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There Are Free Grants + Help You Didn’t Know Existed
Matthew Lesko on Joy, Government Grants + Resilient Living
Reignite Resilience Podcast
April 18, 2025
Last week on Reignite Resilience, we brought the color, the energy, and the unexpected joy of Matthew Lesko—you know him as the “question mark suit guy” and government grant guru. But in these two episodes, we go beyond the costume and deep into the heart of his mission: helping others thrive, dream big, and live with joy no matter what life throws their way.
With his signature passion and humor, Matthew reminds us that joy is a choice, resilience is a muscle, and there are more resources out there than we think—especially when we learn how to access them. Let’s dive in.
🎙️ Featured Episodes
In this episode, Matthew shares the unexpected emotional formula he uses to cultivate joy and resilience, even in moments of doubt, failure, and frustration. His unique perspective on life—part playful, part profound—helps us see how joy can be engineered by choosing to show up for yourself, your dreams, and your why every single day.
“I used to wear only question marks because I thought if you ask the right question you can get the right answer. The problem is asking what the right question is. But now I feel that's still true. But if your heart's not in it, it's not going to happen.” — Matthew Lesko
Yes, free money is real—but it’s not about getting rich quick. It’s about empowering yourself to seek out resources, opportunities, and support systems. In this episode, Matthew demystifies government programs and shows us how building financial resiliency can help you reignite your purpose and fuel your dreams—especially during hard times.
“And that's painful to me, that we're sitting with all this talent, all this expertise, all this energy and they think they can't do anything in this country.” — Matthew Lesko
Themes + Takeaways from Both Episodes
Stand Strong Against Challenges
Matthew’s path has been anything but conventional. From rejection letters to business failures, he’s faced countless setbacks—and still chose to keep going. His story reminds us that staying curious is one of the greatest forms of strength.
Make Resilience a Superpower
Resilience isn’t about being tough—it’s about being committed to the process. Whether it’s applying for grants or pushing through a rough season, consistency is key.
Pursue Knowledge and Self-Improvement
Lesko urges us to ask more questions—not just of the world, but of ourselves. What do you need right now? Where could you seek support? What’s holding you back?
Learn through Our Journeys
His playful spirit is a masterclass in how to blend real struggle with radical hope. Even when life gets heavy, joy is always available when you look for it intentionally.
Prioritize Well-Being
Joy isn’t a reward; it’s a tool. Choosing joy isn’t frivolous—it’s a necessity for mental, emotional, and even financial wellness.
Tools to Resiliency
✔️ Ask Better Questions
Feeling stuck? Start asking “What’s one thing I haven’t tried yet?” or “Where can I find support?” Curiosity opens doors.
✔️ Start Small with Grants
Visit FindHelp.org, CareerOneStop.org, or Free.Lesko.com to explore free training programs, job assistance, and other government resources.
✔️ Build Joy into Your Routine
Wear something fun. Dance in your kitchen. Call that friend who always hypes you up. Make joy part of your strategy, not just a mood.
✔️ Track Your Progress
Whether you're applying for grants or building a new habit, use a simple tracker to remind yourself: You're moving forward, even if it's slow.
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Joy isn’t something we wait for. It’s something we create, even in the midst of uncertainty. Matthew Lesko reminds us that resilience doesn’t have to look serious—it can be colorful, chaotic, and even a little silly.
So ask your questions. Apply for the grant. Wear the question mark suit if you need to. Whatever you do—just keep going.
We’re rooting for you.
With love and warmth,
Natalie & Pamela, Reignite Resilience Cohosts
