H.O.P.E.

A podcast reminder of the gratitude & blessings we sometimes forget we have. I just want to remind everyone that every storm will come to an end & with Faith & Gratitude we can make it through.Hope this podcast makes your day brighter.Support the show

Jacob has an amazing page on Instagram called feel_sober_good and that's exactly what he shares. In 2023 Jacob almost lost his life due to his alcohol intake. He was diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver. Here how he was able to battle through and how he is doing life now and showing others how to live their lives sober!!Support the show

Tater's story is a very POWERFUL story of HOPE!!Having come from a broken home with a father that just couldn't beat alcoholism. A mother that fell on hard times with a very abusive man that landed her almost dead int the hospital and she never truly recovered mentally from that.Tater tells of how his life went from partying with friends, drinking with co-workers, working in the radio industry not realizing where his addiction was leading him.The saying of I'm not going to be like them, was playing in his head until one day he was just like his dad. 08/11/22 Tater started on a new journey of sobriety and now is pursuing his dream of writing music in Nashville.Be sure to let us know your feedback on this true story of Struggle to Strength!!Support the show

Been a minute since I have updated H.O.P.E. this episode is how I have navigated through some pretty trying times in my life.  I hope you enjoy this story of the pivots and redirection of my mindset had to go. There will always be battles and storms that we have to go through, but the lessons we learn along the way remind us of why!!!Support the show

I had the absolute pleasure to interview Brandon again.  What a way to end 2024 & bring in 2025!!Brandon is not only a Special Needs Teacher, he is also a Coach, Mentor, Therapist & Counselor to many.  HIs positive attitude and love for others is one that we should all strive to have!! Always making others feel special & reminding them that they can do anything they put their mind to.I am blessed that God not only gave me the opportunity to have you on H.O.P.E. but also blessed me with your friendship.Support the show

The holidays are the best time of the year they say, for some it is the hardest time. Join me in this episode as I share why I think the holidays can be overwhelming and what we can do to navigate through to make our lives happier and help others too.Support the show

My good friend Will shares his story of addiction. Many years of abuse of both alcohol & drugs. Trying to get sober but never truly surrendering. Will is almost 2 years sober and by the Grace of his higher power he is making the world a better place.Support the show

Today's episode is a recap of last weeks episode with Lars. Today we explore what his recovery journey looks like.  What he does to help others to succeed in life.  Lars is a true testimony of service. Knowing what tools to use to stay sober even through lifes most difficult times!Support the show

Lars shares his story of struggles with addiction starting at a very young age and continuing for over 17 years. Lars remembers how he felt in that darkness of his addiction and shares with us one of his darkest moments that he attempted to take his life.I am truly blessed to have Lars as a friend of mine and also blessed that he is willing to share his story of struggles to help someone else get out of theirs. He has great words to share with us & some strong emotions also.Stay tuned for part 2 of his recovery journey next week.Support the show

Ronsha is an amazing woman of God & Faith.  On this episode of H.O.P.E. we have a great conversation about a few things that may help you get through life. Ronsha shares with us how she deals with Grief & also some tools for everyday life.She is a DV Survivor and shares with many women & men how to navigate through life as a Survivor.Support the show

Jaime was a guest on H.O.P.E. back in June of 2022 with an incredible story of HOPE!! Little did she know that she would be embarking on a journey that would take her to a whole new strength and help grow her Faith & Hope in fighting Breast Cancer.This lady here is a light to the world and truly is a blessing to others. Her journey with breast cancer is one of resiliance and strength.  She never gave up her HOPE even in times when she was barely able to do things in every day life.Jaime made sure that her bubbly charming & sweet personality didn't diminish through this journey.  She truly is a warrior and I consider my sister in Christ!!Support the show

