Make Your Day Richer

I'm playing with Noah May, a full-time podcaster and Auburn journalism graduate from Alabama. Together, we dive into "The Lethal Truth," and explore the realities of modern media, the challenges of managing multiple creative projects, and the evolution of digital storytelling. Noah shares insights from his journey hosting three different podcasts, including his main show, the Lethal Venom podcast, where he focuses on delivering "the honest truth" on a variety of topics.

I'm playing with Darren Ault, a seasoned basketball coach with 33 years of experience and the author of the provocative new book, Out of Bounds.Darren shares the deeply personal and harrowing story of how a decorated career in youth coaching was derailed by a single, false allegation driven by parental interference. Through a gamified deep-dive called "The Parent Trap," Darren and I navigate common (and controversial) scenarios in youth sports—from private hitting coaches for eight-year-olds to school board members leveraging their power over playing time.

I'm playing with Tony Garshnick (better known as Tony G), a veteran mortgage planner from Waxhaw, North Carolina. With 22 years of experience, Tony G isn't just a loan officer; he's a "loan therapist" dedicated to helping families build long-term wealth through homeownership.We jump into several rounds of "Deal or Deal Breaker," where Tony G navigates the complexities of the modern real estate and mortgage world. From haunted craftsman homes to buying property with Bitcoin, Tony explains what it takes to turn a unique scenario into a successful closing.The Mortgage Planner Difference: Tony explains why focusing on monthly payments and net worth is more vital than simply chasing the largest loan possible.Wild Credit Tales: Hear the shocking story of a "debt-free" couple and the secret $90,000 credit card discovery.Overcoming Market Fear: Tony shares his strategy for navigating scary headlines and rising interest rates by focusing on education and long-term legacy.The "Recovering Foodie": Discover Tony’s personal deal breakers in the kitchen and the restaurant experience he’d be willing to sacrifice to be the world's top mortgage planner.Market Insights: A look at supply and demand in North Carolina and why your first home doesn't have to be your "forever" home to be a winning investment.Whether you are a first-time buyer stressed about interest rates or looking to build a legacy for your family, this episode offers a blend of humor, heart, and hard-earned financial wisdom.

I'm playing with Gabby Starr, a recruiter and managing representative from the Transamerica Agency Network. Gabby shares her inspiring journey of "stumbling" into a finance career six years ago after previously working in both the baking and counseling worlds.Throughout the episode, Gabby participates in a fast-paced game called "The Current Leap," where she must name three items in various categories under a five-second time limit. Between rounds, she opens up about the "30 seconds of courage" rule that guided her career change, the realities of being a single parent to two teenagers, and how her counseling background now helps her lead with patience and active listening.

In this episode of Make Your Day Richer, host Richard Wilmore plays with Becky Drozdz, owner of Guerrilla HR, for a fast-paced game of "Market Move or HR Myth". Becky brings her extensive background in human resources and compensation consulting to the table to debunk common workplace misconceptions and share insights on the evolving landscape of employment. Throughout three rounds of gameplay, Becky tackles tough questions on: The Compensation Jungle: Why salary history is a "total myth" for predicting performance and the legality of discussing pay with coworkers. Compliance and Culture: The impact of posting salary ranges on job descriptions and the hidden costs (and benefits) of unlimited PTO. Equity and Efficiency: The critical difference between cost of living and cost of labor, and why transparency is the ultimate "guerrilla tactic" for retaining top talent. Becky also shares the inspiration behind the name Guerrilla HR, modeled after guerrilla warfare where small, irregular groups can make a massive difference in broken traditional models. Whether you're a small business owner, a non-profit leader, or a "savvy worker" looking to negotiate your next raise, this episode provides a wealth of practical advice on building sustainable, successful organizations.

We're playing with the multi-talented Bruce Wayne Brackett—author, life coach, motivational speaker, and artist—for a high-stakes (and high-fun) round of The Spotlight Test.Bruce shares his incredible journey from Montana to New York City and finally to the Poconos, where he now operates an old-time portrait parlor. Throughout the game, Bruce opens up about the "beautiful chaos" of his life, discussing his path to sobriety, the power of a support system, and how he overcame the belief that he wasn't "smart enough" to become a published author.

What would you do if a manuscript you started at 19 sat in a filing cabinet for 37 years? In this episode of Make Your Day Richer, we're playing THE FIVE SECOND FRACTURE with Pittsburgh native Rodney Phillips. Rodney shares the incredible journey of his debut novel—a crime thriller born from teenage boredom in a furniture store that finally saw the light of day after he became an empty nester. Between rounds of the high-stakes game, Rodney discusses how his decades of experience in pharmaceutical sales and coaching sports helped him breathe new life into his characters and why he believes you should never give up on a dream, no matter how much time has passed.

