LIVE with The Famous Dr AL Fathers Day Special

Heidi Blackie Bio

Heidi Blackie is a speaker, consultant, and founder of UnshakableMe®, a program that helps women rise from burnout, illness, and self-doubt to reclaim their power and create lives of purpose and possibility. After seven years of chronic illness, she hit rock bottom in 2021— she made a radical choice to believe in her body’s ability to heal — a turning point that reshaped her life from the inside out. Heidi offers listeners powerful insights and strategies to tap into their own resilience, awaken their UnshakableMe, and realize they are far more powerful than they’ve been led to believe.

Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/un_shakableme/

https://www.facebook.com/welcome.to.unshakableme/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiblackie/

https://www.youtube.com/@UnshakableMe

Bio:

Dr. Aaron Phillips is a neuroscientist, inventor, and entrepreneur whose groundbreaking research is restoring function after spinal cord injury using electrical stimulation. As Associate Dean of Innovation and co-founder of several health tech ventures—including the "Research Ally" mobile research platform—he's leading the charge to bring cutting-edge science from the lab to real-world impact. His work has been featured in Nature, Nature Medicine, Science, and has secured major funding and commercial partnerships.

Social media links

Website: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/labs/phillips/home

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-phillips-b7208953/

Twitter: @RESTORE_SCI

LIVE with Dr. Allen Lycka featuring Samantha Stewart

Guest: Samantha Stewart, CEO of Occiden and Company

Topic: Innovating Healthcare from the Inside Out

Introduction:

In this episode of LIVE with Dr. Allen Lycka, we welcome Samantha Stewart, the visionary CEO of Occiden and Company. With a focus on simplifying clinic operations and humanizing healthcare transformation, Samantha shares her journey from a first-generation Canadian to a respected leader guiding clinics through change, growth, and digital reinvention.

Founding Occiden:

Samantha describes Occiden as a “love letter to the healthcare system,” created to fill critical gaps in clinic management, especially in Alberta. Recognizing burnout, inefficiency, and stagnation in traditional care systems, she pioneered a new approach—one built on lean systems, AI, and strategic innovation.

Systemic Challenges in Alberta:

Healthcare in Alberta is undergoing seismic shifts. Samantha reflects on her work post-COVID, where she saw fragmented workflows and exhausted teams. Her mission: restore value to frontline workers, enhance patient experience, and spark long-term transformation in how care is delivered and felt.

From Problem to Possibility:

Samantha encourages reframing problems as opportunities. She believes in meeting people where they are and ushering in change without overwhelming them. Her Nanny McPhee-like philosophy of running toward chaos to restore harmony is evident in her approach to digital transformation.

Digital Evolution, Not Overhaul:

Digital change doesn’t have to be disruptive. Samantha walks clinics through phased transformation—like restructuring schedules, reducing paperwork, and implementing automated reminders—that improve both revenue and morale.

People Over Process:

Her true superpower? People. Samantha knows tech is only as powerful as those who use it. Through training, listening, and building comfort, she ensures her solutions are embraced, not abandoned.

Designing Workflows That Work:

By analyzing clinic schedules and aligning appointments with billing strategies, she helps medical teams work smarter. Physicians regain control, reduce burnout, and even rediscover joy in their work.

Leading with Humanity:

Samantha shares her philosophy on living a fantastic life: stay grounded, define your values, and lead with empathy. She urges clinics to zoom out, reflect, and evolve with intention—for themselves and their patients.

Final Words:

To a younger Samantha, she would say: “Everything happens for a reason. Keep going.”

Connect with her via www.occiden.ca or on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to Dr. Lycka’s Golden Pearls:

Visit www.drallenlycka.com for weekly inspiration—and a chance to win a cruise!

BIO:

Samantha Stewart is the CEO of Occiden and Company, a healthcare management firm that helps clinics and medical leaders simplify operations and embrace the future of care. Known for her bold thinking and deep industry insight, she guides healthcare teams through digital transformation, workflow redesign, and high-impact strategy. Samantha brings a fresh, solutions-first perspective to the table—one focused on what’s possible when healthcare works smarter.

