In this episode of Evolution of a Human, I sit down with Dallas Collis, a man who spent over 60 years trapped in a story of trauma, addiction, and self-doubt—until one moment of clarity changed everything. We dive deep into the illusion of identity, the power of perception, and how to let go of the past to create a life of peace, presence, and freedom.

We talk about:

- How we mistake our past for our identity—and why the stories we tell ourselves shape our entire reality.

- The moment Dallas woke up—after decades of alcoholism, depression, and self-sabotage, he realized the past didn’t exist outside of his own mind.

- Why most people never truly heal—because they’re trying to “fix” something that only exists in memory.

- The role of fear and attachment—how our minds keep us stuck in pain and suffering to create a false sense of control.

- What happens when you fully let go—how Dallas now lives completely free from fear, anxiety, and the weight of his past.

- The secret to real happiness—why we don’t need to chase it, achieve it, or earn it—it’s already within us.

Chapters:

Intro - 0:00

The Moment Everything Changed – 1:10

We Are All Just Stories—Or Are We? – 3:02

The Cycle of Pain, Addiction & Self-Deception – 6:28

The One Sentence That Changed Everything – 9:49

Breaking Free: The Truth About Healing – 22:55

Why Personal Development Doesn’t Work – 29:38

The Illusion of Control & the Beauty of Letting Go – 40:21

The Power of Presence: You Already Have It All – 49:58

How to Stop Being Trapped by Fear – 55:10

A Simple Exercise to Rewrite Your Story – 1:04:08

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone feeling stuck in old patterns, fear, or self-doubt. If you’ve ever felt like you were trapped by your past, this conversation will shift your entire perspective on what’s possible.Key

Takeaways:

✅ Your past is just a story—and you can stop telling it at any time.

✅ Healing isn’t about fixing the past—it’s about leaving it behind.

✅ Fear and insecurity are illusions—when you see through them, life becomes effortless.

✅ Attachment creates suffering—letting go isn’t loss, it’s freedom.

✅ Happiness isn’t something you achieve—it’s what you already are.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Dallas Collis via email: dallascollis@gmail.com

Follow me on Instagram for more insights on transformation and self-growth.

Previous episodes: Catch up on more powerful conversations like this one.

Remember to:

🎧 Subscribe to the podcast for more mind-shifting conversations.

📢 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that freedom is possible.

💭 Reflect on your own story—what if everything holding you back was just an illusion?

💌 Work with us:

If you want to break free from fear and move into the future with confidence, let’s work together one-on-one.

Final Thought

"You’re not who you think you are. You’re not your past. You are already whole. The only thing left to do is wake up and live."

SEO Keywords:Dallas Collis, letting go of the past, breaking free from trauma, overcoming addiction, personal transformation, identity illusion, the power of now, fear and attachment, self-liberation, how to be happy, radical self-acceptance.

In this episode of Evolution of a Human, we continue the journey with my wife, Leandra Brady-Walker, as we dive deeper into our Darwin adventure, where we went from having nothing to building one of the most successful chiropractic practices in town. This episode explores how we disrupted an entire industry, leveraged smart branding and community connections, and why we ultimately chose to walk away from it all.

We talk about:

• How we became the go-to chiropractic practice—by being bold disruptors who weren’t afraid to do things differently.
• The power of branding and marketing—how our business name, website, and even a chameleon mural made us stand out.
• Becoming community leaders—through networking, strategic positioning, and supporting local events.
• Dealing with industry backlash—how our success made us targets of envy and criticism from competitors.
• The birth of Leandra’s brand, Cosmopolitan Hippy—a project that began as a personal creative outlet and grew into a powerful voice in health and wellness.
• Winning the Telstra Business Award—and how it solidified our reputation as industry leaders.
• Choosing to walk away—why we decided not to franchise the practice and the emotional journey of leaving behind everything we built.

• 
  

This episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, revealing the highs and lows of building a brand from scratch, becoming community influencers, and the courage it takes to let go and move on.

Key Takeaways:

Disruption isn’t easy, but it’s worth it—we changed the game by daring to do things differently

.Good branding isn’t just about a logo—it’s about creating an experience people remember.

