Content Advisory:This episode contains strong language and discusses themes of trauma, cult involvement, psychological manipulation, and mental health. Listener discretion is advised.

The Show:

What happens when your identity is stripped away—piece by piece—and you’re left to rebuild yourself from the inside out?

In this deeply moving episode of the Bring Your Big Energy podcast, Stacey K sits down with Dar Dixon—award-nominated actor, producer, director, and survivor of both the Iranian Revolution and a dangerous doomsday cult—for a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and reclaiming personal freedom.

Dar shares how surviving political upheaval, enduring years of psychological manipulation, and ultimately escaping a cult shaped his sense of self and his mental health. He opens up about the subtle, gradual nature of undue influence, the painful loss of identity that comes with leaving a cult, and the long road back to autonomy. Along the way, Dar reveals how acting became a form of therapy, storytelling became a way to reclaim his voice, and purpose emerged from the space between who he was and who he became.

Using the SPARK framework as a backbone, this conversation explores:

• how identity fractures during trauma and manipulation

• why the “space between identities” is the most vulnerable—and transformative—place to be

• the role of belonging, denial, and intuition in cult dynamics

• how resilience is built one choice at a time

• and how storytelling fuels healing, advocacy, and social justice

This episode isn’t about shock value. It’s about reclamation. It’s about rebuilding a life with intention, courage, and truth—and proving that even after profound loss, it’s possible to step back into your power.

✨ This is Big Energy in its rawest, most honest form.

🔗 Learn More & Connect with Dar

• Dar’s website & email updates: https://www.dardixon.com/

• IMDb (Acting / Producing / Directing): https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1237219/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dardixon1/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dardixon1/

  
  

  
  

What happens when your life still fits—but your perspective on it changes completely?

In this episode of the Bring Your Big Energy podcast, Stacey K sits down with Amber Prong, an ER nurse whose world was shaken to the core during the COVID-19 pandemic—not in a way that made her walk away from nursing, but in a way that expanded how she sees herself, her work, and what’s possible.

Amber shares how that intense season became an Intensity Point that shifted her perspective and sparked a deep desire to explore, reflect, and reconnect with herself. While continuing her work as a nurse, she chose to branch out—embracing adventure, traveling to more than 30 countries, and discovering new ways of defining success, fulfillment, and resilience.

Together, Stacey and Amber explore:

• how moments of intensity can become invitations to explore

• why expansion doesn’t require burning your life down

• how adventure builds confidence, adaptability, and clarity

• the power of trusting your intuition—even when the path isn’t obvious

• and how redefining success can open doors personally and professionally

This conversation is for anyone who feels a quiet nudge toward more—more curiosity, more perspective, more aliveness—and is learning to trust that exploration can happen alongside commitment.

To learn more about Amber’s inspiring travels and journey, find her on Instagram at @ambermprong or connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.prong

The New Year doesn’t always feel shiny, motivated, or full of momentum—and this episode tells the truth about that.

In this deeply honest and grounding conversation, Stacey K explores the emotional reality of stepping into a new year: the exhaustion, the grief of transitions, the pressure to “have it together,” and the quiet hope that still lives underneath it all.

This episode is more than reflection—it’s a guided experience.

Stacey gently walks you through her SPARK Energy Transformation Process, offering a simple, intentional framework to help you process the year you just lived and begin the new one without overwhelm, perfection, or pressure.

Through Stacey’s leaned-in coaching style, you’ll be gently guided through self-reflection, purpose-setting, releasing what no longer serves you, choosing small aligned actions, and reconnecting with the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Rather than resolutions or rigid goals, this episode invites you to take small, meaningful steps forward, honoring both where you are and where you’re headed. You’ll learn how to hold struggle and hope at the same time, why progress matters more than perfection, and how emotional intelligence is the key to navigating change.

If January feels heavy… if you’re tired but still dreaming… if you want a new year that feels aligned instead of forced—this episode is your permission slip and your roadmap.

Grab a pen, get comfortable, and let this episode guide you through starting the year with intention, compassion, and Big Energy.

In this empowering episode of the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, Stacey sits down with Wendy Kleinke, personal trainer, menopause coach, and fierce advocate for women stepping into their strongest midlife.

Wendy brings a powerful message: menopause isn’t the end of anything — it’s the beginning of living your life with more clarity, intention, strength, and self-trust than ever before.

Together, Stacey and Wendy unpack what it really means to navigate menopause with courage and confidence, not confusion or fear.

Wendy breaks down the hormonal shifts that shape midlife, why strength training becomes essential after 40, and how nutrition, stress management, and self-care work together to rebuild vitality from the inside out.

They also talk honestly about the emotional side of midlife — the isolation women often feel, the pressure to “push through,” and the freedom that comes when women start having open, unfiltered conversations about what they’re experiencing.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why understanding your hormones is the foundation of midlife well-being

• How stress impacts every part of your physical and emotional health

• Why strength training is non-negotiable for women over 40

• How to make cardio enjoyable — not punishing

• The nutrition shifts every midlife woman should know (“Protein is king; fiber is queen”)

• How small daily wins create massive long-term transformation • Why self-care is not selfish — it’s survival

• How tracking symptoms can help you identify patterns and reclaim control

Wendy’s wisdom reminds us that menopause is not something to survive, it’s something to harness. This episode is your invitation to rise, rebuild, and step into the most powerful version of yourself yet.

You can learn more about Wendy's programs at: Life Beyond Hormones on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

In this deeply moving episode, Stacey sits down with Erica Neubert Campbell, breast cancer survivor, advocate, and author of The Mastectomy I Always Wanted, for a conversation that radiates courage, connection, and purpose.

