Surviving a Stroke and a Near-Death Experience
Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life
12/31/25
•35m
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http://www.cre8tivecon.com“A Stroke of Love” — Nancy Spano’s Near-Death Experience and Her Journey Back to Life
In this heartfelt episode of Get Obsessed, host Julie Lokun sits down with Nancy Spano, the inspiring author of Stroke of Love. Nancy shares the day her life changed forever when she suffered a massive stroke at age 46 and the profound near-death experience that followed.
Nancy’s story is raw, emotional, and filled with hope. She takes listeners through the moments leading up to her stroke, describing the changes in her vision, behavior, and thinking that she didn’t realize were warning signs. She also opens up about her remarkable recovery and the lessons she learned about resilience, faith, and finding purpose in the aftermath.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
• The subtle symptoms Nancy noticed before her stroke and how she nearly ignored them
• What her near-death experience felt like and the spiritual moment that brought her back
• How her husband and family supported her through recovery
• The life lessons that gave her a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Stroke
Nancy’s experience is a reminder that strokes can happen at any age and that early recognition saves lives.
Symptoms Nancy experienced include:
• Vision loss on one side
• Sudden irritability and mood changes
• Confusion and short-term memory loss
• Trouble completing simple tasks
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Panic attacks and disorientation
Her stroke was linked to high blood pressure worsened by medication, something she had not been warned to monitor. Now, Nancy is dedicated to raising awareness so others can recognize early warning signs and take quick action.
If you or someone you know experiences sudden numbness, confusion, slurred speech, vision loss, or loss of balance, call 911 immediately. Time is critical.
About Nancy Spano
Nancy Spano is a stroke and cancer survivor, wife, mother, and advocate who turned her near-death experience into a message of hope. Her book, Stroke of Love, tells her story of survival, healing, and the strength of the human spirit.
Learn more at: www.strokeoflovebook.com
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Previous Episode
The Most Important Message of The Year with Julie Lokun
December 23, 2025
•15m
MEET US LIVE IN CHICAGO! LEARN MORE! www.cre8tivecon.com
What if this year is not about becoming someone new but about becoming a stronger, more intentional version of who you already are?
In this reflective solo episode of the Get Obsessed Podcast, host Julie Lokun, JD shares a powerful mindset shift for high achievers who feel overwhelmed by hustle culture, endless goal setting, and the pressure to constantly do more.
Julie reflects on the magic of the holidays through childhood eyes, the reality of adulthood responsibility, and the moment she realized that more goals did not equal more joy. Instead of embracing the tired phrase New Year, New You, she invites listeners to focus on intentional living rooted in clarity, energy protection, and alignment.
This episode is for entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, and high performers who are ready to stop doing more and start doing what truly matters.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
Julie explains why New Year, New You is a myth and how New Year, Same You but Stronger creates sustainable momentum. She walks through the power of choosing one personal goal and one professional goal and how this approach reduces overwhelm while increasing fulfillment.
Listeners will learn why protecting physical and emotional energy is a non negotiable and how saying no without overexplaining creates freedom. Julie also addresses why rest and sleep are essential for clarity, creativity, and long term success.
On the professional side, Julie shares what it means to amplify fewer voices more powerfully. She explains why going deeper instead of wider creates exponential results and how aligned energy between collaborators is the foundation of meaningful growth.
Intentional Living and Honoring Your Season
This episode invites listeners to ask a critical question: What season of life am I in?
Julie encourages integration over pressure and reminds listeners that growth does not need to happen on a single day. She emphasizes honoring the lessons learned from the past year and recognizing resilience, even when healing feels incomplete.
The Proof of Life Mindset
Julie introduces the concept of a proof of life list, a practice of acknowledging moments when you showed up despite adversity. Whether navigating relationship changes, health challenges, financial stress, or professional uncertainty, surviving counts and deserves recognition.
Relationships Over Algorithms
Julie shares why some of her most meaningful opportunities came from conversations rather than content. By dialing down social media and prioritizing real relationships, she found deeper connection and greater professional impact.
Expansion, Curiosity, and Beginner’s Brain
Listeners are encouraged to say yes to growth without pressure. Julie explores the idea of expansion through curiosity, new conversations, and experiences that place you back into beginner’s brain, a concept she learned from Jim Kwik.
Planning Joy on Purpose
If joy is not scheduled, stress will be.
Julie challenges listeners to plan joy intentionally, whether through small moments of play, creativity, rest, or connection. Joy is not a reward. It is a requirement.
