Imagine selling everything, leaving the American grind behind, and starting over in a small French village. That’s exactly what Paul Blanchard did — and in this episode of A More Brilliant Life, he shares how the move reshaped his ideas of freedom, culture, and what truly matters. Paul shares his incredible journey—from decades in high-pressure corporate life to a bold relocation to France with his wife and golden retriever.We explore the realities of expat life: the bureaucratic hurdles, cultural differences, language struggles, and unexpected joys of living abroad. Paul reveals what he’s learned about freedom, patience, and what it truly means to live intentionally.If you’ve ever dreamed of moving abroad, simplifying your life, or breaking free from the “American Dream,” this conversation will inspire you to take the leap.🗺️ Topics covered:Moving from California to FranceLeaving behind the American grindAdjusting to French culture and bureaucracyBuilding confidence through discomfortFinding purpose in the “fourth quarter” of life🎧 Follow for more stories about transformation, reinvention, and the courage to live differently.Paul Blanchard:https://www.wegotfrenched.com/Get Frenched the Book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLF95MVYPaul's Insta:https://www.instagram.com/wegotfrenched/?hl=en
Content creator and author Jenny Mitich joins "A More Brilliant Life" to share one of the most powerful transformation stories you will ever hear. She details her "normal" 90s childhood and how bullying and depression led her down a path of drug use, culminating in a 6-year heroin addiction. Jenny doesn't hold back, describing the rock bottom moment of a family intervention and the multiple failed rehab attempts. The story takes a shocking turn when her friend tragically overdoses and dies in her dad's house, leading to Jenny's arrest for murder seven months later. Facing 20 years in prison, she describes the "light switch" moment in her jail cell that forced her to finally change. This is a story of incredible resilience—how she went from a jail cell to a valedictorian, a TED Talk speaker, and now a leading voice in the metabolic health space. Jenny also discusses how the carnivore diet dramatically improved her mental health, eliminating her anxiety, and why she believes the word "can't" is the biggest obstacle to change. Find out more about Jenny's new book, "Complete Carnivore," coming out November 4th!PREORDER COMPLETE CARNIVORE:Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Carnivore-Achieving-Through-Meat-Based/dp/1628605766/B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/complete-carnivore-jenny-mitich/1146838850?ean=9781628605761&st=AFF&2sid=Random%20House%20Inc_8373827_NA&sourceId=AFFRandom%20House%20IncTarget: https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=9781628605761&clkid=90438253N6c2f11eea9df03dae139e2fb&cpng=PTID1&lnm=81938&afid=Penguin%20Random%20House&ref=tgt_adv_xasd0002For international viewers: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Complete-Carnivore-by-Jenny-Mitich/9781628605761Bio:Jenny Mitich used the Carnivore Diet to lose over 50 pounds and has passed along what she learned to help thousands of people transition to the Carnivore lifestyle. She is a long-term Carnivore and full-time content creator who is passionate about helping people take charge of their metabolic health. She believes that people should know their numbers and empowers them to do so with her educational Carnivore content and engaging N of 1 experiments. Her new book Complete Carnivore will be released in November 2025. Jenny resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband, Goran, and twin sons, Max and Harry. She enjoys reading, traveling the world, and devouring ribeyes.Social media links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JennyMitichFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100053642923442Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamamitich/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realjennymitich @JennyMitich @JennyMitichEtcetera #jennymitich #transformationstory #addictionrecovery #mentalhealth #carnivorediet #inspiringstories #rockbottom #podcast #selfimprovement #mindset #fromaddictiontorecovery
Ana Brenes, a successful relocation expert in Costa Rica, shares her profound story of transformation, resilience, and rebuilding her life from scratch. Ana begins by describing her upbringing in a loving, long-lived family in San Jose and her non-linear career path—from an executive assistant at multinational companies to studying international relations and working at the University for Peace.
A major shift occurred during the 2008 financial crisis, which decimated her ex-husband's flower export business. On the brink of financial ruin, they pivoted, building a small bed and breakfast on their property. This venture quickly and organically morphed into a highly successful event venue, where Ana's natural talent for hospitality and her informal work helping expats laid the groundwork for her future career.
