How Life Shapes Us

For Hannah Rood, becoming a surrogate wasn't an unexpected decision. It was a dream she had carried in her heart for decades. In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, Tesla Mitchell sits down with longtime friend Hannah Rood, who turned a dream she'd carried since she was 16 into something extraordinary: becoming a gestational surrogate.After watching her brother and his wife go through fertility struggles, Hannah knew she wanted to help impact someone’s life by giving the gift of parenthood. But getting there was anything but simple. She navigated an intensive approval process, unexpected medical hurdles, legal contracts, weeks of hormone injections, and patience while waiting for the right match.Eventually, Hannah was matched with Jorge, an intended father from Spain, and became pregnant with his baby through embryo transfer. She opens up about the mindset required to carry a baby that wasn't hers, the importance of trusting her body, and how she learned to stay determined without letting unexpected challenges derail her.Then came the moment that made it all worth it: giving birth and watching Jorge meet his son.Hannah shares what surrogacy taught her about determination, trust, letting go, and staying calm when life doesn't go according to plan.At its heart, this is a story about generosity, resilience, and the extraordinary impact one person can have on another person's life.Hannah chose to give something deeply personal to help make someone else's dream possible. If more people approached life with that kind of generosity, there’s no telling what the world could be like.---Note: Descriptions are written with the help of AI so Tesla can spend more time finding amazing guests and having meaningful interviews with them. Tesla edits these descriptions to make sure they are authentic to the guest’s story and aren’t using clickbait techniques to draw listeners in. Thanks for listening and supporting this one-person-run podcast! 

How do you know the difference between a risk worth taking – and one you'll regret forever?In this special episode of How Life Shapes Us, host Tesla Mitchell switches seats as her daughter, Shina, helps interview her about one of the most defining moments of her own life.At 18 years old, what began as a summer day floating down the river with friends quickly turned into a life-threatening accident. After jumping from a bridge into flood-swollen water, Tesla landed on a hidden rock, suffering devastating injuries that would lead to emergency surgery, a severe staph infection, and the possibility of losing her leg.Looking back years later, Tesla reflects on the split-second decisions that led to that moment and the lessons she's carried ever since.Together, Tesla and Shina explore:Why peer pressure can be harder to recognize than we thinkThe difference between fear that limits us and instincts that protect usHow alcohol can cloud our judgment and change our willingness to take risksWhy changing your mind is a sign of wisdom, not weaknessWhat it means to take calculated risks while still embracing adventureMore than a story about a near-tragedy, this conversation is about learning to trust yourself, speak up when something doesn't feel right, and understanding that one choice can change the course of your life.Whether you're raising kids, finding your own voice, or learning to trust your instincts, this episode is a reminder that courage isn't about saying yes to every challenge, it's about knowing when to walk away.Note: This description was written with the help of AI so that Tesla can spend more time finding amazing guests and having meaningful interviews with them. Tesla edits these descriptions to make sure they are authentic to the guest’s story and aren’t using clickbait techniques to draw listeners in. Thanks for listening and supporting this one-person-run podcast!

What would you hold onto if you lost almost everything?In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, Tesla Mitchell sits down with one of the people who shaped her own life: longtime professor, mentor, and educator Judi Becker.For decades, Judi has helped students discover their voices, embrace imperfection, and believe that their best is enough. But behind that steady encouragement is a story of remarkable resilience.Within just a few years, Judi experienced what she calls a "trifecta" of loss – a marriage ending because of addiction, the devastating 2007 Rushford, Minnesota flood that destroyed nearly everything she owned, and the death of her former husband. Through each chapter, she was forced to ask what truly lasts when the things you depend on disappear.In this conversation, Judi shares:How life’s hardest seasons reshaped her prioritiesWhy accepting help is one of the greatest gifts we can give othersThe lesson behind taking "heart pictures" instead of relying only on photographsHow faith, community, and hope carried her through unimaginable lossHer advice for learning to love yourself with the same compassion you'd offer a child or your closest friendThis conversation is a reminder that while we can't control what life takes from us, we can choose what we carry forward.If you've ever experienced loss, questioned your purpose, or needed a reminder that hope can survive heartbreak, this episode will stay with you long after it ends.Note: This description was written with the help of AI so that Tesla can spend more time finding amazing guests and having meaningful interviews with them. Tesla edits these descriptions to make sure they are authentic to the guest’s story and aren’t using clickbait techniques to draw listeners in. Thanks for listening and supporting this one-person-run podcast! 

