• May 29, 2026
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Maria Koche and Kristina Lufian
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Watch: Interview That Breaks Stereotypes

By Kristina Lufian 37

Exclusive Maria Koche In Lufian Show

It is an honor to be the first medium to feature Maria Koche’s success story, one of the few women brave enough to discuss sensitive issues regarding her private life and personal experiences publicly.

As she shares her insights about overcoming social pressures and making mistakes in the past, you will feel inspired to dream, to act and to risk. Maria is a role model for many women, especially those who strive to live a fulfilling, healthy life but keep making excuses.

Watch the full interview with international dancer, model, and now stretching coach Maria Koche to learn more about how she breaks stereotypical roles and uses her strength to empower others.


Your life is your responsibility.

Maria Koche
Interview with maria koche
Watch Here
Anastasia La
Anastasia La
That's incredible. Makes you realize there are no boundaries to what you can do, and that the freedom within is the way to happiness!
Consuelo Vega
Consuelo Vega
Such a motivational and inspiring story. I want to wake up every day and do more after watching this.
Yuliia Vantsiyenko
Yuliia Vantsiyenko
Love this interview! Girls, you are fire!!!
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Spring Issue 2021
Healthy Lifestyle Issue for your body, mind and soul with a special feature of interviews with dancer Maria Koche and competitive archer Danielle Brown.
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Lufian Stars

Success story: Video Interview with Maksym Zakharchuk, a shark of filmmaking

By Kristina Lufian 3728

In the interview, Maksym Zakharchuk, a Chicago based film director, shares his personal experience in the videography industry, insights for aspiring filmmakers and tips on how to succeed from scratch. Watch the exclusive interview with Zakharchuk Presents, find your inspiration and share your feedback in the comments below.

Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.

Maksym Zakharchuk

Exclusive interview with Maksym Zakharchuk
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Inspiration

To Develop Your Individuality

By Kristina Lufian 1561

For those who want to develop their individuality but do not want to read.

☻ CHALLENGE YOURSELF

If you pay attention to the person whose bid has won, you can see the sparkle in his/her eyes. We do not suggest you run away and bet on the local hockey team. You can always challenge yourself. Arrange a “hell week” or risk to do a split in a month (although, we already doubt whether this idea is so good.) Come up with a reward and punishment. This excitement will help you open a second wind.

The book on this topic: “On the limit. A week without self-pity ”- Eric Larssen

☻ CHANGE ROLES

Do you know the film “Love-Carrot” where the characters exchanged bodies? To understand each other, they had to try on completely new, unusual roles. You can take an example and start acting differently. This is especially useful if you consider yourself a victim.

A book on this subject: “SUMO. Shut up and do it ”- Paul McGee

☻ LISTEN TO YOUR BIORHYTHMS

For example, the month before the birthday is most often the time of recession. And what to do in order not to expose the physical and psychological state under attack? There is only one answer: synchronize the biological and social schedule. If you understand that it is most productive in the morning, you should not try to squeeze the last juices out of yourself in the evening.

A book on this subject: “Always On Time” – Michael Breus

☻ DOWN WITH THE EXCESS

First, imagine that the hat on you is the personification of one of the obstacles. Like all the trash that accumulated in the apartment for a long time. Now is the time to get rid of this.

A book on this topic: “A Flexible Mind” – Estanislao Bachrach

☻ INTRODUCE NEW HABITS INTO YOUR LIFE

Yes, sometimes it’s difficult, and laziness often attacks, but you are not required to rush headlong into it. You can start reading daily for five minutes a day. This will be the first step toward success. And so with every habit.

A book on this topic: “Changing Habits” – M.J. Ryan

Which tip is more appealing to you? ☺

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Lifestyle & Success

Steve Jobs’ Method: How To Respond To Criticism

By Kristina Lufian 2049

1. Start with a friendly phrase

It is important to soften the answer so that at first glance it seems that you agree with the person. In a further speech, it will be clear that this is not so, but the opponent will already be located toward you.

2. Take your time

You probably heard that haste makes waste. Well, this proverb indeed comes from people’s experiences. It’s better to take your time before you give a hasty answer based on emotions. You don’t want to regret the words you can’t take back.

3. Answer the question you want to hear

Almost all the politicians’ speeches are based on this point when they speak about everything and nothing at the same time. If you were asked a tricky question that you want to avoid, slightly reformulate it in your mind so it becomes more comfortable to answer.

4. Admit mistakes without betraying a team

Of course, if there is a flaw in your work, you can refer it to the team (if there is one,) but this will be the ugliest option which most likely will not go unnoticed. Admit that you made a mistake, but you are willing to work on it. Confess what lessons you learned. People always appreciated and will appreciate honesty and hard work.

