Not in a Huff with Jackson Huff
An engaging podcast where people from all backgrounds share their life story. One week might be an Olympic Gold Medalist, another a legendary entertainer, and the next a person involved in a ripped from the headlines event. Join Jackson each week where he helps his guest share, teach, and unpack it all.
#241- Rob Gutro: Exploring Stories Human and K9 in the Afterlife Using Science

Join me this week as I chat with Rob Gutro, a meteorologist turned paranormal investigator and medium. Rob blends science with spirit communication, sharing stories about ghosts, pet spirits, haunted places, and the energy that connects us all. Whether you’re curious or skeptical, Rob’s insights offer a unique look at the afterlife and how messages from beyond can bring comfort.
In this episode, we dive into: • The difference between ghosts and spirits, and how they communicate • How the loss of a beloved pet opened Rob’s connection to animals in the afterlife • What science and energy have...
#240- Madeleine Harris: From Art on Screen to Skin | “Paddington” Actress Shares Unique Journey

This week, I had the pleasure of talking with Madeleine Harris who starred as Judy Brown in Paddington, Paddington 2, and now Paddington in Peru! But what you might not know is that in the seven years between films, she transitioned her artistry from acting to tattooing.
In this episode, we dive into:
What it was like landing the role of Judy Brown as a kidGrowing up with Paddington and returning for the 2025 sequelHow she became a tattoo apprentice and opened her own studioWhat tattooing has taught her about creativity, identity, and expressionHow it feels to step...#239- Holly Robertson: Australia’s Wildest Classroom | Into the Bush with A Survivalist

This week I had a great time with Holly Robertson. She is a 24-year-old bushcraft expert, nomadic adventurer, and the youngest person to run a survival school in Australia. Based out of Byron Bay, Holly teaches life-saving skills to backpackers and nature-lovers through her immersive bush survival camps.
In this episode, we talk about:
• What exactly a “survival school” is and how hers stands out in Australia • The basics of bush survival: fire-making, shelter-building, and more • Life in a vintage 1970s caravan and what it's like living off-grid • How Holly found her path in wilderness survival and...
#238- Mica McCook: A Bite of Food Photography: Served Fresh by Mica McCook

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mica McCook, a talented food photographer with an eye for storytelling through the lens. She shared some fantastic insights from her culinary photography journey that you won’t want to miss! Here’s a sneak peek at what we covered:
Mica’s passion for food photography and what sparked her passion for food photography.The difference between food influencers and professional food photographers, and why the distinction matters.Her take on how AI, like ChatGPT, is shaping the future of food photography and its impact on the industry.Mica’s...#237- Danielle Reiff: What Does USAID Even Do? | Stories from a Retired Diplomat About Peace

_____________________________________
Peace Builders United Website: https://peacebuildersunite.com/
_____________________________________
Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast
Please 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! :)
#236- Bill Debarba: The Process of Living | Trusting Yourself and Aligning

This week, I had a truly inspiring conversation with Bill DeBarba. He’s an entrepreneur, author, and problem-solving expert who has spent decades helping people align their thoughts, feelings, and actions to create a more intentional and successful life.
Here’s what we talked about:
Bill’s journey as an entrepreneur and how he built a thriving businessThe inspiration behind The Process of Living and its core messageHow aligning thoughts, feelings, and actions can lead to successThe importance of recognizing and solving problems from different perspectivesHow Bill made his lifelong dream of living in Arizona a realit...#235- Brock Meier: Stories of a Curious Mind | Where History, Science, and Creativity Collide

This week, I got to sit down again with the one and only Brock Meier—author, former scientist, and all-around fascinating guy. His friends and family call him “the most interesting man in the world,” and honestly, they might be right! Our first conversation covered everything from ancient civilizations to whirlwind romance, so I knew I had to bring him back for more.
Here’s what we got into this time:
His early days in the lab, working with lasers and infrared tech before most people even knew what they were.How that technology has completely changed...#234- Lisa Foiles: From "All That" Nickelodeon Child Star to a Rocker Who is All That

