Adventures in Adversity: an inspirational podcast

What happens when a teacher’s favorite student grows up to become a force in the music industry—and your podcast partner, twenty years later?This episode is a celebration of those full-circle moments that remind us why sticking to your passion matters, even when the road gets tough.Back in 2005, I taught math and science to Julian, a creative seventh grader with a passion for music. Now, as a producer working with the likes of The Chainsmokers and Netflix—and my own podcast editor—Julian joins me for a heartfelt conversation about:The unforgettable school year at Mission Charter in Arizona-Turning a love of music into a thriving production career-Honest stories from inside the music industry: the good, the bad, and the dark side-Lessons on perseverance, creativity, and finding light in adversity-The joy of reconnecting and working together after twenty yearsTune in to be inspired by a story of growth, mentorship, and the power of holding on to your dreams—even when life is unpredictable.Follow Julian’s journey on Instagram: ⁠@jacklondonmusic⁠ for music highlights and behind-the-scenes glimpses!#education #musicproducers #teachers #students

In this episode, I sit down with Julie Brumley, a trauma-informed adoptee coach whose own story is nothing short of courageous. For over 15 years, she has helped other adoptees overcome addiction, regulate their nervous systems, and find a sense of true belonging. Julie Brumley - Trauma-Informed Adoptee CoachThe Resilience Project - Where Adoptees Find BelongingAs an adoptee herself, Julie survived unimaginable early life adversity—abandonment, attempted abortion, & multiple caregivers in the first 7 weeks of her life.Julie weaves somatic therapy, community, and fierce self-compassion into everything she offers. Her wisdom speaks to the primal abandonment wounds many adoptees share, and her bravery in transforming pain into powerful purpose is inspiring.If adoption has touched your life—or if you've ever felt out of place, struggled to belong, or wrestled with grief—you’ll resonate with the honesty and hope in this episode.What we dive into:-How adoption trauma and the “primal wound” can shape identity-Julie’s survival story and journey to finding belonging within-The role of somatic healing and nervous system work-Radical self-acceptance as a path to wholeness-Why processing grief is essential-The unique set of challenges adoptees face in community and relationships-How pain transforms into purposeChapters00:00 Introduction02:08 Meeting Julie and starting her journey04:53 Naming adoption trauma08:53 Julie’s calling to support adoptees11:05 How addiction links to abandonment wounds13:35 Finding birth family and the realities that followed16:49 Loss, resilience, and adversity19:31 Therapeutic tools for real healing22:21 The impact of adoption on emotional intimacy25:07 DNA, self-discovery, and identity27:40 Connecting to biological and cultural lineage29:45 Navigating relationships & emotional overwhelm33:18 Slowing down and honoring the reunion process36:55 Transmuting pain into purpose40:57 Belonging—starting from within44:03 Grief and living with loss47:32 Setting boundaries in relationships50:49 Emotional processing techniques56:07 The ongoing journey to self-acceptance and belonging

What does it mean to choose hope after deep pain?September is #SuicidePreventionMonth—a reminder to cut through the surface and talk honestly about mental health.As reported by the World Health Organization, 720,000 people take their own lives per year.-Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.-73% of suicides occur in low and middle-income countries-The reasons for suicide are multifaceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course.-For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.These stats are heartbreaking...and alarming...and we have to talk about them, BEFORE we lose more people.I’ll never forget when a classmate died by suicide in college during my senior year. Suddenly, everything people kept bottled up—grief, confusion, guilt—was right there in the open. 2003 Harvard Crimson tribute "Friends Remember 'Beautiful & Vibrant' Smith - May she rest in peaceIt was a harsh wake-up call to just how much pain goes unseen, how many of us are fighting battles no one notices, and how real the impact is when someone’s gone.In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I open up about college experiences with suicide and trauma, as well as an experience my family had last year with someone we lost. I talk about surviving narcissistic abuse, dealing with loss, and what it’s really like to try to put your life back together after everything falls apart.Learning about suicide in my own life and through the lives of my guests on this podcast has changed the way I look at others and myself. Hearing about suicide for the first time didn’t just make me aware; it showed me how easily pain gets missed and how complicated life can get before someone finally asks for help.These are the hard conversations—but silence does more damage. If any of this feels familiar, know that you’re not alone, or broken, or strange for having a hard time. Reaching out isn’t weakness. Sometimes, it’s the only thing left that makes sense.SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCESStay Herehttps://www.stayhere.live/resourcesSuicide prevention education, support, and ACT training for individuals and communities.988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 support from trained counselors for suicidal crisis, mental health emergencies, or emotional distress. Available nationwide in the U.S. - English and SpanishMENTAL HEALTH APPS (2025 BEST PICKS)Calm — Meditation and sleep aidHeadspace — Mindfulness and guided relaxationBearable — Mood & symptom trackingFinch — Habit tracker and daily self-careBreathe, Think, Do (for kids)ADDITIONAL CRISIS SUPPORTCrisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis support in the U.S..SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (Mental health and substance use)This episode was recorded in California at The Oakland Podcast StudioSpecial thanks to Louiza for making this happen and DK, my fantastic sound engineer!Follow Oakland Podcast Studio on Instagram

