Creating a Life of Legacy with Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Episode Description:
What does it truly mean to live a life of legacy? In this inspiring episode of Linda’s Corner: Inspiration for a Better Life, we’re joined by Rabbi Daniel Cohen—motivational speaker, author, personal development mentor, and co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Rabbi and the Reverend. Rabbi Cohen’s powerful message transcends any single faith or philosophy and speaks to the heart of what it means to live with purpose, intention, and kindness.

As the author of The Secret of the Light and What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone?, Rabbi Cohen helps us reimagine our lives not just as a series of events, but as opportunities to build a meaningful and enduring legacy—one thoughtful act at a time.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The true definition of a “life of legacy”: living in a way that is worthy of future memory
  
  
• The difference between living by calling vs. living from crisis to crisis
  
  
• Why your gifts matter and how you were called to use them
  
  
• The profound impact of “Elijah moments”—small acts of kindness that ripple into someone else's miracle
  
  
• How Rabbi Cohen partnered with the mayor to launch the Stamford Kindness Project and amplify compassion in communities
  
  
• His simple yet transformative 3-Minute Daily Practice to raise your vibration and light the world:
  
  
  1. Pray – Ask for strength and remember you're not walking alone
     
     
  2. Be Grateful – Journal one new thing you're thankful for each day
     
     
  3. Give Light – Offer hope, strength, or kindness to someone else
     
     

Powerful Quote from Rabbi Cohen:
"We don’t know how many years we’ll be in this world—that’s up to God. But what we do with each day? That’s up to us."

Whether it’s a smile, a text, or a listening ear, every moment is a chance to choose kindness and leave a legacy of light. You don’t have to change the whole world—but you can change someone’s world in an instant.

Connect with Rabbi Daniel Cohen:

🌐 Website: https://www.rabbidanielcohen.com
📚 Books: The Secret of the Light and What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone?
🏛 Learn more about The Legacy Academy at rabbidanielcohen.com

🎙️ How Not to Die in the Hospital: Taking Charge of Your Healthcare with Dr. Julie Siemers

💡 Episode Summary:
In this eye-opening episode of Linda’s Corner: Inspiration for a Better Life, I’m joined by patient safety expert, nurse leader, and TEDx speaker Dr. Julie Siemers. With over 40 years of experience in nursing care, education, and executive leadership, Dr. Siemers is on a mission to reduce preventable harm in healthcare—and to empower YOU to become an active, informed participant in your own care.

Dr. Siemers is the founder of Lifebeat Solutions, author of the bestselling book Surviving Your Hospital Stay: A Nurse Educator's Guide to Staying Safe and Living to Tell About It, and the voice behind the powerful TEDx talk "How Not to Die in the Hospital." In this conversation, she explains why medical error is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S., and what we can all do to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

🎯 In this episode, we discuss:

• How communication failures contribute to 70% of hospital errors
  
  
• What CUSS words are—and why you should use them in a hospital setting
  
  
• The importance of asking questions and being curious, not combative
  
  
• How to speak up with confidence when something doesn’t feel right
  
  
• Why knowing your Patient Bill of Rights is essential
  
  
• How to access your own medical information and advocate effectively
  
  
• Why prevention is more powerful than cure when it comes to long-term health
  
  

🗣️ What are CUSS words?
CUSS is an acronym to help patients and caregivers communicate clearly when something feels off:

• Concerned
• Uncomfortable
• Scared
• Safety issue

For example:
🗨️ “I’m concerned about that medication…”
🗨️ “I’m uncomfortable with what I’m seeing…”
🗨️ “I’m scared this isn’t right…”
🗨️ “I think there’s a safety issue here…”

These simple, respectful statements can redirect attention and prevent serious harm.

📘 Learn More About Dr. Julie Siemers:
Website: https://lifebeatsolutions.com
Book: Surviving Your Hospital Stay
TEDx Talk: How Not to Die in the Hospital

🎧 Listen and Subscribe:
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and at HopeForHealingFoundation.org

🧡 If this episode helped you feel more confident navigating the healthcare system, please share it with someone you love. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help others discover the show and join the journey to hope and healing.

