Gratitude Through Hard Times

• Grace Smith: The Power Of Hypnosis

  Episode SummaryIn this riveting and deeply personal conversation, Chris Schembra sits down with Grace Smith — one of the world’s most respected hypnotherapists and the founder of the #1 hypnotherapy brand in the world — to explore how hypnosis can unlock peak performance, emotional clarity, and authentic leadership in the modern workplace.Chris opens the episode by recounting how Grace helped him through a dark moment in 2021, using hypnotherapy to reconnect him to purpose, possibility, and a record-breaking year in business. From there, the conversation expands to cover Grace’s origin story, her groundbreaking work with high-achieving CEOs, and why hypnosis is less about “fixing” and more about revealing the strength already inside us.Grace shares stunning stories from her early career — including how she helped a paralyzed man regain movement in a single session, a man who would later become her father-in-law. Together, they explore how the subconscious governs behavior, how leaders can reprogram outdated belief systems, and why gratitude often lives just beneath stress, waiting to be uncovered.This episode is a masterclass in neuroscience, personal growth, and emotional intelligence for anyone looking to lead with clarity and courage in a world of chaos. Key ThemesSubconscious blocks and business growthThe science of theta brainwave states and peak performanceHow trauma and stress quietly shape executive decision-makingWhy hypnosis helps leaders find clarity, confidence, and intuitionThe power of gratitude as a renewable energy sourceHow to lead with presence in a world of distractionNotable Quotes“When the subconscious is working against you, you’ll never reach your true potential.” – Grace Smith“Gratitude is there—it’s just buried beneath stress. Hypnosis helps you feel what’s already been inside you.” – Grace Smith“You’re not fixing broken people—you’re polishing the gem that was always there.” – Chris Schembra“Hypnosis gave me the pause I needed to take action toward healing. One week later, I bought a ticket to Italy.” – Chris Schembra“The brain doesn’t just change overnight because your circumstances improve. You have to rewire it—consciously.” – Grace Smith“I work with people whose decisions shift tectonic plates. When their subconscious is clear, the world moves with more grace.” – Grace Smith“Every subconscious breakthrough is followed by what I call a bonus miracle—change you didn’t even expect.” – Grace Smith“When you’re in theta, you bypass the ego. That’s where the intuition lives. That’s where the clarity begins.” – Grace Smith“We’re not adding anything. We’re removing what’s in the way of who you already are.” – Grace Smith“Hypnosis isn’t mind control. It’s mindset liberation.” – Grace Smith“Grace didn’t just help me recover—she helped me remember who I was before the noise.” – Chris Schembra“You can read every business book in the world. But if your subconscious is working against you, you’re building on sand.” – Chris Schembra“She’s not giving you a new mind—she’s handing you the keys to the one you forgot you had.” – Chris Schembra“Sometimes the only way forward is to pause long enough to hear the voice underneath the fear.” – Chris SchembraFeatured StoriesGrace’s first hypnotherapy session helped her quit smoking — and changed the course of her lifeHow a United Nations peacekeeper paralyzed from a stroke moved his hand again in a single sessionChris’s vulnerable account of his 2021 mental health crisis and the role Grace played in his recoveryWhy CEOs with billion-dollar companies are turning to hypnotherapy for their next breakthroughThe neuroscience of flow, intuition, and decision-making under pressureResources and LinksGrace App: Hypnotherapy on-demand for stress, sleep, success, and moreLearn more about 1:1 executive coaching with Grace

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• Sara Hardwick: Beyond Giftology

