Welcome to Un-caped Heroes – The Podcast. With each episode, we meet ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Every Monday and Friday, we celebrate everyday HEROES through their stories of grit and gratitude. Every Wednesday, we give out Mid Week Mind Candy with words of Character and Integrity to ponder and model. Sponsors of Un-Caped Heroes- The Podcast are; Enlighten Up - Illuminating the magic of YOU and Guided By Grace -Delivering Grace-driven connections and hope.
Stacy Johnston and Boyd Hamlin
TEST: a word that strikes more fear and anxiety than peace for a majority of us. But it also an opportunity to show your knowledge and mastery. It seems that so many things are being 'put to the test' in our world today. our faith, our trust in each other, our trust in our government. But the true test is in each of us. If you put yourself to the test we hold others to, would you pass as a friend, partner, a parent, or co-worker ? Sit with Stacy, Cassey, and our guest, Joseph Descans, as we lay out TEST.
Let's spent this Monday on the Eastern Shores of Maryland, shall we. There, you can engage with our guest for the day, Health & Wellness coach and integrative practitioner, Denise Sultenfuss. She shared with Stacy & Cassey her journey from health, to Lyme disease, back to health. This experience was the catalyst for her practice. We walked through the presence of heroes, age old advice and brilliant wisdom for the here and now. Spend some well placed time and engage in self grace, true healing, and hope for life after the recovery.
What is my one-liner of Wisdom on a billboard for the world to see, asked out guest, Joseph Descans.. "Don't be selfish !" A powerful statement but one that we have all heard since we were very little ! Also one that needs daily reminders. Joseph, a single dad of 4 and author of "Hosea: The Prophet That Married a Prostitute", joined Stacy & Cassey from beautiful San Diego, California, for and enlightening conversation. He shared that his hero is "Anyone pursuing God. That is usually the person that steps in and helps others to the end. Regardless." Spend some time with us as we unpack advice to 20 yr old Joseph and insight to surviving in today's world.
" A hero is someone who persevered through adversity and prevailed. Then they share the lesson." So who are some of these heroes? "Every transformational coach out there." These powerful words were shared with Cassey and Stacy by our guest for the day, Jill Hart of Preston, Idaho. Jill is the voice and power behind the YOU WORLD ORDER podcast. She shared that if she had a chance, she would remind 20 yr old Jill.."Don't quit ! You're not bossy you are just overly helpful. Remember to ask permission to help." Join us for a delightful and empowering conversation. You can connect to Jill @ www.youworldorder.com
Is ENOUGH a boundary or a mindset ? When we asked out guest, Tremayne Stewart, to define enough, it brought him to a place where he once believed 'Nothing was enough'. It was a measure of success or failure. Cassey believes that it is her 'mom job' to fill her children's echo chamber with the belief that ' They are Enough.' For Stacy, it is recognition that 'I have enough. Enough love and enough time, to share'. We also found a common belief that everyone's "Enough" is different. What is enough for you may just be the beginning for someone else. And that is ok. Boundaries are safe and necessary. What is your definition of ENOUGH ?
Jacksonville, Florida sounds like a great place to spend some relaxing time on a Monday. Join Cassey and Stacy on this trip and you also can be moved and inspired by our guest for today, Alexandria Smith. She shares her struggles and amazing accomplishments as she navigates life as a wife, mom, and coach. She shares amazing insight and wisdom as she defines and identified heroes, shares her wishes for 20 yr old Alexandria and adds brilliant wisdom in her statement, " the light of hope shines brightest through the cracks of brokenness." You can connect with Alexandria @: www.momwifeworshiplife.com
Hey there! Thanks for joining us on this journey ! Let's travel all the way to the UK and spend some quality time with our guest, Gen Edwards. As an Intuitive Energy Healer, Gen works with people to connect with their body and ask it what it needs to heal, everything from pain and anxiety to smokers cough. She shared with us that if she had the chance to speak to 20 yr old Gen, she would remind her to "Try and love yourself and forgive yourself. When you love yourself, you are free to love others fully." You can connect with Gen @: www.genedwards.com
Are looking for an adventure filled with hope and encouragement? If so, this is a great time to travel with Stacy and Cassey to Toronto, Canada and spend some precious time with our guest, Delisa Abraham, who reminds us, "You are influencing others around you by how you live your life." Owner and CEO of Faith and Sparkles, Delisa is a Leadership coach, speaker and trainer extraordinaire. Her advice to 20 yr old Delisa:" Stay the course and keep going! You got this !" Sit with us a spell, relax, and believe: "Be empowered! You are Victorious!" you can connect with Delisa @: www.faithandsparkelsworld.com
When we asked our guest, Mike Buchanan, to define grace, his initial response was: " God's Riches at Christ's Expense. The ultimate gift." To Stacy, grace is the last piece of forgiveness. There is acknowledgement of the wrong, an accepting of an apology, the act of forgiveness, then there is GRACE. The question of the day: Why is grace so much easier to extend to others than it is to extend to ourselves. Relax with us and sit with your definition of grace.
