Building Dreams Together

What happens when a child faces one of life’s toughest battles and refuses to give up?In this episode of Building Dreams Together, Papa Jack sits down with Connor Kelleher, Senior VP and Relationship Manager at JP Morgan Chase, to explore a journey shaped by resilience, perspective, and personal growth. Diagnosed with leukemia at just four years old, Connor endured years of treatment, a devastating relapse, and challenges that would have broken many adults. Instead, those experiences became the foundation for the mindset that guides him today. Connor shares how overcoming childhood cancer taught him to view obstacles as opportunities, why mindset matters more than circumstances, and how life's greatest setbacks can become stepping stones to future success. The conversation also explores fulfillment, defining success on your own terms, the importance of mentors and relationships, asking for help, and the lessons Connor has learned from working with successful business leaders. This is a powerful conversation about courage, gratitude, resilience, and the people who help us build our dreams along the way.• Connor's battle with childhood leukemia and relapse• Developing resilience through adversity• Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth• Success vs. fulfillment: what's the difference?• The power of mindset and controllable behaviors• Overcoming fear and stepping outside your comfort zone• Why mentors, family, and relationships matter• Learning to ask for help and support others• What "Building Dreams Together" truly meansIf this conversation inspires you, please follow, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need this message today.#BuildingDreamsTogether #PapaJack #ConnorKelleher #LeukemiaSurvivor #Resilience #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingAdversity #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #DreamBig #NeverGiveUp #PodcastIn this episode:

What happens when a child faces one of life’s toughest battles and refuses to give up?In this episode of Building Dreams Together, Papa Jack sits down with Connor Kelleher, Senior VP and Relationship Manager at JP Morgan Chase, to explore a journey shaped by resilience, perspective, and personal growth. Diagnosed with leukemia at just four years old, Connor endured years of treatment, a devastating relapse, and challenges that would have broken many adults. Instead, those experiences became the foundation for the mindset that guides him today. Connor shares how overcoming childhood cancer taught him to view obstacles as opportunities, why mindset matters more than circumstances, and how life's greatest setbacks can become stepping stones to future success. The conversation also explores fulfillment, defining success on your own terms, the importance of mentors and relationships, asking for help, and the lessons Connor has learned from working with successful business leaders. This is a powerful conversation about courage, gratitude, resilience, and the people who help us build our dreams along the way.• Connor's battle with childhood leukemia and relapse• Developing resilience through adversity• Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth• Success vs. fulfillment: what's the difference?• The power of mindset and controllable behaviors• Overcoming fear and stepping outside your comfort zone• Why mentors, family, and relationships matter• Learning to ask for help and support others• What "Building Dreams Together" truly meansIf this conversation inspires you, please follow, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need this message today.#BuildingDreamsTogether #PapaJack #ConnorKelleher #LeukemiaSurvivor #Resilience #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingAdversity #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #DreamBig #NeverGiveUp #PodcastIn this episode:

What happens when a 5-time Paralympic gold medalist admits he was fighting battles no one could see?In this powerful episode of Building Dreams Together, Papa Jack sits down with Paralympic discus champion Jeremy Campbell to talk about resilience, identity, mental health, self-doubt, and the invisible struggles people carry every day.Jeremy opens up about:growing up as an amputeethe pressure of high performancepanic attacks and anxietylearning to restovercoming self-doubtemotional healingwhat it truly means to believe in yourselfThis conversation goes far beyond sport. It’s about mindset, humanity, and learning how to move forward when life feels overwhelming.Whether you’re chasing a dream, rebuilding after hardship, or struggling silently behind the scenes, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone.🎙 Featuring:Jeremy Campbell — 5-time Paralympic gold medalist, 4-time world champion, motivational speaker, and world-record discus thrower.#BuildingDreamsTogether #PapaJack #JeremyCampbell #MentalHealth #Mindset #Paralympics #Resilience #SelfBelief #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

