Unstoppable Mindset

What does it take to turn a painful experience into a way to help others? My guest, Jason Plotkin, is a personal injury lawyer, author, and advocate who knows firsthand what it means to face fear and rebuild after trauma. After being bitten by a dog at age five and later surviving two serious car accidents, Jason turned his experiences into a mission to help injured people and their families. We talk about his children's book, The Pickle, the Patch, and the Puppy, and how his Bravery Ladder helps children overcome their fear of dogs one step at a time. Jason also shares what his own recovery taught him about empathy, the challenges of dealing with insurance companies, and why listening is such an important part of helping others. From building a law firm focused on people to supporting first responders in his community, Jason reminds us that being unstoppable isn't about avoiding life's challenges. It's about looking for solutions, learning from our experiences, and continuing to move forward. Highlights: 3:55 – How a childhood dog bite shaped Jason's journey through fear and recovery. 9:44 – How the Bravery Ladder helps children overcome fear. 25:51 – How two serious car accidents changed Jason's perspective on helping others. 30:38 – Why personal experience can transform empathy and client care. 46:38 – How supporting parents helps children recover from trauma. 57:11 – Why being unstoppable means finding solutions instead of making excuses. About the Guest: Jason Plotkin, Esq. is the CEO and Managing Attorney of the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team, a Maryland personal injury and workers' compensation firm. Over 20 years he has grown the firm 5x, and it has handled more than 3,700 cases, including over 2,200 personal injury matters and nearly 1,500 workers' compensation claims. The firm works under its motto, Hardworking Attorneys for Hardworking People. Jason knows his clients' side of the desk because he has sat there. In his twenties and thirties he survived two serious car crashes, went through surgery, and dealt with the insurance system firsthand. The second crash happened while he was already practicing law, so he kept working for his clients while he healed. As a five-year-old, he was bitten by a dog. The bite healed, but the fear stayed with him much longer. Those experiences became his books, and today he is a best-selling author whose three titles were all #1 Amazon new releases. His first, The Role of a Chiropractor in Treating Auto Accident Injuries (2019), explains how chiropractic care fits into recovery after a crash. Crash Course: To Recovery and Beyond (2024, also in Spanish as Curso Intensivo) tells the story of his own recovery and gives accident survivors a practical guide for the months after a crash. His children's picture book, The Pickle, the Patch, and the Puppy (2026), is for kids ages 4 to 10 who got scared by a dog. It teaches a "Bravery Ladder" that breaks a big fear into small steps, and licensed therapists have endorsed it. Jason is a life member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer every year from 2020 through 2027. In 2021 he was the inaugural recipient of the Clio Legal Impact Award, presented at the Reisman Awards. He teaches continuing legal education nationally through the National Business Institute and hosts Around Town with the Laurel Board of Trade on Laurel TV. He earned his J.D. with honors from Syracuse University College of Law and his MBA and B.S. in Marketing, both with honors, from the University of Baltimore. He comes from a Baltimore family of firefighters and lives in Maryland. Ways to connect with Jason**:** Website: https://jasonplotkin.com Firm: https://pinderplotkin.com Children's book: https://pickleandthepuppy.com Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jason-Plotkin/author/B0GSWXNKNY LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-plotkin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason_a_plotkin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japlotkin/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonPlotkinesq About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:04 What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't what's in front of you, but rather what you believe? Welcome to Unstoppable Mindset, where inclusion, diversity, and the unexpected meet. I'm your host, Michael Hingson, speaker, author, and advocate for inclusion and possibilities. This podcast explores how the beliefs we carry shape the way we live, lead, and connect with others. Each week, I talk with people who challenge assumptions, face adversity head-on, and show what's possible when we choose curiosity over fear. Together, we focus on mindset, resilience, and the small shifts that lead to meaningful change. Let's get started. Well, hi everyone, and welcome to another edition of Unstoppable Mindset, we're really glad you're with us. We really appreciate you being here, and we're looking forward to forward to having a great discussion with Jason Plotkin, and who is our our guest this time. Jason is a lawyer, an injury