Nobody Knows Your Story

Send us a textI really enjoyed "talking story" with Bill Simpson. I found him to be authentic as he shared his story of EVENTUALLY learning how to be better at being a kind, empathetic, communicative partner.As Bill shared his story, he talked of failed relationships and what he was doing in these relationships that caused them to eventually implode. One thing Bill did was to seek therapy. But, perhaps the biggest thing he did was to embrace the need to change.Take a listen and just maybe you'll relate to some of what Bill has learned. You can also get more great ideas from Bill's podcast.PODCAST: Men on the Path to LoveWEBSITE: menonthepathtolove.com    

Send us a textWelcome to episode one of season six of Nobody Knows Your Story. My guest, Rick DellaRatta sang "live" during the podcast recording which was a first and we had fun recalling how he got involved in music, specifically jazz music.I'd say that the events of 9/11/2001 changed any American who was alive at the time. This tragedy took Rick's life in a new direction and he explains how creating Jazz for Peace has helped many better their lives. Jazz for Peace™ provides Empowerment Grants, sustainable funding and advocacy for non-profits, artists and all outstanding causes worldwide to enable them to be more productive and successful.  Email:info@jazzforpeace.org

Send us a textBorn in rural China with health issues which included open heart surgery at one, Jacob Roy spent his first few years in an orphanage. Luckily he was adopted by a wonderful woman who raised Jacob in Syracuse, NY.In this episode, Jacob talks about growing up with few people in his life who looked like him and how sometimes he was more comfortable staying in the background.But now, he's a graduate student at Georgetown University and starting his own podcast. We talk about these things are what his plans are going forward. Jacob's podcast:https://blessthebridgeshow.substack.com/

Send us a textRight now, there are 100,000 people on the planet who are here to help uplevel it. They are the guides, the teachers, the healers, the coaches—the ones who will lead the shift toward a higher consciousness.Kelle Sparta is a transformational shaman who helps spiritual practitioners, teachers, and coaches make 6-figure+ incomes doing the work they love.  After almost 50 years of study (yes, she started when she was just 5 years old), 29 years as a coach and healer, and 20 years marketing her services online, Kelle has a broad and unique perspective on what it takes to be successful in this industry.  As I listened to Kelle share her story about "helping to uplevel the planet" I of course had to ask, why can some folks communicate with those who have passed? She very calmly replied...  I know, I know; I can be mean at times. :) She really does answer my question but you'll need to listen to the podcast.ABOUT KELLE:Website: Kellesparta.comBook: The Over-Achiever's Guide to Spiritual AwakeningPodcast: Spirit Sherpa

Send us a textWARNING:This episode will contain accounts of child abuse, rape, torture and murder. Licking the Knife is a memoir written by Sabrina Capper in which she tells of a horrific childhood growing up in Oklahoma in a high demand religion. Sabrina's grandfather, the patriarch of the family and respected in her community and church was a monster. We discuss her story and touch on important subjects such as the importance of believing a child when they tell of adults hurting them. I want to say that though Sabrina's life in her youth was horrific, she is now living her best life and has the total support of her husband Dave and son Jack. Our interview is not nearly as graphic as Sabrina's book, but it still may be triggering for some so it may be wise to pass on this episode.Reach out to Sabrina: SabrinaCapper.comTikToc: Oldladylit (Over 6 million posts - over 70K followers)Book: Licking the Knife   

Send us a textCONTENT WARNING: SuicideThis is part two of Lorna and Jack Hoopes sharing their life stories. If you have not listened to part one, you should as Lorna and Jack talk about their early lives and about how they met.In part two they discuss their children, extended family, career path/ choices, and what they are doing now. "Never had one boring day in my life since I met Jack." (Lorna)*Please note that included as part of their stories will be discussions of suicide. 

This is part one of Lorna and Jack Hoopes story. I've known Lorna and Jack for a couple of years and over this time, I have learned that their lives have been anything but typical.In part one they discuss their early years with Lorna growing up in Yuma, AZ and Jack in the Rexburg, ID area. I say area because in Jack's early years his family spent 5 months of the year about 30 miles away in Teton Valley.As they share their stories you can begin to see events in each of their lives that molded them into the individuals they are today. They are indeed individuals and even though Lorna would tell you she might not have been the type to make waves in her youth, she's a bit different now. Jack on the other hand, he's always been a wave maker. We'll hear more about this in part two which will come out March 5th. 

