Gratitude Through Hard Times

• Seth Dechtman: The Heart of a Coach

  Episode OverviewWhat does it mean to live a life worth talking about?In this deeply moving and soul-stirring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra invites us into an extraordinary conversation with Seth Dechtman, a man whose journey has been defined not by fame or fanfare, but by grit, love, listening, and legacy.The story begins with a question Chris has asked to thousands of people: Who is one person you’ve never thought to thank? Seth doesn’t hesitate, he honors his mother, Lenore, a woman who raised four children alone after the sudden passing of her husband. In Seth’s words, her life was a masterclass in grace, humility, and strength. Her resilience wasn’t loud, it was deliberate. Her courage wasn’t showy, it was sacred. That tribute sets the tone for everything that follows.From there, we follow Seth’s winding journey from a paperboy in New Jersey to an international basketball coach in Venezuela, from assisting coaching legends to curating keynotes for some of the biggest brands in the world. Along the way, we hear about the founding of Planet Basketball, how it was never meant to be a business, but rather an invitation to create joy, connection, and opportunity through sport.But this episode isn’t about basketball. It’s about what it takes to create something from nothing. It’s about choosing to see life as a blank canvas every single day, even when the world hands you a palette of pain. It’s about knowing that every person you meet, every speaker you book, every player you coach, every child you raise, is a chance to serve, elevate, and love.Seth shares a refreshing vulnerability rarely heard from someone in the world of high-stakes events and corporate keynotes. He admits that wisdom doesn’t come from reading books or attending conferences. It comes from falling off the bike. From saying the wrong thing. From getting back up, and listening harder the next time.Chris and Seth explore what it means to build a winning mindset, not the kind that craves podiums or applause, but the kind that recognizes victory in perseverance, curiosity, and meaningful connection. They dive into the power of words, how to unlearn ego, and the responsibility we all have to acknowledge those who have shaped us.The stories are rich. The lessons are layered. And the message is clear: You didn’t get here alone. And there is a village, a legacy, and a lineage of love standing behind your every success.Whether you're a parent, a coach, an entrepreneur, or someone simply trying to make sense of your next chapter. This episode is a reminder that life is an adventure, and every day is a new chance to choose love, gratitude, and growth.10 Key TakeawaysGratitude is Transformational: Seth’s tribute to his mother, Lenore, reminds us that gratitude isn’t just a mindset, it’s a guiding compass through life’s toughest moments.Create from the Blank Canvas: Each day is a fresh opportunity to create something meaningful. You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to begin.Adversity Builds Legacy: From losing his father as a teen to rebuilding life in Denver, Seth’s story exemplifies how adversity can become the soil where resilience grows.Winning Is the Journey: It’s not about the podium, it’s about the process, the teammates, and the heart you put into every step of the climb.Words Hold Power: The words we use can either uplift or damage. Seth urges us to speak with intention, because “if you're casual with your words, you cause casualties.”Leadership Is Love in Action: Whether booking a speaker or raising a child, Seth’s ethos is simple: lead with love, and the results will follow.Life Imitates Sport: Lessons from the basketball court—discipline, coaching, failure, teamwork—show up in business and life in powerful ways.Legacy Is Found in Service: The most successful people Seth works with are those who serve others first. Greatness is built in the agency of others.Wisdom Comes from Doing: You can’t read your way into experience. You must live it. Bite the apple. Fall off the bike. Get back up.Give It All Away: In a world full of secrets and ego, Seth lives by the philosophy of radical generosity. “Give everything. That’s where the magic lives.”10 Memorable Quotes  “Life is a work of art, but you don’t have to be a Picasso.”  “If you’re casual with your words, you cause casualties.”  “Her inner strength was grace, humility, and the ability to show weakness.”  “Sales doesn’t solve everything. Wisdom does.”  “You wake up every day with a blank canvas, what you paint is up to you.”  “Love is the only virtue that has no extreme.” - Felipe Gomez  “The greatness in your life is in the agency of others.”  “There’s no losing, only learning. There’s no failing, only growth.”  “Bite the apple and fall off your bike. That’s how you know you’re alive.”  “The world gives you data. Wisdom is choosing what to do with it.” Guest Bio: Seth Dechtman  Seth Dechtman is the founder of The Keynote Curators, a keynote speaker agency dedicated  to matching world-class speakers with world-class events. With over 17 years of experience in  the speaking industry, Seth has worked with iconic brands like Apple, Microsoft, Ford,  Coca-Cola, and more.  Seth’s approach isn’t just about finding speakers, it’s about curating transformational experiences. Whether rescuing a last-minute event or crafting VIP magic, his work is grounded in trust, wisdom, and results.  Contact: [email protected] to Action  If this episode moved you, take a moment to thank someone who’s helped shape your journey.  Reflect on the people behind your success and let them know their impact matters.  Share this episode with a friend, mentor, coach, or parent.  Subscribe to Gratitude Through Hard Times for more raw, real, and remarkable stories.