However, this success came at a great personal cost. Ana speaks candidly about her ex-husband's relapse into alcoholism and the harrowing "rock bottom" period when she was planning to leave. Her departure was delayed by his sudden, life-threatening health crisis requiring open-heart surgery. Ana nursed him back to health for months, only for him to choose to start drinking again just days after returning home.
This was the "beginning of the end". Ana separated from her husband, moving back in with her parents with her 10-year-old daughter and no money. She describes the painful process of rebuilding, from working at an Amazon call center to landing a role at McKinsey. Through therapy, she began to confront her lifelong "people-pleasing" tendencies and actively learn to love herself. Today, Ana thrives in her work at Costa Rica Investments, driven by a new priority: looking inward, listening to her intuition, and helping others navigate their own life-changing relocations.
Key Takeaways
Life paths are not linear. Ana's career spanned from executive assistant to environmental consultant, political aide, successful event venue owner, call center employee, and finally, relocation expert. Her journey shows that skills and experiences build on each other in unexpected ways.
Crises can force necessary transformation. The 2008 financial crash forced Ana and her ex-husband to pivot from his failing business to creating a new one. This new venture, while successful, created the environment for his relapse, leading to a personal crisis that ultimately forced Ana to break down and rebuild her life.
Self-love is an active, ongoing process. After her divorce, Ana realized she had spent her life as a "people pleaser". Through therapy and conscious effort, she is now learning to love herself, take care of her own space lovingly, and make decisions for the right reasons, not just to be liked.
You can't control others' choices, only your own reaction. Ana supported her ex-husband through a 10-year recovery and a life-saving open-heart surgery. When he chose to start drinking again just days into his recovery, she realized it was the "beginning of the end" and she had to leave for her own and her daughter's well-being.
Listen to your intuition. Ana is now focused on listening to her intuition, which she feels in her heart. She values "the flow" of life and treasures small moments of joy and connection, like attending a concert.
The "why" of relocation matters. As a relocation expert, Ana observes that 95% of her American clients are, on some level, "running away" from the political chaos in the U.S.. This motivation shapes their experience, which is different from those who are moving toward the Costa Rican culture.
Costa Rica Investments:
https://www.investingcostarica.com/
Brilliant Life Journey:
https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/
In this episode of A More Brilliant Life, Mark Connor shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Saint Paul to pursuing boxing, writing, and personal transformation. Mark reflects on his father’s influence, the discipline of sports, his passion for poetry, and the challenges of following his calling. We talk about faith, regrets, resilience, and how to discern what really matters in life. Mark’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to embrace your purpose and create a meaningful legacy.Takeaways:- Follow your passions early — don’t wait for the “perfect time” to pursue what matters most to you.- Boxing taught discipline and resilience that carried over into writing, training, and life.- Writing and creativity can be lifelong callings, even if they aren’t your main source of income.- Faith as a guiding compass — seeking what God wants for you leads to more peace and fulfillment.- Time is precious — Mark’s father’s passing reminded him that we can’t keep waiting to share our gifts.- Personal growth means making pivots, whether through careers, relationships, or spiritual practices.- Silence and reflection are powerful tools for discerning what truly matters in life.- Marriage, family, and love bring growth but require self-awareness and continual effort.- Legacy comes from courage — publishing, sharing your voice, and creating impact even when it feels late.- Distractions are everywhere — true progress comes from cutting out the noise and focusing on purpose.#AMoreBrilliantLife #PersonalGrowth #FaithAndPurpose #LifeTransformation #BoxingLife #WritersJourney #Resilience #SpiritualGrowth #FindingPurpose #InspirationPodcast
In this special episode, we are sharing the first chapter of the new book, A More Brilliant Life, which is set to be released on September 16th. The chapter, titled "Rock Bottom," details the author's personal story of feeling unimportant and trapped in a life that, from the outside, looked like the American dream. She recounts waking up on her 30th birthday to a husband who was too busy with farm work to celebrate with her, a moment that crystallized her feeling that their lives had fallen "below rock bottom".This preview explores the journey of realizing that a life filled with unhealthy coping mechanisms like junk food, alcohol, and excessive screen time was the result of living out others' expectations instead of their own dreams. Learn about the many "wakeup calls" that slowly guided them out of their old life and how they began to challenge their own limiting beliefs. The episode introduces the "Brilliant Life Journey," an action plan condensed into six phases designed to help you reclaim your future and discover who you truly are.