In this episode of Make Your Day Richer THE GAME SHOW, host Richard Wilmore welcomes "mompreneur" and author Rebecca Linney for a lively round of the Big Kid Challenge. Rebecca shares the heartfelt and practical story behind her children's book, The Growing Bed, which was inspired by her own struggle to get her son to sleep through the night.The conversation dives into the "empathy approach" to parenting, the challenges of balancing a design agency with motherhood, and why teaching children that their actions affect others is a lifelong lesson. Whether you're a sleep-deprived parent or a "big kid" yourself, this episode offers a refreshing look at communication, patience, and the magic of a good night's sleep.

In this episode, Richard is joined by Deanna Scaldaferi, a Charlotte-based healer originally from New York. Deanna shares her journey from massage therapy to mastering Reiki and how she now helps others navigate chronic pain, emotional trauma, and narcissistic abuse recovery. Together they play "The Intuitive Connection," a game that explores the physical symptoms of emotional stress and the power of listening to what your body is trying to tell you.The Language of Pain: Deanna explains how physical symptoms—from tight shoulders to chronic pain—are often the body's way of communicating deeper emotional or spiritual misalignments.The Power of Reiki: A deep dive into how Deanna discovered Reiki and why it has become one of her most powerful tools for life-changing personal and professional healing.Healing the Nervous System: Deanna shares a vulnerable look at her own journey through divorce and how she used somatic work to regulate a deregulated nervous system.Narcissistic Abuse Recovery: An introduction to Deanna's virtual support group, providing education and a sacred space for both men and women healing from various forms of narcissistic abuse.Vulnerability as Strength: Why building a practice based on trust and allowing oneself to be vulnerable gives others permission to do the same.Top Takeaways for a Balanced LifeListen to Your Body: Pain is a symptom, not just a nuisance. Ask yourself what deeper story your body might be trying to tell you.Everything is Connected: Much like a thread in a sweater, a pain in your shoulder may actually be rooted in your neck or a different part of your fascia.Regulate Your System: Humans are not meant to live in a chronic state of "fight or flight." Intentional work is required to bring the nervous system back to safety.Watch Your Language: Talk to your body with the same kindness and patience you would use with a child.

Richard Wilmore welcomes Bob Wheeler to the hot seat for a high-stakes (and high-humor) game of "The Five Second Audit". Bob, who balances the books for the legendary Comedy Store while also climbing literal mountains, dives into the emotional side of finance. From the "COVID gap" in our wallets to the reasons we hide receipts from our accountants, this episode explores what it truly means to be "rich" and why the second-best time to start your financial journey is right now.The CPA with a Sense of Humor: Bob discusses his unique dual role as a CPA and the CFO of the "World Famous Comedy Store," noting that headlining comics are much harder to keep on a budget than therapists.Rewriting the Money Story: A look at Bob's mission to help people overcome the fear and shame associated with their finances.Adventures in intentionality: Bob shares how pivotal experiences—like running a marathon in Greece and hiking to Everest Base Camp—shifted his perspective on travel and luxury.Financial Literacy for the Next Generation: An introduction to Bob’s "Financially Fit Kids" series, aimed at teaching children about money and emotions early on.The Definition of "Rich": Moving beyond the bank balance to find fulfillment and peace of mind when starting each day.

In this high-energy episode, Richard plays with Sarah Price, a life and career coach based in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Together, they play "Ready or Not," a game designed to test whether today’s young professionals are truly prepared for the modern workforce. From the impact of AI on hiring to the "COVID gap" in social development, Sarah shares expert insights on why a college degree is no longer enough and how "human skills" have become the new gold standard for employers.Key Discussion PointsThe Resume Revolution: Sarah explains why young adults aren't ready to write resumes—they focus on skills rather than competencies and outcomes, and often fail to optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The "COVID Gap": How the quarantine period during critical development stages created a gap in authentic communication and real-world problem-solving.Strengths-Based Success: A deep dive into the Gallup Strengths methodology. Sarah discusses why understanding your innate behaviors is more important than a linear path from high school to college.AI in the Job Search: While young adults are tech-savvy, they often don't understand how AI and algorithms affect hiring decisions or how to use LinkedIn strategically.The Soft Skill Advantage: Why companies are moving away from GPA-based hiring and toward "human" competencies like critical thinking, adaptability, and taking constructive criticism.Top Takeaways for Young ProfessionalsStop the One-Page Rule: ATS systems need keywords to find you; don't be afraid to provide enough detail to get through the bot.Find a Mentor: Successful people don't do it alone. A mentor can help navigate office politics and career growth.Go "Old School": If online applications aren't working, print 50 resumes and show up in person to stand out from the digital crowd.Know Your "Why": Don't just pick a major or job because it’s the "linear path." Use your strengths to find a career that actually fits.Website: livingyourstrengths.com Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Make Your Day Richer THE GAME SHOW, I'm playing with with Toronto-based author and PhD, Cinda Gault. Cinda takes on the challenge of Rule Breaker Roulette, a trivia game that tests her knowledge of Canadian history and the complex themes of her own historical fiction.Beyond the trivia, Cinda provides a deep dive into her meticulous research process—from visiting the Hudson’s Bay archives to discovering the real-life women who inspired her novels. She discusses the "magical" relationship between a writer and a reader and why she believes every woman should "pick up the ticket" for her own sense of meaning. Whether she's discussing the 1970s feminist watershed or the grit of an 1800s fur trade voyage, Cinda's passion for breathing life into historical facts is on full display.