Social Media:

Websites - www.occiden.ca, www.genvanta.ca

LinkedIn

Company Page ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/occiden-and-company/?viewAsMember=true)

CEO Page ( www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-stewart-occidenandcompany)

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@occidenandcompany

Living a Fantastic Life with Rick Patterson

Introduction

In this insightful episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Rick Patterson — product operations manager at a global chemical company, author of Shame Unmasked, and father of four adopted children. Rick brings a powerful perspective shaped by corporate leadership, foster parenting, and spiritual growth.

From Paper to Purpose

Rick shares his unconventional journey from the paper industry into foster parenting and eventually the ministry. After adopting four Black siblings, he left his corporate role to focus on family, later earning a master's and doctorate in ministry and starting a church before returning to the corporate world.

The Mirror of Parenting

Parenting was transformative. Rick candidly discusses his own struggles with narcissism, noting that raising traumatized children forced him to confront his ego. A breaking point—literally involving a wall and a fractured hand—helped him realize the deep emotional triggers rooted in shame.

The Hidden Face of Narcissism

Rick’s research shows that narcissism often masks deep shame and self-loathing. Drawing from his dissertation, he explains how this dynamic shows up in religious institutions, leadership, and the corporate world. External success is often a distraction from internal pain.

Shame in Corporate Culture

In the competitive environments of corporate America, Rick identifies how shame subtly fuels toxic behaviors. Awards and praise can reinforce a culture of self-worth tied to external validation, creating cycles of dysfunction.

From Idolization to Humility

Discussing the tendency to idolize leaders, Rick notes this stems from projecting our desired traits onto others—often driven by our own insecurities. He credits thinkers like Carl Jung and TS Eliot for helping him understand the danger of projection and the roots of conflict.

The Dark Night of the Soul

Rick speaks to his own long season of internal struggle and how it taught him humility and a willingness to learn. He believes true growth requires recognizing that we don’t know everything—and that admitting this opens the door to real transformation.

The Power of Apology and Forgiveness

Apology, Rick says, is the “atomic weapon” against shame. It's a profound act of humility that earns respect and fosters healing. He emphasizes teaching his children this skill, viewing it as a core element of resilience and growth. Forgiveness, too, is essential—not to release others, but to free ourselves.

Closing Thoughts

Rick encourages listeners to embrace growth, humility, and human connection. He invites everyone to explore more through his books and website: www.rickpattersonconnects.com.

Resources

• Dr. Lycka’s Golden Pearls: www.drallenlycka.com
• Rick’s Website: www.rickpattersonconnects.com

BIO:

Rick is a product operations manager for a global chemical company and the author of Shame Unmasked: Disarming the Hidden Driver Behind our Destructive Decisions and the forthcoming: The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth: Reimagining What it Means to be Great (Again). He’s the adoptive father of a sibling group of four black children and runs a beef cattle business on the side.

Social Media:

www.rickpattersonconnects.com

Facebook @rickpattersonconnects

Dr. Allen Lycka & Michelle Bishop

“Choosing Yourself First: From Grief to Greatness”

Introduction

In this heart-opening episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Michelle Bishop, Certified Master Life Coach and best-selling author of Choose You First. Michelle empowers women to reclaim their lives after loss through the power of self-love, inner resilience, and authenticity.

Michelle’s Journey of Reinvention

At 59, Michelle experienced a profound transformation following the tragic loss of her husband in 2019 and her own near-death experience during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. These back-to-back events shattered the roles she had once clung to—mother, wife, daughter—and forced her to rediscover who she was beneath it all. “You can make a choice for you,” she explains. “Choosing you is not selfish. It’s selfless.”

Victimhood to Empowerment

Michelle's pivotal moment came when she shed her lifelong armor. No longer defined by pain, she rewrote her story and used her past to fuel her mission. Her shift was not quick or easy—it was deliberate and daily. “Every morning when I take my first breath, I commit again,” she shares. “That’s where change begins.”

