The Inspire Cafe

Dr. Glenn Livingston is not only a psychologist, but he's an author of several books. Glenn reveals how he lost 80 pounds, he shares other adversities he's lived through, including depression, he fell into severe debt, had been hit by a drunk driver and suffered from health issues. But after overcoming these challenges, he now has a different perspective.  In this interview, we focus a bit on one of his more recent books, 45 Binge Trigger Busters.  We talk about some common triggers that oftentimes gets us into binge mode and how we can overcome them. Mentioned in this episode: NeverBingeAgain.com  

Welcome to The Inspire Cafe podcast, where we bring you conversations and inspirational stories of people overcoming adversity or setbacks, and then how they came out it transformed with a positive outlook or outcome.  People are incredibly courageous and resilient, and we need to hear more of their stories.... 

Greg Zakowicz has an all-too-common story.  As a young man, he graduated from college but struggled to make ends meet working in his career of choice. So what to do?  Greg shares how he struggled financially, emotionally and mentally, and explains how his journey ultimately ended up in a good place... He's now a Senior Commerce Marketing Analyst at Oracle. He gives some great tips for not only career change and situational improvement, but also what helped him to not give up.  Others now seek out Greg's advice about career change or development.  You can also check out his podcast, The Commerce Marketer Podcast.

Twenty-seven-year-old Chris Norton, co-wrote a book with his wife, Emily, called The Seven Longest Yards: Our Love Story of Pushing the Limits While Learning From Each Other. They recount the journey of their developing relationship after Chris' tragic accident. In 2010 when he was just 20, Chris suffered a severe injury while playing college football. In an instant, he became a quadriplegic where doctors said he had a 3 percent chance of ever moving or feeling anything below his neck, let alone ever walk again. You may find it astonishing to hear, but Chris says he's never experienced depression, even after his accident. In this interview, Chris talks about what helped him get through his recovery and how he never gave up.  He also talks about why he says his accident was a blessing.  Since the accident, Chris has accomplished two of his great goals. First, he walked 3 yards across the stage at his graduation. And, second, he walked his bride, Emily, 7 yards down the aisle at their wedding.  Through the Chris Norton Foundation that he started while still in college, they've already raised close to $1 million dollars to help patients get the treatment they couldn't afford otherwise. And since they got married, Chris and Emily have become foster parents and also adopted 5 girls. Chris also shares how it came that Tim Tebow wrote the forward in his new book! You won't want to miss this interview! Mentioned in this episode: ChrisNorton.org 7 Yards Film The Seven Longest Yards: Our Love Story of Pushing the Limits While Learning From Each Other If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page!

Ryan C. Greene says he got his strength and resolve from his mother, and that she was a great role model for him. He explained his mother had sickle cell anemia and wasn't supposed to live past the age of 6. She ended up raising both him and his sister and got to see Ryan get married.  Ryan then later had his own challenges. His mother passed away, he got divorced and he also struggled with depression.  How was he supposed to help others when he was going through his own challenges? Well, he decided he needed to go back and learn from his mother again--to find his life purpose.  That's when everything fell into place. He explains finding your life purpose isn't just about you, it's about how to pay it forward and help others. Today Ryan is the founder of Greenhouse Media, he's an author of 6 books, he's a speaker, trainer, coach and the host of The Passionpreneurs Podcast. Mentioned in this episode: ·        RyanCGreene.com ·        The PassionPreneur Podcast ·        Becoming a Passionpreneur If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page!

A homeless population caseworker in the Washington D.C. area, 25-year-old Saherah Khan says that people tell her how they're surprised and shocked when learning about her past.  You see, Saherah explains she grew up in a mixed racial household--her mother is from Korea and her father is from Pakistan. When she was about to enter high school, her father told the family that they were going on a 2-month trip to visit his homeland. But even at 14, Saherah said it was apparent her father never intended to bring them back home. She said she felt like a slave and a prisoner.  She was forbidden to go to school and she wasn't allowed to be on her own unless she was fetching water for the house.  She describes her father as controlling, possessive and sometimes physically abusive. At one point it got so bad he pulled a gun out and threatened to kill her. After two years of living in a Pakistani rural village and learning she had been promised to marriage to a man in the village, she felt helpless and hopeless. But soon after, she learned there may be a way out.  At 16, she made a daring escape and returned home to her mother in the States. Today, Saherah is just starting to speak out about her experience with the hope to help inspire others that they too have a voice and can escape an abusive life.

Since he was 5 years old, Winston Ben Clements said he knew he was meant for something big, that he was going to make some kind of big impact. Now he says he's found his purpose through being a motivational speaker. But he admits growing up he often wondered how he'd do it. You see, Winston was born with a rare brittle bone condition where the smallest sudden jolt or move could break his bones. Even a simple sneeze could cause havoc. His bones were so fragile that suffered more than 150 fractures by the time he was 12.  But that didn't stop Winston. In fact, he has a goal to reach 1 billion people to inspire them to unleash their full potential. Mentioned in this episode: WinstonClements.com If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com!

