When you look around your life, is it the life you really want to live?

In this episode of Alison Answers, Alison talks about what it really takes to create the life you want, and why so many people stay stuck wanting more without ever stepping into it.

This episode is about identity, honesty, awareness, and the patterns that quietly shape your results.

Because before you can change your life, you have to be willing to look at where you are, get honest about what you want, and ask a deeper question:

Who do I need to become to create the life I say I want?

If you’ve been feeling stuck, repeating the same patterns, or wanting more but not knowing how to move forward, this episode will help you start seeing your life with more clarity and power.

In this episode:
00:00 Intro
01:17 Is this the life you really want?
03:31 The Whole Life Inventory
05:16 Awareness, acceptance, and action
07:27 Getting honest about what you want
13:03 Meeting the part of you that feels stuck
20:10 Finding the program running your life
23:20 Deciding who you are becoming
28:34 Changing the identity keeping you stuck

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

We all have moments where we don’t feel like ourselves.

In this episode of Alison Answers, I’m talking about discouragement, why it can quietly build over time, and what to do when your mind starts focusing more on what’s not working.

If you’ve been feeling off, flat, stuck, or disconnected from yourself, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and take one small step back toward you.

In this episode:
00:00 Intro
00:35 Feeling discouraged
03:29 When you don’t feel like yourself
05:04 What have I stopped doing?
07:35 The habits that keep you grounded
13:00 You don’t need more information
14:18 The power of movement
16:35 Why simple things change your life
17:24 Why your brain focuses on the negative
20:11 Recording your wins
21:40 Why thinking more is not always the answer
23:40 Joy is medicine
27:58 What to ask when you feel discouraged
29:04 Do the next right thing
31:20 Creating new meaning around painful dates
33:05 Dating, discouragement, and staying open

Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call” 👉 https://a.co/d/0dVsdKP4

Connect with Alison:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@alisonanswers/ | https://www.instagram.com/@lagercounseling/
Website: https://www.LagerCounseling.com
Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
Alison Answers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/alisonanswers
Women of Excellence FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenofexcellencechallenge

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

In this solo episode of Alison Answers, I’m answering a question I get asked all the time:

"How do I choose the right therapist?"

Therapy should not be a place where you simply rehearse your pain every week.

A good therapist should help you feel safe, understand yourself more clearly, notice your patterns, and begin building the life you actually want.

If you are thinking about starting therapy, looking for a new therapist, or wondering if the therapy you are in is truly helping you grow, this episode will give you a clearer way to choose.

You’ll learn what to look for, what to pay attention to, and why the right therapist should help you become more empowered, not more attached to your pain.

In this episode:

00:00 Intro
00:41 How do I choose the right therapist?
04:00 Five tips for choosing the right therapist
04:24 A good therapist helps you become empowered
10:58 You should feel safe enough to be honest
20:07 You are not a checklist
22:04 A therapist helps you discover patterns
26:20 A therapist should help you build the life you want
37:06 Closing message

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

This episode is about something I believe quietly destroys more lives than most people realize.

It is not always trauma.
It is not always failure.
It is not always lack of opportunity.

Sometimes, it is our unconscious reaction to everything.

In this solo episode of Alison Answers, I’m talking about the difference between reacting to life and intentionally creating it.

Because so many of us think we are thinking things through, but what we are really doing is reacting.

I share insights from my book The Wake Up Call and walk through how we move from reaction mode into creation.

In this episode, I talk about:

- Why most people are reacting more than they realize
- Why worry is a form of visualization
- How your brain prepares your body for what you repeatedly focus on
- Why fear can start to feel like wisdom
- How hypervigilance trains the brain to search for danger
- Why calm can feel unsafe when your nervous system is used to chaos
- How language shapes identity
- Why mediocrity is so expensive
- How repeated thoughts become practiced identity
- Why creation requires action, not just wishful thinking
- How to stop rehearsing fear and start creating the life you actually want

If you have been feeling anxious, tired, stuck, uninspired, or like you are constantly reacting to life instead of leading it, I want this episode to be a wake-up call.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:58 Stop reacting and start creating
02:41 The thing quietly destroying people’s lives
03:28 Thinking vs reacting
04:18 Old programming, fear, and childhood conditioning
05:21 Rehearsing disaster and worst-case scenarios
06:40 A tool to calm the body and interrupt reaction
08:26 Reacting to life vs creating it intentionally
09:03 Rehearsed fear vs rehearsed future
10:03 Worry is visualization
11:18 What world is your brain preparing you for?
12:33 How focus strengthens neural pathways
12:57 Hypervigilance and searching for danger
15:08 When rehearsed fear starts to feel like wisdom
17:06 Why people become addicted to reaction
18:53 Why calm can feel unsafe
20:09 Creation requires presence
21:55 Letting go of struggle and seeking wisdom
22:21 Why society rewards mediocrity
23:49 Wanting more does not make you shallow
26:14 How people slowly settle for less
27:47 The real cost of mediocrity
30:01 Identity is built through repetition
30:51 Why language matters
31:55 How to interrupt painful identity patterns
33:30 Creation requires action
35:08 Life is built one thought, one feeling, one breath at a time
37:08 The inherited story vs the consciously created story
38:11 Are you reacting or creating?
39:24 Take charge of your life
39:51 Closing message and how to support the podcast

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

If you’ve been trying to stop a behavior, break a pattern, or change something about yourself but it keeps coming back, this episode is for you.

Maybe it’s people-pleasing.
Over-explaining.
Avoidance.
Anger.
Perfectionism.
Shutting down.
Or a behavior you keep promising yourself you’re done with.

But no matter how much you understand it, hate it, or try to force it away, a part of you still goes back to it.

In today’s solo episode of Alison Answers, Alison Lager breaks down the psychology behind why some behaviors are so hard to stop, and why what looks like self-sabotage may actually be a protector part trying to keep you safe.

This episode invites you to stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking a deeper question:

What is this protecting me from?

Alison explains why certain behaviors become survival strategies, how the nervous system can mistake change for danger, and why trying to remove a coping strategy too quickly can cause another pattern to take its place.

You’ll learn why your body may choose protection over happiness, why willpower alone often isn’t enough, and how to begin meeting these parts of yourself with curiosity instead of shame.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:

- Why “bad behaviors” can be hard to stop even when you want to change
- How protector parts form around pain, shame, rejection, and fear
- Why your nervous system may resist letting go of old patterns
- How people-pleasing, over-explaining, anger, avoidance, and perfectionism can become protection
- Why attacking the behavior can make shame worse
- Why removing a coping strategy too early can backfire
- The question that can help you understand what the behavior is really protecting
- How to let your adult self, higher self, or grounded self lead instead of the scared part
- Why healing begins with safety, not self-attack

If you’ve been beating yourself up for the same pattern over and over, this episode will help you see it differently.

Maybe the behavior is not the whole story.
Maybe the pattern has a purpose.
Maybe the part of you you keep fighting was once the part trying to save you.

Watch the full episode of Alison Answers to understand the psychology behind why you can’t just stop bad behaviors, and what your nervous system may be trying to protect.

In this episode

00:00 Intro
01:05 What protector parts are
02:36 Why attacking the behavior can backfire
03:26 What happens when a protector is removed too soon
05:49 Why coping strategies need to be understood first
06:26 Why the protector part is rarely the enemy
06:53 Protector parts as exhausted bodyguards
09:04 How unhealthy behaviors can regulate the nervous system
09:27 Perfectionism, anger, people-pleasing, over-explaining, and dissociation
10:32 Why there may be nothing “wrong” with you
11:20 What to do instead of attacking the behavior
12:23 Questions to ask your protector part
13:15 Why the goal is not to destroy the protector
14:51 Using visualization to understand younger parts
16:03 Letting the adult self lead
18:07 Why the behavior is not the whole story
18:40 Getting out of the thinking brain and into the body
20:29 Awareness without judgment
21:20 Learning to ask yourself better questions
21:45 Becoming steady, grounded, and peaceful

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Victoria Volk went from a lifetime of “healthy positivity” and people‑pleasing to realizing she was carrying deep, unprocessed grief, emotional neglect, and unresolved relationships trapped in her body and energy field.

In this episode, you’ll see how childhood loss, emotional hunger, and years of over‑functioning shaped her life and how her grief‑recovery method “Do Grief Differently,” Human Design, and biofield tuning helped her finally drop the “backpack of rocks” she’d been carrying.

You’ll learn how to stop confusing constant movement with strength, why people‑pleasing and perfectionism often hide unfinished grief, and how the same emotional themes keep showing up in love, work, and identity until you finally face them.

Watch this if:
👉 You feel spiritually or emotionally “blocked” under your sternum (solar plexus) despite your success
👉 You keep repeating the same relationship patterns or feel unseen in your wisdom
👉 You struggle with approval, loneliness, or people‑pleasing without knowing why
👉 You experience grief from sudden loss, suicide, divorce, or emotional neglect
👉 You want to understand how your childhood losses shape your adult energy, boundaries, and healing

You’ll walk away with:
✅ A clearer understanding of how childhood and emotional loss shape adult relationships and energy
✅ A practical way to map your history of loss and find the core relationships that hold your pain
✅ Insight into how Projectors and other Human Design types are built to heal, not to hustle
✅ A new perspective on forgiveness that doesn’t require confrontation with the other person
✅ Tools to notice how your body and energy field respond to grief, energetic work, and service
✅ A deeper sense that there is nothing to fix

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Victoria Volk went from being the ultimate "strong friend" and a functional binge drinker to realizing she was trapped by a low-level frequency of unresolved childhood grief.

In this episode, you’ll see how losing her father at age eight, experiencing early trauma, and stepping into an adult emotional caretaker role at a young age shaped her life and how excavating her past, breaking generational patterns, and mastering sound healing helped her finally break free.

You’ll learn how to stop confusing a busy life with a healed life, why being the shoulder everyone cries on often hides your own deep pain, and how unprocessed emotional wounds act like a silent background hum, sabotaging your health, habits, and relationships until you look them in the face.

Watch this if:
👉 You are always the "strong one" everyone leans on, but you secretly feel empty or unsupported.
👉 You use alcohol, work, or busywork to numb a constant, low-level anxiety in the background.
👉 You’ve noticed that your friends or family get uncomfortable or distance themselves when you start changing.
👉 You want to understand how childhood losses (beyond just death) silently dictate your adult choices.

You’ll walk away with:
✅ A radical new definition of grief that explains why you might be mourning lost dreams or expectations.
✅ The chilling reason why 75% of your adult emotional responses were already hardwired by the time you turned three.
✅ Insight into how emotional trauma physically stores itself in the body, and how sound frequencies can clear it.
✅ A raw, honest framework for becoming a generational chain-breaker so your children don't inherit your wounds.

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Alison Lager reveals why your brain may be creating the conflict you think you are trying to solve.

In this episode of Alison Answers, Alison explains the neuroscience behind perception, relationships, emotional reactions, and personal transformation. She breaks down why the brain does not simply record reality, but constructs it through past experiences, emotional states, beliefs, expectations, and unconscious filters.

This is why two people can be in the same room, have the same conversation, and still walk away with completely different versions of what happened.

Alison explains how this shows up in marriage, parenting, friendships, work, and everyday conflict. Instead of trying to prove who is right, she teaches how to slow down, take accountability for your inner world, and ask questions that create clarity instead of defensiveness.

She also shares the principle of Kaizen, a Japanese concept rooted in small, consistent improvement. Alison explains how 1% daily shifts can change your habits, relationships, mindset, home, emotional responses, and life over time.