  In this deeply moving and insight-rich episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes Sara Hardwick, the Community Relationship Strategist at the Gift•ology Group and steward of the late John Ruhlin’s enduring legacy. What begins as a conversation about gifting quickly unfolds into a masterclass in human connection, spiritual resilience, and the transformative power of long-game generosity.Sara shares her unexpected journey into this world of relational marketing—how a nudge from her college roommate and a single Google search led her to John’s work, and how her bold outreach blossomed into a mentorship, a career, and a calling. Chris and Sara reflect on how the principles of Beyond Gift•ology are not just business strategies—they’re spiritual frameworks for living well, loving deeply, and leading with purpose.The episode pays tribute to John Ruhlin, a father, husband, and business visionary who turned gifting into an art form and relationship-building into an enterprise. John passed away in 2024, but his wisdom—"Relationships can take you places marketing can’t"—lives on in the systems, stories, and spirit that Sara now helps shepherd to the world.Together, Chris and Sara unpack practical strategies from Beyond Gift•ology: how to build a business based on Return on Relationship (ROR), how to gift without branding or ego, and how to become what Adam Grant calls a “strategic giver”—someone who gives generously and wisely without burning out.They explore the nuances between swag and soul, between a gift that gathers dust and a gift that transforms a relationship, and between a one-off act of kindness and a lifestyle of sustained generosity. Sara also speaks vulnerably about her faith journey, how her relationship with God guides her every decision, and how grief, gratitude, and giving are all connected.Chris draws parallels between his own work at the dinner table and John’s commitment to elevating relationships through thoughtful gestures. They explore how tiny, consistent acts—handwritten notes, engraved knives, warm introductions—create ripple effects that build not just revenue, but legacy.Whether you're a founder, a sales leader, a service-based professional, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally in your relationships, this episode offers a generous mix of soul and strategy. It’s a reminder that business doesn’t have to be cold, marketing doesn’t have to be manipulative, and giving—when done well—can be your greatest competitive edge.What You'll Hear in This Episode➤ A Powerful Opening TributeChris opens with a personal story of how a 20-minute call with John Ruhlin in 2017 changed his life. That call turned into a two-and-a-half-hour conversation, a lasting mentorship, and the permission to go “all-in” on human connection.➤ Sara’s Origin Story: From College Gifting Club to Gift•ology LeaderYou’ll hear how Sara’s best friend Chloe encouraged her to Google “gift giving company”—a search that led to John Ruhlin’s work and, eventually, to Sara founding the internet’s largest gifting community while still in college.➤ The Long Game of Generosity: ROR > ROISara and Chris dive deep into the difference between Return on Investment (ROI) and Return on Relationships (ROR). Sara explains why short-term thinking in business keeps us stuck—and how giving first, without expecting anything in return, can actually become your greatest long-term growth engine.➤ Gifting as Strategy, Not SwagSara outlines the key rules of strategic gifting:It’s not about you—it’s about the recipient. No logos, ever. Personalize for their life, not your brand. Love on the inner circle—spouses, kids, even the family dog. Focus on “practical luxuries” that create 5,475+ moments of thoughtfulness over time.➤ The Rise of the Rich Relationship SocietySara introduces the R.I.C.H. framework:Reciprocal Influential Connected HumbleShe shares how this system is designed to help entrepreneurs and service-based professionals build referral-based businesses rooted in trust, warmth, and mutual growth.➤ Jesus, Dinner Parties, and the Divine Power of a KnifeIn one of the most personal moments, Sara credits her faith—and specifically, her renewed relationship with Jesus—as the compass guiding her work. They connect the dots between Jesus’ Last Supper, dinner tables as sacred community spaces, and how something as simple as a personalized kitchen knife can become a legacy of love.➤ Beyond the Business Tactic: Legacy as the Ultimate ROIThe episode closes with a powerful reminder: while gifting is a strategy, true generosity is a posture of the heart. Sara shares that she’s not just playing for business success—she’s playing for eternity. Key TakeawaysGenerosity isn’t a transaction—it’s a transformation. Strategic gifting isn’t about getting something back immediately. It’s about creating meaningful moments that compound over time.Your swag isn’t a gift—it’s a billboard. The most powerful gifts are useful, personal, and logo-free.Business is human-to-human. In a world overrun with AI, algorithms, and advertising, it’s the relationships built at your dinner table—not your Instagram grid—that truly move the needle.Legacy is built in the little things. A handwritten note. A kitchen knife. A prayer. A hug. These are the moments people remember. Links & ResourcesBeyond Gift•ology by John Ruhlin – Buy the bookLearn more about the Rich Relationship Society – giftologygroup.comContact Sara Hardwick – [email protected] with Sara on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/sarahardwickGiftology (Original Book) – Buy here

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• Britt Frank: Align Your Mind

