Podcasts about finding purpose

00:00 “Your problem might be your assignment.”01:00 The stolen purse and the call that changed everything05:00 Benita Jewett's yellow pad challenge10:45 Writing Drama Queen at the call center15:00 The church altar blessing18:00 The Carl Weber phone call25:00 From manuscript to bestseller32:00 Anxiety, Hallmark, and healing through story40:00 Why LaJill refuses to monetize Black trauma48:00 Joy vs. success — redefining “peak moments”55:00 The love debate & tithing your energy58:00 Closing reflections — write your own book -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Not All Hood (NAH) podcast takes a look at the lived experiences and identities of Black people in America. Infused with pop culture, music, and headlining news, the show addresses the evolution, exhilaration, and triumphs of being rooted in a myriad of versions of Black America. Hosted by Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and Candace O.Kelley Executive Producer: Layne FontesProducer & Creative Director: Troy W. Harris, Jr. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt episode, Trish sits down with Jennifer Senn, a baby loss coach who has transformed her own tragic loss into a mission of support and healing. Jennifer shares the deeply personal story of losing her twins at 32 weeks and discusses how she now helps other parents navigate their own journeys through grief. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with loss, supporting someone who is, or working in maternal health. With real tools, profound understanding, and the offering of genuine hope, this conversation promises to bring comfort and practical support. Trigger warning, mamas: this episode dives deep into the complexities of grief, loss, and healing. Take care of yourself as you listen, and know that you are not alone. Love you all so much!Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cmsLeave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!More from Jennifer Senn:Visit JenniferSenn.com Connect with her on Instagram: @navigatingbabylossGrab her Free E-Book: 10 Answers to the Questions No One Prepares You ForHelpful Timestamps:00:33 Trigger Warning: Baby Loss01:59 Jennifer's Story of Loss03:03 Navigating Grief and Support12:25 The Role of Medical Staff17:52 Personal Journey and Helping Others25:25 Turning Point, Finding Purpose, and Seeking Help28:23 Supporting Parents Through Grief32:53 Pregnancy After Loss34:16 Coping with Fear and Anxiety41:23 Insensitive Comments and Misunderstandings48:52 Final Thoughts and ResourcesJoin the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

How often do you think beyond the photos you make to consider the larger purpose they serve—both for yourself and, ideally, for a wider audience? In today's show, we explore this idea while connecting the dots between picture making, process, and purpose. Our guides for this conversation are nature/landscape photographer and mountaineer Matt Payne, and street photographer, portraitist, and YouTube storyteller Sean Tucker. While Matt and Sean have widely different photographic specialties, they share much in common, from educational backgrounds in psychology to a profound commitment in using photography to find purpose in life. Taking Matt's 567-mile through-hike of the Colorado Trail as a jumping off point, we explore how balancing such a mammoth feat of endurance with a creative pursuit led him to look inward and see the world around him anew. Beyond the how of making pictures, we discuss the all-important why's of photography—from being more intentional in your image making to forging connections between learning and failure in order to grow creatively. By the end of this chat you'll gain valuable insights about living and working with intention in world oversaturated by social media—where digital fatigue is a valid concern, and AI looms on the horizon. As Sean Tucker notes, “We've been given this gift that can also be a poisoned chalice. And we each need to decide for ourselves how we want to use it, beyond the addictive qualities. We need to take some responsibility and say, ‘how much do I want this in my life so that it's useful? And where do I need to draw a line?'” Guests: Matt Payne & Sean Tucker Episode Timeline: 4:01: Matt talks about why he first started taking photos as an avid mountaineer, plus Sean describes his start and the first camera he had as a little boy. 8:52: Jung's concept of two halves to creativity—the morning and the afternoon of life—plus Sean's crisis point in his journey to making meaningful work. 15:06: Matt describes our modern addiction to dopamine and ways to become comfortable with introducing discomfort in your life. Plus, he looks back on his decision to focus full time on his photography two years after quitting his day job. 21:14: Knowing how you are wired and finding the place where your deep joy and the world's deep hunger meet to pump purpose into the universe. 26:36: Matt's 567-mile endurance hike of the Colorado Trail and how he balanced this with photography and creativity. 32:24: How to make sense of all the visual noise around you to become more intentional with your photography. 40:38: Episode Break 41:38: Find the magic by looking inward and asking yourself why you make the photos you do. 45:39: Sean's simple camera set up, which is infinitely better than gear that great photographers had access to 40 years ago. Plus, the creative tension between making a mess and maintaining consistency to progress in your work. 50:37: Sean describes the nuances that define his style of street photography and discovering a connection to Edward Hopper's paintings. 54:22: How to deal with creative slumps, places to look to for inspiration, plus making the space for new inspiration to come. 1:00:25: Making connections between learning and failure so to grow, plus digital fatigue and the desire to return to a pre-screentime era as an antidote to social media and AI. 1:10:06: How to remain relevant in today's saturated marketplace, and parting advice for using technology to promote your unique creative vision—make the work you want to see more of in the world.   Guest Bios: Matt Payne is a nature/landscape photographer based in Durango, Colorado. After connecting with nature first as a climber and mountaineer, his relationship shifted to photography. Nature has an innate beauty that doesn't need to be exaggerated, so he strives to capture landscapes in ways that are truthful and ethical. In 2017, Matt launched the podcast F-Stop Collaborate and Listen as a way to dive into meaningful conversations with other photographers and industry leaders about photography, ethics, and the challenges of rapid environmental change. He is also co-founder of Nature First Photography, an organization to help increase ethical awareness in nature photography and the Natural Landscape Photography Awards to celebrate nature photographers who dedicate themselves to photographing and editing their work in a realistic fashion. Having already summited all 100 of Colorado's Centennial Peaks, in 2023 Matt completed a 567-mile hike across the Colorado Trail for his current project, The Colorado Way: a Book of Mountains Trails and Growth. Featuring over 140 images and 25 essays, this book blends photography, storytelling, psychology, and wilderness to reflect on what it means to live with intention, resilience, and awe. Stay Connected: Website: https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattpaynephoto/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattPaynePhotography/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MattPayne/    Sean Tucker is a photographer, filmmaker, author, speaker, and storyteller. Born in the UK, Sean spent most of his formative years in Africa, where he served as a youth pastor in South Africa during his 20s. Although that role is now behind him, Sean still carries a fascination with psychology and spirituality, which he brings to discussions around creativity. As a photographer and filmmaker, he's been fortunate to tell visual stories for individuals, NGOs, and multinational corporations across more than 20 countries. He's also helped organizations set up in-house studios and trained them to tell their own compelling visual stories. More recently, Sean built a large following online, both on YouTube and Instagram, where he talks about the “why” behind the things we make, seeking to inspire people on their own creative journeys. In 2021, Sean published the book, The Meaning in the Making to further share his philosophy for living a creative life.   Stay Connected: Website: https://www.seantucker.photography/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantuck/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seantuckerphoto/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seantuck/    Credits: Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens  

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages in a vital discussion on burnout with Dr. Reggie Thomas, an acknowledged leader and speaker in the field. They delve into the signs and symptoms of burnout, the steps to recovery, and the importance of recognizing this condition in oneself and others. Dr. Thomas shares his personal journey of transitioning from a career defined by exhaustion and stress to one filled with purpose and balance. Dr. Reggie Thomas brings invaluable insights on understanding and overcoming burnout, a prevalent issue impacting professionals at all stages of their careers. Through his narrative and expertise, Dr. Thomas underscores the significance of identifying burnout symptoms like insomnia, emotional depletion, and changes in behavior. He addresses misconceptions and stigmas, urging a shift in organizational culture to foster safe spaces for discussion and healing. Together with Mary Crafts, they highlight the role of self-care and authenticity in navigating life's challenges and fostering meaningful connections in personal and professional realms. About the Guest: Dr. Reggie Thomas is a seasoned professional speaker and an expert in addressing burnout. With a robust background that spans over three decades in faith-based nonprofit organizations as a senior leader, he combines his experience in communication and leadership to inspire audiences. A native of West Tennessee, Dr. Thomas holds a master's degree in theology and a doctorate in leadership. After a transformative encounter with burnout that led to a career transition, he now dedicates his time to speaking engagements and coaching, helping others navigate their paths to recovery and significance. Key Takeaways: Recognizing Burnout: Physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of burnout can manifest in ways such as insomnia, emotional exhaustion, and a desire to isolate. Reinvention and Recovery: Key to overcoming burnout is the process of reinvention—becoming who you are meant to be by shedding who you are not. Creating Safe Spaces: Organizations should provide environments where employees feel safe to express burnout symptoms and receive support without stigmatization. Role of Self-Care: Prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional self-care is crucial in preventing and recovering from burnout. Spiritual and Relational Reflection: Prayer, meditation, and journaling are vital tools for reflection and can aid in aligning personal and professional goals with one's true passions and values.   Resources: Dr. Reggie Thomas's Book: "Burnout Pains" available on Amazon Connect with Dr. Reggie Thomas on LinkedIn For more insights and updates, visit Mary Crafts' podcast series "Crafting a Meaningful Life." Join Mary Crafts and Dr. Reggie Thomas as they explore the intricacies of burnout. Listen to the full episode for an enlightening discussion on embracing change and crafting a life filled with significance. Stay tuned for more transformative episodes from "Crafting a Meaningful Life."

Today's guest is someone who wears many hats and has made a real mark in the Diabetes community — Natalie India Balmain (@missbalmain).Natalie was diagnosed with Type 1 back in 2007, just before her 21st birthday. Since then, she's been using her voice and creativity to empower others — from founding Type 1 Clothing, a fashion line designed specifically for people with diabetes, to openly sharing her own journey of living with both T1D and ADHD.In 2022, she won Channel 4's reality show Make Me Prime Minister, showing her passion for leadership and advocacy on a national stage. And more recently, in December 2023, she partnered with Digibete and Leeds Children's Hospital to launch school awareness packs and an eLearning platform to better support children with diabetes in schools.And on top of all that, Natalie is also the host of her own podcast — TypeCast: Life Between the Lines, where she brings together stories and conversations from the Type 1 community.See and hear more of Natalie here:instagram.com/missbalmaintiktok.com/realmissbalmainyoutube.com/@thetypecastpodAs always, be sure to rate, comment, subscribe and share. Your interaction and feedback really helps the podcast. The more Diabetics that we reach, the bigger impact we can make!Questions & Stories for the Podcast?:theinsuleoinpodcast@gmail.comConnect, Learn & Work with Eoin:https://linktr.ee/insuleoin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Sometimes, God allows us to be hidden for a while. Not because He's done with us. Not because He's forgotten us. But because He's doing something deep inside of us that can only happen in the quiet. Hidden seasons are often necessary to strip away the noise, the striving, the endless pressure to perform. They force us to rest when we would rather keep running. And though they feel barren, God is at work beneath the surface, strengthening and preparing us for the next season."Leave a comment for Simi: https://incourage.me/?p=254628--The clock is counting down on DaySpring's October Markdowns! Through the end of the month, save up to 50% on inspirational cards and gift bags that will uplift and encourage anyone's heart. Each card in the curated collection is a perfect way to let someone know they're on your mind, and the gift bags are a beautiful way to elevate a gift for any occasion. Don't delay, these deals will disappear when October ends! Shop at DaySpring.com today.The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

In this powerful solo episode, Pastor Trevor opens his heart about a divine stirring that's been growing in his soul, a “holy discomfort” that's shaking him (and perhaps all of us) out of spiritual autopilot. Drawing from Isaiah 41:4, Trevor explores what it means to be summoned by God in this generation, a generation marked by restlessness, distraction, and hunger for purpose.He unpacks how every great move of God begins with dissatisfaction, why God doesn't need your resume but your yes, and how leaders, parents, students, and believers alike can respond to this sacred call.If you've been feeling unsettled, stirred, or unsure of what's next, this episode is your wake-up call. When God summons, history shifts. Are you ready to say yes?

Philosopher and cultural apologist Annie Crawford joins the channel to discuss the unavoidable problem of purpose (teleology) in evolutionary biology. We explore why the modern scientific attempt to reduce life to mindless, mechanistic processes ultimately fails, forcing biologists to use the language of agency and design to describe what they observe. The conversation delves into the history of science, the philosophy of language, and whether life requires a "ghost in the machine" to make sense.Annie Crawford on twitter - https://x.com/annielcrawfordPeople & Concepts Discussed:Annie Crawford, John Vervaeke ( @johnvervaeke ), C.S. Lewis, Owen Barfield, Charles Darwin, Aristotle, Plato, Spinoza, Thomas Aquinas, Michael Levin, Brett Weinstein, Teleology, Vitalism, Teleonomy, Philosophy of Language, Abiogenesis, Information Theory and more.

Dr. Dave Jones is the Founder of M is Good, one of the world's largest Christian marketing agencies, and creator of the R7 Process for vision-centered communication. A former pro hockey player turned sport and performance psychology consultant, he has coached elite NHL and NFL athletes for over 20 years while leading an agency that has served hundreds of clients worldwide. Author of Vision Wins: 7 Strategies for Mental Toughness in Life and Sports, Dr. Jones is passionate about faith-driven leadership, peak performance, and helping others turn setbacks into vision-fueled success. In this episode… Setbacks in business and sports can stall momentum and erode confidence, while hidden barriers such as fear, lust, anger, and pride can quietly sabotage progress. Vision blurs, emotions take over, and resilience fades. But can mental toughness tools and clear vision turn valleys into stepping stones — and help leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs thrive under pressure? Dr. Dave Jones shares how setbacks in business and hockey shaped his approach to vision-centered communication and mental resilience. He introduces his R7 Process for clarifying vision and strategy, addresses the “FLAP” factors — fear, lust, anger, and pride — that sabotage success, and offers practical tools, like the “reload” technique and affirmations. Drawing parallels between sports and business, he highlights the importance of self-awareness, coachability, and preparation for inevitable challenges. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz talks with Dr. Dave Jones about unlocking peak performance and resilience in life and business. Dr. Jones shares his R7 framework and mental toughness tools used by elite athletes to manage stress, reframe setbacks, and stay goal-focused. They also explore mentorship, emotional intelligence, and putting others first — offering mindset shifts for leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs alike.

