Valerie J. Walsh is a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and transformational leader whose work turns personal tragedy into a mission to help others rise. Through her memoir Shattered to the Core and her follow-up, CoreAgeous, she invites us into the real work of healing—naming trauma, telling the truth, and leading from the heart. We explore her journey from fitness professional to aviation leader and mental health advocate, and how journaling her way through loss and cancer recovery became the foundation for her books.

What resonated most was Valerie’s CORE philosophy of authentic leadership and the practical courage it takes to let go, say no, and pivot. We talk about moving from “work hard, play hard” to sober, intentional living; why language matters (she says “died by suicide” to reduce stigma); and how trauma shows up differently for everyone. Her stories remind us that our self-worth can’t live in any single role, relationship, or result—and that small daily actions change everything.

We left this conversation believing that reinvention isn’t a grand gesture; it’s a repeatable habit. If you’ve been waiting for permission to start over, this is it.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

It’s never too late to pivot. Begin with one small step every day toward who you want to become—and keep going.

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at valeriejwalsh.com
• Read Shattered to the Core by Valerie J. Walsh
• Read CoreAgeous by Valerie J. Walsh
• Follow Valerie J. Walsh on Instagram: @valeriejwalshauthor
• Connect with Valerie J. Walsh on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

We sit down with Dr. Reza Zahedi—civil engineer, international real estate leader, and author of Self-Made Maverick—whose story begins as a child refugee from Iran and evolves into a career built from scratch across Europe. What struck us wasn’t the highlight reel, but the mindset shift he credits for everything: believing he could build something from nothing and change his destiny despite the doubters.

Dr. Reza challenges the Instagram myth of overnight success. He reframes failure as a daily teacher, not a verdict, and calls out five persistent myths that stall founders—from “you need rich parents” to “money is the most important thing.” We also explore how a clear why and a durable brand make sacrifices bearable, and why today’s entrepreneurs can’t hide behind screens: real-world reps, relationships, and proof of work matter more than ever. The throughline is gritty, values-driven execution—showing up when no one’s clapping so impact outlasts image.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

Never give up—treat failure as part of the path, keep showing up, and let persistence do the compounding.

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at DrRezaZahedi.com
• Read Self-Made Maverick by Dr. Reza Zahedi
• Connect with Dr. Reza on LinkedIn
• Follow Dr. Reza on Instagram: @drrezazahedii

Produced by NOVA

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed accounts of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and the murder of a parent. It may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please use discretion and take care of yourself while listening.

In part two of our conversation with filmmaker, podcaster, and speaker Collier Landry, we continue the extraordinary story that began when he was just 11 years old. After testifying against his father for the murder of his mother, Collier was left without family support, navigating foster care and the painful isolation of being defined by tragedy. Yet rather than succumbing to the weight of trauma, he forged a path of resilience, action, and self-determination.

Collier reflects on testifying in court, confronting his father, and ultimately learning the power of forgiveness—not as a gift to the man who hurt him, but as a way to reclaim his own life. He also shares how he turned his pain into purpose, first as the subject of the acclaimed documentary A Murder in Mansfield and now through his podcast The Collier Landry Show, where he explores resilience, healing, and moving forward. His journey shows us that while violence leaves deep scars, it can also illuminate the strength of the human spirit.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

You have the power to construct your own narrative. No matter what happens to you, you are not defined by tragedy—you have the choice to move forward and build a life on your terms.

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Collier Landry’s Website
• A Murder in Mansfield – Official Trailer
• The Collier Landry Show Podcast
• Finding Mom’s Killer Podcast
• Follow Collier Landry on Instagram
• Follow Collier Landry on X/Twitter

Produced by NOVA

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed accounts of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and the murder of a parent. It may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please use discretion and take care of yourself while listening.

At just 11 years old, Collier Landry’s life was upended when his father murdered his mother. Refusing to remain silent, he gathered evidence, testified against his father, and became the key witness in a case that would change his life forever. Abandoned by much of his family, Collier learned resilience and self-reliance at an age when most kids are thinking about school and friends—not survival.

Now a filmmaker, podcaster, and speaker, Collier uses his story to inspire conversations about perseverance, self-determination, and healing. His acclaimed documentary A Murder in Mansfield, directed by Oscar winner Barbara Kopple, and his podcasts The Collier Landry Show and Finding Mom’s Killer explore the journey of overcoming trauma and reclaiming personal power.

In this gripping first of a two-part conversation, Collier takes us back to 1989, walking us through the events leading up to his mother’s disappearance and the harrowing days that followed—days in which an 11-year-old boy had to choose between silence and the truth.

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Collier Landry’s Website
• A Murder in Mansfield – Official Trailer
• The Collier Landry Show Podcast
• Finding Mom’s Killer Podcast
• Follow Collier Landry on Instagram
• Follow Collier Landry on X/Twitter

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Scott Hutcheson, a biosocial scientist and senior lecturer at Purdue University, whose work with hundreds of organizations has redefined how we understand leadership. Dr. Hutcheson’s new book, Biohacking Leadership, takes a unique look at how leadership is rooted in biology and behavior—demonstrating that how we feel at work is shaped less by the job itself and more by the signals sent by our leaders.

