Stories that Empower
412 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★★ - 73 ratingsListen to inspiring and empowering life stories from guests that have overcome challenges and share 'nuggets of life wisdom'. There is hope and light for you, as well. You are not alone. You are loved.
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Episodes
Special - Barbara Santarelli
June 20, 2021 07:00 - 20 minutes - 25.1 MBBarbara's father abandoned his family, when she was 3 years old. As she grew up, she had a hunger to get to know her dad. She felt mixed emotions, including anger, hope, rejecting him, wanting to make up for lost time and letting go. Through this journey, Barbara was able to find forgiveness. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - it's never too late to forgive - consider looking at unresolved issues - love is constant - allow yourself to have curiosity about alternatives - look ...
196 Ed Ahern
June 14, 2021 07:00 - 15 minutes - 19.4 MBEd worked for 54 years. Once he entered retirement, he didn't want to simply vegetate. Ed always wanted to write, so he took courses. He achieved his goal of coming better and accepted as a writer. Ed shares these wonderful nuggets of life wisdom: - recognize who and where you are - work in the measure of your own capability - you don't have to stop producing, when you retire - keep your mind unrusted - do what you can - the end doesn't have to be bitter - writing can be gratifying and self f...
195 Linda Strader
June 07, 2021 07:00 - 15 minutes - 19.6 MBAs one of the first women to work on a Forest Service fire crew, Linda was harassed and discriminated. The more her male colleagues discouraged her, the more determined she became. Linda shares these nuggets of life wisdom: - you can do anything when you test yourself - never give up - ignore those that discourage you - you don't need the approval of others - you can turn things around to fit you - take baby steps tags: Linda, Strader, Summers, of, Fire, author, story, stories, that, empow...
194 Shawn Murphy
May 31, 2021 07:00 - 22 minutes - 27.3 MBShawn is fascinated by how to live our best lives. He shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - let people experience who you are - show up fully as who you are - be authentic - belonging is feeling valued, wanted and welcomed tags: Shawn, Murphy, writer, author, organizational, culture, change, practitioner, workshop, facilitator, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sea...
193 Thomas Blackwell
May 24, 2021 07:00 - 17 minutes - 22.3 MBThomas' daughter died as a baby, which brought him and his family to their knees. He and his spouse knew they had a moment of choice. They decided that the victim (why me) mentality would not serve them. Instead, they chose the 'what can I learn' from this mindset. As a result, they found love and gratitude in life's tough situations. Thomas shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - life happens for us, not to us - speak in gratitude - what we focus on, expands - response to events dete...
192 Laurel Mintz
May 17, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutes - 14.6 MBLaurel was studying to become an attorney, but realized that she didn't enjoy it. Then, out of the blue, she had to put things on hold to run her father's furniture company, as he was fighting cancer. She taught herself how to run his company through the school of hard knocks. Fortunately, her father survived the cancer. After leaving her father's business, she discovered that marketing resonated with her, as she found it to be collaborative, creative and problem solving. Today, she helps org...
191 Betsy Graziani Fasbinder
May 10, 2021 07:00 - 20 minutes - 25.1 MBBetsy is fascinated by how people make it through setbacks. With her "The Morning Glory Project" podcast, she's on a journey to understand what it is that makes some people make it through challenges and to share this knowledge with others. She shares these wonderful nuggets of life wisdom: - just do the next right thing - it's in the telling of our stories, that we connect with one another - it can be done - our stories live in the hearts and minds of others - connect to your spiritual sel...
190 Joe Bauer
May 03, 2021 07:00 - 18 minutes - 23.4 MBJoe and his fiancee have found a way to fulfill their dream of exploring all the US National Parks, while working from the road and empowering others. By traveling the US, they have immersed themselves in micro cultures and created lifelong friendships. He shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - find inspiration through others' stories - live more now - live it, do it, document it and inspire others - it's all about the connections that we make tags: Joe, Bauer, The, Vantastic,...
189 Bryan Falchuk
April 26, 2021 07:00 - 21 minutes - 26.7 MBBryan recognized that seeking his own happiness may have caused harm to those he loved. By finding clarity, he transformed his previous dysfunctional relationship to a healthier place. Today, he uses his knowledge to enable others to build better relationships. Bryan shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - pause and reflect on what you want - have direct conversations with those you love - find shared solutions - seeking our happiness may sometimes harm someone else - choose what w...