Building a community around your brand is the key to long-term success.

Success can come with backlash—but staying true to your vision is more important than pleasing everyone.

Walking away isn’t always about failure—sometimes, it’s about choosing a different path to growth and fulfillment.

Resources & Links:

Find Leandra on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/dr_leandrabw/Find me on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/drjacobbw/Check my site for ways to work with me here: https://jacobbradywalker.comWatch Leandra’s Talk on Chiropractic and Leadership https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnh568YWVAc

Subscribe to the podcast for more raw, real stories of entrepreneurship and life transformation.

Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that success isn’t always about sticking to the plan.

**Reflect on your own journey—what’s one bold move you’ve been scared to make? Maybe now’s the time.**

Leave a review to help us reach more people who need a little inspiration and courage to change their lives.

Final Thoughts:

"Building something from nothing is terrifying—but it’s also where magic happens. This episode is proof that if you’re brave enough to take the leap, you might just create something unforgettable."

SEO Keywords:Leandra Brady-Walker, building a business from scratch, chiropractic practice success, community leadership, disruptive marketing, branding strategy, Cosmopolitan Hippy, health and wellness influencer, Telstra Business Award, entrepreneurship in Darwin, walking away from success, business reinvention.

In this episode of Evolution of a Human, I continue the journey with my wife, Leandra Brady-Walker, as we dive into our move to Darwin, building a business from nothing, and the emotional rollercoaster that came with starting over yet again. From arriving in a city we’d never visited to creating a thriving chiropractic practice, this is the story of resilience, ambition, and overcoming fear.We talk about:Why we chose Darwin—following a job offer and the support system provided by Leandra’s mum, who had already moved there.An abundance of lowball offers from local chiropractors, which led us to make a bold decision: starting our own practice with no money and no safety net.Working odd jobs—I worked night fill at Woolworths, and Leandra worked at a health food shop, all while planning and saving for our new venture.The scrappy beginnings—using a portable chiropractic table, an old laptop, and printing flyers on a shoestring budget.Pounding the pavement to get our first clients, literally walking around Darwin’s streets to introduce ourselves and leave flyers at local businesses.The Chiropractic Place—how we came up with the name and the vision of building an alternative medical empire.Learning business the hard way—from navigating high rent costs to figuring out marketing strategies before social media was big.Facing fear and imposter syndrome—Leandra’s struggle with stepping into her power and owning her role as a visionary and a leader.This episode is a raw look at what it really takes to build something from nothing, especially when you’re young, broke, and figuring it out as you go. If you’ve ever felt scared to take a leap, or worried that you’re not good enough, this episode will show you that you’re not alone—and that it’s possible to thrive anyway.Key Takeaways:- You don’t need to have it all figured out—sometimes just having the courage to start is enough.- Imposter syndrome can hit hard, even when you’re succeeding—but owning your power is a choice you can make every day.- Your past doesn’t dictate your future—you can always start over, no matter how many times life knocks you down.- Building a community is key to success—from networking events to talking face-to-face with potential clients, human connection matters.- Vision and persistence can overcome any obstacle—even if you’re broke and scared, if you believe in your vision, you’ll find a way.Resources & Links:Find Leandra on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/dr_leandrabw/Find me on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/drjacobbw/Check my site for ways to work with me here: https://jacobbradywalker.comWatch Leandra’s TED Talk on Chiropractic and Leadership https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnh568YWVAc

Calls to Action:Subscribe to the podcast for more real, raw stories of building a life on your own terms.Share this episode with someone who’s scared to start over—they need to hear this.Reflect on your own journey—what’s one bold move you’ve been scared to make? Maybe now’s the time.Leave a review to help us reach more people who need a little inspiration and courage to change their lives.Final Thoughts:"Starting from scratch is terrifying, but it’s also the most powerful way to write your own story. If you’re willing to face your fears, you might just surprise yourself with what you can build."SEO Keywords:Leandra Brady-Walker, moving to Darwin, starting a business from scratch, building a chiropractic practice, imposter syndrome, overcoming fear, entrepreneurial journey, life in Darwin, The Chiropractic Place, small business challenges, building a community, personal growth, resilience, starting over.