A More Brilliant Life is available wherever books are sold. However please consider purchasing from out local book store Lykke Books via our website.
Our website: https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/
After two decades driving buses through the streets of Toronto, Carlos Castelo felt life slipping into a monotonous loop — work, bills, exhaustion, repeat. In this candid conversation, Carlos shares how the pandemic, a brush with midlife crisis, and a fearless recon trip to Costa Rica sparked a bold decision: sell it all and start fresh in a new country. From fears and family adjustments to building community and rediscovering joy, Carlos’ story is a blueprint for anyone yearning to break free from “good enough” and embrace a more vibrant life.
Your comfort zone can be a trap — even a “good” life can keep you from a great one.
Crisis can be a catalyst — midlife challenges and pandemic pressures can open the door to transformation.
Fear is the biggest barrier — most people stay stuck not because they can’t change, but because they’re afraid to try.
Community takes time — building new friendships and networks doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s worth the effort.
Invest in experiences over possessions — time with loved ones and a fulfilling lifestyle matter more than a bigger paycheck.
Mindset matters — surrounding yourself with people who think outside the box can change what you believe is possible.
Leap before you’re “ready” — you may never feel fully prepared, but bold moves can lead to the happiest chapters of your life.
In this conversation, Jacob Rieke interviews Jim Burrows, who shares his transformative journey from obesity to health. Jim discusses the catalysts that prompted his change, including his role as a cross country coach and the realization of needing to be around for his grandkids. He reflects on his weight loss journey, the challenges of dieting, and the importance of strength training. The conversation also delves into the mindset required to overcome self-sabotage and the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as one ages. In this engaging conversation, Jim Burrows shares his transformative journey from being overweight to becoming a fitness coach and YouTube content creator. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, attitude, and making small changes to achieve significant results. Jim discusses the role of support from loved ones in personal growth and the necessity of taking responsibility for one's health. He reflects on his past, the lessons learned, and the importance of finding joy in life. The conversation concludes with Jim's aspirations for the future and his commitment to helping others on their health journeys.
Takeaways:
Jim Burrows lost 70-80 pounds over several years.
His journey began as a cross country coach needing to understand running.
He started with small, manageable workouts to build consistency.
Dieting has been a roller coaster of successes and failures for him.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding caloric intake and exercise balance.
Jim's current diet focuses on animal-based, single-ingredient foods.
Strength training became a crucial part of his fitness journey.
He learned to change his relationship with food for better health.
Self-sabotage is a common struggle; discipline is key to overcoming it.
Aging requires a focus on strength training to maintain health. Consistency builds a sense of invincibility.
Running can be a meditative experience.
Sharing personal experiences can inspire others.
Happiness is a conscious choice we make.
Life is an adventure filled with ups and downs.
Small changes can lead to significant transformations.
Support from loved ones is crucial in personal growth.
You must take responsibility for your health.
Leading by example can motivate others to change.
Finding joy in life is essential for well-being.
Is that the voice of Jesse Ventura? No, Jay Schmidt, shares his transformative journey from a 30-year career in the dairy industry to becoming a tour guide in the UK. Jay discusses the personal challenges he faced, including an unhappy marriage, and how his daughter's encouragement led him to explore tourism. He reflects on the cultural adjustments he made after relocating to the UK, the challenges of starting a new career, and the joy of connecting with people from around the world. Jay also offers insights and advice for those considering major life changes, emphasizing the importance of having a backup plan and being open to new experiences. In this conversation, Jay Schmidt shares his journey of transitioning from the dairy industry to tourism, discussing the challenges and rewards of navigating immigration processes, adapting to a new lifestyle in the UK, and embracing change at any age. He reflects on health improvements, cultural differences, and the importance of travel, while encouraging others to pursue their dreams and be open to new experiences.
Takeaways
- Life transitions can lead to unexpected opportunities.
- Encouragement from loved ones can spark change.
- Personal challenges often catalyze major life decisions.