On this episode of Make Your Day Richer THE GAME SHOW, I welcome Victoria and Wade Shiu from the Running Shius Agency. This husband-and-wife duo brings their extensive pharmacy backgrounds to the high-stakes world of RX MARKS THE SPOT, a medically-themed drawing game.Between rounds of competitive sketching—featuring everything from crutches to counting trays—Victoria and Wade share the deeply personal stories that led them to pivot from corporate pharmacy to health insurance. From navigating life-altering medical claims for family members to helping local seniors find the right Medicare plans, discover how this York County, South Carolina agency is putting the "care" back into healthcare.

In this premiere episode, we welcome 31-year marriage veterans and business partners Dale and Donna Bishop. Watch as we put their long-term connection to the test with "Home Sweet Harmony: The Mortgage Newlywed Game." Beyond the laughs and missed answers, Dale and Donna share deep insights from their decades of experience in the mortgage industry, debunking common home-buying myths and revealing what it’s really like to work as a husband-and-wife team .The Game: Home Sweet HarmonyThe Setup: Four rounds, three questions each, with a goal of reaching 10 points .Round 1 Highlights: We find out that Donna views Dale as a "Sprawling McMansion" house style—though Dale disagreed . The couple ended the first round with zero points after mismatched answers on home improvement impulses and open house snacks .Round 2 & 3: The couple finally gets on the board by agreeing that Donna is the one who reads the fine print . We also learn about the Bishops' household quirks, including the name of their vacuum, "Dusty" .The Result: tune in to find out!Key Insights & Mortgage Tips:"The 20% Myth: Donna debunks the idea that you need a 20% down payment. Options exist for as low as 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA, and $0 down for VA and USDA loans.Working as a Team: Dale and Donna discuss their transition from the retail world to working together, emphasizing the importance of trust and "staying in your lane" to be successful.The Third Generation: A milestone for the Bishops—they are now helping the third generation (grandparents, parents, and now the children) of the same families finance their homes.Reducing Anxiety: Donna explains her "reverse engineering" process via Zoom calls to help first-time buyers understand their budget and goals without "sticker shock".

Welcome to a very special and bittersweet day. This is the series finale of Make Your Day Richer TV! It has been an incredible journey, and I wanted our final guest to be someone who truly embodies the spirit of honesty and finding purpose.Now, many of you know Matt Check as a career musician with a catalog of amazing Americana and country rock albums. But he’s here today to talk about his new memoir, a book where he truly 'put it all out there'. It has one of the most unique premises I’ve ever seen: it's written as an imagined conversation with the legendary author Philip Roth.In this episode, we discuss:The Philip Roth Connection: Matthew explains the unique conceit of his memoir—an imagined conversation with the late, great Philip Roth.Manhattan in the Mid-Aughts: We look back at the "cringe" and the struggle of his 20s.11 Years of Recovery: Matthew shares his journey through recovery and how he makes sense of past failures.Finding the Humor: Why he used his father’s "ridiculous" sayings as a source of comic relief in an otherwise heavy story.BIG NEWS TOMORROW ABOUT WHAT'S NEXT!

I am so excited to be talking with Hilary Momberger Powers. You might recognize her voice—she started her career at just five years old as the voice of Sally Brown in the Peanuts cartoons!Hilary shares the fascinating story of her life, which she describes as a 'cauldron' or 'soup' filled with the good, the bad, and everything in between.In this episode, we discuss:The Early Years: What it was like to be a child voice actor for one of the most famous cartoon franchises in history.The "Helga" Alter-Ego: Hilary explains her 'turbo' personality that she calls Helga and how she learned to embrace her.Finding Gratitude: Why she spends every morning in bed practicing gratitude for even the smallest things.Self-Acceptance: Why she stopped 'driving in the rearview mirror' and learned to love the woman she has become.Jump into the chat and tell us your favorite Peanuts memory!