5. Try to anticipate criticism

The most important thing is in the end. If you have to speak in public, think ahead of time what questions can be criticized. Write down the answers and practice them. It will also help you feel more confident.

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Lifestyle & Success

Pyramid of Goals of Benjamin Franklin

By Kristina Lufian 2416

Life values

They are the foundation of the entire pyramid. They predetermine your chosen path, and therefore the setting of goals. The main thing is to ask yourself “What is the most important thing for me in life?”

Examples of values: seeking wealth, helping others, family, fame or creating something new.

Global desires and goals

A new challenge is the definition of global goals. Moreover, it can be far from one goal.

An example of a global goal: to create a corporation, reviews, offspring, to reveal your talent, etc.

Master plan

This is the third block based on a global goal. It is being created for 5–10 years in advance. It is a detailed step-by-step instruction.

Example: go to courses, create a portfolio, make the necessary connections.

Long-term plan

It is calculated for 1–5 years and is a detailed analysis of one of the points of the master plan.

Example: you are going to take courses. Where to? When? How much money is needed? How long?

Short-term plan

The period from a month to a year. This stage was created in order to concretize the tasks.

Example: preparing for an exam, acquiring the equipment necessary for the operation.

Plan for the day

This is the very top of the pyramid. The idea is to break down the steps of the short-term plan into smaller assignments that you can complete in one day.

Example: go to a hardware store and buy a microphone, learn a chapter on economics.

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Lufian Stars

The Path of Ellen DeGeneres

By Kristina Lufian 2271

It’s our challenges and obstacles that give us layers of depth and make us interesting.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres IS incredibly interesting. The comedian, author, actress and activist broke into the “men’s club” of comedy and shattered societal views of the LBGTQ community. 40 years into her career, DeGeneres continues to conquer obstacles.

Comedy Career

Born in 1958 and raised in Louisiana, DeGeneres practiced and grew her comedy routine in New Orleans’ comedy clubs. After touring nationally, she gained the attention of the Showtime Network. She was named “Funniest Person of 1984” and began touring for Showtime and headlining shows.

The Wall Street Journal reported that DeGeneres had difficulties connecting to her early audiences while touring. She struggled to convince them to appreciate her craft and acknowledge her unique talent. “Everyone has a sense of humor. “People misinterpret that to mean, ‘I’m a comedian.'”

After only four years of performing comedy, DeGeneres landed the gig of a lifetime; a performance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1986. She became the first female comic invited to sit on Carson’s couch to speak with him after performing.

DeGeneres’ legendary Tonight Show skit, “Phone Call to God”, was inspired by the death of her live-in girlfriend. After the death, she was forced to find a new place to live and sleep on a mattress infested with fleas. As she was not yet performing comedy, DeGeneres took to poetry as an outlet. “Why is this beautiful 21-year-old girl just gone and fleas are here?’’ Her pain was channeled into comedy gold.

Coming Out

In the fall of 1995, DeGeneres launched her prime-time sitcom, Ellen, in which she starred as the title character. History.com recalls that on April 30, 1997, character Ellen Morgan announced she was gay. Ellen was the first prime-time sitcom to feature an openly gay leading character. An estimated 42 million viewers watched the ground-breaking episode.

Just two weeks prior, DeGeneres adorned the cover of Time magazine saying “Yep, I’m gay.” Her decision opened the way for the LGBT community in Hollywood, although she had reservations at the time. “I am not fearless. I didn’t do it because I am fearless. I did it in spite of the fact that I was scared to death.”

Ellen was canceled the next season due to low ratings.

In an odd twist of fate, DeGeneres won an Emmy in 1997 as a writer for Ellen.

Years later, DeGeneres reflected on the experience with Dax Shepard on his podcast, Armchair Expert.   “It hurt my feelings. I was getting jokes made at my expense on every late-night show, people were making fun of me. I was really depressed. I had no agent, no possibility of a job, I had nothing.”

Depression is no laughing matter for DeGeneres. As a result of receiving death threats and public outcry, DeGeneres left LA and began seeing a therapist.  For nearly three years, DeGeneres isolated herself and received no work. Feeling out of control, she decided to pursue the only thing she did have control over – comedy.

Talk Show

Taking back her life and career, DeGeneres went on a 38-city comedy tour in 2000. Her slow and deliberate immersion back into Hollywood was rewarded with the honor of hosting the 53rd Primetime Emmy Awards in 2001.

Perseverance paid off for DeGeneres; one step at a time. With the May 2003 release of Disney’s Finding Nemo, DeGeneres’ voice became a fixture in households. Fans fell in love with her endearing, albeit forgetful, character “Dory.”

