Dr. Allen Lycka: Get Out of Survival Mode and Start Living

Dr. Allen Lycka: Get Out of Survival Mode and Start Living

Author: Dr. Michael Ayalon May 21, 2026 Duration: 31:31

Dr. Allen Lycka is acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists globally for three decades. In 2003, Dr. Lycka was misdiagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), and, after additional research, discovered he had Chronic Lyme Disease. He was treated and practiced for another 16 years as a cosmetic dermatologist. He retired in 2019 to help others overcome adversity as he did. Because of what he learned, he co-authored the bestselling book "The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life." He co-authored two more bestsellers in 2020, "bLU Talks Presents: Business, Life and the Universe," with Corey Poirier and "Pillars of Success" with Jack Canfield. The second edition of "The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life" launched in 2023.

In episode 681 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why many leaders feel like they are in survival mode instead of influence mode, what is the Leadership Alignment Model, why student leaders assume that feeling exhausted and overwhelmed is just "part of leadership", what is the misalignment between energy and load, what influences a leader's energy, how to reduce unnecessary leadership load, what does leading from the summit look like, how to create a culture where leadership responsibilities are shared instead of centralized in one exhausted person, what is the FAST Leadership Energy Index, and how students can check themselves on the index.


Hosted by Dr. Michael Ayalon, the Fraternity Foodie Podcast by Greek University moves beyond surface-level chatter to engage with the complex realities of campus Greek life. This isn't about social calendars or party themes; it's a dedicated space for necessary dialogue, pulling in leading voices and practitioners who work directly within the fraternity and sorority community. Each episode tackles a specific, often challenging, aspect of the student experience, from foundational safety issues like hazing and sexual assault prevention to the nuanced pressures surrounding substance use, mental wellness, and recruitment. The conversations are built on a practical educational framework, aiming to translate expert insight and frontline experience into actionable understanding for listeners. By focusing on these critical topics, the podcast seeks to contribute to stronger, healthier, and more accountable campus cultures. Tune in for thoughtful, solution-oriented discussions that address the questions at the heart of modern fraternity and sorority life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Fraternity Foodie Podcast by Greek University
Podcast Episodes
Dr. John Foubert: Prevention Education Creates Lasting Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:00
Dr. John Foubert has written 11 books, 7 of which deal with the prevention of sexual assault. Dr. Foubert has published several dozen articles in some of the most respected peer reviewed journals in Education, Psychology…
Alicia Conner: How to Talk About Greek Life in Interviews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:08
Alicia Conner is the Director of Sales at Pharmavite, leading the $300M Walmart business for Nature Made — the #1 vitamin and supplement brand in the country. With 20 years in consumer packaged goods, Alicia has built he…
Alicia Conner: How to Talk About Greek Life in Interviews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:08
Alicia Conner is the Director of Sales at Pharmavite, leading the $300M Walmart business for Nature Made — the #1 vitamin and supplement brand in the country. With 20 years in consumer packaged goods, Alicia has built he…
Anna Marie Enea: Wellness for College Students [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Anna Marie Enea divides her time between Northern California and the Pacific Northwest where she created Zenea, a forest retreat center. She holds an M.S. in exercise physiology and nutrition, with advanced certification…
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Duration: 38:02
Olivia Miller Smith began her career as a Registered Nurse and transitioned to the corporate world founding and leading a multi-million dollar wholesale and manufacturing company. After a life-changing volunteer experien…
Thomas Grossi: Sports Gambling in College [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:42
Thomas Grossi is using his lived experience with gambling addiction and professional experience as a family law attorney to address the individual and family consequences of gambling-related harm. He created TAG Me In, D…
Frederick Johnson IV: Discomfortable Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:53
Frederick Johnson IV, M.Ed. is a leadership speaker and a trainer for educators. He is the creator of Discomfortable Leadership, and he created it so that it doesn't take you nearly as long as it took him to figure out.…
Salvatore Tagliareni: Discover Your Purpose in College [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:58
Salvatore J. Tagliareni is an internationally respected speaker whose life and work are deeply influenced by Viktor Frankl, the distinguished psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor, and founder of legotherapy. Frankly develope…
Sandy Mortensen: Why College Students Need Flexibility and Balance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:07
Sandra Mortensen is a retired therapist and graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has more than 45 years of experience across hospital and private practice. Sandy owned and operated physical therapy clinic…
Mindy Tucker: Building Sorority Rush Into Resume Power [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:35
Every August, "RushTok" floods social feeds with clips of cheer routines, designer outfits, and viral Bid Day reveals. But behind the social media spectacle, modern sorority recruitment at major universities has quietly…