I'm sitting down with Jeffry Krafft, artist, educator, and creator of  @thecompletepaintertv Jeffry shares his journey from teaching in galleries to producing his own public access TV show, and how a chance encounter led him to discover the magic of creating art for broadcast.Often compared to Bob Ross, Jeffry opens up about the challenges of living under that shadow, the reality of mistakes in painting, and why persistence—not perfection—is the true secret to creativity. He explains how layers, patience, and problem-solving transform a blank canvas into something extraordinary, and why anyone can learn to paint with the right guidance.From teaching at universities and art centers to hosting sip-and-paint nights, Jeffry’s mission is clear: to help people step away from screens, embrace the arts, and discover the joy of making something with their own hands.Stay tuned for insights on technique, creativity, and the life-changing power of picking up a brush.

Bonnie Clevering, legendary Hollywood hairstylist and author of "Continuity" is here! With a career spanning over 50 years and more than 120 film and television projects, Bonnie shares stories from her time at MGM Studios, her work with icons like Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Al Pacino, and even Elvis Presley, and the meticulous art of maintaining continuity on set. Bonnie opens up about her journey from Florida to Hollywood, the challenges of breaking into the union, and the creative spark that fueled her career. She recounts unforgettable moments—like nearly singeing Elvis’s famous pompadour and attending Priscilla Presley’s baby shower—that reveal the human side of life behind the camera. Her book "Continuity" explores not only the technical demands of hairstyling for film but also the deeper theme of continuity in life itself. Now at 84, Bonnie reflects on her legacy, her joy in seeing readers embrace her memoir, and her exciting new chapter as a film producer. Stay tuned until the end for a playful game of Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow—where Bonnie proves that even Hollywood legends love a good laugh.

Jacquelynn Wolfheart, the creative force behind Midnight Masquerade and the children’s album Bad Day Blues (released under her whimsical alter ego, Pixie Faerun) is here!Jacquelynn opens up about her journey from writing poems and kids’ stories to transforming them into music, her unexpected path into recording two albums in just weeks, and the deeply personal inspirations behind her songs.She shares how her background in psychology and storytelling shaped her children’s music, why one track reminded her of Taylor Swift, and how her supportive partner helped her embrace the dream of making art simply for joy. From love songs to trauma bonds, from playful fairy tales to empowering messages for kids, Jacquelynn’s work is all about connection, courage, and creativity.Stay tuned until the end for a fun rapid-fire game of Sing or Fling—and discover why Wolfheart’s music is resonating with listeners of all ages.

I'm joined by author Norman Woolworth, who brings historical mystery to life with his latest book, The Bolden Cylinder! This book is the second in his Bruno Abelard series, set in New Orleans.What we discuss:Buddy Bolden: The fascinating, tragic figure known as 'the first jazz player' whose peak was at the turn of the 20th century, but who left no known recordings. We discuss how he rose to be known as 'King Bolden' before his life ended in a sanitarium.The Book's Mystery: Norman explains how his character, the curmudgeonly antiques dealer Bruno Abelard, and a detective friend uncover the mystery surrounding Bolden.Historical Mystery Genre: The conversation touches on how Norman uses flashbacks to historical points and makes the city of New Orleans a character unto itself.BONUS: We play the game, "Jazz or Jive!"Jump into the chat and let us know your favorite historical mystery!

I’m talking with my new friend, Ennis Pepper, who is doing incredible work with the Agape Dental Ministry.Ennis explains why this nonprofit is so vital: it is the only standalone dental charity operating in Mecklenburg County. They provide comprehensive dental services to people who need care but cannot afford it or do not have insurance—all at no cost to the patient.In this powerful conversation, we discuss:The huge impact a simple smile can have, especially when people are seeking employment or need better confidence.How Agape Dental Ministry is flexible with qualification requirements to ensure people who truly need the help receive it.The urgent need for volunteer dentists (especially retired professionals!) to help them fulfill their mission.How you can get involved by calling the executive administrator, Becky Faircloth.Jump into the chat and thank Ennis for supporting such important work!

I'm joined by the incredibly fun and inspiring Merit Kahn, who is here to talk about her one-woman comedy show, Optimistic Personality Disorder!Merit shares the hilarious story of how she was inspired to put "write a one-woman comedy show" on her list of 50 things to do before turning 50. She describes the show as a way to look back at difficult parts of her life and rewrite them as a comedy set to change her future!We also discuss how Merit, who is primarily a keynote speaker for sales and leadership audiences, uses the stories and anecdotes from her comedy sets in her business programs. Plus, she tells us about the timeline exercise she leads in her programs to help others turn their own challenges into new possibilities.Jump into the chat and let us know what part of your story you would turn into a comedy set!