In this emotional and inspiring episode of Evolution of a Human, I sit down with Fee King and Sekou Writes—a couple whose journey is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and gratitude. From reconnecting through a gratitude group to navigating life after Sekou’s stroke, their story is one of transformation, healing, and finding purpose through pain.We talk about:> How they reconnected after 18 years of friendship, during the C*VID-19 pandemic, through a daily gratitude group that brought them closer than ever.> Their decision to start dating intentionally, only to face an unimaginable challenge—Sekou’s stroke in July 2022, which left him with amnesia, aphasia, and physical limitations.> Sekou’s journey to rediscover himself, rebuilding memories, learning to walk and talk again, and his incredible resilience through pain and uncertainty.> Fee’s role as a caregiver, balancing love and patience while learning to care for herself as well.> The proposal story that didn’t go as planned—how Sekou intended to propose at the finish line of the New York City Marathon but had to improvise after Fee bowed out at Mile 15!> How they’re rebuilding their lives and careers, with Sekou focusing on speaking engagements and writing, while Fee empowers women over 40 with her new book, Her Story Unstuck.

This episode is a raw and real look at overcoming adversity, embracing change, and choosing love in the face of life’s hardest challenges. Fee and Sekou’s journey is a beautiful reminder that even the most difficult experiences can bring us closer to our true selves—and to each other.Key Takeaways:Gratitude is powerful—it can transform relationships and help you find light in the darkest times.Life can change in an instant—but love, patience, and resilience can get you through anything.Your story isn’t over until you decide it is—Sekou’s stroke wasn’t an ending, but a new beginning.Reinvention is possible at any stage of life—Fee and Sekou are proof that it’s never too late to pivot and pursue new dreams.The most challenging moments can become the greatest teachers—if you’re willing to learn from them.Resources & Links:- Follow Fee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feesfitnessover40/- Follow Fee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeesfitnessOver40/- Follow Sekou on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sekouwrites- Follow Sekou on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sekouwritespageCheck out Fee’s book: Her Story Unstuck (Releasing soon!) https://www.fee-king.comExplore Sekou’s work: www.sekouwrites.comWatch Fee’s talk show and learn more about their journey.Make sure you:Subscribe to the podcast for more powerful stories of resilience and transformation.Follow Fee and Sekou on social media for updates on their journey, books, and speaking events.Reflect on your own gratitude practice—how could it transform your life?Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that love and resilience can conquer anything.Final Thoughts:"Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about learning to dance in the rain. Fee and Sekou’s story reminds us that love, gratitude, and perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges."SEO Keywords:Fee King, Sekou Writes, love after stroke, caregiver journey, gratitude practice, resilience through adversity, memory loss recovery, aphasia, healing relationships, life reinvention, empowerment after 40, overcoming trauma, intentional dating, emotional resilience.

In this powerful episode of Evolution of a Human, I sit down with Debi Richens, a transformational coach known as The Relationship Phoenix. Debi shares her incredible journey of overcoming childhood trauma, abusive relationships, and profound grief to emerge stronger and more compassionate than ever before. Her story is one of resilience, healing, and rediscovering self-love after decades of putting herself last.We talk about:- Growing up as the only daughter in a dysfunctional family—the pressure to always be the responsible one and how it shaped her.- Enduring a 20-year marriage filled with emotional abuse and alcoholism, and the courage it took to finally walk away.- Experiencing bullying and burnout in her career as a dental practice manager, which led to a complete life overhaul.- The cycle of grief and loss—how it affected every aspect of her life, from health to relationships, and her journey to understanding that grief isn’t just about death.- The breaking point—how an enormous gallstone caused by extreme stress became her wake-up call.- Her path to healing—discovering grief recovery, NLP, and hypnotherapy, and using these tools to rebuild herself from the inside out.- Why she now helps others heal through self-compassion and self-forgiveness, and how she guides clients through grief, family estrangement, and identity crises.This episode is an emotional, raw, and inspiring look at how to rebuild yourself after life knocks you down. Debi’s story will resonate with anyone who has ever felt broken, stuck, or lost—and her wisdom offers a light at the end of the tunnel.Key Takeaways:- Grief is not just about death—it can come from divorce, career loss, isolation, and even lost potential.- Putting yourself last leads to burnout, bitterness, and identity loss—self-love and forgiveness are the first steps to healing.- It’s never too late to find yourself—Debi started her healing journey at 55 and continues to grow every day.- Embrace the messiness of life—every version of you deserves love and compassion.- Your pain can become your purpose—Debi transformed her story into a mission to help others rise from their own ashes.Resources & Links:Follow Debi Richens on:Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/debi.richens and https://www.facebook.com/DebiRichensTheRelationshipPhoenixand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debitherelationshipphoenixBook a free, no-obligation chat with Debi to explore how she can support your healing journey: https://www.debirichens.co.uk/Find me on instagram here: https://instagram.com/drjacobbw Check my site for ways to work with me here: https://jacobbradywalker.comCalls to Action:Subscribe to the podcast for more real, raw, and inspiring stories.Connect with Debi to learn more about healing, grief recovery, and transforming relationships.Reflect on your own journey—what layers are you ready to peel back?Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that it’s never too late to heal.