This week, I had an amazing time with the incredible Lisa Foiles! She is a former All That cast member, a rocker, a podcaster, and so much more. We talk about her journey from child star to creative powerhouse. Here is a list of what we talked about in this episode:
Her time on All That and some of her favorite sketchesThe behind-the-scenes moments of being part of a beloved Nickelodeon showHer guest appearance on Malcolm in the Middle and the iconic episode “If Boys Were Girls”The inspiration behind her podcast Temperamental, co-hosted by her two cats (both...#233- Joel & Karmela Waldman: Surviving the Survivor | Humor and Strength Through the Darkness

This week’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Joel and Karmela Waldman, the incredible mother-and-son duo behind the podcast “Surviving the Survivor”. They’re not just co-hosts but a true-life pair with a remarkable story of survival, resilience, and family.
Here’s what was discussed:
- Karmela’s Holocaust Survival Story as a child survivor, narrowly escaping Nazi capture and losing much of her family in concentration camps.
- Joel and Karmela discuss how their book came to be, focusing on Karmela’s survival story and the life lessons they learned throug...
#232- Peter Moore: From Men's Health to the White House | Peter Moore on Writing and Travel

This week, I had the chance to talk with Peter Moore. He’s an amazing journalist, former editor of Men’s Health, and someone who has had some incredible experiences. We talked about his journey in writing and travel, and it was a really fun conversation.
Here’s what we talked about:
Peter’s time as editor of Men’s Health and helping the magazine win awards.His experience interviewing former President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House.His travels around the world, including a trip to India with Matt Damon.Peter’s love for b...#231- Rachel Marie Vining: Rae's WAY Overdoing It | Behind the Scenes with a Viral Content Creator

This week, I had a fun chat with Rachel Marie Vining, also known for her trademark “Rae’s WAY Overdoing It”! She’s a content creator who’s gained a following for her funny, relatable sketches, including Jojo Siwa impersonations and comedic takes on the homeschool experience.
In this episode, we talk about:
Rachel's upbringing as a homeschooler and how it inspired her content.The dedication it takes to create short-form comedy, from writing scripts to filming.How she transitioned from something she loved but was discouraged from doing as a kid into a successful career as a full...#230- Gary Arndt: Everything, Everywhere | Revisiting Gary Arndt’s Journey's and Daily Podcast

This week, we’re once again being transported to different corners of the world by the incredible Gary Arndt. Gary is a passionate traveler, photographer, and host of the popular podcast “Everything, Everywhere Daily”.
In this episode, we dive into:
A quick update on Gary’s latest travels and the adventures he’s experienced since our last chat in 2020.The growth of his daily podcast, where he shares fascinating tidbits of history, culture, and more in just 10-minute episodes.How his podcast has evolved over the years and the wide range of topics he’s covered, from revolut...#229- Kevin Lepine: "Hypnosis Unleashed" | Tales from Las Vegas' Longest Running Hypnosis Show

This week on Not in a Huff podcast, we’re joined by one of the funniest people around, Mr. Kevin Lepine! Kevin is the award-winning hypnotist behind “Hypnosis Unleashed”, the longest-running hypnosis show in Las Vegas. He’s got a sharp wit, an incredible talent for hypnosis, and a show that keeps audiences laughing every night.
Here’s what we talked about in this episode:
Kevin’s journey to becoming a hypnotist and how almost anyone can learn itWhat it’s like performing nightly in Las Vegas and keeping a long-running show freshHow Kevin ensures volunteers are the true s...#228- Stuart Warren Dansby- Talking the Fight | Overcoming Obstacles and Becoming a Champion

This week, I had a powerful conversation with Stuart Warren Dansby. He is a 56-year-old kickboxer who defied expectations and proved that age is no barrier to pursuing your dreams. Stuart’s journey is the subject of a documentary that chronicles his preparation for an actual fight, not just training and sparring, but stepping into the ring to compete with some of the best.
Here’s what we have talked about:
His decision to start kickboxing at a later age and why he chose to take on the challenge of an actual fight.The mental and phys...#227- Dan McMillan: Reexamining the Holocaust and Rebuilding Democracy

