Connect to Joy Podcasts: Circle of Hope | Not Quite Strangers | Time to Come Alive – Details, episodes & analysis

If you’ve ever felt isolated, judged, or wondered if true connection could transform lives, this episode is for you.

As your host, I invite you into an unforgettable, deeply honest conversation with George Orwa, founder of Safi Nyuolo Safi Community Based Organization in Nairobi, Kenya. This isn’t just a story of surviving seven years of incarceration in a foreign land: it’s about finding purpose, forging new connections, and learning how vulnerability, honesty, and faith can rebuild not only one’s own life but also ignite hope for others still imprisoned physically or emotionally.

Know someone who needs to hear this? Please share the episode, subscribe for more soul-nourishing stories, and join the Circle of Hope, where second chances create new circles of influence.

Watch This If:

• You want to understand the realities of incarceration and life after prison
• You believe everyone deserves a second chance (or want to learn why that matters)
• You’re searching for the courage to share your true story and build authentic trust
• You work in community-building, rehabilitation, faith-based service, or nonprofit outreach
• You want actionable inspiration to support marginalized or forgotten people

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 02:38 Why George said yes to sharing his story
• 04:41 The truth behind his project and personal experience with incarceration
• 09:31 The moment it was safe to share his real story
• 19:09 George’s journey: Seven years incarcerated in England
• 22:40 The personal fallout—marriage, family, and isolation
• 29:09 Staying connected through faith and action inside prison
• 36:47 Building trust and community among inmates
• 41:10 Coping with pain and being a silent support to others
• 46:03 Rebuilding life, family, and finding real love
• 54:42 Coming home: Why George started giving back in Kenya
• 57:01 Conditions in Kenyan prisons and how George’s organization is supporting inmates
• 1:02:43 The impact of empathy, prayer, and practical help in rehabilitation
• 1:14:42 Closing thoughts: Why everyone deserves a second chance

What You’ll Learn:

·        How radical honesty and vulnerability can transform relationships—even when shame or fear is present

·        Ways faith and service create resilience and a sense of purpose for those facing adversity

·        The vital importance of support networks for incarcerated people—and how you can help

·        How to rebuild trust after betrayal and navigate painful family fallout

·        Actionable steps to get involved or start your own project for marginalized communities

Contact Information:

• Guest: George Orwa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.orwa.795376

• Host: Valerie Hope
• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#CircleOfHopePodcast #SecondChances #RestorativeJustice #PrisonRehabilitation #HumanConnection

If you’re seeking deeper connections, hope through life transitions, and inspiration for your own purposeful living, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Iris Huang, multicultural executive coach, global citizen (hello, Uruguay + Taiwan roots!), and my inspiring peer from the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute. This episode is a celebration of how two “third culture kids” find belonging, spark each other’s growth, and co-create meaning in a world that demands we code-switch every day.

Iris and I break down how building connections online (yes, on a random alumni Zoom!) leads to powerful, real-world breakthroughs. Hear her story of feeling “stuck” on her path from corporate leader to solopreneur coach…and how a single conversation unlocked a wave of clarity and action for both of us. We talk about cross-cultural identity, what belonging really means, our favorite code-switching adventures (from Moscow to Dallas!), and why finding YOUR circle isn’t just heartwarming, it’s a survival skill for the soul.

Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, actionable insights, and plenty of laughs (plus surprise Spanish!), this episode embodies the true spirit of the Circle of Influencers. Get ready to rethink how you connect, lead, and grow.

Watch This If:

·        You’re experiencing or contemplating a major life transition and yearn for more hope, belonging, and purpose

·        You lead (or want to lead) with emotional intelligence and authenticity and wonder what it really takes to connect deeply in a digital age

·        You feel like an “in-betweener”—multicultural, multi-hyphenate, or just searching for your circle

·        You’re curious about how meaningful connection sparks personal growth, creativity, and resilience—especially for women, leaders, and entrepreneurs

·        You believe in the power of shared stories to transform, heal, and guide you toward purpose-driven living

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

00:00 — Meet Iris Huang & the story of our first connection

02:13 — Recalling how a single breakout room sparked a lasting friendship

09:00 — Progress, paralysis, & the courage to start (the domain name story!)