Todays episode is my take on some of the signs that remind me of loved ones that have passed away.Also some of my friends input on their signs that remind them of their loved ones and also a reminder that they are always near by. My belief is 100% in God and I have complete faith in him as I know by his Amazing Grace he saved me!!I do also believe that he sends us little reminders that our loved ones are near!! I hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to like share and subscribe so you can hear some incredible stories of HOPE!!Support the show

Bradi share's her story of her 19 almost 20 year old son Jack was at a party and before he went to sleep he took a percocet that was laced with a small amount of Fentanyl & he did not wake up the next morning.Bradi & her husband continue to run their sons non-profit that helps children & teens with mental health issues. HappyJackWorld.com As hard as it is for Bradi to share losing her son, her passion is to keep his name alive and also to share with others what 1 pill can do!!!Support the show

Today I share somethings that I have endured and learned so far in life.  By far this is not everything but definitely a few lessons I've learned.  I hope you enjoy this episode of H.O.P.E.Support the show

Our !st interview was in January of 2022 Josh had just recently became sober again.  In August of 2024 he celebrated 3 years of contiuous Sobriety. Josh has had a lot of personal battles to deal with, but by the Grace of God and his beautiful fiance Josh is all about helping others with their strugglesI am blessed to call him my friendSupport the show

Growing up in the era when Crack was defintely an epedemic in our city of Toledo. DeAndre witnessed his young 14yr old teenage mother go through addiction and also drug dealing.  She changed her life and poverty set in.DeAndre began selling drugs but knew that is not what he wanted to do with his life. Having an Entrepenuer mindset he wanted to have his own construction business, but needed the money to do this.  This led this young High School graduate, basketball player, Golden Glove Boxer on his way to college down the wrong path to get some money to fund his Constuction Business.This landed him in prison at the young age of 18 for 16 years of his life. Almost as many years as he was alive. His prison time is an example of how you truly can be an asset to society when you come home.DeAndre is one of the most caring person that I have met in my lifetime. He comes from a mother that is absolutely a gem a true diamond.  His passion to help the underdog and help his community is what this world needs more of!! He is a true inspiration and I am truly blessed to not only have him as my coach/trainer but even more blessed to call him my friend.Support the show

THIS EPISODE WAS TRULY ON MY HEART FOR WEEKS!!WHEN YOU TRULY LOOK AT THE PERSPECTIVE OF HOW FAST LIFE CAN CHANGE!! REMEMBERING HOW BLESSED WE ARE FOR WHAT WE HAVE!!Support the show

Brandon has so much to offer to the world.  His determination and mindset has built his reputable reputation. Even when someone tried to ruin his career he had an army standing behind him.Brandon and I chat about a lot in this episode. Diversity, Mindset, Leadership, Your Circle, Love and Kindness.Such an awesome person that I am blessed to call my friend.Support the Show.

When I listened to Rory's book "A TRUE STORY I SHOULD'VE BEEN DEAD" I knew he was going to be an Inspirational Guest on H.O.P.E.His story of Struggle to Strength is one that reminds us that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!! Through his 17 years of Alcoholism & Crack Addiction Rory has faced many challenges & has been able to take all his skills and turn them into a $1,000,000 a year business.His resilance is INCREDIBLE after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer he perservierd and is alive and kicking ASS!! Never count yourself out of this Game of LIfe!!Support the Show.

What do you do when life comes at you hard.  Especially when it is your child or someone very close to you?  In this episode of H,O.P.E I share with you the whirlwind of life that my son Chad experienced & is still going through a healing journey!!As he said "Sometimes Life Comes at You Hard". The question is how do you navigate through it?Support the Show.

