In this episode of The Internal Shift Show Debbie Longo speaks with Russell Van Brocklen about transforming what is often seen as a limitation into a measurable advantage.

Diagnosed with dyslexia and placed in special education early on, Russell faced years of frustration, setbacks, and academic barriers. With a first-grade reading and writing level entering adulthood, the expectation was limitation—not advancement. Instead of accepting that outcome, he made a decision to challenge it.

The turning point came when he forced himself into environments that required higher-level thinking, including auditing law school classes and engaging in complex problem-solving far beyond what his reading level suggested . Through persistence and unconventional thinking, he developed a system that allowed him to bypass traditional limitations and access higher cognitive processing.

That internal shift led to groundbreaking work. Russell went on to develop and test methods that significantly accelerated reading and writing capabilities in dyslexic students, producing results that rivaled—and in some cases exceeded—traditional systems at a fraction of the cost.

This conversation challenges the idea that learning disabilities are purely limitations. It reinforces that with the right approach, they can become a strategic advantage—driving innovation, different thinking patterns, and unique problem-solving abilities.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: debbie@lifeinbloomny.net

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Russell Van Brocklen NYS Senate-Funded Dyslexia Researcher:

Email: dyslexiaclasses1@gmail.com

Website: https://www.dyslexiaclasses.com

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach speaks with Al Isaacs about a life-altering discovery that forced him to completely re-evaluate his identity, past, and sense of self.

During the COVID pandemic, while dealing with career disruption and both parents facing serious health issues, Al received unexpected news from a doctor that changed everything—he was adopted. What began as a passing comment turned into a confirmed reality that reshaped how he viewed his life, family, and personal history .

The process that followed was not immediate clarity, but layers of realization. From understanding that his entire family knew, to managing internal thoughts of uncertainty and identity, Al had to navigate both emotional and practical challenges. Instead of staying stuck, he chose to move forward, seeking answers while also maintaining perspective on what truly mattered.

Through persistence and timing, he was able to find his biological family, including his sister and mother, leading to outcomes that exceeded expectations. More importantly, the internal shift came from how he reframed the situation—focusing on acceptance, gratitude, and the understanding that identity is not defined by a single piece of information.

This conversation reinforces that even the most unexpected and disruptive moments can lead to clarity, connection, and growth when approached with the right mindset.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: debbie@lifeinbloomny.net

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Al Isaacs:

Website: https://www.alisaacs.com

Book: https://a.co/d/01V6kpXx

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach speaks with Cheryl Fimbel about the unexpected emotional and psychological impact of retirement—and the internal shift that changed everything.

After 45 years in healthcare, Cheryl was forced into retirement just weeks after losing her mother. What seemed like a financial concern at first quickly turned into something deeper. Without the structure, routine, and identity tied to her career, she found herself feeling lost, unproductive, and disconnected from purpose .

The turning point came when she realized she was not failing—she was experiencing a documented transition. Concepts like identity loss, lack of structure, and purpose disruption gave her clarity and shifted how she viewed her situation. Instead of staying stuck, she began rebuilding with small, intentional actions.

Through creating structure, redefining who she was beyond her job title, and reconnecting with what mattered, Cheryl moved from drifting and depression to clarity, purpose, and fulfillment. She went on to write her book, The Hidden Side of Retirement, and now helps others understand and navigate this transition.

This conversation reinforces that major life changes are not just external—they require internal adjustment. When that shift happens, direction, purpose, and stability follow.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: debbie@lifeinbloomny.net

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Cheryl Fimbel:

Email: cheryl@crownyearsmedia.com

Website: https://www.crownyearsmedia.com

Book: https://a.co/d/08hFM0IJ

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach speaks with Zolal Habibi about a life shaped by loss, resilience, and a commitment to something larger than herself.

At just seven years old, Zolal lost her father, a writer and human rights activist, to political violence. What could have defined her life through grief instead became the moment that reshaped how she saw the world. Rather than identifying as a victim, she made a decision early on to view her experience through strength, responsibility, and purpose .

That internal shift influenced every decision that followed. From understanding the broader reality of injustice to choosing action over helplessness, Zolal committed her life to advocacy and raising awareness. She went on to join the Iranian Resistance and has spent decades working toward freedom, accountability, and change.

This conversation explores trauma, identity, responsibility, and the power of perspective. It reinforces that even in the most extreme circumstances, individuals still have the ability to decide how they respond—and that response can shape not only their life, but the lives of others.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: debbie@lifeinbloomny.net

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Zolal Habibi:

Website: https://www.ncr-iran.org/

Additional Resources: https://maryamrajavi4change.com/ https://iranfreedom.org/ https://oiac.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zolalhabibi

Email: zolalhk@gmail.com

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach speaks with Belinda Coker about the internal turning point that transformed her life from burnout, depression, and disconnection into clarity, health, and purpose.