What happens when a 5-time Paralympic gold medalist admits he was fighting battles no one could see?In this powerful episode of Building Dreams Together, Papa Jack sits down with Paralympic discus champion Jeremy Campbell to talk about resilience, identity, mental health, self-doubt, and the invisible struggles people carry every day.Jeremy opens up about:growing up as an amputeethe pressure of high performancepanic attacks and anxietylearning to restovercoming self-doubtemotional healingwhat it truly means to believe in yourselfThis conversation goes far beyond sport. It’s about mindset, humanity, and learning how to move forward when life feels overwhelming.Whether you’re chasing a dream, rebuilding after hardship, or struggling silently behind the scenes, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone.🎙 Featuring:Jeremy Campbell — 5-time Paralympic gold medalist, 4-time world champion, motivational speaker, and world-record discus thrower.#BuildingDreamsTogether #PapaJack #JeremyCampbell #MentalHealth #Mindset #Paralympics #Resilience #SelfBelief #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

What happens when AI becomes a mirror for humanity?In this episode of the Building Dreams Together podcast, Papa Jack sits down with Melissa for a deeply thought-provoking conversation about identity, anxiety, self-worth, human connection, and the future of humanity in the age of AI.From surviving depression after a life-changing injury to discovering the power of truth, journaling, intuition, and self-awareness, Melissa shares the personal journey that helped her rebuild her life from the inside out.Together, they explore:How AI could help children struggling with self-esteem and emotional distressWhy wisdom hasn’t evolved as fast as technologyThe danger of living in the world inside our minds instead of the world around usThe importance of community, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with the right peopleWhy “the dream” may actually be the journey itselfMelissa’s upcoming book, The Wisdom Gap, and what it means to stay deeply human in an AI-driven futureThis episode is an honest conversation about courage, growth, healing, and learning how to trust yourself again.🎙️ Listen now and join the journey of building dreams together — one conversation at a time.

In an age where artificial intelligence is everywhere, how do we "double down" on being human? In this episode of Building Dreams Together, host Jack Gindi sits down with brand strategy architect and author Melissa to discuss the "Wisdom Gap" in modern society. Melissa shares her powerful journey of overcoming a decade of depression following a career-ending injury, and how she used the practice of "anchoring in truth" to rebuild her life. Whether you are curious about the role of AI in empowering foster youth or looking for ways to trust your own intuition, this conversation offers deep insights into living a sovereign, fulfilled life.Main Topics CoveredAI as a Mirror and Amplifier: A look at how AI initiatives are being used to empower foster youth and why AI can provide a judgment-free space for emotional processing.The Wisdom Gap: Exploring why human intelligence has advanced rapidly while collective wisdom has remained stagnant.Identity Shifts and Resilience: Melissa recounts breaking her back as a gymnast and the psychological journey of moving from "athlete" to "average person".Anchoring in Truth: A simple yet profound mindset tool to stop anxiety spirals by focusing on what is tangibly true in the present moment.The "More Human" Framework: Why we need to reconnect with our physical senses and the "earthling" experience to remain masters of our lives in a digital world.Perfectionism vs. The Journey: A shift in perspective on whether the "dream" is a destination or the courageous journey of daily growth.The Power of Discernment: Learning how to pick a circle of people who truly nourish your growth and want you to succeed.The Wisdom Gap Book: Melissa previews her upcoming book on forming human beings in the age of AI.Key TakeawaysAsk "What's True Now?": To combat panic or overthinking, anchor yourself by listing immediate facts: your health, your surroundings, and small actions you can take right now.AI Without Judgment: AI can be an effective tool for self-reflection because it lacks the personal filters and biases inherent in human communication.Own Your Clarity: Confidence is built incrementally by documenting when your "gut feelings" are right and anchoring those small wins.Collaboration is Key: Building dreams is not a solo act; it requires a community where everyone works to "raise the ceiling" on each other's lives.Connect with the HostWebsite: believebecomebu.comCall to Action:If today’s conversation inspired you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone you love. Let’s keep building connection and possibility, one dream at a time!

