Celebrate Your Story

Cesar Millan has spent decades working with dogs. What he's really learned is how humans behave. In this episode of Celebrate Your Story, Cesar shares why dogs reflect our emotional state, why leadership begins with calm confidence, and why loyalty is stronger than love. We discuss the hidden hierarchy inside every pack, the mistake families make when they lead with affection, and how discipline and trust create freedom — on and off the leash. From his early years in Sinaloa to walking dogs through South Central Los Angeles, Cesar's story is about more than animal behavior. It's about education, responsibility, and becoming the kind of person others — human or canine — want to follow. If you've ever owned a dog, raised a child, or tried to lead a team, you'll recognize yourself in this conversation. And you may never look at your dog the same way again.

What happens when heartbreak becomes clarity, and resilience becomes a calling? In this episode of Celebrate Your Story, Emily Goodson shares the journey that led her from a childhood brain injury to becoming an author and advocate for disability inclusion. She reflects on what it meant to grow up in a body that felt different, the years she spent wrestling with self-doubt, and the moment she chose to speak openly about dating. Her Los Angeles Times essay about dating as a disabled woman sparked a powerful response and ultimately became a book that is already resonating with readers who see themselves in her story. Emily talks openly about the work of self-acceptance, the courage it takes to be vulnerable in relationships, and the responsibility she now feels to be the voice she once needed. This conversation also speaks to the universal desire to be valued and understood. It reminds us that purpose often grows from the experiences that challenge us most. If you've ever wondered whether your own experiences could help someone else, you'll find encouragement here. Emily's story is a reminder that when we show up honestly, we give others permission to do the same. Get your copy of DATING DISABILITY 15 STORIES OF DEALING WITH THE BS AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE Order Today At ecgoodson.com/book

This special Valentine's episode explores the deeper meaning of love, connection, and appreciation through the stories shared by the Celebrations Pulse community.  Jim McCann reflects on how small, thoughtful gestures can make a difference, especially during moments of griefor uncertainty.   You'll also hear Jim's personal reflections on relationships and the widening scope of Valentine's, which is now a season that reaches beyond romantic love to honor the connections we share with family, friends, coworkers, and our wider communities. At its heart, this episode is an invitation to act on your thoughtfulness, invest in your relationships, and use your power to help someone feel seen, valued, and appreciated. 

In this episode of Celebrate Your Story , I sit down with Ed Mitzen, founder and CEO of FingerPaint Group and Business for Good Foundation for a conversation about what it takes to build a company that lasts. Ed walked away from a stable career at 30, with young children at home and no guarantees ahead. He started his business in a basement, pushed through years of uncertainty, burnout, and personal loss, and ultimately built FingerPaint into an 800-employee company serving some of the largest healthcare organizations in the country. Along the way, he learned lessons many entrepreneurs discover the hard way — that the work never truly shuts off and that success often comes at a personal cost. We talk about the parts of entrepreneurship people don't always share: starting over after divorce, carrying the weight of payroll and responsibility, and finding perspective after years of effort. Ed also shares how advances in AI are reshaping healthcare and the workforce, and why those changes have made questions of access, opportunity, and dignity even more urgent. That urgency led Ed and his wife to create the Business for Good Foundation, using their business skills and resources to invest in workforce development, housing, and entrepreneurship in underserved communities. It's a reminder that while business can be demanding, it can also be a powerful tool for lifting others. What do you think? Share your thoughts and stories with me here.

What if the real secret to happiness isn't success, money, or achievement—but love, relationships, and how we show up for one another? In this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Professor Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and behavioral scientist who has dedicated his life to studying what makes people happy. Arthur is a best-selling author and one of the most thoughtful voices on happiness, faith, and meaning today. Our conversation goes far beyond theory. We discuss family, marriage, faith, money, purpose, and why many high-achieving individuals still feel empty. Arthur shares insights from decades of research, including why chasing "the number" never works, why love must come before ambition, and how happiness is built through enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning—not fleeting feelings. We explore the science behind relationships, the role of faith and prayer, the importance of commitment, and why serving others is the surest path to a meaningful life. As someone who's spent nearly 50 years in the business of helping people express love through flowers and gifts, this conversation deeply resonated with me. It's a reminder that while products may change, relationships are everything. If you've ever questioned what success is really for, how to live with greater purpose, or how to turn your life into something that truly matters—this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

In this special Celebrate Your Story, I revisit my early years working at St. John's Residence for Boys, a home for boys who couldn't safely live with their families. It was a place where structure created stability and relationships created possibility. At the time, I was a young counselor, learning the job alongside the boys themselves. My days were shaped by schedules, shared meals, hard conversations, and small moments of trust earned over time. St. John's showed me how much consistency matters, and how powerful it can be when a young person knows someone will show up for them, day after day. In this episode, I share stories from life inside St. John's, including the boys who taught me resilience, the mentors who modeled patience and leadership, and the experiences that revealed how belief and guidance can shape a young person's future. These relationships left a mark on me and influenced how I think about responsibility and leadership to this day. This episode reflects on service and the role we each play in creating environments where people can grow. It's a reminder that our stories are formed through relationships — through the people we support, the lessons we pass on, and the communities that help us become who we're meant to be.

