Grief, Guts And Green Smoothies

This episode dives deep into the balance between doing our best and doing the work, reflecting on Melissa’s personal growth and grief journey. Melissa shares valuable insights on overcoming challenges, setting boundaries, seeking support, and finding joy in the journey. Whether you’re navigating grief or striving for personal growth, this episode offers universal lessons and actionable advice to help you stand in your power. Highlights: • [0:09] Introduction: Melissa welcomes listeners and reflects on the journey. Emphasizing the importance of showing up and opening up to new possibilities.• [1:02] Episode Theme: The episode focuses on understanding the balance between doing our best and putting in the necessary work, questioning if doing our best is enough.• [2:19] Toxic Positivity and Spiritual Bypassing: Melissa revisits previous discussions about toxic positivity and the need for balance between effort and self-compassion.• [3:15] Starting the Podcast: Melissa shares her initial struggles with starting th

In this episode of “Scar Tissue,” Melissa Dlugolecki sits down with her friend and fellow entrepreneur, Alex White. Alex shares his journey of personal growth, the importance of authenticity, and how aligning your actions with your values can lead to a fulfilling life. They dive deep into the significance of taking action, learning from mistakes, and the various forms of capital we build through our experiences. Tune in for a powerful conversation that will inspire you to live a life true to yourself. Introduction:• Host Melissa Dlugolecki introduces the podcast, emphasizing the power within our pain and scars.• The goal is to leverage these experiences to create massive impact and live authentically.• Guest Introduction:• Melissa welcomes Alex White, a thought leader, serial entrepreneur, and lifelong learner.• Highlights of Alex’s background and their four-year friendship.• Discussion Topics:• The power of putting yourself in challenging environments.• Importance of authenticity in personal and professional

Episode Highlights:• 00:00:00 - Scar Tissue introduction• 00:02:06 - Melissa reflects on the personal and medical challenges faced during her daughter Leyden’s illness.• 00:17:01 - The pivotal moments that transformed Melissa’s grief into motivation for personal and professional success.• 00:25:18 - Discussion on guilt, grief, and the power of taking radical responsibility for one’s healing.• 00:34:02 - Melissa shares the impact of holistic health on her grief journey and the transition into entrepreneurship.• 00:38:01 - Insights into how grief can be leveraged for personal growth and service to others.• 00:50:18 - Melissa emphasizes the importance of community and individual responsibility in the healing process. About the Podcast:“Scar Tissue” explores the lessons learned from overcoming significant life challenges. Hosted by Melissa Dugalecki, each episode encourages listeners to turn their hardships into opportunities for personal and communal growth. Meet the Host: Melissa Dugalecki integrates her person

In this deeply moving episode of “Scar Tissue,” host Melissa Dlugolecki explores the profound journey of grief and transformation with Dr. Aimie Apigian. Through their discussion, they delve into the complexities of grief, the power of self-love, and the transformative impact of personal tragedy on professional and personal growth. Highlights:• 00:00 - Introduction to the podcast’s theme of transforming pain into growth.• 01:17 - Dr. Aimie Apigian welcomes Melissa, who shares her unique and difficult journey of losing a child and how it has shaped her approach to life and coaching.• 02:34 - Insight into Melissa’s background and the tragic loss that redefined her life’s path.• 07:00 - An in-depth look at Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), the disease that affected Melissa’s daughter, and its impact on her family.• 10:18 - How personal loss intertwines with professional endeavors, transforming Melissa’s approach to business coaching.• 20:04 - The pivotal role of personal mission in navigating life’s toughest chal

In this inspiring episode of “Scar Tissue,” host Melissa Dugalecki introduces Lauren Courtney, an enigmatic figure whose life transcends traditional labels. From her beginnings in corporate America to becoming a spiritual guide and healer, Lauren shares her transformative journey of embracing her multifaceted identity and the profound lessons learned from navigating significant personal loss. Highlights:• [00:00] Introduction to the episode.• 00:01:17 - Introduction to Lauren Courtney, discussing her unique blend of talents and the difficulty of labeling her expansive role.• 00:02:19 - Lauren shares her philosophy that everything she does is a form of art, whether it’s healing, cooking, or creating visual art.• 00:03:04 - Discussion on the importance of living a life that is not ‘normal’ and embracing paths that defy conventional labels.• 00:05:00 - Lauren talks about her transition from a structured corporate role to pursuing a life aligned with her passions as a holistic health coach and spiritual advisor.•

00:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and a brief recap of the concepts of leveraging pain as a tool for personal and communal growth. 00:01:30 - Melissa recounts the painful yet transformative experiences following her daughter Layden’s death, focusing on overcoming the feelings of punishment and unworthiness. 00:02:35 - Discussion on building the muscle of self-trust and focusing on one’s mission without external validation. 00:04:46 - Erik delves into the universal battle between our rational and irrational thoughts, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the ‘angel’ voice to combat the often louder, negative ‘devil’ voice. 00:08:44 - Strategies for maintaining a positive outlook, the benefits of physical activity on mental clarity, and the importance of establishing routines that encourage positive decision-making. 00:11:18 - Addressing the toxic impact of victim mentality and entitlement, and how these can hinder personal and professional growth. 00:19:43 - Closing thoughts on the power of owning your

00:00:00 - Introduction to the podcast philosophy of transforming pain into power.00:01:13 - Melissa introduces Eric Rock, highlighting his journey and impact as an entrepreneur and mentor.00:02:01 - Eric discusses his approach to life and business, emphasizing the importance of personal branding and authenticity.00:03:39 - Conversation on how past experiences shape entrepreneurial spirit and the value of starting with a personal mission.00:04:22 - Discussion on the value of hindsight and the advantages of learning from others’ experiences.00:05:58 - Eric talks about the limitations of traditional education systems and the benefits of alternative learning paths.00:06:51 - Eric shares a story about mentoring a young entrepreneur, demonstrating the impact of early exposure to business and high-level thinking.00:09:17 - Melissa and Eric delve into how their personal histories influenced their career paths and the concept of “should” in life decisions.00:10:16 - Discussion on turning adverse circumstances into so

In this deeply personal episode of “Scar Tissue,” Melissa Dlugolecki and guest Gerard Adams delve into the transformative power of storytelling, the importance of embracing authenticity, and the challenges and rewards of personal growth. Gerard shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a beacon of change for others, emphasizing the critical role of authentic expression in both personal and professional success. The conversation also explores the dynamics of masculine and feminine energies and gender roles, highlighting how these forces shape personal identities and interactions in the modern world. Melissa and Gerard discuss the importance of recognizing and honoring these energies to foster a balanced life and healthier relationships, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for a deeper understanding of one’s authentic self. Highlights:• 00:01:14 - Reflects on her upbringing in Massachusetts, exploring how her environment shaped her early life choices and challenges.• 00:02:50 - Discusses b

In this deeply personal episode of "Scar Tissue," Melissa Dlugolecki shares her journey from rule-following high achiever to a life coach who embraces authenticity over convention. From her challenges with anxiety and people-pleasing as a young student in Massachusetts to confronting her identity and finding purpose beyond societal expectations, Melissa discusses the powerful life lessons she has learned about responsibility, authenticity, and living life on one's own terms.Highlights:00:01:14 - Reflects on her upbringing in Massachusetts, exploring how her environment shaped her early life choices and challenges.00:02:50 - Discusses breaking norms during her college years, revealing her early desires to act against societal expectations.00:04:18 - Shares the struggle of finding her identity post-college and the transition from seeking external validation to internal growth.00:05:48 - Talks about the dichotomy of caring for people versus pursuing monetary goals, and how her career decisions were influenced by

Melissa was already crying at the start of this episode. When she first lost her daughter, Leyden, she could barely leave the house, let alone get to a grief counselor’s office. But that is what she did. And that grief counselor is the special guest today, Kendra Allen.Melissa was a puddle at Kendra’s office in the beginning. But everyone deserves to have a space held for them. And Kendra allowed that space for Melissa. And what Melissa thinks is powerful is not only the tools in which she was taught the ways that widened her understanding of grief but the space that Kendra fostered. Melissa’s goal today is to inform you and educate you on the many aspects of grief that aren't spoken about and allow you to have a lens into the version of Melissa that could barely show up. As Melissa is publishing a book and hosting a podcast, the public sees a version of her that is much more healed. But Kendra is one of the only people who witnessed her at her rawest. Melissa started this episode crying and uncertain how the

