Story Junkies Podcast

In this episode you'll meet John Olsen, who was born and raised in Cache Valley. At the age of 8, he began to realize that the home he lived in (built in the mid-1880s) was peculiar. In this episode he tells us all about his experiences, and they're pretty fascinating!  Fueled by his own experiences with the unknown, John has spent the last 30 years interviewing and documenting first-hand accounts of those who have witnessed all kinds of strange and unusual phenomena in the western United States. The Stranger Bridgerland series contains firsthand accounts of ghosts, monsters, hauntings, glitches in the matrix, Sasquatch, and UFOs. Learn more about John and his books at www.strangerbridgerland.com.

What would it be like to work in hospice care; helping patients and their families navigate the ends of their lives? Hospice nurse Nichole Olmsted answers that for us. She loves what she does and believes that the end of someone's life can be just as beautiful as the beginning.  Give this episode a listen to find out what hospice is really all about, how the program works, and the valuable resources they have available to all of us.   

Get ready to meet Rachel's awesome nephew, Ahaise.  Born in Uganda, Ahaise was adopted as a young child and raised in the U.S. In this episode we chat all about his life's journey; including what it was like in the Ugandan orphanage, what his first impressions of America were, how he got started in acting, and the hilarious way he landed a gig as a North Face model (along with the unique reason he decided to try modeling in the first place.) He also shares his amazing strategy for how he handles the stress of auditioning, and how we can use it during the stressful times in our lives, too! Learn more about the nonprofit Come Let's Dance on Instagram at _comeletsdance_  

Kick off the new year right by listening to a conversation that Lisa and Rachel have with Susie Schwartz, author of the book "Help the Doctor Help You...31 Secrets and Tips for Self-Advocacy for Getting the Best from Your Appointments." Susie's been dealing with numerous health challenges ever since she was a young child. Through those experiences she's learned a lot about dealing with difficult and uncertain times, ultimately learning that while we can't control our emotions, we can control our attitude.  From this discussion you'll learn strategies for gaining perspective to help you get through difficult circumstances, tools for coping with the anticipation of upcoming procedures or dreadful situations, advocating for your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those you love, and the value of seeing your doctors and other medical personnel as real people.  Learn more about Susie at www.lesshealthstress.com All of Susie's socials can be found here: https://linktr.ee/SusieSchwartz 

What would it be like to be in NYC on September 11, 2001? Not only was now-retired New York City Police Department Sergeant John Ferriso there that day, he was on duty. In this powerful episode John gives us his first-hand account of what he experienced on that horrific morning, the citizens he encountered, the feelings he had, and the aftermath of New Yorkers in the weeks and months that followed. To share even more details and to ensure that no one ever forgets that day, he wrote a short-story titled New York Minute: An Officer's Eyewitness Account of the Events of September 11, 2001. During this chat with Rachel and Lisa he shares how and why he wrote the piece. You can read the story in its entirety on his website under the "short stories" heading: https://ferrisinvestigations.org John now has his own Private Investigation Company, Ferris Investigations, specializing in Missing Persons Cases. John volunteers his investigative experience to nationwide nonprofit organizations conducting missing person investigators. He helps other investigators with their missing investigations and looks at new aspects of cold cases, while assisting family members in finding answers. In this Story Junkies episode he even tells us what it's like being a private investigator - and he says it's nothing like what we see on TV! Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ferriso/ P.S. We even got into a fascinating convo about John's New York accent and our resident professional linquist Rachel shares some fascinating info about the art of language! So much fun!

In this episode you'll meet Pamela Thompson, a professional facilitator who lived and worked in Afghanistan for a year to help the Ministry of Public Health develop their first strategic plan. Hear all about it, including how she manifested the opportunity, what the Afghan people were like, how she navigated the language barrier, how she stayed safe in such a volatile environment, how she managed the stressful conditions, and how she knew at 4 years old that she was destined to work internationally someday.  As a bonus, the facilitation process and strategies that Pamela used with the ministry may also help your team or organization improve business results, teamwork, and efficiency.  Rachel also shares a little bit about her British background, where she thinks she got her love of travel from, and her tips for traveling internationally.  Learn more about Pamela and her books at www.pamela-thompson.com. 

In this episode we chat with Angela Fuller, a 42 year old Highlands Ranch, Colorado mom who recently competed on American Ninja Warrior. Being on the show was a dream come true, especially considering what her health was like for fourteen years. After being in a car accident back in college she was left with severe injuries that changed her life, and not in a good way.  A former athlete, she was then no longer able to be active, leading to a downward spiral, both physically and mentally. A dear friend going through a major health challenge was what gave her the motivation to fight her way out of it....and now her life has changed, in a very good way.  Hear her story, and be sure to watch American Ninja Warrior to see Angela and cheer her on! 

In this episode you'll meet Erin Huff; a great mom, loving wife, supportive friend, and successful makeup artist. She's also an alcoholic. During this raw and real conversation she shares her journey - from taking her first sip of alcohol in the 9th grade to the day she attended her first AA meeting while visibly pregnant.  The conversation morphs from alcoholism and addiction to the topics of shame, judgement, expectations, empathy, parenting challenges, and so much more. It's an authentic conversation that will give you powerful first-hand insight into what living with alcoholism is like...and we can all learn a thing or two from her story. Connect with Erin on Facebook at erin.huff.90.  

In this episode Rachel and Lisa chat with superstar mom Crystal Hand, who is a hearing mom to two deaf children and host of the podcast "The Other Side of Deaf". In our conversation (and on her podcast) she shares the ins and outs of what it's like raising deaf children.  Listen in to find out how she discovered they were hearing impaired when they were little, how the family learned to communicate with each other, the strong bond her children share with each other, how the pandemic affected her kids, and strategies to keep in mind when meeting and interacting with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Check out the "Other Side of Deaf" podcast here. Check out her Etsy shop here.

In this episode, Lisa and Rachel chat with Stephanie Thompson, who was in a life-changing car accident on her way home from church a few miles from her house. In addition to changing her physically, the experience changed her in other ways too.  We talk about letting go of our need of wanting to control everything, navigating feelings of helplessness, and having to face fear right in the face.(Speaking of fear, Lisa shares the story of how, a few years ago, she freaked out and wanted to break out of the hospital the morning of a scheduled surgery.) Learn more about Stephanie at www.stephaniejthompson.com.

Lisa and Rachel share a super fun chat with author Vic Ferrari, a retired New York City Police Department detective who says that his job was like having a front row seat to the circus! He gives us the inside scoop on what it was like to work for the NYPD, what it feels like to survive life-threatening situations, some of the practical jokes he and his fellow officers played on each other, and even a few strategies for getting out of a traffic ticket!   It's an episode you don't want to miss!

In this episode Lisa and Rachel chat with Martina Kwan, who believes that it's never too late to change your life, and she did just that at 50. We women tend to lose our identity because of all of the other hats we wear….mom, spouse, employee, etc. A week alone years ago changed everything as she rediscovered who she really is: a race car driver! While your dream may not involve getting behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 like hers did, her story will inspire you to take the time to figure out what yours is and develop a plan to achieve it…whatever it is. Learn more about Martina at www.martinakwan.com.

In this episode Rachel and Lisa chat with Shane Boyd, whose head was used as a "speed bump" during a drunken night back in 1999.  Yes....you read that correctly...a SPEED BUMP. Listen to his amazing story of recovery, how it changed the trajectory of his life, and what you can learn from his life-changing experience.  Get a copy of his book "Speed Bumps in the Mind: 7 Steps to Unleash Your Inner Genius, Do Stuff That Matters, and Live Life On Purpose" at https://www.amazon.com/Speed-Bumps-Mind-Unleash-Matters/dp/1542894735 

In this episode we chat with Psychic Medium and Mentor Ioanna Serpanos. She's renowned for her accuracy, honesty and integrity and delivers messages from Spirit with compassion, humility, and down-to-earth practicality.  Whether or not you're a believer, you'll be fascinated by our conversation. She shares stories about what it's like to be connected to the Spirits, when she first realized she had this ability, and why she believes that anyone can develop this gift.  For info on Ioanna's "Giving Spirit a Voice" book and journal: https://ioannaserpanos.com/products/paperback-book-journal

In this episode you'll meet Carey Seery, a college pal of Lisa's who was a contestant on The Price is Right! Not only do we talk about what that experience was like, but we also get into a really deep conversation about setting goals, going for our dreams, and creating and maintaining bucket lists.  Get ready to be inspired to think about what you really want in life and to take the first steps to making them happen! To see the t-shirt and "bucket" that Carey mentions in the episode visit https://thejoyseeker.com/f/whats-on-your-bucket

Think you have a good memory? Maybe you do, but it's probably not as good as Brad's. Brad Williams is one of the only people in the world who has been confirmed by researchers as having Hyperthymesia, also known as Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, or "HSAM." In this episode you'll learn what it's like living with this gift, how he first realized his ability was special, and how he's hoping that research on his brain can someday lead scientists to learn more about how to help people with Alzheimer's Disease and other memory disorders. Check out his documentary called "Unforgettable" and his website www.triviazoids.com. 

In this episode Lisa and Rachel chat with Krystle Dookoo, who recently became an American citizen. She talks all about her journey toward citizenship - the ins and outs of the process, the difficulties she faced, and the pride she felt at her swearing in ceremony. We also talk about how amazing New Yorkers are and what the world can learn from their awesomeness. Connect with Krystle at www.imageriementors.com 

In this fascinating episode, mountaineer (and Lisa's husband) Jonathan White shares his adventure of spending multiple days and nights climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He answers all the important questions, such as how he got himself and 300 pounds of gear up the rock wall, logistics for using the "bathroom", and what made him want to attempt this feat in the first place.  

In this episode you'll meet Komal Shah, who was on the path toward a career in healthcare until a trip to India unexpectedly changed her life. On a whim she applied for and was accepted into the Teach for America program, an organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for low-income students. The experience was life changing. In addition to hearing about what being a new teacher in a school located in an underserved community was like, we also get into a fascinating discussion around the educational system itself, where it's missing the mark, how socioeconomic status heavily impacts its effectiveness, and how we can do better for our kids to nurture their love of learning and help them redefine what success in life looks like.  www.teachforamerica.org www.thekomalshah.com     

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a Guinness World Record holder? Our guest John Orth will tell you all about it! In 2016 he broke a world record and then strived to beat it again just two years later. You'll hear first-hand how intense his training was, the process for documenting the actual attempt, how an injury threatened to derail his effort, what it felt like when someone beat his record, and his biggest takeaways from this incredible experience.  Wondering what his record was? Listen to find out!

Talk Back Barbie is actually author Lauren Lusby Fernandez, and she has a great story to share! She tells us all about her experience as a Secret Service agent in the Bush administration - details such as what it's like to take a polygraph test, what happened when she  "talked back" to a superior during her training, and what it's like to work at the White House. Her story is one of grit, determination, and strength. Best of all, the lessons she learned can be adopted by all of us to inspire us to recognize our own awesomeness and to be willing to try something different - even if it scares the crap out of us. We're tougher than we think we are! Learn more about Lauren at www.talkbackbarbie.com    

Ever wonder what it would be like to serve in the Peace Corps? Wonder no more! In this episode we chat with Dr. Paula Winke, who spent two years volunteering in China back in 1998-99. She tells us all about her adventures, including why everyone was so surprised that she was a female, how she got her stomach to adjust to spicy Chinese cuisine, and why she and her fellow volunteers were once put under house arrest. She highly recommends the program to anyone looking to enrich their lives by building their cultural awareness, improving their adaptability in life, and creating true lifelong friendships. For more info visit www.peacecorps.gov

Our guest Brendan Roy shares some pretty cool stories from his time with the U.S. Border Patrol. He also hosts a dad podcast, so we chat a little bit about parenting challenges and realities. 

Ever wonder what it would be like to donate an organ? To give someone you care about the gift of life? Wonder no more....our guest Lindsey did just that by donating a kidney to her two year old niece Beckett. In this episode you'll hear the amazing story from "Super Aunt" Lindsey and Beckett's mom Molly.  More information at www.kidney.org 

Ever dream of quitting your job, building an RV and traveling the open road? That’s what our guest Nick Wathier did back in 2019. He converted his Dodge Caravan into a fully functioning tiny RV and for nine months he traveled all across North America in it. Hear why and how he did it, what he learned from the experience, and why he thinks everyone should find a way to do something like it if they ever get the chance. Before we wrap we chat about if we’d be up for that kind of adventure, and Rachel shares her tales of backpacking in Europe after college. Check out  Nick and Maela’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMTzLo3g27voivw_cJI_Q

In this episode we chat with Kristy Summer of Soul Sisters Paranormal.  She tells us all about her experiences traveling all across the country to investigate historical locations. Her stories are amazing, and may make you a believer.  

Anthony Jeannot, stand-up comedian and podcast host, shares the worst - and weirdest - date he ever had. Listen in for some laughs and to learn how Rachel and Lisa met their fellas, way back in the day!

In this episode we meet Shaun Provost, an athlete who competed on Netflix's original series "Ultimate Beastmaster." She gave us all the details...why she wanted to go on the show, how she trained, what the other contestants were like, and if she got to meet the producer of the show, Sylvester Stallone. 

In this episode we hear Emily Adams' story. She was born and raised in an Amish community; until she decided that wasn't where she wanted to be or who she was.  Listen to her story of realization, how she left, and what it taught her. 

In this episode you'll meet the hosts of the Story Junkies podcast, Lisa and Rachel. We're so excited to launch this show!