As the holiday season unfolds, we're reminded that the most meaningful traditions are often the simplest ones. In this Holiday Edition, I share heartfelt stories from our community about ornaments passed down through generations, small rituals that spark laughter, and traditions born from love, creativity, and sometimes even necessity. These moments, whether painted by little hands, forgotten cranberry sauce, or a New Year's fairy known only to one family, remind us that holidays aren't about perfection. They're about connection, memory, and the power we all have to create traditions that can last far beyond us.

December birthdays come with their own unique challenges — and their own unexpected joys. It's a month when celebrations can feel overshadowed by holiday plans, winter weather, and the rush of the season. In this special episode of Celebrate Your Story , Jim reflects on the notes and memories Celebrations Pulse readers have shared about what it's really like to have a birthday in December.  Community members share how they learned to embrace the timing, carve out their own traditions, and appreciate the way a December birthday can bring everyone a little closer. From feeling lost in the swirl of "birthmas" gifts to discovering the perks of a season already filled with warmth and togetherness, these stories show that meaning comes from the people who make space for us.

Grief is one of the toughest journeys we face and one every one of us walks through it at some point in our lives. In this special mini-episode of Celebrate Your Story, Jim reflects on the stories Celebrations Pulse readers shared about loss, healing, and the ways we show up for one another. From the wisdom of "there's no timeline for grief" to the power of a buddy check, these stories remind us that comfort grows from simple presence. Community members share how they endured unimaginable loss, found strength in counseling groups, leaned on faith, celebrated beautiful memories, and learned to let grief move through them instead of fighting it.

In this mini-episode, we honor the quiet heroes among us caregivers. Through personal reflections, we explore the gratitude, challenges, and unexpected blessings that come with caring for someone you love. It's a story of family, community, selflessness, and the powerful legacy passed from one generation to the next.  This episode is a reminder that caregiving isn't just responsibility — it's love, connection, and the heart of what holds families together.

Thanksgiving is more than a meal — it's a moment to pause, reflect, and share gratitude. In this short conversation, we explore the traditions that bring families together: opening your home to others, celebrating the small joys, and honoring the rituals that connect generations. From stories of community to simple moments of thankfulness, this episode reminds us why this holiday still means so much.

In this very special episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with someone many of you know well: former NBA All-Star and legendary rebounder Jayson Williams. After a brilliant career cut short by injuries, Jayson went through some very dark years — addiction, public struggle, and eventually incarceration. But he refused to let his past define him. Instead, he chose gratitude, accountability, and the hard work of rebuilding. In doing so, he's helping others rebuild their lives too. Jayson walks me through the journey that led him to create REBOUND, a program grounded in outdoor adventure and spiritual grounding for adults in recovery and returning from incarceration. From paddleboarding to skydiving, REBOUND gives its participants confidence, connection, and a sense of possibility. He also shares his newest effort, REBOUND on the Road, an eight-week truck-driving program in Nassau County that helps people earn commercial licenses and take their first steps toward meaningful careers. This is a story about resilience and the power of lifting others as you rise. I hope you'll tune in to hear Jayson's extraordinary second act and the impact he's making every day.

I've always believed that stories are how we make sense of life. They're how we connect, teach, and remember. Whether it's a tale passed around a dinner table or one shared in a business meeting, the right story can bridge generations and bring people closer together. In this week's Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Kindra Hall, a bestselling author and expert in storytelling who's helped thousands of people learn how to share their stories with authenticity. Kindra believes that every person's story has value, even the ones we might think are too ordinary or small. Our conversation reminded me that the best stories don't need to be perfect, just honest. We talk about the importance of finding the heart in our experiences, how to match stories to the messages we want to share, and why self-deprecating moments often connect us most deeply to others. Take a moment to reflect on your own story and the lessons you've learned, the people who've shaped you, and the moments that have made you who you are. When we share those stories, we tell people who we are and remind them they're not alone.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month — a reminder to celebrate the talents and contributions of people with all abilities. In this episode of Celebrate Your Story, we meet Karen Patrohay, a mother whose love and dedication helped her son Michael turn a high school project into a thriving business: Michael's Barkery.  It all began in 2017, when Michael, then a high school senior, was assigned a project tied to his career aspirations. With help from his loyal dog, Sunshine, he cooked up a plan to bake and sell wholesome, homemade dog treats.  Inspired by the school assignment and guided by Karen, Michael's idea eventually blossomed into a full-service pet boutique, complete with retail, grooming, and a kitchen — while also providing meaningful employment for people with special needs.  Karen first shared her family's journey with me as a Celebrations Pulse reader, and I was so moved by her story that I invited her to join us for this conversation.  This episode is extra special because it's co-hosted by my niece, Julie, who brings her own insights as a mother navigating similar challenges with her son. Together, they explore the highs, the challenges, and the heart behind creating opportunities for people with cognitive differences. 