Jo grew up in California and at a young age became addicted to stimulants, anything that gave her an adrenaline rush was her choice of addiction.  She moved away from California to Coloroado to try to get away from her Meth addiction & also selling Meth.  Unfortunately she didn't change her circle of influence & ended up doing 4 years in Prison. Jo's story is truly a story of HOPE.  She is very encouraging and beautiful inside & out.  She is a reminder that our past does not define who we are now!!Support the show

Todays episode is a little of my sobriety story & also  a friendly reminder to myself and others that you don't always have to be strong, especially when it comes to grief. Please if you are grieving and can't seem to get out of that emotion, seek some help.  There are all kinds of Grief groups that you can join.  Please don't ever think someone will judge you because you are grieving.  If they do remind them that they are very fortunate to not relate to what you are feeling. Please like, rate & subscribe to my podcast &  youtube channel Support the show

DJ has been riding motorcycles since he was very young.  It is something he truly enjoys.  On 03/10/23   he was in a horrific motorcycle accident.  He spent months in a Rehab and is still going through surgeries.DJ's story is a reminder to continue on with life no matter what.  Never give up because if you have a pulse you have a purpose.  Support the show

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing this beautiful lady from Montreal Canada who's brand is Sober is the New Cool.  Her 11 year sobriety journey started out different than a lot of journey's I've been blessed to hear, her story is unique and so is her mission and vision.Kim is truly a pillar in the Recovery & Mental Health World.  Enjoy her story and be sure to follow her on IG @sober.is.the.new.coolSupport the show

Derick Gant is a great father, mentor & financial advisor who for many years focused on helping people who had lots of money & help them to grow their money.  After being in the hospital he had a talk with God that changed his financial business.  He then began helping people that needed financial help instead of helping the one's that truly need the financial advising.linktr.ee/derickgantSupport the show

No matter where you go you are there. Instead of trying to run from yourself, we need to take an internal self inventory & fix whatever it is we are running from.Support the show

Chastity Marie is a powerful woman who has definitely been through some really tough times in life!!  Her resiliance in life is one that should not be not heard!! Her story from childhood to teenager to young adult to now is a story of how having her faith & her love for God has gotten her to the WONDER WOMAN she is today!!She shares from her heart the pain that she's been through & how she has navigated and is still navigating through!!  Through therapy, a circle of friends & her love for Jesus and herself.  Her newest #happilyevenafterSupport the show

Sharon started out a determined person. Growing up having both parents active and married in her life,  Sharon wanted to be on the streets,  her story of resilience and perserverince is INCREDIBLE!! Sharon shares with us how she was able to get out of an abusive relationship that could of taken her life. We will definitely have a few episodes with this amazing woman of HOPE!!She is a business owner of many I've put her link to her Candle Business below..Deflamecandle.comSupport the show

Today I share how I navigate through life when life throws curve balls at me.  We all need to figure out the best way to handle situations that we have no control over.  Are we going to let it affect our entire day, week, month or our entire life.  Or are we going to figure out the BEST way to get through on a POSITIVE HAPPY note.Support the show

Gary's story of Recovery and HOPE is one that will truly inspire you!!! After many attempts at Rehabs and trying to get sober Gary finally turned his addicition into a redemption story starting on 05/13/2006 & he remains sober to this day!!Gary takes his sobriety very seriously as he says he knows he has one drunk left in him but does he have one comeback in him. Gary knows as well as I do that the fate is Death, Insanity or Jail with addiction.  Gary has a beautiful wife and 2 amazing young children.  His wife has been in his life for many years and many tries at recovery!! I always say God blesses us with some angels and I would say she is one of them.Gary has his own podcast that I was blessed to be on called "The Begin Again Podcast" which you can find on all platforms.  Support the show

Shawn was in and out of trouble from alcohol.  His life started to spiral out of control.  He wants to remind others that you are not alone!!! His story is truly a story of redemption.  Support the show

You may see Lou spending a lot of time in the gym & that is because it is where he finds his peace.  A little over a year ago Lou lost his daughter to an accidental Fentanyl overdose. He navigates through life a lot different now & is truly writing a story of HOPE!! Grief is so different for all of us and navigating through the loss of a child is definitely one of the hardest to get through!! I know his stroy is going to remind you that we can get through our struggles and find a reason to live.Support the show

