brownmamabearpodcast] Email: shanera@brownmamabear.com Host – Reggie D. Ford Website: https://reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] Socials: @reggiedford [https://instagram.com/reggiedford] on all platforms Key Quotes & Takeaways: * "Let the hard things in life be fractions—not racism." * "I apologized to my daughters for the harm caused by choosing prestige over protection. That apology changed everything." * "My grandfather survived a massacre by hiding in a cemetery. I honor him by helping other mothers protect their children from invisible violence."