Not in a Huff with Jackson Huff

This week, I had the chance to have a chat with the talented Cali Kira, a young actress from LA known for her emotional performances. She’s trained at top acting schools, appeared in numerous short films, and won awards like the 2024 J.O. Teen Scholarship. Cali also has a background in competitive cheer, loves gymnastics and surfing, and performs stand-up comedy.Here are the things the we had dive into:Cali’s Competitive cheer experiencesHer acting career and some of her standout rolesThe awards she's already won for her acting workHer role in the world of stand-up comedy and what it's like to perform on stage at such a young ageCali’s bold aspirations to make an impact in the film industry_____________________________________Cali's IG: Cali Kira (@cali.kira) • Instagram photos and videosCali's Landing Page: Cali Kira on Direct.me_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had a delightful chat with Ben Cooper, an enthusiastic beekeeper with tons of amazing stories. You’ll definitely get a buzz from this! Here’s a peek at what we covered:- How Ben fell in love with beekeeping and his journey so far.- The joys and challenges of working with bees.- Unique bee behaviors, like how they protect their hives and recognize each other.- Fun facts, like honey’s ability to last forever!- Ben’s tips for helping bees survive the winter and tough weather.- What it takes to be a good beekeeper and keep hives healthy.- Ben's book about animals in the Bible, which ties his love for beekeeping with his passion for storytelling and faith.- How Ben mentor's new beekeepers, sharing his knowledge to guide beginners in the field._____________________________________Pick Up Ben's Book Here:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ben-Cooper/author/B07N33S7K1?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnable d=true Join his Beekeeper Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/432549856889307_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Bennett Rea, the creative force behind the viral TikTok series “Cookin' with Congress”. Bennett’s unique approach to cooking involves recreating quirky recipes from politicians. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply curious about the intersection of politics and cooking, this episode is filled with humor and intriguing stories. Here’s a look at what we discussed:Bennett shared how he recreates unusual recipes from politiciansWe talked about some of the bizarre dishes he's made, including gelatin recipes and odd flavor combinations.We debated which political party might have the better food and discussed the connection between a politician’s ethics and their cooking.He talked about his series where he tries to eat like various politicians for a dayBennett’s personal quest to try foods from different countries and cultures._____________________________________Check out all things Cookin' with Congress here!_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

In this episode, I had the honor of having a heartwarming conversation with Mark Steven Porro, a former actor who transitioned to caregiver and author. Mark shares his profound journey of supporting his aging mother and the valuable insights he gained along the way.In this podcast, you’ll hear about:Mark’s early career in acting and his experiences in Hollywood.The decision to leave his acting career to care for his mother.The challenges and rewards of being a caregiver, especially for adult children.Humorous anecdotes from his caregiving journey, as detailed in his book, A Cup of Tea on the Commode.The importance of stepping up for aging parents and the unique bond that can develop during caregiving.Mark’s reflections on living in beautiful France and how this experience has shaped his life._____________________________________Book's websiteCup of Tea Facebook pageYouTube channelChoose your favorite bookstore to order_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had the honor to talk with one of the strongest people I’ve ever met, Isabella Young. She shared her incredible story of surviving years of cult torture, narcissistic abuse, and unimaginable loss. Her strength and resilience are truly inspiring. Here are some of the topics we discussed in this episode:Her escape from a messianic cult after years of tortureHealing from narcissistic abuse and emotional traumaReclaiming her life and breaking free from mind controlTools and advice for others facing similar strugglesThe power of self-healing and empowermentHow to protect yourself from manipulation and abuseHer authored books and personal updates_____________________________________Isabella's Website: https://feelingbetternaturally.love/_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week I had the best time conversing with the amazing Brock Meier, who, after a 50-year career in scientific research, now focuses on uncovering incredible, untold stories from the past! His passion for storytelling and creativity made for an engaging and inspiring conversation.Here are the things discussed in this episode:Brock talked about his book, The Stonecutter, and mentioned the inspiration behind his writing and the personal experiences that influenced