This week, I had the pleasyre of speaking with, Dr. Dan McMillan. He is the founder of Save Democracy in America, a non-partisan campaign focused on removing the influence of big money from politics using Voter Dollars reform. Dan is also a historian, a former history professor and prosecuting attorney, and the author of the acclaimed book “How Could This Happen: Explaining the Holocaust”. His insights into history and democracy are truly remarkable.
Here’s what we talked about:
- The causes of the Holocaust and why such an atrocity occurred.
- Why Dan be...
#226- Heather Gudenkauf: The Making of a Bestseller | Mastermind Behind Award-Winning Thrillers

This week, I had an enjoyable time with Heather Gudenkauf. She is a bestselling author of at least ten mystery novels, known for her skill in weaving complex narratives with multiple timelines and perspectives. Her newest book continues this tradition, showcasing her unique storytelling style.
Here's what we talked about in this podcast:
Our shared love for women’s basketball and its connection to her Iowa roots.Heather’s journey as an author and her inspiration for writing mysteries.How she approaches crafting stories with multiple timelines and perspectives.The unique storytelling elements in her book Befo...#225- Daniel Henning: Raising His Voice | Award-Winning Audiobook Narrator to LBGTQ+ Advocate

This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with the amazing Daniel Henning—a NY Times Bestselling Audiobook Narrator, theatre director, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Maybe most known for narrating TJ Klune's award winning "The House in the Cerulean Sea". Daniel is a man of many talents, and we had such a great conversation about his incredible journey.
Here’s what we talked about:
Daniel shared his audiobook career and how brings different stories to life with his amazing character voices.What it’s like to record audiobooks from a booth he built at home.The awards and re...#224- Blaze Porter: Internet Star and Trendsetter | Fashion, Make-up, and EDM Raves

This week, I had a wonderful conversation with Blaze Porter, better known online as Baby Blaze. Blaze is a true trendsetter, blending the worlds of rave culture and van life in a way that has captivated thousands. From her stunning rave costumes and makeup to embracing the freedom of van life, Blaze has created a unique online presence that continues to inspire her fans.
Here’s what we talked about:
Blaze’s rise to fame through rave costumes, makeup artistry, and her growing online presence.Her passion for EDM raves and what excites her about the rave...#223- George Appling: A Journey into Work and Play | Renaissance Faire Owner Shares

This week, we have an amazing guest, George Appling. George is the owner of the Sherwood Forest Renaissance Faire in Texas, a vibrant and immersive festival that transports attendees back to the Renaissance era.
In this episode, we dive into:
The fascinating world of Renaissance Festivals and their growing popularity across the country.George’s journey in creating the Sherwood Forest Renaissance Faire and what it takes to run such an elaborate event.The logistics behind organizing a Renaissance Festival, from the costumes to the characters to the intricate details that bring the past to life.Hi...#222- Zara Mizrahi: Loop Group to Big Soup with a Stand-Up Comic and "Family Guy" Contributor

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Zara Mizrahi, a dynamic stand-up comedian, writer, and voice actor who’s making waves in the entertainment industry. With rapid-fire questions, plenty of laughs, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of comedy and voice acting, this conversation is as entertaining as it is enlightening.
Here are several things we had discussed:
Zara’s unique upbringing in a Mexican Jewish household, debunking common assumptions about her cultural background and exploring her perspectives on migration and identity.Zara’s fascinating insights into her career, from her stand-up performances at top come...#221- Chad Bushnell: Journey Through the Country Roads | Dreams, Music, and Faith

This week, I had an amazing time chatting with Chad Bushnell. He is a talented country artist who grew up in a rodeo family and found his passion for music early on. Chad shared stories about his unique journey from competing in rodeos to becoming a Christian country singer and songwriter. His love for performing and connecting with fans shines through, along with his appreciation for a good story in his songs.
Here’s what we talked about in this podcast:
Chad’s childhood in a rodeo family and his experiences with team roping and steer wres...#220- Bullseye the Clown: Performer on a Mission | Transforming Lives One Laugh at a Time