One morning, Mazin AbdelMagid left home to take a college quiz. By the end of the day, his city and country were at war.In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, host Tesla Mitchell sits down with Mazin AbdelMagid, a Sudanese international student and junior studying mass communication at Winona State University, to share the story of how a normal day turned into a fight for survival.When conflict erupted in Sudan in 2023, Mazin and his family found themselves navigating gunfire, extreme heat, and the need to his childhood home immediately. What followed was a journey of difficult decisions, family separation, and an escape that took Mazin across deserts, borders, and eventually continents.Mazin recounts:The moment he realized war had arrived in his hometownHow his family navigated evacuation amid chaos and uncertaintyThe challenges of being separated from loved ones due to visa restrictionsHis solo journey through the desert and eventual path to the United StatesHow faith, courage, and gratitude helped him through the unknownWhat living independently in America has taught him about responsibility, resilience, and adulthoodIf you've ever wondered how ordinary people survive extraordinary circumstances, this episode offers a powerful and deeply human perspective.

In an upcoming episode set for June 23, international student Mazin AbdelMagid shares his perilous journey alone from the war-torn country of Sudan to Egypt and later to the United States as he looks to finish his college education. With resilience and fortitude, Mazin's story is full of perspective, wisdom, and gratitude -- and will leave your heart full as you listen to his path toward graduation. Tune in on June 23 (when we aren't having technical difficulties) to listen in!  

Some teenagers discover a piece of their true self while in sports, in the pages of a book, or even during summer camp. And some, like Tsubasa Hidaka, find a piece of their true self by living in another country. In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, Tesla Mitchell sits down with Winona State University coworker and friend Tsubasa Hidaka, a Japanese international student whose journey from Japan to rural Iowa (and eventually Winona, Minnesota) reshaped the way he sees identity, family, success, and even mental health.Tsubasa opens up about growing up with a complicated relationship with his father, where judgment, pressure, and limited “mental freedom” often made it hard to speak openly. He reflects on how those experiences shaped the way he communicates, sets boundaries, and sometimes shuts down when emotions run high.But living in the United States changed something for him.Through friendships, cultural differences, and life as an international student, Tsubasa began learning how to speak more openly, trust his own opinions, and embrace the idea of being good enough instead of perfect. And that shift, he said, deeply impacted his perspective on mental health and his outlook on life.Together, Tesla and Tsubasa explore:How family dynamics shape the way we communicate and handle conflictThe emotional toll of perfectionism and pressure in Japanese cultureThe surprising strengths and challenges of both American and Japanese cultureWhat the U.S. might learn from Japan (and what Japan might learn from the U.S.)Big questions about freedom, healthcare, diversity, money, and what truly makes a fulfilling lifeFrom quiet trains and indirect communication to mental health and personal identity, this conversation offers a thoughtful, honest look at what happens when you step outside your own culture and begin seeing yourself more clearly.If you’ve ever wrestled with family expectations, perfectionism, or figuring out who you are apart from where you came from, this episode will stay with you.

What if the habit of running isn’t about restlessness, but rather survival? And what happens when you finally decide to stay?In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, Tesla Mitchell sits down with Cat Breet, an HR leader and public speaker for more than 200,000 people, and one of those people you instantly gravitate toward. As she prepares to leave Winona, Minnesota for a new chapter in Hawaii, Cat reflects on the patterns that shaped her – and the tools that helped her change them.Growing up in an alcoholic home shaped Cat into what she calls a “runner” in her twenties, moving between jobs, states, and relationships, rarely staying long enough to feel rooted. But eventually, a combination of financial pressure, meaningful work, and a relationship worth fighting for forced her to pause, reflect, and choose differently.What makes this conversation especially powerful is Cat’s deep commitment to knowing herself and the practical ways she’s learned to make decisions that honor both logic and emotion.In this episode, Cat shares:How childhood instability can create a lifelong pattern of runningThe turning point that helped her stop running and start building stabilityPractical ways to understand yourself using tools like DISC and StrengthsFinderA step-by-step approach to decision-making that balances logic and emotionWhy naming the worst-case scenario can reduce fear and create clarityHow learning to ask for help can change both your personal and professional lifeCat’s message is simple, but deeply earned: Yes, you can.If you’ve ever felt stuck between running and staying, logic and emotion, or fear and possibility, this episode offers both inspiration and real tools to help you move forward with confidence.