188 Joan Dempsey
April 19, 2021 07:00 - 14 minutes - 19.1 MBJoan's story is about empowering others to write and complete their novels. She shares these nuggets of life wisdom: what you do, matters focus on what you love to do you do not need outside affirmation or permission you are entitled to 'do the work' perseverance is key focus on your key objective “What you focus on grows, what you think about expands, and what you dwell upon determines your destiny.” tags: Joan, Dempsey, writer, author, novelist, writing, teaching, This, Is, How, It, ...
187 Sean Harvey
April 12, 2021 07:00 - 22 minutes - 27.4 MBSean's frustration with his work environment and the lack of creativity were catalysts for him to become more comfortable in his own skin and come to a place of more gender balance. He shares these nuggets of life wisdom: stop being right and be more curious break down the walls that keep us separate access all of you learn who you are be who you are authentically become more unfiltered relax your ego don't be afraid of how others will respond find the strength in our voice and courage to w...
186 Ron Price
April 05, 2021 07:00 - 24 minutes - 30.3 MBRon empowers others to see potential they have, may have taken for granted and/or may be hidden for them. He shares these nuggets of life wisdom: events in our lives can be turned to good every problem contains within it a seed of equivalent or greater benefit we can't change the past sometimes you just need to figure out how to get through the next step you're not meant to do it alone ... ask for help we have the choice for how we respond to things be a victor instead of a victim ask yourse...
185 Greg Centineo
March 29, 2021 07:00 - 19 minutes - 24.3 MBIf you want to feel energized, then you've got to listen to Greg's empowering story. He helps others to achieve their dreams. Greg shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - look at challenges equally - it takes an open mind to overcome - anything is possible - become brave - jump regardless - don't wait for the fear to leave - start to become brave Email: tags: Greg, Centineo, Chief, Inspirational, Officer, business, consulting, leadership, development, public, speaking, life...
184 Marilyn Hagar
March 22, 2021 07:00 - 31 minutes - 37.6 MBYou've got to check to Marilyn's empowering story on how she found her belonging in the circle of life. After her divorce and the feeling that her family had crumbled, she submerged herself in nature to find a sense of belonging. Marilyn shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - the arts are connected to what's going on inside of us - we are part of nature - we find our deepest belonging in nature - pay attention to our intuition - nature creates and destroys - view life as a circle, not...
183 Dr. Veronica Slaughter
March 15, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 29 MBWhen Veronica was 8, she and her 3 siblings were abducted by their American father from her homeland of the Philippines. As an older sibling, she played the role of caretaker to her younger siblings. After 4 years, Veronica's mother was able to find her children and move them out. Even though her mom struggled to raise 4 children on her own, she taught Veronica to be a warrior, express kindness and never lose hope. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - you are valuable - you are...
182 Sharon Dukett
March 08, 2021 08:00 - 21 minutes - 26 MBGrowing up, Sharon felt she had no future, because girls were discouraged from attending college. Her future felt pointless. Sharon ran away from home with her older sister at the age of 16. At first, the hippie movement in California was wonderful, but she realized that it wasn't what she thought it would be. Sharon was very depressed and felt suicidal. Then, she read a book, which helped her envision a place where there's love and caring for one another. This gave Sharon hope and inspiratio...
Mindy Chernoff
March 01, 2021 08:00 - 48 minutes - 78.1 MBMy guest today is Mindy Chernoff. She partners with horses to create a safe and trusted space, where you can experience mindfulness, peace and acceptance. I think you're going to love our conversation. Check it out and share! tags: Mindy, Chernoff, writer, author, The, Resonant, Horse, Where, Soul, Lives, Sean,
181 Tina Siemens
March 01, 2021 08:00 - 19 minutes - 24.2 MBTina shares a story of her family's difficult migration to the US to ultimately become US Citizens. She realizes that none of this would be possible without compassionate Americans stepping outside their comfort zones to help them. Tina feels so proud and thankful to be considered a part of the American fabric. She shares the following powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - love has no language - we are a nation of immigrants - never give me - let's pray about it - love each other - forgive each ...
