The Story Seat

What happens when the world shaping our children is one that parents themselves are still learning to navigate? In this episode of The Story Seat, Rev. Dr. Robin Blair shares stories and lessons from more than 40 years of working with children, families, faith communities, and media.From phones and social media to gaming and streaming, we explore the deeper questions beneath screen time—how digital culture shapes identity, emotional wellbeing, values, faith, and family connection. Robin shares her perspective on finding healthy boundaries without fear, building trust without losing guidance, and helping children develop wisdom and resilience in a world competing constantly for their attention. At its heart, this is a conversation about parenting, presence, and the kind of people we are helping our children become.

What if living longer isn’t the real goal — but living better is?In this episode of The Story Seat, Judy Gaman shares the experiences, lessons, and perspectives that have shaped her passion for helping people live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives. From healthcare and wellness to motherhood, family, purpose, and the everyday choices that shape our future, this conversation explores what it truly means to build a life worth living.

What happens when a childhood fascination becomes a dream—and that dream survives failure, setbacks, and uncertainty?On this episode of The Story Seat, Irene Chan shares the remarkable story of her journey from growing up in East Los Angeles as the daughter of an immigrant family to becoming a Flight Planning Engineer supporting NASA's International Space Station and Artemis programs.Her story is one of curiosity, resilience, mentorship, and refusing to let difficult beginnings define what is possible. From academic probation and losing her first engineering job to helping support missions that advance human space exploration, Irene reminds us that sometimes the path to an extraordinary future begins simply with the courage to keep going.A story about perseverance, possibility, and believing you belong—even before you know exactly where you're going.

Confidence, relationships, identity, and personal growth are deeply connected. Before we can build meaningful relationships with others, we often have to learn how to understand ourselves, grow in confidence, and become comfortable with who we are.In this episode of The Story Seat, Lopaze Lasane shares how his experiences in the U.S. Navy, traveling across different cultures, and years of studying relationships shaped his perspective on confidence, attraction, purpose, and personal responsibility.This conversation goes beyond dating advice. It's about becoming a stronger, more authentic version of yourself—and understanding how that growth can transform the way you connect with others.Because sometimes, the most important relationship we have to work on first is the one we have with ourselves.

What if meaningful change begins not with winning an argument, but with being willing to listen?In this episode of The Story Seat, Teddy Bloom shares the story behind Ride4Rights—a cross-country bicycle journey born from his concern about political division and his belief that respectful dialogue, civic education, free speech, equal justice, and national unity still matter.From extreme weather and physical challenges to thousands of miles of conversations with strangers across America, Teddy's journey became about far more than cycling. It became an exploration of what happens when we step outside our comfort zones, meet people where they are, and choose conversation over division.This is a story about conviction, courage, citizenship, and the belief that ordinary people can create meaningful change—one conversation at a time.

Some chapters of life are written through loss, unanswered questions, and moments we never would have chosen. But sometimes, those same chapters become the place where we discover faith, resilience, purpose, and a voice of our own.In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit down with Dara V. Rose—author, speaker, Bible study teacher, and founder of 12 Cups of Grace—to explore grief, faith, identity, motherhood, and the quiet journey of healing.Dara shares how profound losses and difficult seasons shaped her relationship with God and ultimately inspired her to help other women navigate their own grief and rediscover their voices.This is a conversation about carrying pain without allowing it to define you—and discovering that even the hardest chapters can still become part of a story filled with grace, hope, and purpose.

What if you stopped waiting until you felt old enough, ready enough, or experienced enough—and simply started?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit down with Shanti Hershenson, a remarkable young author, poet, and anti-bullying advocate whose love for storytelling began with childhood drawings and scribbles and grew into a published writing career while she was still in sixth grade.Shanti shares the story behind her passion for writing, what it was like to publish at such a young age, the challenges of being taken seriously as a young creator, and how she uses storytelling and poetry to speak about bullying and experiences many young people struggle to express.Her journey is a powerful reminder that purpose doesn't always wait for adulthood—and sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply begin.

We often celebrate the films that make it to the screen, but what about the ones that never do?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit down with Alan Katz—writer, producer, podcaster, and storyteller—to explore the unexpected stories behind creativity, failure, rejection, and success. From his work in television and film to creating The How NOT To Make A Movie Podcast, Alan has spent decades discovering that some of the most fascinating stories happen behind the scenes.We talk about unfinished projects, creative disasters, lessons from failure, the unpredictable nature of Hollywood, and what decades of storytelling have taught Alan about success and meaningful conversations.Because sometimes, the stories of what went wrong aren't failures at all—they're the stories that teach us the most.

