Stories Connect People

My guest today on Stories Connect People podcast is JP. JP is going to blow you away with her story and the story of her 4 women crew who are embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. They will be rowing (yes, rowing) in an eco boat for roughly 40 day, 24 hours a day (2 hours on and 2 hour off rotation) and 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. They have a dual mission. One to inspire women and two to create awareness about protecting our ocean. In fact, their boat is the only eco friendly boat in the fleet and made of 10,000 recycled plastic bottles and manufactured using renewable wind energy. You want to hear what else is fascinating? These 4 women, who are calling their team, One Ocean Crew (3 of which had never rowed before) found each other during the pandemic, online. JP will tell you the story! They are bound and determined to be the first female crew to cross the finish line. This is one of the most inspiring stories I've brought to my listeners so welcome JP to Stories Connect People podcast and I hope you will check it all out at One Ocean Crew. Guest - Janette Potgieter References: https://www.oneoceancrew.org/ 2021 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge From the One Ocean Crew website - We are four women in our thirties rowing a tiny eco boat 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. We represent the dreamers, the adventurers, the go-getters, the passionate, the determined and the curious. But most of all, we are four ordinary women taking on an extraordinary adventure. We are Jen, Emily, JP and Erin. We are One Ocean Crew. Our story is unique as we found each other in lockdown 1.0, in the middle of a global pandemic (virtually). Three members have never rowed before and our Skipper is scared of deep water. You couldn’t write this. But what we are setting out to achieve, to be the first female crew to row across the finish line of the 2021 Talisker Whisky Atlantic We want to inspire women world-wide to follow their dreams, to create opportunities and to achieve their potential. We want you to feel empowered to fight for what you love. One Ocean Crew has chosen to row the world's first 'Eco' R45 ocean rowing boat. The boat’s sustainable design aims to have a reduced impact on the environment, with a foam core containing around 10,000 recycled plastic bottles and manufactured using renewable wind energy. One Ocean Crew are also raising money for the Sea Ranger Service, a social enterprise tackling youth unemployment and creating maritime careers focused on working for the environment. Watch the video and see how you can support: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/one-ocean-crew Go to https://www.oneoceancrew.org/ to learn everything about this journey on their website, follow on IG, FB and LinkedIn. Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at www.storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potential

The opportunities are endless to spread kindness in the world.

Where there's a wheel there's a way! My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Omer Zur. Omer's story is amazing and his heart and passion for others can be seen over and over in how he is dedicating his life to Paratrek's mission. As a young boy, Omer's father was constantly telling him to get out and experience nature and have adventures and so early on he developed a huge passion and appreciation for the outdoors and all it could bring, The journey for Paratrek started when Omer decided he wanted his father who has been paralyzed since his early 20s to experience these same adventures. Omer set the plan in place. He and his father put together a list of all the things they needed in a wheelchair that would allow his father with assistance to explore the same things that those without disabilities experience. They took this to a design and engineering team to create the Trekker. Omer and his father set out on a 30 day excursion to Turkey to camp, hike and experience the outdoors. Over 30 of Omer's friends joined in on the plan and while there was some early reluctance from his Father they continued the course and it was a life changing experience for everyone. Omer knew this was what he was meant to do and he started this organization to educate, create awareness and provide experiences for those with disabilities. Hear him share all about it on Stories Connect People podcast. Connect with Omer and follow Paratrek: Omer Zur omer@paratrek.org office@paratrek.org www.Paratrek.org Facebook- Paratrek Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at www.storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.co

My Guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Cortney Farmer. Cortney is the founder of The Soft Never. I know, you are thinking what is the Soft Never? Think about how many times we say never or hear never. I could never do that. I could never say no. I can never set that boundary. I could never do what they do. You probably are saying…. Oh yes! The Never! Yep, I do that, say think, think that and hear that all the time. The Soft Never challenges us to say what if, well maybe it's really not never, my is a soft never. Cortney shares about h er Soft Never, how this vision started and her mission to help others turn down the volume on the Never and think about the possibilities. This episode is packed with wisdom, how to look at things from a different way and how to find the blessings in the twists and turns and boy, doesn't life throw a lot of those our way. You will want to get in on this Soft Never community, so you can spotlight your never and celebrate how you are overcoming the nevers with others. Welcome Cortney to Stories Connect People podcast. Bio - Cortney Farmer Cortney Farmer is a writer, storyteller, and business owner. In 2020, she and her husband, Scott, co-founded The Soft Never, an online community dedicated to celebrating the gifts and blessings that come when we eliminate the "never mindset" in our lives. When not developing original content at The Soft Never, she works as a Director of Content at a digital growth agency and as a freelance writer. A lifelong New Englander, Cortney lives in Seacoast New Hampshire with Scott and their two sons. Follow The Soft Never: https://www.instagram.com/thesoftnever/ - Instagram TheSoftNever - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheSoftNever Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at www.storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Will Conway. Will shares about his life growing up, as a young professional he was doing really well, he was engaged to married and life was good. Yet, he began to feel like something was missing, he had lost some of himself and he wasn't allowing his own story to come through. He was so focused on sharing the stories of others, he had not focused on sharing his own story. Will decided to leave everything behind and set out to explore the world. This led to incredible experiences, meeting amazing people that showed him how beautiful people could be and it lead to some incredible, moving and life changing experiences and stories…. Will shares some of those stories and how he learned about human empathy and authenticity. He has turned those stories into a podcast, Baggage Claim (travel stories no one tells) and a FB community, Authentic Travelers. I describe Will as being pretty cool. So see for youself, welcome Will to Stories Connect People podcast. Baggage Claim - Will Conway Baggage Claim is the gritty, real story of what happens when a man-child follows one too many travel "influencers" on Instagram, mumbles "hey I can travel too" in the mirror and strikes out for adventure, whatever that means. Join Will as he leaves behind his life - his career, his fiance, his apartment in New York City - to explore the globe only to find that the world out there is just as rife with confusion and awkwardness as life back home. An innovative twist on audiodrama, this immersive, honest first-person memoir-style podcast tells the story of awkward, painful and powerful revelations in foreign lands. Stories about awkwardly fumbling through language barriers and developing powerful relationships with complete strangers. About accidentally illegally immigrating to Paraguay. About crouching on a toilet in a public bathroom for nearly an hour because he's convinced he's going to be kidnapped. This is the opposite of travel porn. It’s travel diarrhea. Often literally. Always metaphorically. Baggage Claim is available mostly everywhere podcasts are heard, including iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher and more. The show is also available on YouTube. Show notes for every episode include full transcription, credits, photos and additional insight, and are available here. Listeners in the United States and Canada can text CONNECT to (332) 877-9540 to engage directly and receive show updates and alerts. Those uncomfortable with texting or living internationally are encouraged to visit heybaggageclaim.com/connect to sign up for emails. Fans can also schedule personal Q&As via Zoom for their friends with host Will Conway by using this link. Additionally, a listing of all reviews, podcast appearances, interviews and other media appearances can be found here. Social media channels are available below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baggageclaimpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heybaggageclaim Twitter: https://twitter.com/heybaggageclaim LinkedIn: https:

My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Shelley Loving. Shelley found her purpose after her husband had a massive heart attack at age 41. This led them to eating better and living a healthier life. This became her mission, her passion and her purpose. Shelley is a Certified Nutrition Chef and teaches others how they can make simple changes in their daily food choices to gain better control of their health. Shelley has an amazing website, a great community of supporters who encourage others and an array of masterclasses, blogs and other ways to educate us on everything from shopping to recipe makeovers. She approaches it in the most fun and easy to follow and down to earth way.Shelley is not suggesting impossible diets or major overhauls. She is talking about simple changes that can make a difference. You will love the joy she exudes about food and you will surely want to follow Shelleycanhelp on IG and FB to see how you can make small simple changes too. Welcome Shelley to Stories Connect People podcast. Shelley Loving - Shelley Loving is a nutrition chef, but her journey may surprise you. In 2014, her husband, at the young age of 41, almost died on Super Bowl Sunday of a massive heart attack. That life-changing event was the catalyst on which she built her business, Shelley Can Help. She helps other people hit that reset button on the foods they eat, teaches others the power food has on our health and how they feel. She encourages us to cook just a little healthier. @ShelleyCanHelp on all social media www.shelleycanhelp.com

Carolyn Kiel - Beyond6Seconds My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Carolyn Kiel. Carolyn is the host of the podcast, Beyond 6 Seconds. She helps showcase the great work of entrepreneurs, CEOs and even media personalities. She focuses on how they built their career and how they've overcome obstacles to get to where they are today. Carolyn shares her own career story, learnings and some best practices as she navigated her way to the position she has today. Her learnings can be applied in so many ways. I love how she articulates her story and how she shares the foundation she built along the way that she leverages today! Finally, you will hear about her passion as an a cappella singer and at the end, I added in a short clip that shows off her talent! Carolyn my fellow podcaster, welcome to Stories Connect People podcast. Guest - Carolyn Kiel www.beyond6seconds.net Carolyn Kiel (pronounced "KEEL") is a training manager at Verizon, where she designs employee training for new products and promotions. Prior to working in learning & development, she held roles in change management, risk management, and data governance in the financial services industry. Carolyn has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Vassar College and a master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In her spare time, Carolyn hosts the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast, where she interviews entrepreneurs, CEOs and media personalities about how they’ve overcome obstacles to build their careers and achieve their goals. She has more than 100 episodes published. Carolyn is also a singer who has performed in a cappella groups during and after college. She has sung in several well-known venues in the NY City area. Carolyn provided a recording of her signing a cappella a verse/chorus of Auld Lang Syne Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Jamie Lassner. Jamie today serves as the Executive Director of Friends of Access Israel. Where he and the organization focus on accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. If you listened to the podcast episode # 33 with Ruth Willatt where we talked about the Shanga organization in Arusha, Tanzania you will remember we talked about a man who made the climb to Mt Kilimanjaro possible for an employee, Masoud. Jamie shares all about how this dream for Masoud came about, Masoud's climb and what that meant for so many and how Masoud is going to be Jamie's own guide in his return trek to reach the peak. Jamie's passion for advocating for people with disabilities started at a young age. His family was a family than supported others and gave back. Many years later his best friend Alan was critically injured in a accident leaving him wheelchair bound. This only fueled Jamie's passion for helping others. Today he is making a difference in the lives of so many. Friends of Access Israel focuses on awareness, advocacy, education and inclusion. You will love Jamie's story, his passion and his mission. Welcome Jamie to Stories Connect People podcast. Jamie's Bio James Lassner Jamie was born in Bogotá, Colombia Bags He graduated with a degree in Finance and Psychology from Baruch College of the City University of New York. For 22 years, post-graduation, he worked in executive positions in international commodity trading companies specializing in recycling and reclaiming metals. He is a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (and has been since 1986) and was injured during the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. He changed his career to work with adolescent children in schools and for 6 years as Director of Student Life at K-8 private school. Since mid 2019 he has been serving as Executive Director and board member of Friends of Access Israel. Friends of Access Israel’s (FAISR) strives to globally improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and the elderly via advocacy, education, and inclusion. With each improvement we empower them to live self-determined lives enabling them to work, travel, study, and consume with dignity, equality, and maximum independence. It is the Friends of Access Israel belief that everything is Accessible Together. A clear example is two Friends of Access Israel Expedition Groups conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in February 2020 becoming the largest group with disabilities to reach the "Roof of Africa" at 19341 feet. Contact Information James A. Lassner Email: jamie@faisr.org Website: www.FAISR.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/FAISR.ORG/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/f.aisr/ Twitter: @F_AISR Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at www.storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com Shanga is a successful social enterprise which employs people with disabil

What a great way to kick off 2021! My guest today on Stories Connect People podcast is Eva Grayzel. Eva is a motivational speaker, an incredible storyteller, an oral cancer survivor and an author! Eva was pursuing a career as an actress when she found her calling and passion, telling stories. She developed an interactive way to tell stories unlike anyone else. That took her from the classroom to today where she performs for audiences all over the country. Eva was at the top of her game when she had what they thought was a canker sore on her tongue a couple years later she discovered she had Stage IV Oral Cancer. Eva will share her background, how she found her passion, how her life was impacted by cancer, how she came out of that even stronger and now is an advocate for patients and oral cancer screenings. She warns us of the importance of screening and what we should minimally expect from our dentist. Eva's is a 22 year cancer survivor and at her 10 year milestone she authored a children's book, M.C. Plays Hide & Seek. When she was diagnosed she had 2 young children. It wasn't easy and she later wrote this book to help families communicate, to help children understand cancer, promote dialogue and help them better understand and address their feelings. Eva offered a great gift for you so listen for this in the podcast and you will hear other incredible gems from her story and resources on her website that you will not want to miss! It might help you leave your own legacy. Welcome Eva to Stories Connect People podcast. Follow Eva Grayzel: Purchase the book, M.C. Plays Hide & Seek - https://www.amazon.com/M-C-Plays-Hide-Seek-Grayzel/dp/1645431436/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VVO1BVNVSDG7&dchild=1&keywords=m.c.+plays+hide+and+seek&qid=1609730579&sprefix=m.c.+plays%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1 https://www.evagrayzel.com/stories https://www.evagrayzel.com/six-step-screening https://www.evagrayzel.com/my-story-legacy https://www.evagrayzel.com/blog Follow on social media https://www.facebook.com/evagrayzel/ https://www.instagram.com/evagrayzel/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/unavailable/ https://www.youtube.com/user/EvaGrayzel Press Release “Don’t hide a cancer diagnosis from young ones,” Grayzel said. “Children of all ages are intuitive. The scary part is the unknown. This book opens the lines of communication to address questions and fears in a gentle and age-appropriate way.” When a schoolmate, friend or family member gets a cancer diagnosis, children can have a healthy response instead of turn away with apprehension. Grayzel wishes she had paid attention to the emotional impact of her disease on her children who were five and seven. “Everyone was so concerned with me, no one thought about how my disease affected my children,” Grayzel said. To mark her 10-year cancer free anniversary, Grayzel dedicated herself to empower children like her own with coping skills and communication strategies.

Based on the book One Word That Will Change Your Life http://jongordon.com/books/one-word/

My guest today on Stories Connect People podcast is Ruth Willatt. Ruth is here to share with you the story and mission of an amazing shop at the Arusha Coffee Lodge in Tanzania, Africa. It's like nothing you've ever heard of. The organization and shop is named, Shanga. Ruth will share how it got that name and more importantly the great work and opportunity it provides people with disabilities. Shanga is a shop and workshop but above all it is a place where disabilities fade into the background and what shines through is the people, their pride they have in their work and the handmade items they put so much love and care into producing. Part of Shanga's mission is to focus on sustainability and the handmade items are made from as many recycled items as possible. Ruth will share all of this and some great stories that will touch your heart. My husband and I had the privileged of seeing this incredible place first hand a couple of years ago and it truly is an inspiring and uplifting place. I hope you will follow all the great work and read for yourself the stories of the team on Facebook and Instagram. One in particular will have you close to tears of happiness where Mousad's life dream was to scale Mount Kilimanjaro. Some really amazing people made that happen and I just believe that will turn into Part II of this great story. For now, welcome Ruth Willatt to Stories Connect People podcast. Shanga is a successful social enterprise which employs people with disabilities to create unique, high-quality, handmade jewelry, glassware and home wares incorporating recycled materials. These products are sold in Tanzania and all over the world, with profits being reinvested back into developing opportunities to employ more people with disabilities. Combining an uplifting local community project with unique artistic activities and opportunities to purchase handmade gifts, Shanga has been a favourite Arusha tourist destination since its inception in 2007. Shanga became part of Elewana in 2017 as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility program, with a ongoing commitment to the people of Tanzania. Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge is the home of Shanga, which comprises of an open workshop for glass-blowing, weaving, sewing, Tinga Tinga painting, bead-making and metal work, with a shop showcasing all Shanga’s handmade products. SHANGA (Located at Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge) www.shanga.com https://www.facebook.com/ShangaTanzania https://www.instagram.com/shanga_tanzania/ Clients worldwide can also support Shanga by purchasing their products. 2020 has seen Shanga develop and achieve a growth in international sales with some of this growth attributed to their relationship with DHL. Currently orders can be placed by emailing orders@shanga.org with the plan by early 2021 to have streamlined the process for customers with new catalogues. References: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is annually observed on 3 December to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities and to take action for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development. Shanga's theme this year is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.