Twenty-three-year-old Aaron Martinez grew up going to school in Espanola, New Mexico, a city with a population of about 10,000.  You'll pass through it if you're driving between Santa Fe and Taos, two tourist towns known for its art scene, winter skiing and opera. Unfortunately, it also sits in a Northern New Mexico region where it's known for having one of the highest rates of drug overdose deaths.  For Aaron, he can speak about it first hand.  Within a space of a couple of years, he lost both his oldest sister and father from overdoses.  He says growing up both his parents were addicted and family members kept telling him he was going to grow up to be an addict too. But for Aaron, miraculously he didn't follow the same path. Where his only role models were heroes in action movies, he made a choice to stay away from drugs in spite of being raised in an environment where it'd be easy to see why anyone would.  Today, Aaron is a youth mentor and gymnastics instructor in the same town he grew up. He also speaks to kids about his experience and how it is possible to choose a different and positive path. Mentioned in this episode: Moving Arts Espanola Plus, videos that include Aaron Martinez mentoring youth at work: CNN Heroes Meow Wolf Community Voices re Moving Arts Española If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!

You could say 39-year-old TShane Johnson is a living miracle.  You see, when he was in the Marine Corps, he died 3 times. While out riding his motorcycle, he was t-boned by another car. Upon impact, his body flew at 45 miles per hour and he hit a brick house, breaking his chest plate in half. He broke multiple bones in his body, ribs punctured his internal organs, and he was drowning in his own blood from internal injuries. Doctors didn't have hope that he'd make it. But TShane said that during his near death experience he made a choice and that was to survive. He not only survived, but he completely rehabilitated himself and rejoined his unit 7 months later. Today he's a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, life coach, father and author of two published books and a third on its way. He talks about how this year will be his fourth run across America and he has a goal to raise $1 million for charities.  TShane also talks about how he aims to break three Guinness World Records during his next run, which begins on September 11th.  Mentioned in this episode: HikeAcrossAmerica.com If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!  

Dartanyon Crockett, 28, calls himself an underdog. He says he had three strikes against him growing up in the inner-city of Cleveland, Ohio:  he was black, poor and physically limited. Having been severely near-sighted all his life, his mother died when he was 8, his father battled drug and alcohol addiction, and he grew up in a crime-ridden neighborhood. And because his father spent rent money on drugs, Dartanyon had to get a job when he was 13 to help pay for rent and buy groceries. In high school, Dartanyon and his best friend, Leroy Sutton, did well on the school's wrestling team. Their friendship was featured in an ESPN special called, “Carry On,” where it showed that each had his share of hard breaks. Dartanyon was legally blind and Leroy had lost both his legs from a train accident when he was a boy. The special also formed a friendship and bond that grew between ESPN's producer Lisa Fenn and the boys during the making of the segment, and shows how she became pivotal in both of the boys' lives. After the ESPN profile aired, it was Dartanyon who ended up being invited to train with the Judo team at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, despite never having any experience with the sport before. Dartanyon learned fast and did well. He eventually became a 2-time U.S. Paralympic bronze medalist. Today, Dartanyon is getting his degree in sociology and has become an inspirational speaker where he discusses the power of human investment. Mentioned in this episode: DartanyonCrockett.me ESPN's “Carry On” Special Dartanyon's Facebook Page Dartanyon's Instagram If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!    

  Founder and CEO of the inspirational fashion brand ShineThe Light On, 25-year-old Eli Brown knows first-hand what it's like to struggle with mental illness. An avid tennis player since the age of four he was so good that he later received a tennis scholarship to attend a prestigious university and compete with Team Canada.  But along the way when he was just 14, a sexual assault threw his life off course. From the outside, his life seemed perfect yet inside he struggled with anxiety, depression, he turned to drugs and alcohol to cope, and also suffered from suicidal thoughts. It wasn't until seeing a photo of himself that depicted the reality of his life that became his wake-up call to seek help.  Today, Eli's mission is to bring awareness and a voice to those struggling with mental illness and also take the stigma out of mental illness through his Shine The Light On clothing company and to let today's youth know that it's okay to not be okay.  And after starting his business just 3 years ago, His designs are now being sold in Canada, the U.S. and Europe in over 1,000 locations, and a portion of the profits funds charity organizations that focus on mental health. Mentioned in this episode: Shine The Light On If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!    

Betty Jean Bell wanted to be an opera singer since she was 4.  I mean, not just dream about it—she truly had a gift.  She actually began performing when she was 8. She had steep ambitions and clearly knew what she wanted to do all her life.  But then tragedy struck when she was about to start college.  She began to have terrible pain in her throat, which was caused by a medical condition that lead to surgery. Doctors told her that in order to heal, she would have to not speak for 18 months, let alone sing again. Her lifelong dreams crushed, she also began to face an ongoing slew of further illnesses one right after another. Betty Jean also had to deal with weight and mental health issues, including depression, panic attacks and even a suicide attempt. Then something changed. Today, Betty Jean is the founder of Being Badass. She's a body confidence model and a weight loss coach. She teaches women how to stop overeating, stop the self-criticism, and how to learn to genuinely see their bodies with love. Mentioned in this episode: BeingBadass.com Betty Jean's Facebook Page Betty Jean's Instagram If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!    

Jess Key is a remarkable woman who says she's a major underdog story. She's a 41-year-old mother of three and she's a dragon boat racer on the U.S. National Dragon Boat Team. You'd never know it today, but Jess has overcome multiple adversities. Both of her parents were drug addicts, she grew up with physical abuse, she and her brother lived for a while in a foster home, she was a runaway teenager and became homeless for a while, she was an alcoholic by the time she was a senior in high school, and eventually got addicted to drugs.  In this interview, she talks about the epiphany she had that got her to stop taking drugs and then more recently she had another epiphany about how she didn't even realize she had been living with PTSD all her life. She now is on a mission to share her story with the lesson she's learned that we all are empowered to overcome our adversities and she encourages everyone to be the champion of your own life. Mentioned in this episode: Jessica's Instagram Jessica's GoFundMe If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!    

