Flying Upstream Podcast

What does real strength look like when you stop performing it for the world? In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Louise Butcher to share a deeply moving conversation about authenticity, empowerment, and reclaiming your identity through life’s most confronting moments. Louise opens up about her journey through health anxiety, motherhood, ADHD, and a breast cance...

What if January isn’t meant to be a fresh start — but a moment to breathe? In this solo episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros explores the intense and often unspoken pressure to reinvent yourself at the start of the new year. From goal-setting culture to “new year, new you” messaging, Kristin gently challenges the idea that growth must be loud, fast, or visible to be valid. She speaks...

What if children are far more capable than we give them credit for? In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, alongside her children Melody Ellis and Serenity Ellis, for an inspiring conversation about youth entrepreneurship, creativity, and confidence. Together, they explore what happens when children are en...

What if the life you’re craving isn’t found by following the rules — but by trusting your instincts and taking the first small step? In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Ceri Stone for a compelling conversation about self-discovery, resilience, and choosing a life outside of societal expectations. Ceri shares his extraordinary journey, from surviving a military...

What happens when life changes in an instant — and everything you thought defined you is suddenly gone? In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Julia Myers, whose life took an unexpected turn after experiencing a spontaneous retinal detachment that forced her to confront a new reality. Julia shares how losing her vision reshaped her sense of identity, purpose, and...

What if success isn’t about doing more — but about honoring who you are and what truly matters to you? In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros is joined by Amy Lenius , Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University , for a deeply honest conversation about self-worth, self-belief, and redefining success on your own terms. Amy shares her personal journey through chronic illne...

Episode Description / Show Notes (Amy Porterfield–Style) What happens when you achieve everything you were told would make you happy… and it still doesn’t feel like enough? In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Alan Lazaros, CEO and co-founder of Next Level University, to explore what real success actually looks like. Alan opens up about growing up in ch...

What if the ultimate picture of success—wealth, comfort, and financial independence—felt completely empty? In this profoundly honest and thought-provoking episode of Flying Upstream, we sit down with Robin Singh, the author of Happiness Happens and founder of Peepow Farm, an incredible animal rescue and awareness organization in rural India. Robin is the definition of flying upstream: he walked aw...

What happens when unimaginable grief opens a pathway to a deeper, more profound connection? In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Tammy Young, a certified psychic medium and Reiki master. Tammy's journey is a remarkable pivot from a highly logical career as an electrical engineer at Motorola to helping people reconnect with loved ones who have passed...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Flying Upstream , host Luisa Anderson sits down with international speaker, trauma survivor, and author Pamela Michaux for an unforgettable conversation about rising from generational wounds, reclaiming identity, and transforming pain into purpose. Pamela—author of Mundele Diaries: A Memoir of Survival, Silence , and the Courage to Break Free —opens up...

In this episode of Flying Upstream , Emmy award-winning filmmaker and conservationist Scott Ressler opens up about how he left a conventional career path to follow a calling rooted in ocean protection , Indigenous-led conservation , and deep spiritual connection to nature . Scott shares the unexpected moments that reshaped the way he sees the natural world, and why he believes authentic storytelli...

In this episode of Flying Upstream , filmmaker Cheryl Isaacson opens up about her journey from evangelical youth culture to becoming an independent filmmaker creating unapologetically queer stories. Cheryl reflects on the tension between faith and identity, the emotional complexity of leaving a high-control religious environment, and the role filmmaking played in reclaiming her voice. She exposes...

In this episode of Flying Upstream , hosts Kristyn and Luisa dive into the raw and often uncomfortable process of transformation. Together, they explore what it means to let go of old identities, move through the liminal space of change, and embrace the grief that accompanies growth. This conversation highlights how personal evolution rarely feels linear—and why that’s okay. They unpack the tensio...

In this episode of Flying Upstream , host Luisa Anderson sits down with Omziel Garcia for a deeply honest and transformative conversation about healing, personal growth, and the power of community. From a turbulent childhood in Brooklyn shaped by trauma, instability, and addiction, Omar opens up about the turning points that led him toward self-discovery—and the profound impact ayahuasca had on hi...

In this episode of Flying Upstream , Marat Omarov traces the arc of a remarkable transformation—one shaped by a strict military upbringing in Kazakhstan, a rapid rise in politics, and ultimately a complete reimagining of what it means to live with purpose. Through personal stories of discipline, escape, ego dissolution, and deep self-inquiry, Marat reveals how discovering our inner superpower requ...

In this episode of Flying Upstream , Hussein Hallak breaks down what success really means—beyond the resume lines, accolades, and external validation. His path from chasing traditional achievement to embracing personal growth, failure, and uncertainty reveals a deeper truth: success isn’t what we attain; it’s who we become. We explore how societal expectations shape our definition of success, why...

What if happiness isn’t something you chase—but something you choose ? In this uplifting episode of Flying Upstream , host Luisa Anderson sits down with Julie Rowe , a writer and teacher whose unconventional journey took her from lab technologist to bestselling author. Together, they explore what it means to embrace creativity, navigate ADHD, and find joy in the everyday moments that make life mea...

Are you really in debt—or is the system deceiving you? In this eye-opening episode of Flying Upstream , Tommy Kilpatrick shares his personal journey from being trapped by credit card debt to discovering the hidden truths of the banking system . He exposes how promissory notes, credit card fees, and conventional financial practices often create a false sense of obligation, and shows listeners how t...

What if your deepest heartbreak was actually your invitation to transformation? In this episode of Flying Upstream , host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Reginald Martin , founder of Kametaphysics , to explore how pain, paradox, and ancient wisdom can become the foundation for personal growth. Reginald shares his remarkable journey from heartbreak to self-realization, breaking down how The Secret...

In this deeply personal episode of Flying Upstream , host Luisa Anderson talk with D. Logan , a live television director whose life is a testament to resilience, healing, and transformation. Logan opens up about his upbringing in a religious cult , the emotional and psychological hurdles he faced, and how therapy and self-reflection became the cornerstones of his healing journey. Through courage a...

What if your biggest challenges were actually your greatest gifts? In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream , Wall Street executive Ed Hajim opens up about his extraordinary journey from foster homes and orphanages to the height of corporate success. Through stories of early failures, resilience, and personal growth , Ed reveals how adversity shaped his mindset—and how anyone can turn struggle...

Ever felt like life suddenly threw you off balance — only to realize it was pushing you toward something bigger? 🌙 In this episode, we explore the spiritual awakening with Becky Cohen. It often comes during major life transitions — especially in your 30s — and how Human Design and Astrology can act as maps to your authentic self . The hosts unpack the deep journey of self-discovery , alignment ,...

In this inspiring episode, Izaic Yorks opens up about his incredible transition from a professional athlete to a fantasy author , revealing the powerful lessons sports taught him about creativity, discipline, and storytelling. Izaic shares how scaffolding , a mindset built through years of athletic training, became the foundation for his writing life — helping him navigate setbacks, build structur...

🌈 In this empowering conversation, Sam opens up about her journey of weaving identity, entrepreneurship, and healing into a cohesive and authentic life. From her early days in the financial industry to becoming an entrepreneur and spiritual practitioner, Sam reflects on what it means to show up fully as herself — as a member of both the LGBTQIA+ and Asian communities . She shares candid insights...

In this episode of Flying Upstream , host Luisa Anderson sits down with Dr. Kevin Gazzara , leadership expert and founder of Magna Leadership Solutions, to explore how preparation, mentorship, and financial planning lay the foundation for long-term success in entrepreneurship. After two decades in the corporate world, Dr. Kevin Gazzara made the leap to full-time entrepreneurship — and he’s sharing...