Unconventional Leaders

Jesi Stracham is an entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate who, after surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident and paralysis, discovered the power of resilience, faith, and authentic self-expression.From a life-threatening injury and near-death experiences to writing her book Power in the Roll and founding the Wheel With Me Foundation, Jesi’s journey is about transforming trauma into purpose, honoring the body as a temple, and choosing to live with presence and intention. In this conversation, Jesi explores self-trust, embracing imperfection, and breaking cycles of shame so you can fully live…no matter your circumstances.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Faith and near-death experiences as catalysts for spiritual growthThe body as a temple: fitness, nutrition, and overall wellnessRedefining self-identity and breaking cycles of shame, judgment, and self-doubtWatch my previous episode with Jesi: https://youtu.be/XbHVdmO8oVI CONNECT WITH JESI STRACHAM:Website: https://jesistracham.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesistracham/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/162

Anthony Trucks is a former professional football player turned speaker, author, and transformational coach. Known for his “Dark Work” and “Identity Shift” frameworks, Anthony helps people overcome limiting beliefs, trauma, and past experiences to step into higher levels of performance. After growing up in foster care, navigating abuse, losing his NFL career to injury, and rebuilding his life from rock bottom, he now teaches others how to intentionally reshape who they are and create lasting success.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Dark work vs. shadow work: doing the real work after awarenessIdentity shift: why you build who you become (not find it)Using adversity as fuel without being defined by itCONNECT WITH ANTHONY TRUCKS:Website: https://www.anthonytrucks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonytrucks/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/161

Shannan Martin is the bestselling author of Counterweights, Start with Hello, and The Ministry of Ordinary Places, as well as the voice behind the popular Substack…The Soup. A self-described wannabe gardener, news geek, justice-seeker, and thrift store enthusiast, Shannan writes about the intersection of faith, everyday life, and community. In this conversation, Shannan explores the concept of “counterweights”, the practice of holding the heaviness of life while intentionally noticing small, life-giving moments that keep us grounded. From faith shifts and justice work to navigating apathy, anger, and hope in a complicated world, she shares a deeply honest look at what it means to stay human, present, and connected when everything feels overwhelming.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Carrying life’s pain while intentionally noticing beauty and hopeHow community reshaped her views on justice and belongingWhy joy, rest, and small everyday moments are not escapism, but survivalCONNECT WITH SHANNAN MARTIN:Website: https://www.shannanmartin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannanwrites/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/160

Joe Zimmerman is a stand-up comedian whose resume includes The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour special. His first one-hour special, Cult Classic, directed by Nate Bargatze, was called “One of the best specials of the year” by The Comedy Bureau.In this conversation, Joe shares what it really takes to build a creative career, learning to trust the slow process while staying playful with the work. We talk about writing, curiosity, and why his approach flips the classic advice to “write what you know.” WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How journaling, free-writing, and imperfect drafts unlock stronger ideasLetting outside interests…feed originality and prevent burnoutWhy curiosity, not ambition, is often the real engine behind meaningful creativityCONNECT WITH JOE ZIMMERMAN:Website: https://www.zimmermancomedy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joezimmerman Listen to ‘Joe Zimmerman – Cult Classic Full Special (Stand-Up Comdey)’: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3N0pAhTbRcs0X1Sqyi1Dns CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/159

Patrick Murphy is a somatic coach for high-achievers who feel stuck in anxiety, perfectionism, and overwhelm.Today, he shares how unresolved trauma shows up in our bodies and why mindset work alone isn’t enough. We also talk about healing generational trauma and why experiencing anger can be a sign of healing.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Generational trauma and its impact on our nervous systemHealing family wounds when you still have to be around your familyWhy when we get healed we often get angryCONNECT WITH PATRICK MURPHY:Website: https://www.murph.live/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murph.live/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/158