What does it really mean to become a man others can trust, respect, and follow? In this episode of The Story Seat, Mike Van Pelt shares his journey from achievement and leadership to a deeper understanding of purpose, character, faith, and intentional living. We explore healthy masculinity, vulnerability, family, leadership, and the experiences that shape the kind of legacy we leave behind. Mike’s story is ultimately a reminder that true leadership begins from the inside—and that the most meaningful legacy is found in the lives we influence.

In this episode of The Story Seat, Sylvia Worsham shares a deeply personal story of a life-changing medical complication, stepping away from a successful corporate career, and awakening to a deeper sense of purpose. She reflects on faith, turning points, doubt, and the courage it takes to listen when life begins calling you in a new direction.It’s a heartfelt conversation about transformation, spiritual awakening, and discovering that sometimes the moments that disrupt our lives can ultimately lead us closer to who we’re meant to become.

In this episode of The Story Seat, Robert Raymond Riopel shares his powerful journey from $150,000 in debt to financial freedom by the age of 32. He opens up about the mindset shifts, lessons, and turning points that changed the direction of his life and inspired his book, Success Left A Clue.It’s an energizing conversation about recognizing the opportunities hidden in our experiences, overcoming financial struggles, and taking the steps that can turn a difficult chapter into a breakthrough.

In this episode of The Story Seat, Jim Marshall takes us on a fascinating journey through decades of exploring human potential, philosophy, psychology, science, and consciousness. As the creator of Septemics, Jim shares how his curiosity led him to develop new ways of understanding human behavior, personal growth, and the patterns that shape our lives.It’s a thought-provoking conversation about curiosity, self-understanding, and why sometimes the path to growth begins not with finding answers, but with asking better questions.

In this episode of The Story Seat, Andrew Wilson shares his deeply personal journey through loss, burnout, disconnection, and the inner work that helped him find his way back to himself. He explores the unconscious patterns that shape our lives, the role of fear in keeping us stuck, and how neuroscience, personal growth, and spirituality can support lasting transformation.It’s a meaningful conversation about healing beneath the surface, reconnecting with who you truly are, and discovering that real change begins from within.

In this episode of The Story Seat, Tara Mae Temple shares her deeply personal journey from years of inner struggle to discovering healing, harmony, and a renewed sense of being truly alive. Through her story, she explores resilience, emotional wellbeing, faith, and the practical lessons that helped transform her life.It’s a heartfelt conversation about healing without perfection, finding peace after difficult seasons, and turning personal struggles into a source of hope for others.

In this episode of The Story Seat, Marcia Heath takes us through a deeply personal story of burnout, reinvention, and finding a new definition of success. After decades of a successful corporate career, an unexpected experience in Aruba inspired her to step away from the path she had always known and finally pursue her dream of becoming a writer.Her story reminds us that sometimes feeling lost is the beginning of finding a life that feels more authentic—and that it’s never too late to begin again.

What happens when the beliefs, identities, and stories that once defined us no longer feel true? In this episode of The Story Seat, Christian Hurst shares his journey from feeling like an outsider to finding new meaning through curiosity, creativity, and storytelling. From leaving a faith tradition to becoming an author, we explore identity, belonging, empathy, and how the stories we create can help us understand the stories we’ve inherited—and ultimately choose our own.

What happens when the business you built for freedom starts consuming your time, energy, and identity? In this episode of The Story Seat, Louis Swart shares the lessons he’s learned from decades of entrepreneurship about burnout, delegation, leadership, AI, and building businesses that can grow without taking over your life. It’s a candid conversation about redefining success, letting go of control, and creating a business that supports the life you actually want to live.

For a child struggling with reading, the challenge can quickly become about more than academics—it can affect confidence, identity, and how they see themselves. In this episode of The Story Seat, Russell Van Brocklen, the Dyslexia Professor, shares practical insights into dyslexia, structured literacy, multisensory learning, and the simple steps parents and educators can take to help children move from frustration to confidence. It’s a conversation about understanding the struggle, taking action, and giving children the tools to believe in themselves again.https://mailchi.mp/dcacd9a6f9ae/3-reasons-ebook

In a world where we can connect with almost anyone at any time, why do so many of us still feel lonely? In this episode of The Story Seat, Catherine Crestani explores the complicated space between emotional attachment and genuine intimacy, and how loneliness, digital relationships, vulnerability, and the need for validation can shape the way we connect. This is a thoughtful conversation about recognizing what is real, understanding our emotional patterns, and finding a deeper, more grounded form of connection.

