University of Adversity

Rudi Riekstins has been named one of the Top 5 Coaches in the world by Thrive Global and a Top 20 Thought Leader by Business Insider. He’s a leadership visionary, business mentor, and transformational speaker trusted by entrepreneurs, creatives, and even billionaires.

But behind the accolades lies a truth we rarely talk about. Men have been fed a lie — that we must always be strong, stoic, and never show vulnerability.

That conditioning disconnects us from who we truly are, leading to broken relationships, self-sabotage, and lives lived out of alignment.

In this conversation, Rudi shar...

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Paul F. Austin, founder of The Third Wave, joins us for a deep dive into one of the most important conversations shaping mental health today: the psychedelic renaissance.

Psychedelics are moving from taboo to mainstream. Microdosing LSD, psilocybin, and other plant medicines are now being studied for their ability to heal trauma, regrow neural pathways, and transform lives. But as these powerful tools gain popularity, are we ready for what comes next?

– Why psychedelics are finally being destigmatized

– The neuroscience behind LSD and microdosing

– How integration after the exper...

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Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan and Tough Mudder, returns with one of the most necessary wake up calls for men today.

We break down the hard truth: men are getting soft. Comfort is killing purpose. We’ve lost our edge — and Joe’s here to help you take it back.

Joe unpacks:

– Why modern life is designed to make men weak

– When the decline actually started (and it wasn’t just the iPhone)

– How the pandemic nearly destroyed Spartan — and why he didn’t quit

– What act...

🔥 Episode Summary:

This conversation will punch you in the face — in the best way.

Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan and Tough Mudder, returns with one of the rawest, most necessary wake-up calls for men today.

We break down the hard truth: Men are getting soft. Comfort is killing purpose. We’ve lost our edge — and Joe’s here to help you take it back.

Joe unpacks:

– Why modern life is designed to make men weak

– When the decline actually started (and it wasn’t just the iPhone)

– H...

Episode Summary:

In this powerful conversation, Anna Lozano shares her journey of breaking free from societal programming and redefining success through the balance of masculine and feminine energies. As a Polish immigrant and entrepreneur, she built a thriving career in network marketing, co-founded Love Powered Co., and now mentors female founders in aligning strategy, mindset, and energetics for lasting impact.

Anna and Lance dive deep into the hustle culture trap, how motherhood reshaped her work-life balance, and the energetic shifts required for true success. They explore the impact of AI in business, the power of...

Episode Summary

In this powerful conversation, Ben Azadi shatters common health myths and challenges the traditional calorie-focused approach to weight loss. He explains why food quality matters more than counting calories and how inflammation and hormones play a bigger role in fat loss than most people realize.

Ben shares his personal journey with the carnivore diet, exposes the hidden dangers of seed oils, and explains why protein is the key to sustainable fat loss. He also dives into ketosis, fasting, and metabolic flexibility—emphasizing the importance of evolving beliefs for long-term health.

Beyond nu...

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Amberly Lago returns to the show after four years to share her powerful journey of resilience, joy, and overcoming adversity. Through her experiences with chronic pain and life’s challenges, she has developed transformative strategies to help others cultivate gratitude, embrace joy, and build unshakable resilience. We dive into the importance of joy-spotting, overcoming guilt in happiness, and recognizing burnout. Amberly also opens up about the power of vulnerability, connection, and asking for help in fostering deeper relationships and personal growth. I'm beyond excited to have her back on the show—this conv...

Summary

In this episode, Lance shares personal updates and reflections on his journey over the past year, including his travels to Tulum, Edmonton, Bali, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh. He discusses the importance of personal development, spirituality, and the challenges of finding fulfillment in life. Lance emphasizes the significance of habits and mindset in achieving success and introduces his new initiative, the FREE 7 Day 'Warrior Reset', aimed at helping individuals recalibrate and finish the year strong.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Podcast Journey

01:23 Life Updates: Travels and Experiences

03:50 Spiritual Growth...

