Change Catalyst Podcast

In this powerful episode, Amanda Webb sits down with Christina Gallagher, an educator, law enforcement spouse, and mother navigating life on the home front of service. Christina shares what it’s really like raising a family in a law enforcement household—the stress, the strength, and the quiet sacrifices that often go unseen.The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Christina opens up about her daughter’s need for a kidney transplant and the life-changing decision she made to become her daughter’s donor. Together, they talk about fear, faith, resilience, and what it means to show up for your family in the hardest moments.This episode also highlights the importance of mental health for first responders and their families, emphasizing the need for support, honest conversations, and caring for those who carry the weight of the badge at home. A moving discussion about love, service, and the power of choosing others—even when the cost is high.

In this powerful episode, TJ Webb sits down with Brittaney Reynolds to talk about resilience, family, and rebuilding a life after unimaginable tragedy. Brittaney shares her upbringing on a family farm, homeschooling her children, and supporting her husband in law enforcement—but also opens up about the defining event of her childhood.At just 13 years old, Brittaney survived a violent home invasion in which her mother and her mother’s boyfriend were murdered and the house was set on fire. Brittaney escaped—and has spent the years since carrying that experience while building a life rooted in faith, family, and purpose.This conversation isn’t about graphic details—it’s about survival, the long road of healing, and how someone can endure profound loss and still choose to create a grounded, meaningful life. A heavy but important episode about strength, perspective, and the quiet resilience that often goes unseen.

In this episode, Amanda Webb sits down with Eric Rittmeyer from LifeMed Institute for an honest conversation about women’s health and what real, personalized care can look like. Eric breaks down what LifeMed offers, including hormone replacement therapy, preventative wellness, and why so many women are finally starting to feel heard when it comes to their health.They talk through common misconceptions around hormones, aging, and energy levels, and why proactive health care matters long before something feels “wrong.” This episode is all about education, empowerment, and giving women better tools to advocate for their health.If you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or overwhelmed navigating women’s health options—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the Change Catalyst Podcast, TJ sits down with JD—a warrior in every sense of the word. JD served in the U.S. Army with multiple deployments to Iraq, followed by 18 years in law enforcement, including time on SWAT, where resilience wasn’t optional—it was survival.But JD’s toughest battle didn’t come on the battlefield or the streets.After being diagnosed with cancer, JD faced a fight that would redefine strength, identity, and purpose. Against all odds—and with only one lung—he went on to climb to Base Camp on Mount Everest, proving that limitations are often just starting points.JD shares lessons from combat, policing, illness, and recovery, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when quitting would be easier. This conversation is about grit, perspective, and the relentless pursuit of life—no matter the obstacles.This is a story of endurance, faith, and choosing to live fully when life tries to take everything away.

In this special episode of the Change Catalyst Podcast, TJ and Amanda sit down to reflect on the first 20 episodes of the show—what inspired the conversations, the moments that hit the hardest, and the lessons learned along the way.They talk openly about the guests who left a lasting impact, the themes that continue to show up across stories of resilience and growth, and how the podcast has evolved since its first episode. TJ and Amanda also share behind-the-scenes insights, personal takeaways, and how hosting the show has challenged and changed them both.Finally, they look ahead to what’s next for Change Catalyst—new ideas, future guests, and the direction they’re committed to taking the podcast as it continues to grow.

In this deeply honest episode of the Change Catalyst Podcast, Amanda Webb sits down with Michelle Bundek, a wife, mother, former firefighter, educator, and first responder spouse whose life has been shaped by service, sacrifice, and resilience.Michelle shares her journey growing up on her family farm in Delaware, marrying a U.S. Marine turned firefighter/paramedic, and navigating the realities of life alongside a first responder. From long deployments, career transitions, and the hidden toll of postpartum struggles, to the constant fear that comes with hearing the tones drop, Michelle opens up about the emotional weight carried by first responder families.She also recounts one of the most defining moments of their lives—when her husband suffered a stroke at a young age, forcing their family to confront uncertainty, recovery, and a complete shift in perspective. Michelle speaks candidly about watching him relearn basic functions, the strain it placed on their family, and how it changed her own career path and priorities.This conversation dives into the often-overlooked mental health challenges within the fire service, the impact of trauma on both responders and their families, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Michelle also shares how witnessing friends reach their breaking point inspired a deeper commitment to advocacy and support within the first responder community.This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every uniform is a family—and that strength, healing, and balance are ongoing choices.

