Growth Now Movement with Justin Schenck

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with Dr. Cheryl Wood, global speaker, author, and voice empowerment expert, for a conversation that will challenge the way you see fear, purpose, and your own story. I first met Cheryl on stage at a recent conference, and within minutes of hearing her speak, I knew she had to be on the podcast. Her presence, authenticity, and ability to move a room are undeniable, but what stood out even more was who she was off stage. Cheryl lives the message she teaches, and that comes through clearly in this conversation. We dive into Cheryl's personal journey, from growing up in poverty and never attending college to becoming Dr. Cheryl Wood through an honorary doctorate earned by over a decade of impact and service. She opens up about marriage, motherhood, faith, and the internal battles that still show up even as she speaks on stages alongside some of the biggest names in the world. This episode explores the power of saying yes before you feel ready, why so many people hide their story out of fear and shame, and how true healing and confidence begin when you stop asking why me and start asking why not me. Cheryl shares how she discovered her calling unexpectedly, how her first speaking engagement changed everything, and why developing your skill matters just as much as having a natural gift. We also talk about the importance of proximity, surrounding yourself with people who can see greatness in you before you see it in yourself, and why investing in coaching and personal growth is non negotiable if you want to create real impact. Cheryl breaks down her definition of success, her daily rituals that keep her grounded, and why freedom, time, financial, and creative, is the ultimate measure of a successful life. She also gives a powerful reminder that your life may be about you, but it is not for you. This is an episode for anyone who feels the pull to do more, speak up, or step into a bigger version of themselves but has been held back by fear, comparison, or self doubt. In this episode, you will learn: Why your story matters more than you think How fear shows up right before growth and why that is a good sign The difference between having a gift and developing a skill How proximity and mentorship accelerate personal growth Why freedom is the ultimate definition of success How to stop letting shame silence your voice What it really means to live a life of service and impact If you have ever felt called to something bigger but questioned whether you were worthy of the stage, the platform, or the opportunity, this conversation is for you. Connect with Dr. Cheryl Wood at cherylempowers.com or find her on social media under Cheryl Empowers. As always, thank you for being a part of the Growth Now Movement. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that their voice matters.

In this powerful and deeply thoughtful episode, I sit down with Dr. Suzan Song, a psychiatrist, researcher, and humanitarian policy advisor whose work sits at the intersection of trauma, resilience, and human potential. This conversation goes beyond surface level discussions of mental health and dives into the real reasons we struggle, how suffering shapes us, and what it actually takes to heal. Dr. Song shares how moments of instability, pain, and personal setback can become catalysts for growth when we learn how to work with them instead of running from them. Drawing from her work with trauma survivors, high achievers, foster youth, and individuals impacted by global human rights violations, she explains how early life experiences influence adult behavior, relationships, and our sense of purpose. We explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, why shame often keeps people stuck, and how intentional rituals and stability can help rewire the nervous system. Dr. Song also opens up about her own personal trauma and how that journey led her to a life of service, research, and advocacy. This episode is an honest look at suffering, resilience, and the tools that help people move from survival into true healing. This conversation is especially meaningful for anyone navigating trauma, striving for success while feeling internally disconnected, or searching for deeper meaning and emotional stability in their life. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why suffering is a universal human experience and how it can lead to growth How childhood trauma and attachment patterns impact adult behavior Why high achievers often develop unhealthy coping mechanisms The role of narrative in healing and reshaping identity How shame creates isolation and blocks emotional healing Why rituals and stability are essential for trauma recovery How memory works in the brain and its connection to trauma Practical tools for building stability, resilience, and purpose How personal trauma shaped Dr. Song's mission and work If you have ever wondered why some experiences stay with us long after they are over, or how to move forward without ignoring the pain of the past, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and actionable insight. Dr. Suzanne Song brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and lived experience that makes this conversation both practical and deeply human.

