Episodes

In this episode, I sit down with Shelley Grimm, author, speaker, resilience advocate, and founder of the Perpetual Caregiver Collective. Drawing from a lifelong journey of caring for her mother since childhood and raising a neurodivergent adult son, Shelley helps families navigate complex caregiving dynamics, difficult conversations, and legacy planning. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up as a lifelong caregiver within a chronically ill family environment Addressing the unique challenge...

In this episode, I sit down with Margot Machol Bisnow, author of Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams, former government official, and public speaker. Drawing from interviews with diverse, successful young entrepreneurs and her own journey raising two sons, Margot explores how parents can nurture creativity, confidence, resilience, and purpose in their children. In this episode, we discuss: Discovering the common threads behind successful young entrepreneurs...

In this episode, I sit down with Cristine Hull, an integrative mental health expert with a master's in psychology and a doctorate in natural medicine. As an author and practitioner who has supported thousands through chronic conditions, Cristine explores how to shift away from traditional Western pathologizing toward a holistic wellness model representing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual facets of transformation. In this episode, we discuss: Tracking emotions and moods through journ...

In this episode, I sit down with Julianna Burmesch, a former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, parent educator, and child advocate. Drawing from her memoir, Life with Less of Me, Julianna explores the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences and unresolved trauma on long-term physical and mental health. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up amid alcoholism, mental health struggles, and domestic stress How early childhood trauma alters brain deve...

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Galli, an author and columnist who writes about love, loss, and healing. With a series of major life events, including her brother's tragic death, her son's terminal illness, her daughter's autism, divorce, and a rare case of transverse myelitis resulting in paralysis, Becky explores how to build resilience and live fully within our limits. In this episode, we discuss: Navigating profound family losses and finding personal anchors Managing special nee...

In this episode, I sit down with Magdalena Grace, a woman soul liberation guide, change-maker, and podcaster dedicated to helping people transform pain into purpose. With a deeply personal journey through childhood trauma, severe financial loss, and a dark night of the soul, Magdalena breaks down how she reclaimed her sovereignty and now guides others through deep healing and personal reinvention. In this episode, we discuss: Overcoming childhood adversity and extreme career loss Navigating ...

In this episode, I sit down with Becca Pearce, former state official, former CEO, author, speaker, and president of Extend Coaching and Consulting. With over 12 years of experience navigating profound personal and professional shifts, Becca helps high achievers find the courage to step away from expectations and redesign a life grounded in alignment, optimism, and true purpose. In this episode, we discuss: Navigating a high-profile public career loss and rebuilding identity Facing a major he...

In this episode, I sit down with Jackie Roby, executive leadership advisor, founder of Inspired Journey Consulting, author, global speaker, and Chair of the Global Wellness Institute's Inclusive Wellness Initiative. With 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Jackie helps organizations spot the hidden costs of high performers who choose palatability over speaking up, exploring how individuals can succeed without losing themselves. In this episode, we...

For this special 300th episode of Passion, Purpose & Possibilities, the microphone turns inward for a heartfelt reflection on the journey so far. After 300 conversations with inspiring guests from around the world, this episode explores the lessons, connections, and moments of humanity that have shaped the podcast. It’s a celebration of gratitude, possibility, and the remarkable people who continue to remind us what matters most.

In this episode, I sit down with Marilyn Raichle, author of Don't Walk Away, founder of The Art of Alzheimer's, executive director of Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, and advocate for people living with dementia. With a background in performing arts and a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard, Marilyn reframed her approach to dementia care after becoming a care partner for her mother. She explores how shifting from a "caregiver" mindset to a "care partner" connection ...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Meghan Waldron, professional writer, university advisor, founder of Smart Solutions Tutoring, and co-host of the Women in Change USA podcast. With nearly two decades of experience in K-12 education and higher ed, Meg breaks down how personal writing and reflection help students and leaders uncover their true purpose while building resilience through life's biggest transitions. In this episode, we discuss: Turning early vocational sparks into a lifelong car...

In this episode, I sit down with Bob Campana, serial entrepreneur, author, helicopter pilot, and founder of the Redwood Cafe. With over 40 years of experience across hospitality, travel, real estate, and aviation, Bob breaks down what it takes to rebuild after failure and shares hard-earned lessons from his book, Don't Look Down: The Improbable Adventures and Battle-tested Lessons of a Serial Entrepreneur. In this episode, we discuss: Transforming early global travel experiences into an entre...

In this episode, I sit down with Dane Johnson, a board-certified nutritionist, founder of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle, and one of the most successful Crohn's and colitis coaches in the world. After overcoming a life-threatening battle with inflammatory bowel disease using natural practices, Dane transformed his personal triumph into a mission to help thousands across the globe find their unique answers to IBD while building a supportive community of healers and doctors. In this episode, we discu...

