Embracing the Journey: Living Beyond Limits

In this inspiring episode of Embracing the Journey, I sit down with Emmy award-winning marketing leader Marie Keeler—Vice President of Brand & Marketing at the Fiesta Sports Foundation. With over 15 years at the intersection of sports, brand management, and fan engagement, Marie has shaped the stories of the world’s biggest stages, from the NFL to the FIFA World Cup.From fighting for survival the moment she was born…To becoming a Division I team captain…To launching FS1 Studio Shows and leading integrated campaigns for the World Cup…"Hold My Beer": The competitive spirit that fueled her move from Canada to the U.S.Possibility Before Proof: Why waiting for "the right time" or "the data" is the biggest barrier to success.Building the Door: How to navigate a career when the traditional paths are closed.The Weight of Vulnerability: Why leading with your true self is more effective than any "corporate mask."From Detroit to the Desert: Her journey through the Detroit Lions, Fox Sports, and now the Fiesta Sports Foundation.Marie shares the blueprint for what it looks like to enter a male-dominated industry and not just find a seat at the table, but build the table itself.Inside This Conversation:The Power of Mentorship: Identifying the "Champions" in your life and being one for others.Marie speaks candidly about the "fight" that started in her first three days of life and how that same resilience helped her launch Big Noon Kickoff and elevate the global brand of football."If you don't see a door, you have to build one. You can’t wait for proof to believe in the possibility of what you can achieve."Connect with Marie & Fiesta Sports Foundation:🔗 Website: https://www.fiestasportsfoundation.or...🔗 LinkedIn:   / mariekeeler  Follow RAISE Mindset & Embracing the Journey:🖥️ YouTube:    / @raisemp  📱 Instagram: @RAISEMindset#SportsMarketing #WomenInSports #Leadership #Resilience #FiestaBowl #NFL #WorldCup #MarieKeeler #EmbracingTheJourney

In this powerful episode of Embracing the Journey, I sit down with retired U.S. Air Force Major General John Teichert — fighter pilot, test pilot, former Base Commander at Edwards Air Force Base, author, and lifelong leader — to explore what resilience really looks like when purpose, ambition, and identity collide.From spotting the Concorde as a preschooler…To flying the F-15 and F-22…To being permanently disqualified from becoming a NASA astronaut because of a single kidney stone…The meaning behind his fighter pilot call sign “Dragon”The concept of “Winding the Clock” in moments of crisisThe power of “Stones of Remembrance” — marking painful milestones as anchors of strength Faith, Family, The Dragon’s, and Team Teichert…The Four Pillars of Resilience: Mental, Physical, Social, and SpiritualWhy faith, family, and country must be integrated — not compartmentalizedWhat real leadership looks like in a divided worldWhy success is about impact, not titlesJohn shares the story of how one small checkbox ended a lifelong dream — and how that loss ultimately redirected his life toward deeper impact.Inside This Conversation:John speaks candidly about wandering “in the wilderness” after his astronaut dreams ended — and how that season shaped his faith, his mission statement, and his understanding of purpose.“You gain resilience by looking within and looking forward.If you see every challenge as training for the next one, you’ll handle both better.”

In this episode of Embracing the Journey, I sit down with Ken Black — former Nike Creative Director, co-founder of SPARQ Training, and lifelong designer of ideas — for a powerful conversation about how “seeing differently changes everything.”Ken walks us through the unexpected path that shaped him — from a design professor telling him he’d never make it as an artist, to leading some of Nike’s most influential creative initiatives. Together, we explore how curiosity, failure, and self-awareness formed the foundation of his resilience and career.This episode moves beyond biography. It’s an invitation to question how you see yourself, your work, and the world around you.

What does resilience look like when your identity, geography, and purpose are constantly shifting?In this episode, we sit down with writer and photographer David Shams, whose life has been shaped by movement, cultural immersion, and unexpected detours. From his Iranian-American roots in rural Kentucky to being disqualified from joining the Navy, David’s path has been anything but linear. Now living in Warsaw, Poland as a trailing spouse, he documents everyday life across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. through words, images, football (soccer) —capturing the quiet moments that reveal who we are, where we come from, and what we carry.Our aim is to explore how resilience takes shape when nothing stays still—when home moves, identity expands, and purpose evolves. Through David’s story, we examine how heritage becomes a compass, how creativity becomes an anchor, and how adaptability becomes a strength. Listeners will gain insight into maintaining a sense of self across borders, embracing cultural duality, and discovering meaning in the midst of constant transition.This is a conversation about belonging, reinvention, and the subtle power of noticing the world closely.David opens up about:🇮🇷 Growing up Iranian-American in Kentucky, USA🌍 Leaving the U.S. and building a life overseas👀 How living abroad reshapes your understanding of home📰 His evolution as a journalist, writer and photographer🎥 Storytelling as a bridge between cultures💬 The emotional weight of heritage — and why he now embraces it fullyThis is a conversation about identity, nuance, courage, and the quiet resilience found in choosing your own path. One of our most thoughtful, honest, and globally-aware episodes yet.🔗 Connect With David ShamsWebsite: https://www.davidshamswriter.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidshamswriter/🌟 Follow RAISE Mindset & Embracing the JourneyWebsite: https://www.raisemindset.orgInstagram: @raise.mindset.performanceTikTok: @raise.mpFacebook: @raise.performance.mindsetLinkedIn: Lee BakewellSpotify: Embracing the JourneyApple Podcasts: Embracing the JourneyPodbean: https://raisemindset.podbean.com/

