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Wall Street Journal columnist and author, Meghan Cox Gurdon, joins Brigitte Cutshall on Real Things Living to talk about her new memoir, "Free Range Girl." The true story of the year she spent as a 12-year-old living off-grid on a homestead her father built with his own hands in rural Maine. They talk overparenting vs. freedom, the "anti-fragile" child, why reading aloud is one of the most powerful things a parent can do, and what got lost when childhood moved indoors. Her previous bestseller, "The Enchanted Hour," is also referenced. "Free Range Girl" releases October 20th — pre-order now wherever books are sold. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTTQTD77 Connect with Meghan Cox Gurdon:Website: https://www.meghancoxgurdon.com 👉 Subscribe to the Real Things Living channel for more inspiring discussions on resilience, healthy living, and personal growth!

How do you build a vibrant, purposeful life through every chapter? Brigitte Cutshall sits down with Dr. Sieglinde Othmer, author of the award-winning book Joyous Longevity: An A to Z Fuel Guide. From her childhood escape as an East German refugee to her extensive career in psychiatry research, Sieglinde shares how curiosity, flexibility, and proactive habits keep her thriving at age 85. Takeaways: The 3 Free "S" Supplements: Boost health and balance circadian rhythms using natural morning Sun, spending time in Soil (gardening/nature), and prioritizing Socialization to combat isolation. The MAGIC Formula for Vitality: Cultivate everyday joy through Movement, staying Awake with morning gratitude, Gardening, maintaining Independence, and nurturing Curiosity. Shift Focus in Tough Moments: When feeling stuck or facing adversity, focus on helping others or engaging with those around you to immediately break negative thought cycles. Ready to redefine what it means to age with joy? Visit https://www.joyouslongevity.com - check out Sieglinde's award-winning book, listen to her custom song, and start building your personalized A-to-Z longevity habits today! Subscribe to Real Things Living for more inspiring conversations on health, mindset, and intentional living!

In this episode of Real Things Living, host Brigitte Cutshall sits down with natural pet health advocate and podcaster, Angela Ardolino. Angela shares her personal journey from losing her first dog to toxic standard treatments to helping her second dog live to 17 using holistic care. Together, they dive into the master system regulating pet wellness—the endocannabinoid system—and discuss how feeding real food, removing hidden toxins, and utilizing adaptogens and mushrooms can prevent chronic disease and bring pets back to natural balance. Key Takeaways The Endocannabinoid System is Key. Supporting this system naturally helps manage inflammation and chronic disease. Beware of Filler Ingredients. Over 85% of commercial pet supplements contain useless isolates, synthetic vitamins, and harmful fillers.Nature Provides Root-Cause Healing: Standard treatments often focus on suppressing symptoms rather than finding the root cause.Know it, live it, love it — go rescue a pet, and start reading your pet's supplement labels tonight. Follow Angela's work at https://AngelaArdolino.com and https://SeniorDogStudy.com, and check out her podcast, Your Natural Dog. Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode with a fellow pet parent!

A 40-year ICU nurse says your response to a diagnosis matters more than the diagnosis itself, and he's built a whole theory of care around it. Winston Meikle — nurse educator, author of "The Power of Love: A Nursing Theory", and founder of Loving Care Partners — joins Brigitte Cutshall to explore how quantum physics, ancient wisdom, and a love-based mindset can transform patient outcomes. They dig into patient advocacy, why nurses may know patients better than doctors do, and the real risks of staying passive in your own healthcare journey. 3 Takeaways (1) Recovery is active, not passive. (2) The Four A's for shifting perspective: Acknowledge, Accept, Adopt, Actualize. (3) Authenticity beats love alone. Love paired with genuine authenticity becomes the real driver of better outcomes. Visit Winston Meikle’s work at https://poweroflovetheory.com and explore his patient advocacy platform at https://lovingcarepartners.org Subscribe to Real Things Living for more uplifting conversations on health, self-advocacy, and resilience!

Youth mental health advocate, Lawrence Harris, breaks down why we need to stop trying to fit the mold when it comes to autism, mental health, and choosing our own path. Brigitte Cutshall speaks with 20-year-old Lawrence to explore neurodiversity, self-advocacy, and bridging generational divides. He shares his journey from childhood adversity to inspiring young people nationwide, offering practical ways parents and teens can build trust and mental well-being. Key Takeaways (1) Question Your Beliefs: Self-discovery begins when you pause, ask why you hold certain beliefs, and separate your identity from social pressure. (2) Listen and Validate: Parents can best support their teens by listening without judgment and protecting their privacy with tools like private journaling. (3) Labels Are Just Context: Conditions like autism or ADHD aren't limits—they are simple frameworks that help us understand unique mindsets. Learn more about Lawrence Harris at https://lawrencecharris.com. Also check out his YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@UC9iiryh1sa5QylGuPrjGUzQ Subscribe to Real Things Living for more conversations on resilience and self-advocacy!

16 moves before he turned 18. Another 16 in the Army. Here's what it built. Devin Fish grew up in poverty, moving constantly and eventually joining the Army at 18 to escape instability at home. After a decade of service — including a mental health crisis that landed him in the hospital — he channeled his lowest point into his memoir, "Answering the Hard Questions." Devin talks with Brigitte Cutshall about resilience, faith, and why telling the truth about your story might be the thing someone else needs to survive theirs. 3 Takeaways (1) Instability builds capacity, not just damage. (2) The hardest chapter became the whole point. (3) Authenticity is the antidote to a fake world. Grab a copy of "Answering the Hard Questions" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or as an ebook. Follow Devin's new YouTube channel, Answering the Hard Questions, for his daily reflections. https://www.youtube.com/@9d7fish Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/devin.fish.79/

Dr. Eugene Antenucci — dentist, LSU dental school instructor, and author of "A Journey of a Thousand Smiles" — joins Brigitte Cutshall on Real Things Living to break down the mouth-body connection most people never learn about. We cover gum disease and chronic inflammation, the blue zones' link between longevity, family, and movement, why sugar is a bigger threat than most realize, and how to find a doctor who actually listens. Key Takeaways: (1) Your mouth mirrors your whole-body health: Gum disease sends bacteria and inflammation straight into your bloodstream, quietly affecting your heart, immune system, and long-term vitality. (2) Longevity is built, not inherited: Blue zone research ties long life to daily nutrition, movement, and family/community connection. (3) Advocate for yourself: Persistence in finding a provider who truly listens, and getting second opinions, can change the trajectory of your health. Connect with Dr. Antenucci: Website - https://drgene.health/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eugene_antenucci/ Check out his book, "A Journey of a Thousand Smiles" - https://tinyurl.com/5j5jrduh

Can you actually rewire your nervous system to get unstuck? In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with transformation coach Thayne Martin to discuss trauma recovery, emotional intelligence, and how experiential neuroscience can reset your life. After surviving severe childhood trauma, over-medication, and a near-death drowning accident, Thayne experienced a total "control-alt-delete" reset. He discovered why traditional talk therapy alone wasn't keeping him from feeling stuck—and how simple, physical action retrains the brain far faster than reading or talking ever could. Key Topics Covered: Dealing with constant life changes and stepping out of fear The near-death experience that acted as a life reset button Experiential neuroscience: How doing physically rewires your brain Practical tools for managing anger, amygdala triggers, and emotional intelligence Metacognition: Moving from default mode to becoming the observer of your mind Connect with Thayne Martin and learn more about his work at https://itspurelove.com

Denny LaVe joins Brigitte to talk about a life defined by pivots — from a broken childhood in Montana, to a near-fatal heat stroke that ended his Marine Corps dream, to nearly taking vows as a monk, to marriage, fatherhood, and building a construction company from the ground up. He opens up about the "shame culture" he grew up in, the years of stoicism that quietly strained his marriage, and the therapy-fueled journey that led to his bestselling book, "Blue Collar Blessed." The conversation also digs into his run for U.S. Senate in Idaho, the state of the trades, and why he believes learning to love yourself is the real starting point for everything else. Key Takeaways (1) Self-Compassion Drives Healing. (2) Embrace the Power of Pivoting. (3) There is Dignity and Success in the Trades. Ready to rewrite your story? Pick up a copy of Denny LaVe's international bestseller, "Blue Collar Blessed", on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and visit https://NewLionofIdaho.com to learn more.

A biochemist accidentally became a pioneer in trauma-clearing therapy—and it all started when she couldn't figure out her own dating life. Dr. Judith Swack was told repeatedly by mentors that she had a "research mind" and belonged in a lab, leading her to earn a PhD in biochemistry and neurochemistry. However, personal struggles in her dating life introduced her to Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and the power of the unconscious mind. After an insistent social worker pushed her to expand her focus beyond simple phobias, Dr. Judith mapped the biological structure of trauma, identifying it as the hidden root of most physical and emotional struggles. Key Takeaways: (1) Trauma is a physical reflex, not just a mental state. (2) Tapping activates the body's natural "off switch". (3) True healing addresses root causes rather than identities. Pick up a copy of Dr. Judith Swack's book, "Clear Trauma Now" (available in paperback and eBook on Amazon) and visit https://hblu.org to claim a free consultation or register for her upcoming live trauma-healing webinar series!