lawyer, but has a great story to tell from everything that I've read. He's also an author. He's written three books, and he has won some awards. And I'm sure we'll get to all of that. So, without giving anything else away, Jason, welcome to Unstoppable Mindset. We're really glad you're here. Oh, I should say you're from Maryland, and and he's in the in I assume you're in the Baltimore area. Jason Plotkin  01:39 Correct. I'm actually in our Baltimore office right now. There you go. Michael Hingson  01:43 There you go. And of course, people in Maryland pronounce it Baltimore. So there you go. Jason Plotkin  01:47 Yeah. Michael Hingson  01:49 Anyway, Jay. Well, welcome. Well, well, welcome to to to Unstoppable Mindset. We're really glad you're here. Jason Plotkin  02:00 I'm excited to be here. Michael Hingson  02:01 Well, why don't we start? I love to do it this way. Why don't we start by you telling us a little bit about the early Jason growing up and all that? That gives us all a chance to get to know you a little more. Jason Plotkin  02:11 Sure. Well, the early Jason wanted to be an accountant. Right? He loved basketball. He loved dogs, but he wanted to be an accountant until he worked at a law or accounting firm, and he realized he didn't want to be an accountant. That that taught me early on that it's always good to you know get experiences before you make decisions, and really life is all about you don't know what you what you don't know until you don't know it, right? So I came. I grew up in Baltimore. I pretty much lived in in Maryland my whole life, except for law school in New York. I married, had two kids, and always wanted to be a a lawyer. And it took a long road to get there. And then when I got there, I decided I wanted to be a man of the people, and I help a lot of people, especially those that are injured. Michael Hingson  03:02 So, what what is it you didn't like about being an accountant? Jason Plotkin  03:06 It was boring. Michael Hingson  03:08 Oh, okay. Have you ever seen the the the remake? I guess I would say of the movie The Producers or the Broadway play Mel Brooks with Matthew and Nathan Lane. Jason Plotkin  03:20 I haven't. Michael Hingson  03:21 There's a Matthew Broderick comes into it from being an accountant, and he always wanted to be a producer, as he sings in one of his songs. But when they show the people in the accounting office, you hear people singing unhappy, unhappy, very unhappy. So, as soon as you mentioned you weren't overly happy with being an accountant, I had to ask. Jason Plotkin  03:48 Yeah, and that that makes sense. I mean, I I was 15 years old. I had a work visa to to go work there, and I just need to be a little more excitement. I think back then. Michael Hingson  03:58 Yeah, I can understand you're you're just dealing with well. I will just say just dealing with numbers. Some accounting people may yell at me for that, but with law, there's a there's a lot of interesting aspects to the law. I've I've never really had a desire to be a lawyer, but I appreciate law, and I've been involved with dealing

What does it take to build a successful entertainment career while staying positive through life's ups and downs? Actress, model, producer, and author Pamela Hill has spent years following her passion, from her early days performing in Cincinnati to working in Hollywood. I had a wonderful time talking with Pamela about her unusual career in hand modeling, including her work on Fight Club, her appearances on popular game shows like Wheel of Fortune and To Tell the Truth, and her book The Next Contestant Is.... We also explore her work in voice acting, film production, and the creative partnership she shares with her husband, William Hill. What I especially appreciate about Pamela is her belief that success isn't just about reaching a goal. It's about persistence, kindness, gratitude, and celebrating the small wins along the way. I think you'll enjoy her stories and the lessons she's learned about staying true to yourself. Highlights: 2:01 – How Pamela's childhood sparked her love of performing. 7:34 – The unexpected opportunity that launched her modeling career. 15:39 – What it was like working behind the scenes on Fight Club. 25:01 – How game shows became a surprising part of her career. 42:18 – The creative journey of producing a sitcom with her husband. 1:02:48 – Why persistence, gratitude, and small wins matter for success. About the Guest: Pamela Hill, a Cincinnati gal at heart, is a professional actress, model, and author.  She began her acting and modeling career in Cincy with the love and support of her family.  A shy kid...but found her voice on the stage in elementary school.  She has appeared in numerous stage productions, commercials, TV, and films.  Pamela has also been involved in many voice over projects. She's married to her soulmate hubby, actor, writer, and director William Joseph Hill and they both founded Four Scorpio Productions.  They have created their own content...writing, producing, and starring in several short films, which is on their Four Scorpio Productions / YouTube channel. They currently have over 4,200 subscribers. Pamela stars as the lovable and witty girlfriend Valerie, in their comedic web series "That Darn Girlfriend"!  