Dr. Hutcheson shares how his background in theater led to his innovative approach, showing that effective leadership is all about behavioral signals—what he calls “biomarkers”—clustered into warmth, competence, and gravitas. Instead of fixed rules, he encourages leaders to experiment and refine their approach, learning from every interaction. By dialing into the neurobiology of connection, story, and conversation, we can shift team chemistry and drive meaningful performance, regardless of role or generation.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

You learn to be a leader through experimentation and refinement. Every leadership interaction is an opportunity to try new approaches, observe the results, and adjust your signals—growing through trial, error, and adaptation.

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Scott Hutcheson’s website
• Order Biohacking Leadership
• Scott Hutcheson on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Swift, an innovative organizational consultant and the author of Work Here Now: Think Like a Human and Build a Powerhouse Workplace. Having worked with global giants like Mercer and Deloitte, Melissa brings a data-driven yet deeply human perspective to understanding what’s broken about modern work—and how we can actually fix it. Her book unpacks the three types of “broken work” and introduces the “work anxiety monster,” but what truly sets Melissa apart is her focus on actionable strategies. She challenges us to rethink everything from the pace of our to-do lists to how many people really need to be in that next meeting, revealing just how much of our stress is self-inflicted by outdated systems and unexamined routines.

We dive into the surprising truth that pouring billions into technology often creates more headaches than solutions, and Melissa makes a compelling case for “couples counseling” between humans and their tech. Our conversation explores why genuine progress at work is less about grand gestures and more about attending to the day-to-day basics: how we collaborate, communicate, and set boundaries. It’s a hopeful, practical look at what it will take to shape a future of work that’s healthier, more productive, and actually human.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

Melissa urges us to challenge the belief that “the work is the work.” It’s not only okay, but necessary, to step back and evaluate which activities are meaningful and which are not. That simple mindset shift, she says, can change everything.

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Connect with Melissa Swift on LinkedIn
• Learn more at Anthrome Insight
• Read Work Here Now: Think Like a Human and Build a Powerhouse Workplace

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we’re joined by Susanne Madsen, a globally recognized executive coach, award-winning author, and specialist in transformational leadership for complex organizations. With nearly 30 years of experience working with global leaders at companies like JP Morgan, Citigroup, and Lego, Susanne has dedicated her career to helping people rethink how they lead—and, more importantly, how they show up for themselves. Her latest book, How to Do the Inner Work, explores why genuine transformation starts with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the courage to look inward, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Susanne guides us through the journey of doing the inner work, beginning with self-compassion and small acts of kindness toward ourselves. She shares how foundational practices—like reflection, breathwork, and meditation—help us regulate our emotions and make space for growth. Drawing from her own story and years of coaching, she emphasizes that real change doesn’t require dramatic life overhauls. Instead, it’s about identifying our core values, finding overlaps in our passions, and making small, meaningful tweaks that align our inner and outer worlds. When we stop seeking solutions outside ourselves and focus on our own mindset and actions, the world often meets us differently.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

Be kind to yourself. When we extend kindness inward, it becomes much easier to offer it to others—and that’s where true change begins.

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at SusanneMadsen.co.uk
• Read How to Do the Inner Work by Susanne Madsen
• Read The Power of Project Leadership by Susanne Madsen
• Read The Project Management Coaching Workbook by Susanne Madsen
• Follow Susanne on Instagram: @susannemadsen1

Produced by NOVA

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Alexandra Miles, founder and CEO of Project Blackbird, a nonprofit organization that champions mental health awareness and access in Washington, D.C., and beyond. Alexandra brings a wealth of experience, from her dual degrees in business and fine arts to her leadership in producing impactful mental health programming and films. Her work, which includes screenings at global events such as Sundance and Cannes, focuses on reducing stigma and connecting youth—especially those from underrepresented communities—with free therapy and practical resources.

Our conversation uncovers Alexandra’s deeply personal journey with an eating disorder, highlighting how shame and silence once kept her from healing. By openly sharing her own struggles, Alexandra has found strength and purpose in creating spaces for vulnerability, honesty, and support. We explore how Project Blackbird’s innovative programming pairs powerful storytelling, lived experiences from public figures, and immediate access to care. Together, we reflect on the importance of daily self-check-ins, community-driven resource fairs, and fostering real connections. Alexandra’s approach is a reminder that addressing mental health is not about fitting into a diagnosis but about seeing the human behind every struggle—and making it safe for others to seek help.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

If you’re not the most peaceful and happiest version of yourself right now, don’t rush to diagnose or label—just get curious. By honestly sharing what you’re going through, you make it safer for others to open up too.

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Project Blackbird
• Project Blackbird on Instagram
• Project Blackbird on Facebook

Produced by NOVA