My guest today on Stories Connect People podcast is Rob MacMillan of Robs Rescues. Robs Rescues is a non-profit organization with a mission is to serve animals and give them a voice. Wait to you hear the impact this young man is making on his community and beyond. Rob has a passion for animals and as a young kid he began volunteering at his local shelter. That has evolved into this inspiring mission to advocate, educate and support shelter animals and urban wildlife coexistence. You won't believe all this 14 year old, yes I said 14 has accomplished and his mission continues to evolve. He volunteers at shelters, leads campaigns and efforts to collects pet food and supplies for shelters and families in need and is bringing more awareness to the importance of wildlife. He is a writer and an interviewer. He writes about shelter animals needing homes and shares the great work of others by interviewing local policeman, politicians, wildlife rehabilitators, and directors of animal rescue organizations to just name a few. He has his own blog and for several years has had columns in 4 "around town" magazines. He has his family, friends and community behind his grassroots efforts all to benefit animals who are our greatest companions. Welcome Rob to Stories Connect People podcast. Guest - Rob Macmillan ROB’S RESCUES A boy’s mission to Write, Interview, Educate and Advocate for Shelter Animals and Urban Wildlife Coexistence. Rob’s Rescues Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit company. Since 2014 Rob has written a monthly column in local magazines advocating for shelter animals. He also publishes his interviews with a wide range of people from politicians, policemen, animal rescues, wildlife rehabilitators, disaster specialists and others. Rob also collects pet food and supplies for shelters and people in need in the community. Check out these amazing interviews - https://robsrescues.com/interviews/ - https://robsrescues.com/advocacy/ https://robsrescues.com/how-to-help-and-get-help/ https://robsrescues.com/urban-coexistence/ You will find Rob's column in Around Canton, The Townlaker, Around Woodstock, Around Acworth Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at www.storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Omar Jimenez. Omar and his family have a great story and we meet him on a South Beach Art Deco Food Tour I wanted to have him as a guest on the show. Omar was born in Cuba and his family was moving to the Ukraine when a layover in Ireland led them to change those plans all together and start a new life in Ireland. They were some of the earliest Cuban immigrants to Ireland and established the first Cuban restaurant in Dublin. Omar began helping out in the restaurant as a young boy and now is the operator of his family's restaurant, Bella Cuba in Miami. Omar talks about his family's journey, their restaurants, spending several years working on luxury yachts where he traveled to some of the most exotic places in the world and later managing large estates. In addition to his formal education; all of this experience was extremely valuable for his role today running the family business. Omar has such a love for culture, people and food especially in Miami. The guest experience they create at the restaurant and Omar as he is guiding guests for Miami Food Tours is warm, welcoming and personal. If you visit Miami, I hope you will dine at Bella Cuba in South Beach and check out Miami Food Tours for an unforgettable experience. Omar Jimenez Operator, Bella Cuba Restaurant, Miami (305) 672 - 7466 MIAMI@BELLA-CUBA.COM https://www.bella-cuba.com/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/bellacubamiami IG - https://www.instagram.com/miamifoodtours/ Miami Food Tours https://miamifoodtours.com/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/miamifoodtours/ Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at www.storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

Polly Van Duser shares higlights Episode 7 - Losing Mobility yet Gaining Gratitude, Lee Chambers Episode 4 - Music Brings a Crowd to Life, Dave Huey - Black Sheep Ensemble

My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Georgia Deane. Georgia's work and mission is to empower those incarcerated and provide them with the practice and tools to help recover from their trauma. Much of the basis of this is yoga. Practicing yoga can help free one from feelings of depression about the past and feelings of anxiety about the future. It is especially healing for those that have been through trauma. Georgia said we all have experienced trauma at some level in our life. As a child, Georgia's father was in prison and later her brother fell into a life of crime. Through yoga she began to experience her own healing. She founded Live Free Yoga organization something that had never done before. It is a program focused on bringing a yoga teacher certification to incarcerated people. Georgia is making a difference in the lives of people when everyone else likely has given up on them. You will see her love, passion and heart for others as she strives to use movement and mindfulness to help those in the system and teens impacted by their parent's incarceration. Welcome Georgia Deane to Stories Connect People podcast References: Metro Re-entry - http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/Facilities/metro-reentry-facility led by Charles Hines. Here to Be partner with Lululemen's Social Impact Program. Contact Info: Website:livefreeyoga.org Phone:6787965088 Email:info@livefreeyoga.org Instagram:livefreeyogaorg Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/livefreeyogaorg/?modal=admin_todo_tour Other:georgiadeaneyoga.org Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Amy Barfield with Family Haven. Amy found her calling to help others very early in her life. Today, she is the executive director of Forsyth Country Family Haven an organization that supports victims of abuse. What if you found yourself in an abuse relationship or a family or friend was in an abusive relationship. Would you have the courage to leave? Would they have the courage to leave? Abuse comes in many forms… physical abuse, financial abuse, verbal and emotional abuse to name a few. Abuse is about control. Amy shares that victims generally go back 7 times before they fully break from an abusive relationship. The "why" to stay or "why" to leave is different for everyone. Amy shares the great work her organization is doing to advocate, educate, shelter and support victims of abuse. They even have programs to educate teens about what a healthy relationship looks like. Teens dating violence is very common. Amy and her team are making a difference in the community by helping others get the tools, courage, confidence and resources to make decisions for their family that will likely change their life. Welcome Amy to Stories Connect People podcast. Show Notes: Amy Barfield, Executive Director Familyhavenga.org for more information, to donate or to volunteer. 24-Hour Crisis Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, advocates are available to provide information and make referrals for services and programs. To access the crisis line call 770-887-1121. Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com Stories Connect People podcast available on all podcast platforms

My guest today on stories Connect People podcast is Paula Quinn. Paula shares the story of her daughter Rosie's diagnosis with the autoimmune disorder, Alopecia. Rosie was just 2. 5 years old. This diagnosis was hard for Rosie and her family but one day Rosie told her mom. "Don't worry mom my hair is just on vacation". THAT completely shifted their mindset and they began sharing stories of where Rosie's hair went. Paula one day took a drawing Rosie's had done and turned it into a headscarf. Rosie couldn't stop looking in the mirror and told Paula that she wanted every bald kid to have a headscarf like hers. Rosie didn't stop with her vision. She would tell everyone that mentioned the scarf about her plan to give one to all the bald kids. After a few months, the vision for Coming Up Rosies was set. Paula is going to share how she founded the organization, that is a family mission not just a Rosie mission. They provide smile kits to any kid who is suffering from hair loss through more than 25 children's hospitals. And their mission is growing! When Paula was struggling years back with Rosie's diagnosis her therapist suggested she journal her thoughts about Rosie's Alopecia. Years later she wrote a children's book "My Hair Went On Vacation" to help children understand it's ok to be different and being different makes you special. All of the proceeds benefit Coming Up Rosies so more children can receive a smile kit. You are going to see just how beautiful being bald can be and Paula is going to tell you by sharing Rosie's story. Paula Quinn and Rosie Quinn To learn more about Coming Up Rosies, check out their website here. Paula Quinn, recently wrote a book “My Hair Went On Vacation” https://www.cominguprosies.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Hair-Went-Vacation-Paula-Quinn/dp/1645432815 https://www.instagram.com/coming.up.rosies/ See a short video featuring Rosie - https://www.instagram.com/p/CGDt_eIFpHd/

