This adventure started based on an idea that came to me like an Elizabeth Gilbert Big Magic Moment. I didn’t have any expectations other than to welcome anyone willing to speak with me into a community where others could learn about their story – because each one of us has an important and special one to share.

It’s been an honor to listen and get to know so many wonderful people, and I look forward to the next iteration where we continue to explore what we have in common.

I hope you listen to this wrap up with my producer Steve and his wife Jenn, and then join me again on the next installment of this journey!

He’s semi-retired from radio and now edits crappy novels and creates art that makes you scratch your head. He will tell you without hesitation about his ADHD and the fact that he doesn’t plan, but drifting and leaving himself open to opportunity has led him down some amazing and surprising paths.

https://www.youtube.com/@BobPagani

Doug transitioned from pro wrestling to sales but from his perspective, they are no different – everyone is a natural salesman whether you are asking your parents for a toy or asking someone for a date. My goal is to hang with Doug and hope some of his natural Zen attitude rubs off on me – right after I watch his YouTube show, Cooking with Beer…with a beer.

Jonah made a bold choice at 17 to intern in Los Angeles and endure a 7-8 hour round trip commute so he could pursue his career. But his most impactful story is the one he tells daily, encouraging everyone he meets on their “soul journey” to remember that our purpose is to expand with each experience and not let fear define our choices. Listen and learn why we should each have an ancestor table.

If you have a pup, find your way to Megan – she is a passionate and compassionate dog trainer, who listens to the animals as well as their owners. She has a kind heart, loves knee football and grits from Jacksonville, and is simply delightful.

Julie is the teacher you will wish you had in school – she is kind, warm, and supportive. She is living her dream, even though she knows she is not done learning and growing. She taught me that table manners can be an expression of love, and that the little sister should never be underestimated.

Jenna has overcome greater challenges than most of us and yet she is one of the most centered and positive people I have had the honor to meet. Listening to her speak about her work and perspective enhanced my day. She lives her mantra – to feel fulfilled even when things are bumpy around us.

I want to be more like Cathy, who has lived her life knowing that if a door is open, you can walk through it without a plan and figure it out along the way! She was able to use that strength to pursue her life’s work, which is simply an embodiment of her desire to help others along their journey. Cathy spreads unconditional love and reminds her family and friends not to let anyone dictate what you can achieve.

Brian is one of the bravest people I have spoken with – at 50, he left a successful business behind to move to New York City and pursue his dream of being an actor. He believes that we all have a life purpose, and you never know how or when you will find it. Check out his episode to learn about his “attitude of gratitude” and the most incredible and unique superpower he wants to have.

Laura is a delightful, rare, and beautiful combination of artist and spiritual mentor. As an artist, she creates bronze statutes that have traveled around the world to inspire and raise money for charities and found their way into the homes of collectors. And as a spiritual mentor, she encourages us all to shower our “shadowy bits” with light and love, invite our demons to tea, and remember that we have the power to lead with positivity. Her manner and message will carry you through your day.

Stacy always loved to sing, and now she’s an entertainment entrepreneur, performing and connecting with people through her upbeat (and sometimes quirky) music.  When she’s not on stage, she teaches, helping other musicians follow their dreams. Stacy makes sure to keep a positive mindset – and a healthy dose of humor even during the pandemic.

StacyGabel.com

Paul’s enthusiasm for his passion is impressive – he’s a blacksmith who creates authentic swords and knives with the same method used hundreds of years ago, in a forge built by his father. It was a pleasure to meet this unique man who loves animals and believes that life is too short to be mean, angry, or miserable.

Paul's YouTube channel

Since Bevin grew up moving around, she knows what it means to be the new kid, and now keeps her arms wide open to understand everyone she meets. She is both rooted in science as an industrial hygienist (you have to listen to understand), and in music, deriving her talent from her father. It’s important to her to break down racial barriers and teach people one on one that inequity should be challenged. It was a delicious conversation, and if I ever get to meet her I will let her drive (again, you have to listen to understand.)

He became an athlete to avoid being bullied and played football in college, but it wasn’t until he was comfortably miserable at a desk job that he turned his passion for fitness into a personal training and self-defense business. And at the core of his coaching is a simple rule – have empathy and don’t live for anyone else’s approval.

Suzanne is a kind and gentle artist who believes that anyone can find a way to express themselves creatively. She has a unique fear, especially as she can trace her roots back to a sea captain ancestor who traveled to Jamestown in the 1600’s. I had a lovely conversation with Suzanne and hope she finds a way to ensure the Rockettes attend her send off.