What does it mean to be truly seen in a world full of noise? In this episode of Building Dreams Together, host Jack Gindi welcomes Gabriel Vangelatos, author of Greatness Rises: From Invisible to Invincible. Gabriel shares his powerful transition from living in "attention purgatory"—where fear of judgment kept him small—to embracing a life of daily greatness. This conversation is for anyone who feels like they are doing the work but not getting the attention or impact they deserve, offering a roadmap to flex your "courage muscle" and step out of the shadows.The Definition of Greatness: Why greatness isn't a one-time event but a choice to thrive and achieve something above average every single day.The Invisibility Complex: Understanding the feeling of being "invisible"—not because people don't see you, but because you aren't bringing or communicating your true value.The "Attention Purgatory": Gabriel’s personal story of working 20-hour days in his restaurant but remaining "invisible" because he was too afraid of marketing and feedback to share his gift with the world.The Courage Constraint: How internal bottlenecks and fear of criticism stop us from owning our identity, and why we must "flex" the courage muscle to break through.Echo Chambers and Internal Constraints: How external voices and negative environments can transform into the internal beliefs that hold us back.The No-Negativity Diet: A practical exercise in mindfulness to recognize and redirect the 40,000 to 80,000 thoughts we have daily.Community as Humanity's Future: Why humanity needs to connect with humanity through real-world communities to combat the isolation caused by technology and media division.Building a Legacy: Shifting focus from current struggles to "Future Me" dynamics—considering how you want to be remembered and the impact you want to create.Greatness is a Daily Habit: You have to achieve it every single day; it is not a status you simply wake up to and keep forever.Recognize Your Confirmation Bias: Growth requires the courage to step out of your "comfort zone" and examine beliefs that may be limiting your reality.Small Wins Build Courage: Flex your courage muscle by taking one small risk today—like being the first to say "hi" in a meeting or asking a question you’ve been holding back.Value Beyond Differences: The "high road" isn't about walking away from disagreement; it is about seeing the value in every person regardless of differing political or personal beliefs.Jack highlights how Gabriel’s message aligns with the Life Mapping framework. To rise toward greatness, focus on these four areas every morning:Body: Nutrition and exercise to prime your physical state.Spirituality: Meditation and journaling to ground your mind.Relationships: Intentional acts of love, honor, and appreciation.Business/Growth: Learning a new skill and sharing that knowledge.Website: https://believebecomebu.comCall to Action:If you are ready to stop fighting your own greatness and move from invisible to invincible, please follow, like, and share this episode. Let’s keep building connection and rising together!#BuildingDreamsTogether #GreatnessRises #InvisibilityToInvincibility #CourageMuscle #MindsetShift #LifeMappingMain Topics CoveredKey TakeawaysThe Four Pillars ConnectionConnect with the Host

How far would you go to fund a dream? In this powerful inaugural episode of Building Dreams Together, host Jack Gindi reunites with Marcello, a man whose radical generosity redefined the meaning of connection. Marcello shares the incredible story of how he donated a kidney to Jack’s sister to fund a film project, sparking a deep discussion on sacrifice, the search for "home," and the challenges facing today’s youth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration on how to turn personal struggles into a foundation for helping others.Main Topics Covered The Ultimate Gift: Marcello recounts his decision to donate a kidney to Jack’s sister as a way to fund his vision for a sustainable village film project. The Concept of "Home": A reflection on Marcello’s family history of migration and his passion for helping others find stability and community. Solaris and Junktown: Marcello describes his screenplay about societal misfits building a community in the desert. Generational Shifts: A debate on the economic and social pressures encouraging young people to leave home at 18. The Impact of AI: Jack shares his optimistic view on how technology like AI will create new opportunities for those who embrace it. Overcoming Resistance: Marcello discusses his current writing project, Hope Floats All Boats, and the internal blocks he is working to overcome. The Power of Visualization: Jack explains how seeing the end result and maintaining a daily practice of gratitude can manifest dreams. Collaborative Success: Why the lone-wolf mentality is a myth and how great achievements require people coming together.Key Takeaways Flip the Script: Change your internal dialogue from "I struggle" to "I am working through it" to move past mental blocks. Accepting Help is a Blessing: Reaching out for support provides a meaningful opportunity for others to give back. The Four Pillars: A meaningful life is built on Body, Being, Balance, and Business—focusing on longevity, inner peace, family, and economics. Disagreement Without Division: Jack and Marcello demonstrate how individuals with different views can maintain deep respect and love.Connect with the Host Website: believebecomebu.comIf today’s conversation inspired you, please follow, like, and share this podcast with someone you love. Let’s keep building connection and possibility, one dream at a time!