In this episode of the Change Catalyst Podcast, TJ sits down with Paul Cullen, former member of the legendary rock & roll band Bad Company, to explore a life defined by reinvention.Paul takes us behind the scenes of the glory days of rock and roll—life on the road, the music, the excess, and the moments that shaped him during one of the most iconic eras in music history. But this conversation goes far beyond the stage.We dive into Paul’s transition from the rock & roll lifestyle to becoming a chef, entrepreneur, and owner of his private label wine, Paul Cullen Wines. Paul opens up about the struggles of starting over, the discipline required to build something new, and how redefining success brought deeper meaning and fulfillment to his life.This episode is a powerful reminder that change doesn’t end with one chapter—it begins when you’re willing to evolve.

In this powerful episode of the Change Catalyst Podcast, host TJ Webb sits down with Matt Morgan, a survivor of the devastating 2015 Amtrak train derailment that claimed eight lives and injured more than 200 people. Matt shares an intimate look into the moment his life changed forever—what he saw, what he felt, and how he fought to survive in the chaos.But this conversation goes far beyond the incident itself. Matt opens up about the long road of recovery that followed: the physical battles, the mental and emotional hurdles, and the defining moments that shaped his resilience. Together, TJ and Matt dive into how traumatic events reshape identity, purpose, and perspective—and how choosing to move forward can inspire others to do the same.

In this powerful episode of the Change Catalyst Podcast, TJ sits down with Adam Kramer, whose story is a testament to redemption, purpose, and second chances. Adam spent more than six years in federal prison for drug trafficking—time that forced him to confront who he was and who he wanted to become.Behind those walls, Adam found faith, clarity, and a calling to do more with his life than he ever imagined.Today, Adam is a leader with the Green Beret Project, working hands-on in low-income neighborhoods to keep at-risk youth out of trouble and on a path toward discipline, opportunity, and hope. He opens up about the moment things changed, the challenges of rebuilding his life after prison, and why he’s committed to lifting up the next generation.This episode is raw, inspiring, and a reminder that transformation is always possible—no matter where you start.

In this episode, we sit down with director and creative storyteller Steve Jawn to trace his journey from growing up in Delco, to making the leap to Los Angeles, and eventually landing in Nashville, where he built his production company, The 1010 Creative.Steve shares how his early days shaped his creative instincts, the lessons learned navigating the LA scene, and what inspired him to plant roots in Music City. We dive into his work with major music artists, how he approaches authentic visual storytelling, and the hustle behind building a thriving creative studio from the ground up.We also get into Steve’s latest adventure: helping launch Rolling Stone’s new podcast, Nashville Now with host Joe Hudak. From the concept to the execution, Steve breaks down what it takes to create a podcast that reflects Nashville’s evolving music culture.If you’re into filmmaking, music, creative entrepreneurship, or you just love a good origin story, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration

The road from a Delaware diamond to an MLB infield looks glamorous from the stands, but the real story lives in details most people never see. Zack Gelof sits down with us to unpack the moments that shaped him: a community that expected excellence, a recruiting path built on speed and strength gains, and a draft day so chaotic he missed the call because his phone died. We get the sights and sounds of a debut—lockers, reporters, a first at-bat that settled the nerves—and the quiet discipline that made it possible.Zack shares how modern pitching has changed the hitter’s job, breaking down induced vertical break, riding four-seamers, and arm-side sinkers that split planes. He explains why Fenway makes him feel like he’s in a movie and why performance memories color how players love certain parks. On defense, we dig into how grass and turf change reads, why second base fit his athleticism, and what it took to switch positions in pro ball to accelerate his path. That adaptability shows up again at the World Baseball Classic with Team Israel, where the atmosphere was electric and the fans cheered smart baseball in every situation.The conversation goes deeper on resilience. A broken hamate, rib stress reactions, and a shoulder dislocation forced hard choices: push through or press pause. Zack maps out the offseason formula that kept him moving—rebuild the body first, then bring the bat back with intention. For parents and players, he offers clear guidance on travel ball, multi-sport value, and recruiting reality: coaches crave competitors and great teammates more than showcase hype. We close with a simple framework that scales to any goal—write the big target, reverse-engineer the next step, and stack daily disciplines like sleep, hydration, training, and honest self-talk.If this candid, behind-the-scenes look into MLB life and player development resonated, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a teammate or parent who needs a roadmap. Your support helps more listeners find conversations like this.

