Nobody Knows Your Story

35 and Living His Best Life Josh Coffin Has Left the Bubble

April 10, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 60.1 MB

Josh Coffin grew up as a pleaser. He loved the praise he received for doing what others wanted him to do. He also grew up in super conservative southeastern Idaho and as he states, "In high school 75 to 80% of the students attended Mormon seminary. I assumed the rest were just inactive Mormons." As Josh relates his life story, he recalls a happy childhood which included working a variety of jobs and checking all of the Mormon boxes including going on a two year mission to Mexico at age ninet...

Helping Others Overcome What He's Overcome, Joe Elder Shares His Story

March 27, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 61.2 MB

Let me start off by saying that Joe Elder tells his story in a way that I believe anyone who has battelled alcohol or drugs would find not only relatable, but inspiring. Like many, Joe Elder has had challenges in his life. In his youth, Joe's family moved often which made it hard to make and then leave friends. But he also experienced differing ideas and views he might not have seen had he grown up in one place. Family has always been important to Joe. As he tells his story he talks abou...

Plastic Surgeons Burn Out But for Sharon McLaughlin, She Simply Changed Course

March 13, 2024 07:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

Confidence is Contagious is a podcast hosted by Sharon McLaughlin. It's similar to Nobody Knows Your Story as the episodes contain insightful conversations and thought-provoking discussions from women who have confidence and inspire others. Guests share personal stories of resilience, mental fitness, and leadership, providing practical advice and motivational lessons. Each episode is meant to inspire, empower, and celebrate women. As you listen to Sharon's story and she recalls her life, th...

Maile Jewkes - A Lesson in Perseverance. *TRIGGER WARNING

February 28, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MB

I've had the pleasure of getting to know Maile Jewkes and her husband Jerry over the past couple of years. But in a reversal of the norm, I actually met and became friends with Maile's parents almost thirty years ago. Maile will talk about this a bit as she shares her story. TRIGGER WARNING: Maile's story also includes a marriage where she was physically abused. If this could be triggering, you may want to skip this episode or at the very least skip this particular section which begins at ...

Liver Transplant & HE NEVER DRANK! My Pal Wayne Cavicchioni Tells All

February 14, 2024 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

As with a number of guests I've interviewed, I know Wayne Cavicchioni on a personal level. We played softball against each other for a couple of years but I noticed that Wayne was a people person. He was also an above average player. People person, softball skill level high; it's easy to see why I reached out to Wayne to play on OUR softball team. He did and we played many years together. So back to the people person aspect. Wayne is a good hard working, blue collar dude. For the most part,...

Find Out Why Positive Masculinity is NOW the Focus of Mac McGregor

January 31, 2024 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MB

Life is all about pivoting, some might say transitioning. Mac McGregor knows all about transitioning and he talks freely about his life as a high level martial arts competitor representing the United States, as a female. As you listen to Mac's story, you will learn that Mac knew from a very young age that he was different. Over time, he learned that there was nothing wrong with this difference he felt. Eventually, it became an opportunity to pivot and he did. Today Mac is the founder and ...

Born in the Wrong Body, Mac McGregor's Focus Today is on Positive Masculinity.

January 31, 2024 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MB

Life is all about pivoting, some might say transitioning. Mac McGregor knows all about transitioning and he talks freely about his life as a high level martial arts competitor representing the United States, as a female. As you listen to Mac's story, you will learn that Mac knew from a very young age that he was different. Over time, he learned that there was nothing wrong with this difference he felt. Eventually, it became an opportunity to pivot and he did. Today Mac is the founder and ...

Baseball Created a Good Life for Marc Schafler

January 17, 2024 08:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

Marc Schafler's story was a particularly fun one for me and I suspect many other boys now in men's bodies. Many of us who grew up in the 60's & 70's dreamed of playing baseball in the major leagues. Marc was a good player in his youth and he recalls some of the highlights as he tells his life story. Hawaii has been a place Marc has visited more than once. He's actually spent time on a number of the Hawaiian islands and we talk about that a bit. But his story is one in which baseball playe...

Frank Ring "WALKS" Us Through His Life (Emphasis on WALK)

January 03, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MB

Frank Ring grew up in Palisades Park, NJ with a view of the New York City skyline. He loved sports and played both basketball and baseball. He was always into physical fitness and took to running on a regular basis. Frank discovered the benefits of walking almost by accident. A severe back injury caused him to discontinue his habit of running and really take time off from exercise altogether. When he felt it was time to start back up, he began walking. Soon, he realized that walking was he...