his storytelling.He elaborated on the historical context of the Nabataeans and their culture, highlighting its significance in his writing.Brock emphasized the importance of research in creating an authentic narrative, particularly mentioning resources he found on falconry.Brock expressed his plans for future writing projects, including a seven-book series about the Nabataeans and potential interests in other series.He shared his personal philosophy on writing, emphasizing the importance of exploring lesser-known subjects and making them accessible to readers._____________________________________Brock's website: https://brockmeierauthor.com/Pick up the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Stone-Cutter-Brock-Meier-ebook/dp/B0C6RCRR5T/_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting the talented Katie K, a stand-up comedian who has been making audiences laugh since 2016. She’s graced comedy clubs, festivals, corporate events, and colleges across the country, and has made notable appearances on NBC's America's Got Talent and the Amazon Prime show Squished.I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, where Katie shared her inspiring journey from juggling multiple jobs to carving out her own path in comedy through hard work and dedication. Here are some highlights from our discussion:Katie offers valuable strategies for connecting with diverse audiences, especially in college and corporate environments.We explored the significance of timing, reading the room, and self-awareness in comedy.She revealed her creative process for developing comedic material, often drawing from true stories in her life.Katie candidly discussed how her career has affected her family relationships, highlighting the support, and even the lack of support from some of her loved ones.We’ve also talked about her future aspirations, including touring larger venues and exploring exciting opportunities in television._____________________________________Katie K's website: https://www.katiekcomedy.com/Katie K's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/katiekcomedy_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I was able to sit down and have an amazing conversation with Shaney Andler, a former special education teacher who developed an incredible teen mental health program after her own son's struggles with anxiety. Here are the key topics that we had discussed:How Shaney's personal journey with her son's anxiety inspired her to develop a practical, accessible program to equip teens with essential coping strategies.The stigma around mental health, but also a concerning trend of teens embracing it as an identityHow she believes many teens cope with problems by immersing themselves in their phones but then exacerbate issues rather than providing healthy coping mechanismsHer goal of coping skills to be taught proactively, so teens have the tools to manage challenges as they ariseHer written book, "Back Pocket for Parents" which provides coping skills for parentsThe Coping Skills Book that aims to provide teens with easy and quick to read practical coping skills that would help them._____________________________________For more information or to contact Shaney, visit www.backpockettools.com_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I’m thrilled to have Misti Gaither, a psychic medium and paranormal investigator, join us on the show! She shares her experiences from the worlds of true crime and the paranormal and her quest to connect the living with the dead. Here are some of things that we had discussed:Misty shared how she had psychic abilities since a young age, but was raised in a very religious household where these abilities were seen as "demonic"Misty believes everyone has some level of psychic ability, whether it's called "intuition" or something elseMisty sees a connection between true crime cases and the paranormal, believing psychic abilities could potentially help solve some unsolved crimesMisty sees herself as being on a "journey" to learn more about true crime and the paranormal, rather than claiming to be an expertMisty believes law enforcement should be more open-minded to using psychic mediums, but acknowledges the need for them to be vetted and reputableMisty sees her podcast "Quest" as a "journey" to learn more about true crime and the paranormal, rather than claiming to be an expert_____________________________________Misti's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/mistimichelleatesQuest on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Quest504/featured_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had the privilege of engaging in an eye-opening conversation with Brian Townsend, a retired DEA Supervisory Special Agent and former Resident Agent in Charge. Brian shared his inspiring mission to tackle the drug crisis through innovative educational initiatives. Here’s a glimpse of what we discussed:Brian’s Journey: From leading the DEA office in Springfield to developing impactful fentanyl awareness programs.The Fentanyl Crisis: The harsh realities of the fentanyl epidemic and its devastating effects on communities.Education and Prevention: How vital education and proactive measures are in reducing