Chinese medicine views the body as a garden, while Western medicine views it as a machine. Chinese medicine focuses on the health and wellness of the whole ecosystem, considering factors like soil, sunlight, and water. Kevin Preston, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, was drawn to this holistic approach after experiencing the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating his knee injury. He believes that Chinese medicine offers individualized treatments based on a person's unique history, genetics, and lifestyle.

However, Chinese medicine has faced resistance in Western cultures due to fear of the foreign and unfamiliar. Kevin sees common issues...

Breathwork or Meditation: Which is Better for Personal Growth?"

The relationship between breathwork and meditation is a powerful synergy that can significantly enhance personal development and well-being. Lance underscores this connection by illustrating how meditation quiets the mind and connects it with the heart and body, while breathwork releases stuck energy and completes the stress response.

From Lance's perspective, incorporating both practices into a daily routine can amplify focus, calmness, and inner guidance, fostering deeper connections with one's intuition and promoting personal growth. Lance draws from his experience of practicing a daily 5-10 minute breathwork...

Cam MacDougall is a dedicated advocate for personal growth and resilience, driven by his own experiences of lacking a supportive figure during his youth. Emphasizing the importance of embracing difficult situations as opportunities for learning and self-discovery, Cam encourages individuals to build resilience, understand their boundaries, and clarify their values. His mission is to guide men towards becoming mentors for the next generation, helping them break free from societal norms and realize their true potential. By challenging men to confront their inner fears and insecurities, Cam empowers them to evolve and unlock their inner warrior spirit through self-reflection and...

**Special Episode from The NextDay Nomad Podcast***

Hola Amigos, in today’s episode of The NextDay Nomad Podcast, I interview Lance Essihos, the host of the "University of Adversity" podcast. Lance is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and author who has turned his life experiences into a powerful message of resilience and growth. His journey from personal struggles to becoming a beacon of hope for many is both inspiring and educational.

Lance Essihos shares his incredible journey of overcoming adversity and how he transformed his challenges into opportunities for growth. He discusses the importance of mindset, th...

Episode Highlights:

- Self-awareness and personal growth are pivotal for navigating life's challenges effectively.

- Lance Essihos, a proponent of this transformative journey, emphasizes the crucial role of releasing negative emotions and adopting a resilient mindset.

- Essihos illustrates this perspective by comparing harboring resentment to "drinking poison and expecting the other person to die," highlighting how such emotions impede personal growth.

- He encourages viewing relationships as platforms for personal development rather than succumbing to a victim mentality.

- Through reflecting on past experiences and learning from them...

Episode Summary

In this episode, I share my perspectives on how immersing in different cultures and stepping out of one's comfort zone can foster invaluable life lessons and personal growth. I explore my own experiences, such as participating in the Temezcal ceremony and reconnecting with my creative passions upon returning back to Canada, to highlight the importance of trusting the unknown, adapting to new situations, and continuously seeking out new experiences to cultivate resilience and self-discovery.

1. Growth Through Cultural Exploration and Resilience (00:04:15)

- Traveling abroad as a profound journey into personal growth, resilience...

Tara Portelli is a former paramedic who has transitioned her focus to mental health and psychedelics. Drawing from her background in emergency services and experiences with medicinal mushrooms, Portelli is on a mission to support first responders and others in high-stress professions through proactive mental health strategies.

In this episode, Tara Portelli shares her personal journey from the high-pressure world of emergency services to her current work in mental health and psychedelic advocacy. She candidly discusses the immense emotional toll that first responders often face, and the need for effective coping mechanisms to process trauma and difficult...

Identity transformation, a fascinating concept that pertains to the process of consciously reshaping one's personal beliefs, habits, and environment for self-development, plays a pivotal role in personal growth. Lance Essihos, an advocate of this intriguing concept, suggests that our identity is sculpted by our everyday habits, actions, and past experiences. With an unwavering belief in the potential for personal metamorphosis, Essihos emphasizes the capacity to alter one's identity by cultivating new habits and taking distinct actions. He underlines the importance of crafting a lucid vision of the individual you aspire to be, aligning your actions with this vision to...