Five years ago and 36 weeks into her pregnancy, Briar Harvey said she went into the hospital expecting to come home with a baby, but instead she came home with nothing.  Due to complications, her baby didn't make it.  Briar explains what happened, how this traumatic experience has affected her, and how she was able to move forward in her life.  We also talk about the importance of forgiveness and her suggestions to other moms who have also lost a child.  Briar now is an author, marketing strategist, a personal systems coach, the founder of the Omaha Women's Circle, and co-host of the Latchkey Movies podcast. Mentioned in this episode: BriarHarvey.com Omaha Women's Circle Latchkey Movies Podcast If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!

It's been 29 years to this day that Director, Producer, Editor and Filmmaker Eric Christiansen survived the 1990 Painted Cave Fire in Santa Barbara, California. The fire destroyed over 400 homes, including Eric's, and burned over 5,000 acres, devastating many lives.  Eric talks about how he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with the aftermath initially. But then he later realized that there was a bigger picture to just his own personal trauma.   Since then, he's been creating movies with messages of resilience and inspiration. Although he's won multiple awards for his films, he prefers to call himself a "messenger" because he says surviving that fire has taught him that his purpose now is to not just connect with survivors and relay their stories but to show that there's hope. The release of this episode coincides not only with the 29th anniversary of The Painted Cave Fire in Santa Barbara but also with National PTSD Awareness Day.  This episode--and really all episodes on The Inspire Cafe podcast--are dedicated to spreading awareness about PTSD and mental health. Mentioned in this Episode: UnMasking Hope If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!

Justin Birckbichler was a 4th-grade school teacher and just 25 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.  When it came to finding resources or information from a patient's perspective, Justin didn't find what he was looking for. So he decided to become a source himself and started his blog, A Ballsy Sense of Tumor.  He says he's using humor to break through the ice of a topic men don't typically approach with ease. He not only wants to share what his journey to recovery was like but also to spread awareness about how to do self-checks to catch it in time. He says men have literally died from embarrassment because they were too shy or ashamed or embarrassed to bring up their health to catch the cancer in time.  Now a Men's Health Activist, his goal is to help spread awareness about testicular cancer with the hope to keep others alive and healthy. Mentioned in this episode: A Ballsy Sense of Tumor Justin's YouTube Channel And Don't Forget to Share this Self-Check! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!

With a promising musical career on the horizon, Stefan Weiner could play multiple musical instruments, sing and write songs. Soon after graduating, 22-year-old Stefan began experiencing physical symptoms, which lead to unending pain that left his doctors baffled.  Unfortunately, it got so bad that Stefan had to stop his music.  Doctors couldn't explain his medical mystery until he went to the Mayo Clinic and finally got a diagnosis:  Central Sensitization Syndrome, a condition where he says his brain hardwired his injuries so it kept sending pain signals even though the tissue had healed. Stefan talks about how he's learned to manage his pain. And now he's back to recording music and has a new song coming out next week, called "Barricade," a song he says is about celebrating who you are.   Mentioned in this episode: StefanAlxndr.com Stefan Alexander on Spotify Stefan's latest release:  Barricade If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here!

Suicide prevention strategist, author and speaker Susie Reynolds Reece is trying to educate and spread awareness about the topic of suicide less and make is less uncomfortable to talk about. She says that if we're more comfortable with the subject, then we'll be able to help those who need support and also make it more comfortable about asking for support when we need it. Susie is in a unique position to talk about it. When she was just 10 years old, her father committed suicide and for years she struggled with her own depression.  But now, Susie travels around the country and has spoken to thousands of people on suicide awareness and prevention, but says that talking about a tough topic doesn't mean it has to bring you down. Listen in and you'll know what I mean... Mentioned in this episode: SusieReece.org SuicidePreventionAllies.org Susie's books: Children's Guide to Parenting The i'Mpossible Project: Lemonade Stand If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! We'll have a link to Susie and her books on TheInspireCafe.com and if you like the episode, please take a second and share it with a friend. The more we spread awareness about this topic, the better.  

Marisa Boasa is training for a marathon and what's different about her is that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis less than a year ago.  Marisa has a remarkable drive, and even though the doctor gave her that diagnosis, he encouraged her to keep her mobility up and with the help of her doctors and trainers, she's building her strength and stamina to reach her goal. She even created a YouTube channel to chronicle her journey. The video was supposed to be sort of a coming out to her friends and family that she had M.S., but instead, it's turned into a mantra of Can't Stop, Won't Stop. Now, she travels and speaks to groups encouraging others with issues of mobility to never give up. Mentioned in this episode: ·       Fight for Mobility ·       Marisa's Instagram: @risamoe If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!

Tracey Maxfield suffered from severe depression. In her book, Escaping the Rabbit Hole: My Journey Through Depression, she describes how a ghost-like presence followed her, even whispered in her ear and told her all the ways she could do herself in. She called him DBS, or Death by Suicide.  Tracey says it was a battle, but she won.  It's a good thing because she was invited to speak to a group of middle school students about being an author but instead got questions about how they also can escape their rabbit holes.  Turns out Tracey learned the numbers when it comes to depression, self-harm and suicide amongst kids is alarmingly high, and so now she's made it a mission to spread awareness about mental health in schools.  Now that is a gift. Mentioned in this episode: TraceyMaxfield.com   If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!  