#PatientSafety #DrJulieSiemers #HospitalStayTips #AdvocateForYourHealth #MedicalErrorAwareness #LindasCornerPodcast #HopeAndHealing #CUSSwords #NurseEducator #HealthcareEmpowerment #SurvivingYourHospitalStay

🎙️Turning Challenges into Opportunities with Kijuan Amey

💫 Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode of Linda’s Corner: Inspiration for a Better Life, I’m joined by motivational speaker, author, and U.S. Air Force veteran Kijuan Amey. Kijuan is the founder of Amey Motivation LLC, vice president of a chapter of the Blinded Veterans Association, and an ambassador for the Air Force Wounded Warriors program.

After surviving a devastating motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver, Kijuan was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent life-saving surgeries from head to foot. Though he lost his eyesight, he never lost his vision—his powerful mindset, resilience, and commitment to rising above his circumstances.

Kijuan's story is not only one of survival, but of thriving. From rock climbing to archery, rowing, and skiing, Kijuan shows the world what’s possible when we refuse to be defined by our limitations. His message is one of hope, empowerment, and unwavering determination.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Kijuan turned a life-altering accident into a platform for motivation
  
  
• Why he believes “I may have lost my sight, but I did not lose my vision”
  
  
• The difference between being “disabled” and “differently abled”
  
  
• The mindset shifts that empower personal progress and purpose
  
  
• How to stop asking “Why me?” and start asking, “What now?”
  
  

💬 Memorable Quotes from Kijuan:

• “I lost the ability to see, but I still have vision. Vision is a mindset thing.”
  
  
• “Don’t let your limitations define who you are. You are the one who defines who you are.”
  
  
• “I’m not dis-abled, I’m differently abled.”
  
  
• “To empower those who feel less than they once were.”
  
  
• “To show people they still can, even when they think they can’t.”
  
  

🌐 Connect with Kijuan Amey:
Website: https://ameymotivation.com/

🎧 Listen and Subscribe:
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and at HopeForHealingFoundation.org

🙏 If this episode inspired you, please share it with someone who may need encouragement. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps others find the show and join the healing journey. 💛

#Resilience #DifferentlyAbled #KijuanAmey #BlindButNotBroken #Motivation #AirForceVeteran #TurnPainIntoPurpose #LindasCornerPodcast #HopeAndHealing #MindsetMatters #EmpowermentThroughAdversity

The Science of Trauma & Joy with Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald - Trauma Researcher, Speaker and Author

🧠 Episode Overview:

In this compelling episode, we’re joined by Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald, a trauma researcher affectionately called the “Brené Brown of trauma.” Dr. McDonald brings a deeply compassionate, science-backed perspective on trauma and healing—reframing the trauma response not as a weakness, but as a strength-based adaptation.

We explore why joy can actually feel threatening to people with a history of trauma, and how we can begin to retrain the nervous system to trust, feel safe, and reconnect with joy, peace, and hope.

🔍 In This Episode, We Discuss:

✨ Why joy can feel scary
For trauma survivors or those in chronic stress, joy often feels unsafe. Dr. McDonald explains why our nervous system may reject joy as a protective defense—and how to gently change that.

✨Hope isn’t Fluffy, it’s Neuroscience

How joy and hope rewire the brain for resilience.

⚠️ The 6 barriers to joy
Learn the six common blocks that keep us from experiencing joy and hope:

1. Hypervigilance
   
   
2. Emotional numbing
   
   
3. Fear of loss
   
   
4. Conditioning
   
   
5. Guilt
   
   
6. Shame
   
   

🧠 Fear vs. Hope
Fear inhibits imagination, creativity, and joy. But here's the twist—hope can inhibit fear. Discover how reclaiming hope helps calm the fear center in the brain.

🔁 The problem with numbing
You can’t selectively numb your pain without also numbing joy. Find out why numbing as a coping strategy keeps you stuck—and how to reawaken your emotional life gently and safely.

🌿 Joy as a healing practice
Joy isn’t frivolous—it’s a form of nervous system regulation. Dr. McDonald shares practical tools like the “20-second joy practice” to prove to your brain and body that joy is safe.

