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GRASP Confidence | Personal Growth for Leaders and High Performers

GRASP Confidence | Personal Growth for Leaders and High Performers

By: Tara LaFon Gooch
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 GRASP Confidence is a leadership and personal development podcast for high-performing entrepreneurs, executives, and faith-driven leaders who want to expand their capacity, lead with confidence, and live with purpose. Hosted by 3X bestselling author, TEDx speaker coach, and founder of Best Branding Solutions, Tara LaFon Gooch, the show blends entrepreneurship, business strategy, Christian faith, and personal growth through the GRASP Method—Gratitude, Responsibility, Action, Sight, and Purpose. Each episode delivers transformational conversations and real-world tools to help elite leaders step into the best version of themselves and create impact. 📥 𝙀𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙡: Tara@TaraLaFonGooch.com 🌐 𝙒𝙚𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚:https://taralafongooch.com 🏢 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙒𝙚𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚: https://bestbranding.solutions2025 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • #177: Why Confidence Starts in Your Nervous System (And How to Fix It) | Dr. Amelia Kelley

    #177: Why Confidence Starts in Your Nervous System (And How to Fix It) | Dr. Amelia Kelley
    Mar 4 2026
    Confidence is often framed as a mindset problem; something you fix with better habits, stronger discipline, or positive thinking. But what if confidence isn't a mindset issue at all? What if it's a nervous system issue? In this powerful and deeply grounding conversation, Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with Dr. Amelia Kelley—trauma-informed therapist, author, professor, and TED speaker to explore why so many capable, intelligent, high-achieving people struggle with confidence, clarity, and self-trust despite "doing all the right things." Dr. Kelley brings a refreshing, evidence-informed perspective that bridges neuroscience, clinical practice, and real-world lived experience. Together, they unpack how chronic stress, unresolved trauma, and nervous system dysregulation quietly shape how we show up in leadership, relationships, work, and daily decision-making. This episode reframes confidence not as something you force—but something that emerges naturally when your nervous system feels safe. You'll learn why sensitivity is not a weakness, but a form of cognitive diversity; how many women—especially those with ADHD or trauma histories—are misreading dysregulation as personal failure; and why traditional "push through it" approaches often backfire for high performers. Dr. Kelley explains how the nervous system responds to perceived threat, why survival mode erodes self-trust, and what it actually takes to move from reactivity into regulation. The conversation also explores trauma-informed approaches to healing that don't pathologize sensitivity or label people as broken. Dr. Kelley shares insights from her clinical work using somatic therapies, Internal Family Systems–informed frameworks, EMDR-informed treatment, and nervous system–based interventions—translating complex psychological research into language that is practical, compassionate, and accessible. Beyond individual healing, this episode expands the lens to systems and prevention. Dr. Kelley discusses her advocacy for trauma-informed mental health support in schools, early screening, and why nervous system literacy is essential for long-term well-being, safety, and leadership development. If you've ever felt confident one moment and completely shut down the next… If you've questioned why success hasn't brought the inner calm you expected… If you're tired of fixing yourself instead of understanding yourself… This episode offers a new framework—one rooted in regulation, safety, and self-trust. Because real confidence doesn't come from forcing courage. It comes from a nervous system that finally feels safe enough to lead. 🎧 Listen now to this episode of GRASP Confidence and discover how choosing positivity, connection, and purpose can transform the way you lead, communicate, and live. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who needs encouragement todayand be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review to help more people find these powerful conversations. Connect with Amelia + Support her work Amelia's Profile linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley Website ameliakelley.com Are you highly sensative? Take Amelia's quiz to learn more! What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.
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    37 mins
  • #177: Life Happens. Positivity Is a Choice. Here's How to Choose It | Russ Hedge

