Team TOUGH!
Team TOUGH!
Dustin Plantholt
Founder & CEO
I am Dustin Plantholt, born on August 12, 1983 in Oceanside, CA—a coastal city in San Diego County on California’s South Coast. I was a wild, spirited boy who came from a family riddled with severe dysfunction and generational trauma. My father was equal parts loving and angry and when he wasn’t in jail, he was stealing cars, racing dirt bikes, or shooting guns behind our house. My mother left my abusive father, moved away and left our family when I was a mere toddler—barely 2-years old. In doing so, our single dysfunctional dad took over parenting us. That is where my story begins. As we say at Life’s Tough Media… “EVERY story has a purpose!”
Three and a half years after my mother left, she returned into our lives. We were in foster care, as my father was in jail at the time, and the state of California was ready to put my sister and I up for adoption,
so they went searching for any next-of-kin. My mother’s reason she gave them for leaving us was “personal” and only known to her. We were eventually reunited with our mother—flying 2,000 miles across the country. This is where we would spend the remainder of our childhood—with her and her new family.
Then sadly in August 2014, my big sister Tennille died tragically. This began my personal journey of dealing with a devastating loss. Tennille, who had taken care of me in foster care, died suddenly of a drug overdose.
It was in losing Tennille that led me to discover my purpose and from where Life’s Tough Media was born. Our network of shows—anchored by my inspirational podcast, Life’s Tough: You Can Be TOUGHER!—proudly highlights personal stories of strength and perseverance and are listened to now in over 80 countries around the world. Our network aims to inspire and motivate each other towards personal fortitude, healing, growth, and empowerment. Together we share experiences, strategies and skills aimed at building better lives, healthier relationships, and a kinder society, as well as inspiring a world of emergent leaders.
Past guests on our shows include some of the most inspiring people on the planet: boxing icon Evander Holyfield; entrepreneur & Priceline.com Co-Founder Michael Loeb; actor & bodybuilding legend Lou Ferrigno; renowned religious leader Pat Robertson; celebrated recording artist John Tesh; ground-breaking host Jerry Springer; the 700 Club; the illustrious late Mary Wilson from the Supremes; military legend Colonel ‘Godfather’ Ferrando; celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich; Platinum Recording Artist Wyclef Jean; legendary venture capitalist Tim Draper; and many more.
Together, we are sparking a movement and changing the world, one heart at a time.
It’s life … life is tough … but YOU can be TOUGHER!
And remember… everyone has a story and every story has a purpose!
Kind Regards,
Dustin
Advisor
Michael Dotsikas is a technology consultant, writer, publisher and public speaker, best known as the founder and owner of Business Systems Consulting, a leading technology firm that provides premium computer consulting services to small and mid-sized companies in the New York tristate region. Michael earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Information Systems from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.
As President of Life’s Tough Media, Michael directs the organization’s operations and business affairs; spearheads new initiatives; and explores new opportunities, potential partnerships, and collaborations.
In addition to his business endeavors, Michael is an award-winning children’s author with a passion for creating engaging, mindful stories for children. His critically acclaimed, Benjamin Birdie Children’s Picture Book Series, has received several industry awards and has garnered rave reviews from children, parents and educators alike. You can find out more about Michael’s children’s books on his personal website at https://www.michaeldotsikas.com.
Michael is also the co-founder and partner of Porch Time Publishing, Inc., a boutique publishing company whose mission is to help indie authors fulfill their publishing dreams. In sticking to its charitable mission, Porch Time Publishing donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every book to charitable causes—from organizations that bring awareness to the plight of endangered species to foundations that benefit children and their well-being.
Michael was born in Agrinio, Greece and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was four. He currently lives in Manorville, New York with his wife, Dina, and their two youngest of five amazing children, along with their two precarious little pups. Traveling and spending time with family and friends are favorite pastimes.
Podcast Producer
"Sir" Isaac Smith specializes in guiding new podcasters through the process of creating, launching, and maintaining their shows. You can rely on him for equipping you with the tools you need for quality audio, and managing the back end of your show so you can stay focused on creating content. He joined Life's Tough Media in June of 2021 as a Podcast Producer. Before that he worked in radio production for 5 years and podcasting in general for 2.He and his wife work together from their home in Hawkins, TX, where he enjoys church, watching Brit Box, and playing D&D. He is also an audiobook producer and host of the "Business RPG" podcast.
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations for Life’s Tough Media, Alyssa specializes in communication and team management, working directly with clients and hosts, operating behind the scenes of each podcast production. Relying on her years of experience in writing, graphic design work, and high performance coaching, she sets the team's schedule and oversees all aspects of media production.
In addition to her commitment to Life’s Tough Media’s mission to inspire and help others succeed in life, she has plans to expand her real estate investments and someday become a published author. However, despite her entrepreneurial spirit, Alyssa considers being a mom to her five kids her greatest work and achievement. She currently lives in Greenwood, Indiana and is actively involved in her kids school work, social activities and home life.
IT Director
Luis brings over 20 years of experience in the field of information technology and has a diverse background in corporate IT settings, with extensive proficiency in programming, databases, networking, enterprise computing, project management, as well as telecommunications.
As the IT Director for Life’s Tough Media, Luis finds it rewarding to utilize his technology and software engineering skills to further our mission of changing lives and connecting people.
Luis lives in Upstate New York with his wife and amazing son. When not in work-mode, he enjoys spending time with his family and experiencing new restaurants in New York and New Jersey. He also loves travelling with his family—exploring new countries and cultures.
Lead Video Editor
Director of Special Projects
Georgia Nomikos is honored to be a part of Life's Tough Media team, as Director of Special Projects. She is also president and founder of Orpheus Luxury Collection Inc. a specialty travel and events co, and an “Advocate for Hellenic & Intercultural Dialogue”.
Born in Hellas and raised in New York City, Georgia’s Hellenic values permeate everything she does. She is a strong advocate for universal education and is dedicated to promoting the intellectual freedom that comes with it. {Intellectual freedom, Georgia believes, is a necessary condition for the empowerment that will enrich life for all and foster a healthy sustainable planet for the future.} She actively serves on various boards whose mission runs parallel to her passion, vision and goals.
In addition, Georgia is the founder and president of Pan Logos Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting cultural exchange through the Hellenic Language, Education and Ideals.
Georgia is dedicated first and foremost to her daughter and second to the betterment of humanity.
Copywriter
Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in art history and failing to find her dream job, Staci turned her professional efforts to making the world a better place by serving Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Having developed a passion for cross-cultural communication and urban life, she went on to earn her master’s degree in international development from American University in Washington, DC. Afterwards Staci was a consultant for the World Bank, product developer for Manaca Ecotravel and professional photographer in both Washington, DC and New York City.
Now a wife and mother, Staci enjoys writing, exercising, and focusing her volunteer efforts on her first love, building houses around the world. Combining her love of travel and partnering with people in need, Staci uses her talents and skills leading teams abroad for both Habitat for Humanity International and The Fuller Center for Housing. She’s visited nearly 70 countries and has no plans of slowing down.
At the invitation of a friend, Staci recorded her own travel podcast in 2020 and was introduced to Life’s Tough Media. She enjoys all the creative writing projects Life’s Tough throws her way! In keeping with her favorite life aphorism, Always Be Learning, her latest venture is working toward becoming a Level III Healing Touch practitioner.
When she is not globe-trotting and collecting fodder for globalstaci.com, she enjoys her second favorite pastime, cooking and throwing parties at her home in Maryland, USA.