It's an homage to the 60's and 70's TV shows and is currently in Season 4.  They have produced over 25 episodes of their series. "That Darn Girlfriend" has played in film festivals around the world, including the Cote d'Azur WebFest.  Her varied roles include, appearing on episodes of NBC's daytime drama "Days of Our Lives", a dramatic turn as Michelle Morgan in "ForYou/ForMe", Rebecca in "My Roommate the Party Planner", guest starred on "Dysfunctionally Organized", and with her hubby William as the Penguin Couple on "Fresh Off the Boat".  Pamela was the female lead of Dr. Kate Rand in the film "CYBER FIGHTER", written and directed by her husband.  She recently voiced the Grandmother in the animated Feature Film "NORTH"!  Written and directed by Bente Lohne and inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen".  Ralph Guggenheim, a co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios and producer of Toy Story, was the consulting producer on the film, and Mads Mikkelson voiced Severin. Pamela is the author of her debut book "The Next Contestant is..."!  She shares her exciting journey of being that smiling and energetic contestant, witticisms, and behind-the-scenes stories of her game show escapades!  In her well received book ...Pamela paints a colorful picture of how using her skills, mindset, and personal life lessons all played a part in getting her to that game show stage…and how you too can become a game show contestant!  Combined, Pamela and William / The Hills of the Hollywood Hills (a nickname)....have appeared on over 25 television game shows, with a very memorable stint together on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire".  Her book is available in Paperback, Kindle, and she narrated her Audiobook. She's done volunteer work with children, both with the Make A Wish Foundation, and the Screen Actors' Guild Foundation BookPALS program, where she has read to elementary school students.  Her theatre performances include Cecily in "The Importance of Being Earnest" directed by Robert Allen, Sophia in "Fools" directed by Tom Durkin, Sissy (then) in "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean directed by Bob Lipka, and the Leonie the French Maid in "Someone's Been Sleeping in my Bed" at the Broadway Dinner Theatre/Terrace Hilton.  On the stage in Los Angeles in the "The Howie Monologues" directed by Larry Eisenberg at GRT, "Wicked Lit" (2009-2012) with Unbound Productions, and played Lara Lords -- homeless woman/ex-lawyer in "Too Close to Home" written by Cailin Harrison and directed by Bob Telford. Pamela's a member of the Hollywood film collective We Make Movies and has performed in their numerous staged readings and films.  She has also narrated many projects with this film group.  Her motto is "Keep Going for the Stars!" Ways to connect with Pamela**:** Personal Website:  www.pamelahill.net  Production Company: www.fourscorpio.com  "The Next Contestant is..." in Paperback, Kindle & Audiobook:  https://www.amazon.com/Next-Contestant-Pamela-Hill-ebook/dp/B0BSNWC2MY "CYBER FIGHTER" Official Trailer:   https://youtu.be/Ja-S5HgNK5E "NORTH" Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zBBvLq5j5U YouTube Channel (Four Scorpio Films): https://youtube.com/fourscorpio "That Darn Girlfriend" SEASON 1 Playlist:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbWwHj_fmAM\&list=PLbYhzGWWTWrp1PmiJLaND8niuC4wfpHfF "That Darn Girlfriend" SEASON 2 Playlist:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-6JGbibIZM\&list=PLbYhzGWWTWrqppHAen5x2mgGkEWpkxMBD "That Darn Girlfriend" SEASON 3 Playlist:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E0AE5-v49k\&list=PLbYhzGWWTWrocDxZ1M8SQk7UAml06chgP IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1107523/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-hill-1a97b87/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/starringpam9/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pamela.hill.90/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:04 What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't what's in front of you, but rather what you believe? Welcome to Unstoppable Mindset, where inclusion, diversity, and the unexpected meet. I'm your host, Michael Hingson, speaker, author, and advocate for inclusion and possibilities. This podcast explores how the beliefs we carry shape the way we live, lead, and connect with others. Each week, I talk with people who challenge assumptions, face adversity head-on, and show what's possible when we choose curiosity over fear. Together, we focus on mindset, resilience, and the small shifts that lead to meaningful change. Let's get started. Well, hi everyone, wherever you happen to be on this wonderful day. I am Michael Hingson, your host, or you can call me Mike Hingson if you want. Either way, I am your host on Unstoppable Mindset. We're really glad you're with us, and this is going to be a fun episode to record. A few weeks ago, we had on William Hill, and William talked about