At just 13 years old, Connor McKemey faced a life-altering event that left him with third-degree burns covering 90% of his body. Given less than a 1% chance of survival, Connor defied the odds and not only survived but thrived. Today, the best-selling author and motivational speaker is a living testament to the power of Resilience, determination, and the human spirit.

Connor recalls the challenges and doubts he faced from medical professionals who tried to prepare him for a life of limitations. “Being young, I had that mindset of, ‘Why can’t I?’ I wanted to get back to just playing hoops in the driveway with my brothers,” he says. Despite being told he might never play sports again, Connor’s ambition and Resilience led him to find a trainer who believed in his potential. 

Connor underscores the importance of mental Resilience. He believes in the power of the mind and the impact of a positive perspective. “Every time I was faced with doubt, anxiety, or fear, I asked myself how I could flip it and find some silver lining,” he explains. This mindset helped him navigate through immense pain and challenges. By focusing on what he could control and finding positivity in each situation, Connor transformed his approach to recovery and life.

This week, you’ll learn how support and strength from family, friends, and community helped Connor thrive, why celebrating small victories daily is important and how empathy allows us to see scars as symbols of strength, not weakness.

LEARN MORE:

>> Read his two-time, Amazon Best-seller, Life Ignited:A Hopeful Journey, Sparked by Fire. (https://www.amazon.com/Life-Ignited-Hopeful-Journey-Sparked/dp/1544539754/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1684775767&sr=1-1)

>> Check out his website. (www.macmentality.com)

>> Follow him on social media @connormckemey and @mac_mentality.(https://www.instagram.com/connormckemey), (https://www.instagram.com/mac_mentality)

NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:

>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn how Connor found his voice as an author and how he continues to embrace his life’s journey with optimism.(https://thens.ls/45c93nR)

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Corey Andrew Powell Cultural Commentator / Content Producer

Hey there! My name is Corey Andrew Powell. I'm a creative chameleon with a knack for donning multiple hats. From crafting compelling copy and producing engaging content to rocking the mic as a podcast host and weaving musical magic, I've got a diverse skill set that keeps things interesting.

My journey kicked off in 2011 at The Vitamin Shoppe, where I started as a copywriter and quickly found myself caught up in the whirlwind of rebranding campaigns, product development, and retail store expansions. Two years of hard work later, I proudly stepped into the role of Manager of Marketing Copy, steering the ship through the exciting waters of marketing creativity.

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In 2021 I became the proud host of the NSLS's beloved podcast, 'Motivational Mondays'! How cool is that? In my debut episode, I had the absolute honor of chatting with Tokyo Olympics silver-medalist Raven 'The Hulk' Saunders. We dove deep into the world of professional sports and had a heart-to-heart about the importance of mental health. Our audience has grown exponentially to over 250,000 listeners and subscribers.

My creative life has been an incredible journey thus far, and I’m always intrigued by what the future holds.