Authentic leadership grows from lived experience—and the courage to share it. What does authentic leadership look like when your story begins with struggle? In this episode, Maricela Morado, President & CEO of the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, shares how her lived experiences as a young parent became the foundation for a career built on compassion and impact. From serving thousands of older adults and people with disabilities to navigating hurricanes, funding shifts, and community partnerships, Maricela offers a heartfelt look at what it means to lead with empathy. She opens up about finding strength in vulnerability, the importance of asking for help, and why listening and mentorship are essential for every nonprofit leader. Whether you're leading a nonprofit, supporting one, or simply passionate about community impact, this episode is a reminder that leadership isn't about titles—it's about service, authenticity, and leaving people better than you found them. Prefer Video? Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PWrAeJe0xKM Standout Quotes “Leadership isn't about being the smartest person in the room—it's about creating space where everyone's wisdom can emerge.” (18:53) “Your story can inspire someone to ask for help. Don't be afraid to share it.” (34:22) “Don't be afraid to ask questions—you don't have to know it all.” (34:46) Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to IMPACTability 01:10 – From Teen Parent to Nonprofit CEO: Maricela's Journey 03:45 – Finding Purpose and Leading with Heart 06:40 – Inside the Area Agency on Aging: Mission & Community Impact 10:15 – Stories of Hope: How Nonprofits Change Lives 14:00 – Authentic Leadership: Building Trust and Empowering Teams 20:15 – Mentorship, Peer Networks & Growth for Nonprofit Leaders 25:45 – Diversifying Funding & Sustaining Community Programs 32:40 – Lessons for Nonprofit Leaders and Board Members Guest Bio Maricela Morado leads with heart and purpose. As President and CEO of the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL), she works every day to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities have the resources, dignity, and independence they deserve. Her path to leadership didn't start in a boardroom—it began with personal experience. As a teen parent who once turned to nonprofits for help, Maricela saw firsthand how compassion and community can change lives. That experience became her calling. Today, she oversees an organization serving seven counties across Southwest Florida, connecting thousands of people to meals, housing, health programs, and hope. Under her guidance, AAASWFL has expanded its reach, built partnerships, and responded to community crises with empathy and innovation. Named to Gulfshore Business's 40 Under 40 and honored as one of the Community Foundation of SWFL's Top 30 Nonprofit Leaders, Maricela continues to champion collaboration, mentorship, and leadership that makes space for every voice. Her story is a reminder that impact begins when we turn our struggles into service. Learn More & Connect Website: https://aaaswfl.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maricelamorado Facebook:

Welcome back to The Ripple Effect Podcast. Today, we are joined by my good friend and special guest Karen Ansen, an extraordinary entrepreneur and employment lawyer from Australia. Karen is the founder of Ignite HR and Employment Law, where she assists businesses and individuals in navigating Fair Work, workplace bullying claims, adverse action cases, and wage underpayment issues in Australia. She also leads Ignite Your Purpose, a coaching and retreat platform that combines mindfulness, breathwork, meditation, and leadership training to help people reduce stress, build resilience, and lead with authenticity. Karen and I discuss her courageous leap from the corporate world to starting her own law firm, how she balances her career with her passion for helping others, and the unique way she combines employment law with personal growth. We delve into workplace culture, the importance of onboarding, how to provide feedback without causing defensiveness, and why healthy conflict is crucial for strong teams. Karen Ansen is proof that you can be both a top employment lawyer and a heart-led leader who helps others ignite their purpose. Whether you are an HR professional, a business owner, or simply someone who wants to create more purpose in your career and life, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom.   Ripple with Karen Ansen: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karenansen Ignite HR and Employment Law: ignitehr.com.au Ignite Your Purpose: igniteyourpurpose.au   Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com   Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond   To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.  

::LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED:: ::THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES SUICIDE AND OTHER MENTAL STRUGGLES THAT SOME MAY FIND HARD TO LISTEN TO; PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE NUMEROUS RESOURCES AVAILABLE IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE AND PLEASE STOP LISTENING AT ANYTIME::   The latest BARRACKS TALK podcast episode is waiting, press 'play' now!   In this latest episode of BARRACKS TALK from DV Radio, the Crew conducts a raw, no-holds-barred discussion on the challenging intersection of Veteran life, high divorce rates, and suicidal ideation, highlighting the tragedy of those that joined the 22 (number of suicides per day in the Veteran community) themselves following the news of divorce. The conversation examines the heavy burden placed on men, exploring the feelings of failure, the "weaponization" of children in family court, and the mistreatment fathers often face in the justice system. Ultimately, the Crew share coping mechanisms such as focusing on positive actions, mantras, engaging in new hobbies, and emphasizing the necessity of reaching out to resources like Objective Zero or dialing 9-8-8 before getting to a place of no return and "keep on keeping on." - Grab Your DV Radio Merch Before It Is Gone! https://bit.ly/DVR-StreamLabs-Merch - Star Spangled Brewing Co. [THE OFFICIAL BEER OF DV RADIO] https://www.starspangledbrewingco.com/ - Hard Of Hearing, Deaf, or Have Other Hearing Issues? READ THE TRANSCRIPT! https://dvradio.net/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/ - Grab Your DV Radio Merch! https://bit.ly/DVR-SreamLabs-Merch  - Hope For 22 A Day https://hopefor22aday.org/ - Liberty Risk Podcast https://beacons.ai/libertyriskpodcast - INERT Mugs www.inertmugs.com - Laugh It Off https://www.laughitoff.org/ - Want To Sponsor DV Radio? No pricing model beats DV Radio when it comes to sponsorship. https://bit.ly/SponsorDVRadio DV Radio on Rumble https://rumble.com/c/DVRadio DV Radio on twitch.tv https://www.twitch.tv/dvradio - Burn It Down Change Unchained Tumbler from INERT Mugs Website: https://www.inertmugs.com/products/20oz-burn-it-down-thermite-tumbler [NOTE: Click these links!] ---------- DV Farm Septic System Fundraiser https://donorbox.org/dv-farm-septic-system ---------- Parental Control Apps https://bit.ly/ChildSafeInternet ---------- Backpacks For Life https://backpacksforlife.org/ ---------- Wah-Tie Woodturning https://wahtiewoodturning.com/ ---------- Backpacks For Life Fundraiser https://ko-fi.com/dvradio/goal?g=1 ---------- Edited by Munkee Bawlz Media https://www.munkeebawlzmedia.com/ ---------- Are you a Veteran Owned Business? Have unique, handmade items that we can buy and review on a show? Contact us, show us what you have, and we'll (at least Bo) will spend up to $50 per month and speak openly about your product(s)!! ---------- Find Out More About Betsy Ross At Her Website https://bit.ly/Fight-With-Betsy-Ross ---------- SGT WarDawg http://sgtwardawgtv.fans.link/ ---------- *Got an idea for BARRACKS TALK or any other show? Want to be a guest? Then please feel free to contact us by sending an email to info[at]dvradio.net or oink[at]dvradio.net.* ---------- **LINKS TO CHECK OUT** EVERYTHING DYSFUNCTIONAL VETERANS https://whereisdv.carrd.co  ---------- Grab DV Radio's Battlegrounds From Ubora Coffee At: http://bit.ly/DVR-BattlegroundCoffee  ---------- DV RADIO PARTNERS, SPONSORS, and AFFILIATES https://dvr-listen-support.carrd.co

Last weekend, the English reggae band UB 40 played in the Orpheum in Los Angeles and included in the set their 1980 song “Tyler”. Tyler is guilty white judges said soWhat right do we got to say it's not soTyler is guilty white judges said soWhat right do we got to say it's not soTyler is guilty white judges said soWhat right do we got to say it's not soTyler is guilty white judges said soWhat right do we got to say it's not soIn the audience was the song's muse Gary Tyler who, as a sixteen year old in 1974, was put on death row for a crime he didn't commit:Appeal to the governor, of LouisianaYou may get an answer the process is slowFederal court won, too much to openHe's been there for five years and they won't let him goThis week, Tyler released his autobiography, Stitching Freedom, in which he tells the story of the 41 years he spent in Angola high security prison for his “crime”. Yes, the process was slow - shamefully slow. It's the shockingly true story of injustice, defiance and hope in Louisiana's bloodiest prison. Tyler is free now, living in Los Angeles, having successfully stitched his life together. He doesn't seem to have forgiven the system for this injustice (why should he?), yet the one thing that 41 years in Angola clearly didn't destroy was Gary Tyler's humanity. So I guess there's hope in this tragic story. 1. A 16-Year-Old Scapegoat for Racial Violence Gary Tyler was arrested at age 16 during a racial confrontation at a newly integrated Louisiana school in 1974. After a 13-year-old white boy was fatally shot during the chaos, police brutally beat Tyler to extract a confession he never gave, then charged him with first-degree murder despite no evidence linking him to the crime.2. Political Prisoners Saved His Life In Angola's death row, Tyler found unexpected mentors - former Black Panthers and civil rights activists who recognized his case as part of systemic injustice. These older inmates taught him to channel his anger into education and activism, helping him write letters that would eventually bring national attention to his case through organizations like Amnesty International.3. Finding Purpose in America's Bloodiest Prison Despite facing execution, Tyler transformed his imprisonment into service. He became president of multiple prison organizations and, most meaningfully, a hospice volunteer caring for dying inmates - including some of the very men who had mentored him. This work became his “sense of redemption” and healing.4. Justice Denied, Freedom Granted Tyler was never exonerated. Despite multiple appeals reaching the Supreme Court and three favorable parole board recommendations, politics kept him imprisoned. He was finally released in 2016 only because of new Supreme Court rulings against juvenile life sentences - not because the system admitted its mistake.5. Stitching a Life Back Together Tyler discovered quilting in prison, initially resisting it as “feminine” before recognizing it as both a way to help dying inmates leave something for their families and a metaphor for his own healing. Now a professional artist in Pasadena, he literally and figuratively pieces together a life that was torn apart, remaining optimistic that struggle against injustice must continue.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever sat with the question, “What am I supposed to do with my life?” You're not alone. In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate wrestles with the big questions of purpose, vocation, and identity, and why chasing the “perfect” career or calling often leaves us more restless than fulfilled.Through scripture, stories, and some honest reflection, Nate reminds us of an important truth: you are already loved, already blessed, and already enough in God's eyes. Instead of searching endlessly for the next big thing, maybe God is inviting you to notice what's already in your hands.You'll hear about:Why our culture pushes us to believe something better is always around the corner.How the story of Moses and the burning bush invites us to look at the gifts we already carry.The difference between original sin and “original blessing” in understanding who we are.Practical ways to discern identity, belonging, and purpose through faith.Why gratitude and joy are linked—and how that can shift your perspective today.This episode is for anyone feeling restless, burned out, or stuck in the constant “what's next?” cycle. Instead of chasing greener grass, learn how faith roots us in the moment, teaches us to love what's in our hands, and shows us that there is more than one way to live a purposeful life.

If you feel like your life has gone off course, you're not alone. In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks the powerful story of the Apostle Paul's shipwreck from Acts 27–28 and shows how God's purpose still prevails—even when your plans don't. You'll be encouraged to stop despising the detours and start expecting God to do something new, even in places you never wanted to be. Discover: Why storms don't mean you've missed God's will. How to shake off what's bitten you so it doesn't poison your purpose. How to see your “Malta” as a setup for revival, not a setback. Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here. + + + + + Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.

