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
111 Joe Bernstein
October 28, 2019 07:00 - 19 minutes - 24.8 MBJoe was diagnosed, as a young child, with learning disabilities and was overweight. He decided to transform his life. Joe changed his beliefs, thoughts, actions and feelings. He also unwired his anxious nervous system. He lost 160 lbs and walked away from a toxic marriage. Joe heard a calling to share his knowledge of transformation with others. He empowers and coaches others to look at mindset/emotions and partners with them, as they enter journeys of transformation. Joe shares these powerfu...
110 Matt Ward
October 21, 2019 07:00 - 14 minutes - 18.8 MBMatt grew up in a single parent household and attended a school for disadvantaged kids, where they taught him about effort. He realized that, if he wanted to live a different life, he'd have to figure things out on his own. Matt grew a business and with perseverance, he maneuvered it through the 2008 economic crisis. He successfully sold the business. Today, Matt speaks and helps business to grow. He shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - perseverance is the key - believe in yourse...
109 Tina Gordon
October 14, 2019 07:00 - 20 minutes - 25.1 MBTina was born into a poor family and became a foster child. There was no structure nor stability in her life and she found she needed to adapt constantly to survive. These experiences enabled her to question who she wanted to be. She wanted to have more control of her life. She chose to have a more positive impact on her life, her family and her community. The tools that got her through the dark moments are God, community and family. She is very thankful and grateful for the kindness and gene...
108 Christa Mastrangelo Joyce
October 07, 2019 07:00 - 25 minutes - 30.7 MBWhen Christa lost her dad as a teenager, she felt a loss of control and battled with an eating disorder. Her body, mind and spirit felt disconnected. Christa discovered yoga, which made her feel alive and taught her to be comfortable with what is. Today, she creates a safe and trusted space through yoga, where she teaches and empower others to feel whole and united, through unconditional love and acceptance. Christa shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - be comfortable with what is -...
107 Jane Wyker
September 30, 2019 07:00 - 16 minutes - 21 MBJane was always there for her spouse and her mom. Her external life was so rich, but internal life was aching and empty. Jane wasn't content. She knew it was time to look inside herself, to clear up conditions, thoughts and beliefs that were limiting her. Also, Jane began to honor her own desires and giving them priority. She learned to let go and began to focus on what she really wanted. Jane shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - as children, we are dependent on our parents and co...
106 April Tribe Giauque
September 23, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 37.6 MBApril experienced domestic abuse from her former spouse. She learned to recognize, what she calls, 'pinpoints of light' (a caring smile from the cashier, an opportunity, a coupon) in the darkness. April started collecting these pieces of light and hope. She successfully escaped the abyss of abuse. April shares this wisdom: - there is light and hope everywhere, even in the abyss - hope is eternal - we should try to illuminate the light, so that we can become beacons of light to others - if we ...
105 Brooke Warner
September 16, 2019 07:00 - 23 minutes - 29.4 MBPreviously working in traditional publishing, Brooke noticed the injustice, specifically that many talented writers do not get their due and that publishing decisions did not appear to be about the content or quality of the work. As champion for the underdogs, Brooke set out to do something about it. She established safe and trusted communities of writers and warriors that have shared values and support one another. Through her tireless efforts, Brooke has brought legitimacy to non-traditiona...
104 Diane Bock
September 09, 2019 07:00 - 12 minutes - 16.7 MBWitnessing the 1992 Los Angeles riots and violence on TV, Diane was horrified that people would kill others, because they looked different. Diane decided to do something about it. She established "Community Cousins", an organization that strives to break down stereotypes, by enabling personal experience and creating friendships across the lines. Diane shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - show up - start small - stick with it - never give up - you get out, what you put in - ignoring...
103 Rabbi Daniel Cohen
September 02, 2019 07:00 - 12 minutes - 16.5 MBWhen Rabbi Cohen's mom died, his life was turned upside down and felt spiritually lost. He realized he could give up and live in darkness. He chose to find a renewed spirit to bring more light into the world and be of service to others. Today, he inspires others to awaken what's inside them and lead a life of legacy, with a greater sense of light and purpose. Rabbi Cohen shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - live life with gratitude - awaken what's inside of you - each day there's o...
