In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Susan Hall to explore a life-altering journey through adversity, resilience, and personal transformation. After being diagnosed with a rare bone cancer while navigating multiple personal challenges, Susan was forced to confront not only her circumstances—but the way she had been living her life.At the heart of this conversation is the concept of the “fine zone”—a place where life feels comfortable, acceptable, and predictable… but ultimately unfulfilled. Susan shares how staying in “fine” can quietly keep people stuck, preventing them from stepping into the extraordinary life they’re truly capable of living.Through vulnerability and hard-earned wisdom, Susan emphasizes that adversity does not have to define you—it can refine you. She invites listeners to ask a powerful question: How can I use this experience to help others? From there, she breaks down how small, intentional actions, paired with gratitude and self-awareness, can create meaningful change.This episode is a call to stop settling, to embrace your unique journey, and to recognize that you always have a choice in how you respond to life. Because growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable—it comes from stepping forward, one decision at a time.#PodMatch00:00 Introduction to the journey of self-discovery01:52 The year that changed everything11:13 Finding strength in adversity19:36 Breaking free from the fine zone24:49 Embracing your unique journeySubscribe 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/Susan Hall's Site: https://www.decidehappy.com/Facebook: 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_self-discovery, personal growth, overcoming adversity, fine zone, gratitude, vulnerability, extraordinary life, mental health, resilience, empowerment

In this empowering episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Debbie Fay to explore her inspiring journey from personal adversity to becoming a successful public speaking coach. Debbie shares how a pivotal moment in her life led her to pursue her passion for helping others communicate with confidence and clarity.Together, they unpack one of the most common fears people face—public speaking—and why it holds so many back from sharing their ideas, stories, and expertise. Debbie offers practical insights on how to shift your mindset, manage nerves, and step into your voice with confidence. One of her most powerful messages is simple but transformative: when you focus on serving your audience, your fear begins to fade.Debbie also dives into the art of storytelling, the importance of rehearsing out loud, and how to craft presentations that truly resonate. She encourages listeners to see their message as a gift—something that could impact, inspire, or even change someone else’s life.This conversation is a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. And your voice is meant to be heard.#PodMatch00:00 The journey to public speaking coaching12:06 Overcoming fear and building confidence17:46 Creating impactful presentations21:55 Encouragement to share your voiceSubscribe 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/Facebook: 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_public speaking, coaching, confidence, presentations, fear, storytelling, personal growth, communication, audience engagement, career change

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros speaks with Michael Bugary, whose life journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of rebuilding from rock bottom. Once a promising athlete, Michael’s identity was deeply tied to baseball—until a devastating arm injury abruptly ended his career and left him questioning who he was without the game.What followed was a difficult descent into addiction, compounded by a life-altering brain tumor diagnosis. Michael shares the raw reality of losing his sense of self-worth, numbing pain through substance use, and feeling like he was merely surviving rather than truly living. But within those darkest moments, a path toward recovery began to emerge.A turning point in Michael’s journey came through unexpected healing—particularly through his therapy dog, Lingo, who helped him reconnect with presence, purpose, and emotional awareness. Through resilience, acceptance, and a commitment to growth, Michael began rebuilding his life, eventually stepping into a new role as a motivational speaker and author dedicated to helping others.This episode is a reminder that identity is not defined by achievements, that even the deepest struggles can lead to meaningful transformation, and that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you are still worthy of a new beginning.#PodMatch00:00 The journey of identity and loss09:48 Facing adversity: cancer and addiction19:56 Finding purpose and redemptionSubscribe 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/Facebook: 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_identity, addiction, recovery, resilience, motivation, mental health, personal growth, baseball, cancer, transformation

In this compelling episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Eric Robinson to explore a powerful story of reinvention, resilience, and listening to your inner voice—even when it leads you somewhere unexpected. After spending 12 years in Christian ministry, Eric found himself emotionally exhausted and questioning whether the path he was on was truly aligned with who he was.Despite building an inclusive and welcoming church community, the emotional toll of ministry began to weigh heavily. Eric opens up about the internal conflict of feeling like he was letting people down while also knowing he needed to make a change for his own well-being. That decision ultimately led him to a surprising new chapter—a 24-year career with the FBI.Through his experiences in law enforcement, including time on a SWAT team, Eric gained a deeper understanding of human behavior, resilience, and the balance between authority and compassion. He shares how stepping into a completely different role allowed him to show up more authentically and find fulfillment in ways he hadn’t expected.This conversation is a reminder that change is not failure—it’s often necessary. And sometimes the path that feels the most uncertain is the one that leads you back to yourself.#PodMatch00:00 Introduction to Flying Upstream and Eric Robinson’s journey02:21 From ministry to the FBI: a dramatic career shift05:20 Creating an inclusive church community10:12 The emotional toll of ministry and the need for change11:41 Transitioning to the FBI: finding freedom16:28 Life on the SWAT team: balancing kindness and authority20:46 Understanding human nature through law enforcement23:38 Encouragement for those feeling stuckSubscribe 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/Facebook: 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_Flying Upstream, Eric Robinson, career change, FBI, ministry, human behavior, personal growth, resilience, inclusivity, emotional health