In this episode, Peter Meyerhoff shares his incredible journey from a troubled youth and time in prison to becoming a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and advocate for change. Peter discusses the pivotal moments that led to his transformation, including overcoming addiction, finding purpose, and building a new life dedicated to helping others. His story is one of resilience, redemption, and the power of mindset in achieving personal and professional success. 00:00 From Addiction to Redemption 03:08 The Journey Through Crime and Prison 05:54 Life Lessons from Solitary Confinement 09:00 The Turning Point: Overcoming Addiction 11:53 Building a New Life After Prison 14:47 The Power of Mindset and Resilience 17:36 Creating Change: Helping Others in Prison 20:41 The Importance of Community and Support 23:41 Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life 26:36 The Role of Faith and Spirituality 29:34 Living a Life of Impact and Service 32:26 Final Thoughts: Never Give Up on Yourself

Scott Linebrink is a former major league baseball player. Scott played several years of pro ball. He now helps other athletes prepare for life after sports. Scott has a podcast called "Get in the Game" where he interviews former athletes. Check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-spectrums-get-in-the-game/id1558521851Scott also works with Pro Athletes Outreach. https://pao.org/Support the show

If you have a family member who is struggling with addiction, today's episode is for you. My guest, Amber Hollingsworth, is a master addiction counselor with two decades of experience in helping thousands of families navigate addiction recovery using innovative, relationship-focused strategies like the Invisible Intervention. Amber is known for her relatable, no-nonsense approach as she empowers families:To outsmart addictionSet healthy boundariesRebuild trust Her strategies and techniques are unique, and the results with her clients are incredible. Amber's YouTube Channel, Put the Shovel Down, is filled with strategies and insights around addiction and recovery.Connect with Amber:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT8PE1v0xFR9zLXOijxM6hg CONNECT WITH DEBIDo you feel stuck?  Do you sense it's time for a change, but are unsure where to start or how to move forward? Schedule a clarity call!Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/debironca/free-clarity-callWebsite – https://www.debironca.comInstagram - @debironcaEmail – info@debironca.com Check out my online course!Your Story's Changing, Finding Purpose in Life's Transitionshttps://course.sequoiatransitioncoaching.com/8-week-programThe Family Letter by Debi Ronca – International Best Sellerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SSJFXBD

In this conversation, Dr. Ivan Zak shares his remarkable journey from veterinary school to becoming an entrepreneur in the veterinary field. He discusses the challenges he faced while building a diagnostic lab in Russia, the importance of partnerships, and the significant issue of burnout in the veterinary profession. Ivan emphasizes the need for setting goals to maintain career satisfaction and shares insights from his research on burnout among veterinarians and technicians. He advocates for creating supportive environments to help professionals thrive in their careers. In this engaging conversation, Drs. Ivan Zak and Brianna Armstrong explore the concept of flow state, the importance of setting goals and having a purpose, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They discuss the role of leadership in shaping organizational culture and preventing burnout, as well as the innovative approach of Galaxy Vets towards employee ownership. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency, understanding financials, and creating a supportive environment to foster a positive workplace culture in the veterinary profession. Dr. Zak's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ivan-zak/   Book Recommendations in this episode:  - The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack - Stealing Fire by Jamie Wheal and Steven Kotler - Drive by Daniel Pink   Galaxy Vets:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/galaxyvets/ https://www.instagram.com/galaxyvets/ https://www.facebook.com/galaxyvets https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_OP_HEP8VIlv_aW34fvAFw   Burnout research:  https://galaxyvets.com/the-emotional-toll-of-financial-stress-work-environment-and-euthanasia/ https://galaxyvets.com/learning-center/eliminate-these-six-burnout-triggers-from-your-veterinary-hospital/ https://vetintegrations.com/insights/burnout2021/ Serenity Vet Study: The survey is now closed, and we are currently analyzing the data, but here is the page where people can sign up to receive the report: https://serenity.vet/burnout-study-among-relief-locum-veterinarians/. Correlation between burnout and economic euthanasia - the more of those a clinician performs, the more burnout tends to spike. Here is Dr. Zak's report: https://galaxyvets.com/the-emotional-toll-of-financial-stress-work-environment-and-euthanasia/.   Webinars:  https://galaxyvets.com/webinars/ https://vetintegrations.com/events/   Some of Dr. Zak's articles https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/authors/ivan-zak-dvm-mba/ https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=11545511&f5=1 https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/ivan-zak  

“Beauty can come from ashes, and it's one of those things that's hard to comprehend in the middle of it, but that's where hope sets in. Life is going to be very difficult, yet we can find some beauty in this and grow.” —Rachel Porter   Some days, it feels like life's setbacks are proof we're falling behind, but what if those tough moments are actually the start of something better? The truth is, everyone faces challenges that burn like fire. What matters is how we move through them. There's real power in seeing our struggles as fuel for growth, not evidence of failure. Transformational Coach, Rachel Porter, walked through the chaos of raising seven kids to the clarity of helping others transform their lives. Every challenge she faced, big or small, became a lesson in self-forgiveness and resilience, shaping her mission as a coach and author. Her story is about finding worth in the mess and learning to dance through the fire. Catch this week's episode as Daniel and Rachel share honest insights on transformation, practical mindset shifts, self-forgiveness, embracing adversity, and building real community.    Be Inspired! with Daniel:  Website (Makings of a Millionaire Mindset) Website (Daniel Gomez Global) Facebook Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest YouTube   Episode Highlights: 01:53 Meet Rachel: A Journey of Transformative Evolution 06:40 Champion Your Story 10:13 Uncomfortable is Our Best Friend 14:12 Dance in the Fire 19:55 No One's Fallen 22:59 Things Work Out When You Look Up   Connect with Rachel: Rachel Porter is a Transformational Life Coach, speaker, and proud mom of seven. In her coaching practice, she empowers women to overcome limiting beliefs, cultivate resilience, and embrace lives true to their worth and purpose. With empathy and practical insight, Rachel guides her clients to make decisive pivots and achieve lasting change. She is also the author of Fire Dance Flow: A Transformative Process We Shouldn't Fear, a memoir and self-help guide that intertwines her personal story of resilience with actionable strategies to help readers overcome adversity and realize their potential. The book is set to release on October 24th, and preorders are available now. Website LinkedIn Instagram  Facebook

This week on the Mind Full Podcast, I'm joined by the man who lit a fire in my belly, not with a curry, but with his voice, his message, and perfect timing.You know that feeling when something just clicks? That was me the first time I heard davidji. I'd been circling the mindfulness space for years, searching for something deeper but most of it felt like it wasn't meant for someone like me. Then one stressed-out night, flicking through internet radio, I stumbled on a voice that felt like a warm blanket. He was wise, hilarious, and somehow made the esoteric feel accessible. That voice belonged to davidji.Today, davidji is not only a bestselling author as well as a teacher to Navy SEALs and CEOs, he's a great friend of mine. This week, we dive into purpose - what it means, how to find it, and why it's never too late to redefine who we are.For more information on davidji, including his forthcoming new Meditation Teacher training course, visit www.davidji.com. Don't forget to also check out his great podcast ‘The Shadow and The Light' which he hosts alongside Psychotherapist and Meditation Teacher Elizabeth Winkler.If you're new to this series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your biggest dreams didn't die — they just fell asleep?

In this episode of ⁠Pushing Forward with Alycia⁠, I sit down with the Honorable ⁠Tony Coelho⁠, retired U.S. Congressman and the principal author of the ⁠Americans with Disabilities Act⁠, for a conversation that reaches far beyond disability policy. It's a history lesson, a civics class, and a moral compass all in one thirty minute session. As a nation founded in defiance of oppression and animated by the promise of freedom, we need the values in this conversation now—dignity, equal access, and the courage to stand up to power with truth and love. This is not just a disability story; it's a blueprint for renewing the American experiment. Tony's story is America's story: perseverance in the face of stigma, faith in community, and courageous, bipartisan coalition-building that turned lived experience into law. He reminds us that the ADA wasn't a gift; it was won through testimony, organizing, and unlikely alliances that honored human dignity over party lines. He also offers a clear charge for today: rights on paper are meaningless without enforcement, and opportunity is the measure of whether our promises are real. As we begin our celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) let us remember we can't afford to ignore the warnings of our past. If we don't learn from history, we are bound to repeat it. Key Points on the Clock 00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia 00:26 Meet Tony Coelho: Champion of Disability Rights 02:41 Tony's Personal Journey with Epilepsy 07:30 Finding Purpose and Entering Politics 16:32 Crafting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 26:15 The Impact and Future of the ADA 32:55 Final Thoughts and Farewell A Quote by Tony “ Give me the opportunity to fail... then I may be able to succeed.” ~ Hon. Tony Coelho What You'll Find in this Episode

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts is joined by Georgina Enthoven to explore the integration of meaningful work and sustainable careers. The dialog kicks off with a nostalgic recollection of "The Wizard of Oz," which inspired Craft's lifelong dedication to doing good. Anchoring their discussion around the universal ambition to achieve a career filled with purpose and impact, Crafts and Enthoven delve into the nuances of being a 'do-gooder' in today's work environment. Harnessing Enthoven's vast experience, the conversation navigates through the challenges and triumphs of aligning profitability with philanthropy. Emphasizing the pressing need for change in workplace cultures and the role of leadership in championing meaningful work, this episode shines a light on how to effectively channel one's professional hours toward social good. Concepts like the 'unrewarded do-gooder' and the staggering statistic of a 90,000-hour career serve as cornerstones for discussing how to balance these hours between productivity and purposeful impact. These insights come alongside real-world examples and anecdotes that women and young professionals, in particular, will find both relatable and illuminating. About the Guest: Georgina Enthoven is an accomplished author and podcast host specializing in bridging the gap between generating income and making a positive impact in the world. Enthoven's background is diverse and global, having been born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and living in various countries including the United States and Mexico. She graduated from Berkeley in the mid-90s and later attended Harvard Business School. Her professional journey includes a mixture of tech industry experiences and significant contributions to social impact enterprises. Enthoven is the author of "Work That's Worth It," and she also hosts a podcast by the same name, focusing on redefining career goals to integrate income with social impact. Key Takeaways: A career can simultaneously provide financial security and meaningful impact; it is not an either/or situation. Understanding the leadership's values in an organization can be pivotal in aligning personal values with professional goals. Embracing non-traditional paths that combine entrepreneurial spirit and social impact can yield substantial outcomes, both personally and societally. Asking critical questions during job interviews can reveal whether a company truly embodies its purported mission. Shifting personal attitudes towards daily tasks can redefine one's work experience, transforming mundane into meaningful. Resources: Georgina Enthoven's Website: georginaenthoven.com "Work That's Worth It" (Book) by Georgina Enthoven Georgina Enthoven on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Dive into the full episode to discover how aligning personal passions with professional endeavors can radically transform your career and personal growth. Stay tuned for more episodes that inspire and guide you on crafting your own meaningful life.

You'll know Letitia Wright from her standout roles in Black Panther, Wakanda Forever, Black Mirror and Top Boy. She won the BAFTA Rising Star award in 2019 and is currently starring in Not Your Superwoman at The Bush Theatre, London. But Letitia's journey hasn't always been lined with red carpets. Born in Guyana and raised in Tottenham, North London, she's faced her share of challenges including depression, anxiety and experiencing the pressure to fit in from a young age. In this episode, Letitia opens up about dealing with online bullying, rejection and the lessons she's learned along the way. She speaks powerfully about the importance of faith, friendship and resilience, sharing how those pillars helped shape the person she is today. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 02:36 Childhood Memories 11:44 Audition Failures 22:20 Online Bullying and Its Impact 24:40 Struggles with Acting Roles 25:53 Dealing with Negative Thoughts 26:51 Overcoming College Torment 28:59 Finding Purpose in Acting 30:12 Battling Depression 35:41 Directing Debut Challenges 43:36 Processing Grief and Moving Forward

In this episode, Gerard chats with hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional content creator Paige Schrick, who has built a thriving career blending salon work with social storytelling. Paige shares how she turned Instagram into her modern-day portfolio, the moment content creation clicked, and why education and experimentation keep her inspired behind the chair. Together, they explore how stylists can grow their careers through creativity, confidence, and connection — whether it's learning a new color line, embracing the power of social media, or finding balance as a working parent. Paige's journey proves that with passion and persistence, you can design a career that fits your life and your artistry.   THE BEST DON'T SETTLE, THEY SWITCH. Discover tools and tips for every step of your Schwarzkopf Professional journey. Ask your Schwarzkopf Professional rep or visit switchwithskp.com to learn more.

In this episode of the What Now Podcast, I sit down with Emily Snyder to explore her journey of finding purpose, belonging, and using her voice—whether single or married—in a family-centered church.Emily shares her experiences working in both the professional and faith-based worlds, from collaborating with leaders like Chip and Joanna Gaines to serving in the Church's Priesthood and Family Department, where her work shaped programs and curriculum that touched countless lives. She reflects on what each environment taught her about leadership, faith, and connection.We also talk about Emily's life as a single professional woman in the Church, her honest reflections on navigating belonging in a marriage-focused culture, and her insights on how openness and vulnerability can create unity in congregations. Later, she opens up about her transition into marriage at 46, becoming a stepmother, and the intentional balance of honoring her husband's late wife while embracing her new role in a blended family.Through each chapter of her story—whether in career, singlehood, or family life—Emily emphasizes the power of choosing connection, trusting God's timing, and embracing your unique path. Her candid reflections offer encouragement and inspiration to women and men alike who are seeking to live with purpose in every season of life.

Leigh Feldman, CEO of Youth Franchise Brands, joins Rodric to share his journey from teacher and franchisee to leading a private equity group invested in youth-focused franchise concepts like Flower Power Studios and Young Chefs Academy. With nearly two decades in franchising and experience across mergers, acquisitions, agency work, and education, Leigh has a unique perspective on what makes a great franchisee. He explains the “maestro mindset” required to lead without playing every instrument, how to assess fit, flexibility, and finances, and why following the system (with a little room for local adaptation) is key to success. Leigh also dispels the myth that you need “millions” to get started, breaking down entry costs and financing options, and closes with a powerful reflection on purpose-driven entrepreneurship. If you've ever wondered whether franchising is your path, this episode is a masterclass!Timestamps & Topics00:00 – 02:35 Meet Leigh Feldman: teacher → franchisee → franchisor.02:56 – 04:52 Building the dream team: sales, ops, COO, and franchise support.05:17 – 08:29 What makes a good franchisee? The “maestro mindset.”09:05 – 10:51 Flexibility vs. system: seasonality, pivots, and best practices.11:23 – 14:09 Busting the “millions needed” myth: item 7, item 19, and financing options.14:30 – 16:30 Purpose as a daily compass: Leigh's guiding question.17:03 – 17:41 How to explore Young Chefs Academy opportunities.17:45 – 18:25 Rodric's mantra: “The true cost of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”HighlightsGreat franchisees are conductors, not soloists: lead the team, don't play every instrument.Success = 90% system, 10% local adaptation.Entry costs are often under $400K; creative financing makes franchising accessible.“Don't chase money alone—find joy and purpose in what you build.”Daily purpose check-in: What is today's goal? Did I live it?Pull Quotes“You don't need to know how to play every instrument—you need to know how to lead the band.” —Leigh Feldman“Ninety percent follow the system, ten percent adapt for your market.” —Leigh Feldman“The true cost of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” —Rodric Lenhart“What one question should you ask daily? Do you understand your purpose?” —Leigh FeldmanGuestLeigh Feldman — CEO of Youth Franchise Brands, overseeing investments in youth-focused franchise businesses like Young Chefs Academy and Flower Power Studios.

