“What if your left side belonged to your father and your right side to your mother—down to your DNA?” 

That’s the haunting premise behind Split, a gripping novel inspired by a rare real-life diagnosis: chimerism. In this episode, Dr. Michael Swartz—a transplant and pediatric cardiac surgery researcher turned novelist—joins Reggie D. Ford to explore identity, science, and storytelling. From the quiet roar of unwritten stories in his mind to 100+ rejections on the path to publishing, Michael opens up about the challenges of switching from academic to creative writing and why fiction can be both a lie and a truth-teller. They dig into what it means to be shaped by genetics and environment, how small physical traits can carry deep psychological weight, and the liberating power of simply putting words on the page.

Call to Action:
If you’ve ever wrestled with the question “Who am I really?”, this episode is for you. Tune in now to discover how a rare diagnosis, a drive between cities, and a lifelong passion for helping others became a beautiful, bold exploration of identity and belonging.

Guest Contact Info:
Website: michaelswartzwrites.com
Book: Split available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million

Host Contact Info:
Website: reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/]
Social: @reggiedford on all platforms

Key Quotes / Takeaways:

 * “Writing is like a game of chess. The story gets louder when the moves start to make sense.”
 * “A chimera is someone with two sets of DNA—often the result of one twin absorbing the other in utero.”
 * “Everybody’s different. Their biology, their upbringing, their path—and that’s something to celebrate.”

061  - One Body, Two DNA: Unraveling Identity, Nature & Nurture Through Fiction

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Terry Tucker—former SWAT hostage negotiator, Division I college basketball player, motivational speaker, and 13-year cancer warrior. Terry shares his extraordinary journey of surviving a rare form of melanoma that led to the amputation of his foot and leg, and how that adversity revealed his life's true purpose.

Terry opens up about his career transitions—from business executive to police officer and hostage negotiator—detailing how his father’s expectations and his own calling led him to follow his purpose later in life. He introduces us to his personal philosophy called the Four Truths, including:

 1. Control your mind or your mind will control you.
 2. Embrace the pain and use it to grow stronger.
 3. What you leave behind is what you weave into the hearts of others.
 4. As long as you don’t quit, you can never be defeated.

This episode goes beyond surface-level inspiration. Reggie and Terry dive deep into the psychology of vulnerability, how empathy was key to Terry's success as a negotiator, the neuroscience of communication (the 7-38-55 rule), and how faith, family, and friends sustained him through his darkest days. Terry also shares practical tools from his book Sustainable Excellence, including how to reframe suffering and align with your purpose.

Whether you’re facing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to take control of your mindset and embrace your own journey.

Contact Info: 

Website & Blog: motivationalcheck.com
[https://www.motivationalcheck.com/]Book: Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life

060 - Living with Cancer, Leading with Purpose: The Four Truths That Keep Terry Tucker Going

In this deeply moving and motivational episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with transformational leader and founder of Freedom for Life, Mark Collins, to explore the power of vulnerability, identity, and intentional living. As the author of Life Mastery: Living by Design, Not by Default, Mark has guided hundreds through his signature framework to unleash their purpose, heal from limiting beliefs, and master the life they were truly created for.

 * Together, Reggie and Mark dive into
 * Why vulnerability is discomfort—and why that’s a good thing
 * How your thoughts, words, and actions shape your reality
 * The four pillars of Life Mastery: Identity, Experience, Meaning, and Emotion
 * How to break free from performative success and imposter syndrome
 * The “I Am” statement and celebration list that transform self-perception
 * Mark’s personal story of grief, healing, and overcoming inner criticism
 * How faith and inner work create sustainable, soul-aligned transformation
 * Why living from identity—not for identity—is the key to fulfillment

This conversation is more than inspirational—it’s instructional. Whether you’re at a crossroads or already on your growth journey, Mark’s wisdom will help you reconnect with your true self, reframe past experiences, and master your life by design, not default.

Guest Contact Info

Email: mark@freedom-for-life.net

Website: https://freedom-for-life.net
[https://freedom-for-life.net/]Book: Life Mastery: Living by Design, Not by Default available on Amazon and his website
Course: Life Mastery suite available at freedom-for-life.net [https://freedom-for-life.net/]

059 - Life Mastery Starts Within: Identity, Transformation & Living by Design with Mark Collins

“I had my gun in my hand… and my kids were right there.” In one of the most raw and riveting episodes yet, Anthony Wilson opens up about the moment he hit rock bottom—and what pulled him back. From ADHD misdiagnosis and childhood trauma to a 911 call that saved his life, Anthony’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, transformation, and self-love. He takes us through his journey from self-destruction to healing: yoga at sunrise, journaling on ayahuasca in the Colombian mountains, and a spiritual awakening that led him to sobriety and purpose.

