In 2014, Samantha Harris was cruising along, living her best life. As the host of Entertainment Tonight, she was a pro at holding space with celebrities to cover all things movies, fashion, awards, and insider gossip… but it was nabbing the hosting gig on Dancing with the Stars that really threw her career into hyper-drive. She hosted DWTS for eight seasons, all while simultaneously building a kick-ass rockstar life as a wife, a mom, and a health & wellness advocate.

And then… she felt a lump. And her life changed.

Just months after receiving a clear mammogram, she felt a lump… and luckily, she spoke up, and subsequent pathology confirmed that she had Stage 2b invasive breast cancer.

But… Samantha’s story is not one about being a victim. It's a story of grabbing life by the you-know-what and making lemons into some serious sweet – but sugar-free!! – lemonade.

Like many of us, Samantha got a crash course in gratitude when her world fell apart… including a whole new take on mindset, miracles, and manifestation. Tune in today to hear it all, plus find out what this six-pack adorned mama does in the gym to look the way she does… because I’ll have whatever she’s having, please!!

*Note: We’ve just wrapped up October, which was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Even though we’re turning the corner to November, Cancer doesn’t take a holiday, so let today’s episode is a reminder to stay vigilant with your self-checks and self-care.

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A big thank you to Samantha Harris for joining the podcast and sharing your inspiring story. You can follow her on Instagram @samanthaharrisTV.

Learn more about Samantha on her website https://samantha-harris.com/

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali

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Imagine being raised in a community so conservative you weren’t allowed to use electricity, have a social security card, or even… learn where babies came from?! Enter the world of the Amish, where it’s common for young adults to find themselves having been raised with no clue how to operate in the real world. This is where today’s guest, Lizzie Ens found herself… just before she would run away to try to survive in that same real world… all without a penny to her name.

She’d come to not only survive, but to thrive. Today, Lizzie is a holistic wellness practitioner, the founder of a thriving beauty brand, a successful author, and an influencer helping millions of people live their best lives… and you may not be surprised to hear that gratitude was the catalyst that started it all.

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Show Notes:

A big thank you to Lizzie for joining us and sharing your inspiring story. To learn more, follow @lizzieens_wellness on Instagram, @lizzieh_wellness on

TikTok, and YouTube @lizzieenswellness https://www.youtube.com/@lizzieenswellness

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali

In 1989, Collier Landry’s life changed in an instant with the sound of two thuds. While he laid in bed cowering, his 11-year-old hands pulling the covers up over his head, he was pretty sure he knew exactly what it was: his father had just murdered his mother.

Collier’s life is a testament to the fact that our most painful experiences can be the source of our greatest strength. In a situation that would have broken most people, young Collier found the courage to stand up in court and provide the crucial testimony that helped convict his father. This act of bravery didn’t just bring a killer to justice; it set the course for the rest of Collier’s life.

His mission is rooted in the belief that “your past does not define your future.” He is a living example of this truth, using his experiences not as a burden but as a tool to empower others. His work is a powerful reminder that while we can’t always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we respond, and in that choice, we find the strength to transform our pain into purpose.

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Show Notes:

A big thank you to Collier for joining us and sharing your inspiring story. To learn more, follow @collierlandry on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube or his website https://www.collierlandry.com/

Watch Collier’s documentary, A Murder in Mansfield: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7561086/

“Finding Mom’s Killer” on The Binge network: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-moms-killer/id1811814753

Collier’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collierlandry

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali