<![CDATA[3 Seconds of Guts]]>https://www.linkedin.com/company/3-seconds-of-guts/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:33:06 GMTFri, 19 Sep 2025 22:27:00 GMT60Melissa Lewis & Tom ScardaThis podcast is for the rebels, the misfits, and the dreamers who are sick of living on autopilot. Each episode, we strip away the excuses, break the rules, and give you bold, actionable strategies to crush the habits that hold you back, ditch the job you hate, and build a life you actually want to wake up to. No fluff. No permission slips. Just real talk, proven tools, and a healthy dose of rebellion to help you break free, rise higher, and own your next chapter. This isn’t just a podcast; it’s an escape plan. If you’re done following the script, you just found your people.episodicMelissa Lewis & Tom Scardaemily@viderecreative.comno<![CDATA[Ep 10: 30-Day Challenge]]>What if the thing holding you back… isn’t that big?

In episode 10 of 3 Seconds of Guts, Tom and Melissa take you inside their 30-day challenge: one uncomfortable action every day.

No skydiving. No dramatic life changes.

Just real, everyday moments where you stop hesitating… and go.

What started as a simple habit-building experiment quickly turned into something deeper:

→ Facing procrastination head-on

→ Speaking up instead of staying quiet

→ Asking for what you want (and actually getting it)

→ Letting go of perfection — and even self-judgment

From unexpected wins (like getting a 60% discount just by asking) to deeply personal breakthroughs (including a powerful mirror exercise around self-forgiveness), this episode pulls back the curtain on what really happens when you take action consistently.

The biggest surprise?

It’s not the big moves that change your life. It’s the small ones you keep avoiding.

⚡ In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why procrastination is the real thing holding you back
  • How to build confidence through small, daily actions
  • Why asking (even when it feels uncomfortable) changes everything
  • How discomfort becomes easier — and even empowering
  • A simple challenge you can start today

This is your invitation to stop waiting.

One action. Three seconds. No overthinking. Just go.

]]>42722d94-d957-44b9-ae71-c842ad3ce931Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>What if the thing holding you back… isn’t that big?<br /></p><p>In episode 10 of 3 Seconds of Guts, Tom and Melissa take you inside their 30-day challenge: one uncomfortable action every day.<br /></p><p>No skydiving. No dramatic life changes.<br /></p><p>Just real, everyday moments where you stop hesitating… and go.<br /></p><p>What started as a simple habit-building experiment quickly turned into something deeper:<br /></p><p>→ Facing procrastination head-on</p><p>→ Speaking up instead of staying quiet</p><p>→ Asking for what you want (and actually getting it)</p><p>→ Letting go of perfection — and even self-judgment</p><p></p><p>From unexpected wins (like getting a 60% discount just by asking) to deeply personal breakthroughs (including a powerful mirror exercise around self-forgiveness), this episode pulls back the curtain on what really happens when you take action consistently.<br /></p><p>The biggest surprise?<br /></p><p>It’s not the big moves that change your life. It’s the small ones you keep avoiding.<br /></p><p>⚡ In this episode, you’ll learn:<br /></p><ul><li>Why procrastination is the real thing holding you back</li><li>How to build confidence through small, daily actions</li><li>Why asking (even when it feels uncomfortable) changes everything</li><li>How discomfort becomes easier — and even empowering</li><li>A simple challenge you can start today<br /></li></ul><p>This is your invitation to stop waiting.</p><p></p><p>One action. Three seconds. No overthinking. Just go.<br /></p>no00:24:0710Ep 10: 30-Day Challengefull<![CDATA[Ep 9: Breaking the Golden Handcuffs with Gina Scarda]]>In this episode of 3 Seconds of Guts, former NYPD sergeant turned comedian Gina Scarda shares the powerful story of how she walked away from a 20-year career in law enforcement to pursue a dream she had been too afraid to chase.

After retiring from the NYPD, Gina faced a choice many people struggle with: Stay safe… or take a risk on something that scares you.

She chose the risk.

Gina took 3 seconds of guts to step into the unknown — a stand-up comedy class — a single decision that opened the door to an entirely new career performing comedy and theater.

In this episode, Gina shares lessons about:

  • Leaving a secure job to pursue a passion.
  • Overcoming fear and stepping outside your comfort zone.
  • Why taking action creates unexpected opportunities.
  • The importance of asking successful people for help.
  • How small courageous moments can change your life.

She also introduces a powerful challenge for listeners: for 30 days, do one thing every day that scares you. It could be starting a conversation, making a cold call, asking for help, or taking the first step toward a dream you’ve been putting off.

