It’s been 5 years since my very first episode of Level Up! With Shay, my personal development podcast for creators, artists, and entrepreneurs who are ready to level up their lives.
Looking back, it’s incredible how those conversations have truly stood the test of time. Why? Because success leaves clues. The principles that lead to greatness are universal. Whether someone is a thriving artist, a successful entrepreneur, a dedicated business owner, or even an inspiring parent or coach, you’ll find common qualities that pave the way for their success.

That’s why I’m beyond excited to revive Level Up! With Shay on YouTube! Expect re-edits of previous episodes, never-before-seen interviews, and brand-new conversations that will leave you fired up and ready to take action.
If you’ve listened before, listen again! I promise you’ll gain fresh insights every time.
Meet My First Ever Guest: Yancy Berry
Yancy’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering determination. As a teenager, he battled drug and alcohol addiction, his brother was tragically shot, and he was raised by a single mother. There was a time when Yancy stood on the edge, contemplating whether life was even worth it.
But he had a choice. He could stay in the darkness, consumed by despair, or fight to reclaim his life.
Yancy chose to fight.
He began reading personal development books — even while still using drugs. He built confidence working a data entry job at a teddy bear company, and despite barely graduating high school, he went on to become a financial advisor surrounded by colleagues with Masters degrees in Finance.

When his first son was born, everything shifted. Yancy found his true calling in personal training. Ten years later, he earned the prestigious title of Equinox Lifetime Achievement Winner and became the number one personal trainer across all locations.
And that’s just the beginning of his story.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- Yancy’s mindset while navigating addiction
- The invaluable lessons he’s teaching his son
- How his hunger for self-improvement shaped his path
- Why the first step is always the hardest
- How desperation led him to personal training
- The strategies Yancy uses to believe in himself and chase bigger goals
- The one fact that influences your life no matter your circumstances
- His favorite morning routine inspired by a well-known personal development teacher
- How to overcome failure and defeat
- Yancy’s two-fold solution for tackling problems head-on
“It was what I was used to so I stayed there. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know.”
Yancy Berry
Connect with Yancy on Instagram @ybwellness
Visit his website for life coaching services and more www.yancyberry.com
Watch on YouTube here!
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here!
Prefer the audio version?
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Share Your Thoughts
Yancy’s journey is a powerful reminder that no matter where you come from, you have the power to transform your life. Leave a comment below and share how his story resonates with you. I’d love to hear from you!
Curious About the Original Episode Blog?
No edits made. Just pure growth. 🤌🏼
Check it out here!
For more motivation and stories like Yancy’s, follow me on Instagram @levelupwithshay
It’s time to level up!
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