How to be More Compassionate with Shelby Forsythia →

**You will feel calmer and kinder after listening to this episode.** 👉Shelby is one of those people you meet who just exudes compassion but will push you to move in the direction you’re meant to go. This makes her a truly gifted grief coach.

In this episode: 🚑 Shelby’s story of the time she had a grand mal seizure ALONE in her apartment and how her life was saved

🩵 How to be more compassionate in your everyday life & tips to help you build your own “compassion muscle”

💝 How grief can be perceived as part of the sweetness of life

👓 Shelby explains what “grief glasses” are

💔 How to talk to people who are grieving

🥪 The weird story of visiting the spot Shelby laid mom's ashes & what it has to do with the best sandwich ever

🪴 How to be a good friend by skipping the effort & doing totally boring normal things together & so much more

...And so much more

Sorry if I come off a little fan-girly on this one…I am, in fact, a fangirl of this woman. I can be intense and have rough edges that are totally “me...” AND Shelby is an example of the love and authenticity I hope to be and share in my life. Both of these can be true, and this goes for all of our “conflicting” personality traits and hopes.

📌Life After Loss Academy: Start moving forward with peace, purpose, and even joy.

🌐Follow Shelby

@shelbyforsythia on IG

👉Key points

(00:00) Starting the Day with Gratitude

(00:45) Introducing Shelby

(01:49) Shelby's Journey and Expertise

(03:49) Life After Loss Academy

(07:17) The Concept of Growing Through Grief

(08:30) Personal Reflections and Metaphors

(09:38) Empowering Through Grief

(12:36) Integrating Grief into Life

(14:11) The Impact of Grief on Life Choices

(26:48) The Preciousness of Life and Voice

(40:13) Exploring Compassion and Boundaries

(40:39) The Impact of Grief on Compassion

(40:57) Recognizing and Responding to Suffering

(42:09) Personal Stories of Compassion

(44:24) The Gift of Space Holding

(46:01) The Universality of Grief

(48:15) Near-Death Experience and Its Impact: My grand mal seizure

(51:53) Life After a Near-Death Experience

(01:04:32) Romanticizing the Mundane

(01:16:38) Celebrating Life and Being Present

(01:18:14) Closing Remarks and Gratitude

👉Shelby Forsythia BIO

Shelby Forsynthia

Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a grief coach, author, and podcast host. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers grow and find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions. Following her mother’s death in 2013, Shelby began calling herself a “student of grief” and now devotes her days to reading, writing, and speaking about loss. Through a combination of mindfulness tools and intuitive, open-ended questions, she guides her clients to welcome grief as a teacher and create meaningful lives that honor and include the heartbreaks they’ve faced. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine.

👉Connect with Kate Manser on Instagram⁠
Visit Kate’s website ⁠
Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me

Stories from Publishing My Book feat. Stephen King & Susanna Kaysen →

Stories from publishing my 1st book In the end stages of publishing a book, all authors and publishers must do quote approvals. This means you have to get direct, written permission to use any quotes in your manuscript. It ended up being a really fun + interesting part of publishing my book! It resulted in me getting thoughtful emails from Stephen King, Susanna Kaysen (author of Girl, Interrupted), Carsie Blanton, among others. This process and the emails I got contained messages I think you''ll find INSPIRING & thought-provoking.

In this episode I share the stories about how all this went down & the wise words shared by King & Kaysen that could change the way you look at creating art or showing up in your life today.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:46 The Book Publishing Journey

01:35 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Book Launch

03:49 Lessons Learned from the Pandemic

06:20 Securing Quotes for the Book

08:24 The Story Behind 'Girl, Interrupted' Quote

11:03 The Importance of Authenticity

13:12 The Influence of Susanna Kaysen

18:14 The Carsi Blanton Story

21:29 Reflections on the Book's Success

23:15 Conclusion and Call to Action

Follow me on IG check out my website Sign up to get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thanks for being alive with me ⚡️

Adversity is a Sneaky Bitch with Lisa Keefauver →

📌Check out the book ‘Grief is a Sneaky Bitch’

Don't get it twisted - Lisa is a GRIEF ACTIVIST...but she's also an Adversity Champion. I told her she's right up there with Elizabeth Taylor...if you know the Steel Magnolias quote, ya know. Assault, becoming a widow at 40, cancer, and more...Lisa did not come to this life on the easy train. I am thrilled to have Lisa on the show to talk about adversity, humor, feeling alive, and her new book, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch. Get yourself a copy, pop on this interview, and take in the energy of someone who has been THROUGH IT but has figured out how to survive and thrive.