How far would you go to fund a dream? In this powerful inaugural episode of Building Dreams Together, host Jack Gindi reunites with Marcello, a man whose radical generosity redefined the meaning of connection. Marcello shares the incredible story of how he donated a kidney to Jack’s sister to fund a film project, sparking a deep discussion on sacrifice, the search for "home," and the challenges facing today’s youth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration on how to turn personal struggles into a foundation for helping others.Main Topics Covered The Ultimate Gift: Marcello recounts his decision to donate a kidney to Jack’s sister as a way to fund his vision for a sustainable village film project. The Concept of "Home": A reflection on Marcello’s family history of migration and his passion for helping others find stability and community. Solaris and Junktown: Marcello describes his screenplay about societal misfits building a community in the desert. Generational Shifts: A debate on the economic and social pressures encouraging young people to leave home at 18. The Impact of AI: Jack shares his optimistic view on how technology like AI will create new opportunities for those who embrace it. Overcoming Resistance: Marcello discusses his current writing project, Hope Floats All Boats, and the internal blocks he is working to overcome. The Power of Visualization: Jack explains how seeing the end result and maintaining a daily practice of gratitude can manifest dreams. Collaborative Success: Why the lone-wolf mentality is a myth and how great achievements require people coming together.Key Takeaways Flip the Script: Change your internal dialogue from "I struggle" to "I am working through it" to move past mental blocks. Accepting Help is a Blessing: Reaching out for support provides a meaningful opportunity for others to give back. The Four Pillars: A meaningful life is built on Body, Being, Balance, and Business—focusing on longevity, inner peace, family, and economics. Disagreement Without Division: Jack and Marcello demonstrate how individuals with different views can maintain deep respect and love.Connect with the Host Website: believebecomebu.comIf today’s conversation inspired you, please follow, like, and share this podcast with someone you love. Let’s keep building connection and possibility, one dream at a time!

What happens when a family that’s already “doing fine” chooses to grow anyway?In this episode of Building Dreams Together, Papa Jack is joined by Jason May and his two daughters, Maddie and her sister, for a rare, honest conversation about mindfulness, empathy, and intentional family connection.This isn’t a story about fixing what’s broken. It’s about a family that wanted more: more awareness, more compassion, more purpose, and more time together. Through the I Believe in Me program and Life Mapping, Jason and his daughters discover how perspective, visualization, and emotional intelligence can reshape not just individual goals—but the entire family dynamic.The result? Less resistance. More initiative. Deeper understanding. And a family learning how to build dreams—together.Main Topics Covered:Choosing Growth Over CrisisWhy the May family joined the program not because something was wrong—but because they wanted to explore what more could look like.Mindfulness for Kids (and Parents)Putting screens down, looking inward, and helping kids take ownership of their thoughts, actions, and goals.Perspective, Empathy & Emotional IntelligenceLearning to step into other people’s shoes—and how that changes behavior at home, at school, and in relationships.Visualization in ActionSetting real goals (like making varsity basketball), creating plans, and identifying obstacles without being forced by parents.Self-Regulation & Discipline from WithinA powerful moment when one daughter deletes social media on her own—recognizing it as a barrier to her goals.Family Connection Through Shared ExperienceHow weekly intentional time together created a deeper bond than forced routines ever could.What Kids Are Really Struggling WithComparison, insecurity, validation-seeking, and the pressure to be approved by others.Why This Belongs in SchoolsJason’s educator perspective on why emotional intelligence tools are critical for elementary and middle school students.The Dream They’re Building TogetherNot just success—but a lifelong family collective rooted in compassion, respect, and shared memories.This episode is a reminder that transformation doesn’t require trauma. Sometimes it begins with curiosity, intention, and the courage to grow together—before life forces the lesson.