Ray Scott from Greater Things Ministry is discussing his ambitious holiday mission: to provide every foster child in South Carolina with a brand-new pair of shoes . Ray shares his goal to raise over $240,000 to give 3,500 kids a $65 shopping pass to Shoe Show, ensuring each child gets to choose the shoes they want and own something that is truly theirs . Find out how you can help them hit their December 20th deadline at greaterthingsministry.com .THENRichard Moon is talking about his historical fantasy novel, To Conquer Death. Richard explains the massive global event that inspired his book: the mysterious Bronze Age Collapse . He shares his transition from screenwriting to novel writing, stating that his latest idea was simply "too big" for a script, and how this shift has allowed him to build a more expansive world.

Ian Spandow, co-founder of Spandow House Dog Rescue in Northern California, is here!. What began as a passion for fostering has grown into a sanctuary for high-care dogs—those often overlooked or deemed “unadoptable.” Ian shares how he and his wife transformed their nine-acre countryside home into a haven where over 250 dogs have found healing, hope, and forever families.You'll learn:- The origins of Spandow House and Ian’s lifelong connection to dogs- Stories of resilience, including how some dogs “choose” their adopters- The challenges of running a rescue with limited resources and high veterinary costs- How social media and community support fuel adoptions and awareness- Ian’s book "Rescuing Dogs and Salespeople", a memoir that blends his career highs and lows with lessons learned from rescue workThis episode is a moving reminder of the impact one family can make when they dedicate themselves to compassion. Whether you’re a dog lover, an aspiring rescuer, or simply someone who believes in leaving the world better than you found it, Ian’s story will inspire you to act with heart.

I'm making slime with educator and founder Jayme Diehl to explore the remarkable evolution of Smart Diehl Academy. What began as a small tutoring center in 2023 has blossomed into a nonprofit private school serving over 70 students with flexible, hybrid programs and a nature-based curriculum right here in Mint Hill, NC and the surrounding area. Jayme shares candid reflections on the challenges of leadership, the joy of lifelong learning, and the creativity sparked by her students—including their entrepreneurial slime business!Jayme an I chat about:- The Academy’s growth from tutoring to nonprofit private school- How flexible models support homeschool and hybrid learners- The importance of delegation and building a supportive team- Student-led innovation, like the slime business and enrichment classes- Smart Fest 2026, the Academy’s annual fundraiser and family celebrationThis episode is a celebration of courage, creativity, and community impact. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or entrepreneur, Jayme’s journey will leave you inspired to keep learning and keep building.

I'm checking in with nonprofit leader Deanna Terry to celebrate an incredible year of growth and impact at KeyStep, a non-profit dedicated to guiding foster youth toward independence.The founder shares the success stories of the young people they serve—from graduating high school and earning their GEDs to starting college, landing better jobs, and attending therapy. We discuss why the community's support has been 'humbling' and personally healing for the founder, who didn't realize how much she still needed to heal from her own past experience.We also dive into KeyStep's unique approach to support: their food and essentials pantry, located in Indian Trail, is not a giveaway. Instead, youth must commit to a Goal Plan—whether that's studying for a driver's license, attending therapy, or sending a picture of a meal they cooked. It's a system built on respect for their journey to independence.In this episode, we discuss:The importance of non-profits being specific about their needs to better serve the youth.Successes in education, employment, and mental health (with five youth currently in therapy).How the community stepped up to provide specific items—from laptops to Native brand body wash for sensitive skin.How listeners can help meet their most urgent needs right now (toilet paper, snacks, and cleaning supplies).

I'm honored to be joined by Robert J. Wolf, author of the four-time award-winning biography, Not a Real Enemy: The True Story of a Hungarian Jewish Man's Fight for Freedom.Robert shares the incredible true story of his father's life—a Hungarian Jewish man who became a four-time escape artist, miraculously surviving both the brutality of Nazi-occupied Hungary and the repressive Communist regime of 1956. This gripping biography is a testament to the human will to survive, the devastating trauma of war and political oppression, and the ultimate path to redemption.Robert discusses the seven-year journey he took to convert his parents' autobiography into this vital book. We explore the powerful, urgent message this story holds for today's world, serving as a crucial tool in the ongoing fight against anti-Semitism and hatred.In this episode, we discuss:The true accounts of surviving two repressive 20th-century regimes.How Robert's background as a Radiologist influenced his dedication to the 'preservation of life' in his writing.The lasting impact of intergenerational trauma and the possibility of redemption.Why his father's story is so relevant to the current global climate.