In this episode, Alison explains:

◼️ Why your brain does not record reality
 ◼️ How your past shapes what you think is happening now
 ◼️ Why two people can experience the same event differently
 ◼️ Why couples get stuck arguing over whose version is “true”
 ◼️ How to stop the attack-and-defend cycle
 ◼️ Why better questions create better relationships
 ◼️ How to take accountability for your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs
 ◼️ Why Kaizen is one of the most powerful ways to change your life
 ◼️ How small 1% improvements compound over time
 ◼️ Why waiting for a breakthrough may be keeping you stuck
 ◼️ How to shift from living in the problem to living in the solution
 ◼️ Why love is power, discipline, structure, and choice

If you have ever felt misunderstood, defensive, stuck in conflict, or overwhelmed by the size of the change you want to make, this episode will help you see your relationships and your life through a clearer lens.

The way you see things may feel true, but it may not be the whole truth.

And one small shift today may be the beginning of a completely different life.

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Angela Goodman went from looking like she had it all together to realizing she was deeply lonely, driven by approval, and trapped in repeating relationship patterns. In this episode, you’ll see how childhood divorce, emotional neglect, control, and years of over-performing shaped her life and how self-awareness, faith, and pattern recognition helped her finally break free.

You’ll learn how to stop confusing success with healing, why people-pleasing often hides deeper pain, and how the same emotional wounds keep showing up in love, work, and identity until you finally face them.

Watch this if:
👉 You feel successful on the outside but empty on the inside
👉 You keep attracting the same relationship patterns
👉 You struggle with approval, loneliness, or people-pleasing
👉 You want to understand how childhood wounds affect adult choices

You’ll walk away with:
✅ A clearer understanding of how childhood shapes adult relationships
✅ A better way to recognize emotional triggers and repeating patterns
✅ Insight into why overworking and performing can hide deep loneliness
✅ A more honest view of healing, growth, and self-awareness

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Ronald Zion Roseboro shares how trauma, wrongful accusation, prison, and years of silence shaped his life and how he turned pain into purpose through healing, faith, and a shame-free path forward. You’ll hear why so many men stay trapped in silence, how sexual addiction often masks deeper wounds, and what it really takes to break free and rebuild.

Watch this if:
👉 You want to understand the hidden trauma behind addiction and shame
👉 You’ve struggled with silence, pain, or emotional suppression
👉 You care about men’s mental health, healing, and restoration
👉 You want a raw, honest conversation about purpose after suffering

You’ll walk away with:
✅ A deeper understanding of how childhood trauma affects adult behavior
✅ Insight into why men often hide pain instead of asking for help
✅ A clearer view of how sexual addiction can be rooted in unmet emotional needs
✅ A powerful reminder that healing begins when silence ends

Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/rWUrvGNYyEk] or listen on your favorite podcast platform! Check the links on my bio!

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Chelsea Horton, somatic powerhouse and Healing Embodied founder, transformed burnout and family chaos into body-led freedom—shaking out shame, pole-dancing past judgment, and sniffing trauma lies with 10-minute emotion shifts that bypass talk-therapy traps. Alison (her eating disorder shake-free moment as proof) dives in for raw somatic demos, child protection truths, and play-powered hacks: fingertip neutrality to "cringe" outfit confidence. No BS—just energy-in-motion magic proving your body's the real healer.

Watch if:
👉 Trauma, anxiety, or eating disorders trap you in head-stories, not body wisdom
👉 Sexual abuse shame whispers "your body betrayed you"—time to uncouple it
👉 Parents/kids: You're forcing "no's" or outfits, killing their self-trust early
👉 People-pleasing suffocates your silly—crave pole-dance-level freedom now

You’ll gain:
✅ Somatic starter: "If this emotion borrowed your body, how would it move?" (Instant unstuck)
✅ Neutrality bridge: Rub fingertips first—rewire "enemy body" to living ally
✅ Kid-proofing: Normalize choice ("Your fault? Never") without forcing disclosure
✅ Inner bestie hack: Feel judgment discomfort—hold yourself, no contort needed

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Tracy Smith, this amazing Ph.D. and writer, was 50, feeling trapped as "just" a mom and employee—then boom, she grabs a one-way ticket to Iceland days before her first-ever solo trip across the Atlantic. She ends up roaming 30+ countries, chasing monkey scratches (and rabies shots all over Chicago!), going on 100 dates, and finally ditching the pressure to "fit in" everywhere. It's her messy, real story of finding belonging right inside herself—no fairy-tale ending, just honest growth that hits home.

Watch this if:
👉 You're tired of mom/job/life roles hiding the real you
👉 Midlife or empty nest has you wondering "who am I now?"
👉 You look for belonging out there but miss those tiny daily wins
👉 Big dreams (like travel) feel stuck behind fear or "duty"

You’ll walk away with:
✅ Easy ways to start small—like texting that friend you admire
✅ Spotting your "two selves": the boxed-in one vs. the free one travel unlocks
✅ Real talk on shifting with adult kids or dates who don't match your worth
✅ The truth: You belong to you first—grab it before life passes by

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

David Nassief went from being fired at 63 and nearly broke to becoming a millionaire by 69 using a one-page wealth plan and two simple index funds. You’ll see how to stop wasting decades “walking in financial circles,” avoid hidden fees that quietly cost you millions, and finally understand where your money should go—step by step, without jargon.

Watch this if:
👉 You feel behind with money or retirement
👉 You make decent income but don’t see real wealth
👉 You’re confused by investing and don’t trust complex products
👉 You want a simple, repeatable system you can follow at any age

You’ll walk away with:
✅ Clear idea of where to start (debt, savings, investing)
✅ Simple way to invest using low-cost index funds
✅ How to spot and avoid toxic fees and conflicted advice
✅ Practical way to pre-plan big expenses so money feels calm, not chaotic

Connect with the Guest – David Nassief
Website: https://www.onepagewealthcompass.com
Book: One-Page Wealth Compass: Fired at 63, Nearly Broke—Safely a Millionaire by 69 👉 https://a.co/d/0aXp00lo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dnassief/

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

High-achievers are losing themselves to blind beliefs and burnout, often sacrificing marriage, kids, and peace for a success myth. This episode reveals how that happens—and the simple framework to reclaim your authentic life, starting now.

In this episode, Alison interviews "Polish Peter" Kolat, transformational coach and author of Authentic Self Rebirth. He shares his raw journey: immigrating from Poland at 14, a childhood "frying pan incident" sparking people-pleasing, near-divorce from 90-hour work weeks, and his awakening to design life-first businesses. Together, they unpack limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, and Peter's 7 Human Drives for true freedom.

You will learn:
✅ How "blind agreements" from childhood (like perfectionism or people-pleasing) silently run your business and relationships
✅ The 7 Human Drives (Comfort, Variety, Connection, Significance, Growth, Contribution, Faith)—and why #7 crushes the rest
✅ Peter's "optimistic depression": Smiling through inner chaos after divorce mirrored his parents' split
✅ Why everything happens FOR you—not to you—and how curiosity breaks confirmation bias
✅ Saying "no" builds trust in your "yes," scales teams, and ends solo-burnout
✅ Real steps: Question beliefs, create a life vision first, then business (e.g., 10am-2:30pm work blocks around kids)
✅ Childhood trauma patterns (like Peter's alcoholic dad fight) repeat until questioned—epigenetics in action
✅ Faith as the ultimate drive: Ignite it, and love/significance stop controlling you
✅ Advice for despair/suicide thoughts: Get curious, reach out—it's never the answer
✅ How high-performers reclaim peace, purpose, and legacy without sacrifice

This episode is a wake-up to stop wandering blindly, poke holes in your ego stories, and rebirth the real you who thrives—before your patterns cost everything.

🧠 About Polish Peter (Peter Kolat)
Polish Peter is a transformational coach, speaker, and author of Authentic Self Rebirth: A Simple, Proven Framework to Break Free and Become Who You’re Meant to Be. He’s the creator of the Seven Human Drives framework and has coached thousands of entrepreneurs and high performers to build lives and businesses rooted in authenticity, not performance.

He’s been named Transformational Coach of the Year, spoken on over 100 stages, and is affectionately known as the “Polish Tony Robbins.” More importantly, he’s a husband and father of three who rebuilt his life after divorce and “optimistic depression,” choosing a path where his business serves his life—not the other way around.

🤝 Connect with Polish Peter:
https://www.instagram.com/authenticselfrebirth
https://www.instagram.com/polishpeterofficial/

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Children are in danger of abuse and exploitation, often closer to home than we like to think. This episode is about how that really happens and what you can do to protect them, starting today.

In this episode, Alison talks about her mission. She explains what child sexual abuse and child pornography look like in the real world, how predators get access to kids, and why looking away keeps children unsafe. She shares her own experience researching these crimes, how deeply it affected her, and why she still believes there is a lot we can do.

You will learn:
✅ How predators reach children in everyday places like schools, churches, parks, buses, and online
✅ Why vulnerable, neglected and “quiet” kids are often at higher risk
✅ How secrecy, shame and silence protect abusers
✅ What questions to ask schools, churches and activity leaders about bathrooms, supervision and who is alone with kids
✅ How to build a relationship where your child feels safe telling you anything
✅ What to do if you see something that feels wrong in public, including simple actions you can take
✅ The reality that some abuse happens inside families and even starts from birth
✅ How money, success and influence can be used to protect and rescue children, not just improve our own lives
✅ Why fundraisers, better tools and working with groups that already rescue children can make a real difference

This episode is not here to shock you for drama. It is here to wake you up, give you clear steps and help you become the adult who will say, “Not on my watch,” and mean it.

---

About Alison:
Alison Lager is a licensed psychotherapist and the owner of counseling centers that help people with mental health and personal growth. She hosts the podcast “Alison Answers #MissionAwake,” where she teaches people how to stop living on autopilot and live with purpose. One of her biggest life dreams is to help stop child sexual exploitation and protect children who cannot protect themselves.

If this episode speaks to you, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with parents, teachers and leaders you know. The more adults who understand this, the more children we can help keep safe.

---

Suggested tags and keywords:
child sexual abuse, child exploitation, child pornography, child trafficking, protecting children, how predators groom children, signs of child abuse, parenting safety, child safety, online predators, church abuse, school safety, Alison Lager, Alison Answers, MissionAwake, Not On My Watch, Love146, mental health, parenting, child advocacy, child protection, stop child trafficking

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

In this episode, Dr. Porter breaks down the neuroscience behind why your brain is not built for modern life — and what to do about it. From the glymphatic system that washes your brain during sleep, to the voltage drop that leads to dementia, to the 2 PM cortisol trough that kills your afternoon — this conversation will change how you think about your brain forever.
​
In this conversation, you'll learn:
◼️ Why your brain shrinks ¾ inch overnight
◼️ How drinking coffee before 10 AM shuts down your dopamine and cortisol production
◼️ The "glymphatic system" discovery: how deep sleep literally washes your brain clean
◼️ Brain voltage explained: 18.1V at birth → below 7V = dementia → below 4V = Alzheimer's
◼️ The Google/Microsoft study where a 20-min BrainTap session at 2 PM boosted output by 26%
◼️ Why "grind culture" is neuroscience backwards — and what high performers actually do
◼️ His dad's alcoholism origin story and how it led to the Silva Method breakthrough
◼️ BDNF: the "Miracle-Gro for the brain" you trigger 10 minutes after exercise
◼️ MIT's discovery that your body absorbs light codes from distant star systems — run through DNA
◼️ The heart transplant patient who started craving KFC — and what it proves about cellular memory
◼️ Alarm clocks, melatonin timing, and the liver-cleaning window between 11 PM–12 AM
◼️ Why stressed mice outlived comfortable ones (and what that means for your daily habits)
◼️ The "pause, break, breathe" technique that Einstein and top performers use before answering
​
👤 ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr. Patrick Porter is an award-winning author, neuroscientist, and founder of BrainTap — a neuroscience-based platform backed by 30+ clinical studies. His latest book, Brain Fitness Blueprint (October 2025), introduces the Circle of Vitality model covering 8 dimensions of wellness. He's been featured in The Wall Street Journal, People, CNN, and The Joe Rogan Experience.
​
🧠 Try BrainTap free for 14 days: https://braintap.com/
🔗 Dr. Patrick Porter: https://drpatrickporter.com/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

This conversation will change how you think about trauma, healing, and what it actually means to be brave.