Let's spend some time together today and travel down to Midland, Tx and hang out with our guest for today, Tremayne Stewart. If you are looking to meet someone that will open your eyes to the beauty and satisfaction of the soul that comes from reaching out to help anyone that needs it, then Tremayne is your guy. He is the author of "From Darkness to Light: Healing and Helping Others". His definition of a hero: "They are not motivated by money or motive, they just do the right thing because it is the right thing. His billboard advice to the world?.. " Bend but don't break!" You can connect to Tremayne @ Stewarttreamyne.com
Come on! Take a journey to Minnesota with Stacy, Cassey, and our guest, Julie Zaruba Fountaine, as we unpack DISRUPT. Julie's first thought went to AI and the DISRUPTION that is created by the 'unknown'. For Cassey, disrupt is 'making ripples' on one side and an opportunity on the other. To get the closet clean, you have to disrupt the space before it can be fixed. Stacy pointed out that the same holds true when our own 'emotional closet' needs to be cleaned. Sometimes you have to disrupt the situation to clean it up. We all agreed that DISRUPTION is necessary to heal but fear steps in so many times. How do you sit with DISRUPT in your life ? Let us now...
One of the issues we face in the world today is deciphering all the information out there to choose a positive influence. The ability to influence another comes with a great level of responsibility. We can influence with our words and our actions. Hang out a bit with Cassey, Stacy, and our guest, Brenda Wollenberg as we dive deep into INFLUENCE.
What are the odds that you are 'As happy as your dog?' Are you happy and content as long as you are loved and cared for? Our dogs are! What can we learn? Join Stacy, Cassey , and out guest, Michelle Waitzman, as she explains the concept behind her new book. Michelle, a plain language coach, helps people make information understandable. Her advice to 20 yr old Michelle?... " Just give it a try ! You might just be better at it than you think." Sit with us for a moment and be inspired !!
What is your INTENTION? We have all thought this question or asked this question at some point. How do you define Intention? To our guest, safety instructor Marcus Melnick, intention is 'Action vs Acting". Our guest co-host, Donnamarie Newkirk feels that 'To act with intention is the deepest level of reaching out'. Stacy turned the word inside to ask "What is my On Purpose? What is my Intention?" Engage with us for a bit and examine you concept of INTENTION.
Ever been to Vancouver, British Columbia? Well, venture with Stacy and Cassey today as we engage is an amazing conversation with our guest, Brenda Wollenberg. Once a social worker that ran a 'Safe community', Brenda spends her time as a holistic nutritionist. She wants you to know that humility, not arrogance, will pave the way to health and healing. You have to care for yourself better than anyone because nurture trumps nature. Her advice to 20 yr old Brenda?.. "You're gonna make mistakes and its OK! Be curious, compassionate, gracious and kind!" You can connect with Brenda at: www.inbalancelm.com
RECOVER: The moment you realize 'I have to get better from this.' Whatever it is. Recovery wears many hats: Addiction, trauma, injury, grief, betrayal, loss, rejection, and the list goes on. But recovery is a CHOICE we make. Sadly, many choose the path they know vs the challenge of recovering so Addiction kills, grief swallows, and injury deteriorates the mind and body. Then there is the power of our guest Dani Rosenblad James, a warrior in the art of RECOVERY. Sit Stacy and guest co-host, Donnamarie Newkirk, and be inspired by the courage, fight and sheer determination of Dani's 9 yr quest for recovery from a TBI in an auto accident. Engage with us as we unpack RECOVERY.