Send us a textA single line of Scripture set Jordan on a path to justice—and years later, a scuffed police break room sent her somewhere entirely new. We sit down to unpack a career that spans federal probation, the secure halls of NSA, and the criminal cases of NCIS, then follow the pivot into a purpose-built coffee company designed to remodel first responder break rooms. It’s a story about calling, craft, and choosing service even when it means starting over.Jordan explains the lesser-known side of federal probation—pre-sentence investigations, sentencing guidelines, and courtroom advocacy—before taking us inside the high-pressure world of polygraph exams. From the insular culture of a secured compound to the cat-and-mouse of criminal interviews, she shares how examiners balance empathy with rigor and why technique, communication, and composure can change the outcome of a case. One unforgettable week felt like the pinnacle: confessions secured, a complex case unraveled, and a quiet realization that the next chapter was calling.That call arrived in a small detail: a tired break room where officers grabbed a minute of calm between storms. Jordan mapped a new mission—launch a coffee brand that funds a foundation to remodel police break rooms. We cover how she bootstrapped the business, found aligned roasters, and obsessed over bag designs that honor each community with authentic details. She talks candidly about investor fit, the roadmap to a roastery, their first planned remodel in Chesapeake, and the daily grind of growing a values-led company.If you’ve ever wondered how law enforcement skills translate to entrepreneurship, or how to turn a spark into a mission with traction, this conversation delivers straight talk and usable insight. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a push toward their next chapter, and leave a review telling us which moment stayed with you.Support the show

Send us a textA college friendship, a campus tragedy, and a life rebuilt with quiet strength. That’s the arc of Gina’s story—told with candor, heart, and the kind of wisdom you only earn by living through the unthinkable. We start with dorms, sororities, and a house that was memorable for all the wrong reasons, then everything shifts: an off-campus party, strangers with a knife, and the shock that ripples through a community. Gina wasn’t there that night, but she carried the aftermath—answering the phone the next morning, facing the trial, and learning how to keep breathing when justice feels too small.What comes next is a study in resilience. Gina chooses nursing and finds meaning across cardiac units, the OR, the NICU, oncology, pediatric hospice, and kidney transplant coordination. Along the way she navigates fertility challenges—miscarriages, an ectopic pregnancy, and finally IVF. She shares what truly helped: prioritizing embryo quality over quantity, leaning on acupuncture and nutrition to feel in control, and letting hope and science meet in the middle. Molly arrives. Then Maggie surprises everyone by arriving naturally. Joy returns, layered with real anxiety, which she manages through early mornings, strength training, weighted walks, and an 80/20 approach to food that values protein and peace of mind.We also dig into midlife health with practical takes on hormones, cleaner household swaps, and the GLP-1 boom. Gina’s guidance is grounded: if you choose medication, protect your muscle and bones with lifting and protein. Stronger beats smaller when the goal is longevity. Through it all, the thread is community—Brandon’s annual lacrosse game turned scholarship, holiday traditions that never stopped, and a partner who makes space for the past while cheering the future. Press play for an honest, tender conversation about grief, love, IVF, and becoming the person you needed when you were younger. If this moved you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.Support the show