What happens when intimacy, desire, and emotional connection become difficult to talk about? In this episode of The Story Seat, Dr. Lori Davis opens up a deeper conversation about shame, mismatched desire, disconnection, and the stories we carry about intimacy. Together, we explore what it takes to move beyond pressure and judgment toward greater honesty, vulnerability, pleasure, and genuine connection.

What happens when you look successful on the outside but feel exhausted, disconnected, or stuck on the inside? In this episode of The Story Seat, Lauren Fay shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, identity, sobriety, and self-discovery, and explores what it means to stop negotiating with yourself and start living in alignment. This is a powerful conversation about self-trust, emotional resilience, coping patterns, and the courage to choose a life that feels as meaningful on the inside as it looks on the outside.

What does it really take to build a relationship where love feels safe, honest, and deeply connected? In this episode of The Story Seat, Valerie Greene shares her personal journey of moving through emotional suppression, conflict avoidance, and unhealthy relationship patterns to discover a deeper understanding of intimacy and connection. We explore emotional healing, relationship patterns, conflict, and what it takes to create the kind of love that can truly last.

What happens when the very skills that made you successful begin to hold you back? In this episode of The Story Seat, Daniele Forni, also known as The Data Shaman, shares his journey from a successful career in global banking to discovering the limits of logic, analysis, and conventional ideas of performance. We explore the Logic Ceiling, influence, neurodiversity, and the shift from technical excellence to deeper human connection—reminding us that sometimes growth begins when we learn to see success differently.

What if the future of leadership begins long before someone enters the workplace? In this episode of The Story Seat, Jill Delgado explores the connection between childhood, culture, behavior, and organizational transformation. From her years helping organizations navigate change to creating Bibba & Bubba, Jill shares why adaptability, empathy, resilience, and collaboration are skills worth developing early—and how the behaviors we practice today shape the cultures we create tomorrow.

What happens when financial uncertainty changes the way you see money, stability, and the future? In this episode of The Story Seat, Simon Popple shares the journey that led him from property and finance into gold investing and financial education. We explore inflation, wealth preservation, the psychology behind our trust in gold, and why becoming financially informed can be one of the most important steps toward building greater confidence and resilience.

Behind every successful organization are people—their experiences, relationships, strengths, and potential. In this episode of The Story Seat, Rohit Bassi shares the journey that led him to develop People Quotient (PQ) and explores why investing in people is essential to building stronger leaders, healthier teams, and organizations that can truly thrive.

What happens when you love God deeply but still feel overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, and emotional pain? In this episode of The Story Seat, Heather O’Brien shares her personal journey of discovering that faith and healing can be deeply connected, but healing also requires us to honestly face what we carry within. Through her story, she offers a message of hope for anyone learning to hear God more clearly, move through pain, and find greater peace and freedom.

The stories of those who came before us can shape how we understand ourselves, our struggles, and our strength. In this episode of The Story Seat, Dr. Caroline Crocker reflects on growing up as the daughter and granddaughter of World War II survivors and explores the lasting impact of trauma, resilience, faith, and family history. Through science, personal experience, and storytelling, she reminds us that while we may inherit difficult stories, we also have the power to transform what we carry forward.

Transformation doesn’t always happen through one dramatic moment. Sometimes, it unfolds quietly through the experiences, choices, and patterns that teach us how to reconnect with who we truly are.In this episode of The Story Seat, Samantha Kane shares her journey through different chapters of life and the experiences that led her toward self-mastery, healing, and conscious living. It’s a reflective conversation about breaking old patterns, embracing authenticity, and finding your way back to yourself.

What happens when the life that looks successful from the outside no longer feels right on the inside?In this episode of The Story Seat, Pamela Cass shares a deeply personal story of invisibility, burnout, resilience, and reinvention. From navigating life with dyslexia and cancer to reaching the height of her executive career only to realize she was running on empty, Pamela opens up about the courage it took to step away and rebuild her life around authenticity, purpose, and self-worth.We explore what burnout really looks like, why high achievers can struggle to recognize when they're no longer aligned, and how moments of feeling unseen can ultimately lead us toward finding our voice.A conversation about letting go of the version of yourself that no longer fits—and finding the courage to become who you were always meant to be.