This isn’t just a story about mental health—it’s about reclaiming your identity, rewriting the narrative of masculinity, and redefining what success really means. Whether you’re healing from trauma or searching for deeper meaning, this episode reminds us that the love we’re looking for often starts within.

Call to Action:
Listen now to hear how Anthony turned pain into power—and why vulnerability just might be your greatest strength.

Contact Info:
Guest: Anthony Wilson
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nashville_n_foodiehttps://www.instagram.com/nashvillianfoodie/

Host: Reggie D. Ford
Website: https://reggiedford.com
[https://reggiedford.com/] Socials: @reggiedford [https://instagram.com/reggiedford] on all platforms

Key Quotes & Takeaways:

 * “If you listen to your fears, you'll never know the great person you're meant to be.”
 * “Ayahuasca didn’t let me run from my trauma. It made me sit in it—and heal from it.”
 * “I had the house, the car, the money—but I felt so small inside. Now I live in a camper with my mom and I’ve never been happier.”

Healing Trauma While Living with ADHD: Breathwork, Ayahuasca, and the Fight to Feel

"I try to show up and show love—even in business." 

In this soul-stretching episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford is joined by culture curator and leadership consultant Darius E. Moore for a conversation that blends storytelling, emotional truth, and practical wisdom. Together, they explore how early life experiences, especially Darius’ deeply personal family history marked by tragedy and healing, shaped his approach to relationships, leadership, and fatherhood.

From breathing through trauma to curating workplace cultures rooted in love, this episode shows how real power comes from showing up as your whole self—scars, stories, and all. They discuss the importance of seeing others not as data or problems to solve but as people to love. They also dive into what it means to parent with presence, the grief of a lost childhood, and why every child—and adult—deserves to be seen as a star.

Darius shares stories from his upbringing in a military household, how his therapist wife helped him discover emotional regulation, and what his daughter taught him about living in the moment. This episode is a tribute to collective kinship, vulnerability as a practice, and leadership through love.

Key Takeaways & Quotes:

 * “Discipline and punishment aren’t the same thing. I wasn’t punished; I was prepared.”
 * “Breathing is how I regulate. I believe every inhale is the breath of God.”
 * “If you want to build better cultures—at home, at work, in the world—start by loving people right where they are.”

Call to Action:
This episode will change the way you think about love in leadership, parenting, and personal growth. Listen now to discover why vulnerability is the key to healing and connection—and how we build a better world through radical, consistent love.

Contact Info:
Connect with Darius E. Moore:
darius.e.mmore@gmail.com
Instagram: @GenesisThought [https://instagram.com/genesistthought]
LinkedIn: Darius E. Moore
🎙Podcast coming soon: Let’s Build Something

Connect with Reggie D. Ford:
reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/]
@reggiedford on all platforms
Subscribe to the Vulnerability Muscle podcast wherever you listen

057. Leading with Love: Building a Culture of Human-Centered Leadership

"I was just a kid trying to survive, and they called me a murderer."

In this unforgettable episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Ashlee Sellars, a powerhouse advocate for restorative justice whose life journey defies everything you thought you knew about crime, punishment, and healing. At just 17 years old, Ashlee was sentenced to 25 years in prison under Tennessee’s felony murder law—despite never pulling a trigger. But this isn’t just a story about incarceration. It’s about survival. It's about trauma, accountability, and ultimately, transformation.

Ashlee shares a jaw-dropping account of how the criminal legal system failed her at every turn, how she discovered the power of restorative justice through a life-altering meeting with her victim’s parents, and how she now leads community healing efforts at the Raphah Institute. With raw vulnerability and unapologetic truth, she challenges us to redefine what justice really means—and who deserves redemption.

Key Takeaways / Social Highlights:

 * “Incarceration is not accountability. It’s removal from the conversation.”
 * “Some of the worst behaviors in our communities come from the most beautiful intentions—like trying to protect our families.”
 * “I was never given a chance to speak my truth. So now, I create space for others to speak theirs.”

Call to Action:
You won't hear a story like this anywhere else. Listen now to understand why true justice means more than punishment—and why vulnerability just might be the most powerful force for change. Share this episode, leave a review, and flex your own Vulnerability Muscle.