What if golf weren't just a game, but the ultimate business playground? In this week's Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Pat Healy, a Columbia graduate who recently made the leap into professional golf. Joining me for the conversation is my cohost, MiChaela Barker. Together, we explore the surprising parallels between golf and music, the role of metrics in mastering performance, and how social media can foster connection. Pat also shares his journey from college to the pro circuit, including what it takes to succeed, and how tools like AI can accelerate both personal growth and career strategy. Whether you're passionate about golf, business, relationships, or building your personal brand, this episode will inspire you to rethink what success looks like on and off the course.

In this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Julianna Glasse, whose life has taken her from a conservative Christian upbringing to becoming a passionate advocate for women's empowerment. Glasse opens up about how reading, music, and education became her tools of liberation and expression. She explains how literature, in particular, gave her and countless others the words and courage to challenge limitations, reimagine possibilities, and claim their voices in spaces where they were once silenced.

In this episode, Jim McCann sits down with Maha Abouelenein – global communications strategist, entrepreneur, and author of The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance. Maha shares her remarkable journey: ·       Growing up in Minnesota as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants ·       Leaving her successful U.S. career at 27 to care for her mother in Egypt ·       Starting over as a secretary and eventually becoming a business partner to a billionaire ·       Helping launch the internet and mobile networks across the Middle East ·       Leading communications for Google and Netflix in the region ·       Returning to the U.S. after 23 years abroad to reinvent herself again Along the way, Maha reveals powerful lessons on: Building a personal brand that matters Networking through service and value creation Why your reputation is your greatest currency How to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them Empowering women to lead and find their voice Her story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and self-reliance. Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or student, Maha's insights will inspire you to build your own path with confidence. 📖 Learn more about Maha's book The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance: https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Self-Reliance-Moving-Invest-Yourself/dp/1401978665 🌐 Connect with Maha: https://digitalandsavvy.com 📱 Follow her on Instagram & YouTube: @MahaAbouelenein

In this conversation, filmmaker Nick Budabin shares his journey from working on MTV's True Life to founding Keepsake Documentaries, a company dedicated to preserving family legacies through film. What began as a personal project after losing his father to cancer became a powerful way to help families capture memories, stories, and wisdom for future generations. Nick discusses how storytelling can aid in the grieving process, why every person has a story worth telling, and how technology and music bring these keepsake films to life. He also shares moving client stories, advice for families thinking about legacy projects, and his vision for the future of personal documentaries. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ·       Nick's early career in reality TV and documentaries ·       How grief inspired him to create his first legacy film ·       The birth of Keepsake Documentaries ·       Why recording stories helps families heal ·       Client stories that reveal the power of legacy films ·       How music and personal touches make films unforgettable ·       Advice for families wanting to preserve their legacy Keepsake Documentaries isn't just about film—it's about keeping memories alive forever. Whether you've lost a loved one or simply want to ensure your family's story is remembered, this episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling.  Learn more about Keepsake Documentaries: Website: keepsakedocumentaries.com Email: keepsakedocumentaries@gmail.com      

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Heather A. Campbell — former ESPN "Synergy" lead turned entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and author of Good Is Amazing. Heather shares her remarkable journey from holding unique corporate titles like "Head of Alchemy" to founding Ready Set Recover, a groundbreaking program that helps surgery patients prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for better outcomes. In this episode, Heather reveals: • How she pivoted from corporate life to healthcare innovation • The surprising habits that boost recovery and reduce stress before surgery • Why "good" can be more than enough when building a fulfilling life • How gratitude, mindfulness, and daily rituals can transform your well-being • The importance of knowing what you truly want — and asking for it Whether you're preparing for surgery, seeking healthier habits, or looking for a spark of positivity, Heather's wisdom will leave you feeling empowered and inspired. Learn more about Heather's work and book: https://www.heatheracampbell.com If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe.

Whether you're religious, spiritual, agnostic, or simply curious—this conversation will move you, challenge you, and leave you thinking. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Rabbi David Katz, whose journey from the opera stage to the pulpit is as profound as it is inspiring. This episode weaves together threads of identity, transformation, faith, music, community, and what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world. Rabbi David shares his story of being a professional opera singer before becoming a cantor and ultimately a rabbi. Through candid storytelling, he opens up about his experiences with addiction and recovery, his evolving understanding of faith, and how he bridges the sacred and the secular in both his personal life and his leadership within the Jewish community.