PASSION PURPOSE AND POSSIBILITIES

In this episode, I sit down with Carl Walsh, speaker, consultant, business coach, and co-founder of Alpha Dog Small Business Coaching.

Blending a background as an award-winning actor and director with 25 years in corporate management and IT, Carl talks about how theatrical expertise, critical thinking, and storytelling can drive business growth and leadership innovation.

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In this episode, I sit down with Shelley Grimm, author, speaker, resilience advocate, and founder of the Perpetual Caregiver Collective.

Drawing from a lifelong journey of caring for her mother since childhood and raising a neurodivergent adult son, Shelley helps families navigate complex caregiving dynamics, difficult conversations, and legacy planning.

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In this episode, I sit down with Margot Machol Bisnow, author of Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams, former government official, and public speaker.

Drawing from interviews with diverse, successful young entrepreneurs and her own journey raising two sons, Margot explores how parents can nurture creativity, confidence, resilience, and purpose in their children.

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In this episode, I sit down with Cristine Hull, an integrative mental health expert with a master's in psychology and a doctorate in natural medicine.

As an author and practitioner who has supported thousands through chronic conditions, Cristine explores how to shift away from traditional Western pathologizing toward a holistic wellness model representing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual facets of transformation.

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In this episode, I sit down with Julianna Burmesch, a former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, parent educator, and child advocate.

Drawing from her memoir, Life with Less of Me, Julianna explores the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences and unresolved trauma on long-term physical and mental health.

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In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Galli, an author and columnist who writes about love, loss, and healing.

With a series of major life events, including her brother's tragic death, her son's terminal illness, her daughter's autism, divorce, and a rare case of transverse myelitis resulting in paralysis, Becky explores how to build resilience and live fully within our limits.

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In this episode, I sit down with Magdalena Grace, a woman soul liberation guide, change-maker, and podcaster dedicated to helping people transform pain into purpose.

With a deeply personal journey through childhood trauma, severe financial loss, and a dark night of the soul, Magdalena breaks down how she reclaimed her sovereignty and now guides others through deep healing and personal reinvention.

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In this episode, I sit down with Becca Pearce, former state official, former CEO, author, speaker, and president of Extend Coaching and Consulting.

With over 12 years of experience navigating profound personal and professional shifts, Becca helps high achievers find the courage to step away from expectations and redesign a life grounded in alignment, optimism, and true purpose.

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In this episode, I sit down with Jackie Roby, executive leadership advisor, founder of Inspired Journey Consulting, author, global speaker, and Chair of the Global Wellness Institute's Inclusive Wellness Initiative.

With 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Jackie helps organizations spot the hidden costs of high performers who choose palatability over speaking up, exploring how individuals can succeed without losing themselves.

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For this special 300th episode of Passion, Purpose & Possibilities, the microphone turns inward for a heartfelt reflection on the journey so far. After 300 conversations with inspiring guests from around the world, this episode explores the lessons, connections, and moments of humanity that have shaped the podcast. It’s a celebration of gratitude, possibility, and the remarkable people who continue to remind us what matters most.

Random Opportunities of Kindness
https://www.rokindness.org
https://www.instagram.com/rokindness/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rokindness/

Paisley's Fashion Forest
http...

In this episode, I sit down with Marilyn Raichle, author of Don't Walk Away, founder of The Art of Alzheimer's, executive director of Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, and advocate for people living with dementia.

With a background in performing arts and a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard, Marilyn reframed her approach to dementia care after becoming a care partner for her mother. She explores how shifting from a "caregiver" mindset to a "care partner" connection fosters dignity, joy, and purpose.

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Meghan Waldron, professional writer, university advisor, founder of Smart Solutions Tutoring, and co-host of the Women in Change USA podcast.

With nearly two decades of experience in K-12 education and higher ed, Meg breaks down how personal writing and reflection help students and leaders uncover their true purpose while building resilience through life's biggest transitions.

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In this episode, I sit down with Bob Campana, serial entrepreneur, author, helicopter pilot, and founder of the Redwood Cafe.

With over 40 years of experience across hospitality, travel, real estate, and aviation, Bob breaks down what it takes to rebuild after failure and shares hard-earned lessons from his book, Don't Look Down: The Improbable Adventures and Battle-tested Lessons of a Serial Entrepreneur.
 

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In this episode, I sit down with Dane Johnson, a board-certified nutritionist, founder of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle, and one of the most successful Crohn's and colitis coaches in the world.

After overcoming a life-threatening battle with inflammatory bowel disease using natural practices, Dane transformed his personal triumph into a mission to help thousands across the globe find their unique answers to IBD while building a supportive community of healers and doctors.

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In this episode, I sit down with Kimberly Sutton, a Texas storyteller, journalist, photographer, pastor’s wife, mentor, and author of Just Call Me Pearl: From Pressure to Purpose: How Faith, Grace, and Resilience Created Something Precious.

With a rich background in journalism, public relations, and government service, Kimberly shares how turning life’s hardest seasons into grace transformed her own path to purpose, and how she now guides others to discover hope in the midst of adversity.