DeGeneres switched gears and at the age of 45 began hosting a syndicated talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The show was an instant hit after its 2003 launch. The show was nominated for numerous awards at the 31st Daytime Emmy’s. The Ellen DeGeneres Show, after only a single year, walked away with four Emmy’s, most significantly, Outstanding Talk Show host.  The show is the reigning winner for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show. The theme of The Ellen DeGeneres Show is upbeat and inspiring. DeGeneres, on-air and off, offers inspiring words for anyone else that may be suffering.

Just hold on and know that something good will come from it, and there’s always a lesson in everything.

DeGeneres’ career has been a success because she is funny, of course, but mainly due to the fact that she followed her own path and looked for the lesson in every tough moment. “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then, by all means, follow that path.” She could have taken the “easy” path but decided to speak her truth and encourage others to do the same.

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Lifestyle & Success

Must-Read Books Recommended By Billionaires

By Kristina Lufian 2029

Every year for the Wolrd Book Day, Branson compiles a list of books he thinks all should read during their lifetime. The list consists of children’s books, fiction and non-fiction literature. Here are the top five books that the billionaire highly recommends to everyone who wants to grow and expand the worldview:

  1. “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain;
  2. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams;
  3. “Black Box Thinking: The Surprising Truth About Success” by Matthew Syed;
  4. “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage” by Carl Sagan;
  5. “Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think” by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler.

Warren Buffett in his interviews often mentions his love for literature. However, he reads not to get an author’s opinion but to learn new facts. So journalists periodically ask for his personal recommendations. The following are the five books that Buffett loves the most:

  1. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham;
  2. “Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits” by Philip Fisher;
  3. “Jack Welch and the G.E. Way: Management Insights and Leadership Secrets of the Legendary CEO”  by Robert Slater;
  4. “Business Adventures: Twelve Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street” by John Brooks;
  5. “Nuclear Terrorism: The Ultimate Preventable Catastrophe” by Graham T. Allison.

The journalist Brad Stone in his book “The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon” listed the literature that has influenced Bezos and his success. Below see the five books out of many others that the founder of Amazon encourages to read his colleagues and employees:

  1. “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro;
  2. “Sam Walton: Made in America” by Sam Walton;
  3. “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras;
  4. “Data-Driven Marketing: The 15 Metrics Everyone in Marketing Should Know” by Mark Jeffery;
  5. “The Black Swan” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.

In 2015 Mark Zuckerberg created a Facebook page where every two weeks during the year he tried to write about different interesting books. At the end of the year, he collected a decent list of literature that is worth attention. Here are five of them:

  1. “The Beginning of Infinity” by David Deutsch;
  2. “World Order” by Henry Kissinger;
  3. “The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves” by Matt Ridley;
  4. “Enlightenment Now” by Steven Pinker;
  5. “Orwell’s Revenge” by Peter W. Huber.

When people ask Elon Musk how did he learn to build the rockets, he always answers, “I read books.” Even though Musk never named his favorite literature, he still loves discussing them.

  1. “The Lord of the Rings” by John R. R. Tolkien;
  2. “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” by Walter Isaacson;
  3. “Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies” by Nick Bostrom;
  4. “The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress” by Robert A. Heinlein;
  5. “Our Final Invention” by James Barrat.
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Travel

Vacations Are Now Pocket-Friendly and Fun

By Kristina Lufian 1656

Best and Cheap Places to Travel in the US

February is generally considered part of the off-season and undeniably the best month for traveling, exploring and ensuring affordable rates and a lack of crowds. Vacation within the month of Valentine’s week might be crowded, but you can also plan your cheap vacations for expressing your excitement for spending quality time with your special partner or friends.

Traveling across borders can be expensive but traveling within the borders of the USA will be both economical and rejuvenating. The waves of this month give its tourists the feeling of first winter snow that has long faded, but there’s still a month to go before entering into the spring season.

There are plenty of places in which one can go and book their cheap ticket flights to enjoy vacations that promise to take the drear out of winter.

1. Saranac Lake, New York

In February, you can always get pleasure to visit the hotel Saranac that opened in 1927. This landmark property reopened after four years with the renovation of 30 million dollars that pay homage to the hotel’s “Great Gatsby” roots. The renovated decor will give its tourists the mesmerizing view of retro travel posters and grand lobby with original chandeliers. You can always book your tickets during February for 10 days or so to enjoy the events that comprise parade, fireworks and a life-size ice palace. And if you are not a huge fan of skiing at Whiteface Mountain, then you can ahead to the Saranac Lake’s famous Winter Carnival (one of the main tourist attraction point.)

