Dr. Allen Lycka & Michelle Bishop
“Choosing Yourself First: From Grief to Greatness”
Introduction
In this heart-opening episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Michelle Bishop, Certified Master Life Coach and best-selling author of Choose You First. Michelle empowers women to reclaim their lives after loss through the power of self-love, inner resilience, and authenticity.
Michelle’s Journey of Reinvention
At 59, Michelle experienced a profound transformation following the tragic loss of her husband in 2019 and her own near-death experience during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. These back-to-back events shattered the roles she had once clung to—mother, wife, daughter—and forced her to rediscover who she was beneath it all. “You can make a choice for you,” she explains. “Choosing you is not selfish. It’s selfless.”
Victimhood to Empowerment
Michelle's pivotal moment came when she shed her lifelong armor. No longer defined by pain, she rewrote her story and used her past to fuel her mission. Her shift was not quick or easy—it was deliberate and daily. “Every morning when I take my first breath, I commit again,” she shares. “That’s where change begins.”
Beyond Self-Help: A Lifestyle of Growth
Michelle challenges the quick-fix mentality of modern self-help. She believes that lasting change isn’t found in a 5-step formula—it’s found in living the transformation. “Small movements of change, done consistently, become your new normal,” she says. Real growth requires patience, pivoting, and self-compassion.
The Silent Warrior Technique
In a noisy world, Michelle recommends reclaiming peace through the “Silent Warrior” technique: breathing deeply, grounding in the moment, and letting go of what no longer serves you. This intentional pause creates space for clarity, calm, and conscious action.
Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs
Michelle emphasizes the importance of respecting others’ beliefs while being brave enough to examine and release your own. True growth, she says, comes from openness and curiosity—not judgment. “Knowledge is power,” she notes, “especially when it helps you evolve.”
Creating Lasting Change
Having lost over 100 pounds through lifestyle—not fad diets—Michelle knows transformation isn’t instant. “Consistency is key,” she says. “Real change happens one small, empowered choice at a time.”
Living a Fantastic Life
Michelle lives fully by aligning with her purpose, surrounding herself with authenticity, and acting on what matters. Her advice? Take action. Move. Breathe. Reflect. And above all, be grateful—even for the breath you’re taking right now.
Final Thoughts
Michelle’s bestselling book, Choose You First, is available on Amazon and at www.bishoplife.com. For those navigating adversity, her message is clear: You are worthy. You are loved. Choose you—first.
BIO:
Michelle Bishop is a Master Certified Life Coach and author of “Choose You First”. She helps women reclaim their lives after adversity by embracing self-love and building inner resilience. Through coaching, workshops, and speaking, she empowers clients to shed limiting beliefs, strengthen self-worth, and create lives filled with joy and purpose.
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LIVE with The Famous Dr. AL
Discover the golden pearls of wisdom within you! Dr. Allen Lycka has been acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world. A pioneer in cosmetic surgery, he helped develop several new technologies and has spoken at podiums worldwide. In 2003, Dr. Lycka was diagnosed with ALS and given six months to live. After courageously fighting the diagnosis, he is here today as a result of his courage, determination, and tenacity. Dr. Lycka used his experience to co-author "The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life" with a foreword by #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup For The Soul.
Brushwood Media Network is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Allen Lycka on reaching a remarkable milestone—his 500th episode of the popular series "How To Live a Fantastic Life." Dr. Lycka's inspiring show has become a staple for listeners seeking advice on living their best lives, and this milestone is a testament to his dedication and the impact of his work.
“LIVE with The Famous Dr. AL” will offer a dynamic blend of features, ensuring that each episode provides something unique and exciting. Listeners can look forward to intriguing conversations with authors, captivating lifestyle stories, travel and food adventures, exclusive celebrity insights, and the latest in beauty secrets.
Dr. Lycka has an incredible ability to connect with his audience and provide valuable insights that inspire and uplift. Don't miss out on the fun and inspiration. Dr. Lycka also has the #1 syndicated radio shows How to Live A Fantastic Life, Doc Fix That, and Driving Biz, on the Brushwood Media Network, with millions of listeners each month.
Dr. Allen Steven Lycka was acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world for three decades. A pioneer in cosmetic surgery, he helped to develop laser-assisted tumescent liposuction – an advanced body sculpture technique, and Moh’s Micrographic Surgery, an advanced means of removing skin cancer with 99% success. He has lived and practiced in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada since 1989. He’s written 17 books, 30+ academic papers and hosted the number one internet radio show in the world – Inside Cosmetic Surgery Today. He is a co-founder of Doctors for the “Practice of Safe and Ethical Aesthetic Medicine” and founder of The Canadian Skin Cancer Association. He won the prestigious Consumers Choice Award For Cosmetic Surgery for 16 consecutive years.
In 2003, Dr. Lycka’s life changed drastically when he suddenly developed a right foot drop while on vacation with his family at Disneyland. He promised his wife he would explore it, and after seeing many doctors was misdiagnosed with having ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Still, he maintained his status as a leading cosmetic doctor for 30 years. He later discovered he has Chronic Lyme disease.
Because of what he learned through his experience, he left his practice and co-authored the bestselling book, “The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life” with Harriet Tinka, a former fashion model and Woman of Distinction.
He has also authored two more books: one with Corie Poirier entitled, “bLU Talks Presents: Business, Life and the Universe” and one with Jack Canfield entitled, “The Pillars of Success.” Both books also became bestsellers during the Covid crisis in 2020. Currently acknowledged as a leading expert in Living A Fantastic Life and Turning Points, he is a transformational speaker, thought leader, coach, and mentor.
Dr. Lycka is happily married to Dr. Lucie Bernier-Lycka for 38 years and they have four lovely daughters and seven beautiful grandchildren. He counts his family as his most important accomplishment.