At 55, during the pandemic, Belinda found herself overwhelmed by years of accumulated stress—divorce, motherhood, career pressure, and identity loss. She was exhausted, unhappy, and relying on habits that were pulling her further away from the life she wanted. The turning point came when she looked at herself honestly and made the decision that something had to change .

Instead of looking for a quick fix, she returned to something she once loved—hiking. That single decision led to a series of small, consistent changes. Over time, those changes reshaped her habits, mindset, and direction. What started as a simple step became a complete life transformation.

Belinda went on to rebuild her life around health, nature, and simplicity. She left the corporate world, reduced unhealthy patterns, and created a lifestyle centered on fulfillment rather than pressure. Today, she spends much of her time hiking around the world, living with intention and clarity.

This conversation reinforces that change does not require a complete overhaul overnight. It begins with one honest decision and one small step in a different direction. From there, momentum builds, and everything starts to shift.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach

Email: debbie@lifeinbloomny.net

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Belinda Coker

Email: wanderingbelinda@gmail.com

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo speaks with Heike Yates about the internal shift that changed how she approached health, performance, and self-worth.

After struggling with weight as a teenager and again after becoming a mother, Heike entered the fitness world determined to change her body and her life. What began as progress quickly turned into a pattern of pushing harder—bodybuilding, endurance racing, ultramarathons, and eventually completing an Ironman. On the outside, it looked like discipline and success. Internally, it was driven by pressure, comparison, and the need to prove something.

The turning point came when her body began to push back. Injuries, exhaustion, and burnout forced her to confront a different truth—that more effort was not the answer. Instead of continuing to override her body, she made a shift toward listening, trusting herself, and choosing sustainability over intensity .

Through practices like Pilates and a more balanced approach to movement, she rebuilt her relationship with her body and redefined what strength actually meant. This conversation explores self-trust, identity, overachievement, and the shift from external validation to internal alignment.

It reinforces that pushing harder is not always progress, and that real growth often begins when you stop fighting yourself and start working with who you are.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Heike Yates:

Email: podcasts@heikeyates.com

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo, Transformational Coach speaks with Kevin Cover about a critical leadership breakdown that started not with failure—but with success.

After rapidly growing a business and doubling performance as a young general manager, Kevin found himself in a position many aim for—things were working. But that success led to comfort, and comfort led to subtle changes. He began stepping away from the very processes that created the results in the first place. What followed was not an immediate failure, but a gradual collapse.

Kevin shares how small decisions—skipping structure, abandoning daily disciplines, and shifting into reactive leadership—created gaps that eventually impacted the entire organization . The turning point came when he was forced to confront the reality that nothing external had changed—the breakdown was internal.

Through reflection and accountability, he rebuilt his approach by returning to discipline, structure, and consistency. He redefined leadership not as control, but as creating rhythm—consistent actions that allow both individuals and teams to grow without dependency.

This conversation reinforces that success is not maintained by reaching a level—it is maintained by continuing the process that got you there. When that process stops, decline is inevitable. When it resumes, growth returns.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: debbie@lifeinbloomny.net

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Kevin Cover:

Website: https://www.rhythmleadershipgroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-cover-rhythm-leadership-group

Book: The Rhythm Wave (available on Amazon)

In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo speaks with Debbie Weiss about a lifetime of caregiving, burnout, and the moment that forced her to finally shift how she was thinking about her life.

From becoming her father’s caregiver at 17, to raising a child with special needs, supporting a husband with mental health challenges, and later facing his terminal illness, Debbie spent decades putting everyone else first. Over time, that pattern led to exhaustion, resentment, and a sense that her life was no longer her own .

The turning point came at age 50 when she realized she had no vision for her own future. Instead of trying to change everything at once, she made one small internal shift—focusing on consistent action instead of outcomes. That shift began with her health, then extended into her finances, career, and eventually led her to write and publish her own book during one of the most difficult periods of her life.

This conversation explores burnout, identity, caregiving, grief, financial stress, and the power of changing how you think about your situation. It reinforces that no matter how long you’ve lived a certain way, you still have the ability to change direction, rebuild, and create something new.

Contact Information:

Debbie Longo Transformational Coach:

Email: debbie@lifeinbloomny.net

Website: https://lifeinbloomny.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/

Debbie Weiss:

Email: debbie@debbieRweiss.com