College sports used to be about the love of the game. Now the money, the betting, and the pressure are rewriting what it means to be a young athlete. Brigitte Cutshall sits down with author, coach, and commentator - Jay Paterno - for an eye-opening conversation on the shifting landscape of college athletics. From the financial pressures of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and rampant sports gambling to the mental health strains on young athletes, Jay breaks down why human connection and authentic leadership are more critical now than ever. He also discusses his novel "Blitzed" - which offers a candid, reality-based look at the hidden challenges facing modern coaches and players. 3 Main Takeaways: (1) Money changes everything. NIL deals and sports betting have introduced pressures — from family expectations to online harassment — that didn't exist a few years ago, even trickling down to high schoolers. (2) "A want-to, not a have-to." The healthiest athletes are the ones playing because they love it — research shows kids just want their parents to say "I enjoyed watching you play," not critique their performance. (3) Human connection is the antidote. As technology isolates young people, mentors, coaches, and team communities play a critical role in keeping kids grounded and supported. Know a young athlete or sports parent navigating this new landscape? Share this episode with them, and find more from Jay Paterno at https://www.jayvpaterno.com/

Less than 1% of breast cancer diagnoses belong to men—leaving Jake Messier on a mission to demand representation in a system that often forgets they exist. Jake Messier, a former Marine and marketer turned patient advocate living with stage IV male breast cancer, joins Brigitte Cutshall to talk about finding a lump while putting on deodorant, navigating the isolated reality of a traditionally female-centered diagnosis, and confronting the reality that male breast cancer cases have gone largely unstudied for decades. Jake shares how he turned his diagnosis into advocacy, becoming the first male patient appointed to a Susan G. Komen board, and opens up about vulnerability, finding daily joy, and making every moment count. 3 Takeaways: (1) Male breast cancer is rare (about 1 in 726 men) but under-researched — there's never been dedicated funding comparing male vs. female cases. (2) Social stigma, not disease severity, drives higher mortality in men — most boys are never taught to check for lumps the way girls are. (3) Saying your scariest fears out loud — to a partner, a doctor, anyone — takes away their power. Follow Jake on TikTok and Instagram @theguywithstage4breastcanceror visit theguywithstage4breastcancer.com for resources and direct support. Don't forget to subscribe to Real Things Living for more authentic, unfiltered conversations on living with purpose!

He was given six months to live. Twenty-five months later, he's training for the Ironman World Championship. James Logan was 59, in the best shape of his life, and training for triathlons when a stage four cancer diagnosis gave him six months to two years to live. In this episode of Real Things Living, James opens up about the six-month mental shift from "worrying about dying to worrying about living," how he kept training through 24 rounds of chemo and major surgeries, and why he wrote his book, "Just Keep Tri-ing", to bring hope to others walking the same road. His story is proof that a terminal diagnosis can become the start of the most purposeful chapter of your life. 100% of proceeds support the Ironman Foundation! 3 Takeaways: (1) The mindset shift is the real battle. James says the turning point wasn't physical — it was surrendering the fear of dying and deciding to focus only on today. (2) Purpose fuels healing. Training for Ironman Kona and writing his book gave him something to move toward, and he credits that pursuit with helping his recovery. (3) You measure a life by impact, not time. James's guiding question — how many people can I positively impact before I go — reshaped how he spends every day. Follow James on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stage42025/ Grab his book to help support the Ironman Foundation - https://justkeeptri-ing.com/

A cemetery at the end of a one-road village in Trinidad, a grandmother who couldn't read without help. This is where author, speaker, and musician Antonio Michael Downing learned that creativity isn't a talent, it's a survival tool. Antonio joins Real Things Living to share how his grandmother in Trinidad taught him to read and sing, not as hobbies, but as ways to cope with a hard life. It's the lessons that carried him through an unstable teenage years, a corporate tech career, and into becoming a published author (Saga Boy, Black Cherokee) and musician. The conversation explores creativity as a mindset, not just an output, and how art helps us process difficulty, find authenticity, and connect with others. 3 Takeaways: (1) Creativity isn't reserved for artists — it's a life skill for coping, problem-solving, and reframing your story. (2) Art gives us practice for real life, helping us sit with ambiguity and hard emotions before we face them directly. (3) What connects people is more powerful than what divides them, and that connection builds resilience. Follow Antonio Michael Downing on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter/X @AntonioMichaelDowning, and pick up "Saga Boy" and "Black Cherokee" wherever books are sold.

Six years of uncertainty, navigating a high-stakes third-party journey, and finding the courage to redefine motherhood on her own terms. In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Leslie Lopez, founder and host of the Mothers in Arms podcast. Leslie opens up about her personal six-year journey navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and the decision to leave her marriage to pursue motherhood through third-party reproduction. She shares the emotional, financial, and societal realities of using egg/sperm donors and surrogacy, dismantling myths around fertility statistics and highlighting the profound healing found in building a supportive community. Key Takeaways (1) Infertility affects 1 in 6 people worldwide, across every race and background. The "it doesn't happen to us" myths are just myths. (2) Surrogacy and donor conception are more accessible than people assume. Grants, loans, and even employer programs are opening the door beyond just the wealthy. (3) Get specialized legal and mental health support. A general therapist or a skipped notarized agreement can leave real gaps in a third-party journey. Connect with Leslie Lopez and listen to the Mothers in Arms podcast on YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, or Instagram (@mothersinarms.pod) to join a growing community advocating for fertility awareness and reproductive freedom. Links referenced: https://www.cryobank.com/ https://www.tsonglaw.com/ivf-calculator https://www.counselingwithjoey.com/ https://www.get-carrot.com/ https://seedsethics.org/ https://www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org/