You don't get shot in the head and come out the same person—but you can come out stronger.”

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Stacey welcomes Jackie Pflug, a hijacking survivor, motivational speaker, and author, who shares the harrowing story of being shot in the head during the 1985 EgyptAir Flight 648 hijacking—and the incredible journey of healing, resilience, and reinvention that followed.

Jackie recounts the terrifying events on board the hijacked plane, her miraculous survival, and the years of physical and emotional recovery that came after. She speaks candidly about survivor’s guilt, rebuilding her identity, the long road to joy, and the power of gratitude in transforming trauma into triumph.

Jackie also discusses her new book, Wake Up: It’s Time to Say Yes to Creating a Life Worth Loving, a guide born from her personal transformation, and the actionable steps she took to reclaim her joy. Her story is one of grit, grace, divine intervention, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Whether you’ve faced trauma, disappointment, or are simply seeking inspiration to embrace a fuller life, this episode will leave you deeply moved and motivated to say “yes” to your own healing and purpose.

• The incredible story of surviving a violent international hijacking
• The emotional and physical toll of trauma—and how to begin healing
• The role of gratitude in transforming suffering into joy
• How to rebuild your life and identity after a major life upheaval
• The power of inner voice, resilience, and support systems
• Why joy is a practice—and how to cultivate it every day
• Practical mindset rituals Jackie uses to foster positivity and presence
• How to live a life “worth loving,” even after unthinkable adversity

Jackie Pflug is a renowned motivational speaker, trauma survivor, and author who has spent decades inspiring audiences around the world with her story of survival and recovery after the 1985 hijacking of EgyptAir Flight 648. She is the author of Miles to Go Before I Sleep and her latest book Wake Up: It’s Time to Say Yes to Creating a Life Worth Loving, a heartfelt, practical guide to reclaiming joy after loss, trauma, or stagnation.

Jackie’s work centers on the belief that we all have the power to choose joy, rewrite our stories, and live with intention.

Books by Jackie Pflug:

• Miles to Go Before I Sleep
• Wake Up: It’s Time to Say Yes to Creating a Life Worth Loving
  • Paperback
  • Kindle

Connect with Jackie:

• Official Website: https://jackiepflug.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiepflug.author/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jackie-Pflug-Author-61574590640951/

If Jackie’s story moved you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the show. Share this episode with someone who needs hope, healing, or a reminder that transformation is always possible.

And don’t forget to grab a copy of Wake Up—because your life is yours to reimagine.

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"I thought I was a victim of child identity theft—until I discovered the truth: my own mother had stolen my identity, my future, and my trust."

In this deeply compelling and emotionally charged episode, Stacey sits down with Dr. Axton Betz-Hamilton, a professor, author, and survivor of one of the most personal crimes imaginable: identity theft at the hands of her own mother. From an idyllic childhood on an Indiana farm to the shocking discovery that her credit had been ruined before she turned 20, Axton shares the harrowing journey of uncovering layers of betrayal buried in secrecy, manipulation, and financial devastation.

Axton's story is not just about theft, but the emotional toll of familial deception and the long road to reclaiming her identity, stability, and peace. Through her academic work and her critically acclaimed memoir, "The Less People Know About Us," she has become a national voice for victims of familial identity theft. This episode explores the intersection of trauma, mental health, justice, and resilience—and what it means to heal when the person who harmed you is the one who raised you.

What You’ll Learn:

• What familial identity theft is and how it differs from other forms of identity theft
• Why children and older adults are especially vulnerable to identity fraud
• How Axton discovered her mother had stolen her identity and that of other family members
• The emotional and relational fallout of discovering long-term betrayal
• Practical tips to protect yourself from financial, medical, and government benefits identity theft
• The role of credit freezes, monitoring, and emotional support in recovery
• Why victims of familial identity theft often find more help from therapists than financial institutions

Dr. Axton Betz-Hamilton is an associate professor specializing in consumer studies and identity theft at South Dakota State University. A leading researcher in familial identity theft, Axton turned her traumatic experience into a platform for education and reform. Her memoir, The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity, has been featured by NPR, The New York Times, and other major media outlets. Her work sheds light on a hidden epidemic affecting countless families.

Connect with Axton:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAxtonBetzHamilton/
• Book: The Less People Know About Us
  • Hardcover - https://amzn.to/3XsFgE9
  • Kindle - https://amzn.to/4oBCFDR

Resources & Links:

• Identity Theft Resource Center: idtheftcenter.org
• Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Reporting: identitytheft.gov
• Credit Freeze Info: consumer.ftc.gov

If this episode moved you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review Life. Reimagined. on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it—you never know who might be living a similar story in silence. Follow us for more powerful conversations that inspire healing, insight, and reimagining life on your own terms.

• Learn more about Life Reimagined and past episodes.
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• Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more incredible conversations with those who dare to redefine their lives.
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"You deserve a seat in the driver's seat of your financial future — not as a passenger, and definitely not hitchhiking."

In this eye-opening and empowering episode, Stacey welcomes Lorie Jones, a Certified Financial Planner and the founder of Fearless Financial Advisors, to discuss the fears, myths, and realities surrounding women and money. With warmth and humor, Lorie shares her personal journey from stay-at-home mom to financial expert, demystifies the world of investing, and emphasizes a values-based approach to financial planning. Together, they tackle the stigma many women feel around money management and shed light on how financial planning is not just about numbers — it's about making your dreams come true. Whether you're starting late, rebuilding after a life transition, or just ready to stop DIY-ing your financial life, this conversation will inspire you to fear less and plan more.

What You'll Learn:

• Why many women feel intimidated by financial planning and how to overcome that mindset
• The critical importance of finding a CFP who prioritizes education over sales
• How to plan financially according to your personal values, not someone else's
• Common fears and anxieties women face around money and how to tackle them
• Why it's never too late to start, and how even small steps can make a big difference
• The gender gap in financial planning and why more women are needed in the industry
• How to vet a financial planner and spot red flags
• The power of having an advisor who meets you where you are and grows with you

Lorie Jones is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), MBA, and founder of Fearless Financial Advisors. With a passion for helping women take control of their financial futures, Lorie takes a values-based, client-first approach to wealth planning. She is also the host of the "Fearless Females" podcast, where she amplifies women's voices in finance. From demystifying investments to empowering her clients to take that first step, Lorie believes finance shouldn't be scary — it should be a tool for realizing your dreams.

Connect with Lorie Jones:

• Website
• Podcast
• LinkedIn
• Instagram: @lorie_fearless_females

Resources & Links:

• CFP Certification Info: letsmakeaplan.org
• Advisor Check Tools: BrokerCheck | Investment Adviser Public Disclosure

If this episode sparked something in you, don't wait. Take the first step toward understanding and owning your financial future. Subscribe to the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman you care about. Let's normalize financial empowerment — one fearless conversation at a time.

• Learn more about Life Reimagined and past episodes.
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• Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more incredible conversations with those who dare to redefine their lives.
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