17:00 — Hope and resilience: becoming your own challenger and finding your parallel people

25:00 — Code-switching, belonging, and building your herd across cultures

36:00 — Powerful moments of being “seen” as a multicultural leader

47:00 — Authentic leadership and emotional intelligence in action

56:00 — What elephants and humans teach us about connection

1:00:00 — Final reflections & staying connected in a changing world

What You’ll Learn:

• How to cultivate hope and resilience in the midst of uncertainty, change, or self-doubt
• Why personal growth conversations—especially with fellow seekers and mentors—are catalysts for authentic leadership and purpose-driven living
• The key mindsets and behaviors that drive emotional intelligence and meaningful connection (in life, leadership, and entrepreneurship!)
• How to consciously create belonging and “find your herd,” whether in a new country, a new professional arena, or your own family
• The truth about code-switching, self-acceptance, and redefining identity as a strength for career and life transitions
•  Actionable tips for sparking deep connections, digitally or in-personand why every “hello” could change your life

Resources Mentioned

• StrengthsFinder assessment (discover your top strengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths)
• Alison Armstrong’s “Understanding Men” & “Understanding Women” courses: https://www.alisonarmstrong.com/

Contact Information:

Guest: Iris Huang

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/irishuang1
• Website: [Coming soon—stay tuned!]

#CircleOfHopePodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #cross-cultural #multicultural #Connection #codeswitching

Know someone who’s nourishing their circle or needs a reminder that growth starts with connection? Rate and share this episode to invite others into our Circle of Hope.

Join us in the conversation -

In this deeply heartfelt episode of The Circle of Hope, I reconnect with one of my favorite coaching partners, Donald Stup, for an intimate, live conversation about navigating life after a life-changing health diagnosis. Donald bravely shares his journey from discovering a tumor on his spinal cord to adapting to significant shifts in mobility—including time spent in a wheelchair and recovery from a broken hip. Our discussion goes far beyond medical procedures as Donald opens up about the real, daily mind games, fluctuating emotions, and the process of acceptance he’s faced along the way.

Throughout our talk, Donald and I explore the vital role that relationships play in helping us grow and thrive during adversity. He reflects on the invaluable support provided by his wife, faith, friends, and even unexpected acts of kindness from strangers. We dig into how simply being present and truly listening can be more transformative than any physical assistance. Our conversation also touches on the importance of workplace and spiritual support, and the unique perspective Donald brings as a coach, both giving and receiving guidance. Listeners will walk away inspired by Donald’s resilience and the actionable ways we can all build a stronger circle of hope around ourselves and each other.

Watch This If:

• You or a loved one is navigating a major health challenge or disability
• You want to deepen the quality of support you offer others
• You’re struggling to ask for or accept help
• You’re interested in the intersection of faith, coaching, and personal growth
• You work in healthcare, coaching, or support roles and want insight on truly impactful connection

Episode Highlights:

• [00:03:36] Donald shares his diagnosis and the moment everything changed after spinal surgery
• [00:06:01] Discussing the tremendous impact of his wife’s support and the different circles of trust
• [00:14:54] What true listening looks like—Donald’s experience with a neuro physical therapist
• [00:23:16] The “compassion with a command” moment: an unforgettable act of kindness from a stranger during travel
• [00:26:40] Navigating workplace accommodations and how colleagues step up with empathy
• [00:40:36] Donald’s reflections on faith, spirituality, and finding greater peace through acceptance
• [00:56:12] Advice for others navigating a new diagnosis or isolating situation—why reaching out matters

Quotes to Remember:

• “It was compassion with a command. She knew I needed something and was like, ‘Tell me what I can do to help.’” – Donald Stup
• “Sometimes it’s better not to say anything and just be there. Just be there for that person and listen.” – Donald Stup
• “When you struggle with something so bad that no matter what comes, you don’t say, ‘I give up’—that’s reassuring to know you really do belong.” – Donald Stup
• “The value of a person is being able to just reach out a hand—and knowing when to take it.” – Donald Stup

What You’ll Learn:

• The transformative power of true, attentive listening in times of crisis
• How to discern and build circles of trust and support around you
• Why acts of kindness—big or small—can have lifelong impact
• The essential roles of family, faith, and coaching in resilience
• Practical ways to show up for others facing visible or invisible challenges
• The importance of reaching out, not isolating, and what to do when support isn’t obvious
• How being present and still can foster unexpected inner peace and clarity

Stay Connected:

Guest: Donald Stup

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-stup?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Host: Valerie Hope

• Website:https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#CircleOfHope #Resilience #SupportSystems #CoachingJourney #FaithAndHealing

Howard Thurman: "Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs are more people who have come alive."

For nearly two years, I took what started as an opportunity to build my brand as a leadership coach and a speaker, and tapped into an amazing community to learn and grow with. The Time to Come Alive podcast has featured more than 80 guests and 101 episodes.

From the start, I was the one asking the questions, digging into what inspires and makes people spark into action. As I close this chapter, the tables are turned, and former guest, filmmaker, and executive coach, Ingrid HYPERLINK "https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-gavshon/" HYPERLINK "https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-gavshon/" HYPERLINK "https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-gavshon/"Gavshon, interviews me to share what brings me to life.

