417: Finding Your Joy In the Journey!
DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy
Release Date: 03/20/2025
DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy
We’ve got an inspiring and eye-opening conversation for you this week as Mitch sits down with Shawn D. Nelson - the founder and CEO of LoveSac. If the name sounds familiar, it should. LoveSac has become a billion-dollar disruptor in the furniture space, known for their ultra-comfy bean bags and their game-changing modular couches that are built to last a lifetime. But long before LoveSac became a publicly traded company with hundreds of retail stores… it started in Shawn’s parents’ basement with a roll of vinyl, some foam, and a wild idea. Since then, Shawn’s story has included...
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In this solo episode, Mitch Matthews shares an honest, behind-the-scenes story that started with a season of struggle, turned into a desperate idea… and accidentally launched a movement that’s now inspired thousands of people to get clear on their big dreams and goals and move forward with courage and clarity. You’ll hear about the surprising origin of the very first Big Dream Gathering - an experiment that started in their living room and eventually led to events hosted around the country. These events have helped people to get clear and get connected and get big dreams...
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What if you could actually feel good about money? Not just make more of it - but feel less stress, more clarity, and a sense of freedom around your finances? That’s exactly what we’re talking about this week with our guest, John Kennedy. He’s a Certified Financial Planner, yes… but his superpower is helping people unpack the emotional side of money, build simple systems that work, and finally take control of their financial life - without shame or overwhelm. John is a partner and senior wealth advisor, and the co-host of the Above Board Podcast, which ranks in the top 2% of...
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In this powerful episode, Mitch reconnects with Vanessa McNeal - a dynamic speaker, trauma-informed life coach, and certified elite coach who's changing the way leaders think about difficult people, burnout, and team culture. Vanessa’s mission? To help high achievers ditch burnout, quiet the noise of overwhelm, and lead from a place of inner alignment. She’s not about surface-level fluff - her strategies are rooted in science, her story is authentic, and her presence is transformative. In this conversation, Mitch and Vanessa dive deep into the neuroscience behind stress, conflict, and...
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What does it take to fully step into the life you were meant to live? What happens when you lose a big part of your identity… and have to rebuild from the ground up? That’s what we’re talking about in this raw and real episode with Nick Koumalatsos. Nick is a former Marine Raider, turned multi-passionate entrepreneur, coach, and author. He’s also the co-founder and CEO of Johnny Slicks, a fast-growing premium grooming brand. He's also the author of Excommunicated Warrior: 7 Stages of Transition - a powerful book that explores how to navigate major life shifts without losing yourself in...
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What if the thing standing between you and your growth… is you? In this episode of Dream Think Do, Mitch sits down with Steve Mellor - who went from being one of the top 50 swimmers in the world to coaching Olympic athletes, and now, speaking to audiences across the country. Steve flips the script on how we think about progress. From early‑morning swim practices in England to empowering leaders at the highest levels, he dives deep into the tension between dreaming big and doing the work. Expect powerful stories, fresh strategies, and a compass for navigating the inner resistance that...
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What do you do when the plan… completely unravels? In this powerful and faith-filled deep dive, Mitch Matthews shares a message that will help… especially in those times when your plan seems to fall apart. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're the only one without a clear path… this episode is for you. Mitch unpacks one of his all-time favorite stories from the Bible - buried deep in the Old Testament - to explore what happens when things don't go the way we expected. And more importantly, what we can do next. You'll hear real talk about plans falling...
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What if one small moment - something most people would walk past - could change your life and the lives of thousands? That’s exactly what happened when Luke Mickelson saw a child sleeping on a “nest” of clothes on the floor. What followed was messy, imperfect, but undeniably powerful. In this episode, you’ll see how compassion + action + leadership can birth a movement. Whether you’re a leader, someone craving purpose, or just someone who believes big starts small - Luke’s story will inspire you to notice what others don’t, act even when you’re unsure, and...
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In this powerful episode of DREAM THINK DO, Mitch sits down with Jheri South - a certified master coach, ADHD specialist, and mom of seven neurodivergent kids. Jheri opens up about her own adult ADHD diagnosis and how it completely changed the game for her - personally and professionally. She shares how ADHD can be a superpower when we learn to understand it and work with it, not against it. Whether you’re walking through ADHD yourself… helping a kiddo… leading a team… or you just want more insight into how neurodivergence impacts dreaming, thinking, and doing - this is an...