Martha Blessing has all sorts of titles, she's a former nurse, a speaker, intuitive life coach, healing mentor, spiritual teacher and author.  And does Martha have a story to tell.  At one point in her life, Martha had undergone three back surgeries, was in a wheelchair, had fibromyalgia, digestive problems and was suffering from severe pain. On a scale of 1-10, her pain reached a 12. Martha said western medicine and science wasn't helping.  Then she tried an energetic healing session for the first time and her pain fell down to a 0 on that scale for a few days.  That's when Martha knew there was an alternative way to solve her health and pain issues. She began a daily holistic practice that not only cured her pain, but her other health problems, including cancer.  Now, she teaches others how to help heal themselves and is on a mission to share that knowledge. Mentioned in this episode: MarthaBlessing.com God is a Pink Cloud If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends.  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!  

Feeling lonely and depressed, 17-year-old Barry Martin prayed for help.  And literally, within a couple of minutes, he found a sign.  You see, Barry grew up having a tough childhood--he had an abusive father and an addicted and neglectful mom.  At age 10 he was having to find odd jobs in the neighborhood in order to buy food and clothing for him and his little sister.  And then in high school, he was recruited by his mom's convict boyfriend to do drug runs across state lines. Having barely graduated from school, Barry found himself feeling alone and depressed. And that's when the answer to his prayer literally changed his life. Mentioned in this episode: TheIdeaCenter.com If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for your support!

Today's guest is Jeremy Roadruck.  Jeremy has a list of accomplishments.  He's a 6th Degree Black Belt who's won three U.S. National Kung Fu Championships, a Pan American Kung Fu Championship, multiple Grand Championships and he's started his own martial arts school.  Plus, he's written a bestselling parenting book before he even had kids of his own.  You'd say Jeremy has a lot of drive and is full of positivity, but it wasn't always that way.  You see, for 20 years Jeremy buried the memories of being sexually abused when he was 5 or 6 years old.  It took a toll on him--his attitude, his mindset and the beliefs he had about himself and those around him.  But then, he discovered martial arts and everything began to change. Now Jeremy says the pain and abuse he went through has become the biggest gift in his life because he chose to do something with it. Mentioned in this episode: TheParentingProgram.com Your Best Child Ever: Is This Game Worth Winning? How to Raise a Stable Centered Respectful Self–Disciplined Confident Self–Motivated Self–Directed ... Coaches of Children of All Ages! (Volume 1) Meng's Martial Arts of Centerville   And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, please share with your friends and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts.  We appreciate your support! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!

Today, Kirsty Salisbury tells us in detail about her near death experience when she was just 12 years old. What's even more fascinating is that Kirsty says that when she awakened, she inexplicably had the knowledge of the condition of her health and prognosis. She knew she was going to be okay despite doctors telling her she wasn't. And with that knowledge, she also knew she alone had control of the success of her health and future. Today, Kirsty is teaching others that you don't have to wait for a crisis to happen before making a positive life change. You can design your life right now if you really want. And aside from being a speaker, coach, and fellow podcaster, Kirsty also shares how you too can design your life in her books, A Life by Design and Let's Talk Life Design. Mentioned in this episode: KirstySalisbury.com A Life by Design Let's Talk Life Design And if you like this episode, please share with a friend and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts.  We appreciate your support! If you like the content, check out other episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!    

