Tom Shepard on Financial Evolution and Living a Fantastic Life

Introduction:

In this episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Tom Shepard—author of Money Isn’t Everything. Everything Is Money, founder and CEO of Shepard Financial, and creator of the Evolutionary Method. Tom is more than a financial advisor; he’s a cheerleader for human transformation—personally, professionally, and spiritually.

A Winding Path to Purpose:

Tom’s journey wasn’t linear. Though he started in engineering, inspired by his father, it was his mother who envisioned something different—perhaps international diplomacy. After dabbling in athletics, lacrosse, and co-op work at a jet engine manufacturer, Tom eventually found his calling in teaching. That led to financial education and ultimately to helping adults and families rethink their relationship with money.

The Four Currencies:

Tom explains his framework for understanding value through four currencies: time, energy, relationships, and money. Knowing which currency matters most to a client or prospect is key to trust, connection, and successful collaboration.

Money as Leverage:

Dr. Lycka and Tom explore the concept of leverage—how using other people’s time, knowledge, and money can supercharge growth. Tom emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between debt and leverage. Borrowing to invest wisely can build wealth; borrowing to consume can be dangerous.

The Seven Financial Natures:

Tom identifies seven core financial “natures”: spender, earner, saver, investor, lever, giver, and taker. These describe not only how people handle money, but how they approach time, energy, and relationships. Understanding your nature helps you unlock personal and financial alignment.

Spiritual Alignment Through Finance:

According to Tom, our money habits reflect our values. Aligning how we spend, save, earn, and give with our deeper beliefs can lead to profound personal growth. He calls these misalignments “financial subluxations”—areas where energy gets stuck. Just as chiropractors adjust the body, Tom helps clients “adjust” their financial flow.

On Happiness and Money:

The episode takes a thought-provoking turn as Tom links financial behaviors to the pursuit of happiness. Whether through fun, work, security, or freedom, each financial nature has its own path to joy. But relying too heavily on one approach can dull its effectiveness—like chewing the same piece of gum.

Lessons from Surfing and Spiritual Growth:

A surf lesson in Costa Rica becomes a metaphor for life. Tom learns that sometimes, effort trumps ease. And emotions—even anger—have a role to play. The experience reinforced his belief in growth through discomfort and tuning in to the moment.

Living a Fantastic Life:

Tom shares his greatest lesson: fantastic lives are co-created. His youthful mantra “If it is to be, it’s up to me” gave way to a new understanding—that accepting help from others is vital. Relationships, serendipity, and the universe all play roles in guiding us toward purpose.

Connect with Tom Shepard:

To explore your financial nature, visit www.currencycamp.com or reach out to Tom at tom@shepardfinancial.com. You can also call him at (207) 331-0118.

Closing Thoughts:

This episode reminds us that money isn’t just a number—it’s a mirror. Aligning our financial actions with our values unlocks not just wealth, but transformation. Don’t miss Tom’s unique lens on life, leverage, and purpose.

Travel, Freedom & Finding Joy with Afrostylecity’s Joy & Hugh

Introduction

In this special travel edition of Live with the Famous Dr. Allen Lycka, we meet Joy and Hugh, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind Afrostylicity—an award-winning travel and style blog. Based in Dallas, Texas, they create captivating content that uncovers hidden travel gems while proving that memorable adventures are possible on any budget. With stunning visuals and thoughtful storytelling, they inspire culturally aware exploration that transforms how people see the world.

The Origins of a Travel Dream

Joy and Hugh caught the travel bug early. Frustrated with the limits of their 9-to-5 lives in healthcare, they chose a different path—turning a personal blog into a full-time passion project. Their goal? To inspire others to explore near and far without financial stress.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Travelers

Not everyone can quit their job, but Joy and Hugh show how to make the most of PTO. By combining long weekends and local exploration, they prove that adventure doesn’t always require a plane ticket. Exploring your own city can be just as transformative.

From Blog to Business

The couple successfully monetized through blog ads, affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and tourism partnerships. Their multiple income streams all align within the ecosystem of travel content creation, ensuring flexibility and resilience.

Navigating a Digital Landscape

Since launching in 2016, they’ve adapted to algorithm changes, SEO shifts, and the rise of AI and short-form video. Evolution is key. Their advice: build your own blog and email list to safeguard your audience from the volatility of social platforms.

