Unequal Justice: A Veteran Attorney Speaks Out

🔹 Introduction

In this compelling episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes James M. Porfido, a seasoned New Jersey attorney with over 35 years of experience. A former prosecutor and now defense attorney, James offers rare insight into the U.S. criminal justice system from both sides of the courtroom.

🔹 Guest Background

James Porfido has served as Chief Prosecutor for sex crimes and child abuse cases, and is a certified criminal trial attorney. His work as a legal analyst on major networks and as an adjunct law professor adds further depth to his impressive resume.

🔹 Key Takeaways

• The stark contrast between prosecution and defense
• How bias can erode constitutional protections
• The emotional toll of wrongful accusations
• Stories from high-profile cases, including Duke Lacrosse and a shocking date rape trial
• Why James titled his book Unequal Justice and what he hopes it will change

🔹 Real-Life Stories

One particularly moving story involves a college student falsely accused of rape. Despite lacking credible evidence, he spent over 18 months in jail. James fought relentlessly, only to have the family switch lawyers—only to be told the same hard truth: the system itself was broken. Eventually, when the accuser was later arrested in Florida, the case unraveled and the young man was freed.

🔹 Expert Insights

James discusses the inherent flaws in the justice system, how high-profile cases are often tried in the media, and the critical need for strong advocacy. He also shares his passion for teaching future litigators the lost art of persuasion and real courtroom tactics not taught in law school.

🔹 Learn More

To learn more, get James’s book Unequal Justice: The Search for Truth to Balance the Scales on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, or visit www.unequal-justice.com. You can also find James on YouTube and Spotify sharing more insights into the legal world.

Visit www.drallenlycka.com to subscribe to weekly Golden Pearls and keep discovering how to live your own fantastic life.

BIO:

James m. Porfido, Esq. is an attorney in New Jersey with over 35 years experience. He is Certified as a Criminal trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey since 1995. He is a former Prosecutor and Chief Prosecutor of Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Cases and Vehicular Homicides. He is a TV Legal Analyst for over 20 years and an Adjunct Law Professor at Seton Hall University School of Law. Unequal Justice is his first book and talks about the cases and people involved from both sides of the courtroom as a Prosecutor and Defense Attorney.

Social Media:

Website: www.porfidolaw.com www.unequal-justice.com

https://www.instagram.com/jamesporfido/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-m-porfido-b007461a1/

The Philosopher’s Wrench – Tools for a Better World

Guest: Larry Weingarten, Author, Contractor, and Philosopher of Practical Wisdom

Overview:

Larry Weingarten joins Dr. Allen Lycka to explore timeless lessons on living fully, solving complex problems, and embracing creativity through manual work and mindful living. From his early passion for fixing things to writing The Philosopher’s Wrench, Larry shares insights on how creativity, kindness, and practical tools can be used to improve both our inner and outer worlds.

Key Themes:

1. Finding Joy in Work:

Larry explains how learning can be entertaining and why fun should be foundational to any job. Whether taking apart gadgets or helping others, joy has always fueled his journey.

2. Why He Wrote the Book:

Motivated by a desire to pass down hard-earned wisdom, Larry shares how writing helped him clarify truths and offer guidance to future generations.

3. The Power of Collective Action:

He and Dr. Lycka imagine a world transformed by everyday acts of kindness—small fixes that ripple out to big changes.

4. Embracing a Second Childhood:

Larry advocates reconnecting with childlike wonder—being present, curious, and playful—while viewing work as an extension of joy and meaning.

5. How to Live a Fantastic Life:

Presence and helpfulness are at the core of Larry’s life philosophy. He encourages listeners to notice what’s right, slow down, and lead with gratitude and hope.

6. Life Lessons on Time, Money & Stress:

• Time: Save it by slowing down, planning, and sharpening your mental “tools.”
• Money: Spend with intention—ask if it's an investment or entertainment.
• Stress: Notice five good things every hour. Balance negativity with gratitude.

7. Troubleshooting as an Artform:

Larry outlines how to approach problems by gathering comprehensive data, avoiding premature assumptions, and applying learned wisdom to solve issues efficiently.

8. Final Pearls of Wisdom:

His biggest “tools”? Truth, appreciation, hope, and perspective. These human values guide his approach to challenges and empower others to live better lives.