Transformational coach Abby Hanneman tells herself that she can do more to help others who are suffering from suicidal thoughts. She should know;  Abby's attempted suicide at least four times and has the scars on her arms to prove it. But since she's learned  to change her daily affirmations from hating life to loving it, Abby says the silver lining in her suicide attempts is that she can now relate to and understand a bit about what others may be going through and help them. Today, Abby helps others who are going through difficult times, openly discusses where her scars come from and hopes to shine a light that others can find joy in living life, too. This story is not just of resilience, but also that tragic experiences don't have to be in vain—they actually can serve a purpose in helping others. And Abby is another example of showing us how.  Mentioned in this episode: AbbyHanneman.com And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, please share with your friends and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts.  We appreciate your support! Check out other episodes on our website HERE! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Heather Vickery was living a seemingly idyllic life. She was married for over 10 years to her husband, they had three kids at the time, and everything seemed great. But then she discovered she was gay and she couldn't hold it in anymore. In fact, she says it was harder to live with the status quo than to take the scary leap and come out to her family.  Heather talks about how that eventually happened, which actually came by accident, and how she's never been happier. Today, Heather is an entrepreneur, speaker, success & leadership coach, the host of The Brave Files Podcast and an author, all with the mission to help others reach their visions, goals and dreams. Mentioned in this episode: VickeryandCo.com The Brave Files Podcast Gratitude Journal: Shift Your Focus   If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Ruchi Singh recalls the day her husband told her he was going to kill her and he put a butcher's knife to her throat. Thankfully, he didn't keep his word. Although she left him, she essentially boiled her future into two options—to either become a bitter person or give meaning to her pain and create something that could help her and others. Today she is a mindset coach, a content creator and motivational speaker. She shows by example that there's a way to own your own life by taking responsibility for it. Mentioned in this episode: RuchiSingh Talks YouTube Channel Ruchi Singh Talks And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, please share with your friends and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts. We appreciate your support! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Seth Hymes is an entrepreneur, author, and most recently a co-producer and co-writer of the feature film, Wally Got Wasted.  He talks about what it was like growing up with an autoimmune disorder since he was seven and how he later was a disappointed film school graduate, disenchanted by how challenging it was to get a job in the film industry after graduation. He even ended up homeless for a short while, sleeping in his car. But then he had a couple of pivotal moments, including what he calls a metaphysical experience, that changed his outlook on life. In hindsight, he discovered the journey to his dream of becoming a filmmaker was a zig-zag instead of a straight line. And then who knew that his unrelated work experiences were going to eventually pay off when it came to helping finance and market his project. Seth says it took 20 years to realize his dream and now encourages others to never give too. Mentioned in this episode: InDemandCareer.com FilmSchoolSecrets.com FilmSchoolSolution.com Wally Got Wasted Film Fooled If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Today we're talking with Brenda Adelman, who is an actress, director, coach, speaker, author and creator of the one-woman show, My Brooklyn Hamlet.  Having performed her show to over 12,000 people, she tells the tragic story about her family;   her father murdered her mother and then remarried her mother's sister.  Brenda explains how she initially kept that story hidden inside because of the shame she felt. She struggled with grief, loss, anger, and depression.  Then something happened... She decided to participate in an acting class assignment that turned everything around, ultimately sparking her journey towards forgiveness.  Brenda has since written a book called, My Father Killed My Mother and Married My Aunt: Forgiving the Unforgivable, and she also coaches and teaches various workshops, including how to forgive and share your own story. Mentioned in this episode: ForgivenessandFreedom.com   If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Today we're talking with Tom McElroy, the other survivalist trainer I met while I was in Tonga.  Tom is the founder of Wild Survival. He also teaches primitive survival skills and takes groups out to amazing places like St. Croix and Tonga.  And here, he talks about what got him to this point. Tom grew up in a well-to-do town where most of his high school classmates were expected to attend ivy league universities. But, Tom dreamed of escaping the traditional path to living an unconventional lifestyle. He later decided he wanted to test his survival skills and live in the woods for a year. And then he did!  He went on to teaching survival skills to students ranging from kids to Seal Teams.  He also studied and lived with indigenous tribes all around the world. And he now has his own business where he's continually amazed about how his students learn not just survival skills but inner personal growth, and in ways Tom never expected. Mentioned in this episode: WildSurvivalSkills.com Tom's YouTube Channel If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

I recently just got back from a trip where I met two gentlemen in Tonga. They actually were there for on assignment for work and I was intrigued to learn more. They were hosting an expedition to a group of people to teach primitive survival skills and how to live on a deserted island on their own. Interestingly, both of the men are named Tom and each has their own unique story of overcoming adversity.  This week, we're starting off with Tom Williams, who actually did his interview the last day he was on the island.  Originally from England, Tom founded Desert Island Survival.  In this interview, he explains initially what he does for a living, and then he gets into his story of when he was a shy, insecure, overweight kid with dyslexia, getting poor grades, and even had a teacher pretty much say Tom wouldn't amount to anything. Fast forward to his adult life where he had a career he hated so much that he fantasized about getting in a car accident just so he could be injured enough to be hospitalized and avoid going to work.  But then a friend invited him to undertake what amounted to a month-long race at the North Pole and then everything changed. Next week, we'll talk to the other Tom, Tom McElroy, to hear his story. Mentioned in this episode: DesertIslandSurvival.com And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, please share with your friends and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts.  We appreciate your support! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

On August 28, 2016, Valerie Silveira had a parent's worst nightmare come true—a knock on the door with the news that her 30-year-old daughter, Jamie, was murdered. She evidently was shot multiple times in the chest at close range. And to this day, the case is still unsolved. Valerie tells the story of how years earlier her intelligent, happy and outgoing teenaged daughter with a promising future suddenly changed when she started hanging around with “the guy.” She said Jamie's life had spun out of control and led to a life that included dropping out of school, surviving a gunshot wound, and drug addiction. Valerie said she had feared for Jamie's life, watching her self-destruct despite trying everything to save her daughter from herself, but to no avail.  Depressed, heartbroken and feeling hopeless, Valerie eventually learned she had no control over her daughter's spiraling life—no matter how much she loved her.  But even while Jamie was still alive, something changed in Valerie. She stopped asking Why Me? and started asking herself, Why Not Me? She then wrote her first book, Still Standing After All the Tears: Putting Back the Pieces After All Hell Breaks Loose, and began helping others manage and cope with being a parent or loved one of an addict, teaching lessons that helped her.  Then in 2016 she got the knock on the door and her hope and prayers for a miracle for Jamie were shattered. But, incredibly, Valerie has learned the power of forgiveness—even to her daughter's murderer—and now helps guide people out of darkness and fear to live a life of courage and happiness again.  Mentioned in this episode: ValerieSilveira.com Still Standing After All the Tears: Putting Back the Pieces After All Hell Breaks Loose  Misery, You Don't Get My Company: Finding the Courage to Be Happy Again If you enjoy the episode, please rate, review, subscribe and share with your friends. Thanks for listening! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!