Wendy Alexander grew up in South Africa feeling the sting of segregation and racism. As Wendy shares her story she talks about her first encounter at a whites only beach when she was seven and later as she was asked to leave a whites only coach on a train at age fifteen. Her father and mother wanted a better life for Wendy and her four siblings so the family moved to Melbourne, Australia. Wendy talks of a relationship that ended in part due to physical abuse while she was pregnant. She shares about the difficulties of having a baby while single and not having any support from the baby's father.As I sit here and reflect on our conversation I must admit that hearing how Wendy persevered during her darkest days is what stands out. She had a large debt, had a newborn and worked hard to rise above her situation. Wendy is a great example of someone who has a never give up attitude and it was a pleasure hearing her story. Book: Internal UprisingInstagram: wendy_a_alexanderCEO & Founder at Happy Career Hub  -  happycareerhub.comHelping job seekers and career changers achieve better jobs, better incomes and better career options while maintaining good health, connected relationships and ongoing peace of mind.

Zachary Liu is the youngest guest to share his story on Nobody Knows Your Story. So why did I think I should interview Zachary when he reached out?Take a listen and I'm confident you will also be impressed with ALL that Zachary has been able to accomplish is his short 20 years.

Wow, what a walk down memory lane it was for me when I visited with Beth Pellino-Dudzic. Beth talked about growing up in New York City, clubbing at Studio 54, dating musicians and how her life took a turn a few years ago as she put pen to paper. Yeah, she's written a "fictional" story about the rock n roll world.But, Beth has not just written a book; she's written a series; five finished with at least one more. Take a listen as Beth talks about rock n roll from the seventies until today.Beth's website:Perfectionsaga.com

TRIGGER WARNING: Physical & verbal abuse. Deborah LeBlanc grew up and still lives in Louisiana. As she shares her story she takes the listener on a journey which began with an abusive mother, a marriage at sixteen, becoming a mother at eighteen and a number of tragedies that would have made most crumble. Instead, Deborah chose to get educated and help others through hypnotherapy. Now, without question, wherever Deborah goes, she travels to deliver one basic message—a message of hope…then commits to turning that hope into reality.(Oh, she's also found time to author twenty-six books.)WEBSITE: MINDPATHTHERAPIES.COM

So yeah, Debbie Harfield, "The Mindful Meerkat" suffers from agoraphobia. She noticed it big time during covid as she stayed at home fearing and avoiding places or situations that might cause panic and feelings of being trapped, helpless or embarrassed.  She talks about this as it's a big part of her story and how mindfulness has helped her greatly.She also talks about her first eleven years growing up in Southampton, England and then moving to Wales and the issues that created.Debbie has a website, themindfulmeerkat.com and on the site as well as in public settings she is helping others deal with agoraphobia by talking about the benefits of mindfulness. 

In 1976, Matthew Gray left high school to sell merch for the Eagles on their Hotel California tour. Then he did similar things for Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac. Talk about seeing the world!But that's just a small part of Matthew's story. The big part revolves around food. He talks about attending one of the oldest and most prestigious cooking schools in the world, Le Cordon Bleu in London. So yes, he talks about food quite a bit and how he first got into cooking.His story is a fun one and yes, he does talk about Hawaii. I mean, he's lived there since 1993. 

Rob Fredette and I have a lot in common and I suppose that's why we connected. As Rob shares his story he talks about growing up with his brother playing a variety of sports and always being supported by his parents.Music also was a big part of Rob's life and still is. As Rob considers Boston his home, we talk about some of the bands that came out of the area. We also discuss how music and sports can help make life more enjoyable.Finally, we talk about Rob's wife and how she has been a great support to him, especially as he has made career related moves. They also share similar passions and that has helped in the almost 25 years they have been together.We finish our discussion by talking about Rob's podcast; Hodgepod. It's a lot of fun and gives him the flexibility to explore a variety of subjects. 

