Originally published April 8, 2025: This unforgettable episode features Rustie MacDonald, a survivor of abuse, poverty, and a near-death experience during childbirth. Faced with the ultimate choice—to give up or fight for her life—Rustie chose to rise. From those darkest moments, she transformed her pain into purpose. Now an author, consultant, and minister, she empowers others to reclaim their lives and “live by design.” Tune in to hear Rustie’s golden pearls of wisdom and be inspired by her remarkable journey to a fantastic life.

Social media links Rustie MacDonald:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustie/
• Website: https://rustie.info/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeliacRoads
• X: https://twitter.com/RustieMac
• Blog talk radio: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/rustie

Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.

This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!

Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/
• X: https://X.com/drallenlycka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/

Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device.

Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!

Originally published April 1, 2021. In one of our most powerful episodes, we revisit the extraordinary journey of Melisa, a woman who overcame a devastating misdiagnosis, a massive stroke, multiple surgeries, partial blindness, and paralysis. Facing death on the operating table, she emerged with a renewed purpose—to inspire and uplift others. Now a bestselling author and thriving entrepreneur, Melisa’s story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of living a truly fantastic life. Don’t miss this unforgettable encore episode.

Guest Bio: Melisa Lynn Lyons, born in 1982 in Lorain, Ohio, was raised by her grandparents and graduated from Clearview High School and Lorain County J.V.S. with a focus in Culinary Arts. Inspired by the birth of her daughter Chyenne in 2003, she began writing creatively. After suffering two strokes and undergoing a craniotomy in 2011, Melisa faced the daunting task of relearning how to walk, speak, and read. With support and determination, she overcame these challenges, remarried in 2013, and fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author in 2016 with her debut book Of Lite and Darke, edited by her daughter.

Social media links Melisa Ruscsak:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMLRuscsak
Twitter - https://twitter.com/M_L_Ruscsak
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisa-ruscsak-5b6043139/
Website(s) - www.trientpress.com and https://www.doveanddragonpublishing.com/

Thanks for listening to the show!

It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.

This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!

Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/
• X: https://X.com/drallenlycka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/

Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device.

Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!

Originally published on March 25, 2021: What happens when everything you’ve built—everything you’ve become—suddenly starts to fall apart? For Naveed Khljie, his identity was deeply tied to the mobile mechanic business he poured his heart into. It was thriving, it was growing, and it was who he was. But when a partnership to expand into a shop dissolved, he found himself at a crossroads.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Lycka talks with Naveed about what it’s like to lose what you thought defined you—and how to find something even greater on the other side. With the support of loved ones, Naveed not only survived the disruption of COVID-19, but transformed his journey. He found his voice, launched Real Talks with Nav, and today is thriving in new and meaningful ways.

💡 If you’ve ever feared losing yourself in your work or struggled with a sudden pivot in life, this conversation will show you the power of grit, perseverance, and love. Learn how to manage fear—not by running from it, but by turning it into fuel for your next chapter.

About the Guest: Naveed Khljie is the founder and CEO of Mechanigo, a Licensed Mechanic, and the talk show host behind Real Talks with Nav. He’s committed to honest conversations, personal growth, and helping others rise from setbacks. His journey is a living reminder that your business may be what you do—but it’s not who you are.

Social media links Naveed Khljie:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realtalkswithnav
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realtalkswithnav/
Website – http://www.realtalkswithnav.com and http://www.mechanigo.ca

Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.

This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!

Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/
• X: https://X.com/drallenlycka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/

Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device.

Leave a review! We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!