In June 2017, at the age of 46, Bill Monroe suffered a stroke and lost the use of the limbs on his left side. He talks about what was going through his mind when he got his diagnosis, and how he managed to begin his recovery. He says there are a lot of outdated beliefs and misinformation about strokes, one of which is that it's impossible to recover at all from them.  But since he had his, Bill has regained his speech and learned how to walk again. In fact, he's so optimistic about his continuing recovery that he's set a goal to run 100 meters within 30 seconds by the end of the year. And he says that because there's a lack of information to support stroke survivors and their caregivers, Bill decided to get involved and spread awareness. He now runs the largest stroke support group in the Seattle area and also started a podcast, where other survivors and medical professionals can share their stories, learn from each other, and know they they not alone. Mentioned in this episode: Strokecast.com Currentlyspeaking.com 2minutetalktips.com Young Adult Stroke Survivors' Facebook Group And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, feel share with your friends and subscribe.  We appreciate your support! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Phillip Andrew is an Emmy-nominated TV Producer, Writer, Media and Life Coach.  He's also a Speaker, who talks at rehabs, jails, colleges and high schools. In this interview, Phillip shares his story of how he began abusing alcohol at an early age. Actually, he started drinking when he was 11. Things got worse when his mother died just before he turned 16. Although he was really great at keeping up appearances, he felt broken inside. It wasn't until he got arrested for a DUI that he had an epiphany and began to see his true self.  He's now on a mission to be of service and help others. By sharing his story of overcoming addiction and the power of being vulnerable and authentic, he hopes it will help encourage and empower others to know they are not alone and that they, too, can use hardships as a catalyst for positive change. Mentioned in this episode: PhillipAndrew.co And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, feel share with your friends and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts.  We appreciate your support! Listen for Free:    ApplePodcasts      GooglePodcasts If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Today's guest is Lee Rowley—entrepreneur, Copybrander, coach, author, mentor and now co-host of the podcast, Copy That Speaks.  Lee is a highly sought-after copybrander. He describes what he does as helping brandpreneurs craft authentic, connection-focused marketing copy to attract their best clients. Here, he shares his personal story of how six years ago he and his wife lost their only child, 10-year-old Aria, to a rare genetic disorder. He talks about how his daughter's death shattered his life and the self-destructive path he lived afterward. But then he had an epiphany. He's now on a mission to keep Aria's legacy alive of Just Being authentic, and began to apply this motto to his business. Since then, he's dumped the typical, template-based copy and now teaches others how to use his Avatar Immersion Method to create authentic and meaningful copy so that entrepreneurs can connect with their customers in a genuine way.  If you listen until the end of the interview, Lee shares how you can get a free copy of his upcoming book, The Avatar Immersion Method, where he teaches how you can do this yourself.  So be sure to check that out! Mentioned in this episode: LeeRowley.com And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, feel share with your friends and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts.  We appreciate your support! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!  

Yazmin Salazar has Congenital Anosmia. That is, she's missing one of the basic human senses. She was born with the inability to smell.  She says when she initially tells people of her condition, they tend to either discount her or dismiss her.  But, living with the inability to smell comes with daily stresses, anxieties and even dangers. She talks about how she used to keep it secret, but now she's on a mission to use a little humor to spread awareness about this invisible disability and create a space for others like her to find support. Yazmin has created a blog and podcast and is also now working on a children's book about the condition. Mentioned in this episode: GirlWhoCan'tSmell.com And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, feel share with your friends and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts.  We appreciate your support! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Today we're talking with Donnie Boivin. Donnie's an entrepreneur, podcaster, author and a veteran. He served as a Marine, and he talks about how bootcamp normally took 13 weeks, but for him, it took six months. He explains why and how that experience has helped shape the rest of his life. He also explains how at 40 he decided he had enough working for someone else's dream and ventured out to start his own business. But that wasn't what he expected, business was failing, and he got to the point where he thought he might lose his home. But something changed, which turned it all around, including him authoring his first book. Today he helps others improve their mindset, businesses, and is continually exploring, looking for new ideas to inspire and help others. Mentioned in this episode: DonnieBoivin.com Donnie's Success Champions Podcast SuccessChamps.us If you prefer to read, go to TheInspireCafe.com to see a transcript of the interview! And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, feel share with your friends and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts.  We appreciate your support! If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!  

Today's guest is Contessa Louise Cooper, author of Mad At The World: How To Move On And Find Peace When You're A Special Needs Parent. She talks about how at 16 she got pregnant. A few years later, doctors told her that her son was mentally retarded and suggested he be institutionalized. It wasn't until years later that her son was diagnosed as autistic. She talks about how challenging it was not only getting day care and keeping her son in school, but also she couldn't keep a day job because she constantly needed to attend to her son. That's when she resorted to becoming an exotic dancer to make ends meet, but it didn't last forever. Fortunately, she got help from friends and family. Today, Contessa's passion is to pay it forward by helping others, particularly others with special needs like autism or supporting their parents and caregivers. Mentioned in this episode: ContessaLouise.com If you prefer to read a transcript of this interview, go to  TheInspireCafe.com And if you like this episode and the format of this show, please share it with your friends, rate, review and subscribe. All of those activities makes it easier for others to find the podcast. If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Today our guest is Dr. Cathleen Gerenger. Cathleen came from a family of 13 children, all of who risked their lives to travel for weeks on a dangerously overcrowded boat. They were fleeing their home in Vietnam from the aftermath of the war and her parents decided to split up the children in small groups to travel just in case the worst would happen—otherwise a sinking boat could lose the whole family at once. So Cathleen, her 19-year-old sister and 14-year-old brother were in the first group to leave. Cathleen was just four years old. They all survived the dangerous journey, made it to a refugee camp in Malaysia, and ultimately to their final destination in New York City. Their family's story was chronicled in a book called, Weeping Under This Same Moon. Cathleen describes that journey and how it's affected her family. She also talks about how much later a car accident indirectly caused a turn in her career choice and she became a chiropractor and holistic health practitioner. She's now on a mission to change the healthcare of America by teaching how to be proactive instead of reactive about our medical care and to allow the body to heal itself from the inside out. Mentioned in this episode: RaJeunir Medical Center Facebook Page:  @RajeunirMedicalCenter Instagram: @rmcwellness Weeping Under This Same Moon If you prefer to read a transcript of the interview, go to TheInspireCafe.com If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate & review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!      