Send us a textA routine department physical turned into a life-altering phone call: “Get to the ER now.” Kevin takes us from blue-collar beginnings in Delaware through Army Reserve missteps, into Air Force Fire Crash Rescue on the tarmac with Air Force One, and later to deployments where mortar fire and field training with Kurdish partners rewired his idea of urgency. Years later, as a state trooper and devoted dad, he was told he had T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia—rare in adults, fast, and unforgiving.What follows is a candid look at survival by discipline. Kevin chose his oncologist like a mission-critical teammate, endured heavy chemo typically reserved for younger patients, and learned to balance drive with reality after pushing too hard too soon. Neuropathy stole his sprint, but not his forward motion. He became “the walker,” circling the hospital at dawn with a drip pole and headphones, collecting small wins and encouraging other patients to get out of bed. Home was tougher—one broken moment over a baby’s onesie forced a new mindset: stop staring at the summit and take the next step. Fitness became medicine; faith became an anchor; fatherhood became purpose.Now in remission on maintenance chemo—nightly pills, monthly infusions, regular spinal tap chemo—Kevin trains within his limits, favors rucking over running, and rebuilds strength for whatever comes next. He’s back on light duty at work, focused on service and on helping others find resilience under pressure. If you’re facing a diagnosis, his playbook is simple and earned: control what you can, ignore the odds when they cloud your focus, stack small victories, and borrow strength from the people who believe in you.Listen for real-world lessons on mental toughness, recovery, and the power of doing hard things when you least feel like it. If this story helped you, share it with someone who needs a way forward, and leave a review so more people can find it.Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of The Change Catalyst, I sit down with Aquiles Demerutis — a man whose story embodies transformation. From growing up in Mexico and overcoming addiction, to building what became known as one of the best taco restaurants in the world, Aquiles’s journey is one of grit, redemption, and relentless drive.After achieving massive success in the restaurant industry, he made the bold decision to sell it all — choosing family, balance, and purpose over business. Today, Aquiles continues to serve others as a volunteer firefighter and living example of what it means to be a true catalyst for change.This episode is about second chances, redefining success, and the power of knowing when to pivot.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Change Catalyst, I sit down with Scott Kammerer, CEO of SoDel Concepts, to talk about leadership, resilience, and carrying on a legacy. Scott shares how growing up as a wrestler shaped his mindset — teaching him discipline, hard work, and how to face adversity head-on.We also dive into the emotional chapter of his life when he took over SoDel Concepts after the untimely passing of his friend and mentor, Matt Haley. Scott opens up about what it meant to lead through loss, continue Matt’s vision, and build one of the most respected restaurant groups in the region.This conversation is about grit, growth, and honoring the people who helped shape who we become.Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of The Change Catalyst, host Amanda Webb sits down with Rachael Richardson, a small business owner with an incredible story of resilience and reinvention. Rachael opens up about her climb from the restaurant industry to surviving a life-changing accident that led to brain surgery — and how that moment became the spark for a whole new chapter.From recovery to entrepreneurship, to stepping into motherhood, Rachael’s journey is proof that even the hardest seasons can become the foundation for something greater.This is a story about strength, grit, and the courage to rebuild your life — one decision at a time.Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of The Change Catalyst, I sit down with Joseph Dittmar — a 9/11 survivor who was in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on the 106th floor when the attacks began. Joe shares his harrowing experience of that day, walking us through the moments of confusion, chaos, and ultimately, survival.But this isn’t just a story about escaping tragedy — it’s about perspective, purpose, and the lifelong impact of living through one of the darkest days in American history. Joe reflects on how that experience changed the way he views life, family, and resilience.This conversation is emotional, powerful, and a reminder of what it truly means to be grateful for another day.Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of The Change Catalyst, I sit down with Jimmy Kirlin, the founder of Beachin Bash and a true example of resilience. Jimmy shares his powerful story of building a small business while living with Dysautonomia—a condition that dramatically changed the course of his life.He opens up about his early struggles, including a period where he attempted suicide, and how he fought his way back to hope, healing, and purpose. Through grit, faith, and determination, Jimmy transformed his pain into passion and built something meaningful.This is an unfiltered conversation about mental health, entrepreneurship, and finding your way forward even when life feels impossible.Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of The Change Catalyst, I sit down with my police academy classmate and friend, Joel Diaz—a police officer and passionate mental health advocate. Joel opens up about his journey growing up in South Chicago, the realities of working in law enforcement, and the challenges officers face when it comes to mental health.We dive into the stigma around seeking help in the police world, why mental resilience is just as important as tactical training, and how Joel has turned his experiences into advocacy. Of course, we also take time to swap stories and reminisce about our academy days and the path that led us here.This is a raw and real conversation about the human side of policing, brotherhood, and the importance of protecting your mind just as much as your body.Support the show