A Special Love for Kauai

Among their many destinations, Kauai stands out. Its untouched nature, turquoise waters, and rustic charm remain imprinted on their hearts. Dr. Lycka shares his own fond memories, emphasizing the magic and resilience of the island.

Living a Fantastic Life

Joy and Hugh live intentionally—traveling the world, immersing in cultures, and learning through every journey. For them, happiness lies in discovering new places and honoring Joy’s mother’s dream of becoming a flight attendant. Travel has become a way to live out a legacy.

Tips to Live Your Best Life

They encourage listeners to define their own happiness and pursue it fully. Whether through travel, books, food, or quiet moments, a fantastic life begins with self-discovery. Interacting with locals, embracing spontaneity, and reflecting with gratitude are all part of their daily joy.

Connect with Joy & Hugh

Website: www.afrostylicity.com

Social: @afrostylicity on all platforms

Email: info@afrostylicity.com

Final Words

Joy and Hugh remind us that life is meant to be lived boldly and beautifully. Tune in, be inspired, and let your next adventure begin.

BIO:

Joy and Hugh are the dynamic duo behind Afrostylicity, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog that inspires people to explore the world without breaking the bank. Based in Dallas, Texas, this couple crafts engaging content that uncovers hidden travel gems while showing that memorable adventures are possible on any budget. They showcase destinations through immersive storytelling and stunning visuals that inspire culturally-aware exploration. With their keen eye for discovering unforgettable moments in unexpected places, they're transforming how people experience and remember their travels.

Social Media:

Website: www.afrostylicity.com

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrostylicity/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Afrostylicity/

- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/afrostylicity/

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/afrostylicity

Hiking for Hope with Susan Otten

Guest: Susan Otten, Founder & COO, Indie Do Good

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Susan Otten—a seasoned executive, former Apple leader, and trailblazing logistics entrepreneur. Susan shares her extraordinary journey from the corporate world to the Appalachian Trail, where she and her daughter hiked 2,200 miles to raise funds for Parkinson’s awareness. Along the way, Susan reveals how kindness, resilience, and a mission bigger than yourself can shape both business and life.

From Apple to Indie Do Good

Susan reflects on 15 years at Apple, where she learned the value of responsible risk-taking and continuous innovation. Her transition into the logistics world with Indie Do Good blends business efficiency with a deep commitment to social impact—partnering with mission-driven companies to amplify good.

Lessons from the Appalachian Trail

Susan recounts her grueling 154-day hike, where she overcame two ER-worthy injuries and continued undeterred. Alongside breathtaking scenery, she encountered incredible “trail angels” who offered help, food, shelter, and support—showcasing the goodness of humanity.

Mental Health, Connection & the Post-COVID World

Discussing post-pandemic challenges, Susan emphasizes the importance of slowing down, connecting offline, and prioritizing mental wellness. Her experiences underscore how nature, faith, and community can help reframe adversity.

Doing Business with Heart

Indie Do Good isn’t your typical logistics firm. Susan intentionally works with brands making a difference—from athleisure companies cleaning the ocean to startups feeding homeless youth. She supports clients beyond logistics, mentoring them and connecting them with opportunities.

A Fantastic Life Philosophy

Susan’s philosophy: take the risk, act with kindness, and never underestimate the impact of small gestures. Her dedication to purpose, people, and perseverance shows how fantastic lives aren’t stumbled into—they’re built, step by step, with heart.

Connect with Susan

Email: Susan@indiedogood.com

Learn more: www.indiedogood.com

Stay Connected

Subscribe to Dr. Lycka’s Golden Pearls at www.drallenlycka.com for weekly wisdom to elevate your life.

#LiveFantastic

BIO:

Susan, raised on a Minnesota family dairy farm, learned at an early age faith and family come first, and always help others if you can. After a very successful 15-years at Apple, Susan continued as a business development/sales/branding/marketing executive with two global companies, a strategic consultant, behavioral health COO and founder/CEO of Indie Do Good, a logistics company supporting companies with a "doing good” focus.

Personally committed to doing good, Susan is one of <10 women 65+yo who successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia and raised almost $100k and was named Michael J Fox Foundation’s “Rookies of the Year” while surviving two ER-worthy head injuries and was back on Trail <12 hours after treatment.

Social Media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueotten/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/indiedogood/?viewAsMember=true

https://www.facebook.com/IndieDoGood