In this episode, I sit down with Kimberly Sutton, a Texas storyteller, journalist, photographer, pastor’s wife, mentor, and author of Just Call Me Pearl: From Pressure to Purpose: How Faith, Grace, and Resilience Created Something Precious. With a rich background in journalism, public relations, and government service, Kimberly shares how turning life’s hardest seasons into grace transformed her own path to purpose, and how she now guides others to discover hope in the midst of adversity. In t...

In this episode, I sit down with Rob Schwartz, a writer, music and film producer, tech company partner, former Asia Bureau Chief for Billboard Magazine, and the editor of The Wisdom of Morrie, a book written by his father, Morrie Schwartz. With a rich career bridging media across the US and Asia, Rob shares the profound personal and intellectual influence of his father (the subject of the famed bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie) and how Morrie's legacy continues to offer guidance on human connect...

In this episode, I sit down with Farla Efros, a retail turnaround specialist, former president of HRC Retail Advisory, interim CEO of True Religion, go-to expert on BNN Bloomberg, and author of Fuck Cancer: Commanding a Comeback When Your Body Has Turned on You. With a career built on walking into corporate chaos and driving transformations, Farla faced her biggest turnaround yet in 2023 with an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis. Together, we explore how she applied her executive strategy, dat...

In this episode, I sit down with Andi Simon, a corporate anthropologist, founder of Simon Associates Management Consultants, award-winning author, global keynote speaker, and host of the On the Brink with Andi Simon podcast. With over 20 years of business executive experience and a PhD in anthropology, Andi breaks down what happens when work ends but life continues, exploring why retirement has become one of the most misunderstood and emotionally complex transitions. In this episode, we discus...

In this episode, I sit down with Alexander Chaparro, an ACC executive coach, leadership and business transformation strategist, author of The Dreamer's Guide, and founder of Power Up Coaching Solutions. With decades of experience in leadership, sales, recruiting, and team development, Alex breaks down how blending neuroscience, mindset transformation, and practical business strategy can help high achievers move beyond limiting beliefs. Together, we explore his personal journey of overcoming chi...

In this episode, I sit down with Peter Samuelson, an award-winning film producer, bestselling author, philanthropist, and founder of multiple non-profits dedicated to creating lasting social impact. With 27 films under his belt and decades spent founding impactful charities (including the Starlight Children's Foundation with Steven Spielberg and First Star for foster youth), Peter breaks down how he applies the ultimate entrepreneurial startup toolkit to solve unmet societal needs. Together, we...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, an international bestselling author, TEDx speaker, EQ and empathy coach, and leading voice on emotional intelligence. After a 30-year career as a professional musician working with legendary talent like Ray Charles, David Ogden Stiers, and Mannheim Steamroller, toxic leadership eventually robbed her of her career. However, that incident inspired Dr. Melissa to transform leadership as we know it by redefining the one element that m...

In this episode of Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities, I sit down with Nicole Zapoli, a professional fitness and wellness coach, owner of NZ Fitness, author of Live Fit From the Inside Out: The Six Shifts to Living Your Strongest, Healthiest, and Happiest Life, and mom of two. With over 25 years of experience, a pro card in natural bodybuilding, and a background ranking among the top 5% of CrossFit Games Open athletes, Nicole breaks down what it truly takes to build holistic health from the gr...

In this episode, I sit down with Jen Fontanilla, a creative business strategist, certified money coach, eight-time author, and TEDx speaker with over 25 years of experience designing for global brands like Disney, Sony, and Warner Bros. Combining her deep background in commercial design with 20 years in the financial services industry, Jen breaks down why what looks like a money problem is actually a positioning problem. In this episode, we discuss: How discovering commercial design pivoted Je...

In this episode, I sit down with Dawn Marie Westmoreland, an internationally recognized resiliency expert, syndicated radio talk host, and military veteran. After surviving a high-stakes whistleblower battle against a massive federal agency and overcoming severe physical and mental burnout, Dawn transitioned her decades of HR expertise into a mission of empowerment. Together, we unpack the psychological toll of fighting workplace injustice, the critical differences between bullying and discrimin...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Oscar Coetzee and Danielle Arnold, clinical experts from Designs for Health. Driven by personal hardships, including a maternal loss and an MS diagnosis in the family, both of my guests shifted their career trajectories to pioneer solutions in clinical nutrition and functional medicine. Together, they break down the evolution of gut science, the reality behind standard over-the-counter probiotics, and a groundbreaking ecosystem transplant methodology designed...