🔥 In this episode, you'll hear:
📍 How childhood beliefs like "I'm a burden" quietly run your adult life
📍 The "rooms" method — going back to the places that broke you to finally heal
📍 Why talk therapy alone wasn't enough (and what actually worked)
📍 April's darkest night and the moment she realized she didn't want to die
📍 Why "the hero you're looking for is you" — even when you feel like the least heroic person alive
📍 How to find joy when everything around you feels impossible
📍 Journaling as "therapy without performance" — and why it unlocks what sessions can't

🎯 This episode is for you if:
→ You've survived something but never actually healed from it
→ You feel like you're functioning fine on the outside but falling apart inside
→ You've been told to "just go to therapy" but it doesn't feel like enough
→ You struggle with guilt, shame, or the feeling of being a burden
→ You love someone who drinks too much and don't know how to help
→ You're looking for real, honest conversation about what healing actually looks like

👤 ABOUT THE GUEST
April Garcia is the author of "The Room to Be Brave" — a raw memoir about going back into the rooms that shaped her to finally heal. She's a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Reiki practitioner, and founder of the Find Your Joy project. After surviving childhood abuse, meningitis, alcoholism, and a suicidal spiral, she rebuilt her life around one belief: joy is something you choose, especially when things are hard.
🌐 Website: aprildaygarcia.com
📚 Book: "The Room to Be Brave" — Available on Amazon & Barnes and Noble
📱 Social: @theroomtobebrave

🎙️ ABOUT THE HOST
Alison Lager is a psychotherapist, drug and alcohol counselor, bestselling author, and the Founder/CEO of Lager Counseling Services. With 30+ years in psychology and addictions, her mission is to help people rewrite their story and build a life they actually love. She hosts the Alison Answers podcast.
🌐 Website: lagercounseling.com
📱 Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
📺 YouTube: Alison Answers

🎙️ ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Alison Answers is where real conversations about mental health, healing, and personal transformation happen — without the clinical jargon. The mission is simple: help you discover the patterns that have been quietly running your life, and give you the tools to rewrite your story. New episodes weekly.

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Ever catch yourself wondering why the grind never pays off—like you're hustling hard but money, love, or joy keep slipping through your fingers in predictable ways? It's not karma or "your lot in life." It's subtle childhood programming from before age 7, absorbed in those super-suggestible theta brain waves, morphing kid fears into your everyday reality without a second thought.

In this real-talk episode of Alison Answers #MissionAwake, Alison Lager LCSW reads right from Chapter 2 of her book The Wake Up Call ("Facing the Truth: The Ultimate Power Move"), walking you through a straightforward "whole life inventory" across 8 everyday areas to uncover the hidden beliefs driving your repeats in money, love, health, joy, and purpose.

🎧 WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:
✅ Why you need that "you are here" dot on your life's map—and how quick snapshots show it
✅ Theta brain waves (0-7 hypnotic mode): How little-kid views secretly steer your grown-up world
✅ Outcomes mirror beliefs: Spot the debt loops or tough partners you're stuck tolerating
✅ The real culprits: People-pleasing fears, judgment worries, and that sneaky societal push toward "just okay"
✅ Simple 3-step breakout: Awareness → Acceptance ("thanks for the heads-up") → Action (break the old pull)

👤 WHO THIS IS FOR:
Folks grinding hard but quietly wondering "why me?" year after year. If your finances, relationships, or fun feel stuck on repeat... if those old hyper-alert or no-play childhood feels still linger... if you're done faking it and ready to turn your mess into something epic—this is your gentle nudge to wake up.

Perfect for: people in therapy, busy parents with big dreams, entrepreneurs tired of the "hustle struggle," anyone swapping victim vibes for creating alongside something bigger.

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

There’s a moment when your body tells you to stop, and your mind has to decide who’s in charge.

Angela shares that moment clearly. On a beach. Years after being diagnosed with MS. Crawling toward the ocean because the cane that helps her walk can’t help her swim. People watching. Every excuse to turn back.

She didn’t.

This episode isn’t about pretending pain away. It’s about choosing meaning, discipline, and faith when life stays hard longer than you expected.

Inside this conversation:
✅ Why “year six” can be harder than day one
✅ The power of deciding what’s non-negotiable
✅ How gratitude isn’t denial, it’s survival
✅ Why saving one person still changes the world

For anyone tired of “being strong.”
Sometimes strength looks like crawling.

🎧 Watch the full episode — link in bio
💬 What’s one commitment you’re holding onto?
📤 Share with someone who needs permission to keep going

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Ever feel like you're doing all the right things but still ending up in the same place? Like you're putting in the work but something invisible keeps holding you back? You're not alone—and it's not your fault. Most of us are living on autopilot, controlled by beliefs we picked up before we were 7 years old. Beliefs we never questioned. Beliefs that aren't even true.

In this episode, Alison Lager reads from her book The Wake Up Call and drops some serious truth bombs about why we stay stuck, how childhood programming literally rewires your brain, and what it takes to finally break free from mediocrity and victim mentality.

🎧 WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:
✅ Why your brain filters OUT success (the Reticular Activating System explained)
✅ The neurological reason childhood experiences control your adult life
✅ How to spot the #1 k*ller of lives (****** mentality) and escape it
✅ The simple 5-minute daily practice that can change everything
✅ How to reprogram limiting beliefs that keep you playing small

👤 WHO THIS IS FOR:
This episode is for anyone tired of feeling average. If you keep ending up in the same situations despite trying to change... if you're secretly ambitious but feel stuck... if you're done blaming external circumstances and ready to take back control—this is your wake-up call.

Perfect for: entrepreneurs, parents, anyone in therapy or personal development, people who feel like they're capable of more but can't break through their own glass ceiling.

🧠 ABOUT ALISON LAGER:
Alison is a licensed therapist (LCSW, CASAC) with 34+ years of experience in mental health and emotional well-being. She owns Lager Counseling Services in New York and has spent decades helping people understand the hidden power within them. Her mission? Wake up the planet and help people escape the autopilot life most are living.

This podcast is part of #MissionAwake—a movement to help people break free from limiting beliefs, take personal responsibility, and create lives they're actually excited about (not just settling for).

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

This man talked 200+ people back from the edge—and he never once said he "saved" them.

Kevin Briggs isn't your typical hero. The "Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge" spent 23 years as a California Highway Patrol sergeant kneeling beside strangers who'd lost all hope, no formal training at first—just raw humanity and a philosophy that changed everything: Listen to understand, not to fix.

His record? 99%+ success rate. FBI-trained crisis negotiator. TED Talk speaker. Author. Global mental health advocate. 

This conversation will rewire how you think about suicide, mental health, and what it actually takes to save a life.

Alison sits down with Kevin after losing her own husband to suicide. Two people who've lived the devastation and refuse to let it win.

Together they pull back the curtain on:

-Kevin's battlefield resume: Survived testicular cancer at 20 (37 of 45 lymph nodes cancerous), childhood sexual abuse, three heart surgeries, motorcycle crashes, PTSD nightmares, and family lost to suicide. 

-The suicide stats that'll gut you

-What actually works on the bridge

-Kevin Berthia's story:
22-year-old adopted man. Mental illness. Baby born premature with $250K hospital bill. Lost both jobs. Felt like a total failure. Jumped over the rail before Kevin could stop him but Kevin YELLED and Kevin grabbed the rail mid-air, landed on a tiny pipe 220 feet up.

-Jason Garber's story:
Highly intelligent. Well-versed in religion, philosophy, sports. No substance abuse. Despite Kevin's best efforts, Jason jumped.

-The false peace that kills

-Therapy truth bombs:
Kevin went to therapy with his son who had suicidal thoughts. The therapist WASN'T TRAINED in suicide assessment. Not all mental health professionals are qualified.

-Why intelligent minds break harder:
Alison and Kevin unpack why brilliant people are at higher suicide risk. 

-Alison's redemption mission:
Lost her husband to suicide. Transformed that soul-crushing loss into a lifeline for others.

-Post-traumatic GROWTH


-Faith that heals

---

🎧 Watch now. This will save lives 👆
💬 What's your hidden storm? Share below
📤 Send this to someone who needs to hear it #GuardianOfHope #ListenToUnderstand #SuicideIsPreventable

CONNECT WITH KEVIN BRIGGS:
Website: https://www.pivotal-points.com
Book: Guardian of the Golden Gate (2015)
TED Talk: "The Bridge Between Suicide and Life" (2014)
LinkedIn: Kevin Briggs - Pivotal Points

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Ever doubt your spot in high-roller rooms after outworking everyone, heart whispering "fraud" while you fake the grin? Or watch your kid erupt in fury, choking back "stop it" knowing shutdown just fuels the fire? We've all toted those hidden hauls: Christmas delayed by empty pockets, faith-fights past suicidal shadows, intense feels society meds away fast.

Alison & Matt's Christmas Eve talk pulls no punches over certainty, billionaire emotional flops, storm-sitting for real toughness, parenting prodigies without the crush.

Pull these direct hits:
-Matt's toughness layers: Champ wrestler frame, study-sharp mind, kid-faith anchor, emo-iron from lows (suicide thoughts beaten—grandpa bailed, dad numbed, he stood)
-Alison's tile therapy: Knees hit floor, cry like clearing sinuses—peace surges when purged, not battled
-Rage redirect: Kid snarls "kill them?"—map consequences (jail? ruin?), empower their call like teacher talk
-Wave-riding wisdom: Breathe easy like grass in the breeze, one foot then the next—God turns squeezes into solid ground

Folks faking confidence through their daily grind, parents hanging on tight during kid meltdowns, hearts weighed down by all that bottled-up hurt. The pain doesn't just stick around—it shapes you tougher and wiser.

🎧 Watch now. Claim your worthy spot 👆
💬 What's your hidden storm? Spill below
📤 Send to someone hurting #HeartGrit #RoughRoadReal

Connect with Matt Berthot:
Website: https://voicebymatt.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicebymatt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-berthot-b836a49
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voicebymatt
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Nz3wo8h0Hxs1WmhfJTGcI

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Ever wake up sweating from those old nightmares—racing to lock doors in your childhood home that never felt safe, danger closing in no matter how fast you move? Or slump against a cold coliseum wall after your big win turns to dust, family up in the stands not even checking on you, that heavy "I'm done" settling in your chest? We've all got those body-stored memories from growing up—messy houses full of chaos, highs crashing to burnout, quiet wonders if we even steer our own lives.