“Singleness is a piece of cake, it's layered.”

On this episode of The Mix Up, Patrick Garmong sits down with Leah Botko, who shares her journey from starting in food service as a teen to leading school meal programs in Massachusetts—and now stepping into a new role in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Leah reflects on career growth, mentorship, and the impact school nutrition leaders [Read More]

On today's episode of That Was Us, we're diving into Season 4, Episode 3: Unhinged. As Uncle Nicky faces the fallout of his actions, Kevin steps in to help and crosses paths with Cassidy. Meanwhile, Randall launches his open-door policy, Kate meets her neighbor Gregory, and Malik opens up to Deja about his daughter. On the pod, Mandy, Chris, and Sterling talk to a surprise guest after ringing them up on a whim AND Tim Jo, AKA Jae-Won, joins to chat about his time on the show! That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith. ------------------------- Support Our Sponsors: - Keep it classic and cozy this fall with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to https://www.quince.com/twu for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. - BAU, Artist at War opens only in theaters, for a limited run beginning September 26th. Go to https://www.baumovie.com/ to watch the trailer, read about Josef's real-life journey, and find showtimes near you. You can also sign your organization up for group screenings. - To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to https://NakedWines.com/TWU and use code TWU for both the code AND PASSWORD. - Brought to you by Bombas, One Clothing Item Purchased = One Clothing Item DonatedHead over to https://bombas.com/ and use code TWU for 20% off your first purchase. -------------------------

If you've ever seen a faint positive line on a pregnancy test—only to start your period days later—you're not alone. What you experienced may have been a chemical pregnancy, one of the most common and heartbreaking forms of early miscarriage. In this episode, Courtney gently walks you through what a chemical pregnancy is, why faint lines sometimes fade, and how to process the emotional and spiritual weight of that loss. You'll learn how to find purpose in the pain, discover the difference between forcing joy and choosing to rejoice, and see how Paul's example of rejoicing in suffering can anchor your heart when life doesn't go as planned. This episode is an invitation to grieve honestly, rejoice intentionally, and remember that God is near—even when the line fades. Whether you're walking through early miscarriage, navigating the uncertainty of TTC, or supporting a friend through loss, you'll leave with biblical truth, gentle encouragement, and hope that heals.

E421 – Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan & Sarodah Aboagye Welcome to Episode 421 of the Inner Voice Podcast with Dr. Foojan Zeine! In this deeply moving and transformational conversation, Dr. Foojan welcomes therapist, speaker, and author Sarodah Aboagye to share her inspiring healing journey—from surviving trauma and cultural isolation to embracing love, forgiveness, and living with purpose. This heartfelt discussion explores powerful themes like trauma recovery, emotional healing, panic attacks, anxiety recovery, cultural assimilation, and the immigrant experience. Sarodah opens up about her journey as an African immigrant woman, survivor of abuse, and now advocate for emotional intelligence, self-love, spiritual awakening, and mental health awareness. Whether you're navigating childhood trauma, healing your identity, or trying to find your voice, this interview offers relatable insights, hope, and healing. Discover how forgiveness therapy, writing as therapy, and awareness integration can help you move from suffering to strength.

John Graham shipped out on a freighter when he was 16, hitchhiked through the Algerian Revolution at 19 and was on the team that made the first ascent of Denali's North Wall at 20, a climb so dangerous it's never been repeated. He hitchhiked around the world at 22, working as a correspondent in every war he came across. A US Foreign Service Officer for 15 years, he was in the middle of the 1969 revolution in Libya and the war in Vietnam. To the young Graham, adventure was everything, and each brush with death only pushed him to up the ante—and to bury ever deeper the emotional life needed to make him whole.Then it began to change, prompted by agonizing reflections at the height of a battle in Vietnam. At the United Nations he risked his career, crossing his own government to support initiatives for peace and justice in Asia, Africa and Cuba. His secret efforts against the UN infuriated racists in the US Congress by engineering a UN plan that helped end apartheid in South Africa. Then came the all-or-nothing bet he was forced to make, fighting for his life in a lifeboat in the middle of a typhoon when his ship caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Alaska. As a global peace builder, post Foreign Service, he negotiated with the Khmer Rouge for a cease-fire in Cambodia and helped avert a major strike in Canada, save what's left of the Everglades and find long-term environmental solutions in the Pacific Northwest. For years he contributed to peace efforts in Israel/Palestine (efforts that got him put on George Bush's No Fly List as a threat to national security.) For the last 40 years he's been a leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project, a global movement inspiring people to stick their necks out to solve public problems and giving them tools to succeed (giraffe.org). His speeches, blogs, podcasts and interviews have a global audience. His books include Outdoor Leadership; Stick Your Neck Out–A Street-smart Guide to Creating Change in Your Community and Beyond; a memoir, QUEST: Risk, Adventure, and the Search for Meaning; and Denali Diary, a first-person account of one of the most daring first ascents in North American mountaineering. He has degrees from Harvard and Stanford, neither of which he will ever use.Contact John Graham:www.john graham.orgMy memoir, which is Quest – Risk, Adventure, and Search for Meaning.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnagraham1/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnAGraham344/Dr. Kimberley LinertSpeaker, Author, Broadcaster, Mentor, Trainer, Behavioral OptometristEvent Planners- I am available to speak at your event. Here is my media kit: https://brucemerrinscelebrityspeakers.com/portfolio/dr-kimberley-linert/To book Dr. Linert on your podcast, television show, conference, corporate training or as an expert guest please email her at incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com or Contact Bruce Merrin at Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers at merrinpr@gmail.com702.256.9199Host of the Podcast Series: Incredible Life Creator PodcastAvailable on...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incredible-life-creator-with-dr-kimberley-linert/id1472641267Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DZE3EoHfhgcmSkxY1CvKf?si=ebe71549e7474663 and on 9 other podcast platformsAuthor of Book: "Visualizing Happiness in Every Area of Your Life"Get on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cmTOMwWebsite: https://linktr.ee/DrKimberleyLinertThe Great Discovery international eLearning platform:https://TheGreatDiscovery.com/kimberleyl

“Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” Franklin D. Roosevelt Ruchi Pinniger is an international speaker, venture capital investor, and the Founder & CEO of Watch Her Prosper®. Recently named one of the Women Leading the Finance Industry, she empowers women-led businesses with shame-free financial mentorship, expert strategies, and tools for profitability and growth.Watch Her Prosper® has helped hundreds of business owners to identify their connection to wealth and learned beliefs about money, while viewing their prosperity in a new way. Clients can then break free from shame and guilt surrounding wealth and see huge results in their profitability and economic growth. In our episode, Ruchi shares:Her 3 Pillars for REAL prosperityHow to redefine prosperity beyond your bank accountWhy Prosperity should come from the insideThe power behind her shame-free financial mentorshipHow to develop a healthy mindset for your financesHow to introduce financial literacy to our children Connect with Ruchi to learn more about her financial workshops and free downloads.Free Downloads - 3 Pillars of Redefining Prosperity™, RIR Method™, Redefining Prosperity™ Workshop - https://freebie.watchherprosper.com/workbook Website - https://www.watchherprosper.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/watchherprosper/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WatchHerProsper/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/watch-her-prosper/CONNECT WITH DEBIDo you feel stuck?  Do you sense it's time for a change, but are unsure where to start or how to move forward? Schedule a clarity call!Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/debironca/free-clarity-callWebsite – https://www.debironca.comInstagram - @debironcaEmail – info@debironca.com Check out my online course!Your Story's Changing, Finding Purpose in Life's Transitionshttps://course.sequoiatransitioncoaching.com/8-week-programThe Family Letter by Debi Ronca – International Best Sellerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SSJFXBD

“You are important, you are valued, you are worthy. God created YOU with a specific plan and purpose for your life. And in order to get the best out of that, do the work, do what you need to do. Remember that you are a child of God, that you're forgiven.” —Sue Fries If you're feeling weighed down by regret, shame, or the quiet ache of loneliness, you're not alone—and you don't have to carry it by yourself. Sometimes life's hardest moments leave us questioning our worth or wondering if things can really change. But there's hope, and it starts with a little kindness toward yourself and the courage to believe you're meant for more. Sue's story is a gentle reminder that healing is possible, even when the past feels heavy. She's walked through deep pain and self-doubt, yet found her way to purpose and peace by learning to forgive, speak gentle truths over her life, and open her heart to new beginnings. This episode dives into finding purpose, breaking free from shame, the power of forgiveness, and how your words can shape your future—plus honest advice for business, faith, and personal growth.   Be Inspired! with Daniel:  Website (Makings of a Millionaire Mindset) Website (Daniel Gomez Global) Facebook Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest YouTube   Episode Highlights: 03:18 Seek to Understand Than to be Understood  08:10 Why Am I Here? 16:52 From Alone Again to Alive Again  20:58 The Grace in Forgiveness 29:58 It's Okay to Prosper 

Host Jason Schreurs welcomes The Carolyn's Andrew Patrick to talk about his lifelong fascination with punk rock. Andrew explains how being part of the punk scene has brought him meaningful friendships and the permission to make music on his own terms. http://thecarolyn.bandcamp.com Featured song clips: The Carolyn - "I Thought You Were Dead" from Pyramid Scheme of Grief (59 X Records, 2025) Misfits - "Green Hell" from Collection (Capitol Records, 1986) Blink-182 - "Dammit" from Dude Ranch (Cargo Music/MCA Records, 1997) Spanish Love Songs - "Sequels, Remakes, & Adaptations" from Schmaltz (Grouch Music, 2018) Alkaline Trio - "Keep 'Em Coming" from Maybe I'll Catch Fire (Asian Man Records, 2000) The Carolyn - "Hostile Mañana" from Pyramid Scheme of Grief (59 X Records, 2025) The SCREAM THERAPY BOOK is now available! Scream Therapy: A Punk Journey through Mental Health is a memoir-plus that has been heralded by New York Times best-selling authors. Like the podcast, it links the community-minded punk rock scene with the mental wellness of the punks who belong to it. ORDER A COPY OF THE BOOK! screamtherapyhq.com/book NEW SCREAM THERAPY MERCH STORE! screamtherapy.threadless.com About this podcast: Scream Therapy explores the link between punk rock and mental health. My guests are members of the underground music scene who are living with mental health challenges, like myself. Intro/background music clips: Submission Hold - "Cranium Ache" Render Useless - "The Second Flight of Icarus" Contact host Jason Schreurs - screamtherapypodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of Mental Wealth, I sit down with The Jordan Strong, a two-time All-American football player, devout Christian, model bodybuilder, and all-around great guy. Jordan shares his compelling life story, discussing his upbringing in Batesville, Mississippi, and the significant impact of family and faith on his life. He delves into his challenging high school years, the transformative JUCO experience, his time at Coastal Carolina University, and his brief stint in the NFL. Through it all, Jordan emphasizes the importance of resilience, mental health, and a strong work ethic. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to overcoming adversity and finding purpose beyond the game.00:00 Welcome to Mental Wealth00:01 Introducing Jordan Strong00:58 Jordan's Humble Beginnings03:57 Discovering Football07:05 High School Struggles11:22 Facing Adversity15:20 The Turning Point19:50 JUCO Journey Begins20:20 Overcoming High School Setbacks20:38 JUCO: A New Beginning21:23 Finding Purpose and Faith22:34 Proving Myself at JUCO25:01 The Road to College Offers28:00 Choosing Coastal Carolina33:10 Adapting to Coastal Carolina36:54 NFL Dreams and Realities40:07 Life Lessons from FootballSocial MediaInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jaimeertakeoverr/Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/search?term=jaimeertakeoverrTwitter https://twitter.com/jaimeertakeoverTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jaimeertakeoverr?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2h0daCcrMMgixG4DsyFGa0?si=pnIWA-ykSOil2JGkITZMAAD'Jordan Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/djordanstrongg?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.tiktok.com/@djordanstrong?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

In this episode, Sathiya discusses the journey of overcoming porn addiction without financial investment. He emphasizes the importance of investing personal resources at a sacrificial level, practical steps for recovery, the significance of connection, and finding a sense of purpose to aid in the recovery process. Sathiya shares his personal experiences and insights, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps towards their recovery journey.   Do you prefer Video Format? Watch this content on Youtube Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This   Know more about Sathiya's work: Join Deep Clean Inner Circle – The Brotherhood You Need (+ get coached by Sathiya) For Less Than $2/day Submit Your Questions (Anonymously) To Be Answered On The Podcast Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse, Your Blueprint For Recovery Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Content Overview (01:24) Understanding Porn Addiction and Recovery (07:25) Investing in Recovery: The Sacrificial Level (10:09) Practical Steps for Recovery (14:51) The Importance of Connection in Recovery (18:39) Finding Purpose in Recovery

Lori Smith never imagined she'd find herself sitting alone in a dark parking lot, tears streaming down her face, begging God for direction after her world collapsed. As publisher and executive editor of Life Media Group—a thriving media company with eight newspapers across Florida's Emerald Coast—Lori now radiates confidence and purpose. But the road to her current success required navigating through extraordinary pain."I lost everything," Lori reveals in this raw, emotional conversation with host Valerie Peterson. Her story unfolds as she details facing a painful divorce after a decade of trying to save her marriage, mourning her mother's death, enduring financial devastation, and relocating to a community where she knew no one—all simultaneously. The image of Lori crying in her car before work, during lunch breaks, and on the drive home paints a vivid picture of someone in pure survival mode.The turning point came through divine intervention when, during her darkest moment, she heard God audibly release her from her marriage—a direction that contradicted everything she believed about divorce. This moment of clarity didn't eliminate her suffering but provided the permission she needed to move forward. Throughout this valley, Lori clung to specific worship songs that articulated her pain when she couldn't find words to pray, and to the promise that faith "the size of a mustard seed" was enough to sustain her.What makes Lori's testimony particularly powerful is her transformation from brokenness to becoming what she calls a "marketplace minister"—someone who brings Christ's presence into professional settings without formal ministry credentials. Now leading a successful media company, she prays with clients, speaks hope into business relationships, and uses her platform to influence others for Christ. Her journey proves that our darkest moments don't define us—they can become the very experiences God uses to equip us for greater impact and purpose.Ready to experience hope in your own journey? Listen to Lori's full testimony and discover how faith can sustain you through your darkest valleys. Connect with Lori at lori@lifemediagrp.com or visit MyDestinLife.com to learn more about her work in the community.For more information contact us atrtrdestiny@gmail.com