In the digital age, the concept of a social media detox is growing in popularity as a way to combat the negative effects of constant online presence. Lance Essihos, a firm advocate for this concept, believes that excessive use of social media can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. From his perspective, taking regular breaks from social media is essential for mental health and overall well-being, as it allows individuals to reconnect with themselves, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life. This perspective is shaped by Essihos' emphasis on...

Sharon Land, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in health and well-being, helps high performers, athletes, and professionals in stress management and optimized health practices.

Sharon Land's perspective on healing from diseases and illnesses is deeply rooted in her personal journey of overcoming physical, emotional, and professional challenges. She emphasizes the importance of following one's own soul's direction and calling, and not conforming to societal norms or cultural beliefs. Sharon believes in addressing underlying issues and traumas that may contribute to disease and illness, advocating for a holistic approach to wellness and prevention. Using her own...

Nicole Sciacca is a yoga teacher, FRCms practitioner, professional dancer, and mother to her son, Beau. Currently based in Los Angeles, she trains a diverse clientele including working moms, entrepreneurs, former athletes, and A-list celebrities. Her expertise has earned her features on The Doctors TV, E! Online, and in The New York Times.

Drawing from her personal experience with the loss of her partner, Nicole offers a unique perspective on dealing with grief and societal expectations. She highlights the burden of conforming to societal norms during the grieving process and the importance of honoring one's individual emotions...

The art of building resilience is fundamental to navigating life's inevitable pressures and challenges. It involves a dynamic process of embracing struggles, learning from them, and thereby acquiring invaluable skills and perspectives. This strengthens not just our ability to withstand external and internal pressures, but also provides avenues for self-growth, discovery, and empowerment.

Lance Essihos, an advocate of resilience, views it as a skill acquired through overcoming challenges. He underscores the significance of learning and growing from adversity, making empowering choices, and taking control of one's life. Essihos, through practices like self-reflection, journaling, meditation, and breathwork, encourages...

Alicia Kay is a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience spanning over twenty years in dealing with trauma and psychotherapy. Having undergone an impactful personal transformation herself, Alicia's perspective on trauma and psychotherapy is underpinned by both professional knowledge and personal experience. She strongly believes in introspection as a means to understand and heal from emotional pain, trauma, and shame that can hinder spiritual growth. Through her own emotional exploration, she was able to understand the root cause of her struggles and transform those experiences into lessons for others. Kay advocates for a combined approach of traditional therapy...

Welcome back to another insightful episode of University of Adversity with your host, Lance Essihos.

In this solo episode, Lance delves into the profound impact of self-talk and its resonance in our daily lives. Drawing from personal experiences and candid observations, he delves into the significance of the language we use when addressing ourselves.

Lance emphasizes the profound influence of our internal dialogue on our mindset and overall well-being. He highlights the transformation that occurs when we shift from self-limiting expressions to words of possibility and openness.

Throughout the episode, Lance provides practical...

In today's episode, we have the honor of featuring Karla Treadway, who offers profound insights on the concept of freedom as radical responsibility and the discipline required to attain it. Karla's journey, from enduring the loss of her business to redefining her approach to entrepreneurship and personal development, is a testament to the resilience and fortitude needed to navigate challenging times. Join us as we delve into her experiences, the lessons learned from adversity, and the wisdom she imparts on mindset, business strategies, and finding strength in the face of hardship. Get ready for an impactful and reflective conversation...

In this solo episode, Lance dives into the topic of procrastination and shares practical strategies to combat it. Through personal insights and experiences, he emphasizes the importance of eliminating distractions, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and rewarding oneself for completed actions.

This episode offers valuable tools and insights to help you navigate through procrastination and take meaningful steps towards achieving your goals. Tune in and learn how to turn procrastination into action.

Ways to support the podcast: 

📌 Grab a copy of Lance’s book, MASTERING ADVERSITY now available on Amazon. Click the link to buy...