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In this episode, I sit down with Rob Schwartz, a writer, music and film producer, tech company partner, former Asia Bureau Chief for Billboard Magazine, and the editor of The Wisdom of Morrie, a book written by his father, Morrie Schwartz.

With a rich career bridging media across the US and Asia, Rob shares the profound personal and intellectual influence of his father (the subject of the famed bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie) and how Morrie's legacy continues to offer guidance on human connection, aging, and living a fulfilling life.

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In this episode, I sit down with Farla Efros, a retail turnaround specialist, former president of HRC Retail Advisory, interim CEO of True Religion, go-to expert on BNN Bloomberg, and author of Fuck Cancer: Commanding a Comeback When Your Body Has Turned on You.

With a career built on walking into corporate chaos and driving transformations, Farla faced her biggest turnaround yet in 2023 with an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis. Together, we explore how she applied her executive strategy, data-driven mindset, and dark humor to become the CEO of her own health, navigating loss, treatment, and personal resilience.<...

In this episode, I sit down with Andi Simon, a corporate anthropologist, founder of Simon Associates Management Consultants, award-winning author, global keynote speaker, and host of the On the Brink with Andi Simon podcast.

With over 20 years of business executive experience and a PhD in anthropology, Andi breaks down what happens when work ends but life continues, exploring why retirement has become one of the most misunderstood and emotionally complex transitions.

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In this episode, I sit down with Alexander Chaparro, an ACC executive coach, leadership and business transformation strategist, author of The Dreamer's Guide, and founder of Power Up Coaching Solutions.

With decades of experience in leadership, sales, recruiting, and team development, Alex breaks down how blending neuroscience, mindset transformation, and practical business strategy can help high achievers move beyond limiting beliefs. Together, we explore his personal journey of overcoming childhood dyslexia, ADHD, and a 200-pound weight loss, highlighting how self-acceptance, active hope, and continuous movement unlock lasting achievement and clear purpose.

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In this episode, I sit down with Peter Samuelson, an award-winning film producer, bestselling author, philanthropist, and founder of multiple non-profits dedicated to creating lasting social impact.

With 27 films under his belt and decades spent founding impactful charities (including the Starlight Children's Foundation with Steven Spielberg and First Star for foster youth), Peter breaks down how he applies the ultimate entrepreneurial startup toolkit to solve unmet societal needs. Together, we explore his latest mission, Random Opportunities for Kindness, launched to elevate kindness into a viral, gamified movement capable of building bridges and countering societal hatred.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, an international bestselling author, TEDx speaker, EQ and empathy coach, and leading voice on emotional intelligence. After a 30-year career as a professional musician working with legendary talent like Ray Charles, David Ogden Stiers, and Mannheim Steamroller, toxic leadership eventually robbed her of her career. However, that incident inspired Dr. Melissa to transform leadership as we know it by redefining the one element that most leaders miss: empathy. 

Together, we explore how she transitioned from music to interdisciplinary leadership, why empathy is a strategic skill for better p...

In this episode of Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities, I sit down with Nicole Zapoli, a professional fitness and wellness coach, owner of NZ Fitness, author of Live Fit From the Inside Out: The Six Shifts to Living Your Strongest, Healthiest, and Happiest Life, and mom of two. 

With over 25 years of experience, a pro card in natural bodybuilding, and a background ranking among the top 5% of CrossFit Games Open athletes, Nicole breaks down what it truly takes to build holistic health from the ground up. Together, we explore how early childhood athletics built her lifelong discipline, why p...

In this episode, I sit down with Jen Fontanilla, a creative business strategist, certified money coach, eight-time author, and TEDx speaker with over 25 years of experience designing for global brands like Disney, Sony, and Warner Bros. Combining her deep background in commercial design with 20 years in the financial services industry, Jen breaks down why what looks like a money problem is actually a positioning problem. 

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In this episode, I sit down with Dawn Marie Westmoreland, an internationally recognized resiliency expert, syndicated radio talk host, and military veteran. After surviving a high-stakes whistleblower battle against a massive federal agency and overcoming severe physical and mental burnout, Dawn transitioned her decades of HR expertise into a mission of empowerment. Together, we unpack the psychological toll of fighting workplace injustice, the critical differences between bullying and discrimination, and how to build a lasting foundation of self-care and personal resilience. 

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Oscar Coetzee and Danielle Arnold, clinical experts from Designs for Health. Driven by personal hardships, including a maternal loss and an MS diagnosis in the family, both of my guests shifted their career trajectories to pioneer solutions in clinical nutrition and functional medicine. Together, they break down the evolution of gut science, the reality behind standard over-the-counter probiotics, and a groundbreaking ecosystem transplant methodology designed to combat chronic inflammation and aging. 

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In this episode, I sit down with Shā Sparks, a certified Fearless Living coach and host of The Sha Sparks Show. Shā shares her transformation from childhood addiction and a 28-year salon career to founding the Makers Machine Inner Circle. Today, she helps leaders and veterans conquer fear, align their values, and build communities that drive purpose and profit. 