" The world needs heroes right now!" That statement of truth was shared with us by our guest, Freelance writer and author of 'Feeling Down? Look Up!', Mike Buchanan, joining us from Buckeye, Az. He shared with Cassey and Stacy that "his hero is Love! And that is in Jesus." His advice to 20yr old Mike ? " Wait a year. Learn not to follow people and realize you cannot do it on your own." Spend a few minutes with us, relax, and be inspired.
When you hear the word SAFETY, where does your mind go? Are we in a safe situation? Are the Kids safe? Is it safe to say that? Am I safe to drive? Did I turn off the oven ? For our guest, Herb Burns, safety = protection, what ever that entails, from checking your smoke detectors to AI/ Angelic Intervention. For Cassey, safety is a feeling of peace in your surroundings. For Stacy, it is an energy you give off, 'You are safe here.' In a moment of gold, Herb pointed out that "Fearless passion for responsibility opens your eyes to safety, know your strengths and weaknesses." Just as with any word, it means many different things. From our hearts to yours, be SAFE.
Just outside the craziness of Chicago, IL resides author and Personal Safety Specialist, Marcus Melnick. Marcus has been a personal safety instructor since 1988, training individuals, groups, firemen and police on 'everything safety' from firearms training to remembering to turn off the oven. Marcus shared that he would advise 20yr old Marcus to "Learn a business along the way." You can connect with Marcus and engage with his multiple books @ Oppositeofsafe.com. He also hosts a radio show called 'The Personal Safety Show' on Sunday mornings @ 11 am EST 0n WYLM.us and on UTube @ Firearm Mentor.
Clarity: That Ah-Ha moment when the answer you are searching for is there. That 'Now I get it' flash of knowing. We all seek clarity in our health, relationships, business, and social encounters. It seems we are willing to go to some great lengths to 'attain clarity' with shelf-help books and guided casses. Sometime, clarity is as simole as a prayer for eyes that see. Sit a spell with Cassey, Stacy, and our guest Benjamin Kitisch as we seek CLARITY.
"Don't do envy. If you want their jewels, you must also accept their bags." That powerful bit of wisdom was shared with Stacy & Cassey by our gracious guest, Dixie Sims Dobbins. Dixie is an amazing photographer by trade, Photography by Dixie, and a gentle and giving soul by nature. She reminds us all to " Practice good self care. Love starts with you. Recognize what God sees and take good care of You." We encourage you to take a few moments and share space with us. You will be inspired.
As co-host Cassey Holland stated, H.O.P.E. Hole On Pain Ends. Hope is perseverance, strength, and reassurance, Hope is where courage comes from. It is both spiritual and tangible. In moments when you feel hopeless, look at your calendar. Did you schedule that dr appointment for next month? Got a business meeting on Friday ? Isn't that unrecognized hope that those days will arrive? Sit with Cassey, Stacy & our guest, Christaine Schroeter as we dissect HOPE.
Hello world ! We are coming to you today from Winston-Salem, NC! On this adventure, Stacy & Cassey get to share space with our guest, Herbert Burns, a real life example of humility and humble service. He shared that one day, he changed his prayer from "God, can you do this for me?" to," God, what can I do for you today? " and his world opened up!! Host of a radio show called '3 Men for Thee', Herb is an accomplished author and missionary of sorts, traveling to and teaching in Ukraine. His billboard of wisdom.. "Can't never could do anything !" Listen in for an amazing story the connect to Herbert @ www.Herbertburns.com
There is an old saying that goes," If you change the way you see things, what you see changes." Perspective: The lens through which you see life. Spend a moment of your time with Cassey, Stacy and our guest, Carmen Leal, joining us from Wisconsin. Cassey feels that perspective is what you do with a situation, how you look at it. For Carmen, perspective is a choice that is not always easy. In consensus, the challenge is recognizing that we all can see the apple, but we see it through our own lens and our from our own perspective. Is it fair to own the expectation that others can see through your lens, from your perspective?