I had a wonderful time hearing about Randy’s adventurous childhood, exploring the woods and surviving a haunted house. And he went on to make some bold choices, not the least of which was to pursue his passion for sculpture, creating everything from small comic creatures to a life-sized cheese and cracker tree. He wants to make sure that people remember he made them smile – and he certainly did that for me.

Ariella’s role as a mother of four young adults is most important to her, but she finds time to be a humanitarian building bridges with those in need, and a self-published author of several fantasy novels. She honors her Cherokee heritage, and moved me with her insight – that we each have the choice to help ourselves and inspire others to do the same.

From Seattle, to New York, to Germany, to California, Anne found her way to Texas where she heals and motivates people to pursue their life paths and passions, and to connect with their intuition. She knows that what matters most is not what you do but how you make someone feel, and she makes sure to pass along friendship and encouragement to those in her life.

Rebecca’s second graders are lucky to have her – she’s creative, thoughtful, and loving. Her journey from paralegal to teacher and devoted mom, and from loving wife to widow, and later, embarking on a new relationship, has taught her to move through her life with grace, resilience, and positivity.

This kind and open soul is a pianist, composer, and professor who will move you with his bravery. It was inspiring to hear his story and learn that he does not let the challenges he’s faced diminish his life – whether pursuing his passion for music, encouraging his students to do what they love, or living a full and joyous life with his husband.

I cannot stop smiling from my conversation with Darrel. He is a true creative soul, kind and compassionate, and committed to making sure his clients don’t give into aging. He is proud of his say yes attitude (even if he doubts himself), loves punk music, and doesn’t think I’m a stalker. (You have to listen to know what that means!)

Author, empath, mentor, investigator, editor --- it all comes together in her quest to uncover the energy of desire and spark others on their journey to discover what makes them irresistible. She is the creator of SoulCandy and she lives by a simple rule – keep trying new things.

Though he didn’t land the role of Peter Rabbit when he was five, he’s been entertaining and charming us ever since, whether on Days of our Lives or The Nanny. Charlie is a delightful storyteller with an optimism that is infectious. But what makes him truly special is his kind heart and perspective on life.

Mary describes herself as a “late bloomer”, but in reality she is someone who continues to bloom by keeping herself open to new opportunities and challenges. From DJ to beekeeper, she is delightful and kind, with a spirit that will bring some light to your day.

Marvin is definitely the person you want to answer when you contact a call center. He will resolve your issue with his kind and easy-going manner. He’s willing to dive off a mountain in a wing suit, doesn’t worry about fear, and finds his joy in just hanging with his friends and playing video games. We could all use some Marvin attitude in our day.

Not many kids choose their career by seventh grade, but not many kids are as logical and clear headed as Damon. He’s an engineer and patent attorney who relies on reason more than emotion, but that didn’t fool me -- this future farmer has passionate views and a huge soft spot for his family.

From pharmaceutical sales, to life coach for women over 50, Connie always incorporates charity and service in her endeavors. She is sweet and delightful, and as she adjusts to retired life in Myrtle Beach, I hope she gets to star in the rom-com of her dreams!

It was an honor to meet Andres, who lives in town with no stoplight, can trace his routes in New Mexico back five hundred years, and has come face to face with a mountain lion. He is insightful and kind, and through the personal challenges he’s faced, simply wants us to remember not to judge ourselves too harshly.

Though playing trombone in elementary school didn’t make her popular, she stuck with music until three months of vocal lessons changed her life. Sarah is a performer and, because normal is boring according to Sarah, a parrot handler. Sarah is grounded and real, and you will relate to her explanation of how she has contributed to the universe.

I admit I’m biased when it comes to Sue, but listen to her charming and delightful interview and you will learn why she is one of my best friends. She is independent and self-sufficient but not afraid to reveal the enormous soft spot she has for her family and friends. And you won’t want to miss the story she tells about her hockey coach Dad.

Since the moment Sally Lou saw a woman carrying a clipboard and wearing a headset at a taping of the Mike Douglas show, she knew what she wanted to do. From working on the Oprah Winfrey show to becoming an author and motivational speaker, Sally Lou has lived her mantras: Be Brave and Do What You Love.