Resources & Book Info:

Get Larry’s book, The Philosopher’s Wrench, on Amazon or visit www.larryweingarten.com for more insights.

Connect with Dr. Lycka:

Explore more episodes and sign up for weekly “Golden Pearls” at www.drallenlycka.com.

BIO:

Larry Weingarten authored “The Philosopher’s Wrench”, published in 2023. He’s a contractor, who’s worked with his hands for over 50 years, and has learned about fixing problems, both technical and human. He enjoys helping, whether it’s people, animals, or by simply respecting this land that raised him.

F Happiness and Finding Meaning — With Shawn Leon Nowotnik

Introduction

In this profound and moving episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Shawn Leon Nowotnik—artist, therapist, author, and filmmaker—whose life changed forever after losing his son to suicide. Now based outside Chicago, Shawn has dedicated himself to mental health advocacy, helping others heal through authenticity and meaning.

The Myth of Chasing Happiness

Shawn’s book F Happiness: The Search for Meaning in a World Gone Mad challenges the toxic pursuit of happiness portrayed in social media. He stresses the difference between transient happiness and a meaningful life, rooted in vulnerability, authenticity, and living by one’s core values.

Understanding Meaningfulness

Shawn and Dr. Lycka explore what it means to live a life of meaning. Meaningfulness provides a resilient foundation in the face of hardship—something deeper than fleeting moments of joy. This kind of “bedrock happiness,” as Dr. Lycka calls it, emerges from service, gratitude, and purpose.

Escaping the Hedonic Treadmill

The duo discusses the dangers of the “hedonic treadmill”—our tendency to quickly return to a happiness baseline after major highs or lows. Material success, vacations, or promotions won’t bring lasting satisfaction if they aren’t aligned with authenticity.

Living Authentically in a Curated World

Shawn asks all his clients the same question: “Are you living an authentic life?” The pressure to live up to societal expectations or curated social media snapshots often leads us away from our true selves. Embracing imperfection, celebrating uniqueness, and asking, “If I had a year left, what would I do?” can redirect us toward purpose.

Overcoming Fear of Judgment

Self-compassion, supportive relationships, and honest introspection are key to overcoming fear of judgment. Shawn emphasizes that accepting one’s own uniqueness is a superpower, not a weakness—and it’s essential for growth and fulfillment.

How Shawn Lives a Fantastic Life

Breaking free from societal molds, Shawn found fulfillment by carving his own path. His advice? Don’t wait for tragedy to reevaluate your life. Start now—live authentically, with intention and courage.

Resources

Visit shawnleonnowotnik.com for more about Shawn’s work, books, and projects.

Dr. Lycka’s resources and weekly Golden Pearls are available at drallenlycka.com.

BIO:

Shawn Léon Nowotnik, MSW, LCSW, is an artist, author, filmmaker, and therapist living outside Chicago. After losing his son to suicide, he was compelled to reevaluate his own narrative — and look at how loss, mental health, and addiction can affect every aspect of a person’s life. He's developed holistic treatment programs and advocates for improved mental health and addiction disorder treatments, as well as researching, writing, and public speaking about addiction, community, mental health, narrative, and social issues. His new book is F*ck Happiness: The Search for Meaning in a World Gone Mad Chasing Happiness. Learn more at shawnleonnowotnik.com

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/shawn.nowotnik

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-l%C3%A9on-nowotnik/

Leading with Self-Trust: The Journey of Kanchan Chanana

Introduction

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes global strategy consultant Kanchan Chanana, whose path spans continents and industries. From growing up in a patriarchal society in India to coaching leaders across the globe, Kanchan shares powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and defining success on one’s own terms.

Overcoming Cultural and Gender Barriers

Kanchan recounts her formative years, growing up in New Delhi and navigating a male-dominated engineering program. She shares the impact of losing her father early in life and how it sparked her independence—taking up tutoring to fund her own education. These experiences laid the foundation for her belief in resilience as a practice, not a theory.

Breaking Industry Norms

Kanchan’s transition into the automotive industry, particularly procurement at Suzuki, was met with skepticism. She boldly challenged gender assumptions, eventually excelling in her role and inspiring policy changes around gender parity. Her story illustrates the power of advocating for oneself and disrupting systemic bias.