2. Seattle, Washington

If you’re interested in art and its beauty, then visiting Seattle in February is the most exciting place month of the year for the art lovers. In Seattle, the month of February is counted as the Museum Month which means half-price admission to Seattle’s top museums.

This means that you simply request your complimentary museum pass from your hotel concierge. Seattle is the hub for the cultural institutions, with 40 cultural institutions around the cities that allow the visitors to participate and easily tap into some of the fantastic exhibits at MoPop, Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Art Museum and much more.

3. Naples, Florida

This city remains as the “paradise coast” of Florida (the hurricane hasn’t tarnished Naples’ reputation.) The month of February makes the tourists feel the essence and the beauty of this city. The grand reopening of the resort ‘Naples Grande Beach Resort’ makes tourists experience the beauty of this 200- acre property with its own nature reserve. The continuous renovation makes its incoming guests enjoy the beauty of what the refurbished royal property is. The guests not only enjoy Florida’s beauty alone but they also visit the beauty of their refurbished rooms and restaurants.

So, book your tickets to Florida for enjoying a lively outdoor weekend in February to enjoy the famous ‘Naples National Art Festival’ – landscaping with replanted trees and exotic flowers.

4. Manhattan Beach, Florida

Looking for a fun February vacation, then you can never go wrong with choosing Manhattan Beach in Florida. You can easily plan an escape to the west coast this February for enjoying the luscious beaches of Manhattan. The luxurious hotel Westdrift is now opened near the beach; this property is designed to resemble elegant beach bungalows with handsome hardwood floors with crisp modern furnishings. The resort is span in 26 acres that include not only the luxurious rooms but also nine-hole golf courses.


Book your cheap February flights, so that you can enjoy most of your time while soaking up dolorously under sun rays. Now, you can always consider these top American cities for planning your affordable yet fun vacations.

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Inspiration

What Will Motivate You to Achieve Your Goal?

By Kristina Lufian 1397

1. Formulate the exact goal that you want to achieve. For best results, write it down in your diary or planner and review it each time to motivate yourself to work.

2. In order for you to make it clear and realistic, divide the general goal into several stages or subgoals that you will be following step by step.

3. Watch more interviews of successful people, follow their projects and get inspired by their productivity. Very often when you take it seriously and learn the history of their success, you get charged with motivation to work.

4. In order to fight the obstacles, you need to follow the subgoals and work on them daily. Soon it will become your favorite habit. Avoid feeding your brain with drama movies, negative news and surround yourself with smarter and successful people.

5. Be sure to set a timeline for the general goal as well as for the subgoals to make your dream come true. The deadline stimulates the growth of productivity for absolutely any person. There are chances to approach your goal if you are specific in your moves and consistent with meeting deadlines.

6. Do not chase the target. Usually, those who spend every minute working without proper rest, burn out in the last stages.

7. Despite the fact that failures will always be on the way to your goal, do not stop. If you don’t want to start working on achieving your goal all over again, you need to follow the simple rule of consistency and meeting deadlines.

8. Look after your health and start new healthy habits like a regular walk in the fresh air, more movements throughout a day, cosmetic procedures and eating right. Forming habits like these, we shape our lives and our attitude to everything around us.

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Lufian Stars

Being Better and Better: The Mike Tyson Story

By Kristina Lufian 2450

Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters.
Author.
Actor.
Star in a Broadway show.
Entrepreneur.

These glowing titles all belong to one man, one man who has overcome poverty, bankruptcy and the loss of a child, a man labeled as “champion” for his boxing record. Mike Tyson is champion out of the ring too. 

Tyson’s life is full of lessons, lessons on avoiding trouble and experiences on being better and starting over.

The Early Years

Hardship is an understatement when describing Mike Tyson’s youth. Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised by a single mother, Tyson turned to the street. By the age of 13, he had been arrested 38 times. In a 2014 interview with The Hamilton Spectator, Tyson credits the intervention of the legal system by introducing him to boxing. 

If they hadn’t sent me to a boys’ home where they found out I could box, I’d probably be dead right now.

Consequently, Tyson was introduced to boxing trainer Cus D’Amato. When Tyson was just 16 years old, his mother passed away. D’Amato became his legal guardian, mentor and friend. The two worked together until D’Amato’s passing in 1985.

In his 2013 autobiography “Undisputed Truth,” Tyson thanked D’Amato for his presence and influence. “Because of you, my life has reached heights I could never have imagined. Without you, I don’t know where I would be today. My gratitude to you is immeasurable.”

