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Artwork for The Life Shift

The Life Shift | Pivotal Moments & Life Change

Matt Gilhooly
Mental Health
Grief
Personal Growth
Resilience
Healing
Storytelling
Vulnerability
Loss
Life Changes
Identity
Self-Discovery
Community Support
Podcasting
Burnout
Authenticity
Parenting
Therapy
Divorce
Trauma
Self-Compassion

The Life Shift shares real and honest conversations about the moments that change us. Host Matt Gilhooly sits with guests as they tell true stories of life-changing events, unexpected challenges, and quiet awakenings that shaped who they are today. Each episode offers meaningful and candid storytelling about grief, healing, resilience, identity, and growth. These are the personal stories that remi... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes409Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessPersonal JournalsSociety & CultureMental Health

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Artwork for The Life Shift

Latest Episodes

Have you ever built a life that looked exactly right from the outside, and felt completely hollow from the inside? This episode is for you.

Colette Jane Fehr grew up watching her parents argue in a house where conflict felt dangerous. So when she fe... more

This is a bonus drop, a little different from our usual Life Shift episode.

I just launched a new show called Trivia, Sort Of. It's lighter, it's playful, and it's less "guess the answer" and more "here's a strange, fascinating fact, wait really?" I... more

There are moments in life when everything falls apart at once. The job, the relationship, the car, the sense of direction. And then, in Laurie Collister's case, the house itself. A neighbor's forgotten french fries started a fire that took nearly eve... more

There's a version of your life where you take the safe path. The familiar one. The one that makes sense on paper. And then there's the version where you say yes to something that sounds completely ridiculous, and that version turns out to be the one ... more

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Recent Guests

Laurie Collister
Memoirist and former counselor
Author of A Different Kind of Vow
Episode: Writing Your Own Story: When the Fire Reveals What Matters
Alex Blum
Adopted at birth; author of An Accident of Birth
Author; entrepreneur
Episode: Adoption: The Brothers He Never Knew He Needed
Rob Lynch
Adopted for many years before discovering biological roots
Author and speaker
Episode: Adoption: The Chapter You Thought Was Finished
Rich Harwood
Founder and President of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation
Harwood Institute for Public Innovation
Episode: Survival as a Calling: The Boy Who Decided to Get Up
Peter Bailey
Leadership coach and author of The Epic of You
The Prouty Project (former), author of The Epic of You
Episode: The Hero's Journey: Finding Yourself in the Story You Already Lived
Jen Dary
Author, leadership coach, and brain tumor survivor
Plucky (leadership coaching and consulting) and author of I Believe in Everything
Episode: Lemon-Sized Brain Tumor: The Life That Grew After Surgery
Misha Brown
Author of Be Your Own Bestie; performer; sobriety advocate
Author of Be Your Own Bestie
Episode: How Misha Brown Got Sober and Learned to Be His Own Best Friend
Tim Thomas
Former Special Forces operator, professional fighter, and sleep scientist focused on veteran wellbeing and sleep optimization
Breathwork in Bed (Sleep-environment design)
Episode: Under the Surface: The Shark Attack That Taught Tim Thomas to Trust
Kathleen Walls
Co-founder and CEO of Team Tech; CEO of Remarkably Resilient; trauma-informed educator and author
Team Tech; Remarkably Resilient
Episode: What Happened to You: Breaking the Cycle Sixty Years in the Making

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 210 ratings
  • A conversation, not an interview

    I've appeared on several podcasts, and what sets Matt apart is his willingness to lead with his own vulnerability — which creates permission for his guests to do the same. Our conversation got to the heart of things quickly, in a way that doesn't always happen. He's a genuinely curious, warm interviewer who makes you feel heard. Highly recommend for anyone who is seeking to understand themselves better, make a change, or is just interested in honest conversation.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mfogelso
    United States2 months ago
  • One of the Most Important Podcasts Right Now

    This show is an authentic glimpse into the stories of life. The major transitions that change the trajectory of our lives in an instant. And Matt is an exceptional host, holding space for truth and healing. Thank you for putting the spotlight on what truly matters, Matt. And thank you for doing it with love, respect, and honor. Your work is how we heal collectively. This show is making a big difference in this world.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Britt Michaelian
    United States10 months ago
  • Matt is a legend!