After decades spent supporting cancer patients, Erica suddenly found herself walking the path she once guided others through.

What followed was a journey of profound self-reflection, spiritual awakening, and an unexpected moment of generosity that ignited her mission: helping women face mastectomy decisions without fear, shame, or isolation.

Erica opens up about what it takes to release old identities, embrace vulnerability, and offer the kind of honest images and stories women search for at 2 a.m. but rarely find safely.

She shares how documenting her reconstruction brought healing, clarity, and a rediscovery of self and how one brave act can become a lifeline for countless others.

Together, Stacey and Erica explore:• The moment that shifted her from surviving to truly serving• How courage creates ripples of hope for women everywhere• The emotional, spiritual, and psychological layers of breast cancer• The power of community, compassion, and storytelling• How to reframe fear, reclaim identity, and trust the healing process• Small but mighty steps women can take when a diagnosis arrives

Erica’s story is a testament to the kinetic energy that emerges when someone transforms hardship into purpose and then boldly pays it forward.

This episode is for anyone navigating breast cancer, loving someone who is, or seeking inspiration on how to build a life anchored in bravery, truth, and hope.

Explore Erica’s work:• Buy her book on AMAZON• Learn more on her WEBSITE about her mission, resources, and advocacy:

Today’s episode is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and the kind of faith-fueled trust it takes to leap into the unknown.

I’m joined by Monica Dressler, owner of Burn Boot Camp Northville, former 25-year law partner, and a woman who proves it is never too late to rewrite your story.

After decades in a successful legal career, Monica felt the unmistakable pull toward something that lit her up: building a community where women feel strong, confident, supported, and unstoppable.

With nothing but passion, a willingness to experiment, and a deep belief in God’s plan for her life, Monica made a radical career pivot, draining her 401(k), stepping into small business ownership, and trusting that the spark inside her would guide the way.

Today, she leads one of the most empowering fitness communities in Michigan, helping women discover the strongest versions of themselves, inside and out.

In this conversation, Monica opens up about:
✨ The Intensity Point that made staying in her old career harder than taking the leap
✨ How passion became her only “qualified” skill and why it was enough
✨ The identity shift from law partner to community leader
✨ The fears that almost stopped her and the belief that was louder
✨ What reinventing yourself really looks like at midlife
✨ Why preparation, purpose, and prayer are the foundation of every next chapter
✨ How Burn Boot Camp is transforming women’s lives daily
✨ What she teaches her teen daughters about confidence, empathy, and standing strong

Monica’s story is a reminder that your life is yours to live: boldly, authentically, and in alignment with what sets your soul on fire.

If you’re standing at the edge of a leap…this episode is your sign!

About Monica Dressler

Monica Dressler is the owner of Burn Boot Camp Northville, where she inspires, motivates, and empowers women to become their strongest and most confident selves through fitness and community. After a 25-year career as a law partner, Monica courageously reinvented her life and stepped into her true calling — proving it’s never too late to pursue what you’re passionate about.

Where to Find Monica

🌐 Burn Boot Camp Northville

🔗 LinkedIn

📘 Facebook

In Episode 3 of Bring Your Big Energy, Stacey sits down with Jen Bordes for an inspiring and deeply authentic conversation about turning life’s biggest challenges into unexpected strengths. Jen opens up about her journey with ADHD, the obstacles she faced, and how those very differences became the driving force behind her success in real estate.

Through vulnerability, humor, and powerful self-reflection, Jen shares how embracing who she truly is helped her break the mold, build confidence, and create a career that aligns with her strengths.

This episode is a reminder that our struggles don’t define us, our choices do. And sometimes, the things we once viewed as limitations become our greatest superpowers.

In This Episode

• How ADHD shaped Jen’s mindset, resilience, and leadership

• Why authenticity is the key to personal and professional growth

• How to turn challenges into strengths in work and life

• The power of self-understanding and self-advocacy

• Real-life examples of embracing your path and trusting your journey

You’ll Love This Episode If You…

• Are navigating ADHD or neurodiversity

• Want to build more confidence in your unique strengths

• Are seeking a career path that aligns with who you are

• Crave honest conversations about growth, motherhood, mindset, and authenticity

• Are ready to embrace the parts of you that make you different

Memorable Moments:

• “It’s not about fitting the mold; it’s about creating your own.”

• “Labels don’t define us; our choices do.”

• “Our challenges often illuminate our unique strengths.”

Tune in and walk away with a renewed sense of empowerment, inspiration, and permission to show up as your full self — big energy and all.

Where to get more info on Jen and how she can help you too: Head on over to her website, connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at: Jen@expertrealtysolutions.com.

What happens when a high-achieving partner at a global consulting firm hits pause—and rebuilds her life from the inside out—and now helps others do the same?

In this episode of Bring Your Big Energy, Stacey sits down with leadership and life coach Suzanne Roske, Founder of Vamonos Executive Coaching and author of I’m Supposed to Be Doing This. Together, they explore what it means to truly stop striving, listen to your inner voice, and rediscover what success looks like on your own terms.

At the height of her career, Suzanne took an adult gap year from her partner role—pressing pause on the constant pace of corporate life to reflect, recharge, and realign. That year changed everything. It became the catalyst for her next chapter: helping others reconnect with their spark through intentional pauses, retreats, and transformational coaching.

This conversation is an inspiring reminder that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when you finally slow down.

You’ll learn:

• Why “hustle” isn’t the only path to achievement

• The difference between a vacation and an intentional pause

• How redefining success can change everything

• Practical ways to create space for reflection—right where you are