Real Things Living

Author and changemaker, Afarin Bellisario, explores the lasting power of compassion, community, and history in today’s chaotic world.

In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall reconnects with Afarin to talk about the importance of mentorship, moral grounding, and embracing both history and change.

Drawing from her personal journey and work with young entrepreneurs, Afarin shares insights on helping others find...

What happens when the kids leave, the house goes quiet, and you're left wondering ~ what now?

Brigitte Cutshall sits down with writer and fellow runner Rita Lussier, author of "And Now Back to Me." Together, they explore the often-overlooked emotional reality of becoming an empty nester, and the parallels between parenting and retirement.

Rita shares how her journey from active parenting to personal rediscovery...

What do you do when life unravels?

Michelle Hensley turned unimaginable grief into a thriving business built on joy, creativity, and care. After losing her husband and starting over at age 50, Michelle founded Nifty Package Co., the largest mobile gift-wrapping company in the U.S.

In this inspiring episode, she shares how faith, resourcefulness, and a heart for service helped her build a business that now serves celebrities...

Let’s face it—being human is hard.

Tanya Ruckstuhl is a Seattle-based therapist and author of the brilliantly titled "How to Be Human and Not an Asshole." Tanya shares how her life experiences and years of clinical work shaped her understanding of social connection, self-awareness, and the importance of emotional generosity.

It’s a refreshingly honest, insightful, and at times hilarious look at how to grow, heal, and show up as a b...

Breathing with intention can do more than calm your nerves - it can unlock creativity, ease emotional pain, and reconnect you with the present moment.

In this inspiring episode, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Leo Marrs—writer, entrepreneur, and founder of the first Breath Studio in the U.S. From grief and trauma to joy and revelation, Leo shares how breathwork allows us to release the weight we carry and return to who we truly ar...

What happens when life as you know it shatters, and you realize you've spent decades living for everyone but yourself?

Michelle Bishop shares her journey of rediscovery after the tragic loss of her husband. From shedding emotional weight to healing from breast cancer and long-haul COVID, Michelle shares how choosing herself first transformed not only her health but her entire life.

Michelle is the author of the inspirati...

The hardest experiences in life can become the most meaningful stories—especially when told with honesty, heart, and hope.In this deeply moving episode, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Tony Stewart, author of "Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving."

The conversation unfolds on the day of the book’s official release—a memoir chronicling Tony’s journey as a caregiver to his wife ...

What if your lowest moment became the launchpad for your greatest impact?

In this powerful episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Dan Metcalfe — author of "Born Superhuman" — whose astonishing story of healing after paralysis reminds us of the untapped strength within each of us.

3 Key Takeaways:

(1) Mindset Shapes Your Recovery: After being told he’d never walk again, Dan refused to accept defe...

Cynthia Moore went from chasing applause on stage to helping others heal in silence.

Her story is a powerful reminder that true transformation begins when we tune in—to our bodies, our intuition, and our past. In this soulful conversation, Cynthia shares how creativity, trauma, and healing intertwined to shape her calling as a therapist and author.

Cynthia Moore is an award-winning playwright, author of "Dancing on Coal...

In an era of rapid change and AI advancements, the job market can feel daunting. But what if you could not only navigate it but thrive, increasing your income and job security?

On this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall welcomes Delaney William, founder of Elevated Technologies, to reveal how he's helping people do just that through remote work and innovative strategies like "job stacking."

Key Takeaways from Delaney W...

What happens when a high-achieving attorney walks away from a prestigious career without a plan B—but with a deep knowing that her soul needs something more?

Serena Low did just that, and she’s now helping others do the same.

In this uplifting conversation, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Serena Low, a trauma-informed coach and host of The Quiet Warrior Podcast.

They explore how quiet achievers—especially women—can embrace...

How do you rebuild your life when it feels like everything’s been taken from you? After a devastating motorcycle accident left Kijuan Amey blind and battling a traumatic brain injury, he chose resilience, humor, and healing over despair.

Kijuan opens up about the moment everything shifted and how he found purpose on the other side.

His book, 'Don't Focus on Why Me,' serves as a testament to his journey and a sou...

Grief doesn’t follow rules and neither does love.

In this heartfelt conversation, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Sally McQuillen, a psychotherapist and author of Reaching for Beautiful. Sally shared her powerful journey through grief following the unexpected loss of her son, Christopher, and how that experience inspired her to write a memoir.

The episode explores the layers of parental love, the challenges of navigating mode...

What happens when your identity is tied to your achievements?

In this energizing episode, Elizabeth Parsons shares how retirement isn’t an end, but a powerful beginning. She is the author of "Encore", and a former international law firm attorney who made a bold mid-life pivot to create a more intentional life.

The discussion dives into how our culture overemphasizes financial planning and underprepares us for the e...

What happens when you walk away from your dream and return with deeper purpose?

Singer, songwriter, and healer Tally Koren shares how she rediscovered her voice, stayed true to her art, and found healing through music and spirituality.

Tally opens up about the emotional detour that paused her music journey and the powerful return that followed. She discusses the importance of authenticity, trusting the creative process, and ...

What if everything changed in a moment and you still found the strength to move forward?

In this powerful episode of Real Things Living, author and advocate Becky Galli shares how she transformed a series of life-altering challenges into a life filled with meaning, purpose, and connection.

From unexpected paralysis days after divorce to the loss of a child and raising kids with special needs, Becky has faced more than most. ...

Do you ever feel like you're your own worst enemy?

In this episode, Brittni Cosgrove shares her personal journey from anxiety and self-doubt to self-discovery and empowerment; overcoming perfectionism and burnout, and how that led her to becoming a life and business coach.

3 Takeaways:

(1) Self-Awareness is Key: Recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors is the first step to overcoming them.  

(2) The Power of "Why": Understanding your de...

Tara Harris, founder and CEO of FemeFlex, shares how personal discomfort led to purposeful innovation. She opens up about the moment that sparked the idea for the pantyless panty liner, a reusable product that sticks to the skin.

Through humor, honesty, and a passion for helping women feel more secure in their bodies, Tara shares how she’s redefining feminine hygiene and creating space for more open conversations.

3 Key Takea...

What happens when you follow your heart across the world—and end up transforming your purpose along the way? Aub Wallace did just that.

Now based in the Netherlands, this nature-loving entrepreneur is helping mission-driven brands grow with clarity and impact.

In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte speaks with Aub Wallace, co-founder of Dandelion Branding, about weaving sustainability into business and everyday life...