his acting and the other things that he does and did, and he happened to mention his wife Pamela, who we then inveigled to come on Unstoppable Mindset as well, and so she is with us today, and we're really glad that she is with us. So the next guest is there's a play on words. We'll have to talk about that, Pamela. The next guest is Pamela Hill. Do you go by Pamela, Pam, or do you care? Pamela Hill  01:48 Oh, all the above. I don't care as long as it's coming from a good place and from you. It's all good. Thanks, Mike. Michael Hingson  01:55 And as long as it's not late for dinner. Yeah, I know. Pamela Hill  01:58 Right. Michael Hingson  01:59 So, so Pam came from Cincinnati, and and has has been to various places. Anyway, we'll get to all that. So welcome anyway to Unstoppable Mindset. We're glad you're here. Pamela Hill  02:12 Thank you, Michael. I'm so glad to be here as well. Very excited about having to having you interview me today. Michael Hingson  02:20 Well, it's a conversation more than an interview, which makes it kind of fun. Well, tell us kind of about the early panel. I always li

What if the story you think is too ordinary to share could change someone else's life? Writer, writing coach, and entrepreneur Ellen Weeren believes everyone has a story worth telling. From growing up in a military family and living in Germany and India to rebuilding her life after the end of a 30-year marriage, Ellen has learned how storytelling can help us understand ourselves, connect with others, and find strength during difficult times. I enjoyed hearing how she turned her love of writing into a new career through fiction, writing retreats, and helping students tell their stories in college essays. We also explore how personal stories build empathy, why entrepreneurs need storytelling to connect with people, and how small moments can hold powerful lessons. Ellen reminds us that we don't need extraordinary lives to have meaningful stories. Sometimes, recognizing the value of our own experiences is what helps us move forward. Highlights: 2:24 How childhood experiences sparked a lifelong love of storytelling. 12:42 Why writing helps us process emotions and find meaning. 19:24 How finding common ground helps us connect with others. 28:16 Why staying open to possibilities can change our lives. 42:10 How to rebuild after betrayal and move forward. 55:46 Why personal stories create stronger connections in business. About the Guest: Ellen Weeren is a writer, writing coach, and community builder whose work explores who we are and who we might become. Her short story collection, Love and Other Failures, is forthcoming from Cornerstone Press. Her fiction has appeared in the Saturday Evening Post, the Kenyon Review, Fractured Lit, and others. Raised by a single working mother and moving frequently, Ellen learned early on that stories matter for survival and connection. After earning a degree in English from George Mason University, she became a stay-at-home mom and raised three amazing humans. During those years, Ellen never stopped creating: she ran a handmade stationery business, transformed a high school haunted house fundraiser, and served as the writer and editor for her neighborhood newsletter. Living in Delhi, India for two years unlocked her writing voice. TripBase twice recognized her blog about expat life as one of the top ten travel blogs in the world. After returning to the U.S., she earned her MFA in Fiction from George Mason University and graduated as Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year (Fiction). She's received fellowships and awards from the Kenyon Review, the Porches, WV Writers, and others. Now that her children have successfully launched, Ellen channels her creative energy into her writing and the community she's built. She helps students craft college application essays through Make My Essay Better, teaches entrepreneurs how to incorporate personal stories into their pitch decks, and hosts a thriving Facebook community of nearly 800 writers called A Reason to Write. She has opened her home as a writers’ retreat (also called A Reason to Write), hosts and coordinates workshops, serves on the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and is applying to PhD programs. Ellen believes everyone has a story that matters and loves helping people find theirs. She lives in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia with a reasonable number of cats and is working on a novel. Ways to connect with Ellen**:** Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ellen.weeren/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-weeren-b14a2029/ Twitter https://x.com/EllenWeeren Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ellenweeren1/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/ellenweeren.bsky.social Threads https://www.threads.com/@ellenweeren1 About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:04 What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't what's in front of you, but rather what you believe? Welcome to Unstoppable Mindset, where inclusion, diversity, and the unexpected meet. I'm your host, Michael