Beyond Self-Help: A Lifestyle of Growth

Michelle challenges the quick-fix mentality of modern self-help. She believes that lasting change isn’t found in a 5-step formula—it’s found in living the transformation. “Small movements of change, done consistently, become your new normal,” she says. Real growth requires patience, pivoting, and self-compassion.

The Silent Warrior Technique

In a noisy world, Michelle recommends reclaiming peace through the “Silent Warrior” technique: breathing deeply, grounding in the moment, and letting go of what no longer serves you. This intentional pause creates space for clarity, calm, and conscious action.

Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs

Michelle emphasizes the importance of respecting others’ beliefs while being brave enough to examine and release your own. True growth, she says, comes from openness and curiosity—not judgment. “Knowledge is power,” she notes, “especially when it helps you evolve.”

Creating Lasting Change

Having lost over 100 pounds through lifestyle—not fad diets—Michelle knows transformation isn’t instant. “Consistency is key,” she says. “Real change happens one small, empowered choice at a time.”

Living a Fantastic Life

Michelle lives fully by aligning with her purpose, surrounding herself with authenticity, and acting on what matters. Her advice? Take action. Move. Breathe. Reflect. And above all, be grateful—even for the breath you’re taking right now.

Final Thoughts

Michelle’s bestselling book, Choose You First, is available on Amazon and at www.bishoplife.com. For those navigating adversity, her message is clear: You are worthy. You are loved. Choose you—first.

BIO:

Michelle Bishop is a Master Certified Life Coach and author of “Choose You First”. She helps women reclaim their lives after adversity by embracing self-love and building inner resilience. Through coaching, workshops, and speaking, she empowers clients to shed limiting beliefs, strengthen self-worth, and create lives filled with joy and purpose.

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/MichelleBishopLife

Tom Ziglar's Life-Changing Insights

Introduction In this captivating interview, Tom Ziglar, son of the legendary Zig Ziglar, shares transformative insights on how speakers can catalyze real change. Dr. Allen Lycka and Tom dive into the importance of actionable plans, authenticity, and creating a lasting legacy.

The Sin of the Desert Tom introduces the concept of "the sin of the desert"—knowing where the water is but failing to guide others. This powerful metaphor underscores the responsibility of speakers and leaders to not just inspire but equip their audience with actionable steps. Tom emphasizes that transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process, urging speakers to focus as much on the call to action as on the speech itself.

Legacy Over Inheritance In a heartfelt moment, Tom discusses the difference between inheritance and legacy. While inheritance is material wealth left to someone, legacy is what we instill in others—the values, virtues, and skills that empower them to make wise choices. He shares personal stories, including a poignant account of his daughter, highlighting how true impact transcends financial wealth.

Coaching as the Future Tom reveals the critical role of coaching in today’s world. He highlights that coaching isn’t just about skills but about motives, virtues, and deep understanding. By asking meaningful questions and listening with intent, coaches build trust and foster genuine growth. Tom underscores the lasting relevance of coaching, regardless of technological or societal shifts.

Pivoting for Success Drawing from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tom shares how Ziglar pivoted its coaching program to an online format, enabling global access and thriving in uncertain times. This adaptability, combined with a clear mission, allowed the Ziglar organization to flourish when many struggled.

Authenticity Wins Tom stresses the importance of authenticity, especially for younger generations raised in a digital world. Authenticity fosters connection and trust, enabling leaders and coaches to inspire genuine transformation. He reminds us that people can sense insincerity, and authenticity should be a cornerstone of any leadership style.

The Coaching Program Tom outlines Ziglar’s comprehensive coaching program, designed to equip individuals with foundational skills, real client experience, and strategies for building a successful coaching practice. The program addresses common fears—whether one can make a living from coaching, be effective, and remain relevant. For more information, visit www.ziglar.com or email Tom directly at tziglar@ziglar.com.