102 Alice Collins
August 26, 2019 07:00 - 21 minutes - 26.6 MBWhen Alice's friend was going through cancer, she promised her that she'd care for her and her dog. Her friend's journey initiated Alice's growth into becoming an author and storyteller. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - be honest with each other - friendship crosses many lines, including racial lines - writing is a safe place to be - meditate, stay in silence and write - find people that are accepting of you - be compassionate with yourself - you are the person that you've ...
101 Mary E Plouffe PhD
August 19, 2019 07:00 - 14 minutes - 19.1 MBWhen Mary's sister was diagnosed with cancer, she took in her sister's 3year daughter. What was meant to be a 3 week stay turned into Mary serving as a substitute parent to her niece, as her sister passed away, due to complications from the cancer treatment. Mary journaled about her journey. With her niece's permission, she wrote the book "I know it in my heart", the story of a grieving caretaker, trying to understand a grieving child. Mary shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - chil...
100 Bryan Falchuk
August 12, 2019 07:00 - 14 minutes - 18.7 MBAfter Bryan's parents divorced, he turned to food to fill the emotional gap, became 100 lbs overweight and was consumed by anxiety. He struggled to make a change. His wife was at death's bed, due to chronic illness. This forced Bryan to look at his role as a husband and father. He didn't want his son to experience the same anxiety that he did as a child. Bryan learned that motivation for change is driven by deep rooted values. This enabled him to transform his life. Bryan shares these powerfu...
099 Jeffrey Shaw
August 05, 2019 07:00 - 22 minutes - 27.3 MBJeffrey struggled to provide high end portrait photography in a small country town. One day, a lady told him "I don't have the luxury of worrying about my children's memory. I'm struggling to pay for rent this month." Jeffrey realized, that by providing a luxury product, he was speaking his language (or lingo) to the wrong audience and that you can't convince someone to value something they don't hold. He set about on a journey to study his target audience and reinvented himself. Jeffrey uses...
098 Jayson Sime
July 29, 2019 07:00 - 16 minutes - 21.1 MBJayson was raised in poverty, was bullied because of a learning disability, was 75lbs overweight, abused anti-depressants and felt he was wasting his life. Watching his mom raise 6 kids inspired him to tackle his challenges head on and stick with it long enough to succeed. Jayson found yoga and slowly made better health choices. He took ownership of his life. Jayson shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - spend time on self reflection - when considering a life change, make sure you kn...
097 David Ray Ades
July 22, 2019 07:00 - 16 minutes - 20.5 MBWhen David's relative passed at an early age, he realized that everyone carries loss, but not everyone talks about it. Through poetry, he explores that emotional place and connects with people. David also created a safe, supportive, nurturing and non-judgmental mens' community, where members can be honest and truthful. He shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - approach people with an open heart - give yourself some attention - allow time to reflect on your challenges, ask who can he...
096 Ray Matz Jr.
July 15, 2019 07:00 - 15 minutes - 19.7 MBBeing born and raised in the hood of Philadelphia taught Ray to be tough, have grit, appreciate hard work, have tenacity, get up and keep going. His parents, seeking the improve the family's quality of life, always engaged the family members as a unit. Ray learned that, through teamwork and camaraderie, you can achieve the unthinkable. He uses these life skills to encourage husbands and fathers to lead, love and live. Ray shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - life is too short, make...
095 Eduardo Valenciana
July 08, 2019 07:00 - 17 minutes - 22.1 MBEduardo, a former flight attendant, was the survivor of a terrible airplane crash. He struggled with survivor's guilt and PTSD. Eduardo's all consuming memories almost claimed him as a victim. He felt inadequate and had no self worth. Eduardo went on a long journey to find the truth as to the real cause of the airplane crash. He turned a negative experience into a positive one. Eduardo shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - life is a precious gift - embrace those that you love - beli...