Hingson, speaker, author, and advocate for inclusion and possibilities. This podcast explores how the beliefs we carry shape the way we live, lead, and connect with others. Each week, I talk with people who challenge assumptions, face adversity head-on, and show what's possible when we choose curiosity over fear. Together, we focus on mindset, resilience, and the small shifts that lead to meaningful change. Let's get started. Hi, everyone. Welcome once again to another episode of Unstoppable Mindset. We're glad that you're here, wherever you are. Hope you're having a good day. Hope all is going well. Today we're going to talk with Ellen Weeren. Ellen is a writer, and among other things, and she has done a variety of useful things in that regard. But I don't want to give it all away, and I won't. But she has been; she's written fiction, and she's a writing coach. And well, I'm not going to tell you all of it because she will. Otherwise, we're not having a fun podcast. So, Ellen, welcome to Unstoppable Mindset. We're glad you're here. Ellen Weeren  01:41 Thank you, Michael. I'm so glad to be here. Michael Hingson  01:43 Well, I'm really glad that we get a chance to to do this. So, why don't we start? Oh, as I love to do, tell us about kind of the early Ellen growing up. Ellen Weeren  01:53 Oh boy, I know what I know. That poor little girl. So the early Ellen, especially since you Michael Hingson  02:01 had an older brother, but hopefully he protected you. But anyway, Ellen Weeren  02:04 yeah. Oh, he is my biggest protector by far. Oh, yeah. Now he's a great big brother. I also have a younger step brother who didn't get the opportunity to protect me in the same way, but he's also a great guy. But yeah, I grew up in a military family. My dad was from Wyoming and joined ROTC in college and saw it as a way to travel the world. So my parents met in Japan and got married in Japan, and eventually made their way to South Carolina, where I was born. And then we moved to Alabama, and they started just realizing that maybe their marriage wasn't the best situation for our family for them, and so they got divorced when I was in first grade. So that was kind of tough. Yeah, kind of tough because my brother went to go live with my dad, and I lived with my mom, and because my dad was in the military, he moved around quite a bit. So my mom was a working mom. Michael Hingson  03:01 Was your mom Japanese? Ellen Weeren  03:03 No, no. Okay, American from New York. Yeah, her father, her stepfather, was in the Air Force, and that's how she. So that's how she moved Michael Hingson  03:10 around. There you go. Yeah, Ellen Weeren  03:11 yeah. So and an adventurous spirit. My mom was, and so that set me up to be, you know, the latchkey kid coming home from school by myself, and my mom was not a college graduate until after the divorce, and she ended up getting bachelor's degrees and two master's degrees and all but dissertation on her PhD. So she was in school a lot at night. So I was home alone a lot. So that's kind of where stories were powerful for me because they were my friends, and I wrote poetry and words just kept me occupied. So that's that's kind of the beginning of why stories matter to me so much. They were a great escape, and in some ways, a babysitter. Michael Hingson  04:00 So you did that, and but and you went to school. Ellen Weeren  04:04 Yeah. Michael Hingson  04:05 And did you did you where did you go to college? Ellen Weeren  04:08 I did. I went to George Mason, and I thought that I had to do something like my parents were doing. So I started off with a psychology degree or major, and quickly realized that was not for me, and then I tried accounting because my dad was a CPA, also not for me. So I settled into an English degree, and that's exactly where I was meant to be. But you know, not a lot of opportunities when you graduate with an English degree back then. So big credit. I'm not sure whether it's different Michael Hingson  04:38 now or not, but that's okay. Ellen Weeren  04:40 Um, actually, the Wall Street Journal just had an article in December about how big companies are hiring storytellers. There's over 50,000 jobs for storytellers with big c

What happens when navigating the healthcare system becomes a full-time job, and how can we make it easier? My guest, Emily Egley, knows this challenge from both sides. After a life-changing medical diagnosis ended her career plans, Emily spent years learning how to manage complex healthcare needs. That knowledge became vital when her husband, Jarrod was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at just 35 years old. Emily shares their journey through cancer treatment, caregiving, and the loss of her husband, along with the love and laughter they found along the way. Before his passing, Jared encouraged her to use what she had learned to help others. Today, through Healthcare Uncomplicated, Emily teaches patients and caregivers how to understand health insurance, challenge medical billing errors, and advocate for better care. Her story reminds us that even through great loss, we can find new purpose and help others face life's challenges with confidence. Highlights: 4:10 How Emily's early experiences shaped her life and career. 