Resources Mentioned
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Jim Kwik’s teachings on beginner’s brain and limitless learning
Cre8tive Con 2025 in Chicago at www.cre8tivecon.com
Featured Voice: Jim Kwik
Bestselling author and world renowned brain coach Jim Kwik shares why creativity is no longer optional in today’s fast changing world. At Cre8tive Con in Chicago, Jim will teach science based tools to help attendees think faster, focus better, and unlock the limitless potential already inside them.
This Episode Is For You If
You feel busy but unfulfilled
You are craving clarity instead of chaos
You want success without burnout
You are ready to protect your energy without guilt
You are choosing meaning over more
A Final Message from Julie
You are not behind. You are becoming.
This year is not about chasing more. It is about choosing meaning, honoring your season, and having the courage to protect what matters most.
If This Episode Resonated
Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Follow the Get Obsessed Podcast with Julie Lokun and leave a rating and review to help amplify conversations that matter.
Next Episode
Body Positivity Vs. Body Shaming
January 6
•27m
Meet Julie and Mika LIVE IN CHICAGO THIS FEBRUARY AT CRE8TIVE CON!
Reach out to Julie: julie@cre8tivecon.com
Follow Get OBESSED on Instagram-- @getobsessedpodcast
1. The Body Image Cycle
Julie breaks down the emotional stages many women experience in their relationship with their bodies:
- Awareness: When we first notice our bodies being judged — often as young girls.
- Comparison: Measuring ourselves against unrealistic beauty standards and social media ideals.
- Criticism: Internalizing those comparisons and turning them into self-blame or shame.
- Control: Trying to “fix” or change our appearance through dieting, overexercising, or other extremes.
- Acceptance: Slowly learning to see our bodies with compassion and gratitude.
- Empowerment: Embracing authenticity, self-expression, and health over perfection.
2. The Influence of Culture and Media
Julie unpacks how media messaging, celebrity culture, and social platforms fuel body dissatisfaction and what we can do to filter out the noise.
3. The Role of Aging and Change
From puberty to pregnancy to menopause, women’s bodies are constantly evolving. Julie shares insights on how to embrace those changes as signs of wisdom, strength, and life experience instead of loss.
4. The Healing Power of Self-Talk
Listeners will learn practical ways to reframe negative thoughts, shift focus from appearance to wellness, and replace judgment with kindness.
5. Tools for Real Body Positivity
Julie offers strategies to build a healthier body image, including mindfulness, gratitude practices, surrounding yourself with supportive communities, and focusing on what your body can do, not just how it looks.
Why This Conversation Matters
The relationship women have with their bodies affects every part of life — confidence, relationships, career, and mental health. By normalizing these conversations, Julie encourages listeners to release the guilt and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
Listen and Subscribe
Tune in to Get Obsessed with Julie Lokun on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Join the conversation about healing, empowerment, and rediscovering joy in the skin you’re in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Get Obsessed Podcast and Host Julie Lokun
1. What is the Get Obsessed podcast about?
Get Obsessed is a motivational and thought-provoking podcast that explores personal growth, transformation, and the power of living with purpose. Each episode dives into real stories of healing, resilience, and empowerment, featuring inspiring guests who have turned their challenges into change.
2. Who is Julie Lokun?
Julie Lokun is the creator and host of Get Obsessed. She’s a certified master coach, author, speaker, and advocate for personal empowerment. Julie is passionate about helping people embrace their authenticity, unlock their potential, and live intentionally.
3. What topics does the podcast cover?
The podcast covers a wide range of topics centered around self-development and empowerment, including:
- Healing and personal transformation
- Women’s empowerment and confidence
- Near-death experiences and spiritual growth
- Mental health and emotional wellness
- Body positivity and self-acceptance
- Overcoming adversity and finding purpose
4. Who are some of the guests featured on the podcast?
Julie hosts an inspiring mix of guests — from authors, thought leaders, and wellness experts to everyday individuals who share extraordinary stories of growth and resilience. Each conversation offers authentic insight and practical tools for personal transformation.
5. What makes Get Obsessed different from other personal growth podcasts?
Get Obsessed stands out for its honesty, depth, and connection. Julie brings her background as a coach and her genuine curiosity about the human experience to every conversation, creating a space that feels both insightful and deeply personal. The show doesn’t just inspire — it empowers listeners to take real action in their own lives.
6. How often are new episodes released?
New episodes are released weekly and are available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
7. How can I listen to or subscribe t...
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