My guest today on Stories Connect People podcast is Jigar Ganatra. He is the perfect guest as he is a storyteller himself. I met Jigar when I was in Tanzania almost 2 years ago. I have followed his work and I wanted to bring his story to you. He is a talented artist, film maker, photographer and travel and cultural enthusiast. He turned his passion into a career shooting some of the most beautiful places and people in the world for documentary films, commercials and his passion projects. When you see his work you would think it's the work of someone with decades more experience and someone who has spent years going through formal training and education. Yet, Jigar is in his early 20s and is self taught. Hear Jigar talk about his love for people, culture, nature and our beautiful world and how he is living his best life capturing it. He also helps others evolve their photography skills and storytelling skills through his experiential photography storytelling travel programs. You will want to follow Jigar's work and tell him you heard about him on Stories Connect People podcast. Connect with Jigar: Jigar Ganatra Follow on Instagram - @jiggyboyfilms Founder - www.halisiatravel.com Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com Stories Connect People podcast available on all podcast platforms

This is a big week for Stories Connect People podcast! This is my 25th episode and I can't think of a better guest than my guest today Luke Mickelson with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. What started from Luke finding out a kid in his town was sleeping on the floor has evolved into this nationwide movement within a few years. The motto "no kid sleeps on the floor in our town" My husband, Brad is the one that got us completely hooked on supporting sleep in heavenly peace after seeing Luke and SHP featured on CNN heroes about 18 months ago. It was such a pleasure to interview Luke and he is just as incredible as I thought he would be he has warm, down to earth, generous and funny. You will hear us talk about the build days and the bed deliveries. At the build days the volunteers literally do every single step by hand from cutting the wood, sanding, drilling, staining and then branding then volunteers go out and deliver beds to kids in their home. All of this is done with so much love for the kids. Luke talks about his first big breakthrough was when Mike Rowe featured SHP on Returning the Favor, then in 2018 he was featured on CNN heros. SHP has received more than 1M in grants from Lowes, the Rose Bowl organization ask him to build 100 beds for a service project and you can now find his smiling face on the Lays Potato Chips bag. I said who in the world knows someone who has been featured on a Lay's Potato Chip bag? Luke I thrilled to have you join me today on Stories Connect People podcast. Learn more about Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Founded by Luke and Heidi Mickelson from Kimberly, Idaho SHP Home - https://www.shpbeds.org/ Volunteer and donate - https://www.shpbeds.org/get-involved If you know a kid who needs a bed - https://www.shpbeds.org/request-free-twin-bed SHP Podcast - Humans Helping Humans - https://www.shpbeds.org/podcasts Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com Stories Connect People podcast available on all podcast platforms

My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Andy Helmer, CEO Shelters to Shutters. Do you know that 1 in 5 Americans have no savings set aside to cover an unexpected emergency. Essentially they are living paycheck to paycheck. What if you lost your job, had to leave an abusive domestic situation or had a major medical emergency would you be a risk being homeless? When you live paycheck to paycheck the safety and security of a home is always at risk. Andy talks about the amazing work Shelters to Shutters is doing to address situational homelessness. That means an individual or family loses their home due to a life altering event. This is different from chronic homelessness and Andy explains. I ask Andy what is most important the home or the job to help someone get their life back on track? Shelters to Shutters addresses both with their unique and innovative approach and it works. 93% of those who graduate from the program generally within one year continue with stable housing and employment. Hear Andy share all about how they are giving a hand up and changing lives on Stories Connect People podcast. About Shelters to Shutters: Shelters to Shutters is a national 501c3 organization that transitions individuals and families out of homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by educating and engaging the real estate industry to provide employment and housing opportunities. What Is Situational Homelessness? The status of being forced to live without housing due to a life-altering event, such as job loss, domestic violence, medical emergency, or natural disaster. If you are homeless and you don't have an address, how do you get a job? What comes first - employment or housing? Shelters to Shutters is solving this problem unlike any other organization - by providing both simultaneously. Through direct partnerships with property management companies. Shelters to Shutters offers full-time employment and housing opportunities to individuals experiencing homelessness who are ready-to-work and excited for a career in property management. In return, our property management partners receive high quality, motivated employees that quickly become dedicated and loyal members of their resident communities. Shelters to Shutters also provides case management to all participants as they transition out of homelessness and return to economic self-sufficiency Take Action: http://shelterstoshutters.org/ http://shelterstoshutters.org/our-vision/ http://shelterstoshutters.org/in-the-news/ Follow Shelters to Shutters on LinkedIn and Facebook http://shelterstoshutters.org/in-the-news/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelters-to-shutters/ Consider contributing to this great organization Stay Home for the Homeless virtual fundraising event - http://shelterstoshutters.org/s2s-stay-home-homeless-2020-sponsorship-opportunities/ https://e.givesmart.com/events/imB/ Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or mak

Lori Orlinsky Children's book author/bullying prevention expert Lori Orlinsky is a multi-award winning author who lives in Chicago. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. An author with Mascot Books, Lori writes rhyming, lesson-based picture books that naturally lead to a discussion about important topics, such as bullying prevention and honesty. Lori is a bullying prevention expert, certified by the CDC in Bullying Prevention and Response Training. Additionally, she is an ambassador for the National Bullying Prevention Center. At 5”1, she wishes her first book “Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All)” was around while she was growing up. Lori Orlinsky Owner // Foreword Publicity forewordpublicity.com lori@forewordpublicity.com My guest today on Stories Connect People is Lori Orlinsky. Lori is a multi-time, multi award winning, nationally recognized author and CDC certified bully prevention expert. October is Bully Prevention Month and this is the perfect time to bring Lori and Hayley's story to you. Lori started her work when her daughter Hayley came home from school upset. Hayley was smaller than the other kids and was called names (that seemed endearing but to Hayley made her feel bad). When the teacher made a growth chart her name was all the way at the bottom. The normally bright and and happy Haley began to freeze. Lori went to the internet looking for a book to try to make Hayley feel better about being small. When she didn't find one she started began to write her one and partnered with an amazing illustrator to share Hayley's story. Lori also talks about how bullying starts as micro aggressions and can quickly turn into bullying. She speaks at schools, conducts trainings and helps bring awareness to children and parents. Hayley joins the podcast to share how she felt and even reads a few of her favorite pages. You don't want to miss Haley sharing her own story of how this has helped her find her voice and acceptance of being small. During COVID, she had a goal to make some bracelets for the Chicago Children's hospital and wanted to raise $200 to help them buy masks. You won't believe how the story turned out. But Hayley will share this story and how it lead her to being recognized all over the media, being name the Hero Beyond the Diamond and even the Mayor even named a day in honor of Hayley. Welcome Lori and Hayley to Stories Connect People Podcast

My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Tim Smith. Tim's faith, personal health and wellness journey and his amazing voice led him to starting The MindBodySoul365 Podcast. Tim shares a lot of personal stories about his life as an educator, coach, administrator and pastor. Hear what led to him starting MindBodySoul365 and what it has brought to his life and the lives of others. You will love Tim's real, transparent and caring style. I admire so much how he investing time in helping others strengthen their walk with God and their wellbeing! Also, I am so glad you are listening to the podcast. SCP podcast is reaching people around the world every week just to name a few….France, Switzerland, Ireland, Finland, Mexico and London and of course all over NA. I just love it! Please reach out and engage with me! Follow SCP podcast on Facebook and Instagram. I would love to hear from you what you think of the MindBodySoul episode. Now join me in welcoming my friend, Tim Smith! Tim Smith, MindBodySoul365 Tim is a former educator, coach, school administrator, pastor and weight loss consultant. He is the host and producer of The MindBodySoul365 Podcast. Pictured here with Tim is his dog, Ruby. Hear Tim share what the 365 means in the podcast based on Luke 9:23 Connect with Tim: https://www.mindbodysoul365.com/ https://www.buzzsprout.com/860491 https://www.mindbodysoul365.com/tims-blog 365timsmith@gmail.com A few podcasts mentioned during this podcast: Allison Hare's Press Play Podcast program (www.allisonhare.com) Leah Jantzen on MindBodySoul365 A Memorial Day special… lessons from Dad on MindBodySoul365 Giving Back, Austin Sacks on Stories Connect People podcas Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at www.storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