Highlights:

•        Valerie’s journey from Panama to podcasting.

•        How we can make a difference in other people’s lives.

•        Growing the awareness

Connect with Valerie Hope

Connect with Ingrid HYPERLINK "https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-gavshon/" HYPERLINK "https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-gavshon/" HYPERLINK "https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-gavshon/"Gavshon

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes in your inbox, subscribe at www.TimeToComeAlive.com.

#TimeToComeAlive #ConnectToJoy #Leadership #Connection #Conscious #Podcast #Aliveness #Inspiration

Nelson Mandela: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived; it is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."

For Dr. Mark Rittenberg, the founder of the University of California Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute, his call of duty is a way of life, not just the name of a video game. His philosophy of bringing love and the power of human connection to leadership may be both inspiring and challenging. Throughout this conversation, he shares the importance and impact of intimacy, compassion, and commitment to others throughout his life.

Highlights:

• The power of human connection
• Love and leadership
• The formula for the new leader

Connect with Dr. Mark Rittenberg

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes in your inbox, subscribe at www.TimeToComeAlive.com.

#TimeToComeAlive #ConnectToJoy #Leadership #Connection #Love #Presence

William Sloane Coffin, Jr.: “Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without.”

The shift continues in bringing meaning, depth, and increase the impact in organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion. Brittany Cole, as CEO of Career Thrivers, is definitely taking the lead. Using her coaching and facilitation skills, her mission is to support organizations in leveraging differences as a business imperative.

Highlights:

Connect with Brittany Cole

Career Thrivers Website

Career Thrivers Podcast

Connect on Instagram

Email: info@careerthrivers.com

Book: “Thrive Through it” A Guide for Redefining Resilience in Life and Business

#TimeToComeAlive #ConnectToJoy #Diversity #Inclusion #Human Resources #HR

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes in your inbox, subscribe at www.TimeToComeAlive.com.

Bob Goff: “We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose.”

Not all gifts, talents, and opportunities look alike but they all have the same value in humanity. For Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew, Vice President of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas, it is clear that her life has been led by her calling. We talk about the state of the world and how love can be as powerful a force as hate. Learn how to find the “soul” food that fulfills us by bringing peace and joy.

Highlights:

Connect with Dr. Froswa’ Booker–Drew

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes in your inbox, subscribe at www.TimeToComeAlive.com.

#TimeToComeAlive #ConnectToJoy #Purpose #Soul #Calling #Leadership

Charles F. Glassman: “Believing in negative thoughts is the single greatest obstruction to success.”

Moving with purpose in life requires focus, intention, and optimism. Thierry Maxime Guillot, a senior vice president of operations for Hyatt Corporation, always knew he would have to chart his life path on his own.  His drive influenced his hospitality career, his management of a cancer diagnosis, and his ability to thrive during a pandemic.

Highlights:

Connect with Thierry Guillot

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes in your inbox, subscribe at www.TimeToComeAlive.com.

#TimeToComeAlive #ConnectToJoy #Leadership #Positivity #Cancer #Health #Marathon #Pandemic

Thich Nhat Hanh: “In this food, I see clearly the presence of the entire universe supporting my existence.”

How do we develop such deep intimacy with our bodies that we know when the body is ready to eat? According to Momo Nishimura, an expert in Zen eating, she notices when the body salivates as the signal that it’s ready. She shares her experiences from childhood, international travel, and the impact on her own eating habits.

Highlights:

•        Practicing the art of mindfulness and Zen eating

•        Tapping into the rich life and energy from nature and into your food

•        Eating habits from around the world

[Book Momo] - Online session for Individuals / corporates / conference or web seminar

Follow Momo on social media:

Website: https://zen-eating.com/

LinkedIn: Momo Zen Eating

Instagram: @zeneatingmomo

Facebook: Momo.ZenEating

YouTube: Zen Eating

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes in your inbox, subscribe at www.TimeToComeAlive.com.

#TimeToComeAlive #ConnectToJoy #Mindfulness #Nutrition #Food #Zen

Roald Dahl: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

Bringing her authentic self to every area of life has been a driving force for Amy Lynn Durham. She found herself only bringing a part of her gifts and talents to the workplace. Now, as an executive coach, she’s pulling out all the stops!

Connect With:

Amy Lynn Durham

•        LinkedIn

•        Website

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes in your inbox, subscribe at www.TimeToComeAlive.com.

#TimeToComeAlive #ConnectToJoy #Magic #Intuition #Tarot #Coaching