What does real strength look like when you stop performing it for the world?In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Louise Butcher to share a deeply moving conversation about authenticity, empowerment, and reclaiming your identity through life’s most confronting moments.Louise opens up about her journey through health anxiety, motherhood, ADHD, and a breast cancer diagnosis that forced her to confront fear, femininity, and the expectations placed on women’s bodies. What began as anxiety and self-abandonment became a powerful awakening — one that led Louise to reconnect with her body, her voice, and her freedom.Running became a symbol of liberation and healing, culminating in Louise running marathons topless as a bold statement of empowerment, self-acceptance, and defiance of societal norms. Her story challenges traditional ideas of strength and femininity, reminding listeners that vulnerability is not weakness — it is courage in its truest form.This episode is for anyone navigating illness, identity shifts, or the pressure to appear “strong” while feeling anything but. Louise’s story is a testament to what’s possible when you stop shrinking and start living authentically.#podmatch Episode Chapters00:00 Journey of self-discovery and authenticity10:00 Facing cancer as a turning point19:59 Redefining strength and femininitySEO Keywordsself-discovery, authenticity, cancer journey, strength, femininity, ADHD, health anxiety, running, empowerment, personal growthSubscribe and Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creativeshttps://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaAExplore the Flying Upstream Bloghttps://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/Follow Flying Upstream on social mediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream

What if January isn’t meant to be a fresh start — but a moment to breathe?

In this solo episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros explores the intense and often unspoken pressure to reinvent yourself at the start of the new year. From goal-setting culture to “new year, new you” messaging, Kristin gently challenges the idea that growth must be loud, fast, or visible to be valid.

She speaks directly to those who feel tired, tender, or unsure — especially after a difficult year — and reminds listeners that survival is not failure. Growth doesn’t always come from dramatic transformations or bold declarations. Sometimes it comes from quiet honesty, self-reflection, and allowing yourself to move at your own pace.

This episode offers permission to pause, grieve past versions of yourself, and reconnect with what actually drains or energizes you — without judgment or pressure. It’s an invitation to choose depth over display and alignment over expectation.

If January feels heavy instead of hopeful, this conversation will help you feel less alone — and more grounded in who you already are.

#PodMatch

Episode Chapters

00:00 The pressure of reinvention in January
02:52 Challenging the myths of new beginnings
06:13 Honesty and self-reflection as foundations for growth
09:02 Navigating grief and unmet expectations
11:55 Choosing depth over display

Subscribe and Stay Connected

Subscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creatives
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Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA

Explore the Flying Upstream Blog
https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/

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SEO Keywords

January, reinvention, self-reflection, growth, honesty, expectations, pressure, transformation, personal development, mental health

What if children are far more capable than we give them credit for?In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, alongside her children Melody Ellis and Serenity Ellis, for an inspiring conversation about youth entrepreneurship, creativity, and confidence.

Together, they explore what happens when children are encouraged to ask questions, solve real problems, and take ownership of their ideas — without age-based limitations. Leah shares how parents often project their own fears onto their children, while Melody and Serenity offer firsthand insights into what it’s like to start and run businesses at a young age.This episode highlights how entrepreneurship can be a powerful teaching tool for resilience, adaptability, financial literacy, and self-belief. From navigating challenges to embracing failure as part of the learning process, this conversation invites parents to step back, create space, and allow their children to explore what’s possible.If you’re a parent, educator, or entrepreneur who believes in raising confident, capable kids — this episode will expand your perspective on what children can achieve when they’re empowered early.#podmatch

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Flying Upstream
00:50 Empowering children as entrepreneurs
05:51 Leah Ellis’ journey with her children
11:59 Overcoming challenges in business
16:58 Encouraging creativity and problem solving
20:11 Final thoughts and messages for children

Subscribe and Stay Connected

Subscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creatives
https://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4

Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA

Explore the Flying Upstream Blog
https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/

Follow Flying Upstream on social media
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream_

SEO Keywords

entrepreneurship, children, creativity, confidence, parenting, problem solving, business, empowerment, financial literacy, youth entrepreneurship

What if the life you’re craving isn’t found by following the rules — but by trusting your instincts and taking the first small step?