094 Brannon Beliso
July 01, 2019 07:00 - 10 minutes - 14.6 MBBrannon, a former recording artist, was traveling through a poverty stricken area of the Philippines. Amidst the pollution, traffic and garbage, he observed a boy playing in a state of true happiness and bliss, eyes filled with hope. The boy had learned to be happy with life on life's terms. This experience inspired Brannon to take inventory of his life and feed his soul, instead of his ego. He shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - bliss is a state of being - bliss is not somethin...
093 Natasha Che
June 24, 2019 07:00 - 20 minutes - 24.9 MBNatasha felt she wasn't living her purpose or her authentic life. She began trusting her intuition and her inner voice. Natasha left her high paying job and now develops communities to serve others. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - strive to live your authentic life - when the road ahead is unclear, trust that small inner voice - strengthen your inner calling, by allowing your intuition to guide you - intuition is a muscle; the more you practice it, the stronger it gets - t...
092 Greg Centineo
June 17, 2019 07:00 - 37 minutes - 45.3 MBGreg took inventory of his life. He realized that everything he wanted was on the other side of fear. Greg jumped over the 'chasm'. He uses that insight to enable others to go outside their comfort zones, shift their mindset to push their own limitations, face and embrace their fears, build confidence, be authentic, accept their weakness, celebrate their greatness, recognize that we need each other, highlight the importance of the 'human element' and grow healthy/positive communities. Greg sh...
091 Ron Carucci
June 10, 2019 07:00 - 14 minutes - 18.7 MBThe loss of Ron's brother and his upcoming TED talk were converging in the same moment. He didn't know how we was going to honor both at the same time. Ron asked for practical, emotional and spiritual assistance, so that neither of these moments got too lost in the other. His family buoyed him, came along side of him and saw the importance of grieving, managing loss and the importance of celebrating a triumphant accomplishment. This enabled Ron to participate in both moments. He shares these ...
090 Mindy Tatz Chernoff
June 03, 2019 07:00 - 12 minutes - 16.3 MBAfter her divorce, Mindy's connections with horses grew deeper. She feels honored to partner with horses to create a trusted space, that enables healing, transformation, change, greater peace and well-being for people. Mindy feels that horses are masters of the non-verbal, e.g. emotional intelligence, mirror what's going on in our lives, are silent supporters of what we are going through, hold and carry us, e.g. what's going on in our hearts, are resilient and have so much wisdom. She shares ...
089 Aaron Schlein
May 27, 2019 07:00 - 16 minutes - 20.6 MBAaron's grandmother gave him the gift of travel, which provided him with a sense of adventure, learning, spending time with loved ones, creating lasting memories and a passion for travel. His grandmother's travel opportunities had a positive and significant impact on him. Today, Aaron enables people to share their gifts of travel, where they jointly inspire the next generation. He shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - change your mindset from scarcity to abundance - if your mindset ...
088 John Abrams
May 20, 2019 07:00 - 22 minutes - 27.4 MBWhen John was 8 years old, his parents divorced. He also discovered that his brothers and he did not share the same father. These life changes made him want attention. John wanted to be the 'star of the show'. He witnessed that people made a living doing their art. John reinvented himself multiple times. Today, he does what he loves, which is performing for a live audience. John shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - take inventory of your life on a regular basis - ask yourself "am I...
087 Thomas Blackwell
May 13, 2019 07:00 - 15 minutes - 19.8 MBSometimes, we allow unhealthy self talk to impact the course of our thoughts, actions and life. The tone and kindness with which we speak to ourselves and others creates our environments. Thomas has the unique gift of finding the diamonds in the rough, 'uncovering' the signs (seeing others' true potentials) and 'shining' those signs with genuine praise, love, trust and acceptance. What happens next is that people start to also see their true potentials. They believe, love and accept themsel...
Extra - Naomi McDougall Jones
May 06, 2019 07:00 - 19 minutes - 24.2 MBNaomi (writer, actress and producer) shares powerful life experiences. Her first film didn't give her the validation and acceptance that she sought. Naomi felt crushed. So for her second film, she set out to be accepted by the "System" and chose to play by their rules. Naomi encountered very powerful 'gatekeepers' that feel they define the success and happiness of film makers, such as herself. Once she realized that she had been empowered all along, she took a refreshingly different approach....