Diagnosed with ADHD & Autism as an Adult, Traci Neal Tells Her Story

December 20, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB

MISSION STATEMENT: I live to inspire and light a fire in the hearts of others. I want people to desire a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. ~Traci Neal~ When you listen to Traci tell her story, you'll soon find that there's lots of reasons for Traci to have lost her faith. You'll also find out why she didn't. CONTACT TRACI: Tracinealspeakerpoet.com

"I'm No Saint" Author Eric Young Shares His Story

December 06, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 52 MB

“I write so I can explain things to myself. That they are explained to you in the process is just as important to me, but the motivation has been intrinsic to simply trying to explain things to myself in an attempt to making some kind of sense.” -Eric Young I copied this statement from the forward in Eric’s book, I’m No Saint. It resonated with me for several reasons, one of which was its similarities on why I have this podcast. Sure, it gives my guests a forum to discuss their lives, but ...

Retired Secret Service Agent Dan Dluzneski Shares His Story

November 22, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MB

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Secret Service Agent? We all think of the Secret Service protecting the President and Vice President of the United States, but they do much more. Dan Dluzneski did have security details where he protected the leaders of the United States, but he did other things too which I found to be very interesting. As he told his life story, Dan talked about growing up on a farm in Connecticut, and the strong work ethic his father instilled in him. I...

Alive with Purpose - Bret Magpiong Shares His Story

November 08, 2023 08:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

Bret Magpiong has a bit of a Hawaiian connection, but he grew up in Southern California. As Bret shares his life story, he talks about his family and how living in the shadow of his older brother caused a bit of a course direct. Bret has dedicated his entire professional career either advising executives, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and entertainers or as a C-Level executive for various firms and partnerships. We talk a bit about being alive with purpose and why life is to be enj...

LivGreater Creator Shelley Perry Shares Her Story

October 25, 2023 07:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

When Shelley Perry tells her story, you'll discover that when she sets her mind to something, she sticks with it. Words like courage, mettle, or tenacity are good describers. So how did Shelley develop these traits? Her family was involved in the restaurant business and she started working at a young age. Anyone who has worked in a restaurant knows there's always something to be done, and Shelley was always doing something. Shelly talks about homeschooling her girls, a desire to live and e...

A Quarter Life Crisis Caused a Re-Focus for Trang Nova

October 11, 2023 07:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MB

Trang Nova had a very academic-focused upbringing In Melbourne, Australia. In addition to typical schooling, Trang had tutoring after school and attended Saturday School to learn Vietnamese as she is Vietnamese Australian. As we discussed her life, she really didn't think her six day a week educational studies were that unusual, until she got a bit older. But, she's grateful for the hard work ethics her parents instilled in her. Take a listen to how Trang has pivoted in recent years and wh...

Slow Boat to New Zealand? Rebecca Bratspies Shares Her Story

September 27, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

Let me start off saying that yes, Rebecca did take a slow boat to New Zealand, and it's certainly an interesting part of her story. But I'm not going to talk about it here. You'll need to listen to the episode. But Rebecca's story is worth listening to. How did a Jewish girl from Bethlehem, PA become a law professor and author? Yep, once again, you'll need to listen to her story. Reach out to Rebecca at, rebeccabratspies.com Most recent book, Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, & Heroes...

Adopted at 32, Say What? Brian West Talks to NKYS

September 13, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

I’ve thought of having Brian West tell his life story for some time. It’s not that I knew he had some unique life experiences, (which it turns out he did), but more that I knew that talking about his life would produce a few laughs. Brian has had a couple of careers, but for the past 18 years, Brian’s been a licensed residential loan consultant. That’s how I met Brian, and working with him, well that's how I came to know he’s a good dude. If you live in AZ, here's how to reach Brian. bw...

A Life Full of Surprises, Leslie Olpin Peterson Shares Her Story

August 30, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MB

If ever there's been an example of someone marching to their own drummer, well that would be Leslie Olpin Peterson. As Leslie recalls her life, her story is full of twists and turns; ups and downs. From flying to Samoa at 18 on a whim, to discovering midlife a hidden talent for art, to finding out not too long ago that she... Yeah, you'll want to listen to find out, what she found out. Why? Because it wasn't just one life changing thing, but two. Two doozies!

Who The F*ck? Podcast Host Nikki La Croce Shares Her Story

August 16, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 53 MB

So, just Who the F*ck is Nikki La Croce? You'll want to listen to her story to find out how life's twists and turns have put her in a space now where she can better understand herself. Once you've figured out who you are, you can do some pretty impactful things, like create a podcast. Nikki's podcast is aimed at creating connection through vulnerable conversations about each guest’s unique story of self-discovery & the valuable lessons they've learned along the way. As we discuss Nikk...