180 Dr. David Reiter
February 22, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 30.5 MBDavid found himself to be motherless within seconds of birth. He went to an orphanage, foster care and was eventually adopted. David was open to possibilities as he was trying to 'find his way' through life. He went on a journey of self-discovery and identity. Initially, David was reluctant to search for reunion with his biological family. However, the search and writing enabled him to reflect on who he was. David shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - be willing to take a life risk ...
179 Mary Jane Black
February 15, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 18.1 MBMary Jane escaped from her emotionally and physically abusive spouse. She remarried, but unfortunately she lost her second spouse to pancreatic cancer. Mary Jane felt moments of despair, but by asking for help and using her inner tools, she began to rebuild herself back up. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - you are not defined by your reality - continue to have hope, - in the midst of despair, you've got to have hope - love always last and will sustain you - you are stronger...
178 Elena Schwolsky
February 08, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 20.6 MBElena's spouse was diagnosed with AIDS and died of complications. Also, she was a pediatric nurse at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. Elena felt burnt out, washed out, wiped out and was drowning. She was looking for a way to renew her own energy and find new connections. Elena returned to a place she visited 20 years earlier, filled with positive energy and spirit. This enabled her to share her experience and expertise. Being actively involved in AIDS quilt projects enabled Elena...
Christa Mastrangelo Joyce
February 01, 2021 08:00 - 35 minutes - 49.9 MBChrista shares how abundant loss and grief in her life/community enabled her to realize that the yoga practice is not limited by a physical space. It is something much bigger than our bodies, as the practice is always within us. This awareness gave her a sense of freedom, broke open physical boundaries and has made her practice more accessible. Additionally, by rediscovering one of her first loves, writing, Christa is opening a new community. Supporting the youth in her community has energize...
177 Dr. Tyra Manning
February 01, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 21 MBTyra's father passed away, when she was 9. Her spouse died in Vietnam and she was left with a 2 year old daughter. Tyra was diagnosed with clinical depression. She got the help she needed and found a supportive community. Tyra never forgets the sensitivity and love that was shown to her. Today, she makes a difference in the lives of others by telling her stories. Tyra shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - we're more alike than different - write your story and make a difference ...
176 Sande Boritz Berger
January 25, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 20.9 MBAs a mother to two young children, Sande went through a divorce. She felt disconnect. Sande sought help from a community of like-minded people. She knew she had to change herself and become strong. Sande noticed that a new part of her life was beginning. She felt fulfilled while reconnecting with her creativity, poetry and art work. Sande shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - writing helps us to see the light - challenge your fears - life can be beautiful - believe in yourself - kno...
Message to Dad - Unconditional Love
January 22, 2021 08:00 - 1 minute - 3.71 MBThis is a special episode of “Message to Dad” about integrity. My dad lives in a dementia care nursing home. I’ve been struggling to stay connected with him. So, I figured that he might enjoy receiving these personal recorded messages from me. I hope you enjoy them too. tags: message, to, dad, stories, that, empower, podcast, Sean,
175 Akshay Nanavati
January 18, 2021 08:00 - 21 minutes - 26.6 MBAs a former US Marine tasked with locating explosive devices, Akshay experienced Post Traumatic Stress, depression and drug/alcohol addiction. He studied neuroscience as he was fascinated by it. Akshay learned that he is not defined by a disorder and refuses to accept it. His divorce caused him to break his sobriety. He decided to go 'within' on inward journey. So, Akshay spent 7 days in complete darkness, stillness and silence. Confronting his struggles, suffering and pain brought closer to ...
Message to Dad - Integrity
January 15, 2021 08:00 - 2 minutes - 4.69 MBThis is a special episode of "Message to Dad" about integrity. My dad lives in a dementia care nursing home. I've been struggling to stay connected with him. So, I figured that he might enjoy receiving these personal recorded messages from me. I hope you enjoy them too. tags: message, to, dad, stories, that, empower, podcast, Sean,
174 Bonnie Hirst
January 11, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 16.3 MBWhen her daughter was convicted to a life sentence in prison without parole, it impacted Bonnie's life and she found herself in a dark place. However, spending time in nature and appreciating the tiny miracles of life helped her survive. Bonnie shares the following nuggets of wisdom: - look at your situation in a different light - turn your perspective around - look for the positives - there are blessings that can come out of an ordeal - there's always someone that is less fortunate than you ...
