PODCAST · health
Tangential Inspiration
by Teresa Wymetalek
Just a mom looking for inspiration anywhere I can find it. My journey will cover people, groups and even animals that inspire me by making the world a better place. My search for inspiration often includes a number of tangents, but always focuses on finding goodness and kindness. Everyone can use some inspiration, come join us.
Episodes
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Episode 237: Jacque Cousteau's Underwater World
We are so behind on everything. Sorry for such a big delay in episodes. This episode though, is worth the wait. We talk about a triathlete who continues on despite a fatal diagnosis. Then we dive into the amazing world of explorer and activist, Jacques Cousteau. And finally, we talk about the...
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Episode 236: Liz Hauck and the Power of Cooking a Meal
Welcome to Episode 236. There is a whole lot of inspiration waiting here for you in this episode. We talk about a Portland Police Office, Rashida Saunders, and her book Permission to Break which discusses that sometimes they is power in vulnerability. Then we look at LIz Hauk's book, Home Made,...
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Episode 235: The Unstoppable FTD Brothers - A License to Live
Welcome to Episode 235. This is a big one, with lots of inspiration. A word of warning, you may want some tissues nearby, it's a bit of an emotional one, but all three stories will inspire. We start off with our send-off of the incredible Dolly Parton, then we talk about two brothers who are…
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Episode 234: The Real Horse Whisperer - Buck Brannaman
It's been a heck of a summer. We have a lot of inspiration to throw your way. We start off with a cheerleadering team that is defying stereotypes and doing amazing things (check out the Youtube link below). Next we talk about the incredible Buck Brannaman, a modern day cowboy who is helping…
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Episode 233: Chuck Yeager - Breaking Boundaries
Hey we are back. Life has been crazy, but we wanted to get out an epsiode to give you a boost of inspiration. This episode is a little bit different, we are focusing on just one person, but this man's amazing life is certainly enough to carry an episode on its own. We are going to share about the...
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Episode 232: Saving the Planet with Arctic Reflections
It has been a crazy week, so we are getting out this episode much later than we intended. But it is worth the wait! In this episode we will cover a round the world bike trip, a company using Arctic ice to cool the planet, and a follow up on Christina Tosi and her incredible attitude. Put those...
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Episode 231: The Unrelenting Erin Brockovich
Summer is upon us. FInd a shady spot and cool off while getting inspired. We have some truly inspirational stories this week. We deep dive on the amazing advocacy of Erin Brockovich, who is still going strong. We also have a few more stories about celebrities speaking candidly about mental health...
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Episode 230: Metallica - Charity is All Within My Hands
You will love this episode, so much inspiration to be found. Teresa shares about a young girl who started changing the world when she was only four years old, the hard rocking metal band Metallica who has been a charity juggernaut for decades, and a retired school teacher who is quietly changing...
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Episode 229: Celebrities Using Their Platforms to Support Mental Health
Episode 229 is full of inspiration. We have the story of Sara Chapman and the Match Girl Strike which changed the world for workers. Then we have a smattering of celebs who are using their platforms to promote mental health and help eliminate the stigma of seeking help from mental health...
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Episode 228: The Masaka Kids Africana - Dancing for Joy and Hope
Welcome to episode 228! We have some great inspiration for you in this episode. We are still working out some sound issues, and hope to have that dialed in soon. This episode is filled with kids. We talk about some foster family success stories, a young man who started speaking out against…
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Episode 227: Robert Putnam and the Power of Joining
Oh this is a good one. We have stories of people overcoming tragic backgrounds, an underdog Olympian who stunned the world, and the fascinating work of Robert Putnam and how joining a group can help improve your happiness, health, and even democracy. There is a lot of inspiration crammed into…
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Episode 226: Cupcake Brown: A Story of Hope and Redemption
Welcome to Episode 226! There is a lot to be inspired by in this episode. We have people doing amazing things to revive and protect coral reefs. We have the story of a woman's three decade long search for her missing son. Finally we have the story of Cupcake Brown (yes that is her name) who…
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Episode 225: The Hidden Power of Neurodivergence
Sorry for the delay, we had some technical problems, which have impacted sound quality a little. Hopefully it is not to noticeable, because this episode has so much powerful inspiration. We are going to cover a life changing book and the story of a Black man who is dismantling the KKK one member…
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Episode 224: Artemis 2 - The Heroic Return to Deep Space
Need some inspiration? Come listen to this episode. You will find inspiration. We talk about a cookbook that celebrates the stories of imigrants told through food, then we talk about the Artemis 2 NASA program and the brave astronauts who are returning to the moon, and finally, we talk about...