- Cultural adjustments are part of relocating to a new country.
- Building connections is crucial in a new environment.
- Tourism can be a fulfilling career for those passionate about it.
- Having a backup plan can ease the transition process.
- Experiencing different cultures enriches personal growth.
- Embracing change can lead to personal happiness.
- Reflecting on past decisions can provide clarity for the future.
-The immigration process can be complex but manageable with the right information.
- Life transitions can lead to personal growth and happiness at any age.- Health can improve with lifestyle changes and support from loved ones.
- Cultural differences can be both challenging and enriching when living abroad.
- Being open to change is essential for personal development.
- Traveling can provide unique insights into history and culture.
- It's important to embrace discomfort as a part of growth.
- Traveling allows for exploration and appreciation of different perspectives.
- Family connections can motivate life changes and transitions.
- The joy of travel is often found in the stories and experiences shared along the way.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Life Transition
01:39 From Dairy to Tourism: A Major Pivot
04:04 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Career Change
07:34 Navigating New Opportunities in Tourism
11:30 Love and Relocation: Moving to the UK
12:38 Cultural Adjustments in a New Country
16:25 Establishing a New Career in London
21:16 Life as a Tour Guide: Experiences and Challenges
24:49 Cultural Shock and Adaptation in the UK
28:16 Driving Culture Shock: A Tale of Two Countries
31:10 Navigating Life Between Two Worlds
34:54 Culinary Discoveries and Cultural Exchanges
39:23 The Transition Journey: Challenges and Triumphs
45:46 Future Aspirations and Family Dynamics
51:46 Health, Aging, and Lifestyle Changes
54:34 Language Barriers and Cultural Nuances
55:46 Historical Insights and American Presidents
59:02 Personal Transitions and Life Changes
01:00:48 The Importance of Embracing Change
01:04:15 Travel Experiences and Cultural Insights
01:07:57 Future Travel Plans and Aspirations
01:20:31 Outro Clip.mp4
In this episode, Jacob Rieke interviews Sophia Reuser, who shares her journey from a corporate job in the Netherlands to a fulfilling life in Costa Rica as an Ayurvedic therapist and tour guide. Sophia discusses her experiences with burnout, the importance of self-discovery, and how traveling has shaped her understanding of health and happiness. She emphasizes the significance of listening to one's intuition and the need for a balanced lifestyle, contrasting her past corporate life with the slower pace of life in Costa Rica. The conversation also touches on cultural differences and the challenges of finding personal fulfillment in a fast-paced world.Takeaways:- Sophia transitioned from a corporate job to a more fulfilling life in Costa Rica.- Burnout can lead to significant self-discovery and change.- Traveling is a powerful way to learn about oneself and the world.- Ayurveda emphasizes individual needs and holistic health.- Preventative health is often overlooked in modern healthcare.- Cultural differences can greatly affect one's perspective on work and life.- Listening to one's intuition is crucial for personal happiness.- The pace of life in Costa Rica encourages relaxation and mindfulness.- Self-discovery often comes through challenging experiences.- Sophia plans to design her own tours in Costa Rica, combining travel with Ayurvedic principles.Sophia's Website: https://sophiareuser.com/Jake & Kylie: https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/
Olga Brouwer shares her transformative journey from being a teacher in the Netherlands to becoming a life and leadership coach living in the Azores. She discusses the challenges of identity, personal growth, and the importance of embracing change. Olga reflects on her experiences with coaching, art, and the lessons learned through her transitions, emphasizing the significance of speaking one's truth and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.Takeaways:Change is possible at any moment in life.Personal development often requires stepping out of comfort zones.Embracing new environments can lead to significant growth.Art and creativity can be powerful tools for self-discovery.Building a supportive community is essential during transitions.Learning to speak your truth is crucial for personal empowerment.Regrets can lead to valuable lessons and insights.Coaching can help individuals navigate their personal journeys.The importance of maintaining connections with loved ones during transitions.Finding purpose often involves exploring past passions and interests.Olga's Contacts:https://www.olgabrouwer.com/https://www.instagram.com/brouwercoaching/https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgabrouwer/https://www.facebook.com/OlgaBrouwerCoachingJake & Kylie:https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/
In this episode, Chris DT Gordon shares his incredible journey of personal transformation following a life-threatening incident caused by flesh-eating bacteria. He discusses the initial event, the diagnosis, and the extensive treatment he underwent at the Mayo Clinic. Throughout his recovery, Chris emphasizes the importance of community support and the mental shift he experienced, leading to an attitude of gratitude. He reflects on the challenges of rehabilitation and how this experience has shaped his perspective on life, ultimately inspiring him to help others through speaking engagements and his book.
