Your Stories

Vietnam Veteran Frank Franzel spent less than a year in Vietnam on the front lines. A radio operator, Frank saw more combat than anyone wanted to in Vietnam, but, as he says it, it just wasn't his time to go yet. He saw a hand of protection. Thank you, Frank, for serving our country.

Ryan Cunningham has been all over the world in his time in the Army, and he's got plenty of stories to prove it. He may have had a rough upbringing, but he found stability in the military, and learned a lot of life throughout his service. Thank you, Ryan, for serving our country.

Deneen TB is a teacher at heart, but more than that, she's passionate about helping women connect their faith and business. She's written a book — "Clarify: 11 Principals to Illuminate Your Calling to the Marketplace." She's inspiring, supporting, and building up women all over the country. This is her story!

"The two most important days in your life are the day you're born, and the day you find out why." Kathy knows why she was born, and now she's living out the why. Listen to her story - I guarantee you'll love Kathy as much as I do!

Most of the time it's easier to feel sorry for your own troubles than it is to help someone else heal from theirs. But Danielle has rejected that path and is forging her own, one where others can find peace and healing from abuse. Let Danielle's story of faith and redemption help you find hope for your own.

Stacey has been there, done that, and has the story to prove it. She's been everywhere—well, almost—and is still traveling the world, discovering places and gathering stories. She's fascinating to listen to and I'm honored to share her story (stories, really) here. And, fair warning, she'll inspire you to travel, too!

Michelle Anderson's middle name is Lovelogical. Well, not officially, but Michelle is so passionate about Lovelogical that she includes it in her identity. When you hear Michelle's story, you'll see why. Her organization, Lovelogical, "DNA Not Required" helps build families even when there's no shared biological material. She's been lovelogical-ing as long as she can remember, carrying on her mother's legacy.

Leslie Schonfeld is smart, fun, and basically awesome. She goes beyond the generational walls we often build and loves people for real. Seriously, she is the real deal. Leslie is passionate about mentoring the Millennial generation—not because she knows everything, but because she loves people. And now she's helping other people mentor, too. Because she believes everyone has a story and by sharing our stories with each other, we can help each other in amazing ways. Leslie is the founder of Dragonfly Ministry, through which she mentors, speaks, and writes. (And Dragonfly recently celebrated 10 years!) She's cool. This is her story.

Vietnam Veteran Bob Novak grew up in Chicago, but became a man in the US Navy. He learned he could have a mission without really knowing his purpose. Once he got that straightened out, he was able to resolve some of his past and use his present to make a better future. Thank you, Bob, for serving our country.

What exactly is a storytelling coach? And why would a storytelling coach make a podcast about normal people? Because you have a story. And it matters.

Regina Starr is caring for people that society often doesn't care about: those on the Autism spectrum. She is the founder of the Forever Friends Network in Lapeer, MI, which provides support and resources to all who are affected by Autism. Hear her story, her passion, and fierce love for her son, who is her inspiration. Connect with Regina at the Forever Friends Network.

Heather Kritzman is affectionately known around town as the "Crazy Pizza Lady," and she's okay with that. She and her husband, Will, own Papa's Pizza and Calvelli's in Lapeer, MI, and Heather has been known to walk around dressed as a slice of pizza. And if anyone can rock a giant pizza suit, it's definitely Heather. She brings the perfect amount of laughter, spontaneity, and of course, pizza. That's a winning combination if you ask me. Hear Heather's story, find joy in your own, and go order some pizza.

Jenn Bullinger is a wife, mom to five kids, a wedding photographer and the main milker of the family cow. True story. How does she do it all? Well, sometimes she doesn't, and that's okay. She's sharing her story from right in the middle of it and she carries an unrivaled joy and lightheartedness through it. Let her story remind you that we're all in the middle of our own stories and can share them from the middle. (And that it's okay to laugh at ourselves every once in awhile...or more.)

Erica Akers has an unbelievable story that keeps you listening to find out what's next. Through adoption, breast cancer, seizures, and brain surgery, she remains optimistic. She spreads laughter wherever she goes and you'll rarely find her without coffee in her hands or a smile on her face...and then you'll find a smile on yours. She's great. And this is her story.

Trina Byerley didn't think she wanted her story to be written exactly how it is, but now, she loves how her story has built her faith. She is a cancer survivor and now mom of three. (Since recording this episode, Trina has adopted a sibling of her daughters and now has a son!) And even though she wouldn't have chosen some things to be in her story, she says she's known God in an incredible way through all of it. She literally...well, you'll just have to listen to find out what happened.

You'll never be at a loss for a good hug when my friend Wiebke is around. Originally from South Africa, Wiebke came to the US with her husband Kevin, and not long ago she and Kevin became American citizens. Her story is one of grace and healing from suddenly losing her first husband. Hear her story and find hope and healing for yours.

I've had a lot of friends in my life, a lot of good friends, even a lot of great friends. But Andrea is the best friend I've ever had. She's one of the kindest, most generous souls you will meet. She's been through physical challenges, emotional challenges, and abuse, but her friendship with Jesus is so sweet, and I'll forever be grateful for her in my life. She's the best. She's my person.

Wes Imel isn't the kind of artist that opens galleries in New York City, what with an energy drink in one hand and a welding torch in the other. That's his version of double-fisting it after getting sober a few years ago. And if anyone can do all those things in under four decades, so can you. Except for the NYC part. His gallery is his garage, and you might want to get a tetanus shot before you visit New Arcadia Metal Works. Don't worry, everything's safe — well, most of the time.

Ask Sean Cantwell how he's doing and he'll tell you he's living the dream. And he's not wrong. He's wanted to do radio since he was literally 5 years old, and now, he's dream is a reality. It may not be a perfect reality, per se, but he loves what he does. And he's good at it, too.