Because the biggest opportunities in life often appear right after the moment you almost backed out. All it takes is 3 seconds of guts.

]]>e1dcba13-a288-4ec5-ace2-5a9c50360085Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of 3 Seconds of Guts, former NYPD sergeant turned comedian Gina Scarda shares the powerful story of how she walked away from a 20-year career in law enforcement to pursue a dream she had been too afraid to chase.<br /></p><p>After retiring from the NYPD, Gina faced a choice many people struggle with: Stay safe… or take a risk on something that scares you.</p><p></p><p>She chose the risk.<br /></p><p>Gina took 3 seconds of guts to step into the unknown — a stand-up comedy class — a single decision that opened the door to an entirely new career performing comedy and theater.<br /></p><p>In this episode, Gina shares lessons about:<br /></p><ul><li>Leaving a secure job to pursue a passion.</li><li>Overcoming fear and stepping outside your comfort zone.</li><li>Why taking action creates unexpected opportunities.</li><li>The importance of asking successful people for help.</li><li>How small courageous moments can change your life.</li></ul><p></p><p>She also introduces a powerful challenge for listeners: for 30 days, do one thing every day that scares you. It could be starting a conversation, making a cold call, asking for help, or taking the first step toward a dream you’ve been putting off.</p><p></p><p>Because the biggest opportunities in life often appear right after the moment you almost backed out. All it takes is 3 seconds of guts.<br /></p>no00:27:239Ep 9: Breaking the Golden Handcuffs with Gina Scardafull<![CDATA[Ep 8: Rejection Is Redirection]]>In this episode, Melissa Lewis and Tom Scarda discuss the emotional and practical aspects of dealing with layoffs, emphasizing the concept of 'redirection as protection.' They explore the feelings of shock and grief that accompany job loss, and encourage listeners to view this as an opportunity for growth and exploration. 

The discussion highlights the potential of franchising as a viable career path, the importance of long-term planning, and the transformative journey of becoming a business owner. They stress the significance of self-worth and community in navigating career changes, ultimately inspiring listeners to take control of their destinies and pursue their dreams.

]]>8a5451c2-6c80-4c15-9120-d8cbd219986dThu, 26 Feb 2026 12:15:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Melissa Lewis and Tom Scarda discuss the emotional and practical aspects of dealing with layoffs, emphasizing the concept of 'redirection as protection.' They explore the feelings of shock and grief that accompany job loss, and encourage listeners to view this as an opportunity for growth and exploration. </p><p></p><p>The discussion highlights the potential of franchising as a viable career path, the importance of long-term planning, and the transformative journey of becoming a business owner. They stress the significance of self-worth and community in navigating career changes, ultimately inspiring listeners to take control of their destinies and pursue their dreams.</p><p></p>no00:27:248Ep 8: Rejection Is Redirectionfull<![CDATA[Ep 7: To Infinity and Beyond with Jeff Elgin]]>In this inspiring conversation, Jeff Elgin, Founder of FranChoice, shares his incredible journey of overcoming fear and achieving his lifelong dream of going to space. He discusses with hosts Melissa Lewis and Tom Scarda the importance of attacking fear, setting ambitious goals, and learning from setbacks. 

Jeff emphasizes the power of helping others and how it can lead to personal fulfillment. The discussion also touches on the significance of confronting fears in everyday life and the lessons learned from regrets. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a motivational reminder that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeff Elgin and His Journey to Space

05:17 The Concept of 'Three Seconds of Guts'

