Episodes

As the executive director of The Kentucky Wildlands, Tammie Nazario has been a driving force behind the region's economic pivot from coal to tourism. With over 800 waterfalls as her office backdrop, Tammie embodies the resilience and spirit of her homeland, and she's here to tell us how her team has managed to carve a trail of hope through these enchanting woods. Home to mist-shrouded mountains and ancient forests, this 14,000-square-mile wilderness is a haven for adventure, culture, and tradit...

There’s something deeply inspiring about choosing a life that feels true to you—even when it looks completely different from what’s expected. I had the chance to connect with Lisa Jansen, a New Zealand-based writer and digital nomad, to talk about her bold decision to step away from a conventional life and create something entirely her own. We explore what it really means to walk away from “what’s next” and instead ask “what else is possible?” From life on the road in a camper van to the lesson...

There’s something incredibly powerful about redefining what’s possible—and Kristen Secor is doing exactly that. Born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, she has faced challenges that could easily limit her world, but instead, she’s expanded it—traveling across continents and proving that adventure is still within reach. We talk about how her journey into accessible travel began, the realities of navigating the world with a disability, and how she’s now helping others do the same through her...

Some stories are born out of loss—but transform into something far greater. In this conversation with Kamal X, a self-taught documentary photographer, we explore how a deeply personal experience turned into a journey of purpose, creativity, and global storytelling. We get into how travel became a path to healing, how photography evolved into a powerful voice, and what it really means to capture truth in a world that often moves too fast to notice it. From documenting life across 40+ countries t...

There’s something really special about rediscovering a place that shaped you—and that’s exactly what Mandy Volpe shares as she walks us through her journey with the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) in Gainesville, Georgia. From volunteering as a teenager to now leading the organization, Mandy’s story is a full-circle moment rooted in creativity, community, and a deep love for helping kids grow through play. We explore how INK brings real-world experiences to life for children, helping th...

Travel has a way of shifting something deep within us—and in this Inspirational Interlude, I explore how stepping outside of our comfort zones can completely transform the way we see the world… and ourselves. From navigating unfamiliar places to embracing moments of solitude, this episode dives into the powerful connection between travel and self-discovery. I share personal experiences, lessons learned, and simple yet meaningful ways travel can challenge your assumptions, build confidence, and ...

Travel becomes so much more meaningful when we approach it with intention—and in this Inspirational Interlude, I share how shifting your mindset can completely transform your experiences. It’s not just about where you go, but how you show up when you get there. From connecting with locals to embracing the present moment, intentional travel opens the door to deeper connections and lasting impact. I also reflect on personal experiences that highlight the beauty of cultural exchange, stepping outs...

There’s something incredibly powerful about turning your passion into a purpose—and that’s exactly what Royce Johnson’s story reflects. From growing up immersed in the outdoors to building a career in park management, Royce shares how his love for nature evolved into a lifelong mission of serving both people and the environment. His journey is one of resilience, dedication, and finding meaning in the spaces that connect us to something bigger. We also dive into the realities of balancing a dema...

Turning passion into purpose isn’t always a straight path—and Robert Young’s journey into the world of craft brewing is proof of that. What started as a curiosity sparked during his travels quickly evolved into something much bigger: a mission to bring culture, creativity, and community into Augusta through craft beer. His story is one of patience, persistence, and boldly stepping into spaces where representation is still growing. We talk about the realities of building a business from the grou...

Creativity doesn’t have to fit into a single box—and Kevin Stark is a perfect example of what happens when you fully embrace every creative passion you have. From building the only Toy and Action Figure Museum of its kind to designing toys for major franchises and creating art across multiple mediums, Kevin shares how following curiosity and creativity can lead to something truly extraordinary. We explore what it looks like to build a life rooted in imagination, the importance of diversifying y...

There’s something incredibly powerful about community, purpose, and creating opportunities where they didn’t exist before. In this episode, I share the story of how GHA Autism Supports and Second Street Sundries are changing lives in Albemarle, North Carolina—one cup of coffee at a time. You’ll hear directly from Alan Cremisi, a talented barista whose passion and dedication have helped him grow both personally and professionally, and Dawn Allen, who has spent decades building a mission-driven or...

Building something meaningful doesn’t always start with a perfect plan—sometimes it begins with a simple idea that takes on a life of its own. In this episode, I share the story of Mary Wysocki and how a small creative outlet turned into a thriving custom apparel business in Albemarle, North Carolina. From working out of her basement to opening a storefront with just $400, her journey is a true testament to following your passion and trusting the process. We also talk about the deeper, more per...