In this episode, I’m joined by Wilson Munsterman, a 19-year-old author and powerful advocate for adoptees.Visit Wilson's website: MarkedByAdoption.comBuy Wilson's book on Amazon: Marked by Adoption: 10 Key Insights from an Adoptee's PerspectiveFollow and connect with Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonmuns/...Wilson shares his remarkable journey from being abandoned in China as a baby and left on a doorstep. He spent time in orphanages in China and was adopted in America.He highlights the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-worth faced by so many in the adoption community.We delve into the transformative power of mindset and the critical roles that faith and mentorship have played in Wilson’s journey. Wilson also opens up about his motivation behind writing his book, Marked by Adoption, which is now available on Amazon. The conversation explores how intentional storytelling and meaningful connection can help shift perspectives and foster understanding within families and communities.Highlights from this episode include:Wilson’s story of resilience, from abandonment to finding belonging through adoption.Insights into how adoption influences identity and self-worth.The importance of cultivating the right mindset and grounding in faith when navigating adversity.The mentorship and support systems that guided Wilson’s path.Reflections from his book, Marked by Adoption, and practical wisdom for parents and adoptees alike.His story, his attitude, and the way Wilson lives his life is a true source of encouragement to approach adoption with openness, love, and a willingness to learn.

In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I'm honored to sit down with Retired Sergeant Alfred Brenner,⁠ a true American hero whose courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our nation serve as a powerful reminder of what it means to wear the uniform. Our candid conversation dives into the emotional journey of writing his book: ⁠Surviving with Grief: The Story of How a Marine and His Dog Survived the Everyday Battles of War⁠. ***BUY HIS BOOK ON AMAZON***MORE INFO ON ALFRED'S WEBSITE***Follow @sgtbrenner on Instagram***Connect with Alfred on LinkedInAs a retired Marine Corps K9 Handler, Alfred wrote about his experience being deployed in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, on October 24, 2010, while searching a compound, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated. His K9 partner, Grief, was killed instantly. The blast caused severe injuries to Alfred's arms, and he was temporarily blinded. This book is a testament to the courage they both showed in the face of unimaginable adversity as a Purple Heart recipient. 💜Alfred shares with me the difficult journey of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the extraordinary bond he shared with his military working dog, Grief—a partner who was more than just a companion, but a lifeline on the battlefield. Conversations like this reaffirm my commitment to honoring and supporting the veterans who safeguard our freedoms, along with acknowledging the families and service animals who stand beside them. Their stories are a reminder of the sacred duty we all bear to remember and uplift our nation’s heroes when they return home.In opening up about his personal struggles and triumphs, Alfred shows how important it is to embrace grief, honor fallen friends, and seek healing through faith, community, and hope. I’m proud to support Alfred’s mission and encourage everyone who believes in our military community to read his inspiring memoir. "Surviving with Grief: The True Story Of A Marine K9 Team Surviving the Everyday Battles of War⁠" is available now wherever books are sold, and you can learn more or purchase directly from his ⁠official website⁠ or Amazon.Let’s stand together in gratitude and commitment so that no veteran—nor the memory of the fallen— is ever forgotten.