Let's take a mid-morning trip to the Metroplex and spend time with Stacy, Cassey, and our guest, Marcia Sherley. Marcia is a graphic artist and beautiful musician. Listen in as she describes what she does as a way of existing and serving others vs a place and a time card. In this gracious conversation, we touch on heroes, words of wisdom to self and the gift of love. Enjoy !
When we think of a gratitude list, it generally consists of things we are 'grateful' for; our home, our family, our job and our health. But in reality, grateful is a past tense word, a feeling of joy for something you already posses. Gratitude is a present tense word. What is your gratitude in the moment ? For 1, it starts with a feeling and explodes to joy. For another, it is a reflection of the journey to the moment. Sit with Stacy, Donnamarie, and our guest, Vanessa Cardenas, as we reflect on GRATITUDE. Welcome to season 6 and Thank you for sharing this space with us ! Happy New Year and Many blessings to you all in 2024.
The most beautiful thing about these conversations is the safety in 3 definitions of a word. We all see the same word but it is defined by the lens with which we see the world. If you ask our guest, Gina Ramsey, RESILIENCE = Strength=Inner Strength. To Cassey, it is the image of the generation of her grandparents, "These are some resilient people!" To Stacy, resilience is the product of self-care, tenacity, and personal grit. Spend a few minutes with us and discover your own definition of RESILIENCE.
Sometimes, when life throws you a curve you never saw coming, you find yourself making a choice you never thought you would make. Meet our guest, Carmen Leal; after surviving a 5 car pile up and a TBI she found her healing in a most unlikely place.. she adopted a dog ! Now she adopts out dogs to help others. Her solid advice to us all: " No matter a good or a bad day, it is up to YOU to choose Joy. You can connect with Carmen and her pet adoption services, Wag A Way @ Carmenleal.com
On this beautiful Monday, let's travel out west to St.Luis Obispo, and hang out with our special guest, Christiane Schroeter. Christiane is a food and health coach that teaches her clients to love themselves and the food they eat. She reminds us all to 'Stay strong, own your own boundaries and embrace your uniqueness.' You can connect with Christiane @ hellohappynest.com
With winter coming on, it is a good day to visit Orlando, Florida and hang out with Stacy, Cassey, and our special guest, Heather Creson. Heather spends her valuable time helping people get to the root cause of illness and stop chasing the symptoms. In her wisdom, she reminds us, "Don't take people for granted, cherish your relationships !" And what would her Billboard say? " You made it through the trauma, you will survive the healing."
Welcome to Superior, Wisconsin, home of the largest freshwater lake in the world and home to our delightful guest, Gina Ramsey, 'Authorpreneur' and Author of Burnt Gloveboxes-Embracing Life When It Goes Up In Flames". Gina, who spends her "Big Girl" time as a Medical Social Worker, has published a new book about finding the humor in the Murphy's Law moments of life. It is a message to us all to "find the funny in life's mishaps. " She gently reminds us all, " Don't Listen to the negative voices! GO ahead, believe in your dreams."
"A hero is any real-life imperfect person that steps out around fear to defend the cause with no expectation of anything in return." This humble definition comes to us from Duluth, Minnesota via our gracious guest, Julie Fountaine. Julie spends her days as a Wellbeing Specialist helping men and women to set boundaries and be empowered outside their careers. Her bit of wisdom: "Lean into your power! Give yourself credit and celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small." You can connect to Julie and her programs @ Empowerpossible.com
Let's go hang out for a bit in Garrison, NY and enjoy the graceful company of our guest, Vanessa Cardenas. Vanessa spends her days as a Betrayal Recovery specialist and what an important and often unrecognized need there is for such a special soul. To Vanessa, a hero embodies an unwavering strength in the face of fear and stands strong. When you find yourself on the "other side" of betrayal, you become your own hero. You can connect with Vanessa at: Understandingear.com.
Clarity: The quality of transparency or purity. Also referred to as 'the heart /brain connection.' To be clear, let's explore and find our true definition. To Cassey, Clarity is situational; the Ah-Ha moment in the situation is to fully understand where someone else is at. To Stacy, clarity is 'My own personal understanding of this part of my journey.' How do you feel when you have reached clarity? Are you searching? How do you understand or define clarity? Sit with Stacy, Cassey, & our guest, Victoria Sanchez as we unpack and define CLARITY.