Guests - Tanya & Toby Mahrous Second Life, upscale resale store benefiting homeless animals My guests on Stories Connect People podcast are the owners of Second Life, Tanya and Toby Mahrous. Second Life is an organization and resale retail concept that supports homeless animals. Tanya had this crazy idea, almost 10 years ago that Toby immediately supported. They combined their love for animals with their love for thrifting and started an upscale resale store benefiting animals. They have now provided 1.6 M in grants to local organizations that support rescue, foster, spaying and neutering and education. Tanya's love for animals started when she was a young girl living in Cairo Egypt. Her father would help the local street dogs. Over the years Tanya and Toby have returned many times to see family, support Cairo organizations and even rescued their two current dogs from there.. Their one dog Riley in fact is the Chief Smile Officer at Second Life. A job that was passed down to him by their first rescue, Lucky a beautiful Dalmatian. In the early days of Second Life, Lucky was the dog in the window that got people coming into the store, he captured the heart of the customers just like he did his parents. Now, that is Riley's job and he is pretty excellent at it. In this podcast, you will hear how deep their love goes for animals, how they support local organizations and how they are "speaking up" for animals who can't speak for themselves. In addition, you will learn some pretty cool things about their store and their team. It is a joy to welcome Tanya on Toby to Stories Connect People podcast. Connect: Tanya and Toby Mahrous Second Life Address: 1 N. & 89 N. Clarendon Ave. Avondale Estates, GA 30002 Website: http://secondlifeatlanta.org/ General Information: contactus@secondlifeatlanta.org Donations: donations@secondlifeatlanta.org Volunteer: volunteer@secondlifeatlanta.org Email: contactus@secondlifeatlanta.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondlifeatl/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secondlifeatlanta/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/secondlifeatl Read all about their inspiration, Lucky, on Chief Smile Officers page Meet Riley in the store and on our Chief Smile Officers Page Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

Sharon Chappell, PhD Sharon Frances (formerly Chappell), PhD she/her/hers Executive Artistic Director, Well Beings Studio Founder, Little Green Monster Project Associate Professor, CSUF My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Sharon Chappell. You will immediately fall in love with Sharon just like I did. Sharon is so beautiful and you will hear it in her voice instantly. Sharon grew up with her father battling cancer. They never talked about it in her family. 3 days after she was diagnosed with breast cancer her father passed away. Sharon shares her story of struggling with anxiety starting as a young girl. She often felt overwhelmed, like she had to perform perfectly and like she was never enough. You will be surprised to hear what changed all of that for Sharon. Her diagnosis of breast cancer. Suddenly she felt the need to fight, to survive and she realized was good enough. She wanted her cancer to mean more than being sick. Sharon found her purpose. She turned her breast cancer diagnosis into something beautiful, meaningful and impactful. Sharon who has a doctorate in education, spent much of her life as an arts educator. She took her love for teaching, her love for the arts and started Well Beings Studio. Well Beings Studio focuses on support families and children going through cancer by using the arts. She is helping them communicate, providing tools, resources, activities and support to get through what might be the most difficult time in their lives. Sharon found a way to get joy from her cancer and is spending her life making a difference in the lives of 100s of families and children. Welcome Sharon to Stories Connect People podcast. www.wellbeings.studio http://wellbeings.studio/blog/ www.littlegreenmonster.org http://wellbeings.studio/ashandfeather/ sharon@wellbeings.studio Read. Feel. Create. Heal. The Little Green Monster Project engages imagination and creative expression to open communication and support emotional well-being of children and their families during the cancer journey. Well Beings Studio enhances the emotional well-being of families impacted by cancer through arts-based resources and workshops. Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at www.storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

HEY! Helping Empower Youth’s mission is to provide an opportunity to inspire, motivate and mobilize young people to take action that changes their world. My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Marc Boyd. Marc is the co-founder of an organization that help youth on the Westside of Atlanta that are in some of the most dire situations. His organization is HEY! Helping Empower Youth. You will immediately see Marc's passion for youth, he sees himself as a young boy in many of THESE young boys. He has dedicated years to helping build their life skills, STEM skills, entrepreneurial and leadership skills. He talks a little about his childhood, his hustle to earn money, going into the Marine's and how he was recruited to Lockheed Martin building C130s in a top secret clearance position. It was during a layoff where is began working with underprivileged youth in the Non-profit sector. His creativity in helping youth people learn math by fixing bikes will touch your heart. You will see his commitment, daily dedication and how he has even opened up his home during covid to help provide a place for learning. He discusses the work HEY is doing with a small group of the Atlanta Water Boyz and how they are inspired and motivated by their own poverty. HEY is helping them earn money the safe way and teaching them skills that are helping them to build a foundation in their life. Marc addresses the controversy surrounding the Atlanta WaterBoyz and his perspective on Black Lives Matter. Bottom line is Marc has a heart of gold and you will see how his investment is changing lives. Welcome Marc to Stories Connect People podcast Take Action: Facebook @HelpingEmpowerYouth www.helpingempoweryouth.org Connect, learn more, donate and volunteer Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com Stories Connect People podcast available on all podcast platforms

Tina Williford - The Table on Delk Introduction: What if you had no money, no resources, no support, no home, no food and you had yourself and your children to take care of. Would you resort to selling your body for money? My guest today on Stories Connect People podcast is Tina Williford. Tina shares the situation women are faced with when they have absolutely nothing and what some women are forced to do to meet their basic needs. Women resort to selling their body for sex and then end of covering the guilt, shame and embarrassment with alcohol and drugs. It begins a vicious cycle. Tina found her calling years ago in Guatemala on a missions trip. What she saw in Guatemala, women selling their body; was happening right in her own community and she answered a calling to start The Table on Delk a few years later. The Table on Delk helps to connect women and children who are at risk of of being sexually exploited to resources to help them get out of this cycle. Women are resorting to survival sex to get money for food, a place to sleep and the bare basics for their children. The Table provide a safe place for a meal, access to computers, bible studies, activities for children and even classes to help with things like cooking in simple meal in a crockpot and GED prep. Tina and The Table on Delk team and volunteers make sure the women know. You matter. You are enough. You are loved. They meet them where their need is. Hear from Tina about the important and meaningful things they are doing to help support the women and help them to see a different and better life. ---- The Table on Delk provides a safe place for those who are currently, or at risk of, being sexually exploited to have a meal and get connected to resources that they might not know about. Volunteers are needed to prepare food and to show our guests the Father’s love. By showing them His love through genuine interactions, telling them that their lives do matter and that He has a plan and purpose for them, some of those we serve will take steps toward healing and restoration. Each Wednesday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, The Table on Delk provides a meal and a safe place for victims to rest. It’s the little things like “What kind of pancake would you like?” or “Which coffee mug would you like to use?” that will begin to show them they do have choices – ultimately, the choice to believe the truth that they were made for more than they're currently experiencing and to break free from their current lifestyle. The goal is to bring about transformation one life at a time. By showing God’s love in action, we believe that The Table on Delk will be an on ramp to other rescue