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking, learning, and laughing (a lot!) with Raquel Riggle, founder of ⁠Menopalz."As a certified menopause coach, health warrior, and founder, she suffered through a whirlwind of misdiagnoses (Celiac disease!) and perimenopause brain fog...and then she turned her experience into a mission.Menopalz is your warm, supportive space to navigate menopause with purpose, joy, and a dash of sass. Whether you're feeling confused, empowered, burnt out, or all of the above—this is your place to land, learn, laugh, and thrive."Raquel is a true source of wisdom for anyone moving through menopause or perimenopause. ⁠Follow @mymenopalz on Instagram⁠Her story isn’t just about challenges—it’s about finding laughter, connection, and a sense of community in the midst of change.We dig into the everyday ups and downs of menopause, including 54+ symptoms that women may experience! Along the way, we swap stories, share honest moments, and even find the humor hiding beneath the surface. There’s something powerful about being able to laugh through hot flashes and mood swings, and realizing we’re all in this together.If you’re currently in the menopause or peri journey—or just want to understand it better—this episode promises real talk, support, and (importantly) some well-earned laughs. Here’s to facing change with community, hope, and a good sense of humor!MORE ABOUT MENOPALZ"Welcome to Menopalz, your midlife sanctuary for real talk, real tools, and real transformation.This isn't a one-size-fits-all program. This is a choose-what-you-need, when-you-need-it experience designed with real women in mind.This space was built with you in mind—because no woman should have to go through perimenopause or menopause feeling confused, dismissed, or alone. Here, we talk openly, share honestly, and support each other through the mood swings, hot flashes, brain fog, and all the other “fun” stuff no one warned us about.You’ll find expert advice, real-life tips, live classes (like cooking, movement, mindset, and more), and a community of women who actually get it. No fluff. No shame. Just sisterhood, support, and solutions.You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. You’re in the right place.Thank you for being our Menopalz 💕"

I sit down with Jim Serrano for an honest, unfiltered conversation about how adversity can shape—and remake—us. As an adoptee at 6 months old, Jim faced adversity early on in life.He brings us into his story, letting us feel the weight of childhood trauma, the confusion of searching for belonging, and the raw reality of being both lost and hopeful at the same time. Nothing here is sugarcoated: Jim’s journey asks what it means to face pain, name it, and let faith help chart a new path forward.Jim’s quest to find his biological parents brings us to the messy truth of complex family and forgiveness—not the Instagram highlight reel, but the struggles, boundaries, and real moments spent longing for connection. Through sharing his experience as a victim of sexual abuse as a child from the ages of 9 to 11, we’re reminded that being seen and valued takes tremendous courage.Storytelling and writing became Jim’s way through the storm.His vulnerability isn’t just a gift to listeners—it’s how he’s healing, too. Jim shows why sharing isn’t weakness, why turning pain into purpose unlocks hope, and why mentorship starts with honest conversations about what we’ve lived through.This episode is a call to break the cycles that hold us back—to choose growth, boundaries, faith, and full-on self-care practices like Muay Thai. Jim isn’t here to promise perfect endings, but to prove that community and grace can turn scars into strength. If you’re holding onto hurt or learning to name your own experience, Jim’s journey is for you.Find FREE resources for adoptees that Jim has personally recommended below!FIND RESOURCES FOR ADOPTEES BELOWFireside Adoptees Instagram PageFireside Adoptees Facebook Group"Welcome to Fireside Adoptees!Our motto in a nutshell is:C communityA advocateM mentorP paceWe want to encourage and empower adoptees to work within their Community, Advocate for themselves and others, Mentor those who are farther behind in the journey called life, and set a slow and steady Pace so we don’t burn out and to help others also learn to pace their journeyWe aim to help adoptees see the heroes within themselves and how they can draw strength from their pain/challenges."Join us!Thursdays @ 6:30 to 7:30pm ESTSundays @ 3:00 to 4:00pm EST on Zoom for fun and fellowship, where we discuss adoption from surviving to thriving! "We may not have a choice in how our story starts, but we have a say in the now! Keep thriving, adoptee... you are worth it!"⁠Adoptee Garage Facebook Group⁠"Welcome to Adoptee Garage! This group is meant to be a safe space for adoptees to express themselves within a community that will hear you and see you. We all have different stories and experiences, but we are joined here together by the trauma of relinquishment and adoption. This is a judgment-free zone, and bullying of any kind will not be permitted. Our goal is to help adoptees find their voices while supporting one another on our journeys. Please be sure to check out our pinned posts for other group information."

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Heinritz and dive deep into his inspiring transformation—from chasing success in sales to finding real fulfillment in his faith as a Christian.We talk honestly about the wake-up calls that nudge us toward something greater, the power of intentional morning routines (Jason calls them “Sacred Starts”), and what happens when we return to a deeper relationship with God.Wake Up Jesus People - Life-Giving Disciplines to Awaken the Warrior WithinBuy Jason's book on AmazonFollow Jason on InstagramJoin Jason's 40Forge ChallengeSubscribe to Jason's YouTube channelThis conversation is personal, heartfelt, and real. We touch on the challenges that push us to grow, and how prayer and daily spirituality help us face life’s struggles.Jason shares his experience and insight into why surrounding ourselves with a faith community brings support and growth.Together, Jason and I explore why setting healthy boundaries matters, how forgiveness is a journey, and how adversity can actually lead us closer to joy and God’s peace.

