In this deep and insightful episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Risa August, an Ironman athlete, award-winning author, and inspirational speaker, to explore the power of resilience, identity, and rediscovering your spark after life-altering change.
After being diagnosed with a pituitary tumor, Risa’s life was turned upside down. From an elite endurance athlete to someone relearning how to get off the couch, her story is one of strength, surrender, and profound self-discovery. Together, Utkarsh and Risa unpack what it means to grieve old versions of ourselves, rebuild confidence, and take small, powerful steps toward transformation using Risa’s CAN framework.
They discuss how self-talk shapes our reality, how to embrace uncertainty, and why living in the present moment is the greatest act of courage. This episode is a reminder that your next chapter begins with a single step and that you are far more capable than you think.

The episode dives into:
– How a diagnosis can become a turning point for growth
– The process of grieving and redefining your identity
– How self-talk impacts healing and mindset
– The CAN framework: Capable, Able, Now
– Why transformation is built one small step at a time
– Finding courage to live with uncertainty
– The freedom of letting go of perfectionism
– Why you don’t need to wait for “someday” to start

Key Takeaways:
✅ Resilience is built one decision at a time
✅ Grieving the old self creates space for transformation
✅ Self-talk can either limit or liberate us
✅ The CAN framework helps translate awareness into action
✅ Living in the present moment brings true fulfillment
✅ Growth requires patience, honesty, and compassion
✅ Pursuing what lights you up can reignite your life

About Risa August:
Risa August is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker, Gestalt practitioner, and patient advocate whose story of resilience has touched audiences worldwide. Through her acclaimed memoir The Road Unpaved and her signature CAN method, she helps people remove limiting beliefs, shift perspective, and take doable steps toward meaningful change. With authenticity and energy, Risa empowers others to rebuild, reframe, and reignite their inner spark.
📌 Connect with Risa August:
🌐 Website: https://www.risaaugust.com
📖 Her Book The Road Unpaved: https://a.co/d/iIHPzw4
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/
💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/risa-august-9b130524a

🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons for more stories of courage and transformation:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang

🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share if Risa’s story sparked something in you.

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