Free To Be with Lucca

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of finding yourself, your people, your dreams, and your impact. Meet Fatima, a senior at James Logan High in Union City, whose story mirrors my own high school experience in many ways. From sitting alone as a freshman to rising as ASB president, her journey is one of resilience and self-discovery.

We explore the idea that there’s no set timeline to find yourself—you don’t need to rush. We also unpack the harmful effects of comparison and jealousy, encouraging you to carve your own path and stay true to yourself. Fatima’s story is a powerful reminder of the faith we need to have in ourselves as we navigate life’s challenges and figure out what we want to do with the rest of our lives.

We discuss the lasting impact we have on others, as Fatima shares how I’ve influenced her journey. Plus, I share the secret to goal-setting: simple, small, consistent habits that bring even the most distant goals within reach.

Lastly, we touch on the important topic of mental health and suicide, offering insight and compassion in a conversation that matters. This episode is a tribute to the power of self-belief, community, and the impact we leave on others.

**Fatima's guardian gave her permission to have this recorded conversation with me.

RESOURCES

• A Crisis of Student Belonging, The Aspen Institute Publication
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Trevor Project Lifeline: 866-488-7386
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 800-662-4357
• Crisis Textline: Text”start” to 741-741
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743
• LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline: 888-688-5428
• Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.com
• Connect with Fatima on Instagram @ffatimasamim
• Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok

This episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.

In this episode, I sit down with my writing coach and long-lost cousin, Alan Watt, to explore the art of storytelling. Alan is an award-winning novelist and best selling author of Diamond Dogs and Days Are Gone and the creator of L.A. Writer's Lab.

In our conversation, he shares powerful insights on the process of writing your own memoir and embracing your authentic voice. We dive into the true purpose of storytelling: to reveal transformation and connect to the deeper truths of our human experience.

We talk about letting go of the result, writing for yourself, and how our creative work is ultimately a reflection of our spiritual growth. Alan reminds us that storytelling is truly about self-love and that the fears we face when writing our memoir are exactly what make us qualified to tell our stories.

If you’ve ever felt called to put your story on paper but find yourself holding back, this episode will inspire you to pick up the pen, face your fears with kindness, and start writing for the joy of the process. Because everybody has a story to tell—and it may be time to tell yours.

RESOURCES

• Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.com
• Connect with Alan at lawriterslab.com.
• Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok

This episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.

In this mini-episode, we explore the journey of honoring every part of yourself — the essential pieces that make you whole and complete. A lot of our life is spent hiding parts of ourselves and pretending to be someone we’re not, just to fit in and belong, and in the process, we lose sight of who we truly are. But here's the truth: every part of you was created on purpose, for a purpose. Authenticity is about remembering who you are, reconnecting with that innate sense of self, accepting each beautiful part of you, and finding the courage to live fully as your true self. In this solo episode, I share simple, actionable steps to help you identify the parts of yourself that make you unique, whole, and truly authentic.

RESOURCES

• Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through motivational speaking and leadership consulting at luccapetrucci.com
• Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok
• Spotify Playlist 1: Lucca's 2024 Faves

This episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.

I sit down with Muskaan, a junior at Dinuba High School in California’s Central Valley and the host of her own podcasts, Me, Myself & I is All I Need and Spreading Smiles. We dive into what it takes to grow into the best version of yourself and how the environment and people around you play a huge role in shaping who you are.

Muskaan opens up about:

• Why your circle of friends matters and how the right people can uplift you.
• The importance of taking risks to reach your goals—and how you can encourage others to do the same.
• Handling loss and self-doubt with the support of those who believe in you.
• Manifestation, goal-setting tips, and how to stay bold even when faced with judgment.

This conversation is packed with insights and inspiration, and it’s a reminder that growth is a never-ending journey. Tune in to hear Muskaan’s powerful wisdom on taking risks, embracing challenges, and unlocking your full potential!

RESOURCES

• Connect with Muskaan on Instagram
• Tune into Muskaan's 2 podcasts — Me, Myself & I is All I Need and Spreading Smiles
• Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok
• Learn how I empower middle, high school and college students and educators to tap into their authentic leadership at luccapetrucci.com

This episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.

In this conversation, I dive deep into the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship with my friend and colleague Shatera Sangster, founder of Social Media Sidekick LLC. Shatera opens up about her path from rock bottom to breakthrough moments, highlighting the resilience, messiness, and patience required to build a successful business from the ground up. We talk about the importance of starting wherever you are, emphasizing that no one truly knows what they’re doing until they do it. This episode is a testament to the wild and freeing ride that entrepreneurship can be, and how taking the leap can lead to unparalleled personal and professional growth.

Tune in to hear Shatera’s inspiring story and learn how to embrace the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.

RESOURCES

• Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.com
• Connect with Shatera on Instagram @shaterasocialmediasidekick
• Social Media Sidekick website
• Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok
• Spotify Playlist 1: Lucca's 2024 Faves
• Spotify Playlist 2: Song You Want Me to Blast

This episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.