In this powerful episode of Building Dreams Together, Papa Jack sits down with Yovel Peretz—former Israeli special forces soldier, studio owner of Let’s Do Podcast, and host of “The Way of The 1 Percent”—for a raw conversation about trust, trauma, purpose, and what it really means to build dreams together.From growing up under rocket sirens and learning to put on a gas mask at age four, to serving in the IDF during the October 7th war, to immigrating to the U.S. and building a podcast production company, Yovel’s story is a masterclass in resilience and responsibility.Together, Jack and Yovel explore different kinds of friendship, the ethics of war, why presence and pause matter in conflict, and how Sean’s legacy of “thoughts become things” is now manifesting in the very studio they’re recording in.If you’ve ever wondered how to hold both heartbreak and hope—and still choose to build—this conversation will stay with you.Main Topics CoveredWhat “Building Dreams Together” Really MeansPartnership in marriage, business, squads, and community.Why trust is the non-negotiable foundation—whether it’s money on the line or your life.Three Types of Friends & Knowing Who’s WhoFriends for a time, friends for a reason, and friends forever.How to recognize which is which—and adjust your expectations and energy accordingly.Growing Up in Israel: Responsibility from Age FourLearning to run to shelters and put on a gas mask as a child.How living under constant threat forces kids to grow up fast and feel responsible for others.War, Ethics & the IDF’s “Every Bullet Has an Address”Yovel’s experience returning to Israel after October 7th and going straight into combat.The IDF as a defensive force, internal investigations, and the moral weight of every decision in war.The emotional cost of losing 17 people he knew in a single day.Building Bridges Between People, Even When Governments FailThe difference between war between governments and connection between people.Why the “hard way” in conflict is pausing, breathing, and listening instead of reacting in anger.Applying that same principle to partners, loved ones, and everyday disagreements.Choosing Your Hard & Finding Your “Why”It’s hard to be fit and hard to be out of shape; hard to be rich and hard to be poor—so choose your hard.Why having a strong why is essential in a world where suicide and veteran deaths are tragically common.Sean’s Legacy & Infinite PossibilitiesJack shares how Sean showed up for him financially and emotionally during bankruptcy.How Sean’s writing and the concept “thoughts become things” led to the Believe Become Be You platform.Jack’s message to Sean: “It’s real now.”Memorable QuotesOn trust in life-or-death situations “If you and me are doing business and we make a mistake, maybe we lose money. Over there, it can cost your life. So it starts with trust and being professional.” – YovelOn the kinds of friends we have “There are friends for a time, friends for a reason, and friends forever. When you know which is which, you know how to move with them.” – YovelOn Sean’s role in Jack’s mission “Sean introduced me to infinite possibilities. ‘Thoughts become things, what you think about you bring about.’ This project… this studio… it’s his message manifesting.” – JackJack’s one-sentence message to Sean “It’s real now. It’s happening. It’s being manifested in front of our eyes.” – JackKeep believing, keep becoming, and keep building your dreams—together.