In this episode, I sit down with Jay Black, a former high school teacher who took a massive leap of faith and built a successful career as a stand-up comedian, writer, and creative storyteller. Jay's journey is a powerful example of what can happen when you bet on yourself, say yes to opportunities, and stay willing to start over in pursuit of something that truly lights you up. We talk about Jay's early days teaching in the classroom while secretly chasing comedy at night, performing in small clubs around Philadelphia, and slowly building the confidence to take comedy seriously. Jay opens up about his first stand-up experiences, the uncomfortable rooms, the nights that didn't go well, and how those moments shaped his voice as a comedian. Jay shares the story behind his big break on Showtime's White Boys in the Hood and how that moment became a catalyst for leaving teaching and fully committing to life as a working comic. From there, the conversation expands into his transition into writing, including how he landed opportunities writing movies for Hallmark and Lifetime, and what it's really like behind the scenes of those productions. We also dive deep into the evolution of comedy in today's world. Jay offers a thoughtful perspective on how social media, viral clips, podcasting, and digital platforms have completely changed the game for comedians. We talk about the balance between tackling serious topics with humor, navigating cold rooms on the road, and continuously reinventing your material so you do not get stale. Beyond comedy, this episode is really about reinvention, courage, and the skill of saying yes before you feel ready. Jay shares what success looks like to him today, the daily habits that keep him grounded, and why fear is often the clearest sign you are moving in the right direction. Whether you are a creative, entrepreneur, or someone sitting on a dream you have been afraid to pursue, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about risk, growth, and what is possible when you fully commit to your craft. In This Episode, You Will Learn How Jay Black transitioned from high school teacher to full-time stand-up comedian What the early days of stand-up comedy really look like behind the scenes How performing in uncomfortable and cold rooms builds confidence and skill The story behind Jay's breakout moment on Showtime How comedians pivot into writing for Hallmark and Lifetime movies Why saying yes to opportunities can completely change your career path How social media and viral content have reshaped the comedy industry The importance of constantly reinventing your material and creative voice How to balance serious topics with humor and authenticity What success means after building a long-term creative career

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with my friend Terry Weaver to unpack one of the most terrifying and transformative experiences of his life. Terry opens up about surviving severe sepsis, an illness that landed him in the ICU for 10 days and very nearly cost him his life. What started as pushing through an important event quickly turned into a medical emergency that forced Terry to confront his own mortality in a very real way. We walk through the moments leading up to his hospitalization, including the pressure of hosting an event while feeling unwell and the warning signs that were easy to dismiss at the time. Terry shares what it was like inside the hospital, how quickly sepsis can take hold, and the reality of being told just how serious his condition was. This conversation sheds light on how fragile life truly is and how quickly everything can change. Beyond the medical crisis, this episode dives deep into what happens after you survive something that big. Terry reflects on how his near-death experience reshaped his definition of success, ambition, and productivity. We talk about the emotional toll of recovery, managing anxiety and racing thoughts late at night, and learning how to close mental open loops that keep us stuck in stress and fear. One of the most powerful themes of this conversation is community. Terry shares how the support of friends, family, and people he didn't even realize were paying attention carried him through the darkest moments. We explore the importance of deep relationships, showing up for others, and why real legacy has far more to do with connection than accomplishment. We also talk about gratitude in a way that feels earned, not performative. Terry shares how finding humor in difficult situations, letting go of what no longer matters, and embracing a new sense of freedom changed how he lives his life today. This episode is a reminder that success without health, connection, and presence is empty, and that the real work is learning how to live fully while we still can. In this episode, you will learn: What sepsis is and why it can become life threatening so quickly The warning signs of serious illness that are easy to ignore until it's too late How a near-death experience can completely redefine success and ambition Why community and support matter more than accomplishments during crisis Practical ways to manage anxiety, nighttime worries, and mental open loops How to reframe negative thoughts during recovery and high stress seasons Why gratitude becomes deeper and more meaningful after loss or trauma How humor and perspective can help you navigate even the darkest moments What it really means to build a lasting legacy rooted in relationships How to live with more presence, intention, and appreciation for life

In this solo episode, I open up about one of the most challenging seasons of my life. Over the past year, I've experienced the loss of two close friends and watched others battle serious illness. These moments shook me in ways I didn't expect, and they forced me to confront what gratitude really means when life doesn't go according to plan. This conversation is not about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine. It's about understanding gratitude as a deep, intentional practice that often comes after disruption, grief, and pain. When loss enters our lives, it strips away the noise and reminds us what actually matters. Time becomes more valuable. Relationships feel more fragile and more sacred. The present moment stops being something we rush through and starts becoming something we protect. I share how these experiences reshaped my perspective on success, ambition, and what it means to truly live. As we look ahead to 2026, I talk about why it's no longer enough to chase goals at the expense of our health, our relationships, or our peace. Instead, I believe we're being invited to align our ambitions with our wellbeing, to set better boundaries, and to live with clarity and intention every single day. This episode is a reminder that gratitude isn't a buzzword or a social media caption. It's a decision we make daily. A decision to be present. A decision to love harder. A decision to stop postponing our lives for some imaginary future moment. If you've experienced loss, transition, or a wake-up call recently, this episode is for you. My hope is that it encourages you to pause, reflect, and start living more fully right now. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Reflecting on Loss and Gratitude 00:54 How Loss Changes Our Perspective on Life 01:33 Finding Gratitude in the Midst of Grief 03:12 Gratitude as a Conscious Daily Choice 04:48 Setting Intentions and Boundaries for the Future 05:33 Living with Presence, Purpose, and Clarity 06:06 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Reflect