I'm with author Nkrumah Mensah for an inspiring conversation about turning personal challenges and big life changes into captivating fantasy fiction.Nkrumah shares her deeply personal journey from being severely dyslexic and not reading as a child to becoming a published author, carrying on a family tradition of oral storytelling. She reveals how her passion project turned into a full book series, including her latest, Anne of Survivors.We also discuss a major new chapter in her life: becoming an empty nester as her youngest graduates in May. Hear why she's ready to sell the house she's lived in for 17 years and is exploring a potential move to places like New Zealand or Japan.In this episode:*How her family, especially her "voracious reader" daughter, pushed her to publish her first novel.*The writing process where her characters often take control and "totally trash" her plot lines.*Why becoming a mother forced her to rewrite parts of her first book to be "kinder to the parents".*The excitement and uncertainty of planning a move after 17 years in Greensboro.

What happens when you take the road less traveled in the Land of Oz?Join me for a fascinating conversation with Carlos Perez, the author of the new book, THE OTHER ROAD. Carlos shares the inspiration behind his Young Adult novel, which explores the untold stories of Oz and answers the question: where did all those other roads from the start of the Yellow Brick Road go?We dive into Carlos's unique background as a dedicated educator and talented musician, and how his diverse creative life fuels his imaginative writing. This episode is a must-listen for fans of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, and anyone who believes the greatest adventures lie just beyond the familiar path.In this episode, we discuss:The moment of inspiration that led to the creation of The Other Road.How his background as an educator and musician influences his storytelling.The enduring legacy of The Wizard of Oz and its power to inspire new narratives.Details on his upcoming nine-city book tour.

I'm joined by David Tunstall, CPA and head of The Tunstall Organization, and he is making finances approachable! David shares the incredible (and hilarious) origin story of how he named his business after a successful New York organization when he started in 2002!What we discuss:The Core Services: David breaks down the fundamentals of his work: taxes, bookkeeping, and payroll.Going Deeper: Moving beyond the basics, David explains how he helps business owners use financial analysis—looking at P&L statements and balance sheets—to understand the drivers behind their revenue and make smart decisions.Client Focus: While he primarily works with businesses (ideally over $1 million in revenue), he also provides personal tax preparation services for high-income W-2 earners.Expertise: David is experienced and licensed to file taxes in all 50 states!BONUS: We play the game, "Write Off or Rip Off"!Jump into the chat and ask David your burning finance questions!

I am thrilled to welcome local entrepreneur, dog-lover and nonprofit founder, Jackie Adams, to the show!Jackie recognized that shelters are at or over capacity nationwide. She developed a brilliant, innovative solution: a guest house where visitors can rent a room and, if they wish, learn about the full realities of dog fostering.We discuss how her venture, which is the only one in the US offering dog fostering outreach and education in a guest house setting, creates an immersive learning space for the community to see firsthand "what it takes, the good, the bad, the ugly".We also chat about her plan to go out to schools to promote shelter jobs and fostering to the next generation and her new children's book series based on the lessons kids can learn from foster dogs!

Joining me today is the powerhouse duo behind the book HEALTHY EATING ADVENTURE: Chef Nick Iula and Dr. Elizabeth George! This conversation is absolutely packed with life-changing information.We dive into the science behind why a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle leads to amazing results—not just in cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes, but also in improving sleep, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Liz explains how the book reviews the Standard American Diet and why this lifestyle is "not just woo woo, this is real, this is how our body works".And you have to hear Chef Nick's story: He dropped 80 pounds and reversed severe conditions like gout, acid reflux, and sleep apnea—all in the first few months. He credits this lifestyle with saving his life!Join the chat and let us know what plant-based dish you are excited to try!

This chat with the incredibly talented Dennis Welch is one of those that warms your soul! If you haven't heard his album, Strong, you need to—it is one of the most personal and moving records I have ever heard.Today, we're talking about his powerful approach to songwriting: he explains how he strives to 'say for people what they don't know how to say for themselves' and why his focus is on creating uplifting conversations, not chasing charts. You'll want to hear his take on what true success looks like for an artist.Jump into the chat and let us know which song from Strong is your favorite! ❤️

I'm kicking off the week with a guest whose music is exactly what we all need: high-energy, positive, and genuinely motivational! He is the one and only Tony Saint Tone!I am obsessed with his music and how good I feel when I listen to it. Today, Tony shares the fascinating origin of his sound. He reveals how he used to listen to classic motivational speakers like Zig Ziglar and Tony Robbins, and he decided to ask one question: "How can I get these messages into a song?".We'll talk about that creative journey, the power of putting positive messages on repeat, and how you can use his music to keep your motivation high every single day.Join the live stream and let us know your favorite motivational song! 👇

I'm thrilled to introduce Melanie Whittaker, a contributor to the powerful new anthology, TRANSFORMING PAIN INTO PURPOSE.Melanie's chapter dives deep into her experience growing up with a narcissistic mother, which she describes as a "living hell". She shares how her self-esteem was stripped away during her teenage years, and how this constant feeling of never being good enough impacts your entire life.We discuss the power of this book, which features the stories of 35 women who took experiences that "could have crushed her, but she's walked through the fire". Melanie also discusses how sharing this personal truth, even for someone who is usually behind the scenes in PR and marketing has been very healing.If you are ready to use your pain as the foundation for your purpose, this episode is a must-watch!