08:12 Jeff's Career Transition and Embracing Fear

11:14 Lessons from Failure and Resilience

14:04 Decade Planning and Goal Setting

17:13 The Experience of Going to Space

19:43 Reflections on Life After Space

24:44 Confronting Fear: A Personal Journey

32:44 Lessons from Setbacks: Turning Negatives into Positives

40:41 The Power of Decision-Making: Overcoming Fear and Regret

]]>35945dd1-e5e3-400d-ac84-b94e69e9d3b2Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this inspiring conversation, Jeff Elgin, Founder of FranChoice, shares his incredible journey of overcoming fear and achieving his lifelong dream of going to space. He discusses with hosts Melissa Lewis and Tom Scarda the importance of attacking fear, setting ambitious goals, and learning from setbacks. <br /></p><p>Jeff emphasizes the power of helping others and how it can lead to personal fulfillment. The discussion also touches on the significance of confronting fears in everyday life and the lessons learned from regrets. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a motivational reminder that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.</p><h3>Chapters</h3><p>00:00 Introduction to Jeff Elgin and His Journey to Space</p><p>05:17 The Concept of 'Three Seconds of Guts'</p><p>08:12 Jeff's Career Transition and Embracing Fear</p><p>11:14 Lessons from Failure and Resilience</p><p>14:04 Decade Planning and Goal Setting</p><p>17:13 The Experience of Going to Space</p><p>19:43 Reflections on Life After Space</p><p>24:44 Confronting Fear: A Personal Journey</p><p>32:44 Lessons from Setbacks: Turning Negatives into Positives</p><p>40:41 The Power of Decision-Making: Overcoming Fear and Regret</p>no00:44:427Ep 7: To Infinity and Beyond with Jeff Elginfull<![CDATA[Ep 6: The Power of One]]>In this episode, Melissa Lewis and Tom Scarda delve deeper into the Law of Attraction, sharing personal stories and practical applications. They discuss how small manifestations can build confidence and faith, leading to bigger achievements. The conversation emphasizes the importance of belief, the power of one in achieving goals, and how to apply these principles in daily life and business ownership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Law of Attraction

03:01 Manifesting Small Wins

05:59 Personal Stories of Attraction

09:03 The Power of Belief and Faith

12:10 The Power of One in Selling

15:05 Daily Applications of the Law of Attraction

17:57 Transitioning to Business Ownership

]]>b119d535-0594-472e-9377-d39ab3a4f960Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Melissa Lewis and Tom Scarda delve deeper into the Law of Attraction, sharing personal stories and practical applications. They discuss how small manifestations can build confidence and faith, leading to bigger achievements. The conversation emphasizes the importance of belief, the power of one in achieving goals, and how to apply these principles in daily life and business ownership.</p><h3>Chapters</h3><p>00:00 Introduction to the Law of Attraction</p><p>03:01 Manifesting Small Wins</p><p>05:59 Personal Stories of Attraction</p><p>09:03 The Power of Belief and Faith</p><p>12:10 The Power of One in Selling</p><p>15:05 Daily Applications of the Law of Attraction</p><p>17:57 Transitioning to Business Ownership</p>no00:21:396Ep 6: The Power of Onefull<![CDATA[Ep 5: The Law of Attraction]]>In this episode, Tom Scarrda and Melissa Lewis delve into the transformative concept of the Law of Attraction. They discuss its principles, including the importance of gratitude, visualization, and faith in manifesting desires. Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, they illustrate how positive thinking and energy can lead to significant life changes. The conversation highlights the power of belief and the importance of letting go of attachment to outcomes, encouraging listeners to adopt a mindset of abundance and joy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Law of Attraction

02:41 Understanding the Law of Attraction

05:19 The Power of Gratitude

08:47 Visualization Techniques

11:46 The Importance of Faith

14:33 Real-Life Manifestation Stories

17:35 Conclusion and Next Steps

]]>2c64dbe9-27f5-44ee-86a8-8f8caa993736Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Tom Scarrda and Melissa Lewis delve into the transformative concept of the Law of Attraction. They discuss its principles, including the importance of gratitude, visualization, and faith in manifesting desires. Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, they illustrate how positive thinking and energy can lead to significant life changes. The conversation highlights the power of belief and the importance of letting go of attachment to outcomes, encouraging listeners to adopt a mindset of abundance and joy.</p><h3>Chapters</h3><p>00:00 Introduction to the Law of Attraction</p><p>02:41 Understanding the Law of Attraction</p><p>05:19 The Power of Gratitude</p><p>08:47 Visualization Techniques</p><p>11:46 The Importance of Faith</p><p>14:33 Real-Life Manifestation Stories</p><p>17:35 Conclusion and Next Steps</p>no00:27:165Ep 5: The Law of Attractionfull<![CDATA[Ep 4: The Mindset Reset]]>In this episode of 3 Seconds of Guts, Melissa Lewis and Tom Scarda take you deeper into the world of self-limiting beliefs—the quiet, hidden stories that sabotage your success before you even start.

In episode 3, we uncovered what these beliefs are.

In this episode, we show you how to break them.

If you’ve ever wondered why you freeze at the edge of a big decision, sabotage your own progress, or shrink your dreams to match your comfort zone… this episode tells you exactly why—and what to do about it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✨ Why so many of your beliefs started in childhood without you knowing

✨ How stories about money, success, and identity get programmed into your subconscious

✨ The homeostasis trap—why we self-sabotage when life gets “too good”

✨ How to question your beliefs: Is this true? Does this serve me?