In this episode, I had the delightful opportunity to chat with Benjamin Kintisch, former chaplain and creator of "Life Review: The Hospice Musical". Watch the trailerWe dove into his journey from chaplain to musical creator, proving that life is indeed a stage—and sometimes a comedy. Benjamin's stories are as entertaining as they are inspiring, and he even graced us with a live performance that might just make you laugh, cry, and question your life choices all at once.Key highlights:-Benjamin's leap from chaplaincy to the bright lights of musical theater-The touching and humorous inspiration behind "Life Review: The Hospice Musical" -Creative insights and how to turn life's lemons into a Broadway show-A live performance that will have you singing along (or at least humming in the shower)Don't miss the chance to experience this unique blend of storytelling and music—it's like a therapy session with a soundtrack!Life Review: the one-man play is booking both in-person and virtual performances through Fall 2025. Benjamin is currently looking for theatrical partners at schools, community theaters, festivals, and more.It's a new musical celebrating life, love, and loss through three seasons at a residential hospice. The story follows our young Rabbi David, the new chaplain at the facility. He arrives in autumn, eager and naive, caring but lonely. As he ministers to the patients, Rabbi David learns from his patients even as he cares for them. and their loved ones. Each patient sings their story. We hear from a proud mother remembering snow, a brave but scared young man wondering what's to come, an older man looking for one last friend, and a man of God singing praises.Follow LifeReviewMusical on Instagram

In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I had the honor of sitting down with Nisha Batra—a brilliant early childhood educator and fierce advocate for people with disabilities. Nisha opens up about her experience living with a nonverbal learning disability and how it’s shaped her purpose: helping children understand the beauty of difference.Our conversation moved through some powerful terrain—from how we can teach inclusion early, to why it’s critical that we stop waiting for disability to enter the room before we talk about it. We unpacked the quiet weight of invisible disabilities and the importance of creating space for those stories to breathe.Nisha reminds us that compassion isn’t just a virtue—it’s a strategy for social change. And that storytelling, when done with truth and vulnerability, can be one of the most powerful tools for advocacy. This episode is a tribute to that truth—and to the idea that being different isn’t something to overcome, but something to honor.Follow Nisha on Instagram - @theswantransformationAdditional resources:⁠Inclusive Canada ⁠People for Education Canada@ryerson_cue

In this episode, I sit down with coach, speaker, and podcast host ⁠Meghann Dawson⁠ to talk about her powerful journey through trauma, chronic pain, and deep personal healing. She opens up about the family challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and how she’s turned pain into purpose.We talk about the messy middle—the part no one wants to talk about—and why self-love and community are crucial in that space. Meghann also shares her coaching approach, "The Imperfect Level Up", which is all about self-discovery, healing, and finding your way forward, even when the path isn’t clear.This one’s for anyone who's felt stuck, broken, or unsure where to begin. There’s something sacred about telling the truth, and this episode is a reminder of the power of sharing your story—mess and all.Visit ⁠Meghann's coaching & speaking website⁠Listen to Meghann's podcast: ⁠Becoming is Messy⁠Follow Meghann on Instagram: ⁠@BecomingismessyConnect with Meghann on Facebook