21:11 How a life-changing diagnosis forced Emily to rethink her future. 31:02 The unexpected love story that brought Emily and Jarrod together. 43:47 What Jarrod's cancer journey revealed about caregiving and healthcare. 1:02:10 How love, laughter, and honest conversations helped them face life's hardest moments. 1:03:57 How Emily turned personal loss into a mission to help others navigate healthcare. About the Guest: Healthcare is complicated. Emily Egley is here to uncomplicate it for you. She teaches new patients and first-time caregivers how to navigate the healthcare system, because everyone deserves the best care possible, and that starts with understanding how the system works. Emily met her husband, Jarrod, at Tulane University. Their life together would later shape the work she does today. In 2008, Emily was diagnosed with a life-altering medical condition and could no longer work. She became a full-time patient and learned to navigate the healthcare system out of necessity. That is where her expertise as a patient began, and she has been navigating her own conditions for 18 years. In 2017, Emily's husband, Jarrod, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at thirty-five. For seven years, alongside her own care, Emily managed every part of his care: appointments, coordination, insurance denials and approvals, and billing, so Jarrod could focus on fighting the cancer and living life to the fullest. Jarrod passed away on December 21, 2023, at forty-two. At the end of his life, he told Emily she needed to do for others what she had done for him. From that, Healthcare Uncomplicated was born. Emily became a Board-Certified Patient Advocate in March 2025. Emily's drive for health equity, not just health equality, has shaped her volunteer work with the NAACP, where she has served on the committee to end the school-to-prison pipeline and the events committee, and currently serves on the health committee. Emily's program, Decoding Healthcare, is self-paced. It teaches patients and caregivers to understand their insurance, check their medical bills before they pay them, and speak confidently with their medical team and insurance company. It is built to take people from unsure to informed. When she is not working, Emily enjoys going to the beach and spending time with friends and family, including her ten nieces and nephews. Ways to connect with Emily**:** www.healthcareuncomplicated.com  Facebook- Healthcare Uncomplicated Instagram: @healthcareuncomplicated, LinkedIn: Emily Egley About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:04 What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't what's in front of you, but rather what you believe? Welcome to Unstoppable Mindset, where inclusion, diversity, and the unexpected meet. I'm your host, Michael Hingson, speaker, author, and advocate for inclusion and possibilities. This podcast explores how the beliefs we carry shape the way we live, lead, and connect with others. Each week, I talk with people who challenge assumptions, face adversity head-on, and show what's possible when we choose curiosity over fear. Together, we focus on mindset, resilience, and the small shifts that lead to meaningful change. Let's get started. Hi, everyone. I am Michael Hingson, your host here on Unstoppable Mindset, and today we get to chat with Emily Egley, right? Emily Egley  01:09 Yes. Michael Hingson  01:10 And I want to make sure I pronounce it right. I should have asked you earlier, but anyway, Emily has a great story. Well, and a lot of interesting parts to it, but a great story to tell, and we're glad to get her. I met Emily through Peggy Sproul, and Peggy and her now late husband Bill were the puppy raisers who raised my seventh guide dog, Africa, down in the San Diego area. And so we have that connection in common, and we'll we'll probably have lots more as we go forward. But I really am glad, Emily, that you're here with us. Did did you ever meet Africa? Emily Egley  01:51 I didn't actually. I didn't meet any. Actually, I didn't meet any of the Sproles dogs. I yeah, because we met through church, Christ Presbyterian Church, and so when they had their dogs, they were already retired dogs, so they weren't bringing them to church. So I didn't actually get a chance to meet any of them. Michael Hingson  02:15 Yeah, because Africa and I met in later in 2008. So she was born in 2007, and she was born to Fantasia, who was a breeder for Guide Dogs for the Blind, who my now late wife Karen and I adopted. So we took care of her, except for when she was at Guide Dogs doing her puppy things, and the second litter that Fantasia had was a litter that was assigned the A, as all the dogs in that litter would have names that began with the letter A, and we got to suggest some names. And one of the ones we suggested was Africa, and that was the name that they used because I guess it wasn't in their book already. Or if it was, we got to you. They used it anyway, and so there's a lot of connections back to to