Alison & Matt get real about turning pain into power, no movie fluff needed. They share how to spot your quiet impacts and turn despair right around—no fancy stuff, just real talk.

You'll walk away with:
-Angels pleading "We gotta help him" like desperate friends—because your absence leaves a hole no one fills
-Imagine your hurt on a movie screen, step in like a loving parent hugging scared little you, and rewrite that ending
-Track your daily wins: That employee you saved from the edge, pet cuddles, cashier smiles—you touch lives without knowing
-Christmas real talk: Ditch "poor me" vibes; "being alone isn't the tragedy—it's how you think about it."
​
For tired parents beating themselves up, dreamers questioning worth, anyone staring down shadows. It doesn't get easier—it gets meaningful when you own your spot.

🎧 Listen now—feel your ripple
💬 What's one win you overlook?
📤 Share with a friend in pain #RealLifeLessons #TurnPainToPower

Connect with Matt Berthot:
Website: https://voicebymatt.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicebymatt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-berthot-b836a49
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voicebymatt
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Nz3wo8h0Hxs1WmhfJTGcI

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Ever feel like you're racing through the day, only to crash at night wondering "What did I even accomplish?" You're not alone. Alison gets it too. She shares her real struggles with feeling "all over the place," visionary overwhelm, and that nagging voice saying you're not enough. But here's the good news: simple end-of-day habits can quiet the chaos and help you own your peace.

In this honest solo episode, Alison wraps 2025 with heart-on-sleeve honesty. She admits her struggles with visionary restlessness and outcome obsession, then lists practical end-of-day rituals like writing wins, gratitude, and speaking to your body.

You’ll discover:
- Write down your daily wins. See what you really accomplished, even on chaotic days.
- Turn regrets around: Ask "What would I do differently tomorrow?" instead of beating yourself up.
- Start gratitude with "this moment," and appreciate fully: "What we do not appreciate does not exist."
- Thank your body, talk to your cells, organs, legs—to end self-bullying and ease pains.
- Skip the crowd: "Don't do what everybody else is doing" to beat mediocrity.
- Morning habit: Write 1/3/5/10-year goals, affirmations, and cherish your breath.

🎧 Subscribe for tools weekly
📤 Share with someone needing no-excuses accountability

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Most of us are one decision away from giving up. We're at the breaking point, questioning if we're qualified, if our pain has purpose, if it's even worth continuing. And in that moment—when you're about to quit—everything changes. Or nothing does. It depends on what you choose next.

In this life-altering episode, mental health professional Alison Lager and voice coach Matt Berthot sit down to discuss the exact moment when most people walk away from their calling. They've both been there. Alison survived her husband's suicide, childhood abuse, eating disorders, and a murder trial. Matt inherited generational trauma from his grandfather's suicide and his father's alcoholism. Both were broken. Both were about to quit. Both chose differently.

And they're here to tell you: The moment you're about to quit is exactly when you must keep going.

But they're not just offering motivation. They're offering a framework—one rooted in neuroscience, Scripture, and lived experience—for what to do when the eclipse of despair gets too dark to see through.

You'll discover:

• Why "God qualifies the called" means your inadequacy is the invitation
• How the suicide mind works (and it's not what you think)
• The one skill that prevents emotional collapse: emotional sobriety
• The three-step framework that transforms your worst pain into your life's work
• Why bigger growth always means bigger storms—and how to prepare
• The Hadestown lesson: How to sing your sad song and still find hope
• How to practice resilience in small moments so you have it in big crises
• What happens when you finally say yes to that small, still voice inside you
• Why receiving help is harder than giving it (and why that's destroying you)
• The difference between reaction and response (it's a 10-second pause)

This episode is for anyone standing at the edge. For the burnt-out parent, struggling entrepreneur, the person in crisis. It's for people who've lost people to suicide. It's for people who've thought about it themselves.

Alison and Matt aren't here to tell you it gets easier. They're here to tell you it gets meaningful. And that changes everything.

🎧 Subscribe now—you might need this episode tomorrow
💬 Tell us in the comments: What's one reason you almost quit?
📤 Share this with someone who's at their breaking point

Connect with Matt Berthot:
Website: https://voicebymatt.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicebymatt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-berthot-b836a49
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voicebymatt
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Nz3wo8h0Hxs1WmhfJTGcI

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Most of us don't realize how deeply grief can reshape our identity. When someone we love dies by suicide, we often unconsciously believe that staying broken honors them—that abandoning our joy, our hobbies, our future is some kind of loyalty. But here's the hard truth: that's not honoring them. That's joining them in death.

In this raw and unflinching episode, therapist and suicide loss survivor Alison Lager pulls back the curtain on the invisible second death—the one that happens to survivors. Drawing from her own devastating experience losing her husband to suicide, neuroscience, spiritual wisdom, and years of clinical practice, Alison shares the actionable blueprint she used to refuse suicide a second victim.

You'll discover:

• Why "secondary loss" happens—and how your abandoned dreams become collateral damage to grief
• The dangerous comfort of the "victim" identity—and why you have to eventually let it go to survive
• The "boardwalk principle": How to reclaim the places and activities you loved without betraying your loved one
• Why staying in grief is a form of spiritual death—and how to recognize when you're joining the same darkness that took them
• The science of "gaining more than you lost"—the neuroscience behind why this actually works
• How to ride waves of grief instead of drowning in one long emotional response
• The "heavier weights" metaphor: Why your pain can become your greatest strength
• Practical strategies for processing rage, anger, and the emotions grief tries to hide
• Why living fully is the ultimate honor to those we've lost—not a betrayal

This episode is for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide, anyone supporting a widow or survivor, and anyone who's ever wondered if there's a way out of the darkness. If you've felt like staying sad is loyalty, or believed that you can never be happy again—this conversation will change everything.

Because here's what Alison knows: Suicide didn't just take their life. It's trying to take yours too. And you have the power to say no.

🎧 Subscribe now for life-changing conversations on grief, resilience, and transformation
💬 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments—what's one thing you're reclaiming?
📤 Send this to someone who needs to hear: You are not a victim. You will survive this.

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Most of us aren’t even aware how deeply our own voice and self-judgment shape every part of our lives. The negative thoughts we repeat day after day can convince us we’re worthless, keep us locked in cycles of shame, and even convince us that giving up is doing our loved ones a favor. But it’s all a lie—the truth is, you matter far more than you know.

In this radically honest episode, mental health expert and counselor Alison Lager is joined by voice coach and performer Matt Berthot to expose the hidden power of your internal and spoken voice. Drawing from personal loss, neuroscience, faith, and decades of real-world experience, Alison and Matt share deeply practical strategies for trading self-loathing for self-love, overcoming toxic family patterns, and speaking truth into your own life—even when you don’t believe it yet.

You’ll discover:
- Why the words “I am” can either imprison you or set you free—and how to choose new self-definitions
- The continuum of self-love to self-hatred—and how to measure and shift your own position
- The science of how changing your thoughts literally transforms your brain
- Ways to counteract generational shame and abusive self-talk
- Stories of transformation—from crisis to hope—with simple, actionable mental and spiritual resets
- The importance of serving others from your overflow, not emptiness
- Why authenticity, not perfection, is the key to deep connection and fulfillment

This episode is for anyone who’s ever battled self-doubt, struggled to find their true voice, or supported others through dark seasons. If you’ve ever wondered if lasting change is possible, this conversation will show you—there’s more power and purpose inside you than you think.

🎧 Subscribe now for life-changing conversations every week
💬 Tell us your most powerful “I am” statement in the comments
📤 Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder: You matter.

Connect with Matt Berthot:
Website: https://voicebymatt.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicebymatt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-berthot-b836a49
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voicebymatt
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Nz3wo8h0Hxs1WmhfJTGcI

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Typically, people who want to die by suicide don't actually want to die—they want their pain to end. The suicide mind is a total eclipse of rational thinking, making temporary darkness feel permanent.

In this deeply personal episode, mental health professional Alison Lager—who owns counseling centers, has lost her husband to suicide, and has experienced suicidal thoughts herself—shares 7 powerful strategies to disrupt the suicide mind and take back control:

• How 91% of your thoughts are repetitive—and how to break the cycle
• The 16-second rule that disrupts negative thought spirals  
• Why moving past victim mentality is essential (even when victimization is real)
• The power of speaking words opposite to your feelings
• The truth about hope deferred and how to rebuild it
• Why there is ALWAYS a solution (you just haven't found it yet)

This episode is for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, supporting someone in crisis, or working in mental health. Share it with someone who needs hope.

🎧 Subscribe and never miss life-changing conversations
💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway
📤 Share this episode—it could save a life

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

You're living a life controlled by beliefs you can't see. In this transformational episode, Alison Lager interviews Christine Peine, a subconscious reprogramming expert and health tech founder, about the one thing that will quantum leap your life: rewriting your unconscious programming.

The Problem:
Most personal development fails because it only addresses the 5-7% conscious mind. But 93-95% of your life is being run by subconscious beliefs—many inherited from 7-10 generations of ancestral conditioning. Affirmations don't work. Therapy talks about the problem forever. And willpower exhausts you because you're fighting beliefs you can't see.

What You'll Discover:

• The Sway Test — A body-based tool you can use RIGHT NOW to identify what your subconscious actually believes (not what you think you believe)

• Why Ancestral Patterns Sabotage Success — How your great-grandmother's trauma, your parent's scarcity beliefs, and your family's relationship patterns are blocking YOUR money, visibility, and relationships TODAY

• Why Affirmations Fail — You can hold BOTH the old limiting belief AND the new affirmation simultaneously. The real work is removing the old belief entirely (not just adding a new one)

• Theta Healing: The Spiritual Reprogramming Technique — How Christine connects to divine energy and downloads new beliefs directly into her clients' subconscious, creating instant, lasting transformation

• Christine's Personal Breakthrough — She healed her IBS in 2 weeks, her chronic joint pain overnight, and her severe burnout completely by identifying and reprogramming her root beliefs (perfectionism, self-judgment, unworthiness)

• The Hidden Payoff — Every limiting belief serves a purpose and has benefits. Until you identify those payoffs, you can't release the belief without internal conflict

• Money Blocks, Power Blocks, Sex Blocks — The three most charged topics requiring deep, persistent subconscious work

• How Healing Yourself Creates World Peace — When you embody inner peace, it radiates outward. 25% of humanity embodying peace creates critical mass consciousness shift. Entrepreneurs have the power to accelerate this

This isn't surface-level mindset work. This is accessing the 93% of your mind actually running your life and giving it permission to evolve. Perfect for entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone ready to break generational patterns and step into their full potential.

About Christine Peine:
Christine is a Theta Healing practitioner, subconscious reprogramming expert, and former founder of Midaia (a health tech startup helping arthritis patients heal naturally). When her own health collapsed with IBS, joint pain, and chronic burnout, she discovered that the beliefs in her subconscious were creating her reality. Using the techniques she now teaches, she healed completely—and now helps other founders and coaches do the same. She created the ABC of Peace Framework to teach that personal healing cascades into global consciousness and world peace.

Connect with Christine:
Website: https://www.christinepeine.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine_peine/

Connect with Alison:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonanswers | https://www.instagram.com/lagercounseling
Website: lagercounseling.com
YouTube: Alison Answers
Facebook: Alison Answers Group & Women of Excellence
Book: "The Wake Up Call"

Episode Themes:
Subconscious reprogramming, limiting beliefs, ancestral trauma, Theta Healing, money blocks, personal transformation, entrepreneurship, world peace consciousness, belief reprogramming, nervous system, self-worth, abundance mindset

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

You've felt it: that moment when someone walks into a room and shifts the entire energy. Or when you catch yourself in the same destructive pattern with different people. Or when you finally spoke a different truth about yourself and things started to change. But did you know there's actual science behind all of it?

