Interview with Geri Spieler

Introduction:

• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka
• Guest: Geri Spieler, award-winning journalist and investigative reporter
• Geri has written for publications like LA Times and Forbes.
• She is the author of San Francisco Values, Housewife Assassin, and Regina of Warsaw.

Early Writing Journey:

• Geri never planned to write books, preferred writing short articles.
• Sarah Jane Moore, the subject of Housewife Assassin, encouraged Geri to write her story.
• Initially hesitant, Geri became intrigued by the discrepancies between Moore's stories and online information, leading her to investigate further.

San Francisco Values:

• Co-authored with her husband, aimed to address negative portrayals of San Francisco.
• Geri humorously responds to common criticisms of San Francisco, comparing it to other cities facing similar issues.

Regina of Warsaw: Geri's Third Book:

• Historical fiction based on Geri’s maternal grandmother, Regina Anticivic.
• Set in early 20th century Warsaw, the story details Regina’s courage and escape from Poland amidst rising antisemitism and pogroms.
• Dr. Lycka draws parallels between historical events in the book and current global intolerance and violence.

Regina's Escape from Warsaw:

• Regina witnessed a brutal pogrom in Bialystok in 1906, where Jews were targeted, murdered, and homes destroyed.
• Fearing for her family’s safety, Regina left Warsaw with her baby boy and eventually made her way to the U.S.
• After a stop in Paris, Regina’s journey took her to Chicago, where she faced further struggles as a single mother with limited language skills.

Resilience in Los Angeles:

• Regina’s strength continued when she relocated to Los Angeles.
• After falling ill and being separated from her children temporarily, Regina’s daughters were placed in a Jewish orphanage.
• The orphanage provided excellent care, and the family reunited after her recovery.

Lessons in Resilience:

• Geri reflects on her grandmother’s resilience and strength, which deeply influenced her family.
• Regina taught her daughters to be self-reliant, instilling in them the importance of education and financial independence.
• This strong message of self-sufficiency has been passed down through generations.

Life Lessons from Regina:

• Key lesson: Take control of your life and believe in yourself.
• Regina’s emphasis on independence and resilience is echoed in Geri’s life and career as a journalist.
• Geri shares how her grandmother’s determination shaped her own approach to challenges and success.

Responsibility to Society:

• Regina believed in giving back to society, despite her hardships.
• Geri shares personal stories of accompanying her grandmother in community efforts, such as collecting donations for the City of Hope hospital.
• This sense of duty and charity is a legacy Regina passed down to her descendants.

Final Thoughts:

• Regina’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and self-reliance.
• Geri’s message: Be aware of societal changes, protect your values, and stay vocal in the face of injustice.

BIO:

Geri is a journalist and investigative reporter. She has written for the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Forbes, and as a Research Director for Gartner, a global technology advising company. She was a regular contributor to Huffington Post and Truthdig.com, an award-winning investigative reporting website.

She has written and published two books, San Francisco Values: Common Ground for Getting American Back on Track, published by Palmetto Publishing, and Housewife Assassin- Woman Who Tried To Kill President Ford -Creative nonfiction, published by Diversion Books. It has been optioned for a move. She is working on her third book of historical fiction. She has won many awards for public speaking and has spoken at many business and writers’ conferences.

Social Media:

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• Guest: Joyce Blue, Certified Transformational Coach, Best-Selling Author, and Speaker
• Topic: Mastering Money Relationships and Financial Empowerment

Understanding Money Relationships

• Joyce explains that money, like other aspects of life, is a relationship.
• Comparison of money to energy, highlighting that how you treat your money affects its impact on your life.
• Discussion on the concept that most people live in quiet desperation due to insufficient financial planning.

The Changing Landscape of Financial Security

• Conversation on how traditional retirement plans and job security have changed, especially for Baby Boomers.
• Impact of technology and AI on job security and retirement plans.
• The trend of retirees becoming entrepreneurs due to insufficient retirement funds.

Joyce Blue’s Personal Journey

• Joyce shares her personal story of financial hardship and recovery.
• She recounts her early financial empowerment taught by her father, leading to significant savings by age 20.
• Joyce describes the challenges she faced, including financial and physical abuse, leading to a fresh start and her path to teaching financial literacy.

The Importance of Financial Literacy

• Joyce emphasizes the lack of financial literacy education in schools and the need for individuals to educate themselves.
• Mention of her involvement with a financial literacy training company and her commitment to empowering others.

Empowering Women Financially

• Joyce discusses the specific challenges women face with money and financial empowerment.
• She explains that women often prioritize safety with their finances, which can hinder long-term financial growth.
• The importance of creating a financial plan and not relying on government support.

Strategies for Financial Empowerment

• Dr. Lycka and Joyce discuss various strategies, including the importance of starting to save early and the power of compound interest.
• Mention of tools and apps that can help individuals save money and invest wisely.
• The benefits of indexed accounts and the value of conservative investment strategies like those of Warren Buffett.

Cautions and Considerations in Investing

• Dr. Lycka and Joyce caution against high-fee investment vehicles like hedge funds.
• The importance of choosing trustworthy financial advisors and avoiding unnecessary fees.

Conclusion

• How to Contact Joyce Blue:
• Email: Joyce.blue@wealthwave.com
• Instagram/Facebook: @EmpoweringULEC
• Dr. Allen Lycka’s Offer:
• Visit www.drallenlycka.com for more information on living a fantastic life and a chance to win a vacation.

BIO:

As a certified transformational coach, Best selling author and speaker, Joyce Blue empowers clients to master their money relationships and transform their lives with confidence. Her ultimate desire is to make this world a better place for all of humanity and help end personal and financial suffering.

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