Explicit Language in this episode-Simon Yeats was born in Australia, sent to boarding school, graduated university and ended up in the United States. Not a typical upbringing, but it was an upbringing that helped Simon discover the world of travel.As Simon relates his life experience, he talks about helping folks with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. These are often patient's whose doctors have said would not recover yet Simon has been instrumental in several amazing recoveries.One sad experience is Simon's relationship with his son and the difficulties he's had in attempting to have a relationship with him.Once again, Simon has traveled extensively, and he recalls an experience in Hawaii that was not typical at all. If you'd like to check out Simon's humorous travel books, here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Simon-Yeats/author/B0CBNQLSPW?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

The youngest of nine children, Rulon Gardner was raised on a dairy farm in Wyoming, where the family grew crops and milked cows twice a day. Rulon learned about hard work and determination which became core values in Rulon's life.As Rulon shares his story, he talks about how his upbringing has helped him deal with the adversity that has come his way. He also talks about his wrestling career which most knew little about until the 2000 Olympics and his match against one of the greatest athletes to have ever wrestled.Though it doesn't get as much attention as the “Miracle on Ice” at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Upstate New York, Rulon's Olympic match against Aleksandr Karelin of Russia in Sydney Australia is an equally impressive underdog story. Aleksandr, “The Russian Bear” was 12 lbs. at birth and a terrifyingly toned 287 pounds in his wrestling prime. He had allowed just a single point to be scored against him in the previous 10 years of competition; he hadn't lost a match in 13. Yeah, we talked all about what has now become known as the Miracle on the Mat during our talk story session. But Rulon also talks about other events (which include several brushes with death) that have made him who he is today.2000 Sydney Olympic match: https://youtu.be/oVT3-wbL8HU?si=5i14CojKHNBG7k1gWebsite: Rulongardner.comBook: Never Stop Pushinghttps://a.co/d/03f7dod

Sam Mitchell hosts his own podcast, Autism Rocks and Rolls. Sam was diagnosed with autism at age 4 but as he would say, the spectrum is vast and he's been able to accomplish much. Sam started Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation in October of 2019 at age 20. It began with a simple interest in media when he was a junior in high school and has led to him becoming an entrepreneur by creating his own Nonprofit and podcast. His nonprofit and advocacy offers public speaking, podcast coaching, podcast editing, sponsorships, ad space, merchandise, public speaking, educational supplements, guest appearances, and guest space on his podcast. Although Sam has had obstacles in the past and still has daily struggles, he is using this platform to take away the stigma off of autism and other conditions that many think are disabilities. He often brings guests into the conversation, whether it be family members, friends, celebrities or others involved in the world of autism. He wants to prove that he is not broken and does not need to be fixed. Sam has a lot of fun along the way and really loves to entertain his audience. Sam is a high-functioning human being on the autism spectrum, but he has a mission: to show people that he is not broken, does not need to be fixed, there is no normal in this world, and he is successful, WITH autism. Sam wants to celebrate the successes of all. He embraces who he is and feels as though everyone should do the same. His mission has caught on and this powerful and extraordinary idea is catching on and gotten the world's attention. People are differently abled, not disabled.  Sam's website:https://autismrocksandroll.com

Mark Collins grew up in a military family which we all know means he moved a lot. For some, this would mean making new friends every few years but Mark was the  quiet, loner type.So how did he go from this quiet, loner personality to teaching life mastery? That's an interesting story. You just may see a bit of yourself in Mark's story. I know I did.Mark's book: "LIFE MASTERY: Living life by design, not by default."Mark's website: freedom-for-life.net

Lance Hillsinger worked in social services for 34 years. As he shares his story he talks about what he saw as a cycle for families that was difficult to break free from.Growing up in Southern California, he was fortunate to have parents who were a good example of what a marriage should be. He talks about these early years and how this positive upbringing was so different from the majority of cases he handled as a social worker.  He wrote a book, In Place of the Parent: Inside Child Protective Services, which examines the child welfare/juvenile court system. He then wrote a second book, Build a Better Bridge: Social Policy for the 21st Century, where he goes beyond child welfare and examines social welfare programs (cash aid, food stamps, etc.) in general.   Though he thought he might become an engineer, he obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology and political science from UCLA and a master's degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University. 

