The Life Shift | Pivotal Moments & Life Change

Welcome back to The Life Shift Podcast—candid conversations about the pivotal moments that change lives forever! In this episode, Matt speaks with photographer and drum teacher Hondu Knight. Hondu shares this journey to sobriety and the moments that triggered his addiction. Most importantly, we discuss how he stays sober daily and the everyday struggles that try to pull him from his 6+ year sobrie...

Welcome back to The Life Shift Podcast—candid conversations about the pivotal moments that change lives forever!   In this episode, Matt is joined by educator, award-winning professional artist, and entrepreneur Heather Torres.   Heather shares her story of when her 18-year marriage ended unexpectedly and changed everything she knew about herself and the world around her.   Listen as Heather tells...

Welcome back to The Life Shift Podcast—candid conversations about the pivotal moments that change lives forever!   In this episode, Matt is joined by communication extraordinaire José I. Rodríguez.   Dr. J shares his story of connection through mentorship. He shares the milestones in his journey, from meeting his mentor in class to building a strong working relationship, witnessing his final words...

** This episode may contain content that is upsetting to some. Please read the notes below before listening. ** --- Welcome back to The Life Shift Podcast—candid conversations about the pivotal moments that change lives forever!   In this episode, Matt is joined by Free Skin Co. business owner, branding, and marketing leader Ashley Pereira.   Ashley shares deeply personal stories about her physica...

Welcome back to The Life Shift Podcast—candid conversations about the pivotal moments that change lives forever!   In this episode, Matt is joined by English teacher, world traveler, and advertising and public relations graduate Noelle Cheaib.   Noelle talks about the journey to finding purpose and a place that feels like home, triggered by a “hurry up and wait” process to return to Spain after a...

In this update episode, I wanted to share exciting news about starting to record new episodes again and some equipment upgrades. I also wanted to share a few previews of the upcoming episodes through October 18, 2022. In this episode, I discuss: The Life Shift's new recording equipment Working on new audio intro music with my cousin New subscription models - ad-free and early release Resuming reco...

Welcome back to The Life Shift Podcast—candid conversations about the pivotal moments that change lives forever!   In this episode, Matt is joined by Real Estate Agent, Broadway and Television Hair and Wig Supervisor, and former podcaster Melissa Matto. She's worked on numerous Broadway shows, the Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and multiple Netflix Series.   Melissa talks about th...

Welcome back to The Life Shift Podcast—candid conversations about the pivotal moments that change lives forever!   In this episode, Matt is joined by the Founder and Owner of Spaces of Grey, speech-language pathologist, Ayurvedic Health Counselor, and writer Erin Browning.   Erin talks about witnessing the sudden death of her partner. It was sudden and tragic, but the conversation centers around t...

In this episode of 'The Life Shift Podcast,' host Matt Gilhooly talks with Tony Award-winning artist Levi Kreis. This episode delves deep into Levi's transformative journey from the throes of addiction to the pinnacle of Broadway success. It's a raw, intimate exploration of personal struggles, the power of self-acceptance, and the relentless pursuit of one's true self. Levi opens up about his batt...

Welcome back to The Life Shift Podcast—candid conversations about the pivotal moments that change lives forever!   In this episode, Matt is joined by Speaking Coach, Marketer, Instructor, and LinkedIn strategist Diane Diaz.   Diane talks about the journey to finding her confidence and grit, fueled by an abusive and mostly absent father, and how she vied never to repeat the cycle.   Listen as Diane...

Welcome back to The Life Shift Podcast—candid conversations about the pivotal moments that change lives forever!   In this episode, Matt is joined by learning and development leader, adjunct podcast professor, and host of the BLOC (Building Learning and Organizational Culture) podcast, Heidi Kirby. She is also finishing her Ph. D. program in Instructional Design and Technology.   Heidi talks about...

In this episode, I talk to my friend Jenna about when she was five months pregnant with her first daughter; she and her husband quit their corporate jobs, sold everything they owned, and downsized to a travel trailer to travel the country and learn from other farmers. The twists and turns led them to truly understand what they wanted for their family. Through the conversation, we reminded ourselve...