Let's travel on over to the Land of Enchantment and spend some time with our engaging guest, Darshan Shanti. Stacy, Cassey, & Darshan had the most engaging conversation about SERVICE. According to Darshan, 'Service is my whole life. From serving in the US military to serving everyone he knows everyday, Darshan is a walking definition of Service. Cassey sees service as the expression of selflessness.. your offer to someone with no expectation of anything in return. To Stacy, service is a state of the heart. It is your willingness to serve those around you with time, love, compassion, empathy and faith. How does the word SERVICE fit into who you are ?
Welcome! Join us as we unpack Tolerance. According to our special guest, Pat Butler, she asks," What is my tolerance toward things I do not like ?" Cassey asks the question, " How much can you put on your late without dropping it? " To Stacy, "Tolerance is my ability to allow others to walk their own journey." It involves patience, boundaries, respect, and objectivity. Sit for a bit with Pat, Stacy & Cassey as we unpack TOLERANCE.
Let's visit the Land of Enchantment and spend some quality time with our guest, Victoria Sanchez. Following the tragic death of her only son, Victoria has taken her grief, processed it in the best way a mom can, and now she travels the country telling her story and offering coaching and support to other families walking this journey. She believes a hero is anyone that finds the hero in themselves. Her wisdom in a one line statement: " Hold your faith. Never give up. Never surrender." You can connect with Victoria @ 1momsmemrialride.com via email and on all social media platforms.
RECOVER: Action taken the moment you realize 'You got to get better '. In this life, we recover from so many things: Addiction, grief, trauma, depression, illness and the complex pressures of life. To find recovery is to Re-discover who you are in all the BS. Cassey and Stacy had opportunity to engage with guest, Clint Callahan, in the most encouraging an enlightening discussion on Recovery. Hang with us a minute and define recovery in your own heart.
Coming to you today from the 'Mile High City' of Denver, Colorado, may we introduce Daniel Gospodarek, LCSW and Traumatic Brain Injury advocate extraordinaire. Daniel operates Revitalizementalhealth.com where there is a variety of beautiful and inclusive services for all aspects of mental and emotional health. Daniel strongly believes that a hero is anyone who supports someone through adversity. He reminds us all that "Challenges change, keep learning with persistence and grit. Join us for an engaging and service filled conversation.
Colorado Springs, Colorado is a beautiful place. It is also home to our guest today, Clint Callahan, LCSW/ Therapist/ Life Coach. Clint offers a program called; Small Changes, Big Impact: 1% Per Day Transformational System to help professionals deal with burnout and stress. He is very present on social media @ smallchangesbiginpact.4u. Clint shared that he believes a hero is someone that acts against the fear to help others. And his advice to 20 yr old Clint? Just being yourself is enough! Take a moment and share this space with us.
" SHARE; A gift/ The act of giving with no expectation of anything in return." This powerful statement of truth comes to us from our special guest, photographer and author, Donna Edman. Casey and Stacy had an opportunity to engage in this dynamic conversation about the concept of SHARE. There is so many thing we can share besides physical property such as time, knowledge, your story, compassion, kindness and gratitude. How often do we share with no expectation of anything in return? Cassey gently reminds us that 'Kindness and Grace are the only two things not currently effected by inflation. Share them freely!" Spend a moment with us and own your definition of SHARE.
Today we find ourselves traveling to Seattle, WA to engage in a mindful and inspiration filled conversation with our guest, Dr. Kirk Adams. Blind since the age of 5, Kirk dedicates his time and energy to assisting people managing blindness to navigate the workforce space and find employment. He brigs home the point that many people that manage blindness are overlooked for positions, regardless of their presenting qualifications. Kirk's advice to the general population, " Find community both for what you need and for what makes you happy."
Let's all go to Geneva, Switzerland on a Wednesday and spend some magical time with our guest, Nicole Wittauer, as we chat about the many aspects of CONTROL. To Nicole, control is an illusion. What do you actually control? For Cassey, control is a goal just outside reach.. something we are constantly striving for. In Stacy's eye, the ONLY thing you can control is you. Engage with us for a bit and examine how you see, define and manage CONTROL.