086 Spencer Gorman-Prow
May 06, 2019 07:00 - 9 minutes - 12.6 MBExecutive Chef Spencer experienced and overcame sexual abuse as a child. The chaotic nature of a professional kitchen enabled his journey of healing, health and happiness. Chef Spencer's book "Solace in Chaos, A Chef's Memoir", a therapeutic journal, inspires and helps others find their own coping strategies within the context of their professional passions. Cooking provides him with a space for creativity. In his kitchen, Chef Spencer surrounds himself with his like-minded staff. He shares t...
085 Holly Worton
April 29, 2019 07:00 - 14 minutes - 18 MBHolly experienced low confidence, self esteem and self worth. Also, her business partner's views were misaligned with her integrity, values and beliefs. Holly was in a dark/difficult place and felt out of touch with herself. She took inventory of her life, made some life changes and empowered herself to transition to a place that is aligned with her integrity and values. Holly shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - meditate by walking in nature - disconnect from technology - connecti...
084 Jake Carlson
April 22, 2019 07:00 - 16 minutes - 20.5 MBJake shares a lesson in gratitude. As a tax attorney in corporate America, he felt he wasn't there for his kids. Jake decided that the quality of his time with his family was important to him. He took his kids out of school and his family spent the next year living in 12 countries. Through this journey, Jake learned that we tend to focus more on quantity (e.g. we collect a lot of stuff) than on quality. Visiting a WW2 concentration camp, a trip highlight, was a humbling experience. Jake share...
083 Edward Ahern
April 15, 2019 07:00 - 12 minutes - 16.7 MBEd lost his dad, when he was 10yrs of age. His mom single handedly raised 3 children. Ed feels that he was the beneficiary of his mom's story of empowerment and determination. He strives to model his mom, as a parent. Ed used this podcast interview as the opportunity to publicly thank his mom for her sacrifices and her love for her family. He shares these nuggets of life wisdom: - it's ok to make mistakes, as we are human - let's strive to forgive ourselves and learn from our mistakes Ed Aher...
082 Garine Isassi
April 08, 2019 07:00 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MBGarine felt she didn't fit in a rural Texas community, as a semi ethnic woman. Then, when she wanted to be involved in the music industry, she realized she was entering a male dominated environment. Garine decided to figure out how to fit and where she fit. She convinced people that she needed 'to be in the room'. Garine made herself fit through perseverance. She got past stereotypes and moved into why we are here. Garine shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - learn who you are insid...
081 Linda Strader
April 01, 2019 07:00 - 19 minutes - 24.4 MBLinda experienced harassment, as one of the first women on a U.S. Forest Service fire crew. The more they harassed her, the more she didn't want to quit, e.g. fires were not the only things she fought. When Linda encountered an obstacle, she would come up with alternatives. After losing her job, her mom, getting divorced, she rebuilt her life for the 3rd time. Writing her book enabled Linda to reconnect with her 20s and remind her that she is tenacious and resilient. She reinvented herself an...
080 Christie Garcia
March 25, 2019 07:00 - 15 minutes - 19.5 MBChristie had a life changing fall from a 30ft fire escape. Luckily, she walked away damage-free and a reality check to start living her next chapter. Christie courageously left corporate America and started her leadership coaching business. She shares these nuggets of life wisdom: - trust your inner voice - be brave, courageous and follow your north star - you have the tools within you to make it work - don't be afraid to fail - learn to identify the difference between excitment and anxiety -...
079 Aimee Teesdale
March 18, 2019 07:00 - 12 minutes - 15.9 MBAimee grew up in a low income family. She struggled with low confidence, low self-esteem and self-doubt. She realized that the only thing holding her back was herself. Aimee invested in herself, pursued personal development, transformed her life and even starting her own business. Now, she helps people live life on their own terms. Aimee shares this wonderful nuggets of life wisdom: - become aware of self doubt - the power of mindset is key - if we seek change, then we need to teach ourselv...