Dave Nordel grew up on a dairy farm in Northern California learning important life lessons. As Dave recalls his life we discuss some of these lessons which include what it means when cows lie down. (Yes, this is a tease.)We talk quite a bit about what Dave learned on his varied assignments around the world. He took much of what he learned and founded Max Fab Consulting where he offers keynote leadership, organizational growth and strategic guidance. Max Fab was born from the challenges and adversity Dave faced during his time serving in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Drawing from his battle with PTSD, he remains deeply committed to assisting transitioning veterans and other trauma victims, guiding them toward healthier coping mechanisms. Dave has also authored the following books:Giving Back:  Life and Leadership from the Farm to the Combat Zone and Beyondhttps://www.amazon.com/Giving-Back-Leadership-Combat-Beyond-ebook/dp/B0C51SSW2B?ref_=ast_author_mpbWhen the Cows Lie Down: The Reason People Quit YOU- Their "Leader"https://www.amazon.com/When-Cows-Lie-Down-YOU-Their-ebook/dp/B0CFD7C6LQ?ref_=ast_author_dp

Living the Aloha Life is a podcast I have listened to since 2018. This is where I was introduced to Wayde Fishman.  Wayde loves Hawaii the way I love Hawaii so naturally as Wayde shares his story, we talk at length about Hawaii. We discuss what we love about Hawaii, what first attracted Wayde to Hawaii, and the reality of living in Hawaii today. We also talk about Wayde's life prior to his move to Hawaii in 1998.Something about Wayde that makes him different from many who profess a love of Hawaii is that Wayde has done his best to give back to Hawaii. He started 808 Cleanups back in 2012 with the intention of cleaning up Oahu. To date, they have removed over one million pounds of trash, and they have intentions of opening chapters on the other major Hawaiian Islands.  Because Hawaii is so expensive, Wayde has been working on a tiny home project that one day he hopes to take to Hawaii island, aka the Big Island. We talked about this a bit during our talk story session. We also talk about the other things Wayde has going on like his jeep tour business and brewery tour bus.

Laura Lynch grew up in Virginia with a tight knit Christian upbringing. When her parents decided to build a home, Laura got ahold of the blueprints and found them fascinating. As she tells her story, she talks about being interested in blueprints and drawing homes in her youth. There was time in the U.S. Air Force, college, a home purchase that went poorly but which set her on a path to pursue the interests of her youth. Laura is the founder of The Tiny House Adviser. She is a financial planner, podcast host, and tiny house enthusiast. With her personal experience and passion for tiny living, she is dedicated to helping others find financial autonomy and make an impact through tiny living.Laura's podcast: Less House More Moola

Richard Deming discovered music at an early age. He played drums. Like many, he thought it would be great to be in a band and play music for a living. Today Richard teaches at Yale where he also directs the creative writing program. Sometimes, you must take the other fork.The fact that Richards dream of playing drums for a living didn't pan out doesn't mean that he didn't excel in music, and he did play in a band, a really good band. As Richard tells his story, his interest in music is discussed, and he also talks about why he switched from music to writing. (We do discuss various music interests which is always fun.)Richard discusses loneliness and talks about being lonely at times himself. We discuss his latest book, This Exquisite Loneliness and look at loneliness a bit differently than one might expect. At an unprecedented rate, loneliness is moving around the globe—from self-isolating technology and political division to community decay and social fragmentation—and yet it is not a feeling to which we readily admit. It is stigmatized, freighted with shame and fear, and easy to dismiss as mere emotional neediness. But what if instead of shying away from loneliness, we embraced it as something we can learn from and as something that will draw us closer to one another? We talk about this as well. Book: This Exquisite Loneliness https://a.co/d/bUO3tLMWebsite: https://www.richarddemingbooks.com/  

Often as I sit and talk story with my guest, I have such a fun, therapeutic experience that before I know it twenty, or thirty minutes have flown by. This is how it was as I visited with Utkarsh Narang.Today, Utkarsh is a happiness coach but as he tells his story, he recalls just how his life path took him from New Delhi, India to Melbourne, Australia with a detour or two along the way.When I say Utkarsh is a happiness coach I should say that he feels everyone needs a little happiness in life and he's just around to provide the necessary nudge to get folks on their journey. He's a fan of the following quote from Mahatma Gandhi which I too fully embrace, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”https://www.facebook.com/ignitedneurons

Zoey Rana grew up in Southeast England in the community of Crawley. As a Muslim, she was raised with strict parents, especially a strict father. Her parents had her life all mapped out but from an early age, Zoey wasn't interested in the life they had planned.It took moving to another country to free herself of the religious oppression she felt in Crawley.Zoey also has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder which she openly discusses as she tells her story. She feels she has benefitted greatly from the podcast, From Borderline to Beautiful: Hope and Help for BPD with Rose Skeeters.