Contact Info:
Guest: Ashlee Sellars
🔗 Website: https://www.raphah.org/
📱 Social: @RaphahInstitute on all platforms

Host: Reggie D. Ford
🌐 Website: https://reggiedford.com
[https://reggiedford.com/] 📱 Social: @reggiedford on all platforms

056 - Imprisoned for a Murder She Didn't Commit - Now She Fights for Restorative Justice

What if the key to transformation lies not in fighting your past but in rewriting its meaning?

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Kyle Smith, a clarity consultant and creator of the Supra Being Blueprint, to explore how men can break free from limiting beliefs and emotional stagnation using a potent framework: Neuro-Linguistic Somatic Experience (NLSE).

Kyle unpacks how story work, breathwork, and character integration can rewire the nervous system, empower self-leadership, and help people embody emotional sovereignty. Together, Reggie and Kyle discuss:

 * Why vulnerability doesn't have to be heavy—and can even feel neutral or powerful
 * How breath is the remote control for your nervous system (high & tight = ready to fight, low & slow = ready to flow)
 * The role of story meaning in healing trauma and transforming self-worth
 * How to move from “I am my pain” to “I am my power”
 * Affirmations backed by evidence, not wishful thinking
 * Helping men discover clarity, confidence, and purpose through internal character work
 * Practices for reconnecting with sensation in the body after trauma or dissociation
 * The metaphor of the inner courtroom: rival vs. role model—and how to judge your thoughts wisely
 * Breathwork demo: A powerful guided practice you can follow along with

This is a deeply healing conversation that fuses practical strategy with soulful insight, offering a new lens for anyone struggling with self-doubt, disconnection, or emotional numbness. Whether you’re navigating trauma, burnout, or simply looking to grow, Kyle’s approach to embodied transformation will resonate.

🧠 "Words are the ethereal macronutrients of the mind."
💭 "You’re not broken—you’re holding on to stories that haven’t been updated."
💡 "Our breath is our first tool for reclaiming agency."

Guest Contact Information

Website: clarityconsultant.ca
[https://www.clarityconsultant.ca/]Instagram: @dapperdudekyle [https://www.instagram.com/dapperdudekyle]

Breathwork follow-up: Kyle invites listeners to DM him on Instagram and share their experience from the episode’s guided breathwork session.

055 - Rewrite the Story, Rewire the Mind: Healing Through Breath, Words, and Self-Leadership

Why do we procrastinate, and how can we break free from its grip? In this episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with procrastination coach Chris Abdey, founder of The Procrastination Station, to uncover the hidden reasons behind procrastination. Chris shares his personal journey from achieving ‘success’ by societal standards to hitting rock bottom, leading him to a deep exploration of why we delay, avoid, and escape the things that matter most.

Together, Reggie and Chris dive into:

 * The five procrastination archetypes—which one are you?
 * How procrastination is often rooted in fear, perfectionism, or escapism.
 * The surprising connection between addiction and procrastination.
 * Why procrastination doesn’t mean you’re lazy—but rather that your brain is trying to protect you.
 * How to shift from a to-do list to a to-be list and prioritize based on your values.
 * Real-life strategies to overcome chronic procrastination and take back control of your time.

Chris also shares a powerful personal story about how last-minute improvisation led to an unexpected academic success—and how this experience reinforced a pattern of high-stakes procrastination. Whether you struggle with work deadlines, personal projects, or just showing up on time, this episode will give you practical insights and a fresh perspective on why you procrastinate and how to break the cycle.

Tune in and discover how you can transform procrastination into purposeful action—without the shame or self-judgment.

Contact Info:

https://procrastinationstation.ca/

054 - Procrastination Unmasked: How to Overcome Avoidance & Reclaim Your Time with Chris Abdey

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Jeff Siegel—a men’s health and wellness coach, writer, and mindfulness teacher at Harvard University—for a transformative conversation on redefining masculinity, healing from disordered eating, and reimagining success beyond hustle culture.

Jeff shares deeply personal stories from his upbringing, including his struggle with an eating disorder, the impact of absentee fatherhood, and the cultural pressures that push men away from vulnerability. From martial arts to Buddhist studies, neuroscience to spiritual embodiment, Jeff walks us through his multi-layered healing journey and offers listeners tools to return to their bodies, center their nervous systems, and reframe productivity with compassion.

Together, Reggie and Jeff explore questions that men—and all humans—need to sit with:

 * What do you need that you didn’t get?
 * Can success coexist with rest, presence, and peace?
 * How do we shed societal expectations and allow ourselves to simply be?