Final Thoughts:"Every version of you that is nurtured and loved can then nurture and love the you of today. It’s never too late to rise from the ashes."SEO Keywords:Debi Richens, The Relationship Phoenix, grief recovery, childhood trauma healing, emotional abuse survivor, self-love and forgiveness, NLP and hypnotherapy, toxic relationships, overcoming burnout, transformational coaching, rising from the ashes.

In this episode of Evolution of a Human, my wife, Dr. Leandra Brady-Walker, and I continue our story, diving into our time working as chiropractors in Dublin—an experience that started with promise but quickly turned into one of the most challenging chapters of our lives.

We reflect on:

• The illusion of opportunity—how we walked into our first jobs full of excitement, only to realize we were trapped in a toxic, abusive work environment.
• Financial and emotional abuse—being unpaid for six weeks, controlled through "training," and manipulated by egotistical mentors.
• The power dynamics in chiropractic—Leandra’s firsthand experience with misogyny, gaslighting, and being told she could never be a leader in the profession.
• How abusive leaders try to break you, so they can rebuild you in their image—and why we refused to let that happen.
• The toxic cycle repeating itself—escaping one manipulative boss only to land in another unhealthy workplace.
• The breaking point—how we quit our jobs with no backup plan and left Ireland completely.

This episode is an unfiltered look at power abuse in professional settings, the dangers of toxic mentorship, and the strength it takes to walk away—even when you feel like you have no other option.

Key Takeaways:

• Just because someone is in a position of power doesn’t mean they deserve to lead you.
• If a situation feels wrong, trust your gut—things won’t magically get better.
• People who want to "break you down to build you up" aren’t mentors. They’re manipulators.
• Sometimes leaving is the only way to reclaim your power.
• The hardest experiences in life often become the greatest teachers—if you’re willing to learn from them.

Resources & Links:

• Find Leandra on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/dr_leandrabw/
• Find me on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/drjacobbw/
• Check my site for ways to work with me here: https://jacobbradywalker.com
• Watch Leandra’s TED Talk on Chiropractic and Leadership https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnh568YWVAc

Calls to Action:

1. Subscribe to the podcast for more raw, real conversations.
2. Follow us for updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections.
3. If you’ve ever had a toxic mentor or boss, share your story with us.
4. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that walking away is sometimes the strongest move you can make.

Final Thoughts:
"We didn’t just leave a job—we reclaimed our dignity, our future, and our right to create a life on our own terms. If something feels off, don’t wait for permission—walk away."

SEO Keywords:
Toxic work environment, abusive mentorship, chiropractic profession, quitting a toxic job, resilience in career, power dynamics at work, financial abuse, personal growth through adversity, escaping burnout, abusive leadership, Dublin expat experience.