Melissa is proud to bring back to the show Mike Michalowicz. Mike has supported Melissa in multiple ways over the years and is helping her bring her book to the world (very soon!). In this episode, Mike and Melissa explore how grief can act as a form of connection. They examine the true purpose behind their writing and how success can be the opposite of what's best for you. This episode is an understanding and loving exploration of grief. Mike and Melissa examine how we compound grief, how to support others' grieving, and the true normalcy of the grief we experience. You will leave this conversation feeling more supportive of yourself and how better to support those around you. Mike Michalowicz is the entrepreneur behind three multimillion-dollar companies and is the author of Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, and his newest book, Get Different. Mike is a former small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal and regularly travels the globe as an entrepreneurial advocate. Highlights1:14 - How Me

Melissa’s excited to introduce you to an incredibly dear friend and soul connection of hers. John Kempf is an amazing coach, an amazing human, and an amazing healer. And when you talk about our beings and souls being medicine for this planet and other people, John is literally medicine in human form. He has so much wisdom to share. Melissa and John talk in this episode about not only our nervous system regulation but about rebirth and past lives. So it's something that you might find really supportive and healing if you are on a grief journey to think about the rebirth and death that occurs naturally. And if you’re not currently navigating a grief journey, these are things that can support you in better understanding yourself and better understanding your soul's purpose in this lifetime. John shares two simple practices that will solve most of your problems, the power of pause and stillness, and what it means when yoga teachers say, “just be.” This episode will encourage you to ask, “What sets my heart on fir

Melissa spends a lot of time on social media, and coaches and entrepreneurs frequently build their businesses through these platforms. Yet, she hears many people complain that social media is fake. They want authentic connections.But that has not been Melissa’s experience. And today’s guest is one example of connecting authentically with a person through social media.Jennifer Watson is a seeker of truth, a high-performance leadership coach, and a practitioner. She is here to share her magic and what’s alive in her today. This conversation goes deep into our nervous system and regulation. No one walks around saying I have a dysregulated nervous system. Yet we experience many symptoms that are out of regulation, fight or flight, and autopilot. Jennifer helps leaders heal so they can activate others. Jennifer shares her journey of mental wellness, emotional wellness, and her dysregulation struggle. She talks about coaching from your healing and not your wound, how you cannot separate wellness and leadership, and

Melissa is excited to bring James to the podcast. His work has changed her life. A big part of what you experience on this podcast is because of James.James works with the top-tier level of athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs. In addition, he’s working on a book and is a top 1% podcaster. He’s also a father, husband, and Melissa’s coach!In this practical and tips-laden episode, James dives deep into how it’s one day at a time, one week at a time, and one month at a time to craft the version of ourselves we want. He shares how to get people to open up and outlines the 5 C’s that will change your leadership ability and your relationships.James plays the mastery game, not the rich game. And this episode will speak to what that means and why we must do hard things intentionally. He also explores why it’s essential to understand that emotions are built. Get out your notebook and be ready to feel the chills.Highlights1:20 - The power of not boxing yourself in with titles and labels3:15 - The one skill all leade

Today's episode takes a lot of discernment. Are we co-creating, or are we co-existing? And what does that mean? In this episode, Melissa breaks it down for you.A coaching call inspired this topic with Melissa's new women's group, Own It (see below for more information!). Understanding the difference between these two ideas is essential. Because this is something that can have an intense impact on our nervous system as we process grief, trauma, heartache, or loss.Melissa's goal is to support all of you in getting from a space of reactionary to proactively managing and navigating anything you're going through.Melissa starts by defining the two terms and how they often get confused. She then shares the three parts integral to co-creation: structure and mechanics, shared values, and energetics. Next, Melissa breaks down these three parts and explains how even if one part is off, it impacts co-creation. She also shares how frequently we can confuse our body's fight or flight response with something not feeling goo