078 Mickie Zada
March 11, 2019 07:00 - 15 minutes - 19.8 MBMickie lived in abuse for 34 years. One day, she decided she was done and that this was not OK. Mickie educated herself, made a plan, executed on that plan and created an authentic life of her own. As a survivor of domestic abuse, she founded the Surviving Abuse Network, which includes podcasts, videos and articles that are meant to inspire and encourage women that have experienced domestic abuse and to give them hope. Mickie shares these nuggets of life wisdom: - you are a good person - if...
077 Joan Dempsey
March 04, 2019 08:00 - 16 minutes - 20.9 MBJoan experienced a year's journey of dealing with setbacks, as she empowered herself to become an author. She was crippled with self doubt. Joan felt she didn't have the skills to write and experienced judgement from people. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - be mindful to enjoy the journey - the joy comes in the work - joy is the measure - be willing to embrace feedback - be open to others' perspectives - learn to embrace your self doubt - reframe your worries - if we learn ...
076 Connie Bombaci
February 25, 2019 08:00 - 13 minutes - 17.3 MBConnie's mother taught her that all living beings and creatures are worthy of unconditional love and acceptance. Rescuing a deaf and malnourished dog, Hogan, and nursing him back to health, taught her how to hope through suffering, which leads to perseverance and develops great character and confidence. Connie shares the message of hope with others. She imparts these nuggets of life wisdom: - you are worthy of unconditional love and acceptance - open your heart fully - life offers hope to ove...
075 Shannon Hogan Cohen
February 18, 2019 08:00 - 13 minutes - 18 MBShannon is an advocate of women. She uses storytelling to share, heal and empower others. Shannon experienced depression and anxiety, due to her alcoholic father, the lost of her dad at 11 and the abandonment of her mother. When her grandmother, Rosie, used to read books to her as a child, she shared a special bond, felt safe, learned that each story offered a meaning and a purpose. Shannon wanted to continue that legacy. Her dialogue with women provides connection, consolation and healing. S...
074 Arnie Herz
February 11, 2019 08:00 - 18 minutes - 23.5 MBArnie is an attorney that seeks to bring a balanced exchange of energy during conflict resolutions. He teaches the emotional dynamic of what's taking place in a conflict. Arnie believes that what we want and what we say we want are often two different things. For instance, what we say we want, does not often bring us joy nor make us content. He feels that the biggest obstacle to get what we want is ourselves. Arnie is able to help his clients by listening intently, helps them to get to know t...
073 Stephynie Malik
February 04, 2019 08:00 - 26 minutes - 32 MBStephynie was raised by a single mom with severe mental illness that was unmedicated. She experienced abuse, found out her dad was not her real father, left home at the age of 15, worked 3 jobs, made poor choices and got divorced. Stephynie managed to raise her children as a single mom, while launching and overseeing successful businesses. Her struggles molded her into a woman of empathetic service, gratitude, authenticity, depth of devotion, integrity and knowledge. Stephynie uses her person...
072 Joe Bauer
January 28, 2019 08:00 - 15 minutes - 20.2 MBJoe ran a very successful personal training business, with multiple locations. He was training high end executives in New York. However, something was missing. He felt that he wasn't giving back enough to others. Regardless how others chose to see him, Joe sold his business and moved back into his parents' home in Seattle. This simplification helped him focus on what he is most passionate about; coaching, teaching and empowering others in fitness. Joe shares this wisdom: - have clear intentio...
071 Freddy Negrete
January 21, 2019 08:00 - 18 minutes - 22.9 MBFreddy grew up in the LA gangster culture and went to prison, where he learned to tatoo. His youngest son was murdered in a gang confllict. He felt guilty, fell apart, started using drugs, went to prison, was diagnosed with congestive heart failures, had 3 heart attacks, thought he was going to die in jail, prayed and asked for more time. Freddy joined a rehab program, learned to live with son's death, dedicated his life to make his son proud and chose to be an example to his living son. He s...