🌟 Trauma reframed
You are not broken. Your trauma response is your body’s brilliant way of keeping you safe. And you can heal. Learn how to honor the wisdom of your nervous system while helping it learn new patterns of safety.

🛠️ Resources & Links:

• Visit Dr. McDonald’s website: alchemycoaching.life
  
  
• Connect on Instagram: @alchemycoaching.life
  
  
• Explore her books, trauma curriculum, and online courses to begin your healing journey.
  
  

🎧 Listen now and learn:

• Why joy and gratitude regulate the nervous system
  
  
• How trauma impacts your belief that things will be okay
  
  
• How to slowly and safely reintroduce joy into your daily life
  
  
• Why your nervous system might be afraid of letting its guard down—and how to teach it that it’s safe now
  
  

Whether you're a trauma survivor, a clinician, or simply someone looking to reconnect with hope and wholeness, this episode offers deep insights and gentle, actionable tools to begin reclaiming joy—one breath at a time.

🎙️ Turning Trauma into Triumph with Alisa Gracheva
🌐 Website: https://since.life/
📱 Follow Alisa on social media for healing insights and inspiration. https://www.facebook.com/alisagracheva89 and @alisa_art

💫 "Every experience in our life, no matter how traumatic, can lead us to something much greater—maybe even our purpose." – Alisa Gracheva

In this powerful and heart-opening episode of Linda’s Corner, I sit down with licensed psychotherapist and trauma specialist Alisa Gracheva to explore how we can transform deep wounds into meaningful growth, resilience, and even our life's purpose.

Alisa shares her own inspiring story—growing up in the Soviet Union, arriving in the U.S. at 18 with no money and no English, and rising through perseverance and healing to become a guide for others. She reminds us that trauma doesn’t have to be dramatic to be damaging. Even subtle emotional wounds or unmet childhood needs can shape our lives in painful ways—until we find the courage to face and heal them.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How generational trauma affects us, and how to begin healing inherited wounds
  
  
• Why spirituality (in any form) can help us shift perspective and restore safety
  
  
• The importance of logotherapy and meaning-making, inspired by Viktor Frankl
  
  
• Alisa’s 3-step healing process:
  
  
  1. Become self-aware
     
     
  2. Be willing to explore your past and patterns
     
     
  3. Be ready to change — intentionally and courageously
     
     
• Tools for healing, including EMDR, somatic work, and rewriting self-limiting beliefs
  
  
• Why chaos is a necessary part of change—and how it can lead to freedom
  
  
• How to shift out of autopilot, end self-sabotage, and truly live
  
  

🛠️ Healing is not easy. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re willing to do the inner work, there is hope, freedom, and a fulfilling life waiting for you on the other side.

🎧 Tune in now and be inspired to begin your own transformation from trauma to triumph.

✨ “There’s always a solution. You’re not broken. You’re just stuck—and you can get unstuck.” – Alisa Gracheva

🔗 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
💬 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.
#TraumaHealing #MentalHealthMatters #PodcastForHealing #AlisaGracheva #SinceLife #Logotherapy #SelfAwareness #RewriteYourStory #YouCanHeal #LindasCornerPodcast #HolisticHealing #FromStuckToFree #EMDR #SpiritualHealing #HealingIsPossible

Becoming Your Best Self with Beth Young: Small Steps to Big Change

In this inspiring episode of Linda’s Corner: Inspiration for a Better Life, I sit down with Beth Young — keynote speaker, health and wellness coach, founder of The Great Calm, and recipient of the Houston Women in Excellence Award — to talk about how to become your best self through small, consistent changes.

Beth’s life is a testament to the power of intentional living. Raised in a home surrounded by smoking and drinking, she made a bold decision early on: “That’s not how I want to live.” That choice, rooted in self-awareness, would go on to serve her through some of life’s toughest challenges — including surviving a brain tumor and a traumatic brain injury from a devastating car accident. Her neurologist was amazed by her recovery, saying, “You’re six months ahead of others with the same injury because you live your 5 pillars.”