Today my guest on Stories Connect People podcast is the Seeds of Happiness Guy, Mark Borella. I found these little clay smiles years ago in a little art boutique in California. I have been giving them to friends, family, people who need a smile, people who are special to me or someone who is going through a rough time. As Mark says I am spreading kindness. Mark Borella is nothing less than amazing. He was overjoyed to be a guest on SCP podcast. He is the catalyst for millions of smiles getting out into the world and he shares all the details about how it began. He talks about how he struggled as a young person in school, how with the help of his art teacher (who works for him today) help him grow into an artist, he talks about how his career as a fine artist evolved and how the person that connected he and his wife in high school was key to the Seeds of Happiness starting. Their friends son passed away from a terminal illness. Mark had made a few smile out of extra clay from his sculpting. That was the first seed given and the start of a life changing mission. Kirkwood, MO is Mark's home and the home of The Smile Factory as they call it. You will hear Mark with all of his love and boundless energy share how each and every seed is made by hand. Every single step. In additional to his Seeds of Happiness team, he partners with a organization that employees people with disabilities to help in the production. Yet another way the seeds are spreading love. Can you imagine if you wake up everyday with the purpose to supply a way for people to connect with others and pass love and kindness all over the world? That is Mark and the Seeds of Happiness team. You will hear him say that it's not about him it's all about the giver! The giver is the key ingredient. The one who cares enough, loves enough and thinks of someone else to give them a smile. Mark's love and energy is contagious. Listen to Mark's story and what is needed to get the seeds ready to do their job…. Spread love, happiness and kindness. Notes: Facebook - Seeds of Happiness and Seeds of Happiness Group Instagram - Seeds of Happiness Seeds of Happiness-- Kirkwood, MO Read all about Seeds of Happiness and the story, buy the smiles (and other items), sign up for the newsletter and see more about how the Seeds are made in the Smile Factory https://www.seedsofhappiness.com/ https://www.seedsofhappiness.com/shop/ https://www.seedsofhappiness.com/blog/ Phone - 877.764.4157 Seeds of Happiness partners with Canterbury Enterprises, Inc. to produce the molded balls of clay which are then sculpted at the Seeds of Happiness studio. Canterbury is a sheltered workshop in suburban St. Louis. Their mission is to produce high quality work through a dedicated workforce primarily comprised of people with disabilities. THE STORY Seeds of Happiness started out as leftover lumps of clay I made into little smiles to give to friends who were going through hard times and needed a little smile. That was in 2006, since then I have given out thousands of smiles to folks, a handful at a time. In turn, they share them and the story with their friends in need of a smile. Then, those people share with more friends and keep the story going. The Seeds are all over the planet by now. I receive a lot of e-mails with photos and stories showing how these little Seeds made a difference to someone. From Africa to the land down under, the Seeds have been planted and smiles have been resurrected for people who need them. Seems a lot of people need smiles these days. Share a Smile &ndas

Austin Sacks shares how he is giving back to his school and community through Habitat for Humanity. The John Cooper School, The Woodlands, TX

My guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Pam Brooks-Crump. Pam shares her story of being in long term recovery and how she is helping others today work through their own challenges with substance abuse disorder and mental health challenges. Her story began as a child and she bottled up a secret for 30 years only to discover that her sister had been carrying the same secret her whole life too. When she finally shared her story the healing began. Stats show 1 in 5 people in the world have been a victim of physical or sexual abuse. Pam challenges us to be curious vs judgmental. To ask what happened to you vs what is wrong with you. She talks about the stigma of substance abuse and mental health challenges and how she as a certified peer specialist is helping others in their journey. Pam is also the author of Mia Inspired! A Caterpillar at a Crossroad based on the Monarch Butterflies. The ageless picture book tells the story of transformation. No matter what we are going through we have the tools to survive. The butterfly can transform and can never change back to being a caterpillar. Listen to Pam's story with an open heart and maybe we will all learn how to ask for help or be there if someone in our life needs help. Pam is helping people change their life. She is certified to work on teams with people in recovery for Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. GMHCN - www.gmhcn.org Like Pam, 474 certified peer specialists have been trained to be more trauma informed when working with people in substance abuse and mental health care. This could include any type of addiction to drugs or alcohol or trauma. Help is available on this warm line in Georgia 365 days a year/24 hours a day. A warm line is manned by a certified mental health specialist. The number is 1-888-945-1414. https://www.gmhcn.org/peer2peer-warm-line If there is a crisis they can connect someone to a hotline if needed. This helps people from being isolated. This allows people to just talk, connect, etc. She is not there to fix people she is there to help people. Anyone interested can join any of the 3 virtual meetings a day for wellness see website for details. Pam is the author of Mia Inspired! A Caterpillar at a Crossroad Pam Brooks-Crump based on the Monarch Butterflies. https://www.facebook.com/pam.brookscrump Pam talks about Greta Counts a great coach Connect with Pam Brooks-Crump pam@gmhcn.org - email Follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @ Pam Brooks-Crump Stories Connect People Podcast Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com Stories Connect People podcast available on all podcast platforms

From Storytelling Champion to Storyteller Championing Others - Tiffani Knowles Tiffani Knowles is the author - along with her dad - of the book HOLA America: Guts, Grit, Grind and Further Traits in the Successful American Immigrant and the online course series by the same name. A trained journalist, she is the managing editor and founder of NEWD Magazine. Her hope is to become as "newd" as possible on a daily by embracing truth, authenticity and socio-spiritual awareness. She is multi-vocational as she is the owner of a boutique lending firm called Global Business Lending and a professor of communication at Barry University in Miami, Florida. Connect with Tiffani: FB - Tiffani Knowles Instagram - Tiffaniknowles Purchase Hola America! at HOLA America: Guts, Grit, Grind and Further Traits in the Successful American Immigrant Introduction: Meet Tiffani Knowles. What a spark Tiffani is! and you are going to love her beautiful personality that exudes in listening to her story. She shares how her life a young person is much of the foundation for her life today! Her early story in fact starts with storytelling, It led to national storytelling competitions and it's an incredible skill she has built into her life as an author, voiceover artist, magazine founder and editor, university professor, business owner and overall champion for greatness for others. How can one person offer so much? Listen to my interview with Tiffani to find out! And to top it off….you will be so moved by her love for her family, how they have influenced her life and how she and her father partnered on a book project (which is just one of many projects) to bring to life the stories of immigrants in South Florida who have overcome the greatest odds and who are still full of life. Stories Connect People:

Travel in Twos Blogger - Ivy Carruth www.travelintwos.com Introduction: Today my guest on Stories Connect People podcast is Ivy Carruth. She is an expat who moved from Atlanta to Australia, she is a travel blogger and a travel writer. She talks about her life after moving around the world, her life as an expat and how the change opened up the world for her. She started an amazing travel blog and website that you must check out, Travel in Twos. Its one of the best website I've ever seen and her travel articles are incredibly written. I wanted Ivy to share her story of how moving around the world started her on this travel adventure that you will surely learn from. You will be both highly informed and highly entertained by her writing, wit and charm. I describe her as a little southern and a little Aussie. You will see why. We discuss: How Ivy started her website and blog and how she got into freelancing. Hear Ivy's travel tips, how to do travel research and the importance of travel planning. Her travel research tips: Do research on Instagram, Facebook pages, Pinterest, search and follow hashtags, other blogs, Trip Advisor and Air BnB curated travel activities/experiences at a destination. You can use this as a resource even if you aren't staying at a Air BnB property. And of course, read great stories on Travel in Twos to get awesome ideas and travel recommendations. Read about the Maldives: https://travelintwos.com/magical-maldives-part-1-a-primer/ https://travelintwos.com/magical-maldives-part-2-guesthouse-or-resort/ Connect with Ivy: https://travelintwos.com/ Subscribe to Ivy's blog @ Travel in Twos and leave her comments! Instagram - Travel_in_twos_ Facebook - Travel in Twos Stories Connect People: Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