What does it mean to lead with empathy, discipline, and cultural pride?In this episode of Embracing the Journey, I sit down with Monica Jonas, a global executive and startup founder whose path—from NASA to media to leadership —reveals how heritage, creativity, and resilience intertwine to shape authentic leadership.Monica opens up about growing up as the daughter of Polish immigrants in New York, learning piano from her mother (a Juilliard-trained musician), and the discipline and empathy those lessons instilled. She shares how those formative years shaped her leadership style—balancing rigor with heart—and how she’s now stepping into the “zero-to-one” startup world to reimagine how people find meaningful work and connection.Together, we explore the influence of culture on confidence, why creativity matters in leadership, and what it truly means to find joy and authenticity in the work you do.🎧 Whether you're a leader, parent, or creative, this episode is a reminder that our roots aren’t barriers—they’re the foundation we rise from.

What does it mean to unlock your authentic design?In this episode of Embracing the Journey, I sit down with Steve Harrison, founder of InnerAthlete.ai, and Dr. Gary Russell from Winning Profile to explore resilience, mindset, and human potential.Steve shares how a powerful turning point at age 47 reshaped his purpose and led to the creation of InnerAthlete.ai. Dr. Gary brings his expertise in profiling athletes and leaders, showing us how understanding “who we are” unlocks growth in every arena of life. Together, we dig into insecurity, arrogance, resilience, genetics, performance, gratitude, and the daily habits that create long-term impact.This conversation isn’t just for athletes — it’s for anyone looking to build resilience, discover purpose, and live beyond limits.Follow RAISE Mindset & Embracing the Journey:🖥️ Website: https://www.raisemindset.org👤 Instagram:   / raise.mindset.performance  👤 TikTok:   / raise.mp  👤 Facebook:   / raise.performance.mindset  LinkedIn:   / lee-bakewell  🔔 Subscribe & FollowSubscribe on YouTube:    / @raisemp   Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4AINVAh...Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Podbean: https://raisemindset.podbean.com/ 🌟 Connect with Our GuestsInnerAthlete.ai (Steve Harrison): https://www.innerathlete.ai/Winning Profile (Dr. Gary Russell): https://www.winningprofile.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Duelley, a decorated Naval Officer whose 24-year career was defined by discipline, leadership, and service—but also by silence, pressure, and internal struggle. From the outside, Ben’s life appeared exemplary. Yet beneath the uniform was someone quietly unraveling, learning to manage pain through compartmentalization, and carrying the weight of expectations few could see. What followed wasn’t a single breaking point, but a slow unraveling that eventually gave way to something unexpected: stillness, clarity, and what he now describes as moments of miraculous change. This is not a conversation about religion, but about listening—especially when life gets quiet enough to hear what’s been waiting all along.

Alissa Puzo is a Pediatric Resident Physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia — but her path to one of the nation’s top hospitals was shaped long before med school. In this conversation, we explore the defining experiences that helped shape her mindset, her leadership, and her ability to stay grounded through the emotional and physical challenges of medicine.From a formative global health trip in rural Guatemala to her transition into pediatric residency, Alissa shares what it meant to lead under pressure, to confront loss, and to constantly shift roles in the face of real-world complexity. She opens up about what she's learned — not just about medicine, but about herself — and what kind of doctor she hopes to become as her story continues to unfold.

In this episode of Embracing the Journey, we sit down with Gary Pritchard—a lifelong coach, educator, and the co-creator of the INHABIT Method—for an intimate conversation that explores the deeply personal moments that have shaped his path. From early influences to pivotal turning points, Gary shares stories from his life that reveal the values, challenges, and experiences that led him to champion the power of mental performance and self-mastery. This episode moves beyond the professional and into the personal, uncovering how life itself teaches us to adapt, to grow, and to keep showing up—even when the path is unclear. It’s a conversation about navigating the inner game long before coaching others on it.

In this episode of Embracing the Journey, we sit with Renée Murphy—educator, counselor, mother, and now, author of the children’s book Your Heart’s Voice. But this isn’t a story about a book. It’s about the road that brought her there: the turns that didn’t make sense at the time, the voice inside that refused to quiet down, and the moments—joyful, painful, transformative—that carved her path forward. Together, we explore how Renée came to trust her intuition, and how life taught her, over and over again, to listen inward.