A Note from JamesThis might be the most insane chess story I've ever heard—not even really a chess story, but a cult story. It's wild, intense, and ultimately inspiring. Danny Rensch grew up in a cult in Arizona. At just 10 years old, the cult leader noticed his chess ability, took him away from his parents, and he wouldn't see his mother again for a decade.I first heard Danny's story when we met at Norway Chess a year and a half ago. Over dinner, he told me pieces of what would become his book Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life. I worried later that I'd pushed him into podcast mode before he was ready, but Danny said he was actually grateful for the chance to practice sharing his story out loud. Now, with his book out, he's ready to open up fully.Episode DescriptionDanny Rensch, Chief Chess Officer at Chess.com and author of Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life, shares the extraordinary story of how growing up in a cult shaped his childhood, his chess career, and his path to resilience.From being separated from his mother at age 10, to navigating indoctrination, hierarchy, and trauma, Danny explains how chess became both his prison and his salvation. This conversation is about more than chess—it's about control, identity, purpose, and how to reclaim your life from the stories others force on you.What You'll LearnHow a cult leader used chess as propaganda—and how Danny reclaimed the game as his own.The three pillars of cult life Danny experienced: like vibration, the process, and purpose.Why vulnerability and storytelling can be healing—but also how they can be weaponized.The psychological toll of being told your “purpose” at age 12—and how to build a new one.What Danny learned about resilience, family, and community after leaving the cult.Timestamped Chapters[02:05] A Note from James: introducing Dark Squares[02:34] Danny's childhood in a cult and separation from his mother[03:40] How Danny first shared his story with James in Norway[05:09] Learning to talk about trauma without fear of judgment[07:00] The challenge of context—why cult stories get misunderstood[08:20] Headline version: growing up in the Church of Immortal Consciousness[10:18] Cult hierarchy, trance teachings, and the Shelby School chess team[12:12] Was it spiritual belief—or a scam?[14:15] The role of Trina and Steven Camp, cult leaders and channelers[17:00] How hierarchy and “like vibration” destroyed marriages and families[23:00] The three pillars: like vibration, the process, and purpose[32:28] “The process”: group confession, alcohol, and weaponized vulnerability[41:54] “Purpose”: how chess became Danny's imposed destiny[46:41] What it meant to be told at 12 that chess was his life's purpose[50:18] Family secrets, hidden paternity, and the dangers of indoctrination[55:20] Processing trauma as an adult and writing Dark Squares[02:05] A Note from James: introducing Dark Squares[02:34] Danny's childhood in a cult and separation from his mother[03:40] How Danny first shared his story with James in Norway[05:09] Learning to talk about trauma without fear of judgment[07:00] The challenge of context—why cult stories get misunderstood[08:20] Headline version: growing up in the Church of Immortal Consciousness[10:18] Cult hierarchy, trance teachings, and the Shelby School chess team[12:12] Was it spiritual belief—or a scam?[14:15] The role of Trina and Steven Camp, cult leaders and channelers[17:00] How hierarchy and “like vibration” destroyed marriages and families[23:00] The three pillars: like vibration, the process, and purpose[32:28] “The process”: group confession, alcohol, and weaponized vulnerability[41:54] “Purpose”: how chess became Danny's imposed destiny[46:41] What it meant to be told at 12 that chess was his life's purpose[50:18] Family secrets, hidden paternity, and the dangers of indoctrination[55:20] Processing trauma as an adult and writing Dark Squares[63:28] Early aptitude signs: multiplication tables and ADHD focus[65:22] Childhood acting dreams and practicing “the eyebrow lift”[72:24] The most painful mother–son conversation: loyalty to the cult vs. family[73:39] Giving away belongings before leaving home—grieving his mother alive[87:31] Medical breakdown, ears exploding, and a failed chess career[88:16] Bedridden but discovering the internet: early lessons in tech and online chess[89:16] Buying domains, teaching online, and meeting Eric and Jay[114:25] On Magnus Carlsen: confidence, health, and the “Great White Shark” mindset[116:20] Chess.com and the post-COVID boom: making a living beyond world championshipAdditional Resources

What does it really take to turn grief into purpose, and build a life anchored in giving, creativity, and real human connection For Sarah Akiba, celebrity stylist and founder of the nonprofit “Angel Watching Over Me,” it started with loss. After her father passed away, she built community through support groups, opened safe spaces for girls in public schools, and launched multiple ventures—all rooted in service and soul In this episode of Common Denominator, we unpack how grief became Sarah's superpower, how she balances creativity with entrepreneurship, and why alignment, not aesthetics, is what truly connects people. In this episode, you'll learn:

#878. Clea Shearer, co-founder of The Home Edit and breast cancer survivor, is back on the podcast for a deeply personal conversation you won't forget. She opens up about the moments that tested her strength — including a recent implant scare that felt like starting over — and the realities of treatment, recovery, and the anxiety that comes after.Clea shares how she navigated these challenges while raising her kids, how she found purpose in her journey, and the lessons she's learned about listening to your body, advocating for yourself, and embracing life's most difficult moments.Her new book, Cancer Is Complicated: And Other Unexpected Lessons I've Learned, is out today. Listen to this episode now to feel inspired — whether you've faced cancer or are just looking for a story of courage, hope, and perseverance, Clea's journey will remind you to embrace life's challenges and find meaning in the moments that matter most.If you're LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below! PLUS, FOLLOW OUR PODCAST INSTAGRAM HERE!Thank you to our Sponsors! Check out these deals!Booking.com: Booking dot YEAH! Find exactly what you're booking for. Book today on the site or in the app.Paka: To grab your PAKA hoodie and free pair of alpaca crew socks, head to GO.PAKAAPPAREL.COM/OTV and use my code OTV. Better Help: Off the vine listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/vineReal Real: Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to TheRealReal.com/vine.Quince: Go to QUINCE.com/vine for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.Audible: Your first great love story is free when you sign up for a free 30-day trial at Audible.com/vine.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 8:06 – Chemo vs. radiation: the difference and what they do to your body.16:10 – How cancer changed the way Clea sees herself.28:30 – High-functioning women miss the signs: Clea's advice to slow down!40:28 – The heartbreaking and powerful way Clea told her kids about her cancer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this inspiring episode of Clear Voices of Hope, I sat down with fellow advocate and nonprofit founder Jamie Vaughn to talk about her powerful journey through breast cancer. Jamie opens up about life before and after her diagnosis, how she found strength in the darkest moments, and why advocating for your own health is so important. We dove into building supportive communities, embracing life's turning points, and the importance of sharing resources and real stories. If you're facing a challenge or want to empower others, this conversation is a must-listen for hope, resilience, and honest advice.   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcoming Advocate Jamie Vaughan 04:50 Pre-Retirement Mammogram Reminder Story 09:01 Coping with Life-Altering Changes 12:31 Navigating Cancer Diagnosis Support 16:20 Cancer Concerns and Optavia Diet 17:09 "Debate Over Cancer Treatments" 23:29 "Facing Chemo with Strength" 25:42 "Choosing the Right Surgery" 29:40 "Finding Purpose in Retirement" 31:42 "Story Amplifier and Advocate" 35:22 Therapist's Lifelong Support 39:52 Oncologist Visit: A Candid Encounter 43:27 "Sharing Genetic Testing Insights" 46:58 "Questions for Breast Surgery Consultations" 47:53 Advocating Access to Women's Healthcare 51:28 Grateful for Advocacy Insights   LEARN MORE: The Clear Pathways Program: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/ Make a Donation: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NJMF86A8Y9RJQ   FOLLOW LISA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamalianorman/ https://www.instagram.com/lisamalia.evoke/   Jamie Vaughn is a retired teacher turned passionate patient advocate, breast cancer survivor, and the driving force behind the nonprofit and podcast Test Those Breasts!™. After receiving her diagnosis, Jamie turned her journey of survival into a source of strength and healing for others. On her award‑worthy podcast, she hosts candid conversations with survivors, caregivers, oncologists, therapists, and advocates, covering topics from early detection and treatment to emotional resilience and self‑advocacy. With nearly 100 episodes since launching in 2023, Jamie's mission is clear: to shorten the learning curve for those navigating breast cancer. She does this by openly sharing her story with all its raw emotion and hard-won wisdom, and by creating a space where knowledge becomes power and community offers support. Whether you're newly diagnosed, helping someone you care for, or just seeking clarity and compassion, Jamie's warmth, positivity, and unwavering advocacy make her an inspiring and essential voice in the conversation around breast cancer.   FOLLOW JAMIE: https://testthosebreasts.org/  https://www.instagram.com/test_those_breasts/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieallenvaughn/    #breasthealth #womenshealth #nonprofitleadership #breastdensity #breastcancer #lifepupose #purposeafterpain #survivorship #breastscreening #densebreasttissue #mammogram #womeninbusiness #womeninleadership