A Healthy Outlook is a Big Part of Paul Tijerina's Story

August 02, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MB

In my "talk story" session with Paul, we talk about his life, but also about his health related passions. Here's an excerpt from Paul's buy me a coffee link which I included in the notes. "I am a West Point graduate and Army veteran. After leaving the military in 2002, I was in poor health - 275 pounds, pre-diabetic, suffering from high blood pressure and major digestive issues, and extremely inflamed. After trying a vegan diet for two years with minimal improvement and additional problems...

Vegan Army Vet? No More. Meat Eater Paul Tijerina's Story Now Includes a Passion for Healthy Living

August 02, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MB

In my "talk story" session with Paul, we talk about his life, but also about his health related passions. Here's an excerpt from Paul's buy me a coffee link which I included in the notes. "I am a West Point graduate and Army veteran. After leaving the military in 2002, I was in poor health - 275 pounds, pre-diabetic, suffering from high blood pressure and major digestive issues, and extremely inflamed. After trying a vegan diet for two years with minimal improvement and additional problems...

Vegan No More. Meat Eater Paul Tijerina's Story Now Includes a Passion for Healthy Living

August 02, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MB

In my "talk story" session with Paul, we talk about his life, but also about his health related passions. Here's an excerpt from Paul's buy me a coffee link which I included in the notes. "I am a West Point graduate and Army veteran. After leaving the military in 2002, I was in poor health - 275 pounds, pre-diabetic, suffering from high blood pressure and major digestive issues, and extremely inflamed. After trying a vegan diet for two years with minimal improvement and additional problems...

A Life of Perseverance Describes Dean Jamison.

July 19, 2023 07:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MB

I asked Dean Jamison to describe himself. Here's what I got back. "I'm a good natured, determined competitor who thrives on a good challenge. I busted my ass all my working life to provide for my family by working every shift possible. Now that I'm retired, it's time to have fun". Dean is a friend of mine. He's proud of his Pennsylvania roots, and he loves his country. When sitting around after a game or practice, Dean is a contributor to the conversation, but he's one who thinks before h...

Overcoming "Shame Guilt" Is a Big Part of Lois Hollis's Story

July 05, 2023 07:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MB

It took many years for Lois Hollis to overcome the physical and emotional pain she had dealt with. Along the way, she discovered areas surrounding shame and guilt that were unhealthy and has made overcoming "shame guilt" her main focus. Here's information directly from her website; Loishollis.com What is shame and what is guilt? How are shame and guilt different? The popular opinion defines shame as I am bad and guilt as I did something bad. However, these definitions do not lead a person ...

Overcoming "Shame-Guilt" Is a Big Part of Lois Hollis's Story

July 05, 2023 07:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MB

It took many years for Lois Hollis to overcome the physical and emotional pain she had dealt with. Along the way, she discovered areas surrounding shame and guilt that were unhealthy and has made overcoming "shame-guilt" her main focus. Here's information directly from her website; Loishollis.com What is shame and what is guilt? How are shame and guilt different? The popular opinion defines shame as I am bad and guilt as I did something bad. However, these definitions do not lead a person ...

Smart & Practical, Collette Szymborski Wasn't Afraid of Change

June 21, 2023 07:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MB

Growing up a bookworm allowed Collette Szymborski to let her mind run free. She was studious, and got good grades, but reading was her escape. Growing up in the Sacramento, CA area, one of her first escapes happened while in high school when she became an exchange student and spent six months in Spain. As Collette recalls her life, she talks about knowing what she wanted out of life, and why she chose the path she did. Part of what she wanted later in life, was out of Sacramento and the big...

Screech... Course Redirect... Branch Isole Shares How & Why His Life Needed a Change

June 07, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MB

Life has a way of mixing things up, sometimes when you least expect it. Branch Isole was living life, but he felt there was more he could be doing. Listen as he tells his story, which includes a twelve year stint on Maui, but also why he felt his life needed a re-direct. About Branch: Born in Osaka, Japan Branch traveled extensively growing up calling many places home. Finishing high school at Rolling Hills, California, he went on to graduate from Texas State University, did post-graduate ...

A Mid Life Course Direct Helped Branch Isole Write 22 Books...and He's Not Finished

June 07, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MB

Life has a way of mixing things up, sometimes when you least expect it. Branch Isole was living life, but he felt there was more he could be doing. Listen as he tells his story, which includes a twelve year stint on Maui, but also why he felt his life needed a re-direct. About Branch: Born in Osaka, Japan Branch traveled extensively growing up calling many places home. Finishing high school at Rolling Hills, California, he went on to graduate from Texas State University, did post-graduate ...