Beth shares her powerful 5 Pillars of Health:

1. Nutrition
   
   
2. Movement
   
   
3. Relationships
   
   
4. Quality Sleep
   
   
5. Mindfulness
   
   

These pillars are simple, accessible, and profoundly effective — especially when practiced consistently. “It’s not rocket science,” Beth explains. “We just do the basics, and we do them consistently.”

We also dive into:

• A unique breathing technique that can prevent anxiety attacks
  
  
• The importance of “starting small” when making life changes
  
  
• Why movement-based meditations, like tai chi, are perfect for those who struggle with traditional meditation
  
  
• How “walkie talkies” — walking with a friend — can enhance both physical and emotional wellness
  
  

One of my favorite takeaways from our conversation: “Did you know you cannot have an anxiety attack if you're getting enough oxygen to your brain? So I'm going to show you this really cool, unique way to breathe...”

This episode is a beautiful reminder that becoming your best self doesn’t require perfection — just consistent, mindful effort.

Connect with Beth Young:
🌐 https://thegreatcalm.com/

Instagram @findthegreatcalm

Choosing You First – with Michelle Bishop
Guest: Michelle Bishop – Master Certified Life Coach, Podcast Host, and Amazon #1 Bestselling Author of Choose You First

Guest Links:
🌐 bishoplife.com
📸 @MichelleBishopLife
📧 Michelle@BishopLife.com

💡 Episode Overview:

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with the incredible Michelle Bishop, who embodies the essence of resilience, courage, and transformation. Michelle is a Master Certified Life Coach and bestselling author of Choose You First. She opens up about her personal journey from surviving childhood trauma and losing 100 pounds, to overcoming a traumatic brain injury — all while discovering the true meaning of choosing herself first.

Michelle’s story reminds us that choosing yourself is not selfish — it’s essential. From that place of inner strength and self-love, we can live more authentically, influence others more positively, and raise the next generation to thrive rather than just survive.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Your past doesn’t define your future. Michelle grew up in an environment of abuse and dysfunction, but instead of letting it limit her, she used it to fuel her passion to help women heal and rise.
  
  
• Choosing you is an act of courage. It means facing the uncomfortable truths, feeling the hard feelings, and making intentional choices to move in a new direction.
  
  
• Trauma doesn’t have to be the end of your story. After a traumatic brain injury, Michelle had to relearn basic life functions and rebuild her career. Her comeback story is a testimony to the power of resilience and mindset.
  
  
• Self-love isn’t vanity — it’s vitality. Michelle emphasizes that when we are full from within, we become the best version of ourselves and give more to others, not less.
  
  
• You have the power to change generational patterns. When you choose you first, you model emotional courage and agency for your children, showing them what it looks like to thrive.
  
  
• You are enough — in every chapter of your story. Whether you’re in the middle of the storm or walking into the sunshine, you matter. You have value.
  
  

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“Self-love is so important because from within that self-love I am full, and I get to be the best version of myself with someone else — a version I never even thought was possible.”

“To put yourself first is to choose. To be brave enough to look at hard things and to say, ‘I matter. I can do something different.’”

“You are enough in every chapter of your story.”

What does it mean to live boldly when life throws you curveballs that knock you off your feet? In this powerful episode of Linda’s Corner: Inspiration for a Better Life, we’re joined by adventurer, photographer, podcaster, and resilience expert Travis Robinson.

Travis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at just 35 years old—a life-altering moment that forced him to confront a new reality. But instead of giving up on his passions, he’s chosen to adapt and thrive in the face of ongoing physical and emotional challenges.

And if that weren’t enough, Travis recently lost his home and all of his photography equipment in the devastating Eaton Fire in January 2025. His journey isn’t one of past struggle—it’s a present-day battle that he meets with unwavering courage and determination.

Travis’s story is raw, inspiring, and a true testament to the human spirit. Whether you’re facing your own mountain or walking beside someone who is, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune into Travis’s podcast “I’m Not Dead Yet!” for more stories about living vibrantly with Parkinson’s at indypodcast.net.

#ParkinsonsAwareness #Resilience #PodcastEpisode #Inspiration #Adventurer #Photographer #TravisRobinson #LindasCornerPodcast #LiveBoldly #OvercomeChallenges #MentalStrength #FireSurvivor #MountaineerMindset #ImNotDeadYetPodcast