If you are Angela Shelton (and if you listen you can learn why anyone can be Angela Shelton), you can be the person that says “I get s%^* done, I keep moving forward, and I live happily ever after no matter what happens to me.” Join me as Angela takes us on a ride through her life saying yes to almost everything that comes her way, and spreading a message of kindness, compassion, and humor.

Listening to Jim’s episode should be a daily practice. This gentle man worked in public education for 41 years in different roles, from special education teacher to a building principal. He lovingly and openly shares the wisdom we all need -- how important it is to “quiet the noise”, to listen and welcome who you are meant to be, and to be grateful for every moment.

It’s not surprising that Jim is a self-described passionate extrovert, as his goal is to connect people around the world based on their common interests. I have no doubt he will create something that will be historically significant through his unique “identity expression network”. Not sure what that means? Listen and learn – you won’t be disappointed.

It was a pleasure to speak with this warm, modest, and talented performer who shared his passion for several years on tour as Bob Crewe in The Jersey Boys. Though musical theatre is on hold, he remains devoted to the art of storytelling. Listen to his story, and you will get to know his kind and gentle soul.

Whether working with her digital marketing clients or producing a burlesque show, Kate is a kind and charming truth teller. She ignores her fears but will help you with yours – unless it’s finally the day she puts herself first.

He’s been a stage and screen actor for over 40 years, but Joe’s true superpower is his positivity. He learned the importance of community and connection from his firefighter dad, and his parents taught him to survive life with joy. Joe is most proud of holding on through the journey – a mantra I think we can all subscribe to.

Jane found her dream home by drawing on a map, and opted out of Cupcake Wars by embarking on a career in lobbying and government affairs. She’s a true best friend to all the women in her life, and is as resilient as anyone you will meet.

Suzie’s driving force is love – whether for her clients or animals in need. She may have walked a “stony path” to get where she is, but now that she’s here, she’s content and compassionate, even during lockdown.

As an author and college professor, she champions the women in our history who have made, and continue to make a difference. Her SAY YES attitude is inspiring and it changed the course of her own life. As Nikki says, we have to make the most of whatever comes our way.

Jessica fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer, but it’s her love of books and inner strength that will impress you. She overcame personal challenges while always maintaining her characteristic positivity and humor. If she gets to open her dream bookstore, I would be her first customer.

You may know him from The Wonder Years and his impressive catalog of film and theatre work, but you may not know his enthusiasm for sharing the stories of the women who changed history. It was fascinating to hear him share acting advice, and his pride in working with Big Brothers. And don’t miss hearing about his latest project supporting local theatre – check out NJRep.org!

You don’t want to miss hearing Jess’s incredible story of transformation from journalist to musician. Her open and genuine soul shines in our conversation. Her message is one to live by – fear is the cage, and love is the key.

Jess Novak

From traveling to Central America as a labor organizer and human rights activist to becoming a massage therapist and owning a spa in Syracuse, Ed’s core values of justice and compassion shine. He is a compelling storyteller and shares the wisdom he acquired hitchhiking across the country. My next book is going to be the one he just published – Nobody Hitchhikes Anymore – because our half hour conversation left me wanting to learn more from Ed.

He grew up in the projects of Boston, and became a world traveler, sharing stories, culture, and cocktails as the Booze Traveler. And he is also one of the most thoughtful, wise, and inspiring guests we will ever have, sharing why he believes we should learn from every loss and always practice gratitude.

Paula is impressive – she is an advocate for supporting women’s intimacy at her VSpot clinic, and a former helicopter pilot. You will learn about her journey to motherhood and be moved by her mantra – she loves to love.

Shmuel moved to Israel not only for his spiritual journey, but also for the culture, the people, and the proximity to nature. His health coaching venture embraces his belief that keeping it simple and incorporating mindfulness and spirituality is key to complete health. His modesty, honesty, and perspective on addressing fear is certain to resonate.

Doc is one of a kind -- he's met everyone from Lee Iacocca to Fran Drescher, and says the only thing he hasn't done is climb Mount Everest. His energy is hard to match, his love of family is inspiring, and he's not afraid to take chances, because as Doc says, mistakes build character.

Sweetie embodies her name as she pursues a life mission to teach and encourage folks to bring their highest purpose to fruition, wanting only to be remembered as someone who loved every moment of her journey.

http://sweetieberry.com/

http://developworth.com/

Meet a technology entrepreneur and car geek who became a father “overnight”, changing his life course and expanding his heart.

The Carpreneur Podcast