Let's take a trip to Columbia, MD and hang out with out guest, Benjamin Kintisch. Ben is a creator, Lyricist and Playwright. His latest expression is titled ' Life review: The Hospice Musical'. Ben shares his dynamic and powerful love of music and fills the segment with grace and candor. Join us as Ben shares his heroes, his passion and his wisdom. You can connect with Ben @ benjaminkintisch@yahoo.com. To connect to his new musical, 'Life review: the Hospice Musical' visit Ben @ Lifereviewmusical.com or @lifereviewmusical on Instagram. *** on A side note, Ben's hero in the story, Bert Hughes, passed away a few days ago. Ben shared stories of his heroism as a humanitarian, teacher, inspiration and support for so many people, fitting for a great music teacher and musician. Thank you, Ben, for sharing him with us.
`Switzerland is a bucket list destination for sure ! How about it? Want to tag along? Let's go! Come hang with Stacy, Cassey, and our guest , Nichole Wittauer. How can it not be a blast to hang out with a beautiful soul that known as "The play Wizard". Nichole utilizes her talent as an artist and coach to encourage teens to connect through play. Her sound advice to her 20 yr old self.. "Don't fall into the 'grow up' trap. Never get too old to play!" Her wisdom of the day.." Never give up ! Doubt the world. Doubt your surroundings. But NEVER doubt yourself ! " You can connect with Nichole and find out all about "The Power Of Play" and The Lego Series @ Www.maps-of-life.com
Ladies and gentlemen, may we introduce our guest, Donna Edman. Joining us from Southern California, Donna is a visual storyteller, a photographer, and author of 'Women of Wisdom', a collection of beautiful women over 50. She utilizes her art with photography to teach people how to embrace their own beautiful! Sit with us and listen to her advice to her 20 yr old self and she challenges you to 'Just be kind. It's not that hard'.
Sit for a spell with Stacy, Cassey, and our guest, Mitch Griffin, and let's engage in a amazing conversation about the power of GRACE. Mitch's first thought was 'God's Riches at Christ's Expense. For Cassey, grace is compassion and forgiveness. To Stacy, Grace is what we all seek. Total forgiveness, 'What sin? What indiscretion?' Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to offer grace to others than it is to ourselves ? What if you did offer yourself grace? What if you don't ? Cassey sums it up with this thought: " I give GRACE because I so desperately need it!"
We have been a lot of places together so let's keep traveling all the way to Florida and hang out with our guest, Pat Butler. A teacher and guide of the Heroes Journey herself, Pat believes a hero is of great courage and sacrifice. They are the main character of the story. Her solid advice to her 20 yr old self... " Pursue your gift and let it lead you to the prize ! Don't be afraid but don't be stupid. Live a great story !" You can connect with Pat @ Mysticmonestary.org
How do you manage? To handle 3 kids, to keep a job and a home, to keep the farm going, to pay the bills, all those people or being alone, your health,.. the list goes on and on. Whoever talk to, manage has many meanings from managing a corporation to time and money. We all manage it differently. How about yourself ? How do you manage that? Venture with us to Vancouver, Canada, meet Suzanne Jabour, and let's talk Manage.
Let's mosey on down to South Carolina and hang out with Pediatric Geneticist and Pediatrician, Dr. Robert ( Bob) Saul. He currently spends his valuable time as a child advocate and a parenting coach encouraging community engagement. He believes we can ALL make a valuable contribution to the lives of those around us. His advice to his 20 yr old self..? " Talk less and listen more. Be conscious of what you actually hear and move forward slowly." Share some quality time as Bob engages us with hero definitions and life lessons. You can reach out to Bob @: Mychildrenschildren.com
Justify: (1) To show or prove to be right. (2) Declare or make righteous in the sight of God: To be justified by faith. How do you define JUSTIFY? Our guest, Paul Wrightson, joining us from the Land down Under, stated that through a process of self growth, he has realized he does not have to justify anything to anyone. To Stacy, justify is to understand your own truth. If you ask Cassey, Justify can be a reason or an excuse, depending on the situation. where do you stand with JUSTIFY?