What if the greatest connections in our lives begin with the willingness to understand someone who sees the world differently?In this episode of The Story Seat, Mathias Lemos Castillo shares his journey from Uruguay to the United States and the experiences that shaped his work as a cultural bridge-builder, community engagement consultant, and advocate for intentional leadership.Together, we explore cultural identity, belonging, inclusion, and the power of choosing curiosity over assumption. Mathias offers a thoughtful perspective on how authentic dialogue can break down barriers, strengthen relationships, and help us create communities where differences become a source of connection rather than division.A conversation about culture, belonging, and the simple but powerful act of making space for one another's stories.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlemoscastillo/

What happens when the identity that once defined you no longer fits?In this episode of The Story Seat, Benjamin J. Lee shares a deeply personal story of military service, combat, addiction, recovery, and the difficult journey of rebuilding a life after everything familiar begins to fall away.From serving as an Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in Iraq and Afghanistan to navigating life after combat, Benjamin discovered that some of the hardest battles aren't fought overseas—they're fought within ourselves. His story explores identity, resilience, recovery, and the courage it takes to let go of an old version of yourself and begin becoming someone new.This is a conversation about the identities we carry, the moments that break them open, and what becomes possible when we choose to write a new chapter.A story of losing who you were, finding your way back, and becoming who you're meant to be.

What if the story you were meant to tell found you before you ever knew you were a writer?In this episode of The Story Seat, Brigid Kennedy shares the remarkable journey behind her debut historical fantasy series, OF IRISH MYTHS & INCAN LEGENDS. What began with an unexpected dream about her grandmother became a deeply personal journey through family history, Ireland, Peru, mystery, memory, and creative calling.Brigid opens up about stepping into authorship without a traditional writing background, uncovering the story of a great-grandfather who disappeared into the Amazon, and finding the courage to say yes to something she never planned for.This is a story about legacy, imagination, and the unexpected ways our past can call us toward the future.

What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted, only to realize something is still missing?In this episode of The Story Seat, Chris Woods shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a tough neighborhood in Boston to becoming a four-time global C-suite executive and former Google sales leader—before a life-changing experience at age 40 forced him to rethink everything he believed about success.Chris opens up about fear, identity, fulfillment, and the courage to reinvent your life. Through his story and the framework behind his book Balls & Brains, he explores how we can stop being driven by fear, recognize our strengths, and build a life that feels as meaningful on the inside as it looks successful on the outside.

What happens when the people who seem to have it all still feel like they’re not enough?In this episode of The Story Seat, Tony Baker takes us beneath the surface of success to explore impostor syndrome, belonging, self-doubt, and authentic connection. With more than three decades of experience working alongside celebrities, global brands, executives, and creative leaders, Tony shares the lessons he’s learned about what really happens behind achievement—and why so many high performers quietly wrestle with the fear of being “found out.”This is a conversation about letting go of expectations we never chose, finding confidence beyond accomplishment, and discovering that sometimes the most powerful story is the one we stop trying to hide.

Sometimes, the story that gives us purpose begins in the place where we once felt completely lost.In this episode of The Story Seat, Jai Roza shares a deeply personal journey through doubt, despair, faith, creativity, and purpose. From a season when life no longer felt worth living to an unexpected moment that changed the direction of his life, Jai reflects on the experiences that ultimately led to the creation of Eden’s Conflict.This is a story about finding hope again, turning scars into purpose, and using creativity to help others engage with faith in meaningful and unexpected ways. Most of all, it’s a reminder that even when we cannot see where our story is going, a new chapter may still be waiting to begin.

What if the moments that challenge us most are also the moments that shape us the most?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit down with a guest to explore the experiences, turning points, and lessons that have shaped their journey. Through an honest and reflective conversation, we uncover the story behind the person—and the wisdom that can come from the moments we never expected.A meaningful conversation about growth, resilience, identity, and becoming who we are meant to be.

What happens when we slow down long enough to truly listen to ourselves?In this episode of The Story Seat, Tobi Ojekunle shares his journey from Ibadan to Germany, the experiences that shaped his personal growth, and the lessons he has learned about self-awareness, meaningful relationships, community, and purpose.Through his story and his work with MIRROR TALK Podcast, Tobi reminds us that growth isn't always about moving forward faster—it can also come from pausing, reflecting, and becoming more intentional about the person we're becoming. A thoughtful conversation about finding purpose, building meaningful connections, and learning to have better conversations with ourselves.

What if the experiences that once made you feel broken could become the foundation for your strength and purpose?In this episode of The Story Seat, Kate Heartsong shares her deeply personal journey of healing, rebuilding confidence, and discovering a life rooted in compassion and purpose. We explore childhood challenges, inner healing, meditation, self-worth, and the belief that creating peace within ourselves can create a ripple of positive change beyond us.A heartfelt conversation about healing, hope, and finding the courage to believe in yourself again.