Patricia Malanga was born in Africa more specifically, in Zaire which is now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was not a safe place and her family wanted to leave. They spent six years in a refugee camp hoping to relocate to a country that would provide a better opportunity for her parents and siblings. As I visited with Patricia, she talked about those difficult first thirteen years of life in Africa. She talked about the culture shock it was when her family arrived in the United States and how she adjusted to her families settling in Utah with its one percent black population and Mormon majority.  

Edward Di Gangi was adopted at birth in New York City. An only child, he made no effort to explore his heredity until, at age 69, a visit to a cemetery where members of his adoptive mother's family were buried stirred his interest.The above paragraph from Edward's website speaks to what Edward has been up to these past five or six years. We talk quite a bit about his search, and about his discoveries along the way. Website: digangiauthor.comBook: The Gift Best Given: A Memoir

Jacia Kornwise has a life story unlike any told here on NKYS. Before listening, I want to issue a trigger warning for those who may be affected by physical assault.Jacia is a Master Embodied Soul Coach, Transformational Experience Facilitator, and TEDxSpeaker, with an impressive 31-year career dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and groups transform their stuck points into resilience and embodied resourcefulness. She has also taught at festivals as well as led retreats and corporate events with her skillsets. As a multiple trauma and grief survivor, Jacia has inspired her students, clients, friends, and loved ones for decades.As we talked a bit prior to our interview and even more after, Jacia explained that she has had sensitivity and practice working with anxiety, grief, loss, trauma, health, body image, creativity, self-esteem, and motherhood, as well as being an explorer of consciousness. She specializes in somatic, trauma-informed embodied mindfulness coaching, conscious dance, 5 Rhythms and movement facilitation, breathwork, and shadow work to create life-altering experiences. This past November, Jacia became an author and her book, The Love Ball Game: Embracing Yourself and Embodying Your Soul has already won a number of awards.https://linktr.ee/jaciakornwise?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3F1EqrjRpUJfkCMW3-gKbkeH6sPlB4yn9dWc-dnQO0piV2vFo-5MZ0WEQ_aem_AX9jEfhIQDRGUfiWqMGfZBWGLVMglzaFxBvcA08vohKjEgQ604IOSyTbIyfP1RX9y0SIgYz0Wh6azZ1hjPzCrUw9

James Phelps was the first guest to appear on Nobody Knows Your Story. In this episode we find out what has changed in James life over the past four years. (It's a lot!) We also asked James wife Jolene to sit in and share her story.In the April 28, 2020 episode with James he talked about leaving Mormonism. Lots of folks are doing that these days but unlike most; James and Jolene have found religion to still be an important part of their lives. So important in fact that they are making a big move to the St George, UT area to... You'll need to listen to their episode to hear; the rest of the story. (Yeah, I always liked listening to Paul Harvey.)Jolene has a book on Amazon you may wish to check out; especially after hearing her tell her story. Into God's Arms https://a.co/d/366bi0FJames website: https://www.askldsquestions.com/ 

Josh Coffin grew up as a pleaser. He loved the praise he received for doing what others wanted him to do. He also grew up in super conservative southeastern Idaho and as he states, "In high school 75 to 80% of the students attended Mormon seminary. I assumed the rest were just inactive Mormons." As Josh relates his life story, he recalls a happy childhood which included working a variety of jobs and checking all of the Mormon boxes including going on a two year mission to Mexico at age nineteen.  Josh is a funny dude and that's a big reason he and I enjoy conversing. We play poker together and share several interests from our take on sports to our fondness of tattoos and living authentic lives.   The last twenty minutes or so are powerful as Josh talks about how he has benefited from therapy. The therapy has helped him to better understand himself, but also helped him to be a better husband and father. 

Let me start off by saying that Joe Elder tells his story in a way that I believe anyone who has battelled alcohol or drugs would find not only relatable, but inspiring.  Like many, Joe Elder has had challenges in his life. In his youth, Joe's family moved often which made it hard to make and then leave friends. But he also experienced differing ideas and views he might not have seen had he grown up in one place.Family has always been important to Joe. As he tells his story he talks about "family life" and how choices at times were affected by family decisions. Joe also talks about how during a tough period he succumbed to alcohol and ended up an alcoholic; but how this experience helped him decide what he wanted to do with his life. He wanted to help others. Favorite book-Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of GodPodcast Joe hosts with Chris Wilkins-Do Your Dailies

I've had the pleasure of getting to know Maile Jewkes and her husband Jerry over the past couple of years. But in a reversal of the norm, I actually met and became friends with Maile's parents almost thirty years ago. Maile will talk about this a bit as she shares her story. TRIGGER WARNING: Maile's story also includes a marriage where she was physically abused. If this could be triggering, you may want to skip this episode or at the very least skip this particular section which begins at the 36:00 minute mark.    