✨ The “Be → Do → Have” formula that rewires your internal identity

✨ How visualization, imagination, and mantras help you become the person your goals require

✨ Why courage doesn’t mean “no fear”—it means acting with fear

✨ Why the decision is always scarier than the action

✨ Real stories from Melissa and Tom about breaking their own mental limits—from firewalking to career leaps

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Self-Limiting Beliefs

04:09 Breaking the Chains of Limiting Stories

07:07 The Power of Visualization and Imagination

10:00 Be, Do, Have: The Path to Transformation

12:29 Courage and Action: Overcoming Fear

15:23 Taking Small Steps Towards Big Goals

18:14 The Importance of Support and Journaling

]]>db7c32ef-8a35-4f50-8551-0987ad5cf9a7Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of 3 Seconds of Guts, Melissa Lewis and Tom Scarda take you deeper into the world of self-limiting beliefs—the quiet, hidden stories that sabotage your success before you even start.<br /></p><p>In episode 3, we uncovered what these beliefs are.</p><p>In this episode, we show you how to break them.</p><p></p><p>If you’ve ever wondered why you freeze at the edge of a big decision, sabotage your own progress, or shrink your dreams to match your comfort zone… this episode tells you exactly why—and what to do about it.<br /></p><p>What You’ll Learn in This Episode:</p><p></p><p>✨ Why so many of your beliefs started in childhood without you knowing</p><p>✨ How stories about money, success, and identity get programmed into your subconscious</p><p>✨ The homeostasis trap—why we self-sabotage when life gets “too good”</p><p>✨ How to question your beliefs: Is this true? Does this serve me?</p><p>✨ The “Be → Do → Have” formula that rewires your internal identity</p><p>✨ How visualization, imagination, and mantras help you become the person your goals require</p><p>✨ Why courage doesn’t mean “no fear”—it means acting with fear</p><p>✨ Why the decision is always scarier than the action</p><p>✨ Real stories from Melissa and Tom about breaking their own mental limits—from firewalking to career leaps<br /></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><p>00:00 Understanding Self-Limiting Beliefs</p><p>04:09 Breaking the Chains of Limiting Stories</p><p>07:07 The Power of Visualization and Imagination</p><p>10:00 Be, Do, Have: The Path to Transformation</p><p>12:29 Courage and Action: Overcoming Fear</p><p>15:23 Taking Small Steps Towards Big Goals</p><p>18:14 The Importance of Support and Journaling</p>no00:21:514Ep 4: The Mindset Resetfull<![CDATA[Ep 3: Self-Limiting Beliefs]]>In episode 3, Melissa Lewis and Tom Scarda delve into the concept of self-limiting beliefs, exploring how these false thoughts can hinder personal growth. They discuss the origins of these beliefs, including societal expectations and past criticisms, and emphasize the importance of self-belief in overcoming obstacles to achieve one's full potential.

Takeaways:

  • Self-limiting beliefs are false or restricted thoughts.
  • They often stem from past experiences and societal expectations.
  • Criticism from others can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
  • Believing in oneself is crucial for personal growth.
  • Self-doubt can hold individuals back from reaching their potential.
  • Many people internalize negative feedback from childhood.
  • Overcoming self-limiting beliefs requires self-awareness.
  • Challenging these beliefs can lead to significant change.
  • Support from others can help in overcoming self-doubt.
  • Personal growth is a journey that involves self-reflection.

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Self-Limiting Beliefs

04:17 Reprogramming the Mind

07:00 The Power of Self-Talk

09:55 Overcoming Fear and Taking Action

12:56 Personal Stories of Limiting Beliefs

15:57 The Influence of Others on Our Beliefs

18:50 Reframing Your Story for Growth

]]>223076cd-51fb-482d-96cf-2ba7df0a8ac7Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT<p>In episode 3, Melissa Lewis and Tom Scarda delve into the concept of self-limiting beliefs, exploring how these false thoughts can hinder personal growth. They discuss the origins of these beliefs, including societal expectations and past criticisms, and emphasize the importance of self-belief in overcoming obstacles to achieve one's full potential.</p><p></p><p><b>Takeaways:</b></p><ul><li>Self-limiting beliefs are false or restricted thoughts.</li><li>They often stem from past experiences and societal expectations.</li><li>Criticism from others can lead to feelings of inadequacy.</li><li>Believing in oneself is crucial for personal growth.</li><li>Self-doubt can hold individuals back from reaching their potential.</li><li>Many people internalize negative feedback from childhood.</li><li>Overcoming self-limiting beliefs requires self-awareness.</li><li>Challenging these beliefs can lead to significant change.</li><li>Support from others can help in overcoming self-doubt.</li><li>Personal growth is a journey that involves self-reflection.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 Understanding Self-Limiting Beliefs</p><p>04:17 Reprogramming the Mind</p><p>07:00 The Power of Self-Talk</p><p>09:55 Overcoming Fear and Taking Action</p><p>12:56 Personal Stories of Limiting Beliefs</p><p>15:57 The Influence of Others on Our Beliefs</p><p>18:50 Reframing Your Story for Growth</p>no00:21:493Ep 3: Self-Limiting Beliefsfull<![CDATA[Ep 2: Freedom Through Discipline]]>In this episode, Tom and Melissa explore the transformative power of discipline and accountability. They share personal fitness journeys and discuss how showing up for yourself can lead to profound life changes. Learn about the importance of keeping promises to yourself and the role of community support in achieving your goals.