  What if your inner critic isn’t the enemy—but a misdirected inner coach waiting for the right conversation?On today’s soul-shifting episode, Chris Schembra sits down with licensed clinician and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Britt Frank to explore the untapped potential of your internal world. Britt’s new book, Align Your Mind, blends Internal Family Systems (IFS), neuroscience, trauma therapy, and radical compassion into a user manual for becoming a better leader—by leading yourself first.In this raw, riveting, and often funny dialogue, Britt shares the ALIGN framework: a five-step method to transform the swirl of internal chaos into clarity, confidence, and calm leadership. You’ll walk away with tools to stop spinning, drop shame, and start collaborating—with all the voices in your head.Chris and Britt explore:How circus training helped Britt tame her mind and discover flow Why shadow parts aren’t saboteurs—they’re secret allies The real difference between solitude and loneliness How to negotiate with your inner critic like it’s your toughest client Why authentic leadership doesn’t mean “bring all your parts to work” A powerful reframe: Your brain isn’t broken—it’s brilliant Whether you’re a CEO, a team leader, or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode offers both practical tools and deep encouragement for navigating inner and outer leadership challenges. Key Moments[00:08] Chris’ poetic New York City intro + welcoming new and loyal listeners [02:27] Britt’s dynamic background: therapist, speaker, author… and circus performer [05:47] The Gratitude Question: Britt thanks her first circus coach for raising her standards [07:36] Defining flow as alignment—not perfection [10:38] Intro to Parts Work and why leaders must embrace their inner multiplicity [12:38] What “shadow work” really means: turning inner tension into innovation [15:15] The ALIGN Framework:Acknowledge Listen Investigate Give Gratitude (to your brain!) Negotiate [22:42] From loneliness to solitude: why inner gratitude is the first step to connection [25:32] Why some stress is good stress: shifting mental gears instead of stalling [28:57] Britt’s take on DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and how it saved her life [31:35] Busting three myths of the workplace:Don’t bring every part of yourself to work Workplaces aren’t families—they’re teams Positivity isn’t the same as leadership [36:53] Britt’s backstory: addiction, cults, hiding IFS books inside cult literature, and the breakthrough that changed her life [39:28] Final takeaway: your inner critic isn’t a bully—it’s your most loyal bodyguard [40:16] Chris’ signoff + why Align Your Mind is essential reading for anyone leading a team in 2025 Memorable Quotes“Flow is not the absence of thought. It’s movement in the presence of noise.” – Britt Frank“Every part of you has value. You don’t need to silence them—you need to negotiate.” – Britt Frank“The solution to loneliness is solitude—but only if your inner world isn’t at war with itself.” – Chris Schembra“Your brain isn’t wired for success. It’s wired for survival. Say thanks, and lead anyway.” – Britt Frank“Leadership is not about being positive all the time. It’s about being real—with curiosity and compassion.” – Britt Frank About the BookAlign Your Mind is Britt Frank’s empowering new guide to taming anxiety, healing trauma, and overcoming self-doubt using Parts Work. Combining practical exercises, storytelling, and cutting-edge neuroscience, Britt introduces readers to their internal cast of characters—from the anxious controller to the tired inner child—and shows how to bring them into harmony.With Britt’s warm and witty voice, readers learn how to:Reframe the inner critic as a coach Move from chaos to clarity with the ALIGN method Use curiosity as an antidote to burnout and self-sabotage Stop waiting to feel motivated and start getting things done Whether you’re a leader or simply a human navigating complexity, this book gives you the tools to realign and rise.Order now: Penguin Random House About Britt FrankBritt Frank, LSCSW, is a licensed clinician, author, and speaker specializing in trauma, Parts Work, and mental health. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, Forbes, Esquire, and New York Magazine. She is the author of The Science of Stuck, The Getting Unstuck Workbook, and now Align Your Mind.Based in Kansas Citybrittfrank.comInstagram: @BrittFrank About Your HostChris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and founder of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™, which has impacted hundreds of thousands through the power of meaningful connection. He’s been featured in Rolling Stone, USA Today, Forbes, and beyond—and hosts this podcast as a space for leaders to explore the intersection of hardship, hope, and human potential.

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• Dr. Steve Elias: The Power of a Shoulder Tap

