On today’s episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Maria Trusa—author, entrepreneur, human rights advocate, and survivor. At just nine years old, Maria experienced profound trauma that nearly destroyed her, both physically and emotionally. In this moving conversation, Maria shares how she endured and ultimately forgave the perpetrator of her abuse, embodying her hallmark phrase: forgive to live. Together, Scott and Maria explore the painful legacy of trauma, the power of forgiveness, and the ongoing journey toward healing. Maria’s candid reflections reveal how dark moments can both shape us and propel us toward the light, offering solace and hope to anyone carrying the weight of unimaginable hardship. Get ready for a deeply personal episode that challenges us to embrace compassion, curiosity, and above all, the possibility of renewal.

Listens Will Learn:

● Maria Trusa emphasizes the concept of "forgive to live."

● Maria talks about trauma being like a cancer that’s eating you inside.

● Scott and Maria both mention the generational transmission of trauma.

● Maria describes feeling completely disconnected from her emotions for years and refers to this as a superpower that became a barrier.

● The episode discusses the impact of silence and stigma around mental health and sexual abuse, especially in childhood.

● Maria talks about the importance of curiosity in forgiveness and healing.

● She forgave her father only after she confronted her own actions and shortcomings as a parent.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Forgive to Live

(03:19) Father's Night of Destruction

(06:53) Journey to Forgiveness

(12:18) Journey of Love

(16:16) Forgiveness and My Father's Dying Wish

(18:39) Good People, Ugly Actions

(23:58) Understanding Trauma and Humanity

(27:36) Forgiveness, Responsibility, and Healing

(31:44) Healing, Trauma, and Forgiveness

(35:07) Emphasizing Mental Wellness Support

(36:03) Transforming Trauma into Growth

Welcome back to Curveball. In this powerful episode, Scott Reich sits down with keynote speaker, lawyer, and author, Judd Shaw, whose life took a dramatic turn behind the glittering facade of professional success. Judd opens up about his battle with drug addiction, burnout, and the deep loneliness that almost destroyed him—all while he was running a thriving law firm and enjoying every outward sign of achievement.

With raw honesty, Judd shares his journey from hitting rock bottom—including an arrest when he nearly gave up—to rebuilding his life through vulnerability, connection, and self-acceptance. He talks about how childhood trauma and a relentless pursuit of external validation shaped his choices, and the difficult but inspiring work it took to chart a new path.

Drawing from his upcoming memoir, How to Live Authentically: The Surprising Cure for Loneliness and Disconnection, Judd explores the surprising cure for loneliness, the courage required to share our messy stories, and the liberating power of asking for help. This is an episode for anyone who’s ever struggled beneath the surface, or wondered how to move forward from the hardest moments life can throw.

What Listeners Will Learn:

1. Judd Shaw talks about building a life that "didn't allow for the real me."
2. Judd describes a cycle of achievement and addiction, feeling celebrated on the outside while unraveling internally.
3. Validation can be so powerful, even when it doesn’t align with our internal reality.
4. The episode discusses the concept of connection as essential for safety (as opposed to just the absence of threat).
5. Judd shares that family history and childhood trauma shaped his struggles.
6. The show highlights the importance of asking for help at rock bottom.
7. There is a theme of shame thriving in secrecy and the power of sharing your story.
8. Discussion of the idea: “clifftop”—reaching the pinnacle of external success but still feeling empty or disconnected.
9. Judd’s journey included recognizing and shedding the “mask” he wore.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Judd Shaw's Transformation Story

(04:31) Rewind the Clock Discussion

(09:23) Childhood Trauma and Belonging

(10:59) Chasing Highs and Self-Discovery

(16:59) Overcoming Trauma and Loneliness

(20:09) Unmasking Truth and Self-Awareness

(24:19) Embrace Growth and Acceptance

(25:22) Seeking Self Beyond External Validation

(31:13) Innocence, Choices, and Redemption

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Australian real estate powerhouse Mat Steinwede, whose incredible journey from addiction, homelessness, and the underworld to personal redemption is as dramatic as it is inspiring. In a deeply honest and raw conversation, Mat shares how a single act of mercy from a judge gave him a second chance—and how he rebuilt his life, step by step, after hitting absolute rock bottom.

But Mat’s story goes beyond just survival and success. He opens up about the devastating loss of his son, Logan, to suicide, and what it means to find resilience in the face of unimaginable grief. The episode explores themes of addiction, the power of second chances, vulnerability in fatherhood, and practical steps for building a life of meaning—even when life throws its most brutal curveballs.

If you’ve ever wondered whether meaningful change is possible after your darkest moments, this conversation will challenge, move, and give you hope.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Mat Steinwede shares that addiction, when harnessed properly, can become a "superpower."
2. Early in the episode, Mat talks about wanting to be "feared" and respected in the underworld.
3. Mat mentions sliding door moments—unexpected chances that changed his path.
4. The episode touches on themes of grief and parenting after unimaginable loss, especially with the passing of Mat’s son, Logan.
5. Mat brings up the power of consistent, positive habits, like doing “11 burpees a day.”
6. The episode highlights the importance of support networks—friends, family, teachers. Mat mentions how living a healthy "peak state" lifestyle helped him move forward.
7. At the end of the episode, Matt invites listeners to pick one thing to change in their lives today.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Matt's Redemption

(05:30) Journey into the Underground Scene

(08:11) Drug Habit and Crime Spiral

(10:26) Rock Bottom and Rescue

(14:46) Redemption and a Judge's Mercy

(17:19) Power of Second Chances

(19:43) Father Reflects on Loss and Regret

(23:22) Struggles, Guidance, and Redemption

(27:01) Compassion and Showing Up

(30:55) Building Discipline and Self-Growth

(33:38) Act Now: Choose Just One Thing to Conquer

(36:39) Truth and Hope