The Secret to a Fantastic Life The conversation concludes with the iconic Zig Ziglar quote: “You can have everything in life you want if you’ll just help enough other people get what they want.” Tom breaks it down into five essential questions: What do you want? Why do you want it? Who are you going to help? What do they want? How will you help them? This simple framework reveals the secret to a fulfilling life.

BIO:

As CEO of Zig Ziglar Corporation for the past 28 years, Tom Ziglar carries on the Ziglar philosophy: “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” He has written two books, Choose to Win in 2019 and 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times, published and released in December 2021. Both of these books expand the Ziglar branding and philosophy in personal development and leadership and provide the backbone for the most innovative training and coaching programs in the world.

Social Media:

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/ziglarlife

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thezigziglar/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/TheZigZiglar

LinkedIN

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ziglar-inc

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ZigZiglar

An Electrifying Conversation with Mike Rayburn

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with the multi-talented Mike Rayburn. Mike is a two-time TED Talk presenter, innovative entrepreneur, and Hall of Fame speaker who has headlined Carnegie Hall and performed more than 5000 shows worldwide. With a mix of comedy, guitar mastery, and powerful insights, Mike shares his unique journey and transformative mindset.

Mike’s Journey to Mastery

Mike opens up about his early life, revealing how his love for guitar became a personal escape from a challenging family environment. Despite growing up in a sports-focused family, he found solace and purpose in music, leading to a degree in classical guitar and music business. Performing 1800 college shows across North America, Mike transitioned into a keynote speaker and humorist, blending world-class guitar skills with motivational storytelling.

The Power of “What If” Thinking

A cornerstone of Mike’s philosophy is his “What If” mindset. Inspired by mentors like Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy, he crafted a system he calls “Virtuoso Underground,” emphasizing purpose, vision, and a proactive approach to creativity and success. Mike shares how asking questions like “I know I can’t, but what if I could?” opens new possibilities, transforming fear and limitation into innovation and action.

Overcoming the Fear of Change

Mike and Dr. Lycka discuss the universal resistance to change. Mike highlights that people resist change not because they dislike improvement, but because they fear the unknown. Dr. Lycka adds his perspective on fear as “fantasized events appearing real,” emphasizing that most fears are unfounded. Mike underscores the importance of applying new mindsets and practices, promising transformation for those willing to embrace change.

The Role of Relationships and Faith

Beyond his professional success, Mike reflects on the personal aspects that shape a fantastic life. He credits his faith as a cornerstone of his resilience and highlights the importance of intentional relationships. From deep friendships to his recent role as a grandfather, Mike emphasizes the need for connection and shared experiences.

Living with Purpose

In closing, Mike and Dr. Lycka explore the deeper reasons behind human motivation. Mike believes that purpose—more than reward or punishment—drives lasting change and fulfillment. Whether performing on stage or mentoring others, he strives to make a meaningful impact. Listeners are encouraged to identify their own “why” and live with intention.

Connect with Mike Rayburn

Listeners can learn more about Mike and his work at www.mikerayburn.com. Mike invites fans to email him at Mike@MikeRayburn.com for a special gift and discounted access to his book. His Virtuoso Underground program offers a one-year path to mastery for those ready to embrace their full potential.

Dr. Allen Lycka’s Golden Pearls

For more insights on living a fantastic life, visit www.drallenlycka.com and sign up for Dr. Lycka’s Golden Pearls newsletter. Subscribers gain access to exclusive offers and a chance to win a luxurious cruise.

BIO:

Mike Rayburn is a two-time TED Talk Presenter, an innovative en- trepreneur and Hall of Fame speaker who uses world-class guitar and comedy to teach change and innovation to corporations world-wide. He has headlined Carnegie Hall, headlined in Las Vegas, and performed more than 5,000 presentations in 20 countries on five continents. Ray- burn is a regular on Sirius/XM and morning radio nationwide. He has performed as guitarist with The Beach Boys and John Oates.

Social Media:

IG @themikerayburn;

FB mikerayburn;

LI linkedin.com/in/mikerayburn