070 Adam Schaeuble
January 14, 2019 08:00 - 16 minutes - 20.8 MBAdam weighed 327 lbs, had over $40,000 of credit card debt and was depressed. He hit rock bottom, overhauled his lifestyle and helped people in his home town lose over 35,000 lbs of weight. Adam is now on a Million Pound Mission, with a passion to enable others to achieve their desired goals. He shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - show up, take a step each day, be consistent and move the needle in the right direction - look for opportunities that are aligned with your intentions - ...
069 Karen Noe
January 07, 2019 08:00 - 16 minutes - 20.8 MBKaren realized that she has a unique gift of receiving messages from deceased loved ones. She enables people to connect with their loved ones and guardian angels. Karen believes that the messages come to us as thoughts. Her advice to those that wish to connect with their deceased loved ones is to: - ask your deceased loved ones to give you a 'without a doubt' sign (e.g. a true visitation) - be open to receive - be patient - the sign may be in the form that they were on earth - raise your vibr...
068 Leesa Renee Hall
December 31, 2018 08:00 - 25 minutes - 30.9 MBWhen Leesa was working in IT, she realized that her soul was dying. She decided to get in touch with her inner child and went on a journey of expressive writing, self inquiry and healing. Leesa picked up a creative pursuit and discovered that she wants to embrace whatever emotions come up for her. She shares these nuggets of life wisdom: - we have a short span of time on earth - let's focus on what's important Leesa Renee Hall is an author, facilitator, social historian, and creative word art...
067 Victor Chiu
December 24, 2018 08:00 - 17 minutes - 22 MBVictor Chiu is a multi-award winning author for his book Wall Street Kitchen: The Recipe Behind a Housewife's 1000% Stock Return. He is also an active stock and real estate investor. Victor graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2005, where he studied economic geography to obtain his B.A. A contributor to business media, he has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, U.S News & World Report, and Yahoo Finance. He is a member of The American Association of Individual Invest...
066 Bella Mahaya Carter
December 17, 2018 08:00 - 13 minutes - 17 MBBella experienced chronic stomach problems. She used to have feelings of "I'm not good enough to exist, if I'm not outstanding". Bella was afraid to leave her house. She had developed anxiety disorder. Her inner voice told her to "wake up", as in waking up in her life. Bella wrote "Raw: My Journey from Anxiety to Joy - A Memoir", which was part of her healing. She shares this life wisdom: - sometimes things have to come up, to come out - have faith in your own healing ability - trust the wisd...
065 Paige Davis
December 10, 2018 08:00 - 12 minutes - 16.8 MBAs an entrepreneur, Paige was on the verge of burnout. She was desperate for peace in her life. Then, Paige was diagnosed with breast cancer. She practiced meditation, mindfulness and visualization. Paige saw her cancer journey as a love journey, e.g. saw it through a compassionate lens. She shares this wisdom: our connections to ourselves, our spirits and others is most important the importance of self care, which is nourishing our bodies, minds and spirits, so that we can be there for othe...
064 Doug Bopst
December 03, 2018 08:00 - 12 minutes - 16 MBDoug Bopst is an award-winning personal trainer, author, speaker and business owner. He is a former felon and drug addict, sentenced to years in jail due to his poor decisions.. He is the author of two books: "From Felony to Fitness to Free," and "Faith Family Fitness," He has appeared on WBAL, WJZ, ABC and FOX 45, as well as been a recurring guest on National Substance Abuse Expert Mike Gimbels “Straight Talk” show discussing fitness for addiction recovery. He’s also been featured in the Bal...
063 Diane Pomerantz
November 26, 2018 08:00 - 17 minutes - 22.1 MBDr. Diane Pomerantz is a who has been in practice working with children, adolescents, and adults in the Baltimore, Maryland area for over thirty-five years. She has done extensive work in the area of trauma and child abuse and research in the area of personality development of abused children. She currently runs Healing Through Writing groups in her practice. She is a breast cancer survivor and has two wonderful grown children. She and her shaggy dog, Rug, live amidst tall trees on the outsk...