Message to Dad - Intro
January 08, 2021 08:00 - 4 minutes - 6.62 MBThis is a special episode of "Message to Dad". My dad lives in a dementia care nursing home. I've been struggling to stay connected with him. So, I figured that he might enjoy receiving these personal recorded messages from me. I hope you enjoy them too. tags: message, to, dad, stories, that, empower, podcast, Sean, https://storiesthatempower.com
173 Karen Stefano
January 04, 2021 08:00 - 21 minutes - 26.7 MBWhile walking back to her university dorm building, Karen was assaulted at knife point. She managed to escape, physically unharmed. However, the assault traumatized Karen. She experienced periods of peace and power, but her life unravelled again, when her marriage was dying, she experienced financial loss and her mother was slipping into dementia. These additional sources of trauma caused her to slip back into anxiety and PTSD. Writing about it required her to excavate and evaluate her feelin...
Jean Walters (Special)
January 01, 2021 08:00 - 43 minutes - 60 MBHi friends. I want to tell you about a wonderful human being, Jean Walters. She brings so much light, hope and positivity into the universe. I am in awe every time that I speak with her. Jean has an abundance of love, wisdom and enlightenment that she gives away freely and unconditionally. She is a very special human being and I am honored to have met her. It is with great pleasure that I am able to present and ‘showcase’ her to you. If you are stuck and/or need guidance in your life ri...
172 Meryl Ain
December 28, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 23.7 MBHaving experienced life setbacks, Meryl chose not to allow herself to be stuck or feel like a victim. She reinvented herself multiple times and enabled herself to be empowered. Meryl shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - practice the 3 Rs: reinvent yourself, be resilient and stay relevant - get yourself a project - nothing is permanent - everything is temporary - we are one family of human beings - we should strive not to treat people as 'others' - believe in yourself - you have to g...
Holiday Stories - Jill Sherer Murray
December 22, 2020 08:00 - 23 minutes - 29.1 MBStephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of “Holiday Stories” with our special guest, Jill Sherer Murray. tags: Jill, Sherer, Murray, author, TEDx, speaker, communications, expert. Big, Wild, Love, Let, Go, For, It, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean
171 Charlene Jones
December 21, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 25.8 MBAs a child, Charlene experienced PTSD from an unhealthy home environment. She ran away from home and was attracted to the 'dark side'. Her life took a positive turn, when she began following in the footsteps of a meditation teacher. Today, she helps people understand there are powerful ways to heal, empowers those that are stuck and teaches meditation. Charlene shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - we can heal from almost anything - you can do this - ask yourself what brings you joy...
Holiday Stories - Diane Dewey
December 15, 2020 08:00 - 25 minutes - 31.5 MBStephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of “Holiday Stories” with our special guest, Diane Dewey. tags: Diane, Dewey, writer, author, podcast, host, Fixing, the, Fates, Dropping, In, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean
170 Evelyn Kohl LaTorre
December 14, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 24.1 MBEvelyn grew up as a self-sufficient child and adult. She served in the Peace Corps, where she learned to take risks. Evelyn also found herself questioning certain rules and regulations. She shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - travel transforms us - people that have the least tend to be the most content - be mindful of the serendipity of life - travel teaches us not to take things for granted - turn the negative into a lesson - know who you are tags: Evelyn, Kohl, LaTorre, writer...
Holiday Stories - Eileen Harrison Sanchez
December 08, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 24.6 MBStephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of “Holiday Stories” with our special guest, Eileen Harrison Sanchez. tags: Eileen, Harrison, Sanchez, writer, author, Freedom, Lessons, A, Novel, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean
169 Jane Finkle
December 07, 2020 08:00 - 15 minutes - 19.3 MBJane initially struggled with being an introvert. However, she discovered that it can actually be an asset. Jane went outside of her comfort zone. Now, she empowers introvert that may be struggling in the workplace and empowers them. Jane shares the following nuggets of wisdom to those that consider themselves introverts: - embrace the 'introversion' - being an introvert helps you build relationships - be mindful if your introversion may be holding you back - take steps to challenge yourself ...