From Corporate Strategy to Startups

After earning her MBA and working with Fortune 500 and 100 companies in India, the U.S., and Switzerland, Kanchan pivoted to advising startups. Her strategic background in innovation and operations fuels her approach to solving complex business problems and empowering founders.

Redefining Leadership and Identity

Kanchan emphasizes the importance of curiosity-driven leadership—leading with questions rather than assumptions. She discusses how flexibility in identity, rooted in firm values but adaptable execution, enables success across diverse contexts.

Empowering Emerging Leaders

As a coach, Kanchan helps young professionals and founders overcome internal limitations. She highlights common barriers such as fear of fundraising and rigid role definitions, advocating for collaborative leadership and clear, purpose-aligned communication.

What Success Really Means

For Kanchan, success is no longer about conforming to societal scripts. Instead, it’s about owning one’s decisions, challenging norms, and maintaining inner clarity. She encourages listeners to define success based on deliberate, value-driven choices.

Living a Fantastic Life

To Kanchan, a fantastic life is one of daily ownership—making conscious choices, embracing uncertainty, and learning from every experience. She advocates for workplaces that prioritize people, value alignment, and real leadership, arguing these are key to both business success and employee fulfillment.

Final Takeaway

Kanchan leaves listeners with one powerful word: self-leadership. By taking full responsibility and embracing inner clarity, anyone can chart a path of meaningful impact.

Learn More

Connect with Kanchan on LinkedIn to explore her writings on self-leadership and transformation.

BIO:

Professionally, Kanchan is a global strategy consultant who’s advised Fortune 500 CXOs across India, the US, and Switzerland. Personally, Kanchan has navigated loss, defied gendered expectations, and later complex depression through a series of non-traditional life choices. She now coaches young professionals to lead with resilience, integrity, and self-trust.

Social Media:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/humans-of-bombay_i-was-just-a-few-days-old-when-dadi-threw-activity-7013376935527378944-nS0O?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chananakanchan_strategy-reducedriskproducts-patriarchy-activity-6850169359923474432-AoCY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAfZ2aQBuLHGPGMqjyqG6oR7ejx2QNbDqAM

Embracing Happiness at Work and Beyond with Alexia Gerorghiou

Guest Introduction

Alexia Gerorghiou is a global happiness advocate, founder of the Knoxville Happiness Coalition, and author of The Future of Work is Human and the Future of Success is Happiness. She brings decades of experience as a mental health therapist and educator to her mission of transforming workplace culture through positive psychology.

Key Topics Discussed

• The power of post-traumatic growth and Alexia’s personal journey through introversion and menopause
• The foundational elements of the Values Model: Vision, Action, Leadership, Unity, Engagement, and Synthesis
• Practical happiness habits like habit stacking and gratitude-based rituals
• Why employers must embrace emotional conversations at work
• Misconceptions about happiness and how to foster it without toxic positivity

Memorable Quotes

“We don’t have to be fearless to be powerful. We have to work with fear.”

“Happiness isn’t just a mood—it’s a skill you can train and build like muscle.”

Call to Action

Get Alexia’s book on Amazon: The Future of Work is Human and the Future of Success is Happiness.

Follow her writing on Substack: alexia.substack.com

Discover Dr. Lycka’s Golden Pearls and subscribe for a chance to win a 5-day cruise at drallenlycka.com

BIO:

Alexia Georghiou, author of The Future of Work is Human and The Future of Success is Happiness, builds positive psychological capital in workplaces through her Knoxville Happiness Coalition. A global happiness advocate, she curates Global Joy, supports India’s Global Happiness Forum, teaches at UT’s Center for Professional Education, and advises the Oak Ridge HR Alliance. Her V.A.L.U.E.S. Model, grounded in Positive Psychology, drives organizational growth through Vision, Action, Leadership, Unity, Engagement, and Synthesis.

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/agilempath/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agilempath/

Twist the Brand Alchemist – Alyssa Light’s Creative Genius

Introduction:

On this episode of LIVE with Dr. Allen Lycka, meet Alyssa “Twist” Light—an electrifying keynote speaker known for her spontaneous, on-the-spot marketing brilliance. Twist shares her inspiring journey from goldsmithing and working with special needs clients to becoming a sought-after live branding strategist and speaker.