We're about to have an incredibly moving and important conversation with Hugh Flynn about his book, SOMETHING SPECIAL BE. Hugh shares the deeply personal story of filing for conservatorship of his special needs brother, Aaron, in Los Angeles Superior Court.He walks us through the shocking turn of events when his brother required urgent surgery, and Hugh realized he had "no legal authority" to make decisions for him. This crisis led to a lengthy and expensive battle involving enormous "above the line costs" for lawyers and experts. Hugh also discusses the family dysfunction and why he ultimately had to fight siblings who did not agree with Aaron living on the West Coast, despite that being Aaron's wish.Hugh states that he didn't care about anything more than he cared about his brother, calling Aaron the "greatest person I've ever met". He reveals that the conversations and email exchanges in the book are verbatim from his archive, proving the outrage of the story.This is a must-listen for anyone navigating family care, disability, or the legal system.

Today is an episode filled with heart, soul, and incredible food! I'm thrilled to welcome the amazing Shef Shaun Williams, author of the new cookbook: "Soul in the Citi!"Shef Shaun shares his fascinating journey, from learning to cook scrambled eggs at age six to interning at Def Jam Records before dedicating himself to culinary arts. We discuss his passion for pouring his "heart and soul into the food" and why food is a part of every life celebration. Plus, he's giving us a peek inside the book, which features classics like his wonderful pot roast recipe!But this conversation is more than just cooking. Chef Shaun gets personal, sharing his journey of finding sobriety and the importance of having a support team, especially during the holidays. It is a powerful conversation about creating experiences, finding your purpose, and building a powerful legacy.Get Chef Shaun's book, Soul in the City, on Amazon now!

I am sharing the most genius holiday find! I'm welcoming the amazing Jennifer Brantigan to the show, and she's our one-stop Holiday Gift Guru! We are talking about gifts that are practical, unique, and interesting. You have to see the ceramic garlic grater she brought! I’m a total kitchen novice, but this thing is called the 'Instagrator' for a reason—it’s super fast, won’t cut you, and is easy to clean (unlike those presses!). Jennifer is showing us why this 50-year-old Spanish secret is the ultimate stocking stuffer!Get your shopping lists ready, because the season of giving starts now! 👇

We're starting the week with one of the most important and personal conversations we’ve ever had on the show. My guest is the inspiring Cheri Bergeron, founder of the non-profit Cheri's Choice!Cheri came to this mission after a difficult personal journey of 10 years of infertility, loss of children, and a landmark custody battle. She realized that while we teach sex education in schools, we absolutely skip fertility education.She’s here to talk about the huge information gap that exists, why women are often left to navigate a $30,000-per-cycle industry alone, and why making the difficult choice to pursue motherhood on your own is not a failure, it's freedom. Don't forget to check out her book, Mission Motherhood, for the full story!Join the chat and let me know your biggest question about fertility! 👇

NSFW!I am so excited to wrap up the week with the amazing and hilarious author, Christina Braver!Christina, whose last name is actually Braver (I love that!), is here to talk about her romance novels, the judgmental questions she gets for being a Christian who writes about intimate topics, and why she is such an "open book".But you guys... the highlight of the show is the exclusive story she shares about her introvert, tech-nerd husband reading her dual-POV romance books! He gave her one piece of very clear feedback on a scene she wrote, saying one part was "completely unrealistic": no man would ever turn down a favor from his partner! I was dying laughing, and you have to hear it!Join the chat and let me know your favorite part of the interview! 👇

Brenton Harrison is here to make money conversations more approachable. We dive into his incredible journey into finance, which was shaped by the two very different ways his parents handled cash—one who just wanted to earn more, and one who was stressed over a single penny! He explains why money feels like a scary, foreign language to so many of us, and how you can change your mindset to start budgeting and building wealth the right way.If you've ever been afraid to look at your bank account, this show is for you! Say hi in the chat and let me know your biggest money question! 👇

You're going to be captivated by Melora Fern's book, Whistling Women and Crowing Hens, which is set in the wild and wonderful 1920s on the Chautauqua Circuits. Melora shares the most intimate and special story about how she found a box of mementos that proved her own grandmother was a whistling, trombone-playing woman on that circuit! Her story is truly about turning tradition on its head and finding your voice, which I absolutely love.We also chat about what the Chautauqua Circuit actually was (think of it as the original TED Talks!), why it took her eight years to write the book, and her former career as a CPA! Plus, we have a great time talking about music and Melora’s favorite pizza topping (I might disagree with her on this one!).