Holiday Stories - Mary Helen Sheriff
December 01, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 18.4 MBStephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of “Holiday Stories” with our special guest, Mary Helen Sheriff. tags: Michelle, Cox, writer, author, Henrietta, Inspector, Howard, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean
168 Lisa Braver Moss
November 30, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 22.8 MBLisa grew up in a home, where she witnessed domestic violence and emotional brutality. She experienced shame and isolation. Lisa managed to get herself out into a healthy life. Writing about it helped her speak her truth. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - speak your truth - be disciplined to tell your story - be brave to reach and talk to a trusted person - writing can help make suffering feel more finite, relief and healing tags: Lisa, Braver, Moss, writer, author, Shrug...
Holiday Stories - Michelle Cox
November 24, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 31.3 MBStephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of “Holiday Stories” with our special guest, Michelle Cox. tags: Michelle, Cox, writer, author, Henrietta, Inspector, Howard, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean
167 Patricia Eagle
November 23, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 25.5 MBPatricia survived sexual abuse from a family member. Initially, she became very good at self sabotage. Patricia found the courage to thrive, release the shame, and live fully. This enabled her to free her voice. Patricia shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - stand up and speak up for the truth - there are gifts even in loss and tragedy - seek people that nourish you - develop compassion for yourself and others - spend time outdoors in nature - we can't change what we refuse to talk ...
Holiday Stories - Kathryn Taylor
November 17, 2020 08:00 - 22 minutes - 33.7 MBStephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of “Holiday Stories” with our special guest, Kathryn Taylor. tags: Kathryn, Taylor, writer, author, Two, Minus, One, Memoir, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean
166 Rebecca Munn
November 16, 2020 08:00 - 17 minutes - 22 MBRebecca experienced cancer diagnosis through the eyes of a daughter. She knew she could either focus on what isn't (allow fear to creep in) or focus on what is (enjoy each day). Rebecca chose the latter. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - appreciate every moment - encourage perseverance - focus on mind, body, spirit connection - our minds have the power to heal our bodies - how you experience life depends on how you see life - there's so much joy when we focus on what is ther...
Holiday Stories - Jeanne Guy
November 10, 2020 08:00 - 22 minutes - 34.7 MBStephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of “Holiday Stories” with our special guest, Jeanne Guy. tags: Jeanne, Guy, writer, author, gatherings, workshops, Seeing, Me, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean
165 Kristen Rademacher
November 09, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 24.9 MBWhen Kristen lost her baby, she leaned into journaling as a way of coping and navigating loss. She felt a loss of relationships, identity and dreams. Kristen chose not to allow events to define her. She navigated from the grief and rebuilt herself from the ground up. Kristen put herself back together again in new and better ways. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - change and trauma can be a great opportunity/gift if we can keep our hearts open - look for the opportunity to gr...
Holiday Stories - Stephanie Raffelock
November 03, 2020 08:00 - 13 minutes - 25.2 MBA special "Holiday Stories" episode with guest Stephanie Raffelock. tags: Stephanie, Raffelock, holiday, stories, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean
164 Rosemary Keevil
November 02, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 23.2 MBLosing her brother to AIDS and her spouse to cancer, planted seeds of addiction in Rosemary. She felt that was surviving from crisis management. Rosemary shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - we need an outlet for our emotions - exercise helps us to cope - accept that it's time to grieve - the only way past it is through it - the edges will soften in time - seek a relationship with a high power - one cannot do it alone tags: Rosemary, Keevil, author, writer, The, Art, of, Losing,...
163 Eileen Harrison Sanchez
October 26, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 27.9 MBAs a former school teacher in Louisiana, Eileen was encouraged to retain or hold back students. This never rested well with her. Writing about the experience and being asked to return to speak, made her feel that she could pay back the children that she may have let down. Eileen shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - writing heals - forgive ourselves - have courage to move forward - prejudice is taught and learned - one person can make a difference - see the situation from others per...
162 Mary Helen Sheriff
October 19, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 28.2 MBMary talks about depression, mental health and self care. She shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - it's helpful to speak with a neutral party - be able to recognize issues earlier - pause at the conclusion of huge life changes - the importance of hope - we need something more than ourselves to strive for - look for our dreams - seek gratitude - give to our communities - if we're experiencing depression, look for professional help - seek outlets that fill our souls - be mindful of se...