As a survivor of multiple traumas, Lisa's reflections provide a compassionate and empowering perspective on navigating life's challenges and embracing aliveness. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and metabolizing suffering, building resilience, and allowing oneself to receive help, which is something that can be healing not just for the person receiving the support, but also the person that is able to give it.

🌐Follow Lisa Instagram, Website

YouTube    / @lisakeefauvermsw  

👉Key points
(00:00) Welcome and Introduction

(01:42) Lisa Keefauver's Journey with Grief

(02:20) Celebrating Life's Milestones

(04:00) Facing Trauma and Finding Meaning

(06:50) The Concept of AFGO

(09:07) Navigating the Dark Night of the Soul

(20:40) The Role of Suffering in Life

(29:38) Finding Aliveness Amidst Grief

(32:38) A Year of Challenges and Diagnosis

(34:37) The Importance of Accepting Help

(35:43) The Power of Vulnerability and Connection

(37:39) Reflections on Aliveness and Mindfulness

(39:39) The Journey of Writing and Sharing

(46:24) The Courage to Be Provocative

(49:19) Embracing Full Humanity in Grief Activism

(57:47) The Process of Self-Expression and Growth

(01:01:42) Celebrating Life and Community

(01:03:54) Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

👉Lisa Keefauver BIO

Lisa Keefauver

Lisa Keefauver is a grief activist. Her wisdom on the topic of grief and loss are rooted in the decades she spent as a social worker, narrative therapist, non-profit co-founder, and clinical supervisor. Her insights on grief are also embodied from personal losses, including the death of her husband when she was 40 years old. Lisa is host of the top-rated podcast, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch; adjunct professor of Loss and Grief at the University of Texas at Austin; facilitates grief-smart organizations; and a keynote speaker.

👉To connect with Kate Manser on Instagram Visit Kate’s website⁠ Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me!

RV Life, Entrepreneur, & Your Big Dreams →

Hi! I'm Kate Manser, The Inspirer. I have been living in my 1992 RV for the past 3 years but this year, I've picked my favorite weird town to stay in for awhile. Here's how it's going, how I make money as an entrepreneur, & where to get the best, cheapest white boards. ;)

Most importantly, I share my 5-year plan of big dreams to inspire you to take yours even more seriously.

Be Alive with Kate Manser: Life Update & Big Dreams

Pretend we’re having coffee together and put this ep on while you’re doing dishes or putting your makeup on.

Especially as a single person who lives alone and doesn’t own a TV, I love putting on long-form podcast content in the background for some company. :)

In this episode of Be Alive, I’m sharing a life update peppered with good humor & useful tips and perspectives like:

🔑What is object permanence & do you have a deficiency?

🔑Where to get the cheapest, biggest whiteboards

🔑1 thing they don’t tell you about RV life

🔑What, exactly, does Kate do again?

🔑The importance of thinking about your life as a process of creation AND destruction

🔑My biggest dreams for the next 5 years

00:00 Introduction and Life Update

00:38 My New Office & Where to Get the Best, Cheapest White Boards

01:42 What Does Kate Do?

03:56 Change my Mind: Discomfort = Aliveness

04:51 1 Thing They Don’t Tell You about RV Life

06:11 Flavors of ADD & Productivity

08:14 Humility of Living in Marfa, Texas

17:58 Coaching and Personal Growth

24:35 Future Plans and Big Dreams

32:53 Conclusion: What’s YOUR big dream?

Connect with Kate Manser on Instagram Visit Kate’s website Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me!

Courage & Living Alive →

For when you need a boost! MOVE BEYOND overthinking and waiting to be 100% ready...there is something in this episode that will help you feel braver and inspire you to take the next step in the direction you want to go.

00:00 Introduction to Living an Alive Life

00:38 Defining Fulfillment and Aliveness

02:04 The Role of Courage and Fear

03:32 Cultivating Courage

07:04 Mindset Shifts and Neuroscience

11:16 Building Confidence Through Courage

12:09 Overcoming Fear and Taking Action

16:07 Inspiring Others with Your Courage

19:10 Destruction and Creation on the Path to Courage

22:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

23:26 Closing Remarks and Resources

To connect with Kate Manser on Instagram⁠ Visit Kate’s website ⁠Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me!