In this solo episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros dives into a question so many people quietly carry: Why do I feel stuck, even when I know something isn’t right? Through honest reflection, she explores the invisible forces that keep people in place—long after they’ve outgrown the life they’re living.Kristyn unpacks the psychological patterns behind staying stuck, including fear of the unknown, societal and family expectations, the sunk cost fallacy, and the way identity can become something we feel obligated to maintain rather than something we consciously choose. She highlights the uncomfortable truth that awareness alone doesn’t create change—action does, and that action often feels risky.This episode is a reminder that the familiar can feel safer than the unknown, even when it’s unfulfilling. But it also offers a path forward: small, honest, courageous steps. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin—you just need to be willing to question what no longer feels aligned.If you’ve been feeling uncertain, restless, or quietly disconnected, this conversation invites you to see that you’re not alone—and that feeling stuck might actually be the beginning of something new.#PodMatch00:00 Introduction to Flying Upstream01:05 The struggle of feeling stuck03:54 Awareness vs. action: the dilemma06:19 The weight of expectations08:16 The sunk cost fallacy09:43 Identity and change10:39 The illusion of others’ certainty11:36 Small steps to break free13:04 Conclusion and reflectionSubscribe 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/Facebook: 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_self-discovery, personal growth, life changes, authenticity, overcoming fear, expectations, identity crisis, mental health, courage, podcast

In this insightful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Craig Merriweather, a certified clinical hypnotherapist, to explore the deeper layers of mental health, healing, and the subconscious mind. After facing his own struggles with depression and anxiety, Craig began searching for answers beyond traditional approaches—leading him to the transformative world of hypnotherapy.

Craig breaks down the misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy, emphasizing that it is not about control, but empowerment. He explains how the subconscious mind stores emotional patterns, beliefs, and past experiences that shape our reactions, often without our awareness. By accessing this deeper layer of the mind, individuals can begin to rewire thought patterns, release emotional wounds, and create lasting change.

The conversation also touches on the role of anxiety as a signal rather than a flaw, the concept of past life regression as a tool for insight, and the idea that healing is not something external—it’s something we access within ourselves. Craig’s perspective invites listeners to see themselves not as broken, but as capable of profound self-healing and transformation.

This episode is a powerful reminder that you can change the program—and that true empowerment begins when you understand the mind behind it.

#PodMatch

00:00 The evolution of mental health awareness
04:53 The power of hypnotherapy
09:59 Understanding the subconscious mind
20:02 Exploring past life regression
24:56 Empowerment through self-healing

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/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/
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mental health, hypnotherapy, subconscious mind, anxiety, self-help, personal growth, past life regression, healing, empowerment, emotional well-being

In this inspiring episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Jeff Weiss to explore what it truly means to reinvent your life. At 48, Jeff found himself successful on paper as a lawyer, yet feeling unfulfilled and physically disconnected from the life he wanted to live. Rather than accept that reality, he decided to challenge it.Jeff began with a simple step—signing up for a 10K. What started as a small experiment soon transformed into a powerful journey of identity change, leading him to complete multiple marathons and ultra-marathons. Along the way, Jeff discovered that audacious goals have the power to reshape how we see ourselves, and that pursuing physical challenges can unlock growth far beyond fitness.In this conversation, Jeff shares how cultivating audacity, surrounding yourself with a supportive community, and embracing challenges can radically change the trajectory of your life. His story is a reminder that age is not a limitation—it’s simply a moment in time—and that reinvention is available to anyone willing to take the first step.#PodMatch00:00 The journey begins: from 10K to marathon10:03 Embracing audacity: setting big goals19:46 The power of community and support23:32 Reinventing life: age is just a numberSubscribe 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/Facebook: 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_running, marathon, audacity, reinvention, health span, community, personal growth, midlife, fitness, resilience

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Jess Vanrose to explore a deeply personal journey from trauma and survival mode to healing and self-discovery. Jess shares how early life challenges shaped her identity and how years spent pushing through survival patterns eventually manifested as burnout, panic attacks, and autoimmune disease.Through reflection and experience, Jess explains how survival mode can quietly take over our lives—often appearing first through physical symptoms before we recognize the emotional toll. She discusses the role of dissociation, the signals our bodies send when we are overwhelmed, and the importance of slowing down enough to actually hear them.Jess emphasizes that healing is not a linear or prescriptive process. Instead, it’s deeply personal and built through compassionate, moment-by-moment choices. Her story highlights the importance of reconnecting with the body, developing self-trust, and practicing patience as we move toward authentic healing.This conversation offers listeners a compassionate roadmap for recognizing survival patterns, honoring their own healing process, and choosing themselves—one small step at a time.#PodMatch00:00 Introduction to Jess Vanrose and her story01:01 Growing up with the American dream and early trauma03:48 Dropping out of high school and early survival04:45 The internal voice of resilience and hope08:28 Rebuilding life through education and legal career11:06 Burnout, panic attacks, and coping mechanisms13:03 Diagnosis of autoimmune disease and stress as a trigger14:35 Recognizing body signals and red flags16:47 Identity and self-worth after career changes18:42 Starting the healing journey with small, mindful steps20:38 Humane healing versus prescriptive quick fixes23:02 Finding personalized healing practices25:51 Gentle, moment-by-moment self-choicesSubscribe 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/Facebook: 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_trauma, healing, survival mode, self-discovery, nervous system, identity, autoimmune disease, resilience, mental health, self-care