As with a number of guests I've interviewed, I know Wayne Cavicchioni on a personal level. We played softball against each other for a couple of years but I noticed that Wayne was a people person. He was also an above average player. People person, softball skill level high; it's easy to see why I reached out to Wayne to play on OUR softball team. He did and we played many years together.So back to the people person aspect. Wayne is a good hard working, blue collar dude. For the most part, he's worked for himself and when you work for yourself, you have no safety net. You are responsible for what you obtain.Life was moving along fairly smoothly for Wayne, until it wasn't. Listen as Wayne describes how he ended up with cirrhosis of the liver as a non-drinker. 

Life is all about pivoting, some might say transitioning. Mac McGregor knows all about transitioning and he talks freely about his life as a high level martial arts competitor representing the United States, as a female.As you listen to Mac's story, you will learn that Mac knew from a very young age that he was different. Over time, he learned that there was nothing wrong with this difference he felt. Eventually, it became an opportunity to pivot and he did. Today Mac is the founder and President of Positive Masculinity. The goal of Positive Masculinity is for heart-led  masculine folks who want to create a transformative path for masculinity in our world. Author of the book, Positive Masculinity NowWebsite: https://www.positivemasculinitynow.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Positivemasc/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@positivemasculinitynow/YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@positivemasculinity3458

Marc Schafler's story was a particularly fun one for me and I suspect many other boys now in men's bodies.  Many of us who grew up in the 60's & 70's dreamed of playing baseball in the major leagues.  Marc was a good player in his youth and he recalls some of the highlights as he tells his life story.Hawaii has been a place Marc has visited more than once. He's actually spent time on a number of the Hawaiian islands and we talk about that a bit. But his story is one in which baseball played a huge role. It helped him educationally, and in a way with his career in real estate.So, did he make it to the major leagues?  You'll need to listen to his story to find out.

Frank Ring grew up in Palisades Park, NJ with a view of the New York City skyline. He loved sports and played both basketball and baseball. He was always into physical fitness and took to running on a regular basis. Frank discovered the benefits of walking almost by accident. A severe back injury caused him to discontinue his habit of running and really take time off from exercise altogether. When he felt it was time to start back up, he began walking. Soon, he realized that walking was helping him reduce his weight, giving him opportunities to listen to podcasts, books on tape and enjoy his surroundings. Of course, walking is just a big part of Frank's story.  If you want to see what Frank has to say about the benefits of walking; here's a few links, you'll want to check out. From his website: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com“Walking for Health and Fitness is a health,fitness, and wellness website, books, newsletter, and digital programsdedicated to walking and all the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefitsthat come from it in order to achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle!”Podcast: Walking for Health and Fitness: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/walking-for-health-and-fitness/id1689142698?i=1000615839443Book: Walking for Health and Fitness. Download the first two chapters free: https://tinyurl.com/whfchaptersWalk Around the U.S. : https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/blog/my-virtual-walk-around-the-united-statesMom's Life Lessons: https://www.walkingforhealthandfitness.com/blog/10-life-lessons-moms-life-well-lived

MISSION STATEMENT:I live to inspire and light a fire in the hearts of others.I want people to desire a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. ~Traci Neal~When you listen to Traci tell her story, you'll soon find that there's lots of reasons for Traci to have lost her faith. You'll also find out why she didn't.CONTACT TRACI:Tracinealspeakerpoet.com

“I write so I can explain things to myself. That they are explained to you in the process is just as important to me, but the motivation has been intrinsic to simply trying to explain things to myself in an attempt to making some kind of sense.”-Eric YoungI copied this statement from the forward in Eric's book, I'm No Saint. It resonated with me for several reasons, one of which was its similarities on why I have this podcast. Sure, it gives my guests a forum to discuss their lives, but it also provides me a space to explain things to myself as I explain them through conversation with my guest, and eventually, the podcast listener.As you listen to Eric relate his life, you won't soon forget the first eight minutes. We all have life events that define our character, but the events that happen to some can take an individual down a never before imagined path. A life pivot so to speak. For Eric, these events were more than a simple life pivot, they were life transformational.  Books by Eric-I'm No SaintTo Risk