In this eye-opening solo episode, Alison Lager breaks down the physics, neuroscience, and quantum mechanics that prove one undeniable truth: your thoughts, words, and beliefs are literally shaping your reality—and they're doing it right now. She goes deep into real, measurable science (not metaphors) to show you exactly how your brain generates electromagnetic waves, how your heart broadcasts a field 5,000 times stronger than your brain, and why the words you use trigger actual biochemical changes in your nervous system.

But this isn't just theory. Alison gives you concrete, actionable practices you can start today to rewire your programming, override the beliefs that have been holding you back, and step into the life you're actually meant to live. This episode is a wake-up call disguised as a science lesson—and she's not holding back about why this information has been kept from us.

Key Highlights

• The scientific truth: thoughts produce measurable electromagnetic waves that broadcast beyond your body
• Your heart's electromagnetic field is 5,000 times stronger than your brain—here's what that means
• Words restructure your nervous system: negative words increase cortisol, positive words increase dopamine and serotonin
• The programming trap: how childhood beliefs continue to run your life (and how to identify yours)
• The cancellation technique: how to override limiting beliefs moment by moment using language
• Quantum physics proves it: observing a thought changes matter (and energy follows intention)
• The water study and what it means for your body (you're 70% water)
• Practical daily practices: setting intentions, reframing negative events, and commanding your reality instead of begging for it
• Why you're not attracting what you want—you're attracting who you are
• The role of gratitude and "yes" statements in rewiring your nervous system
• How pain can be a transformational tool if you choose to use it that way
• Why changing even one thought changes the landscape of your brain

Connect with Alison Lager

Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
Website: LagerCounseling.com
YouTube: Alison Answers
Facebook: Alison Lager LCSW CASAC
Book: "The Wake Up Call"
Facebook Groups: Alison Answers Group | Women of Excellence

Topics, Themes, and Tags

Topics:
Neuroscience of thought and belief
Electromagnetic waves and the brain
Heart's electromagnetic field
Words and nervous system restructuring
Programming and limiting beliefs
Quantum physics and reality creation
Neuroplasticity and rewiring
Intention setting and energy flow
Cortisol vs. dopamine and serotonin
Water crystallization studies
Pain as a transformation tool
Personal agency and accountability

Themes:
Science meets spirituality
Power within, not external circumstance
Language as creation
Breaking generational patterns
From victim to creator mentality

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Do you ever feel like money slips through your fingers no matter how hard you work? Like there's an invisible cap on how much you're allowed to have—or deserve?

You're not broken. You're not bad with money. You're just living out beliefs that were never really yours to begin with.

In this powerful solo episode, Alison Lager gets real about the stories we've been sold about money—and why most of us are unconsciously blocking the abundance we say we want. Drawing from her own journey from financial confusion to confident clarity, Alison walks you through five transformational principles that will shift not just how you think about money, but how you receive it, manage it, and use it to create real impact in your life and the world.

This isn't about working harder. It's about rewiring the operating system that's been running your financial life—often without your permission. Whether you've been stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, battling shame around your bank account, or secretly believing that "money is evil," this episode will challenge you to see yourself—and your worthiness—in a completely new light.

Key Highlights

• The world is a mirror: What your money situation reveals about your beliefs
• You can only receive at the level of your self-worth—here's how to expand it
• Beggars plead, servants ask, children command: Shifting your identity around abundance
• Why money responds to energy, not effort (and what that really means)
• Awareness is the first currency: Facing your financial truth without shame or judgment
• Breaking free from lack mentality and stepping into receivership through gratitude
• Rewiring childhood beliefs about money that no longer serve you
• Practical daily practices to change your money mindset starting today
• Why money is a tool for good—and how to use it with purpose and integrity

Connect with Alison Lager

Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
Website: LagerCounseling.com
YouTube: Alison Answers
Facebook: Alison Lager LCSW CASAC
Book: "The Wake Up Call"
Facebook Groups: Alison Answers Group | Women of Excellence

Topics, Themes, and Tags

Topics:
Money mindset transformation
Self-worth and financial abundance
Victim mentality vs. creator mindset
Energy vs. effort in wealth-building
Childhood programming around money
Financial awareness and courage
Gratitude as receivership
Identity shifts: beggar, servant, child
Limiting beliefs about wealth

Themes:
Abundance and scarcity
Personal empowerment
Breaking generational patterns
Money as a tool for good
Healing shame around finances
Certainty and faith in manifestation
Intentional living and decision-making
Receivership and gratitude practices

Tags Categories:
#MoneyMindset #Abundance #SelfWorth #FinancialFreedom #Manifestation #GrowthMindset #VictimToCreator #PersonalDevelopment #Wealth #Empowerment #Gratitude #Transformation #LimitingBeliefs #Receivership #LagerCounselingServices #LongIsland #NewYork

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

In this reflective solo episode, Alison Lager explores why the language we use with loved ones determines the strength—or slow unraveling—of our most important relationships. Through stories, science, and straight talk, Alison shows that connection is not built on attention or performance but on how we choose our words and listen for meaning. Challenging cultural trends of sarcasm, defensiveness, and emotional avoidance, she offers practical tools for fostering genuine understanding and true intimacy.

Key Highlights

• Why semantics and word choice change everything in relationships
• Breaking cycles of criticism, sarcasm, and misunderstanding
• The “why” trap: how asking the wrong questions leads to defensiveness
• Emotional sobriety and taking personal ownership of feelings
• Moving from blame and accusation to authentic, request-based communication
• Building reverence and admiration in partnership
• Dealing with defensiveness and miscommunication in modern dating
• The lifelong effects of the stories and words we share at home and in public

---

Connect with Alison Lager

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Facebook Groups: Alison Answers Group | Women of Excellence

---

Topics, Themes, and Tags

Topics:

• Semantics in relationships
• Emotional sobriety
• Vulnerability in connection
• Patterns of sarcasm and defensiveness
• Communication styles
• Romantic partnership dynamics
• Self-awareness in language

Themes:

• Language as a foundation of love
• Personal responsibility
• Healing through intentional communication
• Gender and relationship programming
• Admiration and reverence in marriage

Tags Categories:
#Communication #Relationships #Marriage #Semantics #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfAwareness #Connection #Vulnerability #Love #Healing

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

In this transformative solo episode, Alison Lager challenges the age-old habit of seeking solutions outside ourselves. Through raw storytelling and actionable wisdom, Alison takes listeners on a journey from external blame and fixing to radical self-responsibility and freedom. She cracks open the hidden scripts and emotional cycles that keep people stuck, offering tools to break patterns and activate meaningful change right from the inside out.

Alison invites listeners to abandon the quick fix, look inward with honesty, and engage practical daily practices that change not just self, but systems (families, friendships, and workplaces) in the process. If you’re ready to abandon old cycles and finally own your story, this episode is your wake-up call.

Key Highlights

• Pattern Recognition & Emotional Scripts
• The Cycle of Guilt, Anger, and Blame
• Internal Family Systems and Tracing Feelings to their Origins
• Stories that Illuminate Change-Back Moves and System Resistance
• The Everyday Ritual: “Leaving Without Lack”
• Developing Radical Self-Trust and Internal Abundance
• The Power of Language, Emotional Logic, and Authentic Communication

---

Connect with Alison Lager

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Facebook Groups: Alison Answers Group | Women of Excellence

---

Topics & Tags

Topics:

• Self-Responsibility
• Pattern Breaking & Emotional Cycles
• Family Systems & Change-Back Moves
• Emotional Intelligence
• Self-Trust
• Communication & Language
• Internal Transformation

Tags/Categories:
#SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #Therapy #FamilySystems #PatternBreaking #Mindset #Empowerment #EmotionalIntelligence #Authenticity

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Resonance, not attention, is the true currency of our modern era. Welcome back for part 2 of this fascinating conversation with Alex Vonderhaar. Alex and Alison had a transformative conversation about how aligning with our nervous systems can reshape our experiences and decision-making processes. As they challenge the widely-held belief in an attention-based economy, they explore how being intentional about the signals we emit can lead to a more fulfilling and conscious way of living. From the power of positivity to the uncharted realms of unconscious marketing, this discussion opens new vistas on what it means to be active participants in our own lives. Alex and Alison also venture into the transformative impact of AI on our mental landscape, inviting you to contemplate its profound implications.

Turning the lens to marketing and influence, this episode dissects the art of emotional compression and its ability to resonate with an audience's deepest aspirations. Alex shares insights on shifting from self-promotion to becoming a reflective mirror of potential, and how this transformation can elevate business narratives. He delves into the psychological underpinnings of communication, emphasizing emotional logic as the cornerstone of decision-making. By weaving compelling stories that align with fundamental human needs, Alex illustrates how to craft messages that foster natural agreement and business growth, bridging the gap between mere information and meaningful connection.

As Alex and Alison navigate the evolving landscape of authenticity and creativity, they ponder the rise of AI influencers and the enduring value of genuine human content. In a world leaning toward digital, the chapter on harnessing creativity through fiction suggests using AI as a thought partner to uncover blind spots while championing fiction as a catalyst for innovation. The mission to defeat mediocrity invites you to engage and connect, using the power of community to inspire and motivate one another toward greater heights.

Key highlights:

• Resonance and Personal Branding
• Mastering Emotional Compression in Marketing
• Harnessing Creativity Through Fiction
• Navigating the Nervous System War
• Internal Exploration and Personal Growth
• Overcoming Fear and Playing Small

Connect with Alex Vonderhaar:

• Instagram: @alex.vonderhaar

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Alex Vonderhaar is a leading expert in neuromarketing and the mind behind Hidden Falls Media, and in this episode of Alison Answers Mission Awake, he unravels the art of persuasion through the lens of neuroscience. Alex brings his profound insights into how aligning messaging with the right emotional and energetic frequency can create genuine connections, transcending the confines of mere content quality. With his personal journey underscoring the discussion, this episode explores the challenges of authentic influence and how neuroscience can be leveraged to navigate an AI-driven world.

Alex shares about his path of self-discovery, sparked by a near-death experience that altered his perspective on consciousness and reality. This existential wake-up call led him to explore practices like flotation therapy, which helped him reconnect with himself and discover a passion for marketing. Together, Alex and Alison delve into the fascinating interplay between human cognition and business strategies, emphasizing the importance of resilience and introspection in transforming personal and professional challenges into success stories.

The episode also takes an introspective turn as Alex and Alison explore concepts such as frequency-based persuasion and emotional resonance, highlighting their pivotal roles in modern marketing and brand messaging. They discuss techniques for navigating emotional paradigms, the impact of energetic alignment, and how true influence is cultivated through authentic connections rather than traditional metrics. From discussing the Reticular Activating System's role in perception to sharing personal experiences that shape our consciousness, this episode promises a rich tapestry of insights into the power of authentic influence and personal transformation. Tune in next week for part 2 of this absolutely fascinating conversation with Alex.