What if the person who helps you believe in yourself shows up when you least expect it—like walking down a golf course as a caddy?In this episode of Building Dreams Together, Papa Jack sits down with Zoe Zartman, a thoughtful, grounded 21-year-old whose clarity and compassion feel far beyond her years. From overcoming an eating disorder sparked by the modeling industry, to discovering the healing power of journaling, to feeling called to mentor middle-school girls, Zoe shares what it really means to build belief from the inside out.This conversation explores mentorship, self-doubt, social media pressure, and why slowing down might be the most radical act young people can take today.Main Topics CoveredHow Jack & Zoe MetA chance connection at a golf tournament that opened the door to mentorship and purpose.The Power of Mentorship in Middle SchoolWhy ages 11–14 are the most influential—and vulnerable—years for young girls.Faith, Family & ValuesGrowing up in a Christian household and how those values shaped Zoe’s direction.The I Believe in Me Program ExperienceWhy Zoe resonated with the program’s realism—dreaming big and learning how to navigate setbacks.Journaling as a LifelineHow writing helped Zoe process pain, find her voice, and discover her love for English and storytelling.Self-Doubt & Inner DialogueTalking to “little me,” reminding herself of what she’s already accomplished, and choosing belief anyway.Modeling, Anorexia & Body ImageThe pressure to be “a certain size,” constant dieting messages, and the long road back to self-worth.Social Media & Teen Mental HealthFilters, comparison culture, and why influencers have a responsibility to model reality—not perfection.What Older Generations Should UnderstandThe importance of slowing down, resting without guilt, and making space for joy.This episode is a reminder that belief doesn’t arrive fully formed—it’s built through honesty, support, reflection, and compassion. Zoe’s voice offers hope not just for teens, but for anyone who remembers what it felt like to be unsure and still kept going.

Today on Building Dreams Together, Papa Jack sits down with Derek—the creative force who’s helped bring Believe Become Be You and the Life Mapping Program to life through visuals that people can feel.Streaming from Cape Town, South Africa, Derek shares how creativity becomes purpose, how reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s necessary—and why the most powerful dreams are built through trust, partnership, and taking the first step before you can see the whole path.This episode is a real conversation about meaning over material, learning to trust the process, and using tools like AI not as a threat—but as an amplifier for what’s human.Main Topics CoveredDerek’s creative role behind BBBY + the Life Mapping program visualsReinvention during COVID: launching Searching for Coconuts with 3D animated sailing tutorialsLiving the dream with Nicole: choosing freedom, travel, and meaning over society’s expectationsDream vs. Goal: building the person who lives the dream, not just completing tasksTrusting the process: “The universe has our back” and “It is what it is”The Life Mapping frameworks: Living by a Code + The Four Pillars (Body, Being, Balance, Business)Why purpose-driven work is hard to “sell” (people must first admit something is off)AI and the future: “AI won’t take your job—someone who knows how to use AI will”Derek’s biggest life pivot: leaving tourism/restaurants, becoming a kite-surf instructor, and building a new lifeVision boards + manifestation: realizing they were living what they once visualizedA message for kids and grandkids: respect, positivity, and building a meaningful life without chasing the wrong thingsDreams don’t get built through perfection—they get built through belief, partnership, creative courage, and the willingness to take the first step before the path is clear.