    After listening to this pod and also having the chance to be a guest, I’m super impressed with Matt and his whole operation! This niche is amazing and sets up meaningful conversations so well! Pair that with Matt’s A interview skills and it’s 5 stars from me! 🦋

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    aqzscdrgyhhbguiiolkj
    United Statesa year ago
  • Honest, Uplifting, and Unforgettable

    The Life Shift Podcast is a masterclass in vulnerability and resilience. Matt’s thoughtful, warm approach invites guests to share the raw, real stories behind life’s turning points. Each episode is a powerful reminder that growth so often comes from our hardest moments. It's one of the most inspiring, grounding, and deeply human podcasts I've had the privilege of being a guest on—this podcast is a must-listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lisa Sugarman
    United Statesa year ago
  • Beautiful and Real

    I love this podcast! I love that the episodes are long enough to settle in and get to know a person in a deep way. It is human and beautiful and inspiring.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LiquidRobot
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Episodes are described as authentic, uplifting, and deeply human.
Guests and format are consistently commended for meaningful, long-form conversations.
Listeners praise the host's vulnerability and the safe space created for guests.
The show's storytelling is highlighted as a catalyst for personal reflection and healing.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Writing Your Own Story: When the Fire Reveals What Matters
Q: When did you decide to share your diaries with the world, and how did that transition feel?
After a period of private journaling and realizing the journals could form a coherent arc, Laurie moved to writing publicly, embracing the idea that memoir could help others heal.
Writing Your Own Story: When the Fire Reveals What Matters
Q: What was the life shift moment that began your turning point?
The pivotal moment was surviving a devastating fire that spared her diaries, which then became a guiding archive to reconstruct and understand her life's story.
Writing Your Own Story: When the Fire Reveals What Matters
Q: Before we get into your story, who is Laurie in 2026 and how do you show up in the world?
Laurie describes herself as a caregiver and a memoirist, with a long history in counseling, now focused on writing and sharing her journey to help others understand their own shifts.
Part of Me Died That Day: Learning to Live After the Worst Day of Your Life
Q: So before we get into your story, which I know is another hard story and something that a lot of people will relate to, who is Stephen today in 2026?
Stephen describes himself as a husband, father, speaker, and author who has been radically changed by the loss of his son, and who channels that change into advocacy and scholarship to help others face grief.
What Survives: A Story About Loss, Resilience, and Inner Friendship
Q: Were you able to find a new version of yourself?
Yes. After escaping the unhealthy home environment and pursuing education abroad, I found a new sense of self and a way to be at peace, though the path was long and demanding. My relationship with my inner self grew stronger as I built independence and resilience.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Professions
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Life Shift

What is The Life Shift about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on real, intimate conversations about pivotal moments that reshape a person's path. Episodes explore grief, resilience, healing, identity, and growth through long-form storytelling, with guests sharing raw experiences—from trauma and loss to transformations sparked by unlikely turning points. A standout trait is the host's approach: a warm, vulnerable interviewing style that invites guests to reveal the emotions and choices behind life-changing events, creating a sense of connection for listeners who seek meaning and guidance during their own transitions. Listeners may be drawn to narratives of courage, personal growth, and practical takeaways for navigating change, loss, or adversity. The format tends to feature candid jo... more

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How many listeners does The Life Shift get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Life Shift?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Life Shift:

1. The Person Who Believed In Me
2. RECOVERable: Mental Health and Addiction Experts Answer Your Questions
3. No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie
4. Stories from a Stranger
5. The Mel Robbins Podcast

How many episodes of The Life Shift are there?

The Life Shift launched 4 years ago and published 409 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Life Shift?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Life Shift?

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What guests have appeared on The Life Shift?

Recent guests on The Life Shift include:

1. Laurie Collister
2. Alex Blum
3. Rob Lynch
4. Rich Harwood
5. Peter Bailey
6. Jen Dary
7. Misha Brown
8. Tim Thomas

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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