In this episode, we dive into the world of music, and creativity with Luis Alessandro AKA Zezu—a DJ, producer, dancer, and performer who refuses to be confined by one art form. From TV screens to dance floors, and now into the world of music production with TERRAMUZIK, Zezu’s journey is a testament to resilience, self-expression, and artistic evolution. We explore where his creativity comes from, how it has shifted over time, and what success truly means to him. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about growth, identity, and the art of becoming.

At just eight years old, Dr. Andreas Skounakis arrived in the U.S. unable to speak English — the first word he learned was skeleton. Decades later, he leads a thriving chiropractic practice in New Jersey built on much more than medicine. In this episode, Andreas shares the powerful role of visualization, teamwork, and cultural roots in his journey from fear and self-doubt to purpose and connection. From pacing empty hallways with zero patients to turning his office into a space that feels like his grandmother’s coffee shop in Greece, this conversation explores resilience, community, and the human side of healing.

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Gomez to explore the defining moments that have shaped his journey—both personally and professionally. From the abrupt end of his soccer career to becoming an entrepreneur in the logistics and warehousing industry, Anthony's path has been anything but conventional. Now, as a new father, he reflects on how his experiences have prepared him for this next chapter of life.

In this episode, we sit down with Marguerite Ferrell Nee, a trailblazer whose dynamic career in women’s sports spans coaching, business, and advocacy. From her early days as a Division 1 athlete to leading global marketing initiatives at DAZN Women’s Sport, Marguerite’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and powerful connections. Together, we explore how her commitment to community-building, leadership, and empowerment has shaped both her professional success and personal mission to elevate women’s football.

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Snyder, Senior Director of Sport Development at the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), to explore his personal journey and deep understanding of social-emotional learning (SEL). Scott’s career has spanned over two decades, from professional soccer player to coach and educator, and his unique insights into the power of emotional intelligence in youth development offer valuable lessons for both individuals and communities. We dive into how SEL shapes resilience, influences families, and fosters emotional well-being, not only in children but also in the adults who mentor them. Through Scott’s experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between personal growth, emotional intelligence, and resilience.

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Rear Admiral Paul Lanzilotta, a distinguished leader in the United States Navy. Hailing from Long Island, New York, Rear Admiral Lanzilotta's path to leadership began with his commissioning through the Naval ROTC program and earning his wings as a naval flight officer. With an illustrious career that includes commanding roles aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, as well as various command and staff assignments, Rear Admiral Lanzilotta brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation. **The views and opinions presented by RDML Lanzilotta in this podcast are made in a personal capacity and do not represent the views of the DOD or U.S. Navy.**

In this episode, we sit down with John to explore his inspiring journey from grassroots soccer to the national stage. We delve into the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the relationships he built along the way, and the lessons he learned while navigating the ever-evolving soccer landscape. From the early days of fostering a love for the game to becoming a connector and mentor in the soccer community, John shares insights into the power of collaboration, resilience, and staying true to one’s passion.

Wistar Wood is a seasoned real estate professional whose career spans over three decades, marked by leadership and quiet resilience in an industry known for its competitive edges and high stakes. But beyond the billions in deals closed and the powerful portfolios managed, Wistar’s story is one of integrity, balance, and an inner compass that has guided him through career highs and life’s inevitable challenges. Known for his kindness, loyalty, and dedication, Wistar has built a legacy not only as a respected leader but as a mentor and steady presence for those who have worked alongside him. He’s a devoted family man, father, and coach who continues to find time for passions that stretch beyond the office. His journey offers rich insights into how resilience, grounded values, and the evolving need for internal and external validation shape who we become both personally and professionally.

In the powerful conclusion of our two-part season finale, Erica Olsen takes us deeper into the journey of resilience. Building on the insights shared in Part I, we explore the transformative role of connection, community, and self-awareness in overcoming life's toughest challenges. Erica shares how survivors navigate trauma, the significance of finding your voice, and the importance of leaning on others for support. We discuss the inevitability of change and how, even in the darkest moments, resilience is a toolkit we can all build—with time, courage, and the shared strength of those who’ve walked the path before us. Join us for this moving finale as we close our second season of Embracing the Journey, reflecting on resilience as both a mindset and a process. Let this episode remind you: you are never alone, and the ability to overcome is within reach.

In this episode of Embracing the Journey, we explore the transformative power of resilience with Erica Olsen, a leading consultant and advocate in gender-based violence and trauma-informed care. With over 30 years of experience, Erica shares powerful insights from her personal and professional journey—illuminating the strength it takes to overcome trauma and the importance of community and connection in fostering recovery. From her early work in direct service to shaping state and national policies, Erica’s story highlights the complexities of resilience. Together, we unpack the psychological mechanisms that help survivors navigate adversity, the significance of finding one’s voice, and the strategies to build strength in the face of overwhelming challenges. This episode is a testament to the enduring human spirit and a call to action for creating systems and communities that support healing and growth. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical tools for navigating tough times, this conversation will leave you empowered to embrace your own journey of resilience.