Guest - Jorge Cruz Hear Jorge's story of becoming a pilot, his love for his career and his journey of how he got to his dream job as a pilot of Southwest Airlines. Jorge is also a beekeeper and shares a little about his hobby. Follow Jorge on Instagram to see his amazing pictures at luvjetdryver74 Follow Stories Connnect People podcast on FB and Instagram

Guest - Julie Farmer My guest today on Stories Connect People podcast is one that will touch your heart. Julie Farmer is truly an angel. She helped hundreds of people change their life. She found her calling 10 years ago when she began helping immigrants with their journey to becoming an American Citizen. You will hear also from a very special guest, Marc. Marc was an immigrant from Africa. He came to the US at the of 25 with a Green Card. Marc couldn't speak a word of English, had no money, zero resources, was homeless for weeks and while he was working two jobs PT jobs trying to save some money he was waiting until his co-workers left at night so he could climb into the dumpster to get food. But one day he met an angel, her name was Julie Farmer. Hear how Julie and her whole family welcomed Marc into their life and supported his journey as he learned to speak English, learned to drive, got his citizenship and went on to college to become a registered nurse. He now works in the ICU at Emory Hospital. Julie Farmer teaches Citizenship classes through the Catholic Charities organization. https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/ For more information on immigration services, English classes and support to help someone get their citizenship visit the Catholic Charities website. https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/ https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/our-ministry/immigration-refugee-services/ Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast on any podcast platform Visit my website at www.storiesconnectpeople.com If you enjoy the show please Like, Rate, Review and Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

Guest - Steve Bell Campana Ranch - https://www.campanaranchwines.com/ The Campana Ranch Winery Story - http://www.campanaranchwines.com/our-story/ Meet the team at Campana Ranch Winey - http://www.campanaranchwines.com/meet-the-team/ Logo was done by a friend as a gift, it is a horseshoe being held up by a grapevine in the shape of a wine glass Steve says, "Great wines start with great grapes" His wine philosophy - He is as much a natural winemaker as possible, don't filter any of the wines. Located in beautiful Sonoma county, Russian River Valley Steve makes all 5 of the Bourdeaux 2 chardonnays 2 ports - white and red Steve Bell - Campana Ranch Winery Location: 3631 Mark West Station Rd. Windsor, Ca. 95492 Steve's contact info: 707 337-0844 steve@campanaranchwines.com campanaranchwines.com Follow Campana Ranch Winery at - https://www.facebook.com/campanaranchwinery/

Trust the Journey – with Pattie Baker Guest - Pattie Baker AN UNINTENTIONAL ADVOCATE FOR STRANGERS. SUSTAINABILITY. COMMUNITY GARDENS. BIKING. COMMUNITY ART. AND MUCH MORE. You must listen to Stories Connect People guest, Pattie Baker. She talks all about how she is making the world a better place! She is a difference maker! Pattie who is traveling at the speed of bike became an advocate for sustainability, community gardening, people, biking, community arts without ever intending to do so. Many of her adventures come from biking. "When you start out you go somewhere to ride. The more you ride; you ride to go somewhere." She is riding to experience! She is experiencing her community, her city, people, art and nature. Hear Pattie’s passion for connecting with people, with strangers and she does so in such a present, intentional, engaging way. Pattie doesn’t just take time if she meets a stranger, she makes time for it in her life - she talks to them, gets to know them, sometimes photographs them. Pattie is an advocate, a multi-time author, photographer, blogger and Peace Corps Uganda invitee, waiting for her departure date. Notable Quotes: “Trust the journey” “If the path and the pace aren't right. It's not a joy-based journey” “When you start out you go somewhere to ride. The more you ride; you ride to go somewhere." “Do the next right thing”. There are a lot of steps forward that we can take that don't require money or time or permission. To help us get closer to our own goals. “Biking is the way to access humanity” Advice – “Lead with kindness” References: Traveling at the Speed of Bike Website -https://travelingatthespeedofbike.com/ Peace Corps Uganda - https://www.peacecorps.gov/uganda/ Bicycle Tours of Atlanta – https://biketoursatl.com/ Fall in Love with Atlanta Bike tour - https://biketoursatl.com/fall-in-love-with-atlanta-bike-tour/ Pattie talks about Robyn and the great things they are doing at BTA. Take Action: Follow Pattie, consider purchasing one of her books or taking her Free Bike Class, Pedal Power with Pattie. Like, share, comment, or just CONNECT! Pattie loves to hear from those reading her blogs, seeing her photographs, etc. If you are moved by her story reach out to her today! Email: sustainablepattie@comcast.net Pattie's Books - https://travelingatthespeedofbike.com/2020/06/20/summer-reading/ Blog: TravelingAtTheSpeedOfBike.com Twitter: PattieBaker Instagram: sustainablepattie Instagram: @todaysnicestranger - https://www.instagram.com/todaysnicestranger/ Email: sustainablepattie@comcast.net Free bike class - Pedal Power with Pattie Stories Connect People podcast: Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Please Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share f

Interview with Onest Mathis. Life with 13 siblings. Life at Colonial Bakery The story of having twins Polly and Paula as a complete surprise. 20+ year cancer survivor

Guest: Lee Chambers Show -Losing Mobility yet Gaining Gratitude - Lee Chambers Environmental Psychologist, Wellbeing Consultant and Founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing Lee Chambers is a Wellbeing Consultant, Workshop Facilitator and Sleep Specialist. Having spent the last 10 years focusing on wellbeing and performance in the local government, corporate organisations, and in elite sports, he has now brought his experience and qualifications with the aim to impact the wellbeing of thousands of individuals and businesses. Lee has qualifications in Performance Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning Coaching, and Advanced Sleep Consultancy, and he delivers multi-disciplinary workshops focused on improving performance and productivity through increasing employee wellbeing. This is an issue very close to his heart, as after losing the ability to walk in 2014 due to chronic illness, he has battled back to achieve a positive health outcome, and is now on the pathway to become medication free. He holds an MSc in Environmental Psychology, with a focus on human interaction with workplaces and natural environments. He also presents the Health and Wellbeing show on Ribble FM Radio, and speaks in Educational establishments about his varied career path, health challenges and having a resilient mindset. Based in Preston in the North of the UK, Lee is currently working with business owners and employee teams to create culture change, wellbeing strategies and champions. He is a father of 2, coaches a disability football team, and enjoys eating good food with good friends. He is currently writing his first book, “How To Conquer Anything”, which will be released in November 2020. Listeners can download My Latest Book Here!: https://www.essentialise.co.uk/ebook Lee’s Consultancy: https://leechambers.org Twitter: @essentialise Facebook/Instagram: @essentialisecoach Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-chambers-278a6518a/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/leechambersessentialise Lee Chambers MSc MBPsSEnvironmental Psychologist and Wellbeing Consultanthttps://www.leechambers.orgFounder of Essentialise Workplace WellbeingSuite 4, 9-15 Ribbleton Ln, Preston, PR1 5EZhttps://www.essentialise.co.uk – TW: @essentialise #gratitude #gratitudejournal #gratitudeattitude #gratitudeisthebestattitude #gratitudechallenge #gratitudedaily #gratitudeeveryday #gratitude365 #gratitudepad #gratitudeforlife #gratitudepractice #mobility #mobilitymatters #MobilityIsKey #MobilityIsALifestyle#resilience #resiliencekey #resiliencemakesmestronger #resilienceblend #lifecoach #lifecoaching #lifecoachinghappiness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthovereverything #mentalhealthworldday #mentalhealthfriendship #wellness #WellnessCoaches #wellnesstoday