  Welcome back to another episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times! Today, your host Chris Schembra is joined by the insightful and inspiring Dr. Steve Elias, Dean of the Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Amidst the polar vortex sweeping through New York City, we dive into a heartwarming discussion about mentorship, leadership, and the power of gratitude in shaping our personal and professional journeys. Tune in as we explore how small acts of kindness, mutual respect, and a commitment to connection can create a lasting impact in our lives and communities.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How a simple shoulder tap can change the course of a careerThe importance of mentorship and building reciprocal relationshipsLessons from Governor Gary Carruthers on leadership and respect across differencesWhy celebrating the success of others (Mudita) is key to fulfillmentThe Platinum Rule: Treating others the way they want to be treatedHow small, cumulative actions can create meaningful changePractical ways to express gratitude, even to those who are no longer with usGuest Bio: Dr. Steve Elias is an experienced and approachable leader who knows how to bring people together and create positive change. As the Dean of the Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College, he has worked hard to improve teamwork, build partnerships, and develop strategies that make a real difference for students, staff, faculty members, and the community. Steve is known for being down-to-earth and easy to talk to, with a leadership style based on open communication, fairness, and collaboration. With a background in applied social psychology and years of experience at Minority Serving Institutions, he understands people’s needs and makes them feel included and supported. Steve has a gift for inspiring others, building strong relationships, and finding creative ways to help organizations grow and succeed.Episode Highlights:[00:03:15] Chris introduces Dr. Steve Elias and the story of how they met in Durango, Colorado.[00:07:45] Steve shares his gratitude for Governor Gary Carruthers and the pivotal moment he was "tapped on the shoulder."[00:14:30] The Platinum Rule in leadership: why treating people how they want to be treated matters.[00:21:10] Finding joy in the success of others - the power of Mudita.[00:28:50] Overcoming the challenge of appreciating personal accomplishments without feeling egotistical.[00:35:20] Chris and Steve reflect on the impact of small, everyday acts of gratitude.[00:42:10] Exploring the legacy of Bob Graetz and his contributions to the civil rights movement.[00:49:00] Practical advice for leaders on building a culture of recognition and gratitude in the workplace.Resources Mentioned:ResearchGate profile of Dr. Steve EliasDeviant and Criminal Behavior in the Workplace by Dr. Steve EliasMaria’s Bookshop in Durango, ColoradoThe Platinum Rule conceptHarvard Study on Adult Development by Dr. Robert WaldingerA&E Biography of Bob GraetzKey Takeaways:Celebrate the success of others and recognize the role you’ve played in their journey.Small gestures, like lighting a candle or sending a kind message, have a profound impact.Gratitude should be practiced daily and can help overcome regret and guilt.Leaders should focus on relationship-building and understanding their team’s unique needs.Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gratitude Through Hard Times and share it with someone who could use a little inspiration today. Have thoughts or questions about this episode? We'd love to hear from you! 

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• Felipe Gomez: The Beauty of Listening