Key highlights:

• The Art of Persuasion and Neuroscience
• Journey of Self-Discovery and Success
• Energetic Flow and Identity-Based Marketing
• Navigating Emotional Paradigms for Growth
• Navigating Mental Health and Consciousness
• Frequency-Based Persuasion and Emotional Resonance
• Sensing Energy for Emotional Resonance
• De-Escalation Through Influence Equation

Connect with Alex Vonderhaar:

• Instagram: @alex.vonderhaar

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Ivan Fredette, a man who has truly redefined resilience and leadership, shares his inspiring journey from battling a 17-year alcohol addiction to becoming a beacon of strength for others. After facing the tragic suicide of his cousin, Ivan found himself at a crossroads during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than succumbing to despair, he chose to transform his life, building a thriving seven-figure business and founding the empowering Ironclad Brotherhood movement. Ivan's story is a testament to the power of harnessing traits often linked to addiction and redirecting them toward personal and entrepreneurial growth.

Throughout this conversation, Ivan and Alison challenge the traditional views of addiction and masculinity. Ivan passionately argues that addiction isn't a life sentence but a unique potential for greatness, waiting to be unlocked. We highlight how traits like obsession, typically seen negatively, can be channeled into entrepreneurial success when guided correctly. Additionally, Ivan addresses misconceptions surrounding toxic masculinity, suggesting that true masculine strength, when under control, can lead to profound personal development and healthier societal dynamics for both men and women.

Listeners will discover transformative insights into personal empowerment, integrity, and the courage to take imperfect action. Ivan's approach emphasizes the importance of self-talk, integrity, and consistent personal growth. He inspires us to embrace challenges as opportunities and encourages us to redefine our identities beyond traditional limits. Whether you're facing personal struggles or seeking to enhance your leadership abilities, this episode provides actionable guidance and motivation to lead a life filled with purpose and resilience.

Key highlights:

• Transforming Tragedy Into Triumph
• Empowerment Through Addiction Recovery
• Building Armor
• Vision, Consistency, and Empowerment
• Creating Wholeness Through Challenges and Connection
• The True Definition of Masculinity

Connect with Ivan Fredette:

• Website: ivanfredette.com

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

What if the stories you tell yourself are the very things keeping you from true happiness and personal growth? Join me, Alison, as we challenge the narratives that bind us to cycles of fear and insecurity in this transformative episode of Alison Answers: Mission Awake. We'll venture beyond mere self-awareness to discover actionable steps for real transformation, encouraging you to use therapy not just for comfort, but as a launching pad for meaningful change. Together, we take ownership of our actions and embrace the discomfort necessary to disrupt negative patterns and shape the life you truly desire.

Our focus shifts to the power of our thoughts and the ability to act from our highest selves. Are you living a life dictated by your historical self, repeating the same narratives day in and day out? With a practical seven-step process, we awaken to our patterns, becoming wise observers of our behaviors. By recognizing and naming the stories driving us, we regain agency over our lives, breaking free from the victim mentality. This is your wake-up call to start making conscious choices that align with the person you aspire to be, rather than the person your past tries to tell you you are.

Embracing discomfort as a path to growth, we explore emotional resilience and the art of reframing feelings as data instead of threats. This episode is a rallying cry to confront familiar negative emotions and cultivate non-reactive behaviors. By practicing these skills in low-stakes situations, we train ourselves to respond differently, choosing short-term discomfort for long-term resolution. Join the Mission Awake movement to fight mediocrity and share the insights gained with others, fostering a community committed to triumphant change. Let's choose persistence and acceptance as we embark on this journey to become our best selves.

Key highlights:

• Taking Control of Your Thoughts
• Embracing Discomfort for Growth
• Transforming Patterns for Personal Growth

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Feeling like I'm constantly racing against time yet never truly arriving anywhere meaningful is something I've grappled with for years. Despite achieving outward success, I often find myself emotionally flat, trapped in a cycle of mediocrity. In this episode, I unpack how constant busyness can lead to emotional numbness and even subclinical depression, affecting everyone from high achievers to overwhelmed parents. Together, we explore how coping mechanisms for grief, shame, and chronic stress slowly silence our true feelings, leaving us yearning for a life of genuine emotional engagement and fulfillment.

Zombie goals—ambitions declared without real conviction—can haunt even the most well-intentioned among us. I discuss the fine line between maintaining a full calendar and feeling overwhelmed, the auto-reassurance that cloaks our stress, and the "decision drift" where our grand aspirations dissipate into inaction. Through personal stories, I highlight the dangers of digital distractions and emphasize the importance of aligning our behaviors with our beliefs. The episode offers practical pathways to re-sensitize ourselves to the world, helping us reconnect with what truly matters and live more vibrant, purposeful lives.

Honesty, both with oneself and the world, emerges as a powerful tool in combating emotional numbness. I explore strategies for upgrading our truth through micro-honesty, reducing emotional suppression, and finding presence in our daily lives. Learn about taking decisive action within a two-minute window to curb indecision and rumination, and discover the joy in sensory experiences that counteract phone addiction. Join me in nurturing a flourishing mental landscape, and embrace a journey toward enhanced well-being, one honest moment at a time.

Key highlights:

• Crushing Mediocrity to Achieve Happiness
• Transforming Numbing Behaviors for Happiness
• Upgrading Truth With Micro-Honesty
• Making Decisive Moves for Happiness

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Best-selling author and abuse recovery coach Dana Diaz joins Alison for a powerful conversation about the complexities of narcissistic abuse and the transformative journey towards self-empowerment. Dana shares her personal story of overcoming domestic violence and finding triumph against the odds. She discusses the often misunderstood nature of narcissism, emphasizing the distinction between everyday selfishness and the deep psychological impact of genuine narcissistic relationships. Dana’s journey serves as a beacon of hope, providing invaluable insights and tools to help those feeling trapped to rediscover their strength and freedom.

This discussion takes a deep dive into understanding the effects of narcissistic abuse, including the physical and emotional toll it takes on victims. Dana and Alison explore the harsh realities of living under the manipulative control. They also examine the journey to reclaim self-trust and heal from childhood traumas that shape our lives, with a focus on how these experiences impact our core beliefs and the importance of self-awareness in overcoming them. Dana and Alison also share personal anecdotes and explore techniques like neuro-linguistic programming to help rewire traumatic memories and promote healing.

Emphasizing the importance of positive affirmations and challenging ingrained beliefs, this episode explores the profound power of the mind in transforming lives. Dana shares her experience of harnessing inner power to break free from toxic dynamics, illustrating the journey from restriction to empowerment. For those seeking guidance, Dana invites you to connect through her website, offering a wealth of resources and support on your journey to overcoming and thriving beyond abuse.

Key highlights:

• Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse and Triumph
• Understanding Narcissistic Abuse Effects and Recovery
• Healing From Childhood Trauma and Growth
• Harnessing Inner Power and Self-Transformation
• Finding Hope and Overcoming Darkness
• Discovering Inner Strength and Transformation
• The Insidious Progression of Narcissistic Abuse
• Reclaiming Self-Trust After Narcissistic Abuse
• Embracing Growth and Self-Trust
• Breaking the Cycle of Narcissistic Abuse

Connect with Dana Diaz:

• Website: danasdiaz.com

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Transformative coach, speaker, and bestselling author Liam Naden joins Alison for a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of neuroscience, quantum physics, and personal success. Liam's extraordinary journey from affluence to homelessness led him to abandon traditional success-chasing methods, discovering a more authentic and organic path to fulfillment. Together, Liam and Alison explore how aligning with our biological design and harnessing the power of these cutting-edge sciences can significantly enhance personal growth, well-being, and relationships, ultimately leading to a life of true freedom, as illustrated by Liam's current adventures aboard a catamaran in Italy.

Through this discussion, Alison and Liam uncover the profound impact of achieving genuine surrender when life throws unexpected challenges our way. Emphasizing the significance of releasing rigid expectations and trusting a larger process, they explore how understanding our internal biological operating system can be a powerful tool for rebuilding wealth and resilience. This episode also delves into the evolution of human society, questioning how the shift to agricultural living may have disrupted our natural state of thriving and wellness, and what insights this holds for modern living.

Furthermore, Liam unravels the role of language in shaping our mental well-being and how moving from a story-based mindset to an instinctual, present-moment awareness can liberate us from the constraints of societal constructs. The conversation draws attention to the healing power of nature and the importance of dropping personal narratives that hinder our emotional health. Tune in to this enlightening discussion that invites you to reevaluate success, well-being, and the stories we tell ourselves.

Key highlights:

• Life Through Neuroscience and Quantum Physics
• Achieving Surrender for Success
• The Shift to Agricultural Society
• Unraveling the Impact of Language
• Understanding the Biology of Eating
• Drop the Story, Embrace Reality

Connect with Liam Naden:

• Get Liam’s latest book: thethriveswitch.com
• Website: liamnaden.com

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

What if you could transform your life's deepest tragedies into a triumphant story of healing and growth? In this episode, Alison introduces Stephanie Jordan, an author deeply affected by early trauma and the transformative journey of healing. The discussion explores Stephanie's experiences with grief, beginning with the loss of her father and the complexities stemming from her mother's remarriage. These events contributed to her struggles with control and trust. Stephanie's candid narrative includes her chaotic marriage to an alcoholic, subsequent widowhood, and her perseverance and faith. This highlights the importance of self-awareness in overcoming adversity.

Stephanie courageously shares her navigation through complex family relationships, touching on her mother's relationship choices and the resulting lessons on grief, boundaries, and narcissism. The conversation also covers living with a covert narcissist and the introspection that followed. Stephanie's experiences became a catalyst for profound personal growth and understanding, leading her to write books on these topics. Her story is one of resilience, self-reflection, and the pursuit of healthier relationships, offering listeners valuable insights for their own lives.

As the episode concludes, the transformative process of healing from toxic relationships is embraced. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting personal boundaries and redefining love, stressing the need for self-awareness and healing before entering new relationships. Stephanie shares her healing steps, comparing the journey to a spring cleaning of the soul, and invites listeners to join Mission Awake—a movement to rise above mediocrity and support one another. Connect with them on social media to share stories and create a positive impact together.

Key highlights:

• The Complexity of Grief
• Healing from Familial and Marital Challenges
• Navigating Relationships and Setting Boundaries
• Transforming Pain into Purpose

Connect with Stephanie Jordan:

• Website: thestephaniejordan.com

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

What if the beliefs you've held about yourself are nothing more than lies? Join me, Alison, on a journey that challenges the very foundation of self-perception and explores the transformative power of embracing one's intrinsic worth. This episode offers crucial insights into navigating the turbulent waters of loss, particularly after the suicide of a loved one. I'll share my personal story of choosing life over darkness, and how you can rewrite the narrative of self-doubt and mediocrity that may have been instilled in you since childhood.

Understanding that our negative thoughts are merely electrical impulses can be the first step toward breaking free from a destructive mindset. In this episode, we delve into the importance of recognizing and halting these patterns, underlining the potential for change and growth no matter your age or past experiences. Learn practical strategies for challenging deep-seated, limiting beliefs and replacing them with empowering affirmations. We provide a roadmap for fostering emotional resilience, urging you to reach out and seek support when feeling overwhelmed.

Finally, discover how to embrace life after experiencing profound loss by engaging in activities that honor the memory of loved ones. In sharing my personal experiences, I hope to convey that grief need not overshadow the vibrant parts of life. This episode is a heartfelt exploration into healing and recovery, encouraging listeners to stay connected with surviving family members and to find joy amidst pain. Let this be a reminder that life is worth living, and together, we can transform adversity into a testament of strength and dignity.