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Secret Service Agent? We all think of the Secret Service protecting the President and Vice President of the United States, but they do much more. Dan Dluzneski did have security details where he protected the leaders of the United States, but he did other things too which I found to be very interesting.As he told his life story, Dan talked about growing up on a farm in Connecticut, and the strong work ethic his father instilled in him. It wasn't until college that Dan thought about law enforcement and that was only after his dream of being a sports announcer didn't work out. He retired from the Secret Service after a twenty-four year career.But, Dan was restless. Dan talks about his second career which was also centered around protecting others. Specifically, his second career dealt with protecting school students and his book, the First Five Minutes is helping do just that.  

Bret Magpiong has a bit of a Hawaiian connection, but he grew up in Southern California. As Bret shares his life story, he talks about his family and how living in the shadow of his older brother caused a bit of a course direct. Bret has dedicated his entire professional career either advising executives, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and entertainers or as a C-Level executive for various firms and partnerships. We talk a bit about being alive with purpose and why life is to be enjoyed.Across his 35+ year professional career, he has coached and mentored scores of colleagues and clients on change, growth, and enrichment of their personal and professional lives. He is a member of the International Coaching Federation.If you'd like to find out more about Bret and what he's doing, you can reach him at connectwithbret.com. 

When Shelley Perry tells her story, you'll discover that when she sets her mind to something, she sticks with it. Words like courage, mettle, or tenacity are good describers.So how did Shelley develop these traits? Her family was involved in the restaurant business and she started working at a young age. Anyone who has worked in a restaurant knows there's always something to be done, and Shelley was always doing something.Shelly talks about homeschooling her girls, a desire to live and educate on the open road (which involved taking them around the country in a motorhome), and eventually ending up in Texas. But ending up in Texas was not a part of the plan. But, it's a big part of her story.Oh yeah, she's also the host of the LivGreater podcast.    

Trang Nova had a very academic-focused upbringing In Melbourne, Australia. In addition to typical schooling, Trang had tutoring after school and attended Saturday School to learn Vietnamese as she is Vietnamese Australian.As we discussed her life, she really didn't think her six day a week educational studies were that unusual, until she got a bit older. But, she's grateful for the hard work ethics her parents instilled in her.Take a listen to how Trang has pivoted in recent years and what the catalyst was for this quarter life crisis. Website: trangnova.comThe Aligned Performance Podcast

Let me start off saying that yes, Rebecca did take a slow boat to New Zealand, and it's certainly an interesting part of her story. But I'm not going to talk about it here. You'll need to listen to the episode.But Rebecca's story is worth listening to. How did a Jewish girl from Bethlehem, PA become a law professor and author? Yep, once again, you'll need to listen to her story. Reach out to Rebecca at, rebeccabratspies.comMost recent book, Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, & Heroes Behind New York's Place Names

I've thought of having Brian West tell his life story for some time. It's not that I knew he had some unique life experiences, (which it turns out he did), but more that I knew that talking about his life would produce a few laughs.  Brian has had a couple of careers, but for the past 18 years, Brian's been a licensed residential loan consultant. That's how I met Brian, and working with him, well that's how I came to know he's a good dude. If you live in AZ, here's how to reach Brian.bwest@loandepot.com  

If ever there's been an example of someone marching to their own drummer, well that would be Leslie Olpin Peterson.As Leslie recalls her life, her story is full of twists and turns; ups and downs. From flying to Samoa at 18 on a whim, to discovering midlife a hidden talent for art, to finding out not too long ago that she...  Yeah, you'll want to listen to find out, what she found out. Why? Because it wasn't just one life changing thing, but two. Two doozies!

So,  just Who the F*ck is Nikki La Croce? You'll want to listen to her story to find out how life's twists and turns have put her in a space now where she can better understand herself. Once you've figured out who you are, you can do some pretty impactful things, like create a podcast.   Nikki's podcast  is aimed at creating connection through vulnerable conversations about each guest's unique story of self-discovery & the valuable lessons they've learned along the way.  As we discuss Nikki's life, you'll be able to see that she is a kind, compassionate individual and better understand why she came up with the Who the F*ck? podcast. (At the beginning of the podcast I mention the episode will contain "salty language." There's actually just four f-bombs, so I really don't consider the episode very salty. ) Website: WhoTheFck.comYouTube: @whothefck_pod

