888 | From War-Torn Italy to the American Dream with Dr. Salvatore Forcina
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
Release Date: 07/31/2025
902 | Your Past Gives You the Lessons to Change Your Future with Valerie J. Walsh
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I am speaking with Best-Selling Author, Inspirational Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, Valerie J. Walsh. Valerie is a best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and transformational leader known for turning pain into purpose. After losing her mother to suicide, surviving cancer twice, and overcoming addiction, Valerie made the bold decision not just to heal—but to serve. Her story is one of deep resilience, raw honesty, and a powerful commitment to helping others rise from their own darkest moments. Through her books Shattered to the Core and COREAGEOUS, she delivers...
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901 | At Any Stage, At Any Age, You Always Have a Choice
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I want to reflect on the core message that has been a guiding principle throughout my life and this podcast: you always have a choice. No matter your age or stage in life, you possess the power to make choices that shape your reality. I understand that it can often feel like circumstances are beyond our control, but I assure you that we can always choose how we respond to those circumstances. At 55 years old and navigating the complexities of the sandwich generation, caring for aging parents while managing a business that feels ever-evolving, I find myself constantly reminded...
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900 | From Scrappy Beginnings to #900
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this special episode of the "Own Your Choices, Own Your Life" podcast, we celebrate a monumental milestone: episode 900! This is a special episode where Marsha is being interviewed by Sue Ruhe, her podcast manager, ninja extraordinaire and close friend. Marsha shares her thoughts on the significance of reaching 900 episodes, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and the unique space the podcast has provided her to navigate both business and personal challenges. We discuss the power of vulnerability in her solo episodes, where she imparts valuable lessons from her own...
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899 | Why Strategy Isn’t Enough to Share Your Story
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, we are on the brink of a significant milestone—episode 900! As I prepare to share more of my journey in the upcoming episode, I want to dive deep into a topic that I believe is crucial for anyone looking to make an impact, whether through writing, coaching, speaking, or any other form of expression. Today, I discuss the importance of sharing your story and how it connects to building genuine relationships with others. Many people underestimate the power of their narrative, thinking that strategy alone will lead to success. Strategy is only 5% of the equation; the remaining...
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898 | How to Write Your Book from the Optimal State
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I discuss the everyday struggles many authors face, such as fear of judgment from family and friends, and the realization that we cannot control how others perceive our words. Our internal representation of the world shapes our responses, and I share personal anecdotes to illustrate how our states can influence our reactions to others. Instead of focusing on the strategy first, it is essential to get into the right state of mind, energy, and nervous system regulation before writing. Our subconscious mind, which governs 95% of our actions, responds to feelings of safety rather...
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897 | Aligned, Activated, Unapologetic: The Marsha Effect
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode of the podcast, we are sharing a recording from Marsha’s interview on the Ambitious, Awakened & Aligned Podcast. Marsha is interviewed as a guest and wanted to share this incredible interview with her listeners. In this episode, we explore the inner revolution that happens when we stop operating from sheer ambition and start aligning with our subconscious power. Marsha shares what it means to burn the old stories to the ground, step out of proving energy, and own your boldest truths — even when they terrify you. Together, we explore how nervous system regulation,...
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896 | The Difference Between Feeling Numb and Unbothered
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I explore the concept of being unbothered vs feeling numb. Being unbothered involves feeling emotions without being controlled by them. I recount my journey over the past couple of years, particularly the challenges I've faced, including navigating past stories of teen substance abuse and personal turmoil. Through these experiences, I have learned to strengthen my boundaries and prioritize self-care, allowing me to listen to my needs rather than numb them. I pose the question: Are you numb or unbothered? I explain the characteristics of both states, highlighting that numbness...
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895 | Burn Away What’s Not Meant to Come With You
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, we are sharing the theme of fire, as a metaphor for personal transformation and as a reflection of my own experiences. This quote summarizes it all: “The fire burned brighter inside of me than around me," by Joshua Graham. What would change if you could learn to embrace the fire as a transformative force rather than a destructive one? I encourage everyone to reflect on what they are carrying that is no longer theirs to bear and to allow the fire to burn away those burdens. By doing so, we can ignite our inner fire, leading to a stronger, more authentic self. ...
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894 | Manifesting Dreams: Declaring Your Vision with Vision Boards with Debbi Sluys
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I am speaking with Founder and Personal Development & Empowerment Coach, Debbi Sluys. Debbi empowers people to live their best lives and be the best professionals they can be by discovering their vision, balancing their lives, and realizing their inner power. Debbi is the Founder of the Dare to Declare™ Academy, which certifies coaches and entrepreneurs to lead impactful vision board experiences for their clients. HIGHLIGHTS 00:01:11 - Debbie's Unique Business 00:02:51 - Transitioning to Vision Boards 00:05:30 - The Impact of COVID-19 00:08:16 - Following Dreams and...
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893 | The Emotions Your Body Holds While You Write Your Story
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I share the intricate relationship between writing, emotions, and the body. As I embark on the journey of writing my second solo book, I feel compelled to share insights that have emerged from my experiences and the experiences of the authors I support. This past month, I have been sharing a virtual masterclass on how our emotions influence our writing process and how we can navigate these feelings to create more authentic and powerful narratives. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 - Introduction to Writing and Emotions 00:01:00 - Understanding Emotions in Writing 00:02:30 - The Role...
info_outlineToday, I speak with Published Author, Dr. Salvatore Forcina. Dr. Forcina is a retired general, vascular, and trauma surgeon who served as the Chief of Surgery at two North Jersey hospitals for years and treated thousands of patients.
He is also the author of The American Doctor. This inspiring memoir chronicles his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in war-torn Italy to becoming a highly respected physician in the United States.
Born in 1941 amidst the chaos of World War II, poverty and hardship marked Dr. Forcina's early years. Throughout the war, his family lived in the mountains with other villagers. After it ended, they moved to Argentina when he was eight, in search of a better life. However, the move presented new challenges, including language and cultural differences.
To ensure his education, Dr. Forcina's parents sent him to live with priests, where he faced a strict and isolating environment. Despite these difficulties, he excelled in his studies and went on to become a medical doctor. At the age of 28, with only $40 in his pocket and no command of the English language, Dr. Forcina immigrated to America; however, his medical degree was not recognized in the United States.
Determined to practice medicine in the U.S., he worked as a hospital tech for three years, drawing blood for a meagre $16 a day while taking foreign equivalency exams to be allowed to begin medical residency. It wasn't until eight years after he arrived in this country, at the age of 36, that he was finally able to begin practicing as a young, unrecognized physician.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:01:00 - Life During the War
00:05:00 - Post-War Migration to Argentina
00:11:25 - Education and Separation
00:14:30 - Struggles with Identity
00:19:00 - Pursuing Medicine
00:22:00 - Overcoming Obstacles
00:26:00 - Moving to the United States
00:30:00 - Struggles in a New Country
00:33:00 - Medical Licensing Journey
00:35:00 - Starting His Medical Career
00:40:00 - Meeting His Future Family
00:44:00 - Becoming a Surgeon
00:48:00 - The American Doctor
Connect with Dr. Salvatore Forcina
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsalvatoreforcinamd/
Website: https://salvatoreforcina.com/
The American Doctor:
Amazon: https://a.co/d/i4M4Exl
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-american-doctor-salvatore-j-forcina/1141643151
Marsha Vanwynsberghe — NLP Storytelling Trainer, OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster
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