    #177: Life Happens. Positivity Is a Choice. Here's How to Choose It | Russ Hedge
    Feb 25 2026
    In a world that feels louder, faster, and more negative than ever, confidence isn't just a mindset; it's a choice. And when life throws curveballs (as it inevitably does), the leaders who rise aren't the ones who avoid challenges, but the ones who decide how they respond. In this powerful episode of GRASP Confidence, host Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with inspirational speaker, international bestselling author, and master connector Russ Hedge to explore what it truly means to choose positivity, purpose, and forward momentum—no matter what season of life or business you're in. With over 30 years in marketing, sales, and relationship-driven business, Russ has seen it all. And more importantly, he's learned how to turn experience into encouragement, setbacks into fuel, and connection into one of the most underutilized confidence accelerators available today. Known as an "Inspiration Specialist," Russ Hedge is a positive force in an often hectic and high-pressure business environment. He's been recognized as a top salesperson across multiple industries, not just for his results—but for the way he builds trust, networks authentically, and adds value before ever asking for anything in return. In this episode, Russ shares how confidence is built through connection, not perfection. He opens up about the power of encouragement, the importance of mindset in leadership and business growth, and why choosing positivity is a strategic advantage—not a personality trait. Listeners will hear real-world stories from Russ's decades-long career in marketing and sales, along with insights from his bestselling book, Live Happens… and Then You Choose!—a message that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs, leaders, and high-performers navigating uncertainty, transition, or growth. This conversation goes beyond tactics. It's about how you show up when things don't go as planned, how you lead with purpose, and how intentional encouragement can change not only your business; but your life. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, speaker, coach, or professional who: Feels drained by constant pressure and negativity Wants to build confidence without burnout Knows relationships are key but wants to deepen them authentically Is navigating change, growth, or uncertainty Wants to live and lead with more purpose and positivity …this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Russ doesn't preach motivation—he models it. His ability to connect, inspire, and make people feel seen is why he's trusted as a speaker, coach, consultant, and podcast host across platforms. From mindset shifts to practical encouragement strategies, this conversation offers both heart and application. You'll walk away reminded that confidence isn't something you wait for—it's something you choose, especially when life happens. 🎧 Listen now to this episode of GRASP Confidence and discover how choosing positivity, connection, and purpose can transform the way you lead, communicate, and live. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today—and be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review to help more people find these powerful conversations. 🔗 Connect with Russ Hedge Website: https://www.russhedge.com Email: russ@russhedge.com Calendar: https://www.russhedge.com/contact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russhedge/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russhedgecoaching Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/russhedge YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/greerbros/videos 🎥 Shows & Podcasts: Marketing with Russ (#RussSelfie) The Experience Live with Russ & Scott Russ Reals Live Available weekly on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and major podcast platforms. 📘 New Book: Live Happens… and Then You Choose! 👉 https://www.russhedge.com/buy-book-now What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • #175: Our Beliefs Can Make You Sick or Well (Here's How to Shift Them) | Dr. Hamad Shirazi

    #175: Our Beliefs Can Make You Sick or Well (Here's How to Shift Them) | Dr. Hamad Shirazi
    Feb 19 2026

    Aligned to Heal: Chiropractic, Consciousness, and Whole-Body Confidence

    What if your pain isn't a problem to "fix"… but a message to listen to? In this episode of GRASP Confidence, I sit down with Dr. Hamad Shirazi (D.C., M.S.Ed.)—chiropractor, educator, and wellness leader—who introduces a powerful reframe: pain as a teacher guiding you back into alignment.

    I met Dr. Shirazi in Belize on a private island, and his grounded energy immediately stood out. In our conversation, we go far beyond "neck and back pain" and into the deeper root: posture, breath, nervous system regulation, belief, and purpose. We talk about how our beliefs can influence healing (yes, even the placebo effect), why many people stay stuck in suffering, and how shifting from fear to trust can change everything. You'll also hear a mind-blowing concept you may have never heard before: "pronoia"...the belief that life is conspiring in your favor.


    Inside this episode, we cover:

    • Why Dr. Shirazi says "pain is direction"—not punishment

    • The most common issues he sees (neck, back, shoulder, knee) and what they often reveal

    • How he blends chiropractic + physical therapy principles + strength & conditioning to get to root cause

    • The role of breathing, posture, mobility, and balance in lasting healing

    • Why "being right" can keep you stuck—and how curiosity opens the door to change

    • How gratitude, surrender, and nervous system safety support transformation


    If you've been feeling out of alignment—physically, mentally, or spiritually—this episode will help you reconnect to your body, rethink your beliefs, and move forward with intention. Listen now, and if it resonates, follow GRASP Confidence on your favorite platform and leave a quick Apple review—I read every one.

    Connect with Dr. Hamad Shirazi: https://linktr.ee/coachshirazi

    What does GRASP stand for?


    Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose.
    These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling.

    🎙️ Have you subscribed yet?
    Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.

    🎧 Available on:
    Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio

    Share the inspiration
    Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
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