Ever felt like you were falling behind — in school, in life, or just in general?

In this powerful episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Toma, motivational speaker, special education advocate, and author of I’m Just a Kid With an IEP, to talk about what it means to believe in yourself when no one else seems to.

Jordan went from a 1.7 GPA to delivering life-changing talks across the country. His message is clear: you’re not “not good enough” - you’re becoming.

🎯 In this episode, we explore:

– How to turn struggle into confidence

– What students with IEPs (and their parents) need to hear

– Why one person believing in you can change your life

– How to rewrite the labels you’ve been given

– What it actually takes to start believing in yourself

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✓ Why your biggest struggle is your strength

✓ The real way confidence is built

✓ How to show up when you feel invisible

✓ How to turn past pain into purpose

✓ The mindset shift that helps you finally say, “I’m worth it.”

🧠 Who is Jordan Toma?

Jordan is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, author, and advocate for students with learning differences. Known for his viral “Back of the Room” speech, his story has inspired thousands of students, parents, and educators to never give up on themselves or each other. He is featured on NBC today show, CBS news and more.

📚 Check out I’m Just a Kid With an IEP by Jordan Toma

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome

01:40 Why Jordan writes for the “invisible” kids

03:47 Can you take us to the moment in the mirror where everything shifted for you?

07:20 What would you say now to your younger self, knowing what you do today?

14:01 What resonates most with students during your talks, and what do you want them to remember?

21:19 What habits and tools helped you build yourself brick by brick?

24:13 What is your new book about and why is it so important to you?

28:20 Final message to students feeling behind

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📅 New episodes every Monday at 11 AM EST

📺 YouTube: @soniamartaauthor

🌍 Website: www.soniamarta.com

📲 Instagram: @soniamartaauthor | linktr.ee/soniamartauthor

“Being apathetic is a choice.”

In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with John R. Miles, founder of the Passion Struck podcast and a former U.S. Navy officer turned intentional living strategist, to explore how to break free from autopilot and design a life that truly matters.

John shares how to reconnect with your purpose, reclaim your identity, and challenge the habits that keep you stuck, starting with one powerful decision at a time.

🎯 In this episode, we explore:

– What it means to live with intention

– Why distraction is the greatest threat to your future

– How to build daily momentum through meaningful action

– The psychology of your “reverse bucket list”

– How to stop reacting and start designing your life

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✓ How to shift from passive to passionate living

✓ Tools to become an “action creator” instead of a bystander

✓ The power of making aligned micro-choices

✓ Why it’s never too late to start again

✓ How to stop micromanaging others and yourself

🧠 Who is John R. Miles?

John is the host of the Passion Struck Podcast (ranked Top 10 globally), a keynote speaker, veteran, and personal transformation expert. With millions of downloads and high-profile guests like Jamie Kern Lima and Gary Vee, his work empowers individuals to bridge the gap between intention and action.

📚 Explore his brand-new book Passion Struck on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Struck-Powerful-Principles-Intentional/dp/B0C8G5R5FZ

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to John R. Miles

02:34 – What it really means to live with intention

06:47 – Why most people live on autopilot (and how to break free)

09:55 – The role of self-awareness in designing your life

12:48 – What is a reverse bucket list — and why it matters

15:33 – How to stop micromanaging yourself and others

18:02 – Becoming an “action creator” and building momentum

22:21 – Letting go of the need to prove yourself

25:10 – Creating habits that support identity shifts

28:44 – John’s message to his younger self

31:10 – Final challenge: Start living like you matter

AD: Find out how Computer Generated Solutions (CGS) can support your company’s success today by visiting www.romania.cgsinc.com

🔔 Subscribe for more weekly episodes that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership, from the inside out.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

🗓️ New episodes every Monday at 11 AM EST

📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @soniamartaauthor

🌍 Connect with Sonia: www.soniamarta.com

📲 Follow Sonia’s journey: linktr.ee/soniamartauthor

What if the way you show up: your energy, your focus, your choices, was more powerful than your circumstances?

In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with Brian Biro, America’s #1 Breakthrough Speaker and bestselling author of Beyond Success, to talk about how we can stop striving for approval, start showing up with purpose, and lead with energy and presence — even in moments of fear, doubt, or disconnection.

If you’re ready for clarity, momentum, and more joy, start here.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✓ The mindset shift that changes pressure into momentum

✓ The 3 controllables that shape your leadership & energy

✓ How to focus on what you put in, not just what comes out

✓ How to be more present with the people who matter most

✓ Why the key to breakthrough leadership is belief — in yourself and others

🎯 In this episode, we explore:

– The moment Brian stopped chasing approval and started chasing impact

– How to stop letting others drain your energy

– The true power of being present

– The science behind belief, expectations & breakthroughs

– Why your focus creates your future — and how to reframe it

– A challenge for listeners to become better leaders, friends, and partners

🧠 Brian Biro has delivered nearly 1,900 presentations around the world to over 1 million people. He is the author of 16 books, including Beyond Success and his newest, Lessons from the Legends.

With degrees from Stanford and UCLA, he has appeared on Good Morning America and CNN, and was named one of the Top 10 Interactive Keynote Speakers in North America and among the Top 50 Motivational Speakers in the WORLD.

In this episode:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Brian Biro03:42 – What’s the most important mindset for students today?06:52 – What makes a great keynote speaker stand out?09:31 – Why stories are more powerful than facts13:07 – What’s your definition of breakthrough leadership?16:16 – What are the 3 controllables that shape great leaders?20:05 – How to reshape your vision and focus25:36 – What’s the real secret to energy and presence?31:49 – How do you heal past wounds and release “energy vampires”?34:10 – Tell me more about the breakthrough board experience35:09 – What would you tell your 17-year-old self?39:29 – What is the Pygmalion effect and how does it change leadership?44:42 – What does it mean to lead with full presence?46:25 – If your biggest failure held a seminar, what would it teach?50:33 – Final advice: why humility and learning are essential

📚 Grab Brian’s books on Amazon — starting with Beyond Success

🌐 Connect with Brian at: www.brianbiro.com

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Find out how Computer Generated Solutions (CGS) can support your company’s success today by visiting www.romania.cgsinc.com

🔔 Subscribe for more weekly episodes that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership, from the inside out.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

📅 New episodes every Monday at 11 AM EST

📺 YouTube: @soniamartaauthor

🌍 Connect: www.soniamarta.com

📲 Follow on Instagram: @soniamartaauthor

📌 Links: linktr.ee/soniamartauthor