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In this energizing episode of Dream Think Do… Mitch Matthews tackles something we all need: more GRIT and resiliency. And not in some drill sargent… mad at the world… sort of way. But instead using science-backed strategies to grow your ability to focus and bring your best… even when you’re tired. Whether you're leading a team, chasing a dream, or just trying to keep up with life… this episode offers researched-backed concepts and real-world inspiration to help you dig deep, stay strong, and find your momentum - even when the tank feels empty. Plus, Mitch shares a...
info_outlineIn this powerful episode of DREAM THINK DO, Mitch Matthews welcomes back the incredible Amberly Lago! Amberly is a true powerhouse of resilience, inspiration, and grit. She’s been featured on the Today Show, the Hallmark Channel, and in magazines like Shape, Fit Pregnancy, and Health & Disability Magazine—all because of her amazing journey of overcoming adversity.
After surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident, enduring 34 surgeries, and navigating the challenges of chronic pain, Amberly has redefined her life with perseverance, faith, and radical self-care.
Now, she’s back with a brand-new best-selling book: "Joy Through the Journey"—a deeply personal guide to finding and sustaining joy, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
In this episode, Mitch and Amberly dive into:
✔️ The turning points and mindset shifts that helped her reclaim joy
✔️ The wake-up call moment that made her realize she was burning out
✔️ The small but powerful steps we can all take to protect our energy
✔️ Why joy and pain can coexist—and how to cultivate joy daily
✔️ The importance of self-care, gratitude, and connection in the journey to happiness
This episode is packed with real talk, inspiring stories, and practical strategies that will help you spark joy in your own life. Don’t miss it!
ENCOURAGING THE ENCOURAGERS:
Remember… you can now check out Mitch’s OTHER podcast called “ENCOURAGING THE ENCOURAGERS” anywhere you listen to podcasts.
It’s specifically designed for Coaches, Speakers and Content Creators and provides a quick dose of inspiration, strategy AND… of course… encouragement!
Find it on Apple Podcasts: Click here
Find it on Spotify: Click here
Find it on Anchor: Click here
Find it on Google: Click here
Resources & Links
📖 Get Amberly’s New Book: "Joy Through the Journey" [CLICK HERE]
🎙️ Listen to Amberly’s Podcast: "True Grit and Grace"
📲 Follow Amberly for Daily Inspiration:
Instagram: @amberlylagomotivation
Website: www.amberlylago.com
We Want to Hear From YOU! 🎙💡
👉 What’s one small but powerful step you can take TODAY to spark more joy? Write it down and make it happen!
👉 Comment below and let us know what resonated most with you from this inspiring convo!
👉 If this episode spoke to you, leave a review! It helps more Dream Think Doers find the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Episode Minute by Minute:
- 0:00 Introduction to Episode 416 and welcoming Amberly Lago back to Dream Think Do.
- 2:00 Amberly shares her journey of resilience—from surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident to enduring 34 surgeries and redefining her life.
- 3:30 Discussion on Amberly’s new book, Joy Through the Journey, and why she wrote it now.
- 5:00 Amberly opens up about her personal struggles with burnout and the turning point that led her to reclaim her joy.
- 7:00 The wake-up call: How pushing too hard led to a physical and emotional collapse in front of hundreds of people.
- 10:00 The shift that helped Amberly start healing—getting back to basics with faith, gratitude, and self-care.
- 12:00 Why joy isn’t a destination but a choice we can make daily, even in the midst of pain.
- 14:00 Amberly shares a powerful story from physical therapy about how mindset shifts can create joy even in difficult situations.
- 18:00 The science behind gratitude and how it rewires the brain to increase resilience and happiness.
- 22:00 Joy and pain can coexist: Amberly explains how she learned to embrace both in her healing journey.
- 28:00 The role of connection in overcoming challenges—why we need the right people around us.
- 32:00 Amberly’s battle with addiction, the moment she got radically honest with herself, and how she got sober.
- 36:00 Healing through vulnerability—why we heal what we reveal and the power of community.
- 40:00 Overcoming self-doubt and fear—Amberly shares her journey of embracing her scars and owning her story.
- 44:00 Mitch’s Minute: Key takeaways on resilience, the importance of joy, and practical ways to reclaim your energy and purpose.