Growing up in a very small town in North Carolina where the average income is around $15k-20k a year, most in the city have never even gave thought to a better happier life.  EJ is an exception to this in his town.  HIs positive outlook on life & his inspiration to others is what this world needs more of!I promise his big smile is like a magnent for happiness & HOPE!!!Support the show

Jeremy started messing with alcohol at a young age, which led him down a path of destruction almost to the point of Suicide!!!  I can't wait for you to hear his story and how Jesus truly saved his life!! We talked about addiction also about Mental Health awareness, especially in men. The importance of talking to someone and not keeping everything bottled up inside.  I love that Jeremy also talked about getting help through a counselor or therapist..Jeremy you are an inspiration to me and so many others!!! Keep sharing your story of HOPE & how Jesus saved you and can save others!!!Support the show

This is truly a great story of HOPE & Detrmination.  Carlos at 16 had his life change because of an unfortunate fire at his mom's restaurant.  He didn't have the luxurys that his older siblings had, because of the loss of income.  That did not stop Carlos from pursuing his entrepreneurship mindset.  He is now an Author,  he owns not just 1 business but 3 at the moment.  His never giving up attitude is what has brought him from Struggles to Strength!! Here is a link to his book https://a.co/d/4M3XeimSupport the show

Kevin definitely wasnt dealt a hand of great cards in his younger years.  Growing up in Chicago in Gang neighborhoods, he went from the boy who would cry over a deer being hit, to carrying a bat & gun to hurt another student. The fact that Kevin's mom moved him out of the city of Chicago to Atlanta to hopefully help him change his life around at the age of 16, didn't go as planned. Sitting in jail talking through glass to his mother as he was facing 45 years in prison.  Kevin saw the hurt in his mothers eyes & told God if he got out of this he would change his life so his mom would never have to hurt because of him again!!A true story of Redemption,  Kevin raised his son as a single father, who taught his son how to live a better life than Kevin had..He is an author of a book called "A SELF MADE LIFE" which can be found at Barnes & NoblesSupport the show

Jackie's story of HOPE is an Incredible story of Struggles to Strength.  Finally deciding to leave her husband because of a very toxic marriage,  Jackie ends up in another abusive relationship for 4 years.  Knowing that she had to make a change not only for herself but especially for her daughter.She is on a healing journey and is sharing her story outloud.  You can find her on TikTok @jfabfindingauthenticity Please go follow her she has some great tips for us all.Support the show

Toriano was born in a small town in PA,  he lived with his Grandma while his Mom went to the Big City of Cleveland to get settled then sent for him and his sister.  When they were finally with their Mom things changed from the little town to the big city.  Toriano was introduced to Drugs, Alcohol, Gangs & Violence.His Mother eventually gave her life to the Lord and prayed for her children.  One Wednesday Toriano had a feeling that he needed to go to church, so he showed up in the back pews.  He made a deal with God that he would come back on Sunday and go to the alter.   Unfortunately on Saturday he was involved in a shooting and would be sentence to 20 years - Life behind bars.Toriano's story of HOPE is a POWERFUL story of REDEMPTION!!How he and his wife (whom he married while still in prison) met and now have started their own Prison Ministry!!!  Be sure to comment and let us know how this story touched your life.  Also if you can give a raiting that would be awesomeLove Tammy Lyn Connors. The #hopedealerSupport the show

Do you ever say I will NEVER try or do that?  I have many times, this past weekend I tried something I said I would NEVER EVER do!!  Tune in and see what happened!!!Support the show

June is Men's Mental Health Month: Tune in and hear my conversation with Andre about how his depression put him in a very dark place & how his Faith in God and working on himself, with help from some awesome people in his life has gotten him to a place where he is Evolving to the person he truly is & living out his purpose in life!!!Support the show