In this episode, my guest Rhonda Farrah, a former psychotherapist who is now a women's empowerment coach, shares her journey of transformation through her own adversity. @helpmerhondanow_With a foundation in psychology, Rhonda has cultivated a career that spans therapy, empowerment coaching, and holistic wellness education.In this conversation, she and I candidly discuss the importance of facing one's emotions, the necessity of self-reflection, and how vulnerability can be a source of strength. Rhonda recounts her experience of spending 7 years in a women's prison.She shares how her incarceration led her to help others find their authentic power. Teaching wellness classes to her fellow inmates, she learned that adversity is essential for personal growth and that change begins within ourselves. Rhonda shares her profound journey through a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional challenges that accompanied it. We talk about the importance of self-care, empowerment, and the transformative power of gratitude and forgiveness. Rhonda emphasizes the need to nurture oneself and how her experiences have shaped her understanding of resilience and personal growth. Through her story, she inspires others to embrace their struggles and find purpose in their pain, ultimately leading to a more empowered life.Check out Rhonda's podcast:Fix Your Reflection First...And Live Your Best Life Ever! with Rhonda Farrah, MA, DRWA "A transformative journey aimed at awakening individuals to their authentic power and assisting them in actualizing their essence and desires. Through inspiration and guidance, participants are empowered to navigate life's challenges, recognizing that adversity can be a gateway to opportunity if approached with intention. By attracting resources and fostering collaboration, the program seeks to positively impact and empower millions of lives for the highest good of all. Central to this journey is the recognition and utilization of authentic power within each individual, transcending external circumstances. Participants are encouraged to embrace boldness and courage, stepping out of their comfort zones to truly live the life they desire rather than settling for less. This show emphasizes the importance of aligning with one's soul's agenda and living authentically to achieve their best life ever. Rhonda’s background in Educational/Counseling Psychology… the ability to recognize the joys and sorrows alike in her own personal and professional life as Empowering …and her core values, which she experienced and expressed at a young age, inspired her to pursue her profession. Ultimately, 'Fix Your Reflection First' aims to empower individuals to recognize and embody the source of power within themselves, enabling them to live with purpose and fulfillment."

It's #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth!Making it extra special that I had the pleasure of interviewing Jackie Durnin, founder of Hinterland Health Retreat in Australia.Instagram: @hinterlandhealthretreatHinterland Health Retreat mental health programsConnect with Hinterland Health Retreat on LinkedInWe dive into Jackie's personal healing journey - her professional education and training as a founder, program manager, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) therapist, and counselor - and how it inspired her to create a place for 360-degree healing:Hinterland Health Retreat in AustraliaA world-first health retreat combining revolutionary neuro-technology with leading holistic therapies to create a truly tailored, comprehensive experience.Our candid conversation explores various therapeutic techniques, including the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and the importance of creating a safe space for healing. Jackie also openly shares her personal adversity story of overcoming her experiences with sexual abuse as a child.She emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to trauma recovery and the role of the body in processing trauma. Our discussion also touches on communication tools for building healthier relationships and navigating emotional triggers. Topics we explore:The complexities of emotional healingFocusing on the inner childEmotional imprintsThe impact of trauma on relationshipsWe talk about the importance of addressing both mind and body in therapy, the challenges of coping with emotional storms, and the necessity of seeking professional help. Jackie emphasizes the transformative power of vulnerability and self-awareness in the healing process, highlighting the supportive environment at Hinterland Health Retreat.

Part 2 with Meral Alizada, a kindness advocate and founder of Results of Kindness (ROK)Instagram: @ResultsofKindnessWe explore the profound impact of kindness in the face of adversity, particularly in the context of narcissistic relationships. Meral explains the spectrum of kindness and cruelty, the importance of self-kindness, and how experiences of adversity can fortify one's mission to spread kindness. She emphasizes that true kindness comes from a place of strength and self-awareness, and that redirecting kindness towards oneself is essential for healing and growth.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Meral Alizada, a kindness advocate and founder of Results of Kindness (ROK). Instagram: @ResultsofKindnessWe discuss Meral's journey towards establishing ROK, the importance of kindness in the workplace, and how it can lead to increased productivity and profitability. In her own words: "As a global citizen belonging to three cultures, namely, England, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan, and fluent in 5 languages, my heritage of kindness and generosity informs the central ethos of Results of Kindness: a people-first approach that drives excellence."Meral emphasizes that kindness is not just a moral choice but a strategic business decision that can transform corporate culture and enhance employee engagement. Our conversation also touches on the challenges of embedding kindness in organizations and the misconceptions surrounding it. We explore the profound impact of kindness on human relationships and societal structures, discussing how kindness is often perceived as a weakness, yet it is a fundamental aspect of human survival and development. Meral emphasizes the importance of nurturing, empathy, and emotional intelligence in fostering a supportive environment, particularly in the workplace. She advocates for recognizing kindness as a superpower that can transform lives and organizations, ultimately leading to a healthier society.Part 2 launches this week!