When you grow up afraid your stepdad will hurt you or your mom, how do you become a parent that doesn’t do the same?Host Tesla Mitchell sits down with her husband, Justin, to talk about how fatherhood forced him to confront his own past and choose to heal.Justin shares what it was like growing up with a violent, fear-driven stepfather and how those experiences shaped the man he became. Now a father himself, he reflects on the daily work of breaking generational cycles, learning to lead with patience instead of fear, and giving his kids resilience without trauma.This episode is about accountability, healing, and the quiet courage it takes to become the parent you never had.If you've ever wondered whether cycles can truly be broken, this story is proof that change starts with intention.

Ending Season 1 of How Life Shapes Us, host Tesla Mitchell shares a quick update on what to expect in Season 2, reflects on the moments that struck her most from the first 14 episodes, and offers heartfelt gratitude for every listener who has tuned in so far.Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 31, when the first episode of Season 2 drops—featuring Justin Mitchell, a former truck driver, Jiu-Jitsu athlete, avid weightlifter, father, and, most importantly, Tesla’s husband—as they talk through a moment in time that shaped Justin’s life.

What happens when a 10-year-old “investigator” sits down to talk about friendship, confidence, and the world around her?In this heartfelt season finale, host Tesla Mitchell welcomes her daughter Shina, a thoughtful middle‑schooler who’s listened to nearly every episode -- multiple times. Together, they explore shifting friendships, feeling like a “second choice,” the courage it takes to compete in jiu‑jitsu, and how kids make sense of political tension today. A warm, wise, and thoughtfully deep season finale, it gives a preview to what’s coming next in How Life Shapes Us.

What does a summer camp for cows, a Catholic Worker house, and a well-timed dad joke teach us about weaving ourselves into our community? In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, Dan Wilson reflects on the unexpected paths that led him from college plans for medical school to a life rooted in community service. His journey includes running a summer camp for cows, living and working at Bethany House, and advocating for greater voter turnout in southeastern Minnesota.Through relationships formed in shared spaces, Dan learned the power of presence, dignity, and humor in building connection. He also shares his work with Minnesota Voice, his belief in civic engagement across differences, and what inspired him to run for State House.This episode offers a thoughtful look at empathy, friendship, and how living alongside others can quietly change who we become.

For local business-owner Samijo McClatchey, navigating the pandemic as a gym owner (in an industry built on close human connection) forced her to rethink business, identity, and purpose. In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, host Tesla Mitchell talks with Samijo about how she got through some of the big life moments -- like shutting down her gym -- that shaped her into the forward-thinking, grounded, and driven person she is today. Samijo opens up about the lasting impact of abusive relationships, her journey through eating disorders, and the mental, emotional, and spiritual healing that followed. The conversation also explores Samijo’s transition into homeschooling and becoming a daycare provider, highlighting her continued commitment to nurturing, mentoring, and supporting others -- whether they're in the gym or in her daycare. Tune in to hear tips on:Recognizing eating disorder behaviorsUnderstanding the path of healingThe power of authentic human connection in personal growthThis episode offers an honest, compassionate look at what it means to heal — and to keep showing up for others while doing so.

