Confidence Classic: Finding Gratitude In Your Hardest Moments With “Gratitude Guru” Chris Schembra

Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan

You’ve heard people say “just be grateful” a million times, but what happens when life is falling apart, you’re in real pain, and that kind of gratitude feels fake? In this episode, I sit down with USA Today’s “Gratitude Guru” Chris Schembra to talk about a completely different and honest approach to gratitude, one that doesn’t ignore your hardest moments, but starts with them. Chris shares how producing hit campaigns, dining with world-class leaders, and hosting intimate, high-end dinners still left him feeling lonely and anxious. Get ready to rethink what gratitude really is, stop pretending everything is “fine,” and start using your hard times as a bridge to deeper confidence, connection, and purpose.


In This Episode You Will Learn

  • Why the usual “good vibes only” gratitude advice actually keeps you stuck.

  • How one question around a dinner table has made thousands of people open up and connect.

  • How to turn your hardest memories into a source of meaning, empathy, and power.

  • What stoicism really teaches about pain, obstacles, and emotional resilience.

  • Ways to move from rumination and despair into appreciation and agency.


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More description

You’ve heard people say “just be grateful” a million times, but what happens when life is falling apart, you’re in real pain, and that kind of gratitude feels fake? In this episode, I sit down with USA Today’s “Gratitude Guru” Chris Schembra to talk about a completely different and honest approach to gratitude, one that doesn’t ignore your hardest moments, but starts with them. Chris shares how producing hit campaigns, dining with world-class leaders, and hosting intimate, high-end dinners still left him feeling lonely and anxious. Get ready to rethink what gratitude really is, stop pretending everything is “fine,” and start using your hard times as a bridge to deeper confidence, connection, and purpose.


In This Episode You Will Learn

  • Why the usual “good vibes only” gratitude advice actually keeps you stuck.

  • How one question around a dinner table has made thousands of people open up and connect.

  • How to turn your hardest memories into a source of meaning, empathy, and power.

  • What stoicism really teaches about pain, obstacles, and emotional resilience.

  • Ways to move from rumination and despair into appreciation and agency.


Check Out Our Sponsors:


Resources + Links


Follow

2025-11-19 43 min
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