  Welcome to a soul-stirring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times with your host, Chris Schembra. Set against the festive backdrop of New York City during the holiday season, this conversation is an inspiring reminder of the power of gratitude, connection, and intentional living. Joining Chris is Felipe Gómez, a world-renowned thought leader, virtuoso pianist, and keynote speaker who has captivated audiences across 33 countries with his unique blend of music and leadership insights.Felipe’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days learning piano under a patient and dedicated teacher to delivering over 1,000 electrifying performances on global stages, Felipe’s life is a testament to the power of passion and purpose. As a speaker, he combines ancient philosophies, modern leadership principles, and his prodigious musical talent to create experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. In this episode, Felipe and Chris unpack timeless lessons on gratitude, love, learning, and leadership, offering listeners a playbook for transformational living.Chris kicks off the episode with his signature warmth, reminding us all of the magic of small moments and the power of shared experiences. Felipe’s reflections on his first piano teacher, Clara Lucia Sanchez, lay the foundation for a conversation that seamlessly weaves personal stories with actionable insights. Together, Chris and Felipe explore themes like the tension and release of life, the science of gratitude, and the profound impact of small, intentional choices.Felipe’s philosophy is rooted in Aristotle’s golden mean—the balance between excess and deficiency—and he brings this ancient wisdom to life with practical examples and heartfelt anecdotes. He also highlights the transformative power of listening, encouraging leaders to embrace questions like “Tell me more” and “How can I help?” to build trust, empathy, and connection. Throughout the episode, Felipe and Chris demonstrate how gratitude, music, and human connection can serve as antidotes to a world often consumed by division and distraction.As they close out the conversation, Chris and Felipe share their vision for a live event series that combines their passions—food, music, and leadership—to inspire and unite communities. This episode is a masterclass in finding beauty in the everyday, cultivating resilience, and making the choice to live with gratitude and purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Felipe reflects on the life-changing impact of his first piano teacher and how her dedication inspired his lifelong love of music.Chris and Felipe explore the golden mean, Aristotle’s philosophy of balance, and how it applies to modern leadership and life.The importance of listening as a leadership skill is unpacked, with Felipe urging listeners to ask powerful questions like “Tell me more.”Chris shares the science of gratitude, detailing how it improves physical health, mental resilience, and overall happiness.Felipe draws a parallel between life and music, emphasizing the rhythm of tension and release as essential for growth and harmony.Together, they discuss how small, daily choices to learn, love, and explore can lead to a more meaningful and joyful life. Notable Quotes:"Gratitude is the bridge between where we are and where we want to be." – Chris Schembra"We are designed to learn, to explore, and to love—every day is a chance to do all three." – Felipe Gómez"The most profound moments of joy come when we serve others, not ourselves." – Felipe Gómez"Ingratitude is the seed of all wickedness—it’s time we turn it into gratitude and growth." – Chris Schembra"Listening is an act of love, and it opens the door to empathy, understanding, and trust." – Felipe Gómez"Tension is part of life, but release is where growth happens. Don’t dwell in the tension." – Chris Schembra"Love, in its truest form, is the ultimate virtue—it has no limits, only power to transform." – Felipe Gómez"If you want to live a life of gratitude, don’t wait for the big moments. Start with the small ones." – Chris Schembra"In every conversation, the most important thing isn’t what’s said—it’s what remains unsaid." – Felipe Gómez"Virtue is found in the balance—between excess and deficiency lies the path to greatness." – Felipe Gómez"The greatest civilizations crumbled when gratitude disappeared. Let’s not repeat history." – Chris Schembra"To become virtuous, you have to act virtuously. Justice requires acts of justice, love requires acts of love." – Felipe Gómez"Gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a tool for healing, hope, and humanity." – Chris Schembra"Ask two questions every day: 'Tell me more' and 'How can I help?' These will change your life." – Felipe Gómez"You don’t need permission or privilege to make the choice to learn, explore, and love. It’s yours to claim every day." – Chris Schembra Actionable Takeaways:Gratitude fuels growth: It fosters healing, connection, and personal transformation.The power of small choices: Everyday acts of learning, exploring, and loving lead to a meaningful life.Listen to lead: Effective listening builds trust, empathy, and innovation in leadership and life.Tension and release: Life’s challenges are part of a rhythm—embrace the tension and find moments of release to thrive. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Felipe Gómez is a globally renowned speaker, virtuoso pianist, and thought leader whose work bridges the worlds of music, leadership, and personal transformation. With over 1,000 captivating performances delivered in 33 countries and 111 cities, Felipe has earned standing ovations from audiences around the world. His unique ability to blend classical music with practical leadership insights makes him one of the most sought-after keynote speakers today.Felipe’s success is built on his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, business leader, and artist. He has delivered his message at some of the world’s most prestigious management and leadership forums, including the Global Peter Drucker Forum, the Oslo Business Forum, and the World Business Forum in New York, Madrid, Milan, and Sydney.In his keynote presentations, Felipe uses a grand piano on stage to create a deeply interactive and transformative experience. Through music, he teaches profound lessons on leadership, trust, innovation, and teamwork, inspiring individuals and organizations to achieve greatness. His philosophy is rooted in the teachings of Aristotle and the concept of the “golden mean,” which he applies to modern challenges in life and business.Felipe is also a celebrated author. His best-selling book, Attitude-E, offers practical frameworks for living with an entrepreneurial mindset, while his upcoming release, Virtuoso, explores the art of living and leading with excellence. Felipe hosts Pensando en Voz Alta, a weekly interview program where he engages with global leaders on topics of creativity, resilience, and transformation.Born in Colombia, Felipe holds an MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, where he also completed a program on Leading Digital Business Transformation. He combines his global perspective with the sensibility of an artist, delivering a message that resonates across cultures and industries.Whether he’s inspiring corporate executives, performing on stage, or engaging with audiences through his 42-Day Listening Challenge, Felipe’s mission is clear: to help people orchestrate transformational change in their personal and professional lives. Connect with Felipe Gómez:Website: Learn more about Felipe's work and upcoming events.Felipe GomezLinkedIn: Connect with Felipe on LinkedIn. ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace. FOLLOW CHRIS:**WEBSITE |INSTAGRAM |LINKEDIN |BOOKS** RESOURCES MENTIONED:Felipe’s 42-Day Listening Program: Subscribe for a daily dose of classical music and reflection.Chris Schembra’s Book: Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hour.Adam Grant’s Book: Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success.Barbara Fredrickson’s Research: Learn about the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.

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