drug-related deaths.Eagle 6 Training: Brian’s new venture offering leadership training and consulting, alongside fentanyl education.Only 2 MG, Inc.: A nonprofit organization founded by Brian, dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of fentanyl.Current Drug Threats: The increased danger posed by today’s drug supply, including fentanyl, and the crucial need to reduce drug demand.Awareness Gaps: The widespread lack of awareness among parents and students about the evolving drug landscape._____________________________________Eagle 6 Training website: https://www.eagle6training.com/Only 2MG Inc website: https://www.only2mg.com/_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Ashley Smith, an award-winning psychologist who transformed her personal challenges into a beacon of hope for others. Her work is driven by a personal journey through a rare vision impairment that has given her deep insight into overcoming adversity and thriving despite challenges. Here are some key points from our discussion:She spoke openly about her personal battles with mental health, particularly in the context of her disability.Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of balancing mental health awareness with resilience.She highlighted the benefits of therapy, describing it as a supportive space where vulnerability and self-reflection can thrive.Dr. Smith discussed how our minds use shortcuts to process information quickly, which can sometimes lead to biased or distorted perceptions._____________________________________Dr. Ashley Smith's website: https://www.drashleysmith.com/_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Matt Oakley, a singer-songwriter known for infusing modern flair into the classic storytelling tradition of country music. Representing the promising future of the genre, Matt and I discussed the following:How his college years in South Carolina were a turning point, marking the beginning of his serious pursuit of music.His distinctive fusion of Modern Country, Country Rock, and Country-Pop, highlighting the central role of storytelling in his songwriting.The way personal experiences and stories from people he encounters inspire his music, focusing on authenticity and emotional resonance.The challenges he has faced, including finding his unique voice, developing his brand, and handling the business side of his career.His advice to aspiring musicians on achieving success in the industry._____________________________________Check out Matt's latest singles and more here: https://linktr.ee/MattOakley_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I chatted with Elizabeth Welch, a seasoned paranormal investigator with nearly eight years of expertise. She takes us into the world of the paranormal, sharing her exploration of the intersection between history and the supernatural.In this episode, you will learn:How Elizabeth Welch grew up in a haunted house and developed an early fascination with the paranormal.Her personal paranormal experiences that shaped her career.Insights from her fieldwork as a paranormal investigator.The intersection of history and the supernatural, and how this unique perspective impacts her investigations.Advice and tips on what to do when encountering paranormal activities._____________________________________Fortean Historian Website: https://elwelch.wixsite.com/fortean-historian_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week I chat with veteran journalist Mark Albert about his 25 year career in media and what caused him to shift gears. He takes us around the globe for some silly stories and one especially heartbreaking one that shows the need for a functioning media in society. In this one you will learn:How he went from tallying up electoral votes in his living room to reporting from the White HouseHis experiences training journalism professionals in countries that do not yet value free journalismThe story of a soldiers death at a base and the investigative journalism that found the true cause.How to find cheap flight (always a favorite topic of mine)How to do better with shaping your own media. This is where he shares his new career as CEO of Media Mastery Experts._____________________________________Sign Up for the Event Here: https://www.mediamasteryexperts.com/Media Advisory Expert Website: https://www.mediaadvisoryexperts.com/_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

We are back this week with the second and final part of my conversation with Aliya Kasabian who at 16 years old found herself living a nightmare when she was sent to Boise Girl's Academy a place many describe as a cult and even more people accused of preying on girls in the "troubled teen" system. In our concluding conversation we cover:Why her parents thought they were "giving her a gift" by sending her there and why they did not pick her up despite her pleasThe PTSD she suffered and still deals with because of her time in BoisePicking up the pieces and what she did after leaving at 17 years oldHer budding career as a tattoo artist._____________________________________Aliya's Instagram: www.instagram.com/sandb0xb0y/Aliya's Tattoo Page: www.instagram.com/tats.by.li_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)