Takeaways:
Chris DT Gordon's Website: https://chrisdtgordon.com/
Chris's dot.Profile: https://dot.cards/chrisdtgordon
Jake & Kylie's Website: https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/
In this episode, Brie Taralson shares her transformative journey from a career in healthcare to establishing a community hub and bookstore, Ulm Sweet Ulm and Lykke Books. She discusses the impact of COVID-19 on her mental health, the importance of reflection in finding clarity, and the significance of community building. Brie emphasizes the value of aligning one's career with personal values and the importance of social connections for happiness. She offers advice for those feeling stuck in their careers and highlights the richness of her new life filled with meaningful experiences and relationships.
Takeaways:
Brie's Website: https://www.ulmsweetulm.com/
Jake & Kylie's Website: https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/
In this conversation, Jacob Rieke and Jeff Toomer discuss the transformative journey of Jeff, who transitioned from a career as a funeral director to becoming a fitness coach. They explore the importance of support from loved ones, the challenges of daily life in a demanding job, and the pivotal moments that led to Jeff's significant weight loss and lifestyle changes. The discussion emphasizes the role of failure in personal growth, the impact of community in fitness, and the necessity of prioritizing long-term health over immediate results. In this conversation, Jeff Toomer shares his transformative journey from working in a funeral home to becoming a successful gym owner. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to pursue his passion for fitness, the importance of having a supportive partner, and the daily routines that keep him grounded. Jeff emphasizes the significance of mental preparation, consistency over perfection, and the need for holistic approaches to health. He also shares his aspirations for expanding his gym and offering more resources to the community.
Takeaways
Jeff Toomer's Website: https://newulmfitness.com/
Jake & Kylie: https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/
In this conversation, Jacob Rieke and Ann Vote explore the transformative journey of Ann from a negative mindset in her teaching career to becoming a motivational speaker and culture coach. They discuss the importance of recognizing when one is stuck, the impact of personal development, and the necessity of surrounding oneself with positivity. Ann shares her experiences of overcoming negativity, the challenges of transitioning careers, and the significance of having a supportive network. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing nature of personal transformation and the importance of taking actionable steps towards growth. In this conversation, Ann Vote shares her journey of personal growth and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. She emphasizes the need to overcome negativity and limiting beliefs, highlighting the power of positivity and connection for mental health. Ann discusses the significance of making conscious choices to embrace change and take small steps towards personal development. She reflects on the impact of her choices on her family and the broader movement of personal development in society. Ann also introduces her upcoming project, the Leader Collaboratory, aimed at fostering leadership and accountability.
Takeaways
Ann Vote's Website: https://www.annvote.com/
Jake & Kylie's Website: https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/
Have you ever stared in awe, wondering how some individuals orchestrate a complete metamorphosis of their health, career, and entire life? Gwen doesn't just wonder; she shows you. Discover the powerful journey of how she shed 60 pounds, banished chronic fatigue, and transformed from an unhealthy existence into the thriving fitness and health coach she is today.
In this episode, Jacob Rieke interviews Gwen Russell, who shares her transformative journey from Gwen 1.0 to Gwen 2.0. Gwen discusses her struggles with weight, health issues, and the pivotal moment that led her to seek help through health coaching. She emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, environment, and mindset in achieving lasting change. Gwen's story highlights the emotional impact of transformation, both for herself and her clients, and she shares valuable insights on overcoming challenges such as emotional eating. Today, Gwen is a health coach, helping others on their journeys to wellness while enjoying a fulfilling life with her family and new business ventures.
Gwen Russell's Website: https://www.corebungeefitness.net/
Kylie Rieke went from living as a farmer's wife in Minnesota to an author and life coach living in Costa Rica.