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Episode 223: The Heroic Citizens of Ukraine
Episode 223 is full of inspiration. We have a young woman feeding thousands of school kids in Africa, several incredible civilian heroes of Ukraine, and a double amputee triathlete who is a champion on and off the course. There is something here that will inspire everyone. Have a listen and get a...
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Episode 222: The Otter Comeback
Welcome to Episode 222. So much inspiration in this episode, plus otters! Who doesn't love an otter. We also have the hilarious Holderness Family, and the tragic but inspiring story of Viola Liuzzo. Its tough out there, come find a moment of peace and inspiration to recharge your batteries.…
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Episode 221: The Amazing Athletes of the Paralympics Winter Games
So much inspiration is contained in this podcast. We have a marine biologist who is helping people understand the importance of sharks, four incredible Paralympian athletes from the 2026 Winter Games, and a landfill that is helping solve food scarcity in a truly unique way. There is a lot to…
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Episode 220: The Quiet Rebel of Equality - Pauli Murray
Welcome to Episode 220 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. We have three stories that are sure to help fill you with inspiration. Teresa talks about a jungle guardian in Equador who is on a mission to save endangered plants. Then there is the story of Pauli Murray, a brilliant legal mind who...
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Episode 219: Septima Clark - Educating for Equality
Welcome to Episode 219 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. We celebrate Black History Month with our story about the quiet educator, Septima Poinsette Clark, who helped power the Civil Rights Movement. We also share the story of 5 Time Olympian, Elena Meyers Taylor, who is a hero on and off…
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Episode 218: Lina AbiRafeh - The Power of Practical Feminism
Welcome to Episode 218! This episode is dripping with some serious girl powered inspiration. We have a young woman who is changing how mental health cared for and viewed in Laos. Then there is Lina AbiRafeh who has a different and powerful approach to feminism. And to finish up, Teresa talks…
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Episode 217: Bayard Rustin - The Invisible Man of the Civil Rights Movement
Welcome to Episode 217! There is a lot of inspiration paced into 35 minutes. We have a family that made a radical lifestyle change to help others. There is the story about one of the most important Civil Rights activists you probably never heard of, and then there is the story about a woman from...
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Episode 216: Hugh Thompson, Jr. - Courage is Doing What is Right
Here we are with Episode 216 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. There is so much inspiration in this episode. Teresa tells a few quick stories from her home state of Oregon, talks about an incredible new book written by Malala Yousafzai, tells the story of the courageous helicopter pilot and...
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Episode 215: Mark Kelly - An American Hero
Welcome to Episode 215, our first episode in 2026. Happy New Year to our longtime and new listeners alike. This episode is full of inspiration to kick of 2026. We have the amazing story of how St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was founded; the incredible story of American astronaut and…
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Episode 214: The Man Who Composed the Soundtrack to America
Welcome to Episode 214 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. We will take a short break over the holidays and be back with new inspirational stories. This week we have three great stories for you. First we will talk about a book that is your guide to finding joy, then we talk about the…
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Episode 213: Shaquille O’Neal: The Kindness Giant
This is Episode 213 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. This episode is all about kindess and we are going to focus on three remarkable people who have something to share about kindness. We start off with world record traveller, Renee Bruns, who travels the world on her own, in a wheelchair....