Known as "The Golden Child" started boxing at the age of 10, he walked into a gym and knew that he wanted to box.  He ended up in 2020 & until 2022 had some real struggles.  Being shot on his Birthday & having to have surgery on his left hand the Dr told him he should just give up boxing.  This guy is no quitter.  Be sure to tune into ESPN on 07/01/23 as he will be boxing here in Toledo, OH at the Huntington Center!! A TRUE STORY OF NEVER GIVING UP!!Support the show

As a little girl Kristen loved singing so much she became a teacher of music, when the job was overwhelming she took a different avenue and actually put her love for music on the back burner.  Years of trying to find herself & the FEAR of taking that leap of Faith paralyzed her & her music.Kristen finally started back with music and has a POWERFUL story of STRUGGLES to STRENGTH.  She has recently made an album called Begin Again with songs that will inspire you and help you face your FEARS.  Her story is truly a story of HOPE!! You can find her music at kristenbuddemusic.comSupport the show

5 years ago Natalie lost her  job and so many other things, she had no HOPE so she attempted suicide not just once but twice within a 2 week period.  She incurred  some brain damage and  had to learn how to do almost everything over again.  Her drug addiction continued even after she had been through this tragic time of her life. Natalie shares with us her relationship with God and how she gets through her days now without any drugs. Support the show

I met Kim at an acoustic event & when I heard her sing I knew she had an old soul & her music told a story of HOPE.  I was blessed to chat with her and hear some of her struggles in life because of her sexual preference.  She shares with us about her college basketball years at Ohio State University.   You can listen to her music at Kimjoycemusic.comSupport the show

Even though Davy has had a couple of Relapses he never gave up on himself!! His story of Sobriety is Amazing Davy shares his story of his road to Recovery and his Mental Health Struggles.  He is an Army Veteran and shares how important  it was to get his EGO out of his way & how Therapy has helped him!!HIs Faith led him to his dream job & allowed him to learn his PURPOSE!!Support the show

When Stephen messaged me to let me know he's been sober for a month I knew I wanted him to share his lifestyle changes he's been making over the last couple of years.  Physical, Emotional, Mental & Health changes has put Stephen on an Incredible journey of HOPESupport the show

When Kel felt pain and ignored it in her back she put off getting to her Dr.  When she finally went to a gastrologist to only find out that there was nothing wrong, she finally ended up at the female dr & let me tell you the journey this BRAVE woman has encountered since them is a true testimony of Struggle to Strength.  Her story. is powerful & a reminder to find out what truly is important to YOU in life.Support the show

Ricky Sapp is not only a Conditioning Coach at Clemson but he also is a Motivational Speaker focused mostly towards kids.  Ricky suffered with Depression & Anxiety during his football college years at Clemson, Then it continued into his PRO Football Career.  He is also a great dancer & uses this platform to help others!! #thedancingweightroomcoach #dancingmotivatonalspeakerIG: dancingmotivationalspeakerTikTok: The Dancing Weight Room Coach @kingyricky91Podcast: Talk To Me TuesdaySupport the show

Charles Harrison has a POWERFUL story of HOPE.  His sobriety became a priority in his life in February of 2020 right before COVID!!  His perseverence and determination to stay sober is exactly what I talk about!! You can do anything you put your mind to!!!!Support the show

Keisha grew up on the West Side of Chicago.  She was a little skinny & awkwardly tall.  Only child on her Mom's side of the family, She has 2 half siblings.  Her self confidence was very low as she always towered over her friends in her teenage years.  Her mom reminded her to own her tallness.  She signed Keisha up for modeling classes.  Her story of HOPE is powerful.Support the show

Through the loss of Donna's son Josh Cessna, she has really relied on her FAITH in God to get her through the loss of Josh.  On 02/14/2020 Josh had taken a percoset which ended up being fetanyl.  That day Donna lost her son, His Children lost their Dad, His entire family's world was rocked.  Josh had been clean & sober for 5 years, Donna has taken her loss & has started helping others to get through the grief that comes with any loss.  Not only is Donna one of my Best Friends her son Josh was my Best Friend.  Support the show