Get a G.R.I.P. with Coach Elix

Today on our special pride episode, we're honored to welcome a voice that embodies the true spirit of Pride—not just as a celebration, but as a powerful expression of resilience, equity, and transformation.  Iris E. Fernández Valdés is a wellness coach, a proud trans Puerto Rican, and an unwavering advocate who has turned community support and activism into a healing force for justice.  She joins...

What if feedback wasn't about criticism—but about care? On this episode of Get a G.R.I.P. with Coach Elix, we're joined by world-renowned leadership coach, author, and friend Donna Karlin, who's here to change the way we think about feedback. Her new book "Feedback Unfiltered: Say What Matters. Cut the Noise. Transform Everything" dives deep into how honest, timely feedback—when done right—can rad...

 "America at a Crossroads: Whose Freedom Counts?" In a time when so many are screaming to be seen and fighting to be heard, we're hitting pause to open up a real, unfiltered conversation. This week's episode is a powerful open forum where Coach Elix and Steven dive deep into the state of our nation—and how it's impacting the lives of minorities, especially the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, im...

On this episode of Get a G.R.I.P. with Coach Elix, we're diving into one of the most urgent and powerful conversations of our time—immigration, civil rights, and the human realities at the U.S. border. Our guest, Stephen Katsurinis, is a respected attorney, non-profit executive, and innkeeper who brings a rare combination of legal expertise and deep compassion to the table. He's pulling back the c...

We are living in uncertain times in our beloved America. More and more, we find ourselves walking in fear—questioning whether we're truly safe, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. Our psychological safety is under threat. So today, we're asking the big question: Why does psychological safety matter? And just as importantly—how can we all contribute to building inclusive, empowering spaces...

What Are You Choosing This Season in Your Life?  That's the question we're holding space for this week on Open Forum: Real Talk, Real Life with Coach Elix and Steven. Life moves fast. Seasons shift. And sometimes, we find ourselves reacting instead of choosing.  This episode is all about getting intentional—about the habits, beliefs, relationships, and mindsets that are either serving us… or holdi...

Open Forum: Real Talk, Real Life is BACK this Friday with Coach Elix and Steven! No filters. No scripts. Just real, honest conversations about life, love, challenges, and everything in between. We're diving into the everyday stuff that actually matters: - Mental health - Personal growth & relationships - Career curveballs And what it truly means to thrive in a world that's constantly changing. Are...

The past few days have brought uncertainty, fear, and even moments of hopelessness. But today, we're here to create a space for open conversation—a forum where we discuss the real challenges people face and how we can rise above them. We'll be diving into topics that matter to everyday people—things that impact how we live, love, work, and thrive. No script, no filters—just real talk about the thi...

Strength isn't just about physical capabilities—it's about resilience, courage, and the power to keep moving forward. At just 18, Chris Anselmo received life-changing news: he was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a rare disease that gradually weakens the muscles. Imagine standing at the threshold of adulthood, dreaming about your future, only to be faced with something completely out...

Valentine's Day Special! ✨💖 Love isn't just about fairy tales—it's about commitment, growth, and choosing each other every single day.  This Valentine's Day, we're opening our hearts to share our journey—how we've chosen each other, day after day, for over three decades.  Join us as we take you back to the moment we met, the foundation of trust, respect, and deep connection that keeps our love s...

Life is unpredictable, and learning how to navigate challenges, tune out the noise, and master the art of letting go is essential.  Letting go of expectations, judgment, and the need for control can open the door to true growth and fulfillment. But how do we develop these life-changing skills? How do we learn to stand strong on our own, focus on self-growth, and create a life of thriving and happi...

"I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!"  As the New Year begins to take shape, we're kicking off with an empowering conversation about owning your alpha identity! In this episode, we're diving deep into what makes an alpha female, why the world is sometimes intimidated by strong women, and how to embrace your power unapologetically in every aspect of life. As women, the world often expects so much from us, bu...