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Episode 212: Unleashing the Power of the Young
This is Episode 212 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. It is filled to the brim with inspiration. We start off with some advice from some famous coaches, that is not just for winning games, but winning in life. Then we talk about some young people who are making a huge difference in the…
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Episode 211: Hope in a Hopeless Place
This episode is full of inspiration and encouragement to let that little light of yours shine. We have a furniture maker in India who has taught more than 10,000 people to swim, some young people in the slums of Kenya who are finding ways to bring hope to themselves and others, and a World War II...
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Episode 210: Nelson Mandela - The Power of Leaving Hate Behind
Welcome to Episode 210 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. There is a truckload of inspiration in this episode. First we talk about some amazing ways people are recycling old fishing nets and turning them into products we can use everyday. Then we talk about Nelson Mandela, an activist that...
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Episode 209: Lessons of Hope From Stray Dogs
Welcome to Episode 209! Lots of inspiration lurking about this episode. The kind response to the SNAP crisis, young girls building confidence on a mountain bike, and a man who's mission is to save the dogs of Thailand. Have a listen, you will walk away inspired. #BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We…
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Episode 208: Jon Cena Never Gives Up on Giving to Others
Welcome to Episode 208 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. Sorry for the delay, but Teresa has been recovering from surgery. During her down time she has read lots of books that will show up in future episodes. This episode is bursting with inspiration. Teresa starts off with a book called Not...
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Episode 207: Small Doses of Powerful Inspiration
We just got back from our annual trip to a National Park, so we are doing another fast and furious episode of short inspirational stories this week while we catch up. We have a teen fighting for the survival of orangutans, some of the first female park rangers, the rebirth of the Tuskegee air...
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Episode 206: Colleges and Universities- The Cutting Edge of Medical Technology
Welcome to Episode 206 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. It has been a difficult week here in the United States, so the perfect time for inspiration. Let inspiration act as a beacon of light in the darkness, and let hope overcome fear. We have three great stories for you. First, there is a...
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Episode 205: Fast and Furious - More Inspiration Coming Fast
Another fast and furious inspiration episode. Instead of our usual two shorts and a long, we have four shorts for you that will be sure to inspire. First there are some heartwarming stories about dogs. Who doesn't love a good dog story? Then there is a story about young people in Montana using…
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Episode 204: The 761st Tank Battalion - Coming Out Fighting
Yes, this is another history lesson, but really, it is so good. The story of the 761st Tank Battalion of World War II will inspire you with the bravery, patriotism, and grit of this all-Black tank battalion that helped change the war. We also have the story of Nicole Avant and how she turned to...
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Episode 203: Peter Benenson - A Candle in the Darkness
Welcome to Episode 203 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast- we have an episode brimming with inspiration for the taking. Hear about some people who are helping return stolen bicycles to their owners, Peter Benenson the founder of Amnesty International, and a college president who is running to...
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Episode 202: Dr. Billy Hudson and the Power of Mentorship
Welcome to the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. In this episode, we have hope, determination, and empathy all teed up for you. We have two quick stories- one that turned from tragedy to a story of adoption, and another about the power of community and friendship. Then we go into the life of Dr....
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Episode 201: The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo - Never Giving Up Hope
In this episode you are going to find a ton of inspiration. There are young people fighting for the environment, grandmothers fighting for their grandchildren, and the glamorous Princes Grace Kelly still supporting the arts long after her death. There are so many things to get you inspired- dive…
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Episode 200: Fighting Cancer with Hope
200 episodes! When we started this podcast to bring light to the darkness brought on by the pandemic, we never thought we would be doing it years later and have 200 episodes. We so appreciate our listeners!! And I also want to thank my two co-hosts over the years, Amy and Colleen, for their HUGE...
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Episode 199: Wildlife Warrior - Dr. Paula Kahumbu
Stop reading. Just dive in blind. The stories this week are pretty amazing, so just go for it. Okay, if you are still reading you obviously are not the fun-loving spontaneous person I though you were, but okay. Here come the spoilers. We have a story about a sanitation worker who has kept some...