In my "talk story" session with Paul, we talk about his life, but also about his health related passions. Here's an excerpt from Paul's buy me a coffee link which I included in the notes."I am a West Point graduate and Army veteran. After leaving the military in 2002, I was in poor health - 275 pounds, pre-diabetic, suffering from high blood pressure and major digestive issues, and extremely inflamed.After trying a vegan diet for two years with minimal improvement and additional problems, I discovered what I call Ancestral Health and have never looked back.I have been practicing Functional Nutritional Therapy and Health Coaching for over a decade and speak on a regular basis. Currently, I am working with 6 to 12 health coaching clients and have an online community of amazing members that I support. I have thousands of hours of experience connecting with others.After a recent divorce, I refused to go back to renting an apartment or looking for a home to purchase. I DECIDED TO PURCHASE A TEARDROP TRAILER AND LIVE OFF GRID. My mission is to travel the nation, sharing the gift of simplified nutrition, health, and LIFE by documenting my experience." How to get in touch with Paul:If you'd like to schedule some time with me, visit https://superhumantransformation.comIf you'd like to support my mission https://buymeacoffee.com/paulctijerinaIf you'd like to follow my overlanding off grid mission https://youtube.com/@operationrewildHere are Paul's social media and other links https://linktree.com/paulctijerina 

I asked Dean Jamison to describe himself. Here's what I got back. "I'm a good natured, determined competitor who thrives on a good challenge. I busted my ass all my working life to provide for my family by working every shift possible. Now that I'm retired, it's time to have fun". Dean is a friend of mine. He's proud of his Pennsylvania roots, and he loves his country.  When sitting around after a game or practice, Dean is a contributor to the conversation, but he's one who thinks before he speaks. I can't say that about too many folks I know. As with a number of friends I have, I met Dean through softball. Dean mentions this as it's a part of his story. I recruited him to our team and it's worked out pretty well for both Dean, and our team. When we won our division at the Tournament of Champions last February in Florida, Dean was our team MVP. Six Things to Know About Dean:1. He loves his wife and kids2. He loves Yuengling beer3. He's a patriotic dude4. He is into softball5. He is into pinball6. He loves music

It took many years for Lois Hollis to overcome the physical and emotional pain she had dealt with. Along the way, she discovered areas surrounding shame and guilt that were unhealthy and has made overcoming "shame guilt" her main focus.Here's information directly from her website; Loishollis.comWhat is shame and what is guilt? How are shame and guilt different? The popular opinion defines shame as I am bad and guilt as I did something bad. However, these definitions do not lead a person to heal from shame and guilt. I discovered that shame and guilt act together to reinforce each other. Shame and guilt are a package. I coined the word shame guilt.  Shame is in the unconscious mind, and guilt is in the conscious mind. Shame reinforces guilt, and guilt reinforces shame. We can overcome shame and guilt when we see them as a conjoined package because our minds cannot understand why shame is bad and guilt is good.I discovered that shame guilt produces all negative emotions, including but not limited to anger, depression, anxiety, addictions, traumas, etc. Shame guilt turns our positive emotions into negative ones. The shame guilt energy causes our struggles from low confidence to suicide. Since the shame guilt negative energy is within every person in every country, causing victimhood, traumas, and increased mental illness, it deserves to have its own independent study.I can think of no other entity than shame and guilt to be exposed to help humanity become free from their homemade shame guilt prison of not being good enough. I dedicate my resources of films, articles, podcasts, individual sessions, books, and SEO to expose shame guilt for its dangerous controlling effect upon humanity. Knowledge of tricky shame guilt is the best prevention to stop shame guilt from destroying our lives. Our lack of shame guilt knowledge and their secrecy gives shame guilt power over us, and we become victims stuck in the not good enough lie. The shame guilt is NOT normal, but common.Today Lois is busy spreading the news that we can address shame guilt directly and heal quickly from the negativity that has kept us from a successful fulfilled life.

Growing up a bookworm allowed Collette Szymborski to let her mind run free. She was studious, and got good grades, but reading was her escape. Growing up in the Sacramento, CA area, one of her first escapes happened while in high school when she became an exchange student and spent six months in Spain.As Collette recalls her life, she talks about knowing what she wanted out of life, and why she chose the path she did. Part of what she wanted later in life, was out of Sacramento and the big city life. She got out, way out.