High You, AI, & Identity with Jordan Loewen-Colón →

In this episode of Be Alive with Kate Manser, Kate sits down with Dr. Jordan Loewen-Colón , a philosopher, scholar, AI expert, and artist, to discuss the transformative power of transcendent experiences.

Kate and Jordan delve into topics such as the importance of community, the potential of technology to induce mystical states, and coping with heartbreak. Join them as they explore the beauty of the sublime, the necessity of being present, and the profound shifts that occur when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and connected.

Tune in to discover how to integrate these experiences into everyday life and live a more vibrant existence.

(01:32) Welcome to Be Alive with Kate Manser

(01:48) Meeting Jordan Loewen-Colón

(02:22) Jordan's Transformative Performance

(05:21) Grounding Meditation

(06:00) Jordan's Background and Philosophy

(12:32) Exploring Transcendent Experiences

(38:23) The Power of Community in Sustaining Profound Experiences

(39:37) Self-Directed Neuroplasticity: Reprogramming the Brain

(41:51) The Role of Technology in Inducing Neuroplastic States

(42:45) Practical Steps to Cultivate Community and Self-Awareness

(49:17) Navigating Loneliness and Heartbreak with Community Support

(57:42) The Healing Power of Art and Poetry

(01:00:07) Embracing Vulnerability and Connection

(01:02:09) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode is sponsored by The Naked Dog, where dog owners learn to "Speak Dog." The Naked Dog's Online Courses and Virtual Coaching Program takes a holistic approach to dog training, addressing dogs' challenging behaviors by teaching owners how to BECOME someone their dog trusts and wants to listen to.

Use code KATE for 10% off all online courses and coaching packages

Connect with Jordan Loewen-Colón Website https://www.jordanbradyloewen.com/ LinkedIN   / jordanloewencolon 

To connect with Kate Manser on Instagram⁠ Visit Kate’s website ⁠ Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me!

Dr. Jordan Loewen-Colón

Story: Why I'm Still Alive (Part I) →

In this heartfelt episode, Kate recounts her emotional journey from the depths of depression to achieving a newfound happiness. From managing a meditation retreat outside Austin to undertaking an adventurous road trip in a renovated RV, Kate navigates the highs and lows of pursuing her passions and entrepreneurial dreams. Along the way, she grapples with intense self-doubt, financial struggles, and the unexpected challenges of living on the road. An inspiring trip to Burning Man leads to a significant emotional breakthrough and a promise to herself that catalyzed her transformative journey. This is the first part of a multi-episode series detailing her path to overcoming depression and finding joy and purpose in life.

02:48 The Beginning of the Journey

05:20 The Road to Entrepreneurship

09:52 Initial Struggles and Realizations

13:35 Financial Crisis and Despair

25:10 A Glimmer of Hope

33:00 Burning Man and the Promise

43:40 Conclusion and Next Steps

Today’s episode of Be Alive is brought to you by Mother Mary’s Spiritual Goods, based in the high Chihuahuan desert of Marfa, TX, offering Handmade spiritual products and readings to help manifest your intentions ~ ~ ~

Founder Amanda Holstien, a graduate of Columbia University with a B.A. in philosophy, is a poet, spiritual seeker, and professional tarot reader. Her no-frills approach to tarot reading and spiritual workings cuts through the New Age bullshit.

For handmade spiritual and manifestation goods as well as readings: use promo code KATE20 receive 20% off your first order.

To connect with Kate Manser on Instagram⁠ Visit Kate’s website ⁠ Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me!

Story: Why I'm Still Alive (Part II) →

In this second episode of a three-part series, Kate reflect on her journey from the depths of depression to finding joy and hope.

The story begins with a pivotal moment at Burning Man where the narrator makes a life-saving promise to stay alive for one more year. It chronicles the struggles of dealing with suicidal thoughts, the challenges of overcoming negative self-talk, and physical pain.

Through moments of despair, attending a Vipassana meditation retreat, and embracing a series of affirmative actions like therapy, coaching, and spiritual practices, Kate gradually finds a path to happiness.

The episode emphasizes the importance of small, intentional steps towards mental well-being and the incredible transformations that can result. Stay tuned for the upcoming final episode where the narrator will share more magical and transformative experiences.

