How do you find yourself when the identity you’ve built—like being a competitive athlete—is suddenly stripped away? 🏃‍♀️✨

In our latest episode of Rise and Thrive, Scott and Melissa sit down with the incredible Jenna Forster. Jenna opens up about her grueling battle with Lyme disease and the profound journey of self-discovery that followed.

We’re diving deep into:

1. The transformative power of vulnerability.
2. How "ego deaths" pave the way for true growth.
3. Finding healing and peace in nature. 🌲
4. Redefining what "power" actually looks like.

If you’ve ever felt misaligned or stuck in a season of change, this conversation is for you.

In a world that often feels like it was built for the loudest voices, where does that leave the introverts? In this episode, Melissa and Scott sit down with Stephanie Oden to deconstruct the myths surrounding introversion.

We explore the "quiet courage" it takes to share ideas in high-pressure environments, the importance of letting yourself be truly seen, and how to use self-awareness as a tool for growth rather than a stick to beat yourself up with. Whether you are a "textbook" introvert or someone looking to lead a more authentic life, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on thriving exactly as you are.

1. Redefining Courage: Why speaking up in a meeting is just as brave as any grand gesture.
2. The Visibility Gap: How "letting yourself be seen" is the first step toward genuine connection and professional success.
3. Mindset Over Labels: Learning to use your personality traits as a compass for growth, not a reason for self-criticism.
4. The Introvert’s Edge: Leveraging your unique strengths in a fast-paced, extroverted world.

Are you an introvert who has found your "groove" at work or in life? Or are you still struggling to be heard? We’d love to hear your story! Join us over on our social media pages and let’s keep the conversation going.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review! It helps more people find the show and start their journey to rise and thrive.

In the latest episode of The Vital Edge Wellness Coaching podcast, Scott and Melissa dive into why our modern New Year’s resolutions often feel so difficult to keep. Did you know the New Year was originally celebrated in the spring? 🌸

By shifting from rigid resolutions to personal themes, we can align our growth with the natural rhythms of life. Tune in to "Rise and Thrive" to learn how to embrace intentionality and self-compassion this season.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why January might be the "wrong" time for big changes.
2. The power of setting a "Theme" vs. a Resolution.
3. Practical self-care tips like grounding to boost your immune system.

🎧 Listen now and let us know: What is your theme for the year?

#VitalEdgeWellness #RiseAndThrive #NaturalCycles #NewYearNewTheme #SelfCare #WellnessJourney

In this deeply moving episode, former Marine and retired police officer **Alan Lynn** joins Scott and Melissa to share his powerful journey through personal crisis, cancer, divorce, and ultimately, rebirth. Alan opens up about hitting rock bottom. He faced suicidal thoughts, battled leukemia, and lost everything, only to discover something greater than all he had lost: *his true self.*

Once a man defined by duty, control, and titles, Alan now lives with self-love, purpose, and inner peace. His story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to heal, evolve, and thrive even after life completely breaks you down.

**Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode**

Our identity is not our title.

Alan reminds us that our job, status, or uniform does not define who we are. Real peace comes from discovering who you are beneath the labels.

Self-love is where healing begins.

Alan realized he could not truly help others until he learned how to love and care for himself first. That shift changed everything.

Resilience is a choice.

True resilience is not just about surviving. It is about learning how to live fully and love deeply again after life knocks you down.

Healing starts from within.

Meditation, breathwork, presence, and surrender became Alan’s essential tools. These practices were not only for recovery, but for complete transformation.

You can rebuild your life at any moment.

Through chaos and crisis, Alan found his true calling. Today, he is writing a book and preparing to lead wellness retreats for veterans and first responders.

**Mentioned in the Episode**

Living from a Place of Surrender by Michael Singer

Teachings on presence by Eckhart Tolle

Alan’s upcoming book *Growth Through Chaos* (working title)

Future wellness retreats for veterans and first responders

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts

🔗 Follow **@RiseAndThrivePodcast** for more updates and inspiration

#RiseAndThrive #PodcastShowNotes #HealingJourney #SelfLove #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranVoices #Resilience

Join us once again on this transformative journey with Lisa Schneider in this repeat episode of Rise & Thrive

Revisit how Lisa overcame adversity, learned to trust her inner voice, and discovered strength through vulnerability. Her story remains a powerful reminder that resilience and personal growth are always possible—no matter where you are in your journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace adversity as a catalyst for growth

• Trust your intuition and inner voice

• Letting go of what no longer serves you creates space for new opportunities

If you missed it the first time—or need a reminder—this episode is worth revisiting.

Check out our retreat here:

www.vitaledgewellnesscoaching.com

🌟 Discover the transformative power of the pause with Scott and Melissa on Rise and Thrive! 🌿 In this episode, learn how taking a moment to breathe and reflect can manage stress, enhance mindfulness, and improve overall well-being. Dive into the physiological and psychological benefits of pausing, and get practical tips for incorporating mindful pauses into your busy holiday schedule.

Key Takeaways:

The power of the pause is profound. You get to decide how busy December is. Pause and notice: Is this feeding me right now? Your pause will look different than our pause. Sometimes you have to plan the pause. The body's nervous system is wired for protection. Animals provide me an opportunity to pause. Nourishment is a huge topic we're always talking about. Step away once in a while to give your body that experience. The peace is in the pause.

Join us for an insightful conversation and empower yourself to thrive this holiday season! #Mindfulness #StressManagement #WellBeing #HolidaySeason

In this episode of Rise and Thrive, Scott and Melissa sit down with Jean Garboden, a true innovator in people experience, to explore one of the most powerful pillars of senior living: connection.

Jean opens up about her personal journey—rooted in her son’s work in assisted living and her own transformative experiences with the Eden Alternative—and shares how touch, validation, and genuine presence can change the way we care for our elders.

From understanding dementia with compassion, to empowering care partners, to using music, spontaneity, and simple human connection to spark joy… this episode is a beautiful reminder that elder care is not just a service—it’s a relationship.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Connection is the heart of combating loneliness

• The Eden Alternative champions person-directed care

• Validation techniques matter in dementia support

• Family education is essential

• Touch, music & presence create meaningful moments

• Care partners shape the quality of elder living

• A positive attitude impacts wellbeing—emotionally & physically

A powerful, heart-centered conversation you don’t want to miss. 💛

#SeniorLiving #EdenAlternative #CarePartners #DementiaSupport #ElderCare #ConnectionMatters #RiseAndThrivePodcast

🌟 Elevate your mindset with Scott & Melissa on Rise and Thrive!

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of gratitude—how it raises your frequency, supports your well-being, and can exist even in the middle of life’s challenges.

✨ Key highlights:

1. Gratitude is a learned practice that can become second nature.

2. The words you speak carry energy—and they can shape your reality.

3. Choosing gratitude helps dissolve fear and negativity.

Join us on this journey toward deeper self-awareness and personal growth. 🙏

#RiseAndThrive #GratitudeJourney #MindfulLiving