From Snowshoeing to Speaking:

Twist’s path to the stage began in a most unexpected way—offering disability inclusion training in exchange for outdoor adventures with her clients. With each new presentation, word spread and opportunities followed, eventually leading her to a career in public speaking with support from industry peers like Sanjay Nath.

CAPS and a Calling:

As a proud member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS), Twist shares how the organization’s “learn, share, grow, belong” ethos helped her evolve and build lasting relationships within the speaking community.

Marketing That Sticks:

Twist recounts unforgettable branding moments—from cookie tins with “Love, the Postman” notes to peach jars symbolizing the sweet spot of expertise. She proves great marketing connects emotionally and memorably.

Human AI and Real-Time Branding:

With comparisons to live ChatGPT, Twist shares how her creative thinking captivates audiences—and yes, sometimes she messes up, but that vulnerability makes the magic even more human and impactful.

Building Business Through Relationships:

Unexpected encounters—from a co-working space friendship to a podcast recording with an event planner—sparked long-term collaborations. Twist’s stories show how every small connection can bloom into something life-changing.

Jewelry, Stories, and Emotional Currency:

Her background as a goldsmith gave her an eye for detail and a heart for people. Now, through her Let It Go Gold service, she collects jewelry—and the stories behind them—while forging authentic connections.

Lessons from the Lake:

Nature is a profound teacher. Twist shares metaphors from mycelium networks and old-growth forests that mirror the hidden relationships driving successful businesses.

Living a Fantastic Life:

Twist lives her best life by embracing curiosity, asking for help, and saying “yes” to what brings joy—whether it’s escape rooms, solo road trips, or sewing purple jumpsuits.

Find Twist:

Alyssa Twist Light doesn’t need a website—just find her on Facebook or email her at twist@withatwist.today.

Conclusion:

Dr. Lycka and Twist remind us: nurture your connections, do something kind and something selfish each day, and remember—you already have permission to live the life you love.

BIO:

Alyssa “Twist” Light is a keynote speaker who teaches people how to cultivate the connections and build the relationships that move business forward. Twist went to trade school for Goldsmithing and made the 20th anniversary gifts for Blue Rodeo. Her forthcoming book, Lessons from the Lake, speaks how we can approach business differently, taking cues from Mother Nature to grow our networks and deepen relationships. A self proclaimed lover of events, Twist’s mission is to make meeting planners look like superheroes and their attendees feel like rockstars.

Social Media:

Facebook

Introduction

Dr. Steven J. Rippe joins Dr. Allen Lycka to share his groundbreaking work in educational transformation through experiential learning. With more than 25 years of experience, Steven discusses his journey from outdoor education to founding joyful, high-performing learning communities.

From Wilderness to the Classroom

Steven shares how his career began as an Outward Bound instructor, witnessing firsthand the power of transformative experiences. This sparked a lifelong mission to design powerful learning environments rooted in hope, purpose, and personal agency.

Designing Transformational Experiences

At the University of Minnesota’s Center for Experiential Learning, Steven learned that well-crafted experiences can accelerate personal and academic growth. He explains how helping individuals identify their purpose through experiential understanding is key to lasting change.

The Day of Hope and Student Agency

Steven introduces the 'Day of Hope' challenge, where students design and lead their own experiences—from acts of kindness to service projects—empowering them to own their voices and choices in education.

Real Equity Begins with Listening

By prioritizing voice, choice, and respect, Steven builds a foundation for true equity. He emphasizes that when students are heard, they become more engaged and capable of transformation.

Hope, Goals, and Personal Learning Plans

Unlike traditional top-down learning plans, Steven’s method begins with student voice and evolves into student-owned, hope-fueled goals that drive engagement and change.

Living a Fantastic Life

Steven shares how he applies these principles personally—using a 'hope catapult' to turn problems into opportunities. He empowers students and teachers to do the same, creating ripple effects of joy and purpose.

Connect with Steven Rippe

Listeners can learn more or reach out to Steven through www.edvisions.org or by emailing steven@edvisions.org to join this transformative movement.

BIO:

Steven brings over 25 years of experience helping individuals and teams design and lead innovative, engaging schools. A successful educator, principal, and university administrator, he partners with students and educators to create nationally recognized schools and high-performing, joyful learning communities—grounded in the transformative power of hope.

Social Media Links

www. edvisions.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rippesteven/