This week, I had an amazing chat with Bullseye the Clown! He’s not your ordinary clown – he’s a clown with a mission and a huge heart. Bullseye dedicates his life to helping others, using humor and compassion to make a difference in the world.
Here’s what we discussed:
- Bullseye's mission to fight bullying and the tools he provides to help people overcome it.
- His global charitable work, including performances in underprivileged communities and hospitals to bring joy and relief.
- His travels to places like South America...
#219- Cali Kira: Young, Bold, and Ready to Reach New Heights in Film and Stand-Up Comedy

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 s...#218- Ben Cooper: The "Not-So" Secret Life of Bees | How These Insects Keep Us Alive

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 a...
#217- Bennett Rea: Do Unsavory Politicians Make Unsavory Food? | Cookin' with Congress Host Dishes

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 b...#216- Mark Steven Porro: From Stardom to Caregiving | A Son’s Devoted Love for His Mother

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...#215- Isabella Young: A Life Entangled by A Cult’s Wrath | A Story of Torture and Abuse

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 bo...#214: Brock Meier: Forgotten Tales and People | The Largely Unknown Nabataean Civilization

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...#213- Katie K: Comedy Hustle | From Juggling Jobs to Breaking Into LA’s Comedy Scene

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...#212- Shaney Andler: From Teacher to Advocate | Skills to Cope with Teen Mental Health

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...#211- Misti Gaither: True Crime and the Paranormal | A Psychic's Journey to Connect Living and the Dead

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 tr...#210- Brian Townsend: Fentanyl's Deadly Toll | Retired DEA Agent’s Mission in Drug Awareness and Education

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...#209: Dr. Ashley Smith: Anxiety in the Unknown | Psychologist Shares Her Journey in Legal Blindness

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...#208- Matt Oakley: From Fan to Country Star | The Art of Authentic Storytelling in Music

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...#207- Elizabeth Welch: Fusing History with Ghost Hunting | Paranormal Truths Through a Historical Lens

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...#206- Mark Albert: Award Winning Journalist Travels Globe | How to "Master the Media"

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...#205- Aliya Kasabian: "Troubled Teen" Industry | Health Scares and Escaping the Nightmare (Part 2)

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...#204- Aliya Kasabian: "Troubled Teen" Industry | A Girl's Nightmare and a Family Forever Changed (Part 1)

What is the Boise Girl's Academy and why do so many places across the nation continue to profit off of "troubled teens"? This week I speak with Aliya Kasabian who at 16 years old found herself trapped in this place. We cover:
The nightmare of being kidnapped in the middle of the night to go to BoiseThe bizarre rules that seem counterproductive to the mission of helping these young womenThe truly heart-breaking punishments girls faced when rules were not followedWhy her parents thought they were "giving her a gift" by sending her thereThis is part one and...
#203- Charlotte Creaghan: "In A Violent Nature" Actress Talks Scary Movies and Her Intense Scene

This week we talk all things staring in scary movies with someone with ONE of the CRAZY scary movie scenes I have ever seen. Charlotte is an actor based in Toronto, Ontario. She moved to New York to begin her career at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, where she completed the Three Year Conservatory. After graduating, she continued working in theatre as well as sketch comedy and film. Charlotte and her sketch troupe ‘Cheap Wine’ won the Best Newcomer award in the ‘Sketch to the Death’ competition at The Social Capital Theatre. Charlotte has been busy and is in two f...
#202- Dariann Leigh: "Bury Me on Broadway" Means More Than Just Her Latest Song for Country Artist

For Dariann Leigh, this is so much more than country music. From her one-stop town in Karlstad, Minnesota (population 713), Dariann captured the star power of the original women of country music. From lyrics bleeding through static-filled radios and scratched CDs. Dariann Leigh doesn’t just want to make music, she wants to write the soundtrack for hairbrush singers, dashboard drummers and air guitar players everywhere. Dariann has been featured on The Boot, CMT, and more with her previous single's "Closer", "Let Me Go", "10,000 miles", and most recently with her new single "Leave".
As a kid,” Says Leigh, “I reme...