 

The Boxing Years

Tyson won his first heavyweight title in 1986 at the age of 20. He quickly became the “undisputed champion” by claiming wins at the same time in all three major boxing groups:  World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council.

Nonetheless, Tyson’s personal life was in turmoil. In an interview with Barbara Walters, wife Robin Givens was less than flattering to Tyson.  “It’s been torture. It’s been pure hell. It’s been worse than anything I could imagine.” In his book, Tyson described the moment as the “ultimate betrayal.” The marriage ended in a bitter divorce.

After a 1992 rape conviction, Tyson served almost three years in prison.

Immediately following prison, Tyson returned to boxing and regained his heavyweight belts. His most infamous fight was his second match against Evander Holyfield in 1997. At the end of the third round, Tyson was disqualified for biting off a chunk of Holyfield’s ear. ESPN reported that an employee of the arena located the missing piece of ear later in the evening. Tyson was fined $3 million and temporarily banned from boxing. Initially, Tyson took no responsibility for the incident. “Holyfield is not a tough warrior, he got a little cut on his ear, and he quit.” Tyson later apologized.

Over 20 years later, Holyfield was a guest on Tyson’s podcast, Hotboxin’. Tyson shared on Instagram, “I can’t say enough good things about @evanderholyfield.”

Legal troubles and mayhem marred the remainder of Tyson’s boxing career. Tyson was imprisoned for assault. Fights were canceled because Tyson was unable to obtain travel visas due to his felony conviction. Boxing commissions refused to sanction fights while he was facing new charges of sexual assault. 

When recalling his ferocious boxing style with The Hamilton Spectator, Tyson acknowledged that he was not a good person.

I was nothing but a 100 percent fighter. I was savage; I didn’t know how to have a good time. I was crazy. There was egomania pouring out of me. I was the baddest ass man on earth, and all I knew how to do were bad things.

Tyson earned hundreds of millions during his boxing career. Sadly, in 2003 he filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, primarily due to overspending. Documents gathered by The Smoking Gun revealed that Tyson owed over $13M in taxes.

At the age of 38, Tyson retired from boxing in 2005.

Years later, during an interview with Richard Ouzounian, Tyson reflected on his path to obtain fame. “I was so desperate to succeed; I would have sold my soul to the devil if that was possible.”

 

The Undisputed Years

Tyson did not retire from boxing and fade into the sunset. After years of reflection, he shared his truth.

In 2012, Mike Tyson took his one-person monologue show to Broadway. “Mike Tyson: The Undisputed Truth” was written by his third wife, Kiki.  Academy Award nominee Spike Lee directed his Broadway debut, and also directed the HBO Film special of the same name. The two-week Broadway run grossed over a million dollars. 

A book of the same name was released in 2013. “Undisputed Truth” has been described as “raw, powerful, and disturbing—a head-spinning take on Mr. Tyson’s life.” Tyson is personal and reflective in his autobiography; he shared details of the 2009 death of his daughter, Exodus. During a press release interview for the book, he discussed his decision to share this painful point in his life.  “I have no idea what other parents feel. I have no exclusivity to pain. So many other parents lost children. You gotta live life on life’s time.”

Tyson bared his soul to readers and offered advice for others who may be struggling. He shared his new path to success with Joe Money of The Source.

I try to stay on that path of humbleness.

 

The Better Years

In his forties, Tyson rebranded himself. He started a new career as a cameo actor and became a successful entrepreneur, proving that it is never too late to start over.

Tyson’s second biography, “Iron Ambition: My Life with Cus D’Amato,” was released in 2017. The book shares an affirmation promoted by D’Amato that is benefiting Tyson. “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better. “

Tyson admitted to GQ that he has struggled with addiction. “I always had my cocaine, my alcoholism, …and my sex addiction.” He credits cannabis by opening his eyes and providing a new path. “It’s almost like you die and you’re reborn.”

With partner Jim Jones, Tyson started Tyson Ranch in 2016. A division of The Ranch Companies, Tyson Ranch, specializes in cannabis production and distribution. The Daily Mail reported that Tyson revealed, in his podcast Hotboxin’, that Tyson Ranch sells around $500,000 of cannabis each month.

Money Inc states that Tyson’s current net worth is $3 million, a far cry from his bankruptcy almost twenty years ago.

Mike Tyson, like many people, struggled throughout his youth. He lost his mentor and his way. After hitting rock bottom, a few different times, Tyson rose and discovered his voice. He established projects that sparked joy. He is living his life to the fullest.

The next few years have the potential to be documented as his greatest accomplishment. Tyson is “getting better and better” every day.

What are you doing to be “better and better” every day?