In this episode of Evolution of a Human, I sit down with Bryan White—husband, father, speaker, and author of the upcoming book Get Selfish: Fill Your Bucket First. We dive deep into what it truly means to prioritize yourself, set boundaries, and break free from the cycle of people-pleasing. Bryan shares his personal journey from being a “yes man” to stepping into his power, learning to say no, and embracing self-love as the foundation for a fulfilled life.

We talk about:

• Why being selfish isn’t bad—how putting yourself first leads to stronger relationships and better mental health.
• The moment Bryan looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize himself, and how it sparked his personal transformation.
• The importance of setting boundaries—why saying “no” is one of the most powerful things you can do.
• The danger of losing yourself to people-pleasing, and how to reclaim your identity.
• How curiosity and taking risks lead to personal growth, even when fear tries to hold you back.
• Practical tips to take back control of your time, energy, and happiness.

Bryan also shares his insights on how self-awareness, embracing discomfort, and flipping the “what if” question to a positive mindset can help anyone go from just surviving to truly thriving.

Key Takeaways:

• You can’t pour from an empty cup—prioritizing yourself is the first step to helping others.
• Boundaries are essential—the people who resist them are often the ones who benefited from your lack of them.
• If you’re constantly saying yes to others, you might be saying no to yourself.
• The fear of failure shouldn’t stop you—ask yourself, “What if it all works out?”
• The path to fulfillment starts with self-awareness, curiosity, and taking bold action.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Bryan White on Instagram,Substack and TikTok.
• Join the Thriving Chronicles Facebook Community.
• Listen to theThriving Chronicles Podcast

• Stay tuned for Bryan’s upcoming book Get Selfish: Fill Your Bucket First!
• Find me oninstagram here
• Check my site for ways to work with me here:jacobbradywalker.com

Calls to Action:

1. Subscribe to the podcast for more transformative conversations.
2. Follow Bryan White to stay updated on his journey and teachings.
3. Reflect on your own boundaries—where do you need to start saying no?
4. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish.

Final Thoughts:
"Life isn’t meant to be just survived—it’s meant to be thrived. Prioritise yourself, chase your dreams, and don’t let the fear of ‘what if’ stop you from creating a life you love."

SEO Keywords:
Bryan White, Get Selfish book, setting boundaries, self-love, personal growth, people-pleasing, overcoming fear, thriving mindset, saying no, self-awareness, life transformation, prioritizing yourself.

In this episode of Evolution of a Human, my wife, Dr. Leandra Brady-Walker, and I continue sharing our journey—this time, diving into one of the biggest turning points in our lives. After making the bold decision to leave Australia and start fresh in Europe, our meticulously planned move to Portugal fell apart just days before we were set to sign the paperwork. What happened next? A whirlwind pivot to Dublin, a chaotic relocation, and an experience that would shape us in ways we never expected.

We talk about:

• Why we originally planned to move to Portugal and the deeper reasons behind leaving Australia.
• The moment everything collapsed—how we lost our dream practice overnight.
• How we ended up in Dublin within 48 hours, thanks to a last-minute opportunity.
• Landing in Dublin in the middle of winter, completely unprepared (and learning that yes, it does snow there!).
• The unexpected chaos of our first job abroad, from accommodation nightmares to living with a chain-smoking plumber.
• Why throwing ourselves into uncertainty has always been our style, and what this experience taught us about resilience.

This episode is a raw look at what happens when big dreams get derailed and how sometimes, the wrong path actually leads to the right growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Plans don’t always work out—but that doesn’t mean they weren’t meant to happen.
• Leaving one place isn’t always about running away—it’s about moving toward something new.
• The universe has a funny way of showing you what you need, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time.
• Growth comes from stepping into the unknown, even when it’s uncomfortable (and freezing cold!).

Find Leandra on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dr_leandrabw/

Find me on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/drjacobbw/

Check my site for ways to work with me here: jacobbradywalker.com

"Sometimes the best decisions are the ones you never planned for. Trust the process, embrace the unknown, and remember—you’re always exactly where you need to be."

SEO Keywords:
Moving abroad, expat life, Portugal relocation, Dublin life, starting over in a new country, career transitions, resilience, dealing with change, personal growth through uncertainty, embracing the unknown, travel and life lessons.