It's the beginning of the year and the season for New Year's resolutions. According to several online sources, losing weight ranks within the top 2 of New Year's resolutions. But statistics also say that 80% of New Year's resolutions only last until February. Well, although he never personally guaranteed that his approach to Never Bingeing Again would last longer than 4 weeks, hopefully this episode will help all those who have made weight loss to your list of resolutions for this year.  Psychologist Dr. Glenn Livingston was a long time CEO of a multi-million dollar consulting firm which serviced several Fortune 500 clients in the food industry.  He spent years researching the nature of bingeing and overeating, including a self-funded research program that involved over 40,000 participants.  In this interview, he talks about his own personal weight loss journey, what he discovered in his research and he learned about himself.  He offers several highlights from his book, Never Binge Again: Stop Overeating and Binge Eating and Reprogram Yourself to Think Like a Permanently Thin Person...on the Food Plan of Your Choice! Mentioned in this Episode: NeverBingeAgain.com To read a transcript of this interview go to TheInspireCafe.com. And if you like this episode and the format of this show, please share, rate, review and subscribe. Doing so will help others discover this podcast easier.  If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here!

  Today we're going to bring a past episode out of the archives. This particular interview was our top downloaded episode for the year. And that top download is Episode #31 with Linda Beach. So what would you do if your thriving business went bankrupt and you essentially lost over $1mil dollars in assets?  Well, if you're Linda Beach, you build your business back up, sell it for a profit and do something that nobody would expect—you move to Belize and start a new career!  Linda has turned into a certified Dream Builder Life Coach, where she helps others get over their fears, and create and build their life dreams. How great is that?  I Hope you enjoy the replay! Mentioned in this episode: FreedomLifestyleToday.com If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, rate & review. By doing so makes it easier for others discover this podcast. Thank you for your support! Listen for Free:    ApplePodcasts      GooglePodcasts If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Andrea Hall was a successful criminal defense attorney and a self-described “A-type” personality. Her goal was to become a mother and also was thinking of changing careers.  However, all that came to a halt when she learned she had a brain tumor and had to undergo emergency surgery. At that point, she told herself if she made it through the surgery, she knew without a doubt she truly had to make a change in her life. Fortunately, Andrea recovered and then became a Certifie Equine Gestalt Coach, where she partners up with her horses to help heal her clients.  She has also founded Withers Whisper and co-authored two books, Touched by a Horse Equine Coaching Stories, Vol. 3 and Living Your Joy—Creating a Joy filled Life. Mentioned in this episode: WithersWhisper.com If you prefer to read a transcript of this interview, go to www.TheInspireCafe.com. And if you like this episode and the format of the show, please head over to iTunes to give a quick review and subscribe.  This helps make it easier for others to find the podcast, and hopefully spread a little more inspiration. Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Today we're talking with speaker and author, Holly Pasut. Holly was a successful real estate agent, who found herself entwined in one of the largest investigations into mortgage fraud in the country. She has readily accepted responsibility for lapses in judgment and being too trusting.  Holly ended up pleading guilty to charges and, ultimately, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.  Despite the depression, shame and guilt, Holly decided that being incarcerated wasn't going to break her and instead she turned it into a lesson of gratitude. She now shares her story in her book, A Strange Path to Freedom: White-Collar Professional Finds Inspiration and Gratitude in Federal Prison. Mentioned in this episode: FreedomSpeaker.com A Strange Path to Freedom: White-Collar Professional Finds Inspiration and Gratitude in Federal Prison If you prefer to read, a transcript of this interview is at TheInspireCafe.com. And if you like this episode and the format of the show, please head over to iTunes to give a quick review and subscribe.  This helps make it easier for others to find the podcast, and hopefully spread a little more inspiration. If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Today we're talking with Dan Zerin, a manager at the only comedy club in Iceland.  Dan found what he says a fun way to raise awareness about Tourette syndrome, a disorder where he began noticing having symptoms since he was a kid. Feeling like what he calls a “freak,” Dan says he didn't know exactly what was going on with him until he was finally diagnosed in his early twenties.  Struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide, Dan found comedy as his salvation. He eventually came to the realization that the source of his pain was actually great comedic content.  Today, he's co-creator and manager of My Voices Have Tourette's, a group of comedians with various disorders and syndromes, who raise awareness about the disorders in a fun way. Mentioned in this episode: Dan Zerin's Facebook Dan Zerin's Instagram My Voices Have Tourettes My Voices Have Tourettes Merchandise The Secret Celler If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! And if prefer to read the transcript, go to TheInspireCafe.com. And if you enjoyed this episode and like the format of this show, please leave a quick review and rate it on iTunes, and also subscribe. This will help make it easier for others to also discover this podcast. That would really help out the podcast and would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening!