Guest - Yvette Endom PLEASE FOUNDATION - https://pleasefoundation.org/ Yvette says "education is the key to success" Yvette Endom , a native from New Orleans founded an organization in 2007 focused on helping at risk, inner-city children receive a better education. After being displaced for many months after Hurricane Katrina she was looking for a way to make an impact on her community. She is the founder of The PLEASE Foundation. PLEASE provides mentoring, leadership training and scholarships to students who otherwise might not be able to get a strong education. She is making an impact on the children as individuals, their families, the community and ultimately the future by the work she and PLEASE Foundation is doing. Yvette says "education is the key to success". You will hear all of things this organization is doing to help set the students up for success. The ultimate goal is for each student to be accepted into college and achieve their greatest potential. Band referenced - Saint Augustine Marching 100, St. Augustine Marching Band Yvette is a member of Tri- Delta Sorority (Delta Delta Delta) Yvette received the Distinguished Delta award Joining Yvette is PLEASE parent, Tanisha Johnson White and PLEASE student, Kyron Summers. Kyron is attending Xavier University. Take Action Find out more about Please Foundation - https://pleasefoundation.org/ All donations help support mentoring , leadership training, & scholarships to at-risk students allowing them to attend college preparatory schools in New Orleans. Select PLEASE Foundation on Amazon Smile. Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast. Available on Apple podcasts, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

Guest: Cortlandt Minnich Show title: Integrating two passions - Pizza and the Big Green Egg! Cortlandt Minnich is the Inventor of the Pizza-Porta. He is a Businessman, Entrepreneur, Inventor and Product Marketer. Cortlandt and his wife Nancy travel around cooking pizzas in a kamado grill like the Big Green Egg or the Kamado Joe using his patented invention The Pizza-Porta. Pizza is like it's own food group. Pizza brings people together. Cortlandt found a way to make pizza more interesting, tastier, and literally the center of the party. Cortlandt shares his story and how he integrated two passions –pizza and the big green egg. The Pizza-Porta - www.pizza-porta.com People are as passionate about pizza as they are about the Big Green Egg (fans are called Egg Heads). Cortlandt travels around to Big Green Egg events cooking pizzas in his patented Pizza-Porta. He states "the test of a passion product is - is there someone with a tattoos of the brand on their body. The Big Green Egg is the Harley Davidson of cooking." Highlights and organizations & resources mentioned: A graduate of Emory (undergrad) and Georgia Tech (grad) Cortlandt consults on Lean Startup and Design Thinking Cortlandt talks about his love for tinkering and how that ultimately led to his invention the Pizza-Porta. Cortlandt discusses people's love for pizza and the massive Big Green Egg following Cortlandt shares high level the patent process and how the ATDC helped guide him. The Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) is a startup incubator at Georgia Tech that helps technology entrepreneurs in Georgia launch and build successful companies. Headquartered in Atlanta’s Technology Square, ATDC serves as the hub for technology entrepreneurship in Georgia. Wassi's Meat Market in Melbourne, FL - hosts an Egg festival https://www.wassismeatmarket.com/big-green-egg Big Green Egg Festival - "It's like a rock concert for backyard cooking" Neapolitan Pizza Association - sets the standards for pizza Scott's pizza tour in New York City - https://www.scottspizzatours.com/. Cortlandt raved about Scott and said he learned so much from Scott and his pizza tour. Operation BBQ Relief - www.operationbbqrelief.com - Operation BBQ Relief was founded in May 2011 in response to a need for relief efforts in tornado-stricken Joplin, Missouri, a community of about 50,000 residents. Operation BBQ Relief continues to respond to natural disasters and other situations to help feed displaced residents and emergency personnel. Take Action Follow Pizza-Porta on Facebook For more information www.pizza-porta.com (to purchase the pizza-porta, recipes, blogs, and more on the pizza-porta story) Support Operation BBQ Relief -- www.operationbbqrelief.com Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast. Available on Apple podcasts, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendati

Music Brings a Crowd to Life - Interview with David Huey, member of Black Sheep Ensemble Street Band Guest: Dave Huey, Atlanta native and member of Black Sheep Ensemble (http://blacksheepensemble.com/) Introduction - Stories Connect People but so does music. Music is everywhere! Dave Huey is a talented musician. He is a member of a street band, Black Sheep Ensemble. They play for festivals, parades, charity events and even parties. Imagine having a hobby that can bring a crowd to life. Have you ever wondered what a street band is or how someone would even get started in a street band. We will hear Dave's story, how he got started and what it's all about. Black Sheep Ensemble is a modern brass and percussion band from Atlanta, GA Their performances are rooted in Second Line traditions but with a repertoire that blends Prohibition-era Swing, Jazz, Balkan, Latin, Ska, Punk and more into one danceable sound. Black Sheep Ensemble performs in parades, festivals, events and even can be hired for meetings, parties and funerals. Follow Black Sheep Ensemble on Facebook and Instagram https://www.facebook.com/pg/blacksheepensemble, Instagram -Black Sheep Ensemble - https://www.instagram.com/blacksheepensemble/ Black Sheep Ensemble music can be found on Apple, Spotify and Amazon music Resources mentioned in this episode: https://blacksheepensemble.com/ Chaos Agent, Black Sheep Ensemble album - https://music.apple.com/us/album/chaos-agent/1473354383 https://music.amazon.com/albums/B07VGPMVVX?ref=dm_sh_wM7YhHmccHdzcHjgldCCVpPUZ https://open.spotify.com/album/1pzN7zCAJ2RfgtI0WHe4HE?si=IY_F_MUKTIiMGGm2FGkGKg Other events referenced: Chewbacchus Parade Atlanta Lantern Parade Decatur Lantern Parade Other music referenced: Chaos Agent, Black Sheep Ensemble album Bubamara (Killing in the name) Bad Guy, Billie English Cab Calloway Ghost Town - partnering in a performance with Dead Music Capital Band from Texas. Rage Against the Machine National Anthem, Radiohead The Saints Go Marching In Other groups mentioned: Seed & Feed Abominable Band Dead Music Capital Band from Texas Take Action: Follow Black Sheep Ensemble on Facebook and Instagram for videos and music links. Be sure to like and share. Find upcoming band events and even merchandise at https://blacksheepensemble.com/ Black Sheep Ensemble music can be found on Apple, Spotify and Amazon music Black Sheep Ensemble can be booked for events Stories Connect People Podcast: Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People Website - Storiesconnectp

Hear Polly Van Duser's story about how London gave her hope!

Episode title: "Help not Judge"- Interview with Lori Vann Principal, Cherokee Ridge Elementary School Lori Vann is an exceptional leader, educator and administrator in Walker County. She is also a huge champion for Helping Hands Ending Hunger www.helpinghandsendinghunger.org Lori shares her journey as a principal and the importance of helping students lay a foundation for their life through learning, respect, generosity, and second chances. She and her staff tell the students no matter what happened yesterday, you can start over today. Her passion for supporting families, students and the community as an advocate for food insecurity is inspiring. Lori discusses the role she, her school, the staff and the whole community plays in ensuring families have food, build life skills and develop the mindset of helping not judging. You will be moved by the love Lori has for her students, the families and her teachers who she says really deserves all the credit. Quotes: "It’s not just about today, it’s about your life and who you are going to become." - Lori Vann Resources mentioned in this episode: www.helpinghandsendinghunger.org - CEO, Carla Harward Cherokee Ridge Elementary School in Walker County Take Action: Any donation to Helping Hands Ending Hunger goes a long way. www.helpinghandsendinghunger.org Subscribe to Stories Connect People podcast Listen, Like, Review, Share Engage with me on Facebook & Instagram @ Stories Connect People Pinterest - Stories Connect People To potentially be a show guest, share feedback, or make recommendations email me at polly@storiesconnectpeople.com

“Stories Connect People” podcast will bring you intriguing, inspiring, and special stories from everyday people. We share stories all the time. Stories bring us closer. Stories allow us to get to know someone on a deeper level. On this podcast you will hear stories that are special, interesting, unique, motivating or even funny. These stories could be about life, lessons and learnings, careers, hobbies, community, serving others, faith, hope or love. Connect with me at polly@storiessonnectpeople.com if you have a story you want to share.