Pivot... Course Redirect... Branch Isole Shares How & Why His Life Needed a Change

June 07, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MB

Life has a way of mixing things up, sometimes when you least expect it. Branch Isole was living life, but he felt there was more he could be doing. Listen as he tells his story, which includes a twelve year stint on Maui, but also why he felt his life needed a re-direct. About Branch: Born in Osaka, Japan Branch traveled extensively growing up calling many places home. Finishing high school at Rolling Hills, California, he went on to graduate from Texas State University, did post-graduate ...

World Renowned Marine Artist WYLAND Shares His Story

May 24, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

I'm not sure when I first discovered the art of Wyland. It was probably one of his famous Whaling Walls that are spread around the world. Personally, I can't recall how many of the 102 I've seen, but I've seen quite a few including walls in San Francisco, Long Beach, and Laguna Beach, CA, American Samoa, Alaska, Kauai, Oahu, Orlando and Key West, FL and Victoria, BC, Canada. I met Wyland over twenty years ago and we discovered we were born eight days apart. So being close in age and the fa...

Can a Trial Lawyer Be a Fun Guy? Uh, yeah. Brian Beckcom Shares His Story on NKYS

May 10, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 49 MB

As we close out season three here on Nobody Knows Your Story, my final guest is Brian Beckcom. This was a positive experience for me and once again, I spent an hour doing something I really enjoy... talking. Brian is one driven individual. He lost his Mother to breast cancer when he was ten, and though his Mother's passing forever changed him, it also motivated him. As we talked, he shared how this event so early in his life helped drive him to succeed. To succeed on the basketball court, i...

From Defending Pirated Sailors to Creating a Fun Life Brian Beckcom Shares His Story

May 10, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 49 MB

As we close out season three here on Nobody Knows Your Story, my final guest is Brian Beckcom. This was a positive experience for me and once again, I spent an hour doing something I really enjoy... talking. Brian is one driven individual. He lost his Mother to breast cancer when he was ten, and though his Mother's passing forever changed him, it also motivated him. As we talked, he shared how this event so early in his life helped drive him to succeed. To succeed on the basketball court, i...

Sean Robinson Has Gone Dry and It's a Big Part of His Story

April 26, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MB

In this episode of the Nobody Knows Your Story podcast, I talk with Sean Robinson. We discuss his life, his family situation, but our conversation drifts to what Sean has been doing the past couple of years. When COVID-19 shut down Canada and countries worldwide, Sean experienced a dark year. You see, Sean didn't like the way things were going for him. He'd gained a lot of weight, he found himself more irritable, and he felt that alcohol was at the root of his problems. But at the beginning...

An Alcohol Break Was Just What Sean Robinson Was Needing

April 26, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MB

In this episode of the Nobody Knows Your Story podcast, I talk with Sean Robinson. We discuss his life, his family situation, but our conversation drifts to what Sean has been doing the past couple of years. When COVID-19 shut down Canada and countries worldwide, Sean experienced a dark year. You see, Sean didn't like the way things were going for him. He'd gained a lot of weight, he found himself more irritable, and he felt that alcohol was at the root of his problems. But at the beginning...

36 Siblings, 3 Moms... Growing Up In Polygamy Hosts Melissa & Sam Zitting Wyson Share Their Stories

April 12, 2023 07:00 - 2 hours - 86.1 MB

Judy and I have had the pleasure of getting to know Melissa and Sam Zitting Wyson family over the past year. They agreed to share their story on my podcast, and recently stopped over for a visit. Judy spent two hours playing games and keeping the kids involved, so I want to recognize Judy for her contribution to this Nobody Knows Your Story episode. Hildale, Utah, along with Colorado City, Arizona, make up the onetime FLDS stronghold known as Short Creek. This is where Sam Zitting Wyson gr...

Growing Up In Polygamy Hosts Melissa & Sam Zitting Wyson Share Their Stories

April 12, 2023 07:00 - 2 hours - 86.1 MB

Judy and I have had the pleasure of getting to know Melissa and Sam Zitting Wyson family over the past year. They agreed to share their story on my podcast, and recently stopped over for a visit. Judy spent two hours playing games and keeping the kids involved, so I want to recognize Judy for her contribution to this Nobody Knows Your Story episode. Hildale, Utah, along with Colorado City, Arizona, make up the onetime FLDS stronghold known as Short Creek. This is where Sam Zitting Wyson gr...