What happens when life throws you the ultimate curveball—one that changes everything in an instant?In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Building Dreams Together, Papa Jack sits down with Elizabeth “EB” Forst, a former physical therapist, yoga teacher, world traveler, and adventurer whose life changed forever the night she dove into a swimming pool and broke her neck at the C4–C5 level.Paralyzed from the shoulders down, EB faced a new world of unimaginable challenges—yet through courage, faith, humor, and community, she rebuilt her entire life from the ground up.EB shares the raw emotional truth of her injury, the humility of depending on caregivers for every basic function, and the spiritual connection she continues to share with Jack’s son Sean—her college sweetheart, lifelong soul partner, and an anchor during her darkest hours.Today, EB is transforming her pain into purpose through the Colorado Paralysis Foundation, the first official affiliate of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. She trains caregivers, advocates for the spinal cord community, and inspires thousands with her message:“You cannot get anywhere alone—reach out, rise up, keep going.”This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, love, forgiveness, spiritual connection, and choosing hope—no matter the curveball life delivers.Main Topics Covered:1. The Accident That Changed EverythingThe night of August 14th, 2017 - Diving into a pool, breaking her neck, and becoming instantly quadriplegicGoing from world-traveling yoga instructor to learning how to survive again2. The Mental Battle & Learning to SurrenderNeeding help with every daily taskBugs on her face, hair in her eyes—things she can’t move herselfThe humility, vulnerability, and emotional strength required dailyThe decision—nine months in—to choose elevation over depression3. A 30-Year Soul Connection: EB & Sean - Meeting Sean at CU BoulderTheir inseparable bond, friendship, love, and global adventuresHow Sean supported her after her injury—feeding her, laying beside her in hospital beds, helping her rebuildThe day she intuitively sensed his passingThe ongoing spiritual conversations she has with him4. Jack & EB: Healing Awkwardness, Returning to Soul-Level ConnectionJack’s early discomfort visiting her post-injuryWhy people avoid those living with disabilityTransforming their relationship into one of deep soul recognitionSeeing each other beyond the physical body5. Turning Pain Into Purpose: The Colorado Paralysis FoundationSleeping in her chair because she had no caregiversThe crisis moment that inspired her to take actionCreating the first spinal cord caregiver training program in the worldThe affiliation with the Reeve FoundationTraining caregivers of all ages—and changing lives6. The Lessons of the CurveballThe shared phrase she and Sean used for life’s hardest momentsHow to move forward after the unimaginableWhy humor, community, and connection are survival toolsWhy the “small stuff” truly doesn’t matterMemorable Quotes:On resilience:“From the moment I knew I was paralyzed, I was advocating for myself. I had to decide—either I elevate, or I go down a dark path. I chose elevation.” — EBOn dependence & surrender:“I can’t brush a bug off my face. I can’t lift a glass of water to my lips. I have to surrender every single day.” — EBOn spiritual connection with Sean:“He made me feel normal during the most difficult time of my life. And he still speaks to me—he’s not gone, just different.” — EBOn building a new purpose:“There was no spinal cord training program anywhere in the world—so I created one.” — EBTo learn more about Believe Become Be You and the I Believe in Me and Life Mapping programs, visit: believebecomebeu.comKeep believing, keep becoming, and keep building your dreams—together.

In this powerful episode of Building Dreams Together, Jack sits down with his son’s father-in-law, Mike, a 70-year-old father, grandfather, arborist, fly-fishing guide, and president of the board for Always Choose Adventures (ACA). From losing both parents as a teenager in Brooklyn, to numbing pain with drugs, to rebuilding his life in Colorado and creating a thriving tree business, Mike has lived a story of resilience, reinvention, and service.Now, his greatest joy is getting kids and people of all abilities off the couch and into the mountains—and proving that at any age, you can still choose adventure, live your dream, and give back in a big way.Always Choose Adventures & Camp ACAHow an online connection with Shantell (founder of ACA) during a health crisis led Mike into the world of outdoor nonprofit work.The mission of ACA: getting kids (and adults, including those with disabilities) outdoors, off their phones, and into nature.The off-grid Camp ACA at 9,300 ft between Idaho Springs and Central City: solar/generator power, campsites, ATV rides, and a true mountain retreat.Experiences Kids Never Thought PossibleGuiding nine kids from Lulu’s up Mount Pisgah (10,000 ft), pushing through complaints, altitude, and even one kid throwing up near the top.How ACA and Jack’s I Believe in Me program intersect in giving kids experiences—and inner beliefs—they didn’t think were possible.Why Over How: Living From Your “Why”Mike’s simple but powerful why: “I just love kids and want to work with them.”The reality of running a nonprofit: fundraising struggles, interpersonal challenges, and why the “why” is what keeps him going.Non-Monetary Rewards & True PaychecksWhy Mike and Shantell pour themselves into ACA with no personal financial gain.The story of Shantell calling a heartfelt support letter “my paycheck for the week.”The emotional moment when a student named Olive gave Mike a card about how much he meant to her—and how that became his real reward.Making the Outdoors Accessible to AllUsing all-terrain, four-wheel-drive wheelchairs to give people with mobility challenges access to nature.How someone like Evie (a quadriplegic) could experience the mountains and fresh air at Camp ACA.Trauma, Survival, and ResilienceLosing his mother at 13 and his father ten months later, then living alone with his brother in Brooklyn as young teens.How he emotionally “blocked out” the trauma for decades and coped with drugs and alcohol.From Unemployed to Business OwnerGetting into the Forest Service through the CETA program under President Jimmy Carter.Learning tree work, then starting a tree-cutting business with $200 and a chainsaw.Growing that into a company employing 15–20 people, built simply on consistency, showing up, and answering every call.The pride of having former employees still like him, stay in touch, and even hiring him back in a consulting role.Advice for the Next GenerationHonest reflections on college vs. non-college paths, using his grandkids as examples of different but valid futures.His big warning: don’t waste years numbing out with drugs; stay focused on your dream, whether that’s a trade or a professional career.Encouraging kids to find their passion—whether plumbing or cardiology—and go all in.Dreams vs. Goals & “Living the Dream”Jack’s distinction: goals are what you set; dreams are what you live today.The Power of Consistency & Emotional ToolsHow both ACA and the I Believe in Me program rely on daily, consistent action more than big one-time events.Teaching kids life skills, emotional tools, and the habit of consistency to move through challenges and build the life they want.The Best Season of LifeMike’s reflection on being 70: feeling wiser than ever and more fulfilled than in his 20s, 30s, or 40s.Building Dreams Together – What It Means to MikeHow “building dreams together” shows up in his work with kids, families, and people with disabilities.