Key highlights:

• Finding Hope and Overcoming Darkness
• Power of Overcoming Negative Beliefs
• Choosing Life Over Negative Thoughts
• Navigating Mental Health and Finding Hope
• Transforming Beliefs, Finding Inner Strength
• Empowering Affirmations for Overcoming Adversity
• Embracing Life After Loss

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Intuitive consultant Jenn Cohen, with her rich entertainment industry background, joins Alison to illuminate the transformative role of intuition in personal growth and decision-making. She guides you through the art of embracing intuition to navigate life's uncertainties, emphasizing the power of living in the present moment. Through engaging stories and personal insights, Jenn shares how intuitive clarity can be harnessed to enhance personal growth, facilitate career shifts, and support life transitions, offering listeners valuable tips to tap into your own inner wisdom.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn as Jenn and Alison explore the relationship between intuition and energy management, highlighted by Jenn's journey from California to Manhattan. Different environments can significantly impact our energy and intuition, and Jenn provides practical techniques for clearing and protecting our energy fields. She touches on the challenges faced by empaths and therapists, like burnout, and how intuition can serve as a powerful tool for self-protection and energy management. Jenn shares how engaging in joyful activities, such as nature walks or listening to music, can anchor us in our intuitive nature.

This conversation reveals how being present with our feelings can uncover hidden desires and resistance. Jenn and Alison share personal anecdotes about trusting intuition and interpreting signs from loved ones who have passed, offering comfort and guidance. By challenging misconceptions about success, relationships, and personal limitations, this episode encourages listeners to align intentions with higher vibrations, transforming both personal and professional landscapes. Through stories of intuition, trust, and spiritual connection, Jenn and Alison hope to inspire you to embrace the unseen forces guiding your journey.

Key highlights:

• Harnessing Intuition for Personal Growth
• Exploring Intuition and Energy Management
• Navigating Emotions and Intuition Discovery
• Unveiling Intuition and Intentions
• Exploring Intuition and Channeling Energy

Connect with Jen Cohen:

• Website: jenncohenintuitive.com
• Instagram: @jenncohenintuitive

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Unlock the secrets to transforming your decisions into results with this solo episode, where Alison promises you'll learn how to make your brain an ally in achieving your goals. Alison explores how the power of clear and decisive thinking can lead you to personal triumph. By making declarative statements, rather than just wishes or desires, you can condition your brain to recognize and seize opportunities. Whether it's the commitment to purchase a home or the discipline to create healthy habits like regular gym visits, this episode is all about embracing the journey and staying committed to your aspirations.

But that's not all. Alison also dives into the fascinating world of neuroscience to understand how decision-making affects stress levels and mental clarity. You'll discover how choosing a defined path allows your brain to focus and reduce mental clutter, paving the way for peace and direction. Let’s make a commitment to not only set our goals but to actively pursue them with passion and purpose.

Key highlights:

• Deciding Goals Before All Pieces
• Neurological Power of Decision Making

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

What if the key to transforming your life is hidden in the depths of your unconscious mind? Join Alison on an eye-opening journey as she unravels the powerful impact of our unconscious beliefs. With a staggering 95% of our actions fueled by these beliefs, this episode challenges you to confront the myths that may be holding you back, such as the notion that relationships are a constraint on freedom. In this solo episode, Alison dives deep into the vital role of self-reflection for personal growth, encouraging you to bravely explore and dismantle these limiting beliefs to unlock your true potential.

Imagine transforming your financial habits, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics by aligning your actions with your true desires. In this episode, Alison emphasizes the importance of honest introspection and taking an inventory of your beliefs. By peeling back the layers of conditioning that began in childhood, she explores how ingrained societal narratives around femininity, infidelity, and social interactions have shaped our identities. Embrace your role as the creator of your own world, and together, let's awaken to a life that feels like a playground. 

Key highlights:

• Unconscious Beliefs Impacting Your Life
• Self-Reflection for Personal Growth
• Breaking Limiting Beliefs for Success
• Empowering Beliefs for Personal Growth

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

What if personal tragedy could be transformed into a source of resilience and healing? Join me as I share my journey from rock bottom to self-awareness, illuminating the transformative power of therapy. Alongside, I introduce Emily Nicolich, a dedicated employee at Lager Counseling Services, stepping into a therapeutic internship. Her story of personal resilience exemplifies how overcoming challenges can prepare us to help others more effectively. Together, Emily and I explore the profound impact of addressing mental health issues, particularly among teenagers, and highlight the vital role of empathy and understanding in guiding them through life's challenges.

Ever wondered how to navigate the often complex and overwhelming world of teenage mental health? We explore this landscape, delving into the pressures of adolescence, including depression, self-esteem issues, and family conflicts. Through personal anecdotes, we underscore the importance of validating teenagers' feelings and offering support, even in difficult circumstances like divorce. We also address the sensitive topic of suicide, offering insights into recognizing risk factors, understanding the myths surrounding it, and providing the necessary support for those in crisis. The powerful story of Kevin Hines serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that life is precious and resilience is within reach.

The episode culminates in a call to action, urging listeners to become part of our mission to awaken mental health awareness globally. We extend gratitude to our guest, Emily, and to you, our listeners, for supporting this cause. Stay connected with us on social media and engage with our content to foster a community that champions healing and growth. Here's to a week filled with meaningful connections and a renewed sense of hope.

Key highlights:

• Finding Yourself and Overcoming Despair
• Navigating Teenage Mental Health
• Parenting Through Divorce
• Embracing Tragedy and Finding Resilience
• Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Actions
• Finding Hope in Dark Moments
• Spreading Mission Awake Together

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Transform your relationships and personal growth by understanding the power of self-fulfillment. Join Alison on this enriching journey as she explores how giving yourself what you seek from others can lead to greater self-awareness and genuine connections. Discover the profound impact of self-acceptance and learn how to break free from the perpetual longing for love and affirmation. Through introspection and self-love, you can cultivate authentic relationships and attract the qualities you desire in others.

Dive deeper into the hidden beliefs and fears that may be holding you back from achieving true happiness and fulfillment. Alison challenges the notion that personal goals must come at the cost of your freedom or integrity, encouraging listeners to embrace authenticity and emotional sobriety in relationships. With insights on the balance of masculine and feminine energies, and the importance of vulnerability and communication, this episode is packed with practical advice to enhance your life and partnerships. Embark on a transformative journey of introspection and personal growth, and learn how to align with partners without the need to change them.

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

What if the smallest steps could reshape your world? Join us on Allison Answers as we promise to revolutionize your perception of life control through the art of baby steps. Meet Allie Silver Thompson, my esteemed colleague at Lager Counseling Services, and a dedicated therapist with a deeply personal mission. Inspired by her grandmother's tragic experience, Allie shares her journey into therapy, driven by a desire to spare others from similar heartache. Together, we pull back the curtain on common misconceptions about therapists and celebrate the profound changes that compassionate care can foster.

Our conversation takes a poignant turn as we navigate the complex terrains of trauma and mental health. Allie opens up about her mother's early trauma and the lasting impact it had on her pursuit of therapy. We shed light on the emotional weight of personal loss and the transformative rituals we create to honor the memories of our loved ones. Additionally, we touch on overcoming auditory processing disorder and the incredible strength that emerges from embracing one's challenges. Through the power of advocacy and personalized learning, we explore how to transform perceived limitations into unique strengths that empower.

As we journey further, self-worth and self-esteem take center stage. Through heartfelt stories and insights, we emphasize building confidence and nurturing the inner child as vital elements of personal growth. The evolving perception of mental health is celebrated, urging caution against the casual use of diagnoses and encouraging a deeper understanding of true clinical conditions. Finally, we invite you to join our Mission Awake initiative, a movement dedicated to combating mediocrity and inspiring personal growth. Connect with us through social media and subscribe for more uplifting content, as we continue to create a fulfilling, empowered life together.

Key highlights:

• Empowering Steps to Take Control
• Navigating Trauma and Mental Health
• Overcoming Disability and Embracing Strength
• Owning Your Path to Success
• Discovering Self-Worth and Building Confidence
• Challenging Stigma of Mental Health
• Healing Inner Child Through Therapy
• Embracing Baby Steps to Control

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Facing the highs and lows of mental illness, Joanne Autero once found herself caught in the whirlwind of manic episodes and the depths of severe depression. These experiences led to a bipolar disorder diagnosis that could have defined her life, but instead became a catalyst for transformation. This episode unravels her story of rediscovery and healing through the dual forces of therapy and faith. Joanne is now a therapist, who brings her expertise in EMDR therapy and biblical Christian counseling to our shared mission of revolutionizing mental health care.

Together, we explore the intricate journey of navigating mental illness from adolescence, confronting societal misunderstandings, and the toll it takes on personal and family life. Joeanne’s life, once shadowed by a misdiagnosis and the pressures of appearing perfect, unfolded into periods of manic behavior and hospitalizations. Through it all, the support of family, friends, and a profound faith became her anchor, guiding her toward a hopeful path despite the fear of cyclical mental health struggles.

The power of choice plays a critical role in overcoming personal challenges and trauma. Emphasizing the importance of hope and faith, this episode underscores how embracing positivity and personal responsibility can shift one's mindset from victimhood to empowerment. From witnessing profound change in herself and others, like a young girl overcoming self-harm, to sharing the uplifting stories of transformation and resilience, we invite you to join Mission Awake. Let’s combat mediocrity together, spreading hope and empowering each other with the strength that "hope is the anchor of the soul.”

Key highlights:

• Life Transformation Through Therapy and Faith
• Navigating Mental Illness
• Journey Through Mental Health and Faith
• Choose Hope Over Victim Mentality

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Elona is the Visionary CEO of The Life School , Speaker, Best Selling Author to numerous books, shows, and Speaking Events Organizer to an audience of over 30,000 heart driven service based entrepreneurs and corporations. She is a Prior Fortune 500 CEO and has been Featured in Disrupt, NY Weekly, Business Insider, CEO Weekly, The Business News & Famous Times. Elona is the CEO of The Life School where they help Visionary Leaders CEOs grow legacy purpose driven businesses through Inner Alignment, Branding, Marketing, Sales, and Team so that they can maximize their Impact and Income to do more good in the world.

In this episode, Elona reveals how self-awareness can be a catalyst for building a successful brand. Together, we unpack the importance of breaking free from comfort zones, turning setbacks into valuable lessons, and how your energy naturally attracts the right people to your business. Elona’s mission with the Life School is to empower visionary leaders to build impactful, purpose-driven businesses, and her insights offer invaluable guidance for anyone seeking to infuse their entrepreneurial journey with meaning and intention.

We also explore the alignment of business practices with personal purpose, moving beyond mere profit to create sustainable growth. The conversation delves into tools such as meditation for connecting with one's authentic self, ensuring your business stays true to its core values. We discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, effective communication, and understanding team dynamics. By focusing on clarity and authenticity, you can overcome growth plateaus, manage personal resistance, and attract the right clients and team members. Join us as we uncover the universal lessons in leadership, spirituality, and personal growth that can guide you to success.

Key highlights:

• Empowerment Through Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship
• Discovering Purpose in Business Growth
• Effective Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

Connect with Elona Lopari:

• Website: elonaloparicoaching.com
• Instagram: @elonaloparicoaching

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Picture this: a life once shrouded in darkness and uncertainty, now basking in the light of hope and resilience. That's Gina’s story, and it's one she shares openly as we explore the path from addiction to recovery. Like a beacon, this episode highlights the power of personal growth and transformation, showing how our struggles can indeed become the stepping stones to a better life. Together with my extraordinary guest, Gina Economopoulos, we journey through narratives of triumph over adversity, illustrating that change is not only possible but can lead us to places we never imagined.

