Risa August is an award-winning author, speaker, and Gestalt Practitioner. Risa is also living with a rare pituitary tumor and she inspires audiences and clients alike. Former Ironman athlete, she opened up to a world of possibilities, exploring various styles of dance, aerial silks, boxing, and embracing life with curiosity and vigor. Risa's personal journey exemplifies overcoming limits and living fully…unleashed.
Risa August Vroom Vroom Veer Stories
Felt like an old soul and didn't really fit in with any groups; got a job at age 14 and just wanted High School to be over
Did two years of business college at Kent State but really wanted to study Archeology but of course that wouldn't make any money
Followed a guy to Maine, ditched that dude but discovered a whole new world of backpacking and outdoor life
Ended up getting a degree in Geography and got a job with an engineering outfit
Got married and tried to squeeze into a mold that really didn't fit her; she was also helping at her husbands business on the weekends and working Monday – Friday, so no days off
Finally moved out of PA and moved to Colorado by this time she is doing Ironman races and 500 mile bike trips for fun
Spent about 8 years being dismissed my her family practice doctor; then one day insisted that she get an MRI for headaches because she knew something was wrong
When the doctor told her that she had a tumor and a disease and the tumor had to come out; she went right into denial
Show Summary
In this episode of “Vroom Vroom Veer” titled “Unleashing Life Beyond Limits with Risa August,” host Jeff Smith engages with the award-winning author, speaker, and Gestalt practitioner, Risa August. The conversation kicks off with a bit of humor as Jeff initially mispronounces Risa’s name, which she corrects politely. Moving forward, they delve into the heart of the discussion, where Risa shares the intriguing aspects of her journey both professionally and personally.
Risa explains her transformation into a Gestalt practitioner in 2019, which significantly expanded her horizons in coaching, complemented further by her achievements as an author and a motivational speaker. She expresses deep emotional connection when describing the impact of her book, which has won several awards and prompts heartwarming feedback from readers worldwide.
A large part of the conversation pivots around Risa’s experiences living with a rare pituitary tumor, her trials and tribulations as an Ironman athlete, and how these challenges veered her life down unexpected paths numerous times. Risa’s narrative is one of overcoming limits and persistent adaptation, embracing new experiences like various styles of dance, aerial silks, and boxing.
Jeff compares the non-financial aspects of success and joy generated from pursuing passions, which includes a short segment on financial independence and managing money effectively through available resources like the financial independence retire early movement and Mr. Money Mustache.
Shifting towards a more personal exploration, the conversation takes the audience back to Risa’s high school years, her early independence, and brief engagement with sports before moving into a contemplative phase about her identity and place in life during different stages.
Risa also discusses the significant transition and the harsh realization of her medical condition which was diagnosed late despite her proactive attempts. This leads to a poignant reflection of her challenging journey through brain surgery, and the subsequent struggle with her health as medications failed to curb the growth hormone production due to her tumor.
A significant veer in her life narrative was her decision to embrace life fully, post-recovery, marked by an ambitious 1800-mile bike ride which she signed up for, underscoring her philosophy of living boldly despite adversities. This ride represented not just a physical challenge but a metaphoric journey of emotional and mental resilience and healing.
The episode wraps up with Risa encouraging others to connect with her through her website and social media, promoting her book which details her compelling life story filled with perseverance and an undefeated zest for life. Jeff concludes the podcast with an appreciation of Risa’s incredible journey and perspectives they shared, underlining the core theme of the podcast about navigating life’s veers with courage and insight.
Connections
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