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• Ryan Estis: The Wisdom Within

  Episode SummaryIn this powerful, emotionally resonant episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with one of the world’s most respected thought leaders on human-centered performance: Ryan Estis.Ryan isn't just a keynote speaker or former Fortune 500 Chief Revenue Officer. He’s a guide for leaders navigating complexity, a man who’s lived the tension between growth and burnout, performance and peace, ambition and alignment. Through stories both deeply personal and professionally profound, Ryan takes us behind the curtain of a life built on momentum through harmony—and how choosing wellness, wisdom, and worth have shaped his impact. From founding ImpactEleven (which achieved a 500% growth rate, 1300% increase in shareholder value, and 90% client retention in just two years), to standing ovations across global stages, Ryan’s track record is undeniable. But what makes this episode different is what’s unsaid—the inner work of reclaiming health, reconnecting to truth, and redefining success not by how far we go, but by how deeply we live. Together, Chris and Ryan explore: the meaning of legacy and how wisdom passed down from a father becomes a compass,the role of weak ties and long-held partnerships like Lynn in a world obsessed with speed,the power of surrender and how BDSM culture taught Chris to drop into presence and care,and the hard-earned truth that we must unlearn external validation to live our truth.This episode is part mentorship session, part love letter to resilience, and part rallying cry for those who feel like they’re achieving outwardly, yet quietly burning out inside.10 Memorable Quotes“Success without fulfillment and feeling good is failure.” – Ryan Estis“You have to borrow someone else’s belief in you until your own catches up.” –Ryan Estis“Don’t wreck the product. You’re the product.” – Ryan Estis“Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical.” – Words of Wisdom from Ryan’s father“To connect in service, you must first live from your center.” – Ryan Estis“Gratitude isn’t just for the good times. It’s best practiced through the hard times.”– Chris Schembra“The world will define you—if you let it.” – Ryan Estis“Every person has the wisdom they need. It was put there for them.” – Ryan Estis“Live your truth. It’s the kindest thing you can do for yourself—and for others.” – Ryan Estis“You’re not the first person with a message on their heart who’s blown the moment.” – Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky, as quoted by Chris10 Key Takeaways1. The Journey Isn’t Linear—But It’s Worth It.Chris’s lowest speaking moment led him directly to Ryan, proof that our darkest hours often plant the seeds of the brightest chapters.2. Don’t Just Grow Fast. Grow From Your Center.Ryan’s success wasn’t a straight hustle; it required slowing down, getting healthy, and aligning with values like momentum through harmony.3. Your Legacy May Live in a Wooden Box.A literal box of quotes from Ryan’s dad revealed the timeless wisdom that now shapes how he leads, speaks, and lives. These quotes became mantras.4. The Quiet People Beside You Are Often the Most Powerful.Ryan’s long-standing partnership with Lynn, his business manager since his first job out of college, is a testament to loyalty, presence, and consistency.5. Define Success On Your Terms—Then Redefine It Again.Whether it’s writing a book with his brother or shifting his health trajectory, Ryan models how to evolve your definition of winning.6. Unlearning Is Just As Important As Learning.Ryan had to unlearn the compulsion to respond to every piece of feedback and external pressure. His current work is about choosing inner authority.7. Your Best Work Comes From Alignment.From Ryan’s gesture of heart → head → hands, we learn that when your beliefs, mindset, and actions align, magic happens.8. Weak Ties Are Stronger Than You Think.Inspired by Granovetter’s 1973 study, the episode celebrates the strength of those people we see occasionally but who shape us profoundly.9. There’s Power in Personal Rituals.Whether it’s opening the wisdom box or walking back through difficult memories, grounding rituals help us stay human in a fast-paced world.10. Human Be-ing > Human Doing.Ryan and Chris both remind us: Your presence is your power. Stop outsourcing your identity. Show up fully. Live from your center. Links & ResourcesPrepare for Impact by Ryan EstisLearn More About ImpactElevenBarbara Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive EmotionMark Granovetter’s Study: The Strength of Weak TiesMore on Functional Medicine