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Episode 198: Indigenous Inspiration
This week on the Tangential Inspiration Podcast, be prepared to be blindsided by runaway inspiration. We have some incredible people in this episode. First we start with a shark conservationist, then we explore a few of the many indigenous people who are shaping the world, and finally we talk…
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Episode 197: Roz Brewer - DEI is the Road to Success
Welcome to Episode 197 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. Get ready to have your inspirational socks knocked off. In this episode we have the sad but hopeful story of Brian Wallach who is an ALS patient and advocate who is working hard for people with degenerative nerve diseases despite his…
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Episode 196: In the Name of Love - Pride Month
Welcome to Episode 196 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. We are celebrating Pride Month this episode. We have a great story covering historical and current LGBTQ+ trailblazers and discuss what allies can do to support the LGBTQ+ community. We also have a story about donating stem cells can...
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Episode 195: Opal Lee - The Grandmother of Juneteenth
Looking for inspiration? You have found it. In this episode we have a story about a tv show that is granting wishes to deserving people; Ms. Opal Lee who through grit and determination got Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday, and Amara Nwuneli, a young African activist who is making a...
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Episode 194: The Indomitable Spirit of Harriet Tubman
Welcome to Episode 194 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. We have some amazing stories sure to inspire you. We start off with a woman who is changing the lives of children in Africa, abandoned by their families, because they are accused of being witches. Then there is the incredible story of...
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Episode 193: Heroes of Pearl Harbor
Welcome to Episode 193 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast! We have some great stories for you. First, hear the inspiring story of the Nonnas, the real life story that the wonderful Netflix movie is based on, then hear about some of the many heroes of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, and finaly…
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Episode 192: Gorgona Wine - Prison Reform Has Never Tasted So Good
Sorry for the sporadic schedule, it has been a busy few weeks. We will try to get back on a regular schedule in June. That, however, does not mean this episode is not full to the brim with inspiration. We have some history on a teenage Civil Rights activist, some innovative prisons that are...
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Episode 191: A Little Motherly Advice
Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers and those who serve as mothers! Of course we have an inspiring story about a mother! We start off with some really short stories, move on to a wonderful and funny mother daughter relationship, and finish up with a heroic woman war reporter. It is a great…
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Episode 190: The Humanitarian Scientist: Jonas Salk
We are back. We did a little traveling and are now back to bring the inspiration. We have three fantastic stories to inspire you. The first is about Dan West and his charity, Heifer International, then we dive into the life of Jonas Salk, the humanitarian scientist who created the first polio...
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Episode 189: The Rebel Pope of Hope - Francis
Welcome to another episode of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. We have a great episode, bursting with inspiration. We have some older ladies who are actively combating pollution, the inspirational Pope Francis, and some college athletes who have overcome some huge obstacles to play their...
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Episode 188: A Celebration of Rebel Girls
On this last day of March, Women's History Month, we celebrate Rebel Girls! These women pushed boundaries, ignored gender roles, and blazed new paths! Let's take a quick look at pilot Jacqueline Cochran, Dr. Mary Walker, attorney Lyda Conley, and astronaut Mae Jemison. These women all…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Just a mom looking for inspiration anywhere I can find it. My journey will cover people, groups and even animals that inspire me by making the world a better place. My search for inspiration often includes a number of tangents, but always focuses on finding goodness and kindness. Everyone can use some inspiration, come join us.
HOSTED BY
Teresa Wymetalek
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Tangential Inspiration have?
Tangential Inspiration currently has 237 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Tangential Inspiration about?
Just a mom looking for inspiration anywhere I can find it. My journey will cover people, groups and even animals that inspire me by making the world a better place. My search for inspiration often includes a number of tangents, but always focuses on finding goodness and kindness. Everyone can use...
How often does Tangential Inspiration release new episodes?
Tangential Inspiration publishes regularly with 237 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Tangential Inspiration?
You can listen to Tangential Inspiration on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Tangential Inspiration?
Tangential Inspiration is created and hosted by Teresa Wymetalek.
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