In this episode, I interview Kijuan Amey, Air Force Veteran, author, and outstanding human being who shares his incredible journey from military service to surviving a life-altering motorcycle accident.Though this accident left him with daily pain, with bouts of PTSD, and without his sight, Kijuan remains unstoppable. He is passionate about living out his original vision: helping people around the world...and he's doing just that.Kijuan reflects on his unique role in the Air Force as an in-flight refueler, the challenges he faced during his accident recovery, and the importance of tapping into inner resilience and gratitude when overcoming adversity in life.He highlights the support from family, friends, God, and the community that played a crucial role in his healing process, focusing on the power of connection and mental health awareness. Kijuan shares his journey of overcoming adversity through teamwork, faith, and community support. We openly talk about the importance of vulnerability and resilience, discussing how sharing his story has been therapeutic for Kijuan and can inspire others. He highlights the transformative role of therapy in healing and the significance of defining one's identity beyond their circumstances. His insights encourage listeners to shift their perspectives on adversity and recognize the impact they can have on others.Visit Kijuan's website - Amey MotivationBuy Kijuan's inspirational book:Don't Focus on Why MeFrom motorcycle accident to miracle

I sit down with 2 of my fantastic and hilarious friends, Megs and Nic, for a real, unfiltered chat about the ups and downs of life throughout parenting, marriage, and life, and how humor and creativity help us stay sane through it all. Megs opens up about going through 6 miscarriages and how she was able to find joy again after these devastating losses.Nic openly talks about how he navigated the challenges of divorce and co-parenting with his ex-wife, emphasizing the importance of removing ego and putting your kids' best interests first.We dive into the power of support systems, the magic of laughter in healing, and the beautiful (and sometimes chaotic) dynamics of family life.We also pull back the curtain on my podcasting journey—how it’s evolved, why creativity and self-expression matter so much, and why embracing imperfection is kind of the secret sauce to everything. Through personal stories, honest insights, and plenty of laughs, we explore the art of storytelling, the healing power of humor, and how navigating relationships and adversity is a part of life we all experience in different ways.This episode is all about connection, resilience, and finding joy—even in the messiest parts of life.

In the first episode of "Shootin' the BREEs", my Iowa bestie (Bree) and I (Bre) reminisce about our lives as young teachers in our 20s in 2004 in Spain and 2005 in Arizona.We delve into our experiences with adversity that comes with parenting, with building confidence, with self-image, and all the things that arise when you're talking to your bestie of 20+ years about life.Briana is a wife, a mama of 2 boys, a kindergarten teacher, has her BA in early childhood development, a masters degree in education, and she's honestly the older sister I never had...and she happens to be the funniest person I know.If you need tips on how to coach your kids to work through conflict from a boy mom, a trained teacher, and a playground expert, Bree is your girl.I'm honored to have kicked off our first of many episodes that will hopefully help listeners feel less alone in navigating life's twists and turns...or it will at least give you a few laughs along the way.

In this episode, I share an inspirational story about veteran Steve Baskis, a US military veteran who lost his sight due to a roadside bomb in Baghdad. Despite the challenges he faces, Steve has adopted a positive perspective and has since become an advocate for adaptive sports, helping others with disabilities find their paths to resilience and adventure. In about 9 minutes, I read a blog post about Steve from 2014 which talks about lessons we can learn from his arduous journey...a reminder about the importance of facing adversity with courage and determination.Thank a Veteran for his or her service today!Follow Steve on InstagramVisit Steve's YouTube channelConnect with Steve on LinkedInCheck out Steve's Podcast, Baskis 360Learn about Blind Endeavors, Steve's foundation

In this episode of Adventures in adversity, I sit down with my buddy Raj, a family friend who we've coached soccer with and have been fortunate to get to know over the past few years through our kids' school and sports. We are grateful to call him and his family friends. Raj and I talk about the adventures of parenting two elementary school-age kids and the impact of cultural backgrounds on personal growth. We explore the significance of support systems in navigating life's adversities, including the experience of losing a parent, and how this tremendous loss shaped Raj's perspective on life at the age of 9. Raj shares his journey moving from India to Canada, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the influential role of teachers in his life. Our discussion also touches on the importance of celebrating diversity in marriage and the philosophy of light over darkness, particularly related to the festival of Diwali. Finally, Raj discusses his career at Zoox, a company focused on autonomous vehicles, highlighting the innovative approach to transportation and social interaction. We dig into the future of autonomous vehicles, focusing on the development of robotaxis and the technology behind them. Raj emphasizes the importance of safety and cost efficiency, explaining how AI plays a crucial role in enhancing the driving experience. He also reflects on his experiences at Blackberry and Tesla, sharing valuable lessons learned from both companies. Our discussion touches on navigating layoffs, career resilience, and the unique culture at Tesla that fosters innovation and rapid problem-solving.