In this update episode, I wanted to share some fun milestones. The Life Shift podcast hit 3,000 downloads today! Thank you for your continued support. In this episode, I also discuss how many episodes are recorded and ready to go, subscription ideas, fun recording stories, favorite parts of the process, and what's planned for the future. And as always, please subscribe and share an episode (or two...

Chantal Watts is a former television news producer turned full-time parent. She spends her days child-wrangling, reading, and cuddling up to her husband. She's worn many hats and lived a range of experiences throughout her 30+ years, but two pivotal chance encounters helped give her the life she always dreamed of. In this episode, Chantal highlights too small incidents that turned out to be giant...

In this episode, I talk to my friend Becca Berkey about the more recent pivotal moments in her life – the convergence of many nearly simultaneously. In one year, Becca got pregnant at 37, lost two family members on the same day, and then the world shut down due to the pandemic. But the most interesting part about her story is her journey that brought her to live authentically – driven by her value...

In this episode, I host my new connection, Kelly Anderson. Kelly and I met through LinkedIn, but as you will notice through the conversation, we found a strong connection through the discussion about her pivotal moments. In this episode, Kelly talks about how she left the corporate world to find her purpose. Her story will resonate with anyone that has ever asked themselves, “Is this all there is...

In this update episode, I wanted to share information about current recordings, future plans, and a fun new option to leave an audio message for the show. I hope to get some great reflections, comments, or general information you want to share after listening. I'd love to include these recordings in future episodes as we continue to build The Life Shift Podcast community. To leave an audio message...

In this episode, my friend Randy Redd joins me to discuss his long and winding road through Broadway, film, and television that brought him to find something that brings fire to his heart. We talked about his journey as a writer, musician, actor, singer, and anything New York City needed from him. Randy describes his attempts at escaping the hustle and bustle only to be pulled back. And then, one...

I wanted to share something about my grandmother in this special short episode. In episode 11, I shared my story with the help of my friend Christin. But for this bonus episode, I wanted to commemorate the anniversary of my grandmother's death (June 14, 2015) with a fun memory and a memento I recorded years ago. And, of course, it is about Josh Groban. Please enjoy. I appreciate all my listeners a...

In this episode, I am joined by my friend David Toback, a voice actor and creator of the GVAA Rate Guide used by non-union voice actors. In our conversation, we talk about how a collection of shifts in his life led him to lean into his passion and be more open to the universe. In addition, we learn how some life-altering shifts introduced him to the idea that he can truly do whatever he wants. Dav...

In this special bonus episode, guests from episodes 1, 4, and 8 joined me in a conversation after the recordings. Christin, Adrienne, and Marty share reflections about sharing their stories on the podcast, ask questions, and discuss general thoughts on the ideas of grief, self-awareness, and other The Life Shift Podcast-related topics. Future bonus episodes will be live-streamed on The Life Shift...

Sometimes all you need is a kick in the pants to find your life's purpose, even if it’s spiritual. My friend Ana Reina joins The Life Shift podcast to discuss how a meditation and spiritual reading session kicked her into high gear to start living her true purpose. We discuss the moments along her journey that always led her to where she is now, but how that one specific moment changed everything....

In this episode, we flipped the script so I could tell my story. Throughout the first batch of episodes, the guests (and listeners) asked when I would tell my story. So, in this episode, my first guest, Christin Lindley, leads the conversation as I share the pivotal moments that shaped my life and eventually led to The Life Shift podcast. As a child, Matt faced his mother's sudden and unexpected d...

In this episode, Alex and I talk about how his passion for music began and how music kept calling him back no matter how much he tried to choose other paths. After failing a band placement test in school, Alex almost gave up music. But he got an electric guitar, and his younger brother got a drum set on the same day, setting in motion nearly every significant aspect of his life from that point on....

In this episode, I speak with my high school friend (and my grandmother's favorite neighbor), Rachel. She tells the story of fate intervening multiple times on her journey to marry the love of her life, Matt. Love won, and Rachel and Matt created a beautiful family of four. In a single moment in 2019, Rachel's dream was shattered after losing her husband, Matt, in a tragic accident. We talk about...