This episode is an open invitation to redefine strength, create space for healing, and finally come home to ourselves.

Key Topics Covered:

 * The duality of physical vs. emotional vulnerability
 * How shame shapes male identity and behavior
 * Jeff’s story of developing and recovering from an eating disorder
 * The connection between trauma, control, and food
 * Why asking for help is the ultimate act of strength
 * The masks of masculinity and where they originate
 * Naming internal "parts" to understand and integrate them (e.g. “Productive Pete”)
 * Redefining hustle culture and success on your own terms
 * Presence over perfection in fatherhood and life
 * How Buddhist studies and mind-brain education inform Jeff’s healing philosophy
 * Spiritual practices for grounded well-being in a materialistic world
 * The limitations of corporate wellness if culture doesn’t change

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a man in your life who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Vulnerability Muscle for more soul-stretching conversations, and don’t forget to rate and review!

Connect with Jeff Siegel:

 * Website https://jeffsiegelwellness.com/ [https://www.jeffsiegelwellness.com/]
 * Email: jeff@jeffsiegelwellness.com
 * Instagram: @jeff.siegel.wellness
   [https://www.instagram.com/jeff.siegel.wellness]

053 - The Courage to Slow Down: Shame, Surrender, and the Soul’s Reckoning with Jeffrey Siegel

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with the dynamic Dr. JaNee Mobley—pharmacist, speaker, author, coach, mom, and mentor—to unpack her extraordinary journey from homelessness to building a purpose-driven life and business.

Dr. Mobley opens up about the emotional toll of living unfulfilled despite achieving academic and professional success. She vulnerably shares how losing her job and home—while pregnant—became the turning point that launched her into entrepreneurship and deeper self-discovery.

Together, Reggie and Dr. Mobley explore:

 * What vulnerability truly means and how it creates emotional safety.
 * Why success without purpose leads to burnout and dissatisfaction.
 * How Dr. Mobley turned a season of homelessness into the foundation for a bestselling book and thriving coaching business.
 * The five-part coaching framework she uses to help women move from mindset to movement: Mindset, Management, Mastery, Message, and Marketing.
 * Real stories of self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and the fear of success.
 * How women can give themselves permission to profit from their purpose while maintaining their integrity and peace.
 * The power of showing up—especially when it’s hard.
 * How vulnerability is her superpower—and can be yours too.

This is a must-listen for any woman sitting on a dream, navigating burnout, or battling self-doubt. It’s also a reminder for all of us that vulnerability is the gateway to personal freedom, transformation, and true power.

 * Website: https://www.drjanee.com/
 * Instagram: @DrJaNeeMobley [https://www.instagram.com/DrJaNeeMobley]
 * Coaching & Speaking: Success & Wealth Institute

052 - From Homelessness to Purpose: A Journey to Empower Women Through Radical Resilience

Welcome to "Vulnerability Muscle with Reggie D. Ford," the empowering podcast that challenges societal norms and invites you to explore the transformative power of vulnerability. Hosted by bestselling author and motivational speaker Reggie D. Ford, this show is your guide to finding strength, connection, and personal growth through embracing vulnerability.

In a world that often portrays vulnerability as a sign of weakness, Reggie D. Ford believes it is a source of tremendous strength and authenticity. Through insightful conversations and thought-provoking interviews, "Vulnerability Muscle" aims to redefine vulnerability and help listeners develop a new perspective on their own lives.

Reggie D. Ford, renowned for his bestselling book "Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction" and his captivating motivational speeches, brings his unique expertise and personal experiences to the forefront. With a deep understanding of the impacts of trauma, the importance of mental health, and the power of vulnerability, Reggie inspires and empowers his audience to embrace their own vulnerabilities as catalysts for growth and change.

Each episode of "Vulnerability Muscle" delves into a variety of topics, such as mental health, social issues, and mindset shifts. Reggie and his guests explore the power of vulnerability in healing, building resilience, and fostering meaningful connections. They provide practical tools and strategies to navigate life's challenges, overcome adversity, and create more inclusive and just environments for all people.

Whether you're seeking personal growth, struggling with your mental health, or looking to create a positive impact in the world, this podcast offers a safe space for deep exploration and transformation. Reggie's compassionate and engaging style invites you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace vulnerability as a path to personal empowerment.

Join Reggie D. Ford and his inspiring guests on "Vulnerability Muscle" as they illuminate the path toward self-discovery, authenticity, and true strength. Prepare to be inspired, uplifted, and equipped with the tools to unlock your full potential through the power of vulnerability.

@reggiedford

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