01:00 The Burning Man Promise

02:32 The Impact of Scarcity and New Beginnings

08:05 A Tragic Loss and Its Emotional Impact

12:03 The Struggle with Suicidal Thoughts

14:18 A Lifesaving Promise and the Vipassana Retreat

20:58 Chronic Pain and Emotional Turmoil

23:37 Understanding Chronic Pain

23:50 Meditation Retreat Experience

26:40 The Power of Visualization

29:10 Saying Yes to Opportunities

34:01 Transforming Anger into Joy

39:06 Rewiring Negative Thought Patterns

44:02 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

To connect with Kate Manser on Instagram⁠ Visit Kate’s website⁠ Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me!

Hello & What's New - from Marfa, TX →

In this episode of 'Be Alive,' our host reflects on experiences from her travels, including a transformative eclipse viewing and updates from her time in Marfa, Texas. She shares stories of her journey with her loyal dog Pajamas, detailing incidences where Pajamas consumed unusual items, and highlights the radical change in their relationship through holistic training. The episode introduces an upcoming three-part series that narrates the host's journey from deep depression to profound happiness, emphasizing the importance of following one's intuition. Join in to catch up on her recent endeavors, connect emotionally, and hear about her plans for future episodes.

01:32 Greetings from Marfa, Texas

01:54 Pajamas' Adventures and Mishaps

05:14 Life Updates and Recent Travels

07:54 Reflecting on the Eclipse

11:16 Plans for Upcoming Episodes

13:49 Podcast Production Insights

14:39 Closing Remarks

This episode is sponsored by The Naked Dog, where dog owners learn to "Speak Dog." The Naked Dog's Online Courses and Virtual Coaching Program takes a holistic approach to dog training, addressing dogs' challenging behaviors by teaching owners how to BECOME someone their dog trusts and wants to listen to.

Use code KATE for 10% off all online courses and coaching packages

To connect with Kate Manser on Instagram⁠ Visit Kate’s website⁠ Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me!

Story: Why I'm Still Alive (Part III) →

In this emotional final installment, Kate Manser shares her transformative journey from deep depression to profound happiness. She discusses various strategies, including saying yes to opportunities, practicing self-directed neuroplasticity, and seeking professional help.

Key experiences include life-changing encounters with hawks symbolizing 'pay attention', a touching sobbing episode at the Burning Man temple, and a miraculous escape from a propane leak. Kate emphasizes the importance of perseverance, external support, and believing in one's belonging and purpose in life. Ending on a high note, she reflects on survival, gratitude, and the magic of life.

00:00 Introduction and Recap

02:19 The Power of Saying Yes

05:12 Emotional Breakthroughs

08:12 Signs from the Universe

10:53 Hawk Encounters Begin

16:41 A Life-Saving Encounter

20:47 A Promise Kept

26:43 Final Reflections and Hope

This episode is sponsored by The Naked Dog, where dog owners learn to "Speak Dog." The Naked Dog's Online Courses and Virtual Coaching Program takes a holistic approach to dog training, addressing dogs' challenging behaviors by teaching owners how to BECOME someone their dog trusts and wants to listen to.

Use code KATE for 10% off all online courses and coaching packages

To connect with Kate Manser on Instagram⁠ Visit Kate’s website Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Launch Episode: It's a Beautiful Day To Be Alive! →

It's the inaugural episode of Be Alive with Kate Manser!

In this episode, Kate shares the long journey to start her podcast, finally overcoming self-doubt and procrastination. She discusses her philosophy of loving all aspects of life, including its pains and challenges, inspired by her own experience with depression. Through personal anecdotes from her adventures on a sailboat, Kate illustrates the importance of humility, the transient nature of pain and joy, and the value each person brings. She invites listeners to join her on this journey of discovery, growth, and embracing the full spectrum of being alive.

00:00 Welcome to Be Alive with Kate Manser

00:42 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Starting the Podcast

01:30 Embracing the Full Spectrum of Life

01:59 A Journey Through Depression

05:56 Lessons from Sailing in Tahiti

15:40 The Value of Humility and Beginner's Mind

23:32 Recognizing Your Unique Gifts

29:58 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Follow Melissa Saville

mahoneysavillimages⁠

Melissa Saville is a hypnobirthing coach, photographer and camera operator, spearfisherwoman, sailor, and mom to two kiddos. Melissa and her husband, Scott, live in Hawaii.

To connect with Kate Manser on Instagram⁠ Visit Kate’s website⁠ Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me!

Podcast post-production by Seamless Multimedia