As a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, now-Capt. Garrett “Kap” Kauppila '19 experienced a life-changing moment involving his older brother. SUMMARY That trial taught him success doesn't involve rank — it's about being present, showing gratitude and supporting others. Hear his powerful story on Long Blue Leadership. Listen today and be a better leader tomorrow!   SHARE THIS PODCAST FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN   "KAP'S" LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Never take moments with loved ones for granted - cherish every interaction. Treat everyone with equal respect, regardless of rank or position. Find your authentic leadership style - don't try to imitate others. Root yourself in gratitude to increase your overall happiness. Fill your own "glass" first before trying to pour into others - self-care is crucial. Wake up early and accomplish tasks to get ahead of your day. Pursue what truly matters to you, not what others expect. Be willing to invest in yourself and sometimes work for free to prove your value. Ask "why" to understand the root cause of people's challenges and needs. Leadership is about showing genuine care, being consistent, and helping others increase their opportunities.   CHAPTERS 00:00: A Life-Changing Moment 01:04: Lessons from Adversity 08:30: The Importance of Gratitude 11:07: Finding Purpose in Leadership 11:28: The Journey to Teaching 17:57: Building Authentic Relationships 24:50: The Power of Self-Discovery 33:47: Investing in Yourself     ABOUT CAPTAIN KAUPPILA BIO Capt. Garrett “Kap” Kauppila '19 is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. A native of Rocklin, California, he played defensive back for the Falcons and maintained strong academic performance throughout his time at the Academy. After graduation, Capt. Kauppila has served in the Air Force in various capacities, including as an instructor. His leadership approach is informed by both the discipline of his military career and his commitment to continual self‑improvement. One of the pivotal moments in Capt. Kauppila's life was when his older brother, Kyle, suffered a near‑fatal motorcycle accident leading to a stroke. During that time, Garrett balanced intense emotional and physical challenges—on top of his duties and studies—taking time off, helping with his brother's care, and eventually returning to finish strong at the Academy with a 3.85 GPA. This period deeply shaped his philosophy of leadership: the idea of the “glacier theory,” which emphasizes looking beneath the surface to understand people's motivations and struggles, and recognizing that many uphill battles are won by small, consistent adjustments.      CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org    Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS   TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Capt. Garrett "Cap" Kaupilla '19  |  Host, Lt. Col. Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz As a cadet, Kap had just began his first season as a defensive starter for Air Force football when his world was turned upside down by a crucible moment.   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Sept. 17, 2017, will forever stay with my family. I ended up getting a call that my brother, that he's not breathing, and it appears that he's no longer with us. I had about 45 minutes to an hour window where I thought that was completely the case. Again, the last I heard he was evacced on a helicopter. He got in a motorcycle crash and didn't know the extent of the details. Was in the Sierra foothills in northern California, and that's all I knew. That changed the trajectory of our entire lives. Naviere Walkewicz My guest today is Capt. Garrett “Kap” Kauppila, United States Air Force Academy Class of 2019 — a man whose leadership journey was shaped in a way few of us can imagine. Kap learned about the fragility of life, the danger of taking even a single conversation for granted, and the importance of showing up with passion and gratitude every day. That perspective now defines Kap as a leader and as a mentor to our cadets at the Air Force Academy. In this episode, he shares the lessons learned in the hardest of circumstances, the power of authenticity, the discipline of not taking life's moments for granted, and the conviction that true leadership begins with respect for others, no matter their title nor rank. So stay with us, because Kap's story is more than a testimony of persistence and staying power. It's a call to live and lead with purpose. Kap, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Capt. Garrett Kauppila Thank you very much.   Naviere Walkewicz We're so excited to have you. We want to go right to the moment your brother was in a motorcycle crash. Tell us about it. Capt. Garrett Kauppila Yeah. So, Sept. 17, 2017, I ended up getting a call that my brother was dead. That was the simple phone call — that he's not breathing and it appears that he's no longer with us. I had about 45 minutes to an hour window where I thought that was completely the case. Pretty surreal moment. You know, I can't say that I remember every detail of that feeling, but time had passed. I was trying to call people and figure out who could be there, who could be around. My uncle was the first one to arrive at the hospital. And again, the last I heard he was lifeline evacced in a helicopter. He got in a motorcycle crash. They didn't know the extent of the details. He was in the Sierra foothills in northern California, and that's all I knew. Lifeline evacced, unconscious, not breathing. He ended up surviving. He woke up in the hospital. My uncle was there. I end up getting a phone call, and I got the chance to speak to my brother on the phone, and I talked to him, and at first, I mean, I'm just in panic, you know? “Oh my God, he's calling. He's actually alive. Oh my gosh.” I got to get on the phone with him, and he seemed normal, beyond normal. And I had this realization that results matter less than expectations sometimes. If I expected that he was alive, I don't, they would have the same relief. But because I had the thought that he wasn't, that feeling will live within me forever. So, you know, I get the chance, we're talking on the phone. He's actually telling me about my game, and he was so excited to watch him play. Ask him about his day and his accident, what happened. He had no idea, right? When traumatic things happen in your life, sometimes it creates just a blackout. Even before, he didn't remember, you know, sometime before the accident happened. So he couldn't tell you what happened, how it happened, any of those details. But we went back and forth, kind of talking and exchanging a couple laughs, in fact. And I actually got a phone call then from Coach Calhoun who was kind enough to reach out to me just to tell me that, “Hey, you know, Kap, if there's anything we can do, I know there's a lot going on.” When he called me on the phone, it's not typical for a player to just get a rogue phone call from the head coach. So in that moment, I'm on the phone  with my brother, we're laughing, we're enjoying time. It feels normal for all intents and purposes. I think I took it for granted. I think you go from this feeling that he is not with me to he is completely normal, and that dichotomy, that strong polarization of feeling that I had led to, I guess, complacency. I took him for granted in that moment, I perceived, and, you know, if I could have gone back, I never would have answered the phone call. I appreciate and love Coach Calhoun for calling me, but I just would have soaked in that moment with him. And I didn't even think twice, like, “Oh yeah, Kyle, Kyle, I'll call you right back.” I called my brother's name. “I'll call you right back.” He's “OK, no worries. Just call me back. Cool.” Hung up, you know, answer the phone with Coach Calhoun. He was so lovely, just supportive, just saying, “Hey, we're all here for you. Anything you need, just let us know. You, your family. Anything.” You know, wonderful. I go to call my brother back. OK. “Hey. You know, he's asleep.” “OK, no worries.” You know, it's been a long day. He's exhausted. Little did I know that that was the last conversation that I would have with him for a year. He had a stroke. He then was induced into a coma. My brother was in a coma, for, if I remember, right — I don't remember if it was a day, two days, it was a couple of days, and that was the last I spoke to him. And then it was, is he gonna survive? And I just hung up the phone. I did not say “I love you,” which is something I always think that I say to my loved ones, and I didn't say it in that moment, and I'll forever regret that, because I never knew if I'd say it again. And so that was very, very difficult. I was here at the Air Force Academy now, and I was, you know, I guess I was ecstatic after my first start, preparing for my second. And then life came at me quickly. It was, “What am I… I need to go home. I need to be gone.” Process the paperwork for administrative turn back, you know, thankful for people in my life that helped support me in that, namely, Col. Harding, Coach Calhoun, were pivotal. Also Col. Pendry was pivotal in that process for me. But we processed that paperwork and then I called my parents. I'm like, “Hey, I'm coming home. That's what we're doing?” My parents said, “He can't do anything here. He's…” for lack of better word, I hate this term, but he was vegetative. There was no movement, no speaking, there was nothing. So there was nothing I could necessarily do to support them in that exact moment. So my parents were like, “Hey, continue your dreams. That's what he'd want for you right now.” So that's what I did. And I spent the next couple of days still trying to exist and be normal. You know, it was actually near prog, you know, tests are ramping up. I'm pulling all-nighters. I can't sleep. I don't know how he's doing. We end up playing a game the next Saturday against San Diego State, who's actually ranked No. 22 in the country at the time. And it was at home. I dedicated that game, you know, I remember posting something on my Instagram saying, “This game is for my brother, with my brothers.” And so it was kind of that moment I realized that it's OK to play for the name on the front of the jersey and the name on the back of the jersey — both matter. And I'm really thankful we have our names on the back of jersey, because at the end of the day, that's part of the reason we do what we do. It's part of what keeps us motivated. And in that game, things are going up and down. The game was crazy. It was a monsoon. We had a two-hour delay. My parents are watching from the hospital bed, in fact, and I end up blocking a punt in the fourth quarter. And on that play, I snapped my collar bone clean in half and I thought, “OK, maybe I'm just being weak. Let me keep going. I'll keep playing. Try to tough it out.” I kind of play the next series. In fact, I do something that harms our team. I'm not fully there. I'm in a lot of pain. I can't really tackle the right way. Ended up coming to the sideline and I remember telling the coaches that are the medical trainers, I was like, “Hey, I snapped my collarbone.” But he was, “OK, don't be dramatic.” He knows what that looks like when people traditionally do that. He felt under my shoulder pad and was like, “Oh my God!” We're talking nearly compound, like the corner of my bone is up in my trap situation. That moment, life was like, “All right, time to go home.” You know, call it what you want. Call it bigger purpose, whatever that may look like. It was time for me to go home. It was a difficult time. It was a very, very difficult time. And I couldn't be more thankful to have had the opportunity to go home and handle what I needed to handle. Sometimes nothing makes sense until the bones are right. Not to make that pun, right — the bones are right. My collarbone had everything to do with the core of my family. There's no way I could have succeeded in my life as a cadet… when the big things are wrong, none of the little stuff is gonna matter. So had that opportunity. You know, I became my brother's, his word, not mine — he called me his parrot because I knew him so well that I knew what he was thinking and feeling. He didn't speak, my brother, when he got out of the coma. They didn't know if he would speak again. He didn't speak, in fact, until the next the next spring, so not quite a year, but it still wasn't conversational at that point in time. So I was his parrot, as he would say. Yeah, not his parent. My older brother would never let me claim that title. But yeah, I was his words. People would look at him and ask him a question, and he would look at me and give me a demeanor, and I was like, “You know, here's what's going on, here's what he's feeling, thinking, etc.” He doesn't have memory of those about three months of his life, which is pretty surreal to think. So that was a moment that turned my world upside down.   Naviere Walkewicz Yes. I mean, literally, I just, I'm thinking through all of that you shared. It was a series of things that happened. I mean, my goodness, I guess the first question that comes to my mind as I was listening to you and soaking in that story is, how did you change in that moment? Because you went on a phone call, from being on a high to a low, complacent to like — what literally changed in you because of this? Capt. Garrett Kauppila Yeah, the moment that I realized that could be the last conversation I ever had with my brother, I didn't say I love you — that made me never take another moment for granted. And it's the littlest things in life that it's so easy to take for granted. And that's a cliche statement, but genuinely, I don't take for granted the ability to use my right hand. I don't take for granted ability to write my name. My brother can't use his right hand, right? He's my older brother. He turns 30 here in a couple weeks. Actually, he's still working on reading and writing. Those are things we take for granted every single day that I no longer do, and I hate that it came at his expense. I don't believe everything in the world has to happen for a reason. I don't think that he had to go through this at his expense for me to learn these lessons, but I know that I can find a reason for why everything happened, right? I can take a positive away from things about our relationship, about our family, but I don't believe it had to happen at his expense. It happened to happen at his expense. So with that, we have to take in our sphere of influence what is now in my control, something I talk to cadets about all the time. There's a lot of things happening in life. There's a lot of things happening around you that aren't necessarily what you wanted. They're not in your control either. But the reality is, where are you at now? Where are your two feet? And how can you come to play? What can you do with your present resources, your tools, your current situation? And so in those moments, I went home, and my mom would always tell me the Air Force Academy impacted me. I didn't realize it, but in her eyes, my ability to come home and step into the figure that I became for my family in that role, while I didn't feel like it was in shambles, unfortunately, after my brother's accident, a couple weeks later, my grandfather passed to a heart attack. It was just like one thing after the next, between his accident, my injury, and then my grandfather passing. My dad was with his father, now I was with my brother. My mom is trying to provide for our family and still make sure our house doesn't get foreclosed, while also trying to support all of us. And so she's always appreciative of my presence and being able to do that. I'm always thankful that the Air Force Academy supported me in being able to do that, because those moments, I will say, stay with me for the rest of my life, and I never would have been the man that I am if I hadn't had those experiences with him. He then proceeded to live with me for three years in Los Angeles. My brother and I are very, very close. So, again, it happened at his expense and I'll never be grateful for the fact that it took that experience for me to learn these things. So I asked for everybody to hear that story, or hear others like it, and try not to take the loved ones, the people in their life for granted, no matter how big or how small the moment they feel. But also take for granted the ability to do the littlethings you do in your life.   Naviere Walkewicz Talk me through — how did you end up at the Air Force Academy now as one of the management instructors?   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Yeah, so the GSP slot was with the intention of — the department releases you from your assignment. You do grad school, and I would do one operational assignment, intervening tour, as they like to call it, and then come back to the Academy to teach.   Naviere Walkewicz Talk about when you knew that this was your passion — teaching.   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Yeah, that started long before. It didn't happen when I was here. I had a teacher that greatly influenced me. His name was Mark Hardy. He was my AP microeconomics teacher in high school. As a 17-year-old, I had never had someone that influenced me so much in terms of, just like the charisma that he had, the consistency, the man that he is every single day. It inspired me to want to be the same for other people's lives. And I think it's easy to not appreciate that, the weight that someone can have, especially as a teacher, right at the high school level, how many lives it's actually impacted. And he had like 240 students that year. He's been there for decades, right?   Naviere Walkewicz And he still made that influence on you, where you felt a connection.   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Yeah, 100%. And I remember, every single day I came into the classroom, he had music on. He would shake your hand and he knew all of our names. He'd have us all switch seats. Ask my students — to this day, that is still what I do. And every single time there's test, I play The Final Countdown. That came from Mr. Hardy. So, that's my thing. I make them all move seats, know each other, know each other's names. I know all their names on Day 1 when they show up. It really freaks them out at first, but I think it's something special. It says you care. I know in life, people do not care about what you know unless they know how much you care. Another cliche, but my way of doing that is by the first day of class, I shake all their hands and say hello to them by name. They're like, “Have we met?” I'm like, “No, we have, not, but now we have.” And I think that they'll remember my name too, right? And so oftentimes, when you're the teacher, it's easy for them to remember you. It's not as easy for you to remember them. So you make that initiative, you show that that's your intention on Day 1, and it resonates with them. To me, that's a style of leadership. I think it establishes — I look power structures, and there's kind of a couple core power structures. There's five main ones. There's legitimate power. There's like, reward-based power, coercive power, there's expert power, and then there's reverent power. So then the ones I really focus on, I fixate on and I think about all the time, is this idea of expert leadership and reverent power. And this idea is that if you're an expert, people listen to you because you're knowledgeable. That's worth something, to have you on the team, right? You're the expert of a topic. What's even more powerful than that is if someone follows you, believes in your message for the sole purpose that they admire you. There's something about you that exhibits, you know — they see themselves in you. They want to be like you.   Naviere Walkewicz Like you did for your AP economics teacher.   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Absolutely. Mark Hardy, he had reverent power to me. He was someone that I looked up to, and now I hope I exhibit some of his traits of caring about people first. If you can show people you really care — you're gonna make mistakes — but if you stay consistent in your path, you have a motivation, you have a North Star that you're going towards and you do so with conviction, early on, you're gonna threaten people. Early on, you're gonna get haters. But as time goes on, as people are looking for that guiding North Star, if you're unwavering in who you are, I do believe people would want to join that train. If your tracks stay true, people eventually look and say, “You know, you get what you expect. What he says is what he does. And I believe it.” And eventually, that's the path that I want to lead others down. And so I think if your morality is guided the right direction, along the way, people are gonna hop off board, but you're gonna get a lot more people joining. And so that reverent power, that true leadership that says if we took the uniform off, this person would have respected you the exact same, that is what I put weight on. It's not a matter of rank. In fact, generally speaking, what is a captain at the Air Force Academy? There's not a lot of legitimate power, right, if we're being frank. So we're not at a normal base around the main squadron where that may be a significant leadership role. So I think that what it comes down to is treat everyone the way you want to be treated. Respect all, fear none.   Naviere Walkewicz Wait, say that again.   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Respect all, fear none. And the idea is that I genuinely don't believe I treat a four-degree different than I would treat my boss, who's an O-6. They walk by my office, it's, “Yes ma'am, how can I help?” “Yes sir, how can I help?” You know, “What's going on?” It's absolute respect, but it's not… You know, you're not treating people as though they're different than, less than, etc. They're all the same. If you treat everyone — you have a standard to hold everyone… You know, hold yourself to the level of responsibility that you treat everyone with respect but not fear. I remember sitting down — we actually, you and I… You did the run back from...   Naviere Walkewicz Oh, march back?   Capt. Garrett Kauppila I did the march back. You did the run back with Arden. And I wasn't willing to run at that moment, but I remember we got back and got to go to Mitchell Hall with the basics, and they asked me for a piece of advice. And it sounds too light hearted, but it's just true. You know, the basics, they're being led by our rising two-degrees. Do the rising two-degrees actually believe that they are in a place where they should have that much power over people? They kind of laugh about it. They know, “Whoa, this is weird that I have so much control over human beings.” Here comes the two-degree, which was me, right? I was the 19-year-old. And there I am leading a flight and basic training. It's almost comical to them that they have the ability to do that. So what I told the basics is, I was like, “Hey, guys, just so you know, guys, gals, right? Respect them. Be respectful. Never waver on that, but you don't need to fear them. They too struggle with things. They too have pain, have life happen to them.” And by the way, same with me, I'm a captain. What does that mean? I promoted twice. Woohoo. I promoted twice and didn't get in trouble. I mean, I'm not that different from them, right? They're all gonna graduate from here too. They're gonna end up in the same shoes as I am. So, no, anyway, my perspective is just that I'm a captain. Whoopty doo. I too have things I'm struggling with in my life, that I'm I'm working on every single day, trying to be a better version of myself. So I ask for their respect, but hopefully don't have to ask for it, because I'm already showing them that, reciprocating that. And so I think it becomes a natural state of your existence in the rooms that you're in.   Naviere Walkewicz So I have to ask, have you had a cadet that you've seen or has come to you and basically views you as having that reverent power? Have you had a cadet share a story, or have you actually witnessed someone kind of taking on things that have come from you? Capt. Garrett Kauppila It's a great question. I've had a had an interaction yesterday that meant a lot to me. Incredible, incredible person, leader. And we were talking about, you know, she was preparing for GSP interviews. She's a stellar student. She's a great military leader.   Naviere Walkewicz And what does GSP stand for?   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Graduate School Program. We're very creative, as you know, at the Air Force Academy. Graduate School Program, but for the Management Department, which is the same slot that I earned in December of 2019. And so she came in to talk about it, and they're going to teach the department something about leadership, right, about their experience that they're having, and how they would use that experience to reflect on their cadets as if they want to be an instructor. At the end of the day, it's a grad school slot, but we're hiring someone to be our colleagues, right? Work with us to inspire the next generation of cadets. And we sat there and we talked about this idea of how much she cares, and she talked about a story. She was the squadron commander in basic, right? Which is not the flight, but like the whole, the five flights. So she was leading the squadron, and this year — I think it was the first time they actually were six weeks in that role. It wasn't three weeks and then transition. They wanted to create some cohesion.   Naviere Walkewicz OK, so putting a lot of effort and the focus on the sponsor, or excuse me, squadron.   Capt. Garrett Kauppila So the squadron commander and the director of operations stayed for all six weeks of basic. So she was the person for those five flights of basics. That was their leader for the whole six weeks. And she's not a large presence; she's not an intimidating person. But she's a caring, charismatic leader, and because of that, when she says something, people listen and it carries weight. And she told me she came to me because she felt as though I exhibited those same things that she feels within herself. It's funny because sometimes presence, like someone has a larger presence or a smaller presence by stature, they utilize that to try and create coercive power, legitimate power. I try to drop the sword and shield as soon as I meet anybody, right? Try to make it as calm, as comfortable as you can. And so when we were talking about that more, she told me a story that she was actually on the obstacle course trying to do everything with her basics. That's the type of leader she is. She tore her ACL and her basics watched her fall off the equipment in pain and struggle. I was like, “Gosh, were you not thankful that you are a kind, charismatic, caring leader — that's your leadership style?” Because they reciprocated that immediately. Could you imagine if she was just demeaning, demoralizing.   Naviere Walkewicz Right. They'd be like, “Ha ha. She got what…”   Capt. Garrett Kauppila That's how it would feel. It would absolutely feel that way, if that was the way that she led. And she remembers going back, she said she went back to the lightning shelter and sat there with other basics that were broken, and sat down and said, “How are you guys feeling?” They felt out of place. They felt bad. They weren't able to contribute and support their classmates and whatever. She goes, “I get it. I really get it.” You know, it's so easy for us to think we know someone's story, to call someone an F-18 pilot. I don't know if that term existed, right? That idea that you are skipping out of things. Do you really know? Do you really know what's going on? You probably don't. I know I was fresh out of knee surgery, actually, when I showed up to basic training. I  had gotten knee surgery my senior year of high school and it's probably the reason I ended up here. You know, end up, you know, some other things fell by the wayside, and I came to the Air Force Academy. You know, people can say anything they want, but I don't want to connect them to my office to work with me. They say, “Hey, Capt. Kap. Can we do this, this, this, or can we change this class and change this major?” So I can. And sometimes I just want to say, “No, you can't do that.” But instead, I don't, I don't say that. I say, “Why? Why do you want that?” And what I learned by asking why, and asking why again, is there is a root cause of these things. And when we address the root cause, because you actually care enough to ask them, we can actually fix the problem, and we don't need to do any of those things. And so you get to the root of what something, what someone really has going on in their lives, and it's just proven to be so worth it for me. Every single time I get the chance to do it, I've learned that if I can pour a little bit into someone's glass — OK, first of all, don't pour from empty glass if you're empty within yourself, right? Like I was when I left to go home and be with my family — I didn't have energy for everybody else in that moment, trying to pour from empty glass is — that's not a sustainable effort. Fill your glass, make sure your people, your family and yourself are squared away and good to go. At that point when you have an abundance of water in that glass, pour from it, it's the most rewarding thing in the entire world. And I realized this. And you know, I think everything in my life getting up to that point created this, whether it was the highs of life, the opportunities presented to me through the Air Force Academy, through travel, through football, whatever that may have looked like, but then the lows of life that rooted me in gratitude, what I realized is happiness, and this is my little theory, that happiness is a box. I consider it a box of happiness. The amount of happiness you actually feel in your life is the area of that box. So, many people are predicated, they're so focused on raising the ceiling of the box. Raise the top. The problem is, if your gratitude dissipates along the way, the area never increases. So what happens is, oftentimes, people create more opportunities for themselves in their life and they take for granted all the places they've been and all the places they were. And so because of that, the gratitude dissipates as your opportunities increase, you never become happier. And they wonder why it's not so happy at the top and cheery…  Because they weren't rooted in gratitude. If they never leave the ground and they keep the base of their box, in fact, they continue to drive that base of the box down into the ground while they create more opportunities, you will have more height to your box. What about the width   Naviere Walkewicz I was gonna say, what about your gratitude being wider?   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Now I've got a long, skinny box, right? That's not a lot of area. This is the people you get to share with, the friends and the family, the people you get to support and give back to. Right? You create opportunity. You root yourself in gratitude so you understand the people to your left and right. And now I believe it's your job to share it with them, expose them to it, so they can increase their opportunities. So they never leave their feet on the ground and they keep their gratitude. My job, I believe in — I'm a utilitarian, right? It's a philosophy concept. Increasing the ultimate world happiness — if there was some world happiness meter, an arbitrary meter in the world, if my actions are going to raise it, I want to do that. If they're going to diminish it, I'm not going to do that. So if it benefits me and hurts five others, I'm not going to do it. But if it benefits five others and it may take time out of my day, that sounds like a win, right? So I realized in every moment I'm with a cadet at a highly adaptable state of their mind — high brain plasticity. They're thinking, they're growing. They don't know quite yet who they are. They haven't lived on their own, haven't cooked their own meals, right? I was the same. I was no different. There was a moment that you realize how precious this moment in time is, they are. And I'm teaching firsties right now. They are about to go create everything that they are. But, I mean, you've met people you haven't seen five years, 10 years, 20 years since graduation. You're such a different person, right? At that time, when the leave the Academy, they really find themselves. So I don't take for granted conversations that I have, the moments I share with them in the classroom. I tell them my gratitude every day: “Thank you for letting me do what I love.” I say that to them almost every single day: “Thanks for allowing me to be here.” They're like, “I have to be here,” but that's not the demeanor that I dress it with, right? So root myself in gratitude and I just pour into them as much as I physically can. Maybe it's selfish of me. In fact, maybe I do it for myself. Think about it this way. I realize that pouring into people actually makes me happy. It really does. So maybe I pour into some people because it makes me happier. What if everyone was that selfish? If they actually knew what makes them happy? How many people go create massive success in their life, but they don't ever give back? And they find out, later on, they create these companies, they see all these things, and then they come back and go, “I really want to give back to my Air Force Academy. I really want to come back and teach in the classroom.” Heck, I remember sitting the NextGen Advisory meeting, you and I were in there with individuals highly successful, far more successful than I, and many of them were saying, “All I want to do is come back to the Academy and teach.” Gosh, what a moment for me to realize and to be introspective on the fact that I can't take this for granted. They can do all these things of all this success. People are oftentimes trying to chase someone on a ladder and try to be like them and have their success. And really, they're just trying to do what I do every day, and they want to do it for free. I get paid to do this job. What a blessing that is. And so those are the moments that help you to sink your — or dig your heels in and say, “I'm here.” Gosh, imagine me as a two-degree. You told me you're gonna get the Air Force Academy teaching the exact subject you want to teach, finance and investments. I bet that's a dream come true. Well, I can't be here now and forget about that, because then I'm gonna miss this moment. I'm gonna move on and wish I had it back. Don't put yourself in that position. Naviere Walkewicz You said something really interesting. It was about — I think it was something to the effect of you can't have something extrinsic, like chasing some kind of like opportunity and make you happy, right? It won't fulfill in like an intrinsic unhappiness or a hole or something. So how do you — how does that translate, I think, as you're helping to lead others and help others to think that way, as they progress? I know you talked about being rooted in gratitude, but is there more to it than the gratitude piece, right? Like, how do you also make sure that you're thinking about the intrinsic pieces? Capt. Garrett Kauppila Yeah, so I think that I have a great opportunity while I'm here. I get the opportunities to work with and see a lot of our recruits coming into the campus, and I get to speak with them and families. Get to see the excitement they have to eventually, one day, hopefully, arrive at the Air Force Academy. I get to work with a lot of cadets every single day, thankful to do it, and I get to see a lot of cadets. Sometimes that attitude changes. The gratitude they once felt, they become skeptical, it becomes challenging. They can't see the forest above the trees. They're caught up in that moment. But I also work with a lot of grads. I'm thankful to work with the Bolt Brotherhood and thankful to work with the NextGen Advisory Council, and have a lot of touch points to our grads. And I've never yet met a grad that is not grateful that they had gone through the Air Force Academy, that they graduated from the Air Force Academy. I've never met one that regretted that experience. I know a lot of recruits that are excited as hell to be here. I know a lot of cadets that are questioning their decisions at times. I know a lot of grads that would do anything to ensure that their loved ones or other people know about the Air Force Academy and what it did for them in their lives. And so what I asked of them is just to reflect back and remember themselves and how excited they were to have the opportunity to earn that appointment to be one of the, you know, 10, perhaps, you know, applications that had the opportunity to say that they were accepted and that they were gonna attend the Air Force Academy. Remember that pride they felt when they got their congressional nomination right? Imagine the feeling that parents feel when they drop them off at IDay, right? All of those feelings, they're real. You can't let them dissipate so quickly. Naviere Walkewicz Well, I mean, Kap, this has been amazing. There's a couple more questions I want to ask you. The first one is, because you're so passionate, and obviously you take care of yourself, how do you how do you feel your glass every day so that you can pour into others? What does that look like?   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Yeah, for me, I have to stay busy. And that's the part of me that, you know, when I was younger, I was smaller, I think that's never changed. I have to remain busy. I tell people all the time, if they apply — because we've all had that experience of leaving the Air Force Academy and realizing, “Wait the people at the Air Force Academy are really fantastic. There are such high-quality people, intellectually, emotionally. In all ways. You go into society, it can be a little sobering, a little like, “ Whoa. We are not the Air Force Academy anymore. These people don't operate on the same frequency." That's not within our service, that's just in life, that's going around day to day. So I tell cadets all the time, “You have proven yourself that you can do this. You can commit to your goals. You can complete these long hours, these long days. Life will only get easier in terms of your time commitments.” Now, kids and things like that could change that, but at the end of the day, they prove themselves they can do it. I challenge them to continue on that trajectory when they graduate — not to let off the gas and continue to find things that actually make them passionate. OK, it's so easy for me to wake up every day with this passion, with this desire to do what I do because I love what I do. It doesn't feel like work. So biggest things for me in order to stay ahead, whether that be health, whether that be my sleep, whether that be my accomplishments, whatever it may look like — your leadership ability — I have to wake up and accomplish something. Wake up in your day and accomplish a task. I like waking up before everyone else. I did start doing that as a cadet; I'd finish ball practice and realize I have no mental capacity. I cannot do homework. It is 8 p.m. and I'm exhausted. So what did I do when I was exhausted? I went to bed. I put on my eye mask, my earplugs and slept like little baby angels, right? My hands crossed over my chest, right? And people always make fun of me. “Why are you always in bed at 8 p.m.” “Well, why are you always in bed when it's 4 a.m.?” What I realized was there's a time of day that no one can schedule anything on my schedule. No one's scheduling anything from 4 to 7. Just the reality. So if you wake up early in the morning and you accomplish tasks, now, I'm not getting up at 4 in the morning, usually it's about 5, but I accomplish tasks early in my day. I get ahead of my day, and I prioritize fitness, I prioritize my health, I prioritize my sleep. We can't possibly learn, lead, network, meet people, accomplish. I mean, we're gonna get injured. We're not helping ourselves.   Naviere Walkewicz For less money, though, we can do an eye mask, because I also sleep with an eye mask. It's a game changer. Capt. Garrett Kauppila Read reviews on Amazon. Like is this easy stuff, right? I love classical conditioning, the idea that earplugs, eye mask mean sleep; earplugs, eye mask means sleep. Eventually you put in your ear plugs, your eye mask, whatever does your body do? It goes to sleep. Your brain turns off and stops thinking, because that's your routine. So I go to bed early, I wake up early, and I love to accomplish tasks early on in my day. By the time I arrive in the classroom, we're a couple hours in, right? The brain is operating. We're fully awake. We're ready to go. So I challenge people, if they want to achieve more in their life, they need to learn how to achieve more in a day, and once you learn how to achieve more in a day, learn how to achieve more in a week. And now can you make it sustainable. Some people have — they're 75 hard. They can do these things for a period of time. Their new year's resolutions — we love the gym in January, the first week of January. March…   Naviere Walkewicz Everyone gets the gym back.   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Yeah. And then all of a sudden, the gym is empty by February, right? You know how that goes. So it's like, do you actually mean this, or do you think that you want to do it? So I think if you can accomplish — learn how to accomplish more in one day, do it again the next day, and then repeat it the next day. But in order to do that, you have to be pursuing something that is yours. It can't because my family wants me to. It'll never be sustainable. It can't because someone else thinks it. It can't because I saw it on the internet. It has to be because Naviere Walkewicz wants to do this right. She wants to do this for her life. And so Kap wants to be this person. I want to strive for more and be the best version of myself. My mom tucked me into bed every single night when I was a little kid, you know — 4-year-old, 5-year-old — and she always said, “Hey, Garrett, the only thing you can do is be the best person you can be.” That's all you can do. That's your sphere of influence. So I try my best to be the best person I can be every day. That way I can be consistent, and people can always look to me and know what you see is what you get. You know that if I hop on the call, if I show up in the classroom, you know exactly what you're gonna get from me. I'm not gonna waver on that, and I think that's worth a lot so that someone can look to you and be admired by you, and hopefully you can exhibit reverent power. Naviere Walkewicz Well, I would ask you, what would you recommend to others and what they can do to be better leaders every day? But it sounds like you might give them the same example you just gave, because you're gonna practice what you preach. Is there anything else you might offer then for our — I mean, you do this with the cadets regularly, but just for anyone listening as they're trying to develop themselves as a leader or be a better, more reverent leader. What else might you offer that they can do each day themselves just to turn that dial a little bit? Capt. Garrett Kauppila Find who you really are. You can read all the books. You can read all the headlines. You can hear from me right now. You can hear from everyone else in this podcast. But if it's not you, it won't be true. You won't be able to make it sustainable. It won't be consistent. You will not be able to replicate those actions. OK, I love football so I love football analogies. You can be Nick Saban and Bill Belichick and have success by not being a player's coach or being a little rough around the edges. Or you can be Sean McVeigh and Dabo Swinney, who, if you don't know any of those people, they are younger in personality and in age. They have handshakes with their players, that's who they are trying to be. Don't try to be the other one, though. If Nick Saban tried to be cool with his players and have handshakes, now you're fake. Now you're just fake. Either one can prove to be successful, but you need to find who you are. And so if you don't know who you are, stop telling other people who they are, right? You have time to go. Your glass isn't full yet. Stop pouring it out. Right? Fill this thing at the top. Doesn't mean be selfish. It's the most selfless thing you could ever do is to pour into yourself, fill your glass so you have an abundance to give to others. If you give yourself a full glass and learn how to make it, you know, replenishing — this is some… we're talking like Red Robin fries here, like truly bottomless glass that we can pour from…   Naviere Walkewicz Do you eat Red Robin fries?   Capt. Garrett Kauppila I actually have not. But I'm not opposed to eating unhealthy in there, right? It's all aboutcalorie deficits. I just gotta work out more, I guess. But anyway, so my point is, if you don't know who you are, go find that first. That's the most important thing. Naviere Walkewicz How do they start? What's the first step in that? Because you just said you can read all the books, but if you're not this person, that's not you. How do you find out who you are?   Capt. Garrett Kauppila You find out who you are by finding out what you actually care about. Learn what you really care about. Think about the times you're at peace. Think about the moment, if you could do anything in the world, money didn't matter, what would you be doing? OK, it sounds really cliche. The reason I teach finance, I teach investments, is to provide I believe that finance is a tool to allow you to be happy. I would never subsidize happiness for money. I believe that you have your finances together and they're squared away, and you are investing properly, doing all those things to take care of you, your life, your family, your stability. You can be present where your feet are, and you can make decisions based off what you really want to do. If you find what it is that you are passionate about, we'll find a way to monetize it later. I truly believe that. I think that we have a role for everyone in this life. Whatever it is that you really care about, find a way to be the best at it. Stop being complacent with being, you know, average. I don't care what it is, I don't care what your job is. Be the best at it, and you will find a way to monetize it. This is a silly story, but I learned so much from it. There was an individual who reached out. He's a content creator, does videography. I actually don't remember the gentleman's name, but he was reaching out every single day to Tyreek Hill. He wanted to video — now, Tyreek Hill is not someone we'll resemble for leadership qualities. That is not what I'm saying in this conversation. However, he was reaching out to Tyreek Hill because he's his biggest fan and he wanted to film videos, take videos of Tyreek Hill to create cool content videos, hype videos, etc. One day, Tyreek Hill's manager saw the message and told him, he said, “I'll come out for free. I will come out for free and do this for you.” What I learned in my life, throughout my time so far, and I have so much more to learn as I go forward, is if you're willing to invest yourself for free, the person that does more than they're paid for will soon be paid for more than they do. If you are willing to put yourself out there and prove to others that they need you, once they realize they want you, now you can charge them for it. So, what he did is say, “I'll come out for free on my dime.” Nothing to it. “Well, OK, sure. This guy wants him out for free and work with me and create videos for me. It sounds fantastic.” Well, then he does such a good job, he's like, “I want to hire you.” Oh, well, now it's gonna cost you, right? That individual ended up being contacted by the NFL because Tyreek Hill took his phone out of his hand, did it back up with him, created one of the coolest videos ever seen on, you know, terms of a game day touchdown celebration. That individual has now gone on to make tons and tons of money. He runs a company. Only happened like two years ago. The point in that story is he offered himself for free to show off his talents, but first you have to invest in yourself. You have to get great at something. Get great at something. Figure out what it is you really want to do and offer yourself for free. And once people realize that they want you, now you can charge them for it. Charlie Jackson, football coach, Air Force Academy grad, Class of 2000. He told me stories in Los Angeles Air Force Base. He was at Los Angeles Air Force Base. His dream was to coach in the NFL. He wanted to coach at the highest levels. And you can go coach a high school, get paid a little bit of money, and then spend decades to work your way up. Now that wasn't what Coach Jackson wanted to do. So he offered to be a free intern at UCLA. “I'm gonna work for free.” And he happened to just sit next to a couple of unpaid interns, one named Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the 49ers. The other is the current GM for the Washington Commanders. Those were the three unpaid interns in UCLA's office. Well, he offered himself for free. He tried to show him that they needed him. Once they realized they wanted him, now, they needed to hire him. He ended up on a quick path coaching at the Atlanta Falcons. He's now coached many other places here. He's now come back to Air Force. How do they always come back to Air Force? It's because they love it here. Something about this place is special. The same reason you're back here, same reason I am too. So I really, I really challenge everyone to find what is their truly love and find a way to be the best at that. Whatever it may be, there's a way to monetize it. Naviere Walkewicz This is amazing. Was there anything that we didn't touch on today that you want to share with our listeners?   Capt. Garrett Kauppila Thank you. I appreciate it.   Naviere Walkewicz Thank you. Thank you.   Naviere Walkewicz As we wrap up today's conversation, I keep coming back to Kap's reminder, don't take for granted the things that matter most. That lesson first struck him in the hardest way when he thought he lost his brother, and it's become the driving force behind how he lives and leads today. Kat also shared another truth worth carrying with us be the best version of yourself, not someone else's version of you. That conviction shows up in how he teaches cadets, how he respects others, regardless of rank, and how he purchase every day with passion and gratitude. So here's the takeaway, Leadership isn't about chasing titles or timelines. It's about showing up authentically, valuing every moment and lifting up the people around you. The question we can all ask ourselves today is, what or who am I taking for granted, and how can I choose to lead with more gratitude and authenticity, starting right now. Thank you for joining us for this edition of lovely leadership. If Cap's story resonated with you please share it with someone who might need it and don't forget to subscribe, you'll find longer leadership on all your favorite podcast platforms we don't want you to miss what's ahead this season. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99.   KEYWORDS Leadership, gratitude, authenticity, adversity, Air Force Academy, personal growth, mentorship, self-discovery, resilience, life lessons.       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation      