Gina, an author and former nun, bravely recounts her life of battling addiction and personal loss. Her book, "Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk," serves as a testament to finding peace and fulfillment amidst turmoil. Through her experiences of feeling inadequate and her transformative seven-month silent retreat, Gina offers invaluable insights into self-love and acceptance. Our conversation weaves together stories of hope, from her upbringing as the seventh child with health challenges to her eventual spiritual awakening.

Listeners are invited to explore the profound impact of the 12-step program not just on those battling addiction, but on anyone seeking purpose and emotional sobriety. Through tales of love, loss, and the journey to recovery, we underscore the program's significance in providing tools for living life on its terms. Gina and I both share personal stories that illuminate the path from darkness into light, guiding anyone feeling stuck toward a life filled with hope and endless possibilities.

Key highlights:

• Transforming Darkness Into Light
• Journey to Finding Hope
• Finding Hope Through Recovery

Connect with Gina Economopoulos:

• Website: ginaecon.com

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

This episode is part 2 of a fascinating conversation with Mark Nara, a renowned tattoo artist who specializes in intentional tattoos within the context of spiritual-reality.

Unlock the hidden narratives etched into your skin and uncover the profound symbolism that tattoos hold in your life. Mark and Alison navigate the intricate tapestry of tattoo stories, where each inked image is not just an isolated artwork but a chapter in the grand narrative of identity and personal journey. This episode delves into the poignant realization that sometimes tattoos turn out differently than we envision, offering unexpected insights into our evolving selves and sparking deeper self-reflection.

Ever wondered how tattoos can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth? This conversation explores the concept of intentional tattooing as a means of revealing one's true essence. Mark explains how the collaborative energy between tattoo artist and client can transform the tattooing process into a therapeutic, soul-enriching experience. Discover how embracing one's tattoos, even those chosen during life's transitional phases, can create meaningful connections to personal growth and self-understanding.

Mark highlights how tattoos can act as rites of passage, aligning life’s significant moments with symbolic permanence. With engaging stories and insightful discussions, this episode promises to transform your perception of tattoos from simple decorations to profound markers of personal evolution.

Key highlights:

• Tattoo Symbolism and Spiritual Growth
• Tattoo Pathway Community and Insights

Connect with Mark Nara:

• Website: themarkofnara.com
• Instagram: @themarkofnara

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Renowned tattoo artist Mark Nara joins us to explore the world of intentional tattoos, where art meets spiritual alignment. With over 15 years of global experience, Mark shares his fascinating journey from a traditional art background to a deeper, more meaningful practice. Tattoos, as Mark illustrates, are not just about aesthetics; they're powerful, permanent expressions of personal journeys, reflecting emotional landscapes and serving as navigational tools through life's myriad experiences.

In our conversation, we delve into the symbolic and emotional weight tattoos carry, particularly in times of personal loss and memory. Tattoos become a language of comfort amid chaos, each one a drop pin on the body's map that marks significant life events. We uncover how these permanent markings can encapsulate personal histories and identities, revealing far more than just a surface-level aesthetic. Whether it's a token of transformation into motherhood or a tribute to one's spiritual beliefs, tattoos serve as a canvas for life’s transitions and milestones.

We also discuss the energetic signature of tattoo placements, considering how different body areas resonate with unique stories and motivations. Mark introduces the concept of "post-tattoo identity disorder," exploring the dissonance between past and present identities marked by ink. This episode encourages a reflective look at tattoos not just as expressions of current identity, but as living records of growth and change. Join us in considering whether our tattoos truly represent our evolving selves or if it’s time to transform outdated symbols into conscious expressions of our journey and future aspirations. This was such a fascinating conversation that we talked for almost 2 hours, so we split this episode into two parts. Tune in next week for part 2!

Key highlights:

• Spiritual Depth of Tattoos
• Symbolism and Memory in Tattoos
• Energetic Tattoo Signatures
• Exploring Meaning and Personal Tattoos
• Tattoos as Symbols of Transformation
• Navigating Post-Tattoo Identity Challenges

Connect with Mark Nara:

• Website: themarkofnara.com
• Instagram: @themarkofnara

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Navy SEAL veteran and successful entrepreneur Marty Strong joins Alison to share his incredible journey from military service to the business world. Marty provides deep insights into leadership development, contrasting the military’s thorough, ground-up approach with the often haphazard training found in commercial settings. Together, Marty and Alison explore the necessity of psychological flexibility and continuous learning, emphasizing how these elements are crucial for personal and professional growth. Marty’s personal story of resilience, from overcoming a challenging childhood to thriving as a leader, offers valuable lessons for anyone eager to transform their leadership capabilities.

This conversation delves into the rigorous mental demands of Navy SEAL training, highlighting how psychological strength often outweighs physical might in overcoming challenges. Marty emphasizes the power of camaraderie and teamwork, considering how these values, deeply ingrained in SEAL culture, can build supportive, cohesive communities in any organization. Marty’s insights into fostering an empathetic, team-oriented atmosphere provide a roadmap for cultivating a strong organizational culture, no matter the size or scope.

Marty and Alison discuss the crucial role of hiring individuals with key character traits like empathy and flexibility, which are essential for maintaining a positive workplace culture. They explore how traditional leadership roles must evolve, stressing the importance of disruption and courage in driving meaningful change. Tune in to this enlightening journey and become part of Mission Awake, where we challenge mediocrity and inspire action, encouraging you to spread the message and make a positive impact in your own life. 

Key highlights:

• Leadership Development in Military and Business
• Building Mental Resilience in the Military
• Cultivating Leadership Culture in Organizations
• Leadership Training in Military vs Business
• Adapting Leadership Strategies to Change

Connect with Marty Strong:

• Website: martystrongbenimble.com

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Unlock the secrets to enriching your life through the power of relationships and self-belief. This episode is part 2 of the incredible episode with Barry Nicolaou, an expert in organizational cultural synergy and personal growth. Tune in for a journey to enhance personal growth by tapping into the potential of every connection, whether it’s with a loved one or your local plumber. Discover how embracing challenges fosters resilience, and learn the art of balancing personal growth with stability in your closest relationships. Through shared sacrifices and communication, Barry shows you how to bridge gaps and strengthen partnerships, making every interaction an opportunity for transformation.

Get ready to manifest your dreams without spending a dime, as Barry introduces you to a revolutionary six-step approach to achieving your desires. You'll redefine what you believe you're worthy of and learn to embrace new realities. With insights from Chris Voss’s "Never Split the Difference," Barry and Alison explore negotiation techniques that empower you to maintain control and influence outcomes. Whether you're negotiating in real estate or everyday life, these strategies will equip you to create the life you truly desire. Join in as we shift perceptions, learn from failures, and transform aspirations into achievements.

Key highlights:

• Navigating Relationships for Personal Growth
• Manifesting Your Desires With Belief
• Mastering Negotiation Tactics in Real Estate

Connect with Barry Nicolaou:

• Website: barrynicolaou.com
• Instagram: @barrynicolaou

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Embrace the transformative power of life's challenges with insights from Barry Nicolaou, an expert in organizational cultural synergy and personal growth. Discover how understanding and confronting self-defeating business practices and subconscious blocks can drive both personal and professional success. Barry's renowned works, "The 11 Master Secrets to Business Success and Personal Fulfillment" and "Move the Mountain: Intention Reset," are presented as essential tools for those seeking to break free from habitual thinking to achieve their deepest desires.

Barry guides us through the emotional landscape of the human mind, offering a fresh perspective on the power of the unconscious mind and the concept of co-creation with the universe. By viewing challenges and negativity as opportunities for growth, Barry teaches us how to maintain positivity amidst emotional fluctuations. Through heartfelt stories and practical techniques, we explore the importance of gratitude and intention in shaping our realities, while understanding that resilience is born from adversity, not just from happiness.

Finally, the episode touches on the paradox of wealth and happiness, the importance of surrendering desires, and trusting in the universe's timing. Barry shares enlightening examples, illustrating how true fulfillment often comes not from wealth, but from overcoming life's difficulties. Listen in as we explore the essential role of struggle in personal evolution and how trusting in the process can lead to personal growth and a life of fulfillment. This is such a packed episode with transformative insight from Barry, so we had to split it into 2 parts. Tune in next week for part 2 of this episode with Barry!

Key highlights:

• Navigating Emotions Through Gratitude
• Transforming Through Resilience and Growth
• The Power of Growth and Intention
• Learning to Surrender and Trust

Connect with Barry Nicolaou:

• Website: barrynicolaou.com
• Instagram: @barrynicolaou

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Feeling trapped in a cycle of negativity and self-doubt is a struggle many of us know all too well. As a child, Alison’s guest, happiness expert Matt O'Neill, battled feelings of inadequacy that later fueled his mission to transform lives through happiness. This episode uncovers how Matt's personal journey led to the creation of his Good Mood Revolution book and podcast, as he shares actionable insights on how choosing happiness can be a game-changer in both personal and professional spheres.

Matt embarks on an emotional journey, navigating the transition from shame and hopelessness to empowerment and gratitude. Matt reveals how childhood narratives often shape destructive thought patterns, and how conscious change can develop these into more positive emotional states. By addressing foundational feelings of being "not enough," we discuss ways to gradually progress to states of self-worth and hope, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and the courage it takes to move beyond the overwhelm.

This conversation culminates in the liberating power of gratitude, exploring how vulnerability and accountability can lead to profound growth. Through personal stories and teachings from thought leaders like Tony Robbins, we explore how gratitude can transform frustrations into moments of appreciation. Whether managing a business, nurturing a family, or pursuing personal happiness, tune in to discover how a conscious approach to happiness can enrich all aspects of your life.

Key highlights:

• Overcoming Shame and Building Self-Worth
• Core Shame and Neglect in Childhood
• Impact of Childhood Punishment on Self-Punishment
• Childhood Neglect and Responsibility
• Finding Support Amid Overwhelm
• Embracing a Culture of Positivity

Connect with Matt O'Neill:

• Website: mattoneill.com
• Instagram: @goodmoodmatt
• YouTube: Good Mood Revolution with Matt O'Neill

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org

Feeling stuck in the rut of everyday life? You're not alone. Alison once found herself trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction, constantly focusing on what was wrong rather than what was right. But everything changed when she began to view the world as a vast, generous landscape filled with opportunities for growth, gratitude, and giving. This simple shift in mindset not only transformed how Alison sees her home, but also how she experiences her entire life. Join Alison in this solo episode as she shares how embracing these principles can infuse your journey with profound joy and contentment.

Explore the transformative power of surrender and discover the bliss of gratitude as a state of receivership. While comfort and security may seem like the ultimate goals, they might be holding you back from the vibrant life you crave. Through personal anecdotes, Alison illustrates the magic that happens when you let go of attachments and trust the natural flow of life.

Together, we can overcome the pervasive mediocrity that often hinders our paths to growth. Join our Mission Awake community—a collective effort to energize personal and professional lives by sharing insights and inspiration on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Thank you for being a part of this exciting adventure, where we challenge norms, embrace change, and pursue personal development with unwavering enthusiasm.

Key highlights:

• Cultivating Growth, Gratitude, and Giving
• Embracing Growth With Gratitude and Surrender
• Continuous Growth Through Gratitude and Giving

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

Connect with Alison:

• Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling
• Website: LagerCounseling.com
• YouTube: Alison Answers
• Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac
• Purchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”
• Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HERE
• Women of Excellence FB group: Join HERE

⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org