In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Ceri Stone for a compelling conversation about self-discovery, resilience, and choosing a life outside of societal expectations.

Ceri shares his extraordinary journey, from surviving a military coup to competing in Ironman races and cycling stages of the Tour de France. Along the way, he learned powerful lessons about problem-solving, mental health, and what it truly means to live authentically. Through his work in the travel industry and his deep commitment to endurance sports, Ceri discovered how pursuing passion, curiosity, and instinct can transform not just your body — but your entire outlook on life.

This episode explores how many people feel trapped in unfulfilling careers, disconnected from themselves, and unsure how to answer fundamental questions about happiness and self-acceptance. Ceri's story is a reminder that growth doesn’t require a dramatic leap — it begins with listening inward and taking one intentional step forward.

If you’re feeling restless, frustrated, or called toward something more meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to trust yourself and follow the path that feels true to who you are.

#PodMatch

Episode Chapters

00:00 Navigating life’s challenges and discovering your true self
11:51 The transformative power of endurance sports
18:31 Living authentically and following your instincts

SEO Keywords

self-discovery, endurance sports, Tour de France, personal growth, life lessons, mental health, travel experiences, resilience, following instincts, authenticity

Featured Resource

Le Loop (by Pitch Publishing):
https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/le-loop

Subscribe and Stay Connected

Subscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join our growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creatives:
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What happens when life changes in an instant — and everything you thought defined you is suddenly gone?In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Julia Myers, whose life took an unexpected turn after experiencing a spontaneous retinal detachment that forced her to confront a new reality.Julia shares how losing her vision reshaped her sense of identity, purpose, and self-worth, especially after years of tying those qualities to her career. Through this profound life shift, she began reexamining what it truly means to be a provider, how financial independence can offer freedom during uncertainty, and why separating self-worth from net worth is essential for long-term well-being.This deeply reflective conversation also explores parenting through the lens of resilience and responsibility. Julia emphasizes the importance of teaching children financial wisdom, emotional adaptability, and real-life skills that prepare them for the unpredictability of adulthood — not just financial success.This episode is for anyone navigating sudden change, questioning their identity, or seeking a healthier relationship with money, purpose, and legacy.#podmatch pisode Chapters00:00 The unexpected shift: a journey begins07:14 Identity and purpose: redefining self14:13 Financial independence and a new perspective20:05 Teaching financial wisdom and preparing the next generationSEO Keywordsretinal detachment, identity, purpose, financial independence, parenting, money mindset, personal growth, resilience, life changes, self-discoverySubscribe and Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creativeshttps://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaAExplore the Flying Upstream Bloghttps://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/Follow Flying Upstream on social mediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream

What if success isn’t about doing more — but about honoring who you are and what truly matters to you?

In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros is joined by Amy Lenius, Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University, for a deeply honest conversation about self-worth, self-belief, and redefining success on your own terms.

Amy shares her personal journey through chronic illness and how it forced her to slow down, listen inward, and challenge the external definitions of success she once chased. Together, Kristin and Amy unpack why discomfort is essential for growth, why “balance” is an unrealistic goal, and how understanding your core values can completely transform the way you make decisions, set boundaries, and care for yourself.

This episode is especially powerful for women who feel overwhelmed by expectations, disconnected from their needs, or stuck trying to do it all while feeling depleted.

If you’re ready to stop pouring from an empty cup and start choosing yourself — without guilt — this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

#PodMatch

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Flying Upstream
01:24 Redefining success: Amy’s journey
06:25 The power of self-belief
10:30 Embracing discomfort for growth
14:19 Finding harmony in life’s many roles
18:33 Overcoming overwhelm by prioritizing what matters
22:14 Uncovering and living by your core values
26:00 Choosing yourself as the path to true healing

Guest Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.lenius
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amylenius
Group Coaching: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/group-coaching/

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SEO Keywords

self-worth, personal development, success, self-belief, growth, discomfort, core values, women empowerment, healing, life balance

Episode Description / Show Notes (Amy Porterfield–Style)

What happens when you achieve everything you were told would make you happy… and it still doesn’t feel like enough?