I am feeling incredibly inspired right now and it's all thanks to my wonderful guest, the powerhouse that is Kevie Jackson!Kevi shares his incredible journey from working as a night shift nurse to launching a fantastic podcast called "Kultivation with Kevie". You have to hear how he literally got a spiritual calling to start the show and I love that! We dive into the life-changing truth of his show's tagline: "Grow through what you go through" , and how sharing our stories proves "we're more alike than different".Plus, he gives us the exclusive scoop on a super fun, upcoming '90s music project, "Nostalgic AF" , and talks about returning to his first love, singing! We also share a moment of gratitude for all the amazing nurses out there (you all don't get paid enough! ).You're going to love Kevie's energy and message. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and say hi in the chat! 👇

I’m sitting down with former Virginia Firefighter, Chris LaLonge! Chris is here to talk about his must-read book, "Scars with Purpose" and the incident that changed his life.The best part? That injury led him to create a moldable hand device to help others with similar conditions! You have to hear how he turned a truly horrible event into a powerful calling. This episode is for everyone—especially first responders, or anyone trying to put the pieces back together after a life-changing injury.

Things are getting spicy! My guest today is the amazing Tina Coleman, who wrote the book that has everyone talking: 50, Fabulous, and F-Able. Fair warning, you might want to send the kids to another room for this one! We are talking about why being 50 is absolutely not the end and it's actually just the beginning, why Gen X is reclaiming their power, and why all those ridiculous excuses about travel are not going to cut it anymore! Tina is currently living internationally in Medellin, Colombia, and she is here to tell us how she reclaimed her life after 45, how she traveled even when she didn't have the money, and why traveling is the best education and investment you can make in yourself. It’s going to be a fun, fabulous, and completely uncensored hour!

I am sitting down with the incredible Melinda Lee, whose new memoir is called Rebel Hugger. Now, I have to brag just a little bit, because I have been called a very good hugger, and when I heard her story, I knew I had to meet her! Melinda decided, after moving to a new state and feeling incredibly lonely, that she was going to go out and hug everyone she encountered for an entire year including the person next to her in the grocery line. She hugged thousands of people and had only five "no's!" But the story gets deep: she’s here to talk about the "dark night of the soul" that followed, and how writing this book helped her unpack her own pain and find a way back to herself and back to loving those hugs again. This is a powerful, inspiring episode about connection, vulnerability, and why sometimes, a simple hug is everything.

I am so excited because I am sitting down with a guy who has truly done it all! My guest, Patrick O'Donnell, spent 25 years as a police sergeant on the street , has written 10 books, hosts a popular podcast, and is even a TV consultant! We’ll about his incredible journey, starting with his roots as the son of Irish immigrants from the south side of Chicago. We'll discuss what it's like to trade in your badge for a keyboard to write his popular Cops and Writers book series. He’s going to share why crime writers kept cornering him at conferences asking about search warrants, red lights, and sirens , which is what inspired his guides to getting police facts straight! Plus, can you guess what his favorite part of retirement is?!

I am so glad Rocky D'Alessandro is here with me today! Seriously, if anyone can make a discussion about garage doors exciting, it's this guy. He walked away from a 20-year career in finance to start his own business with his dad, Pro-Lift Garage Doors of Southeast Charlotte. Why? Because the garage door is basically the new front door for most homes, and it shouldn't just be an afterthought. We're talking about all the gorgeous new trends, from long panels to all-glass doors that look like they belong on a trendy restaurant. Plus, if you have a hot room over your garage (like I do!), we're talking R-value, insulation, and how to keep those temperatures down. But here’s the kicker: Rocky has the numbers that prove replacing your garage door can actually give you over a 100% return on your investment when you sell! It’s all about design, efficiency, and value so tune in!

I am so excited because it's finally time for my chat with the one and only Becca Eve Young! We all tried to do the "familiar script," right? The career, the house, the car, the wardrobe—doing all the things! Well, Becca is telling us what happened when all of that fell apart for her, and she found herself stranded in the desert during a global pandemic. She's here to talk all about her incredible new book, It's Gonna Get Messy, and why we all need to stop with the filtering and own the "messy human experience" this life really is! If you've ever felt lost or disconnected, this episode is for you!

I am so excited (and maybe a little freaked out) to welcome the incredibly brave Scott Wells to the show today! His new young adult novel, Marked by the Ouija, which has already given some readers nightmares. Scott shares the unbelievable, true story behind the book: how a simple, plastic Ouija board he found in his small farming town when he was 16 led to a friend's tragic death. He reveals the terrifying experience that made two of his friends burn the board and never speak to him again , and how the subsequent guilt sent him into a spiral that led to him being homeless for a while. This is one story that still gives him goosebumps after 38 years, and I promise it will give you goosebumps too.