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In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Woodruff, founder and CEO of Organized 365, author, educator, and host of the highly successful Organized 365 podcast. What began as a passion for helping families and creating order at home evolved into a mission to teach organization as a learnable life skill. Lisa shares her journey from teacher and stay-at-home mom to building a business that has helped thousands of people reduce overwhelm and create systems that support the lives they truly want to live. 

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In this episode, I sit down with Scott Mason, also known as The Myth Slayer. Scott is a speaker, author, leadership coach, and former attorney whose own transformational journey led him from a successful career on paper to discovering a deeper calling rooted in purpose, self-awareness, and personal growth. After a mysterious illness forced him to reevaluate everything, Scott began developing the framework that now helps others identify and overcome the hidden beliefs keeping them stuck. 

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Dr. Summer Watson joins me for a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and the transformative impact of community. A doctor of psychology, leadership consultant, podcaster, author, and founder of KORE Women, Dr. Watson shares the experiences that shaped her journey, from surviving a life-threatening illness as an infant to overcoming childhood adversity and building a life centered on purpose and service. 

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In this episode, I sit down with Dominique "Dom" Brightmon, distinguished Toastmaster, certified Maxwell Leadership trainer, bestselling author, and host of the Going North Podcast. Dom shares his inspiring journey from discovering his voice as a teenager in church to becoming a respected speaker, author, and podcast host with more than 1,000 episodes under his belt. Along the way, he reveals how mentorship, personal growth, and a commitment to serving others helped shape his path. 

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In this episode, I sit down with Chason Forehand, founder of HR Consultations and HR4U Inc., whose life story is a remarkable testament to resilience, faith, and the power of paying it forward. After enduring childhood abuse, addiction, homelessness, and countless personal struggles, Chason found healing through the kindness of someone who believed in him when he could not believe in himself. Today, he has dedicated his life to creating opportunities for others through his groundbreaking work with Transformation Kitchen. 

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In this episode, Candice sits down with Jennifer McLeland, certified integrative wellness and life coach, to explore her remarkable journey from personal hardship to helping women reconnect with themselves. Jennifer shares how a devastating financial crisis, the loss of her family home, and a season of deep hopelessness ultimately led her toward healing, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

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In this episode, Candice sits down with author and end-of-life advocate Erica Baccus to share the extraordinary love story she and her husband, John, built over 41 years together. After John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the couple faced one of life's most difficult realities and ultimately made a decision rooted in love, dignity, and honoring his wishes. Erica recounts their journey, the challenges they faced, and the promise she made to support him through the path he chose. 

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In this episode, Candice sits down with Cindee Williams, a leadership coach, Maxwell Leadership certified speaker, DiSC behavioral consultant, and founder of Lead My Life. After spending years supporting her family business and raising her children, Cindee found herself facing a major identity shift when she became an empty nester. What followed was a journey of self-discovery that led her to help other women rediscover who they are beyond the roles they have carried for so long. 

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In this episode, Candice sits down with Wes Michael, founder of Rare Patient Voice, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of patients and caregivers through healthcare research. Wes shares how his background in market research led him to create a platform that connects people living with rare and non-rare conditions to surveys, interviews, and clinical research opportunities that help shape the future of healthcare. 

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In this episode, Candice sits down with Kolaiah "Fuzzy" Jardine, a former federal inmate turned multimillion-dollar real estate investor and co-founder of the Hui Mastermind. Fuzzy shares his deeply personal journey from addiction, prison, and hopelessness to building generational wealth for his family and helping others create financial freedom through real estate investing in Hawaii.

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In this episode, Candice sits down with keynote speaker, mental fitness coach, and entrepreneur Todd Bertsch to explore his incredible journey from addiction and feeling lost to building a life rooted in creativity, growth, and purpose. Todd shares the deeply personal story behind the moment that changed everything for him and how reconnecting with his childhood passion sparked a completely new direction for his life and career. 

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In this episode, Candice sits down with award-winning storyteller, marketing strategist, and bestselling author Hailey Evans for a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, entrepreneurship, and rewriting the stories that try to break us. From becoming a mom at 17 to navigating betrayal, divorce, poverty, health struggles, and single motherhood, Hailey shares how she transformed heartbreak into purpose and built a mission-driven business that is now helping organizations around the world communicate with clarity and impact. 

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In this inspiring episode, Candice Snyder welcomes transformational coach, speaker, and founder of the Walkabout Method, Claudia Wyatt. Known as the “enthusiasm igniter and self-doubt eraser,” Claudia shares the deeply personal story of how grief, toxic relationships, emotional suppression, and burnout led her to a breaking point and ultimately to a breakthrough that changed her life. 

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In this powerful episode of Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities, Candice sits down with leadership consultant, executive coach, and host of the Dad Nation podcast, Mitchell Osmond. Mitchell shares the deeply personal story behind his transformation from a man battling addiction, emotional disconnection, debt, and a failing marriage into someone committed to becoming a better husband, father, and leader. Through vulnerability and hard-earned wisdom, he opens up about the wake-up calls that forced him to confront the patterns he inherited and finally break the cycle. 

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