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Alan Lazaros, CEO and co-founder of Next Level University, to explore what real success actually looks like.

Alan opens up about growing up in chaos, navigating childhood trauma, and becoming a “super achiever” in an effort to prove his worth. After a life-altering car accident forced him to confront his mortality, Alan began asking deeper questions about authenticity, fulfillment, and meaning — questions that ultimately led him away from traditional corporate success and into a purpose-driven life of coaching and impact.

This conversation is a must-listen if you’ve ever thought:
Is this really it?
Why doesn’t success feel as good as I thought it would?
What would it look like to live fully aligned with who I truly am?

You’ll walk away feeling seen, inspired, and empowered to face your fears, redefine success, and build a legacy rooted in meaning — not just achievements.

#PodMatch

Connect with Alan Lazarus:

⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Linkedln⁠

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Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Flying Upstream
01:07 Alan Lazaros’ journey from chaos to clarity
03:02 Childhood trauma and its hidden impact
06:04 The car accident that changed everything
09:00 Why success without meaning feels empty
12:12 Fear of abandonment and the cost of authenticity
14:53 From corporate life to coaching and impact
18:14 Goals, dreams, and living intentionally
21:09 Embracing uniqueness and overcoming fear
23:47 Authenticity vs. acceptance: choosing the harder path
27:01 Final thoughts and call to action

SEO Keywords

personal growth, transformation, authenticity, trauma, coaching, legacy, meaning, success, abandonment, goals

Edited by Cole B

What if the ultimate picture of success—wealth, comfort, and financial independence—felt completely empty?

In this profoundly honest and thought-provoking episode of Flying Upstream, we sit down with Robin Singh, the author of Happiness Happens and founder of Peepow Farm, an incredible animal rescue and awareness organization in rural India. Robin is the definition of flying upstream: he walked away from a life many only dream of as a financially independent US tech entrepreneur in Arizona to return to India in search of truth and purpose.

Robin takes us through the pivotal moment in 2010 when, having achieved his goal of not having to work to live, he realized the template for happiness he’d followed was a scam. This journey of self-education—fueled by the public library system—led him to dismantle his own life, become a minimalist, turn vegan, and finally, find a singular, profound reason to live: reducing suffering in the world.

If you’ve ever felt the hollow void despite having "everything," this conversation will fundamentally change the way you view consumption, success, and what it truly means to live a life of lasting contentment.

Key Takeaways & Discussion Points

* The Hollow Achievement: Robin shares the exact moment he achieved financial independence at age 30 and found the subsequent few months of travel and leisure "very empty."

* The Happiness Scam: Why Robin views happiness as a scam created by capitalism and how consumerism exploits our lack of understanding of true contentment.

* Success Re-defined: We discuss the difference between defining success by accumulating external things (status, mansions, cars) versus achieving absolute freedom to choose what you do or don't do.

* The Suffering Footprint: Robin introduces the concept of the suffering footprint, detailing how every act of consumption—from a pencil to morning yogurt—requires production and causes suffering somewhere in the world.

* From Suicide to Service: The powerful realization in Auroville, India, that led Robin to abandon the pursuit of happiness and choose to live entirely for purpose—the infinite pursuit of reducing suffering.

* The Rewiring of the Brain: How dedicating his life to service work at Peepow Farm—despite discomfort and hardship—rewired his brain to derive "feel good" from doing good rather than from pleasure-seeking.

* Peepow Farm’s Mission: Beyond rescue and sterilization, the goal is to inspire empathy and nudge people to stop objectifying animals, bringing about a lasting cultural change.

* Contentment is Created: The ultimate litmus test: Lasting peace and contentment are not found, but are created by giving your life a wholesome purpose that can satisfactorily answer the question: What am I living for?

🔗 Resources & Connect

You can continue to follow Robin Singh's inspirational journey and learn more about his work:

* 📘 Robin’s Book: Find Happiness Happens on Amazon.com

* 🐾 Peepow Farm: Learn about the animal rescue and awareness mission on their YouTube and weekly blog.

* 📸 Instagram: Follow Robin’s work and upcoming animated videos based on the book