When Melissa sat down to speak with Jon, what came out was not what she expected. But it was perfectly perfect.Jon and Melissa have different perspectives on grief. While they find a middle ground during this conversation, their experiences and lessons from grief contrast with one another.So this episode shows that it’s okay to have different views. You can still respect each other. And even on emotionally-charged topics like grief, love, finances, and life’s purpose - multiple truths can exist.And while we can’t allow others to make us wrong, it’s important to take a step back from the idea of right and wrong. And step into the choice and freedom to align with what authentically works for us. In that alignment, massive co-creation, learning, and evolution occur. Melissa’s beliefs have evolved since the start of this podcast. If we do not recognize that we may see things differently one day, we are not leaving room for growth, discovery, or curiosity.Jon Connelly recently published Grief is Not Sacred and cre

We are switching hats on today’s podcast with a behind-the-scenes look at Melissa’s journey in a way you’ve not heard before! Melissa recently went on Lauren Salaun’s Amplify podcast to share her story.Lauren’s a former coach and current client. In this episode, Lauren interviews Melissa as she shares stuff she’s never discussed on this show. They dive into masculine and feminine energies and the power of boundaries to foster relationships. And Melissa even gets into the choices and preferences that have shaped the more private parts of her life. This is Melissa’s story from a new angle shared with deep vulnerability. And, of course, it’s filled with actionable takeaways to improve your life and business.Highlights2:25 - Rapid fire questions8:22 - Navigating and setting boundaries with coaches, clients, and friends13:09 - How Melissa started her entrepreneurial journey18:28 - How grief taught Melissa about radical ownership of her life24:04 - Exploring the masculine and feminine for business29:32 - You are no

Melissa goes in-depth on one of the most powerful forces that drive our subconscious behavior and emotional responses. Unfortunately, many prefer to avoid talking about it. Yet, if addressed, we can make massive progress. It’s shame.What comes up for you when you hear the word shame? How does your body respond? What emotions come to the surface? In this episode, Melissa describes what it means that our energies have a depth chart and walks you through a helpful visual exercise. She offers tips on addressing binge behaviors and why hip openers can be so emotional. She also exposes why it’s never about the what but the why. And at the end, she shares the antidote to shame. Shame is something we all deal with and manage throughout our life. This episode offers the inside perspective to face it down for good.About the podcastGrief and Guts is for anyone navigating:Bereaved parentsAging parentsDivorceEmpty nestFertility journeyJob lossRelationship endingMovingThe loss of sense of selfThe loss of life envisionedMee

This episode doesn't jam on new topics, but Melissa and her guest find new perspectives on important topics and go deep on abundance and manifestation. Andrea Lowell is an Old Soul on a mission to help everyone reach their own Self-Mastery and Self Actualization. Andrea provides clear guidance in learning to find our values, the difference between lying and denial, and how our beliefs about ourselves can trap us. She also touches on how she learned her purpose after leaving behind a successful career. Additionally, Melissa and Andrea explore how to see the fallacy of our excuses, putting things into their right size, building your courage, why serenity is in the gray (not black and white), and what it means that your body is an ally of your soul.This episode is about self-mastery, radical honesty, and why you should use your drive time to check your spiritual condition! Melissa was inspired during this conversation, and so will you.Highlights2:15 - Moving from fitting in to following your values4:41 - How to

How do you know when you can trust your intuition? How can you know if it’s your intuition or mind telling you to do something? Melissa explains how to access your intuition and when you can trust it.This episode is dropping right around Leyden’s birthday (February 20), which inspired the creation of this podcast. In this personal and powerful episode, Melissa offers one of the most potent lessons she learned from Leyden. Melissa also goes in-depth on accessing your intuition and the all-important body and belly connection. She offers tips on making intuition more accessible and uses examples from past clients and her own life. This episode is about cleaning, clearing, and decluttering. Melissa provides the secret to getting past a major block in unlocking your intuitive mind, as well as knowing when you are being pulled by the very thing that is holding you back.About the podcastGrief and Guts is for anyone navigating:Bereaved parentsAging parentsDivorceEmpty nestFertility journeyJob lossRelationship endingM