Key Topics:

  • The role of discipline in personal growth 
  • Building confidence through accountability 
  • Stories of resilience and commitment 
  • The impact of community and support groups
]]>e8610b81-9df6-4f80-a433-bf931bb97652Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Tom and Melissa explore the transformative power of discipline and accountability. They share personal fitness journeys and discuss how showing up for yourself can lead to profound life changes. Learn about the importance of keeping promises to yourself and the role of community support in achieving your goals.</p><p></p><p>Key Topics:</p><ul><li>The role of discipline in personal growth </li><li>Building confidence through accountability </li><li>Stories of resilience and commitment </li><li>The impact of community and support groups</li></ul>no00:18:022Ep 2: Freedom Through Disciplinefull<![CDATA[3 Seconds of Guts Trailer]]>This podcast is for the rebels, the misfits, and the dreamers who are sick of living on autopilot. 

Each episode, we strip away the excuses, break the rules, and give you bold, actionable strategies to crush the habits that hold you back, ditch the job you hate, and build a life you actually want to wake up to. 

No fluff. No permission slips. Just real talk, proven tools, and a healthy dose of rebellion to help you break free, rise higher, and own your next chapter. 

This isn’t just a podcast; it’s an escape plan. If you’re done following the script, you just found your people.

]]>636dc6c9-c3df-467e-a177-f36176b00454Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:43:52 GMT<p>This podcast is for the rebels, the misfits, and the dreamers who are sick of living on autopilot. <br /></p><p>Each episode, we strip away the excuses, break the rules, and give you bold, actionable strategies to crush the habits that hold you back, ditch the job you hate, and build a life you actually want to wake up to. <br /></p><p>No fluff. No permission slips. Just real talk, proven tools, and a healthy dose of rebellion to help you break free, rise higher, and own your next chapter. <br /></p><p>This isn’t just a podcast; it’s an escape plan. If you’re done following the script, you just found your people.</p>no00:00:473 Seconds of Guts Trailertrailer<![CDATA[Ep 1: Welcome to the 3 Seconds of Guts Podcast!]]>Join Tom and Melissa as they introduce "The Three Seconds of Guts" podcast, a show for rebels, misfits, and dreamers ready to break free from autopilot living. Discover bold strategies to crush habits, ditch jobs you hate, and build a life you love. This episode dives into the power of taking three seconds of courage to make life-changing decisions.

Key Topics:

  • Introduction to the podcast and its mission 
  • The concept of "Three Seconds of Guts" 
  • Personal stories of overcoming fear and mediocrity 
  • The importance of taking action and embracing uncertainty

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Three Seconds of Guts Podcast

02:48 The Journey of Self-Discovery

06:03 Embracing Fear and Taking Action

08:45 Lessons from Franchise Consulting

12:01 The Power of Decision-Making

15:03 Tools for Transformation

16:49 Looking Ahead: Next Steps


]]>a48f9c02-0f0c-483e-9f04-11eae843bf6bTue, 23 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMT<p>Join Tom and Melissa as they introduce "The Three Seconds of Guts" podcast, a show for rebels, misfits, and dreamers ready to break free from autopilot living. Discover bold strategies to crush habits, ditch jobs you hate, and build a life you love. This episode dives into the power of taking three seconds of courage to make life-changing decisions.<br /></p><p><b>Key Topics:</b></p><ul><li>Introduction to the podcast and its mission </li><li>The concept of "Three Seconds of Guts" </li><li>Personal stories of overcoming fear and mediocrity </li><li>The importance of taking action and embracing uncertainty</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 Welcome to Three Seconds of Guts Podcast</p><p>02:48 The Journey of Self-Discovery</p><p>06:03 Embracing Fear and Taking Action</p><p>08:45 Lessons from Franchise Consulting</p><p>12:01 The Power of Decision-Making</p><p>15:03 Tools for Transformation</p><p>16:49 Looking Ahead: Next Steps</p><p><br /></p>no00:18:2511Ep 1: Welcome to the 3 Seconds of Guts Podcast!full