In this deeply personal episode of Building Dreams Together, Jack sits down with his wife of over 50 years, Meredith Gindi, for a raw and vulnerable conversation about love, loss, and what it really takes to keep building dreams as life keeps throwing curveballs.Together, they revisit the journey of Jack’s second act with kids, the birth of his current work, and the complicated mix of pride and resentment that came with Meredith watching him throw himself into a new mission later in life.They share the heartbreaking story of their son Sean, his injury, addiction to prescription opioids, relapse, and passing from fentanyl — and how Meredith has turned her grief into a purpose-driven project to bring fentanyl and pills awareness to the world.This episode is for anyone rebuilding after loss, trying to stay connected in a long-term relationship, or looking for hope when life feels like quicksand.Main Topics Covered:The Origin of the Podcast & Jack’s “Bullet Train” EnergyLosing Sean to FentanylGrief, the “Club No One Wants to Join,” and the Fentanyl RallyThe Billboard & Social Media Awareness Project (“Pills Kill”)Rebuilding Life After Bankruptcy, Divorce, and Devastating LossWhat Keeps a Marriage Together Over 50+ YearsSpiritual Growth, Soul Connections, and the Gifts Within TragedyDaily Life with Grief & Finding Purpose AgainMessages for Younger CouplesMessages for Kids and Young People in TurmoilMemorable Quotes:On watching Jack build again:“You were like a railroad train… the bullet train. I’ve never seen anybody like you who can take an idea and just plow through it and bring it to fruition with so much passion and love.” – MeredithOn resentment and pride coexisting:“Sometimes I still feel resentful… but I am proud of you. I’m proud of what you’re doing.” – MeredithOn fentanyl and pills:“All you need to know is that pills kill. Pills kill.” – MeredithOn losing a child:“It’s not something you get over. It’s not anything that you move on from. It’s something that is always going to be there—the fact that you lost your child.” – MeredithOn the hidden gift inside tragedy:“Through every tragedy, through everything that we experience in loss, I always said: a gift is going to come from this. Something good will happen from this bad place. We just don’t know what it is yet.” – JackIf this conversation moved you, please share it with someone who needs hope, who’s grieving, or who is fighting to keep their family together.To learn more about Jack’s work and programs, visit: believebecomebeu.comAnd if you or someone you love has been impacted by fentanyl or pills, stay tuned for more on Meredith's awareness project and how you can help amplify the message that PILLS KILL—and that no one has to suffer in silence.