Founder and CEO of Steviva Brands and Icon Foods, Thom King shares when he said he felt like a fraud. He headed companies that promoted healthy foods, yet he was a self-professed sugar addict.  One day in 2016, the pain of it all exceeded the pleasure of maintaining his food addiction and poor health, and he made a change.  Since then, he authored Guy Gone Keto: How to Lose Weight, Feel Great, and Achieve Lifelong Fitness.  Today, Thom's intention is to make an impact on metabolic disease, or what he calls, “diabesity,” promote healthy living and to share that knowledge by paying it forward to others. Mentioned in this episode: GuyGoneKeto.com IconFoods.com Guy Gone Keto: How to Lose Weight, Feel Great, and Achieve Lifelong Fitness And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, feel share with your friends and subscribe.  We appreciate your support! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Today we're with award-winning journalist Bobbi Booker. She talks about having been raised as a motherless child.  Although her father taught her never to disrespect her mother, Bobbi struggled with learning how not to be angry with her.  Turns out, it was writing that helped her cope.  As an adult, Bobbi finally began to heal and shares what realizations helped her with it.  Bobbi now is sharing her story with the hope to help others who may have gone through similar circumstances. Mentioned in this episode: Bobbi's Instagram Bobbi's Facebook And if you'd like to hear more inspirational stories, feel share with your friends and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts.  We appreciate your support! Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Today we're talking with Eddie Lorin, Founder and CEO of Impact Housing. a real estate investment trust. Eddie shares his personal story—he lost his father when he was an infant and then also his mother when he was 17.  He talks about the personal struggles he overcame and what he's learned from them.  Since he got into the real estate industry, Eddie has been on a crusade to provide affordable housing across America. He says one of the most important things we can do is put a roof over someone's head. Over the past 30 years, Eddie has successfully purchased and transformed more than 180 thriving communities, turning blight into light, covering approximately 40,000 apartment units nationwide. Mentioned in this episode: Impact Housing HAPI Foundation To read a transcript of this interview go to TheInspireCafe.com.  And if you enjoy the show, please share with your friends and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

Husband and wife Carrie Theiss and Chris Chavez got the worst news in 2014—their eldest child, Eli, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Very sadly, Eli passed away less than two years later from cancer when he was just 8 years old. When Eli was sick, Carrie and Chris say they got assistance not just from their employer, the military, but also from foundations and almost complete strangers. They say this help was so invaluable to them in their time of need and despair that they now want to share this information with other families who made need it. Today, Carrie and Chris are on a mission not only to share their own story about their family and Eli but to also highlight the services and assistance provided by the remarkable organizations that help families like theirs. It's their hope that others will be able to find these resources a little bit easier so that they can receive the help they need sooner.

Dr. Carmen Roman came from a poor but loving family in Mexico where they had no electricity or running water. When it was time to go to middle school, her parents expected she learn a trade to start earning an income. But, Carmen secretly applied to a middle school and only got permission to go if she also learned to become a hairdresser. Determined to continue her education, she later got her master's degree and then became a professor. After more setbacks, she returned to school yet again to get a Ph.D. Today Carmen has her own practice, founded a nonprofit, Emotions in Harmony, and a podcast with the same name. Mentioned in this Episode: Emotions in Harmony and Podcast   To see a transcript of this interview, go to our website at TheInspireCafe.com Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!

Author of four books and a contributor to a couple more, Melanie Rodriguez discusses her experience with reverse ageism.  You see, Melanie looks much younger than her true age.  And, although looking young is great, there are some who have made assumptions about her--and sometimes it's not always in a positive way.  She also talks about other challenges she's had, including sometimes not having the support to follow her dream to become a professional writer and how she's handled prejudice from being biracial. Regardless, though, she says her struggles are what create her story and they're also what drive her to keep her dreams alive. And, as mentioned in the episode, if you want to help out Melanie's friend, please check out and buy the anthology, "For Melissa," where the proceeds go to assist Melissa, who is battling cancer.  We'll have a link for that on our website too. Mentioned in this episode: Melanie's Blog Melanie's Facebook Page Melanie's Twitter Melanie's Instagram Melanie's books To read a transcript of this interview, go to TheInspireCafe.com. Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!  

In September 2010 when he was 27 years old, Ben Clench and his girlfriend, Jazz, were hit by a car while on holiday in the Dominican Republic.  Jazz was killed instantly, but Ben narrowly survived.  He suffered a traumatic brain injury which left him in a coma and then with amnesia.  So determined to rehabilitate, Ben re-learned how to ride a bike, how to swim, he ran a half-marathon and started earning his second master's degree all within a year of the accident. In this interview, Ben talks about his recently published book, Ben Again: The Inspirational Memoir of a Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor. He talks about his journey, including what it was like to have amnesia, his mindset through his recovery, and why the love and support from his family and friends were vital to the success of his recovery. As a side note, Ben will be speaking soon at TEDxBrighton on October 26, 2018.  So if you're in the area, please go check it out.   Mentioned in this episode: Ben-Clench.org Ben-Again.org TedXBrighton To read a transcript of this interview, go to our website at TheInspireCafe.com Like us on Facebook here! Follow us on Instagram here! Thanks for listening!