A new year presents a blank page, an opportunity to start fresh and get things right. We all sit back and come up with new goals and resolutions, starting the year with high energy. But along the way, many of us lose motivation, falling back into our average ways of operation and hoping to restart again. But do you know the power to make intentional goals and plans that work lies within you?  The...

The holiday season is a time for togetherness—a chance to gather with friends, family, and loved ones to celebrate cherished traditions and create new, lasting memories. But let's be honest: the holidays often come with a long list of expectations.  From finding the perfect gifts and hosting gatherings to managing family dynamics and tackling year-end goals, the season can feel more overwhelming t...

Have you ever wondered about the unsung heroes behind the books you love? Editors play a crucial role in shaping a manuscript into a masterpiece. Today, we shine a spotlight on one such hero who was instrumental in the success of The Suicide Gift. In this deeply moving book, an eight-year-old boy loses his father to suicide, and his world is forever changed. Behind its poignant storytelling is Sam...

The LGBTQ+ community continues to face significant challenges in society and needs all the support we can provide to navigate these difficult tides.  Today on this episode of  Get a G.R.I.P with Coach Elix, we're joined by Iris E. Fernández Valdés—a trans Puerto Rican coach dedicated to advancing mental health equity, promoting diversity, and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. As a leade...

Our lives don't come with scripts, but they do offer us endless chapters, each one a new opportunity to shape our future. But what happens when our first chapter brings us pain, unfulfillment, and burnout instead of the thriving life we imagined? The beauty of life is that we can always turn the page to Chapter 2. This chapter is a chance to reinvent, heal, rebuild, and finally pursue our deepest...

Do you know that a legacy isn't just for the rich and famous?  It's something each of us builds every day through our actions, choices, and relationships.  Whether we realize it or not, we are all creating a legacy through the lives we touch, the choices we make, and the impact we leave behind. But what does it mean to build a legacy that truly reflects who we are?  On our episode of Get a G.R.I.P...

The mind is often defined as the part of us that thinks, feels, perceives, imagines, remembers, and wills. It's the core of all mental phenomena, from conscious processes where we're aware of the world around us, to unconscious processes that shape our behaviors and decisions without us even realizing it. On this episode of  'Get a G.R.I.P.' with Coach Elix, my husband Steven and I are diving deep...

Control is the ability or power to influence, direct, or regulate the behavior of people, processes, or events. It involves having authority or command over a situation and being able to manage or limit outcomes based on your actions or decisions. Do you ever find yourself needing to be in control of every aspect of your life—whether it's at work, at home, or in your personal relationships? The tr...

Adoption isn't just a story; it's a lifelong journey!  On this episode of 'Get a G.R.I.P.' with Coach Elix, we continue diving deep into the heart of adoption and the search for belonging. In this special episode, I'm opening up about my own adoption experience—sharing the highs, the lows, the twists, and the turns that have shaped who I am today. Through every challenge and every triumph, we refl...

Did you know that around 5 million Americans are adopted? In the 2020 census, about 4.5 million adopted children were counted in the United States, making up 7% of the population. Adoption is all around us, even if we don't always see it. Every day, children are welcomed into loving homes, given the chance to thrive, and live the life they deserve. Whether you're adopted, considering adoption, or...

Today, we continue where we left off. In our last episode, we established that relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, but just like muscles, they need to be worked on to grow. We will be talking about how to lay the foundation for meaningful and lasting relationships. Together, we will heal from past relationship wounds and gain insights on when it is time to release relationships...

  A relationship is how two or more people connect and behave toward each other. Having healthy social connections and relationships is good for your health and general well-being. Just like every other area of our lives, relationships should be developed, nurtured, and protected. Relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, but they require effort, understanding, and sometimes, difficu...

  Are you ready to break societal rules and make your own? Join us for the second part of our special Pride Month series with Coach Iris Fernández Valdés, continuing the inspiring conversation from June. Do you know the importance of cultivating authentic relationships and being attuned to your own needs and desires? Discover how you can move towards your ideal, thriving life by replenishing your...