Shift Out Loud with Tracy Spears
Hosted by Tracy Spears, speaker, co-author of two best selling leadership books, founder of The Leader Lab, coach, and head cheerleader for anyone trying to play bigger. Shift Out Loud is a podcast designed to inspire you to play bigger. You'll hear from real live people sharing what their shift was, when it happened, and why it was out loud. What you think is true, and when you move from the external locus of control to the internal locus of control, your shift can happen and anything becomes possible. This podcast is your invitation to listen to others who have made the shift, and also serve as a catalyst for you to play bigger.
Shift Out Loud with Tracy Spears
A Culinary Path: Overcoming Addiction and Finding Purpose with Mica Chavez
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Tracy Spears welcomes Mica Chavez, a private chef and passionate advocate for recovery, education, and mentorship. Mica shares her remarkable journey from addiction to transformation, revealing how a single moment of desperation set her on a new path—one rooted in purpose, healing, and the culinary arts.
From cooking for U.S. presidents to teaching the next generation of chefs, Mica’s story is about more than food—it's about nurturing growth, building safe spaces, and empowering others through compassion and community. She opens up about her vision for a future farm where young people can learn life skills, grow fresh food, and rediscover their worth.
Key Takeaways:
- The pivotal moment that sparked Mica’s recovery journey
- Her deep belief in cooking with love and fresh ingredients
- Why mentorship and education are central to her mission
- How gardening became a metaphor for personal growth
- Her dream to create a farm as a refuge for youth
Mica’s honesty, resilience, and passion will leave you inspired to cultivate your own growth—and support others along the way.
🎧 Listen now to hear how Mica Chavez turned struggle into strength—and how she’s planting the seeds for a more compassionate future.
Hightlights
03:36 The Gift of Desperation: A Turning Point
06:50 Rebuilding Life: From Rock Bottom to Recovery
09:51 Education and Mentorship in Culinary Arts
12:50 Transitioning from Teaching to New Opportunities
15:38 Setting Intentions and Spiritual Growth
21:50 Finding Higher Power and Self-Reflection
23:05 Journey from El Paso to Santa Fe
27:09 Transitioning Careers in Culinary Arts
30:11 The Impact of Recovery on Life
35:04 Future Aspirations and Community Support
Connect with Mica
Website: www.micachavez.com
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Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: http://www.tracyspears.com/blog
