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