In this episode of the University of Adversity podcast, host Lance Essihos and Jeff Sorenson engage in a deeply personal conversation. Jeff shares a profound story of overcoming adversity, tracing his journey from a difficult childhood to grappling with mental health issues and substance abuse. Through harrowing experiences, including involvement in drug trafficking and incarceration, Jeff's unwavering commitment to personal growth and spiritual evolution shines through.

Together, Lance and Jeff navigate through the intricacies of breath work, manifestation, and the transformative power of facing fear and adversity. This raw and unfiltered dialogue offers a compelling exploration of...

Welcome to the University of Adversity, where we explore the power of facing life's challenges and transforming them into opportunities for growth. In this episode, host Lance Essihos provides a brief update and shares exciting news about his recent completion of a nine-month trauma-informed breath work facilitator training with Owaken Breathwork.

He discusses his plans to integrate this new skill into his work, including providing one-on-one sessions, speaking at events, and potentially developing an app and membership to make transformational work more accessible to everyone.

Lance also teases an upcoming episode featuring a powerful story...

Today we are joined by the incredible Chelsea Husum, who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and finding empowerment. From navigating personal trauma to venturing into entrepreneurship, Chelsea's story is a testament to resilience and transformation.

Chelsea Husum is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and speaker known for her resilience and determination. After facing personal hardships, including betrayal in a previous relationship, Chelsea embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Today, she shares her experiences and insights to inspire others to overcome their own challenges and pursue their dreams.

Turning Point: Discovering her ex-boyfriend...

Kyla Gagnon is the visionary Founder of The Sacred Essentials company and The Essentials Membership, an innovative platform dedicated to the empowerment and holistic wellness of women. With a profound passion for personal development and wellbeing, Kyla has established herself as a leading somatic breathwork facilitator, embodying a unique approach that combines ancient wisdom with modern practices.

This episode is packed with insights on finding your voice through breathwork, navigating grief, and embracing self-awareness for personal and spiritual growth. Kyla also delves into the importance of acknowledging our own biases and limitations, and how intuition and self-connection...

Neils’ spiritual practice is primarily informed by the decade he spent living in Peru. During this time, he worked extensively with indigenous shamanic traditions of the Shipibo, Mestizo, and Quechua cultures. He has created, directed, and facilitated many Ayahuasca retreats throughout Latin America and guided thousands of clients through their personal plant medicine journeys. 

Episode Overview:

In this insightful conversation, Neils shares his unique experiences from a decade in Peru, working closely with the Shipibo, Mestizo, and Quechua cultures. He reveals the profound impact of Amazonian plant medicine and indigenous healing practices on personal growth and...

In the milestone episode '5 years' of the University of Adversity podcast, our host Lance takes a reflective look at the transformative impact the show has had since its conception. Inspired by Gary Vee's 'Crushing It,' Lance initiated this journey with a focus on transforming personal struggles into a source of empowerment. Over half a decade, the podcast has fostered not just a community that shares poignant stories of overcoming adversities, but also nurtured a space built on genuine connections, fostering confidence, and aiding others in building their brands.

With authenticity at the forefront, Lance divulges...

Miesha Tate, also lovingly known as “Cupcake,” is not your conventional MMA fighter. Starting her fighting career at just 19, Miesha quickly realized her passion for the sport and its capability to redefine societal norms. Despite the constant underestimation and misunderstanding that she faced, she emboldened herself to challenge these stigmas, paving a path for women in a predominantly male-oriented sport. As a testament to her fight against these norms, she became a UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion in 2016, among other titles.

After retiring in 2016, Miesha spent five years rekindling her competitive spirit and building a family with her fi...

In this powerful episode of University of Adversity, Stephanie Kwong joins Lance to discuss the Rapid Rewire Method and its transformative potential. Stephanie, a highly skilled practitioner of this method, introduces the audience to a set of transformational tools that dissolve limiting beliefs and barriers to success. With over 15 tools at her disposal, Stephanie has helped numerous individuals integrate and overcome their problems or trauma in just 60 minutes or less, sometimes even as quick as 20 minutes.