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• Juan Bendana: Confidence Is a Verb

  Episode DescriptionIn this electrifying episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with transformational speaker, coach, and author Juan Bendana, whose new book Confident by Choice is poised to reshape how we think about courage, action, and self-belief.This conversation dives deep into a liberating truth: confidence isn’t a fixed trait—it's a daily decision. Together, Chris and Juan unpack the Confidence Cycle, a four-part science-backed framework (Micro Energy → Micro Courage → Micro Action → Micro Proof) designed to help everyday people break through fear and build an inspired life—one step at a time.But this episode is more than a framework. It’s a heart-to-heart about mentorship, identity, failure, and the beauty of baby steps. Juan opens up about battling binge eating, hitting rock bottom, and how a good friend’s invitation to California helped him reset his entire life. From the weight of imposter syndrome to the surprising science behind confidence and Olympic achievement, Juan reminds us that we are all capable of change—especially when we stop trying to get it perfect and start moving with purpose.If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared, or unsure where to begin, this episode is your signal to start. Listen in, take a breath, borrow some belief, and get ready to build the life you know is waiting for you. 10 Quotes from the Episode:“Confidence is not the absence of self-doubt. It’s the willingness to act anyway.” – Juan Bendana “The way out is through. And the way through is trust.” – Chris Schembra “Confident people spend more time with self-doubt than less confident people. They just have a better relationship with it.” – Juan Bendana “When something bad happens, most people ask, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ Confident people ask, ‘What do I do next?’” – Juan Bendana “Energy is the spark. Courage is the ignition. Action is the engine. Proof is the fuel.” – Chris Schembra “You can borrow someone else’s confidence. Just try on their life like it’s a fresh pair of Jordans.” – Juan Bendana “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt (quoted by Juan) “The people in your life need you more than you think. Build your confidence, then give it away.” – Juan Bendana “Olympians aren’t born more confident. They just commit to small steps over time.” – Chris Schembra “I’m not there… yet. That single word creates space for growth, grace, and transformation.” – Juan Bendana 10 Key Takeaways:Confidence is a process, not a personality trait. It’s something we build through micro decisions, not something we’re born with or without. Micro Energy is the foundation. Whether it’s rest, excitement, curiosity, or joy—building momentum starts with finding even the smallest spark. Micro Courage means choosing discomfort on purpose. Confidence grows when we lean into fear, not when we avoid it. Micro Action is where transformation begins. Even walking to the gym without going inside can be a powerful first step. Micro Proof is confidence in motion. Success and failure both offer evidence that we’re capable of growth. You don’t have to do it alone. Mentorship, community, and borrowed belief are part of the journey. Failure builds confidence when it’s reframed. Trying and failing proves you had the courage to show up, and that’s enough. Imposter syndrome is a sign of growth. It shows you're operating at your edge, where confidence can be forged. Language matters. Swapping “I can’t” for “I can’t… yet” changes fixed mindsets into growth mindsets. Confidence creates identity shifts. When you accumulate enough proof, you don’t just act differently—you become someone new. Suggested Follow-Up Actions for Listeners:Pre-order Juan’s book Confident by Choice (link in show notes)—and send it to someone who needs a boost of belief. Do one micro action today toward a goal you’ve been putting off—send the email, take the walk, make the ask. Reflect and journal: Where in your life are you telling yourself "I'm not enough"? Rewrite that story with "...yet." Send a voice note to a friend or team member with words of confidence. “You’re amazing. I’m glad you’re here.” Reach out to Juan on LinkedIn and say “You’re welcome”—as a callback to the moment he thanked all the strivers listening. Episode Links:📚 Pre-Order Confident by Choice by Juan Bendana🌐 Follow Juan on LinkedIn📨 Contact Juan directly via email in the show notes 🎧 Subscribe to Gratitude Through Hard Times on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app

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• 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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