What if courageously telling your story was its own act of faith? Jesús Canchola Sánchez proves that fiction can liberate and empower in ways facts alone cannot. Raised Catholic, lost in rebellion, and ultimately transformed by a return to purpose and spiritual joy, Jesús's resilience shines as he finds healing, redemption, and leadership through the art of storytelling.Hear how Jesús overcame darkness, doubt, and self-destructive patterns to reclaim his voice and spiritual path. Get inspired to own your story—whether in business, life, or creative work—and learn why vulnerability, self-awareness, and faith are your strongest tools for mastery.Hit play now to ignite your creative faith, master your story, and lead with authenticity. Share this episode with friends who value resilience and truth—and subscribe for more journeys into mastery and purpose.Journey To Mastery Spotlights:Discover how storytelling can become a powerful form of ministry and leadershipLearn the practical steps to share your story with courage and resilienceUnpack why understanding your learning style is key to healthy vulnerabilityReflect on faith's transformative impact on purpose, joy, and creative workFind guidance for navigating criticism and public exposure as a creativeHear how the legacy of family, especially Jesús's grandmother, fuels generational healingGet inspired to blend personal truth with fiction for authentic connectionAbout the GuestJesús Canchola Sánchez is the author of Escape from Natura Meta, acclaimed playwright and screenwriter, and resilience-driven creative leader. Through novels, film, and his spiritual journey, Jesús uses storytelling as a ministry, guiding others to discover truth, authenticity, and hope. His bold journey will remind you that your story matters—and that it might set others free.Connect with Jesús Canchola SánchezWebsiteXBook: Escape From Natura MetaReady to Master Your Mindset, Mission, and Message?If today's episode spoke to you, don't just listen—step behind the curtain. Join the Journey Feed, your backstage pass to the Journey to Mastery Podcast. Inside, you'll get:Early Podcast Access – Hear every episode before it drops publicly.Unfiltered Mentorship Notes – Elzisms, reflections, and raw insights I don't share anywhere else.Private Invites: Be first in line for upcoming challenges, workshops, and live experiences.Exclusive content: BTS content, exclusive coverage of faith-driven entrepreneurship, and access to virtual events. Join the Journey Feed now and move beyond surface-level noise into clarity, focus, and momentum.And if you're ready for deeper mentorship, step into the Journey Crew—bi-weekly group coaching, direct guidance requests, and prayer calls to keep you spiritually and strategically aligned.Live In Purpose. On Purpose!™Support the MissionIf the Journey to Mastery podcast has helped you grow, consider contributing to keep us creating faith-centered tools, resources, and conversations for...