As a disruptor in the field, Stephanie challenges the traditional belief that healing takes time and offers practical tools for not...

James Silvas is an International Mindset Specialist and Peak Performance Coach, known for inspiring athletes, leaders, and high-performing teams to break through fear, optimize their performance, and enhance their personal and professional lives. A UNLV graduate and protege of Dr. Mark Guadagnoli, James is the founder of the "Be That 1%" movement and podcast. With over 8,000 clients from 12+ countries, including major companies like NIKE and MGM, James is committed to helping individuals live life on their terms.

In this episode of "University of Adversity," James Silvas shares his remarkable journey and valuable insights. He discusses his early career...

Danny Morel is a highly sought-after business strategist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. His transformative journey from the world of business to becoming a life coach and spiritual guide has made him a prominent figure in the personal development industry. As the founder of the Higher Self Podcast and the Awaken series, Danny is dedicated to guiding individuals towards awakening, healing, and transforming their lives. His thought-provoking perspectives challenge societal norms and invite listeners to question their beliefs and embrace heart-centered, soul-centered living. With a passionate belief in the inherent power of love and a commitment to personal growth, Danny...

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Welcome back to the University of Adversity podcast! In today's episode, we have a truly inspiring guest joining us, Sarah Swain. Sarah is a remarkable individual who has not only embraced the power of choice in her own life but has made it her mission to empower others to do the same.

Throughout this conversation, Sarah shares her insights on the transformative potential of recognizing the power of choice in our daily lives. She emphasizes that understanding this power can lead to a happier, richer, a...

In this episode, we're delving into the world of policing and the tough challenges faced by those on the front lines of law enforcement. Our special guest is Nick Motycka, a former police officer with over 17 years of experience. Nick has a mission to help people heal from trauma through his special hemp organic cotton clothing line. Through his personal story, Nick shines a light on the mental health struggles that many in this demanding job go through.

During the episode, Nick talks openly about his own experiences seeking psychological support and how tough situations can take...

Today, we have a truly inspiring guest with us - the incredible Chris Felton. In this episode, Chris opens up about a pivotal moment in his life that completely transformed his mindset, leading him to incredible success.

In a heated argument with his wife, Chris faces the harsh reality of his financial situation - $250,000 in credit card debt and unable to borrow any more money. But instead of giving up, Chris and his wife make a bold decision to seek advice from wealthy mentors and embark on a journey to turn their financial situation around. This life-changing...

Laura DiBenedetto is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author known for her inspirational and empowering message. She is the founder of Sovereign Ammo, a business that aligns with her belief in individual sovereignty and freedom. Laura is passionate about personal growth and helping others find joy and fulfillment in life.

In this raw and unfiltered discussion, Laura fearlessly delves into the pros and cons of influential figures like Trump, DeSantis, and Kennedy, shedding light on their varying stances and the impact they have had on society. She candidly expresses her concerns about the erosion of freedom, the influence...

On this episode of University of Adversity, we have Rachel Scheer, an inspiring guest who shares her journey of overcoming medication withdrawal and advocating for a holistic approach to health. Rachel's personal experience with judgment and struggles with medication withdrawal gave her empathy for others facing similar challenges. While not against medication, Rachel strongly believes in addressing the root causes of issues rather than solely relying on it.

Rachel delves into the limitations of Western medicine, highlighting how it often diagnoses based on symptom clusters without considering other important factors such as diet, lifestyle, and relationships. She...

On this episode of University of Adversity, Garrain Jones shares his journey of personal transformation and how he tapped into his inner child to reconnect with his true passions. He discusses the importance of mind, body, and soul alignment, finding harmony in life, and breaking free from societal norms. Garrain also opens up about his struggles as a father and his commitment to creating a better environment for his daughter. He dives into the power of positive thinking, forgiveness, and the impact of AI on society. Garrain shares his profound insights from his time in prison and how it...