34 Siblings, 3 Moms... Growing Up In Polygamy Hosts Melissa & Sam Zitting Wyson Share Their Stories

April 12, 2023 07:00 - 2 hours - 86.1 MB

Judy and I have had the pleasure of getting to know Melissa and Sam Zitting Wyson family over the past year. They agreed to share their story on my podcast, and recently stopped over for a visit. Judy spent two hours playing games and keeping the kids involved, so I want to recognize Judy for her contribution to this Nobody Knows Your Story episode. Hildale, Utah, along with Colorado City, Arizona, make up the onetime FLDS stronghold known as Short Creek. This is where Sam Zitting Wyson gr...

A Brush with Death Repurposed the Life of Rob Dubin

March 29, 2023 04:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

I asked Rob Dubin to tell his story because I thought it was a pretty bold move to retire at 42 and along with wife Dee, sell their home, and move onto a 40’ sailboat. Oh but there's more. For the next 17 years, Rob and Dee sailed around the world studying human happiness and fulfillment. Today Rob gives back by teaching courses in employee happiness which increase engagement, reduce resignations and combat quiet quitting. So yeah, this much I knew prior to our interview. What I didn't kn...

Lost in a 5 Day Snowstorm Repurposed the Life of Rob Dubin

March 29, 2023 04:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

I asked Rob Dubin to tell his story because I thought it was a pretty bold move to retire at 42 and along with wife Dee, sell their home, and move onto a 40’ sailboat. Oh but there's more. For the next 17 years, Rob and Dee sailed around the world studying human happiness and fulfillment. Today Rob gives back by teaching courses in employee happiness which increase engagement, reduce resignations and combat quiet quitting. So yeah, this much I knew prior to our interview. What I didn't kn...

Ivana Vucenovic and I Connected Thru Airbnb. What?

March 15, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MB

That's right. Ivana and I connected when I was looking for a rental for my men's softball team, and of course we mention this factoid in our discussion of Ivana's life. Ivana's life is much more interesting than this little side note. Civil war drove her from her home in Serbia, to Toronto, Canada and a new career. But, it's Ivana's love of travel that she passionately talk's about. It's a big part of her story and it's what led her to purchase the aforementioned rental property I and my te...

IRONMOM Becki Agar, Has Her Own Interesting Story

March 01, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

Becki Agar appeared on my podcast January 4th, 2023 as part of the Team Agar episode where I spoke with Becki's husband Jeff and son Johnny. In the behind the scene arrangements of that episode, I got to know Becki's own story and knew that you listeners would be impacted in a positive way by what she had to share. As we talked about Becki's life, we touched on The Impossible Mile, a book she co-wrote with Johnny. Here's an excerpt from the "about the author" section. Becki Agar is an ad...

IRONMOM Becki Agar, Shares Her Story Which Includes Several Faith Building Experiences

March 01, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

Becki Agar appeared on my podcast January 4th, 2023 as part of the Team Agar episode where I spoke with Becki's husband Jeff and son Johnny. In the behind the scene arrangements of that episode, I got to know Becki's own story and knew that you listeners would be impacted in a positive way by what she had to share. As we talked about Becki's life, we touched on The Impossible Mile, a book she co-wrote with Johnny. Here's an excerpt from the "about the author" section. Becki Agar is an ad...

Volleyball Coach Kim Norman Tells Her Life Story and How She Helps Humans Live Their Best Life

February 15, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MB

Kim Norman grew up In the small town of Moab, UT where she did just about anything she wanted at Grand County High School. She went out for the football team as a freshman, but decided track and field, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and playing trombone in the marching band was more to her liking. Robert Norman, Kim's father was a renowned geologist and as Kim recalls her story, she talks about how she too fell in love with the outdoors, riding horses, and exploring the caves and canyon's...

A Quest for Truth & Knowledge "Woke" Isaac Mathews

February 01, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 49.4 MB

As a young man, Isaac Mathews always wanted to do the right thing. Raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints aka Mormon, in a very Mormon St George, UT, Isaac wanted nothing more than to please his parents, his teachers, his friends, and his church leaders. He was all in as a people pleaser. Isaac ended up serving a two year Mormon mission, was married in the temple, and was a Mormon bishop while in his early thirties. But Isaac's story was about to change. TRI...

Raising a Family On Maui - Sherrie Stinger Shares Her Story

January 18, 2023 08:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MB

Michigan is a long way from the island of Maui, but Michigan is where Sherrie Stinger's story began. There was a move to Arizona, actually to Gilbert where Sherrie attended high school. But after high school, she followed her high school sweetheart to Hawaii, and has been there ever since; over thirty three years. I met Sherrie when I was doing real estate on Maui. Right away we discovered we had both lived in Gilbert, and actually had a mutual friend or two. Sherrie's story is great becaus...