What does it mean to truly live with intention? Joe Gagnon—ultra-endurance athlete, CEO, and high-performance coach—believes the answer isn't found in chasing the next big achievement, but in aligning your daily choices with your deeper purpose. In this conversation, Joe shares insights from his book Living Intentionally, a bold guide to finding clarity and resilience in a chaotic world. Drawing from his experiences leading innovative companies and pushing his physical limits across the globe, Joe reveals how embracing discomfort, building supportive habits, and balancing ambition with presence can unlock a more grounded and meaningful life. If you've ever felt stuck on autopilot, burned out, or searching for something more, Joe's wisdom will help you reconnect with what matters most and take small, intentional steps toward lasting transformation. Key Takeaways Living intentionally starts with defining your purpose. Failure is an opportunity for growth and clarity. Grit, grace, and groundedness are essential for fulfillment. Small, daily habits can create powerful transformation. You are responsible for your own happiness, impact, and legacy. Badwater 135 Buy Living Intentionally Subscribe to Joe's Substack  Support the Podcast through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/CarrieSappBarrett or  BuyMeACoffee.com - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CarrieBarrett  Save 15% on  Plantstrongfoods.com with code: CARRIE15 "I Could Never Do That" Website - https://www.podpage.com/icouldneverdothat/  "I Could Never Do That" Instagram - @icouldneverdothat Theme Music: Your Love by Atch -License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)  

Confidence is biology you can hack. In this episode, you'll see how confidence builds inside your brain, rewires through neuroplasticity, and connects directly to mitochondria, metabolism, and human performance. You'll get tools that reprogram fear, regulate your nervous system, and turn stress into fuel so you build radical confidence that lasts. Listen to this classic with host Dave Asprey as he talks with entrepreneur, author, and Women of Impact founder Lisa Bilyeu. Lisa went from a stay-at-home “supporting role” to co-founding Quest Nutrition, scaling it into a billion-dollar company, and running a global media empire. She brings years of lived experience and applied mindset training, making her one of the most authentic voices on confidence, resilience, and leadership in the biohacking world. You'll learn how to: • Hack confidence with the same strategies you use for sleep optimization, fasting, and cold therapy • Spot biological triggers behind fear, self-doubt, and procrastination • Use repetition and mindset tools to upgrade brain optimization and neuroplasticity • Turn stress hormones into growth signals for longevity and functional medicine practices • Reframe trauma and setbacks as power for resilience and high performance • Support courage and focus with nootropics, ketosis, supplements, and Danger Coffee This episode shows you how to treat confidence as a trainable skill, not a personality trait. If you want smarter not harder strategies to master your biology, expand your impact, and live with unshakable resilience, you'll find them here. Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes release every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (audio-only), and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: Lisa Bilyeu, Radical Confidence, Quest Nutrition, Women of Impact, confidence training, resilience biohacking, mindset reprogramming, courage hacking, fear rewiring, entrepreneurial mindset, human performance, brain optimization, neuroplasticity tools, mitochondria and confidence, trauma resilience, emotional regulation, nootropics for confidence, stress as fuel, leadership confidence, Human Upgrade podcast Thank you to our sponsors! EMR-Tek | https://www.emr-tek.com/DAVE and use code DAVE for 40% off. Resources: • Lisa's Website: https://lisabilyeu.com/ • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/DAVE15 • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: 0:00 – Trailer 0:38 – Intro 2:38 – From Housewife to Entrepreneur 17:52 – Building Impact Theory 27:56 – Radical Confidence 39:14 – The No BS Game 44:45 – Finding Purpose 55:34 – Inner Critic & Competence 1:01:10 – Becoming Your Own Hero 1:08:32 – Boundaries & Relationships 1:09:52 – Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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