Artwork for podcast The Fire Inside Her; Self Care for Navigating Change

How A Life Changing Diagnosis Inspired A Brave Journey of Healing, Riding and Educating

Episode 56 • 28th February 2024 • The Fire Inside Her; Self Care for Navigating Change • Diane Schroeder

In this gripping episode of The Fire Inside Her, host Diane Schroeder sits down with Risa August, a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity. Risa opens up about the life-altering discovery of a harrowing medical condition and the odyssey that ensued—from confronting healthcare challenges to redefining her identity amid a world of uncertainty. As an endurance athlete turned advocate, her narrative of transformation is steeped in courage and self-discovery. Hear how a rare disease diagnosis inspired Risa's journey towards self-care, advocacy, and a moving venture into authorship. Diane and Risa explore the power of naming our struggles and embracing the possible, all while touching upon the profound impact of community support, the essence of storytelling, and the indulgence in life's simple pleasures. Does her courage catalyze something within you? Embrace Risa's tale of authenticity and find encouragement to ask yourself, "What's possible?" For a story that redefines the spirit of endurance and champions the journey towards self-love, don't miss this episode of "The Fire Inside Her."

Based in Colorado, Risa August is both a Gestalt practitioner and a patient advocate for rare pituitary diseases. She has been sharing her story for the past five years. In addition to speaking at conferences for leaders in pharmaceuticals, medical professionals, and patients, her work is published on blogs and in other smaller publications. Her most popular personal essay, “Marshmallow Clouds,” has been translated into Spanish. Through her personal transformation, Risa has learned and practiced removing limiting beliefs, shifting her perspective, and embracing a full life.

Risa has a BA in geography, a certification in the Gestalt Coaching Method, and a certificate in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. She has been living with a pituitary tumor and rare disease for over a decade. She often takes to the stage offering words of inspiration and information in hopes to save others from heading down a bumpier road.

A girl with sparkles in her hair and once an Ironman athlete, Risa still has a passion for her bike and barbells. With her genuine curiosity and love for trying new (and old) things, you may find Risa taking salsa or hip-hop dance lessons, trying a silks aerialist or boxing class, going indoor skydiving, or guiding an inspirational workshop in creativity.

Learn about Risa’s eye-opening journey in her new book, The Road Unpaved – Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike at https://a.co/d/iIHPzw4.