Bill and Peggy, and now to you, which is great. Emily Egley  03:09 Yes, I I'm so grateful. She's been both Peggy and Bill were you know are amazing people, and actually we were the first ones to meet Peggy and Bill, my husband Jared, and I, my late husband Jared and I, were the welcome greeters, and so we met Bill and Peggy, and we were actually one of the reasons that they decided to stay at Christ Presbyterian Church. So that's a fun, that's a fun little part of our story, and then Peggy and I, our our relationship definitely grew and deepened in our grief group for sure. Michael Hingson  03:50 So, are you a quilter? Emily Egley  03:53 I am not. I'm not a quilter. Of course, Michael Hingson  03:56 Peggy is, and that was a relationship that Karen and Peggy sort of developed because they were both quilters, so that was kind of fun. Emily Egley  04:04 Oh, I didn't realize Karen was a quilter. That's amazing. Oh Michael Hingson  04:07 yeah, Karen was a significant quilter. In fact, in 2015, we rescued a cat because the people who owned her, the wife had died in December of 2014, and the husband moved to an assisted living facility and didn't want anything to do with the cat. And we were living in an apartment next to them at the time and didn't think we were going to really be able to take care of a cat. But we agreed that we would take the cat, and we would find a home for it. Then I asked what the name of the cat was, and they said the cat's name was Stitch, and I knew that Stitch was not going anywhere, given the fact, yeah, with the whole quilting, right? So, so it's kind of fun. Well, why don't you tell us a little bit about kind of the early Emily growing up? Give us a little introduction into the the history of Emily. Emily Egley  04:58 Sure, absolutely. So. I grew up in Oregon in the Willamette Valley, so right in the middle of the state, on a horse farm. Actually, we raised thoroughbred racehorses. So I, there is nothing I, I don't know. Like it's just, it's in my blood. Just hearing the thundering of hooves is just something that's just. It brings me such joy. But my feeli

What does it take to make theater truly accessible to everyone? Alex Lonati believes the arts should be a right, not a privilege. As a theater director, educator, and accessibility advocate in Boston, Alex is helping create more inclusive spaces where everyone can experience the power of live performance. She joins Michael Hingson to share her journey from aspiring actor to director and her work with Speakeasy Stage Company, where she has helped introduce audio description, open captioning, and relaxed performances. They discuss the importance of creative collaboration, listening to different perspectives, and supporting local artists. Alex also shares how the Theater Community Benevolent Fund helps artists facing unexpected hardships and why community support matters. From the challenges facing modern theater to the role of artificial intelligence in storytelling, this conversation shows how creativity, compassion, and inclusion can bring people together and make the arts more welcoming for all. Highlights: 1:00 - How Alex discovered her passion for theater and shifted from acting to directing. 8:37 - How Speakeasy Stage Company brings bold, thought-provoking theater to Boston. 20:56 - Why working across different creative roles strengthens artistic growth. 27:30 - How collaboration and listening to different ideas lead to better creative work. 34:11 - How Alex helped make theater more accessible through inclusive performances. 54:03 - Why supporting local theater and artists is essential to keeping the arts alive. About the Guest: Alex Lonati is a Boston based director, producer, educator, accessibility advocate, and arts administrator. She has directed throughout the city, including at SpeakEasy Stage Company (upcoming - The Antiquities; Cost of Living; My Body, No Choice; The Boston Project: Project Resilience), Umbrella Arts Center (The Counter), Brown Box Theatre Project (The Hotel Nepenthe; Don’t Feed the Bear), and more. Professionally, she has been a member of SpeakEasy Stage's administrative staff in a variety of positions since 2014, currently serving as the Director of Artistic & Community Programs, where she focuses primarily on artist relations, season selection, casting, accessibility, community outreach and partnerships, access to the arts, and equity and inclusion.  Alex believes first and foremost that the arts are about people, and strives to make theatre accessible and possible for all. She led the SpeakEasy team in the development of an accessibility program, which includes open captioning, audio description, touch tables, and Sensory Friendly/Relaxed performances and resources. She continues to work and learn more about this field, with the hope of steadily increasing the frequency and availability of these resources.  Additionally, Alex serves as the President of the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund (TCBF), an organization that provides emergency relief to artists in times of crisis. In her time as president, TCBF has awarded over $450,000 in no-string relief to artists in need. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Emerson College, teaching Arts Management and Directing, and directs at local universities throughout Boston. Alex holds a MS in Arts Administration from Boston University and a BA in Theatre Studies: Directing from Emerson College, where she hosted Standing Room Only on 88.9 WERS. She is passionate about travel, reading, adventurous eating, and her Australian Shepherd, Billie. Ways to connect with Alex**:** www.alexlonati.com [email protected] Instagram- alexlanotti About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:04 What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't what's in front of you, but rather what you believe? Welcome to Unstoppable Mindset, where inclusion, diversity, and the unexpected meet. I'm your host, Michael Hingson, speaker, author, and advocate for inclusion and possibilities. This podcast explores how the beliefs we carry shape the way we live, lead, and connect with others. Each week, I talk with people who challenge assumptions, face adversity head-on, and show what's possible when we choose curiosity over fear. Together, we focus on mindset, resilience, and the small shifts that lead to meaningful change. Let's get started. Hi, everyone, and welcome to another episode of Unstoppable Mindset. Today we get to talk to a person who is a director and a bunch of other things in the theater and in other arenas around Boston. And I'm sure she's got lots to talk about. She's also an accessibility advocate, and I'm really interested to learn more about that. Our guest is Alex Lonati, and we will be chatting with her for the next hour or so. And I'm looking forward to it. So, Alex, welcome to Unstoppable Mindset. We're glad you're here. Alex Lonati  01:31 Thanks so much for having me, Michael. I'm thrilled to be here. Michael Hingson  01:34 Well, that's always a good thing. It's good when we get to to make everything work, you know. Alex Lonati  01:40 Absolutely. Michael Hingson  01:42 So tell us about the early Alex growing up and and all that. Let's start at the beginning. Sure. Alex Lonati  01:49 Starting right from the top. Well, I grew up in Franklin, Massachusetts, home of the first public library. Yeah, that's what we're known for. And you know, was a precocious kid right from the very start. So, of course, that's how I got into the theater. And as as most of us theater kids are, I started as a performer. But by the time I made it to college, realized that I wanted to be behind the scenes, so I went to Emerson College for my undergrad, and did a bit of of performing there as well. But really, fairly quickly realized that I saw things from the outside, and I wanted to be in charge. I could. I had more of a vision on a larger scale, and and wanted to be the person organizing and and getting all the voices in the room, and so I I switched my focus to directing, and sort of haven't looked back since. So I mean that I I I really just catapulted past those early days and got me right to to where I am now. Michael Hingson  03:09 Well, there you go. I also I Alex Lonati  03:10 also have a lovely, wonderful family that I grew up with. That's that's also part of my story. Michael Hingson  03:16 Do you act at all? Alex Lonati  03:18 Not anymore. I I did one professional acting gig many moons ago in a former life. I I like to say that I I love attention and I love to get up on stage and make a speech. But acting is very very difficult and takes a level of of vulnerability and and stamina that I think is remarkable, and I've let the actors keep do that. I'll tell them to achieve it from my side of the table. Michael Hingson  03:54 You know, it's interesting, and I've talked to several people about this, but I'll bring it up again. And that is that I know that one of the top fears that people have, according to various polling organizations, is speaking publicly. Alex Lonati  04:08 Yes, Michael Hingson  04:09 and I personally I don't really understand that. I I guess I intellectually sort of do, but I do appreciate that in reality, speaking public. is is really not that horrible because the fact is that mostly audiences want you to succeed if you're a public speaker or whatever, and I think acting kind of goes a little bit along with that. But audiences want you to succeed unless you're just a real turkey, which is not generally the case. Alex Lonati  04:41 Yes, I I am I am very fortunate in that that is not one of my fears either. I I like to say that I turn into a walking dad joke when I get up on a stage in front of a crowd of people. I love it. I love to make a speech. Love to greet a crowd, but I do think acting is something different because it's not your own words. I I love to to be myself in front of people. I love to be Alex in front of people, but I think acting it's it's it's harder because you're being someone else and you have to figure out how to access some real deep, difficult emotions, and and do so with consistency for the sake of your scene partner, again and again. So my job as director is to not only to to guide the actors into that,