Some stories remind us just how powerful resilience, community, and purpose can be—and Connie Blalock’s journey is one of those stories. In this episode, I share her path from a childhood marked by hardship to becoming the heart behind Glory Beans Coffee House in Albemarle, North Carolina. What started as a business quickly became something much deeper—a place rooted in love, service, and genuine human connection. We talk about overcoming self-doubt, facing life-altering challenges like a breas...

Taking a leap into the unknown can be both exciting and overwhelming—and in this episode, I share a conversation that captures exactly that. Patty Davis opens up about what it really looks like to leave behind a familiar life in the U.S. and start fresh in Portugal. From selling her home without ever visiting the country to navigating a new language, culture, and way of life, her story is filled with bold decisions and honest reflections. We also dive into the beauty of travel, the unexpected c...

Some experiences stay with you forever—and my conversation with Martha Rebour is one of those that brings me right back to the moments that changed how I see the world. From traveling to Zambia and witnessing firsthand the realities families face just to access life-saving vaccines, to understanding the global impact of organizations like Shot@Life, this conversation is both eye-opening and deeply meaningful. We explore the power of advocacy, the progress that has been made in global health, an...

Some journeys unfold in ways we never could have planned, and Shawn Oke’s story is a perfect example of that. What began as a lifelong calling to the fire service eventually grew into something unexpected: preserving and expanding one of Albemarle’s most beloved businesses. From third-generation firefighter to Sweet Shop owner, Shawn shares how faith, family, and a willingness to take risks shaped a path he never saw coming. We talk about legacy, entrepreneurship, community, and the deep respon...

Michele Herrmann has been writing now for a quarter of her life and stays grateful for every byline then and now. Her byline has appeared on outlets ranging from AAA, Thrillist, Shondaland, Forbes and USA Today. While Michele divides her time between New York City and New England, her adventures have taken her as far as Fiji, to date. Follow Michele's adventures -> https://www.instagram.com/micheleherrmann/ https://sheisgoingplaces.com

Amy Bizzarri lives in a circa 1900 home in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. When she isn't at home indulging in her passion for baking, you'll find her wandering the world. Amy has come face to face with gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, helped to build a school in Mali, drove the length of Route 66 in a minivan with her two kids in the backseat, and is a mermaid having trained with the legendary mermaids of Weeki Wachee, Florida. Amy covers food and travel for the Chicago...

Chris Cowan has been an internationally-recognized leader in Law Enforcement for over 30 years. With experience leading various special ops, security and crime suppression teams, developing professional development programs, and engaging in community policing, media relations, and business and community crime prevention, he has a wealth of knowledge on how to protect and serve the public. As the Chief of the newly formed Cayce Police Department in South Carolina, Chris is dedicated to bringing ...

Welcome to this episode featuring PJ Barnes, a New York native who discovered his passion for the arts at a young age and has dedicated his life to it ever since. From joining a theatre troupe in 8th grade to producing films, PJ has been an artist through and through. He is the co-founder of ScrewUp TV, a production company that has completed multiple short films, features, sketches, and web-series. In this episode, PJ takes us through his journey, sharing his experiences and the lessons he has...

In this episode, Christina Karis, the talented American film and television actress, opens up about her experiences growing up amidst a racial divide, her journey to becoming an actress, and her recent role on the hit NBC series Law & Order: Organized Crime. Christina shares her passion for storytelling, and how she's dedicated her life to honing her craft by studying with some of the most distinguished teachers in the industry. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to w...

In this episode, we're joined by Marc Howard, the Founding Director of the Prisons and Justice Initiative at Georgetown University and President of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice. With over three decades of experience in government and law, Marc's research focuses on criminal justice in American prisons, as well as contemporary democracy. He's authored three books and countless academic articles, and his courses on prisons and punishment are among the most in-demand at Georgetown....

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with John Austin, a sound and film expert who possesses the rare ability to speak backwards fluently. John has made appearances on TV shows like America's Got Talent, Germany's Got Talent, and the Right This Minute. He also runs a popular YouTube channel called Backwords Dude, where he takes requests to say words backwards and posts videos. In our conversation, John shares his journey of discovering his unique talent, and how he has been able to embrace i...

Join us in this captivating episode of our podcast as we sit down with Aspen Heidekrueger, a remarkable 22-year-old cancer survivor and the first-ever recipient of the 'Old Family Scholarship' established by my family with Cancer for College. At just 13 years old, Aspen was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia, embarking on a grueling journey through one of the most intensive chemotherapy regimens known to medicine. Despite enduring long-term side effects, Aspen has emerged as a passionate spea...