Told he might never run — and later that he'd die in surgery — Pastor Warren Green refused to surrender to fear and instead chose to live with purpose.Pastor Green shares his story of survival, faith, and resilience in facing mortality head-on, and how he used life's "detours" as opportunities to grow his understanding of purpose and service.Talking about his invitation to Africa, Pastor Green shares how building a church and restaurant in Tanzania and Kenya has impacted local economies, has become a center for connection, and provided hope for their communities.If you’re navigating hardship, searching for meaning, or curious about how one person’s “yes” can change entire communities, this episode offers deep wisdom and inspiration.

 From the wrestling ring to the open house, Chris Jacobson learned what confidence, grit, and pursuing an unconventional dream really takes — injuries and all. A former pro wrestler, ex-teacher, and now successful Winona realtor, Chris shares how pro wrestling taught him resilience, shaped his confidence, and prepared him for the highs and lows of the housing market. Tune in to hear:How a change in career path doesn't mean a loss in time and talent.Practical tips Chris uses with buyers and sellers in today’s market (what to watch for, mistakes to avoid).The effort and grit it really takes to step into the ring Whether you love unconventional career paths or you’re house hunting this year, Chris’s story is an inspiring reminder that grit + willingness to try new things can create unexpected success.

Tom Sawyer, a renowned retired football coach from Winona State University, shares insights he's learned from 25 years as head coach, including how to build a strong team, the value of creating a goal-oriented culture, and strategies to handle both success and failure. Tom emphasizes the importance of giving team members ownership, fostering trust, and maintaining high standards. He also touches on how those principles can apply to other areas of life and work. Tom’s dedication to nurturing leadership and accountability in his team shines through, offering valuable advice for building successful teams both on and off the field.

Emily Miller opens up about her journey as a young transgender woman and how transitioning during high school in a rural community shaped her path. Facing both support and resistance from those around her, Emily reflects on what she’s learned about relationships, societal expectations, and the emotional shifts that came with her transition. Her story is a candid exploration of resilience, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to live authentically.

In this unique episode, host Tesla Mitchell is interviewed by former guest Ron Strege as she shares her own life experiences and profound lessons. Tesla talks about her father's tragic murder, the impact it had on her, and how it fueled her desire to document life. Also touching on her stepfather's fireworks accident and her own spiritual reflections, Tesla emphasizes the importance of capturing stories before they're lost and cherishing the moments that make us who we are.

Paul Stern talks about his experience studying in Buddhist Temples, his viewpoints on the human existence, and his belief that every moment can be sacred. Paul, a Buddhist priest and and an associate director at Winona State University, shares what he does when anger and other emotions pop up -- and the answer just might surprise you! Full of deep wisdom and humanity, Paul talks about the importance of community and how we show up in the spaces we live within. 

In this episode, Jeff Reinardy shares how he went from being the scrawny kid in school to a powerlifter and fitness fanatic. Now the Director of Fitness and Wellness at Winona State University, Jeff shares the lessons he's learned about injuries, comparing ourselves to others, and the power of small victories. 

Hear from Rebeccah Rudnik, who shares how she survived a life-changing car accident that ultimately led her to changing career paths from marketing to becoming a firefighter. From overcoming a severe spinal injury and depression to finding her purpose in firefighting, her story emphasizes the power of the human spirit, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams regardless of age or circumstances.

In Ep. 3 of How Life Shapes Us, we hear from Maria Espadas who talks about the risks she took in moving cities and later countries to follow her heart. Whether it included working next to alligators or marrying her husband after 6 months of dating, Maria learned the value in giving each decision her full dedication and effort.

In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, we hear from Tesla Mitchell's mom, Angel Miller, about moments that changed her life. Angel shares a spiritual experience she had after preparing a special place for her mother-in-law's ashes and how that deepened her sense of God's presence. By going a bit deeper into feelings of faith and spirituality, Tesla and her mom share a moment of understanding each other's faiths and how they can be different, yet experience a similar thing.  

In this inaugural episode of How Life Shapes Us, we hear Tesla Mitchell interview Ron Strege, who among many other things is the Director of the Warrior Success Center at Winona State University. Ron shares how key moments -- like losing his sister early in life -- taught him meaningful lessons in empathy and how needed it is in the world. Tesla and Ron also unpack his journey with cancer and how it's taught him transparency, living in the present, and the importance of genuine human connection.