What happens when your greatest health challenges become the reason you choose to help others?In this episode of The Story Seat, Anthony Guastella shares his personal journey through health challenges and the transformation that led him to become a health coach. We explore resilience, wellness, health education, and the small but meaningful choices that can help us create healthier, more fulfilling lives.A practical and inspiring conversation about turning adversity into purpose and learning to take ownership of your health—one step at a time.

What happens when a life that looks successful on the outside no longer feels true on the inside?In this episode of The Story Seat, Nataliya Falevich shares her powerful journey from immigration and entrepreneurship to motherhood, creativity, and reinvention. We explore identity, authenticity, and the courage to question the life we've built so we can make space for the person we're becoming.A thoughtful conversation about letting go of expectations, embracing creativity, and finding the freedom to live a life that feels like your own.

Betrayal can change the way we see ourselves, trust others, and understand the world around us—but it doesn't have to define the rest of our story.In this episode of The Story Seat, Dr. Debi Silber shares the personal journey and research that led her to become a leading voice in betrayal recovery. We explore the hidden impact of betrayal, the process of rebuilding trust, and what it truly takes to move from pain and survival toward healing and transformation.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, self-trust, and discovering that sometimes our deepest wounds can become the starting point for a completely new chapter.

What happens when the life you worked so hard to build suddenly falls apart?In this episode of The Story Seat, Max Emma shares his remarkable journey from arriving in America with little English to building a successful career in entrepreneurship and franchising. He opens up about the challenges, risks, and devastating setback of bankruptcy—and how he found the courage to rebuild.This is a story about resilience, reinvention, and believing in yourself when the path forward isn't clear. Max's journey is a powerful reminder that failure doesn't have to be the end of your story—it can become the beginning of something new.

What if creativity was never something we lost, but something we simply stopped listening to?In this episode of The Story Seat, Patrick Williams shares his journey of discovering creativity as a lifelong path through art, education, martial arts, philosophy, and innovation. We explore what causes us to disconnect from our natural curiosity, how fear and conditioning can limit our creative expression, and why embracing uncertainty may be the key to rediscovering the part of ourselves that has always known how to create.

Sometimes, courage doesn’t look like a bold decision or a dramatic transformation. Sometimes, it looks like taking one small step when you’re afraid, uncertain, or simply trying to find yourself again.In this episode of The Story Seat, Bernice McDonald shares the personal story behind her journey through self-doubt, divorce, rebuilding, and discovering the power of tiny brave steps. Her story is a gentle reminder that we don’t have to overcome fear before moving forward—we can learn to walk alongside it, rebuild self-trust, and find the courage to begin again, one step at a time.

What if healing doesn't always require us to relive our deepest pain?In this episode of The Story Seat, Steven Hoskinson, founder of Organic Intelligence®️, shares the story behind his groundbreaking approach to post-trauma growth and his belief that healing can begin through gentleness, connection, curiosity, and a renewed relationship with life.We explore trauma, resilience, hope, the body's natural capacity for healing, and what it means to expand our ability to experience joy and connection. Steven's story offers a powerful reminder that sometimes transformation begins not by going deeper into our pain, but by noticing the moments that remind us we are still alive.

What happens when we stop living according to other people's expectations and start discovering who we truly are? In this episode of The Story Seat, Arnold Beekes shares his journey from a highly structured upbringing and decades in technology and leadership to a life focused on psychology, authenticity, and personal transformation. A thoughtful conversation about breaking free from conditioning, finding purpose, and becoming the kind of person whose growth makes life better for others.https://www.brainathletes.club/

At nearly 80 years old, Fletch Wiley is still practicing his craft for hours every day—a powerful reminder that true mastery never stops learning. In this episode of The Story Seat, Fletch shares the story behind more than five decades in music, working with legendary artists, navigating the highs and challenges of his career, and discovering how faith, discipline, creativity, and lifelong curiosity have shaped his journey.

What happens when you realize that doing everything right still doesn't mean you're living the life you truly want?In this episode of The Story Seat, Rashi Kaur, The Joy Consultant, shares the personal turning point that led her to stop putting herself last and start choosing joy without guilt. We explore identity, self-worth, motherhood, personal transformation, and the powerful ripple effect that happens when one woman decides to go first.Rashi's story is a reminder that choosing yourself isn't selfish—it can be the beginning of a more authentic and meaningful life for everyone around you.

What happens when the chapter you expected to be about retirement suddenly becomes a fight for your health and a new purpose?In this episode of The Story Seat, Dr. Brad Miller shares the deeply personal story of receiving a cancer diagnosis just one month after retiring from more than four decades of pastoral ministry. Through faith, humor, resilience, and an unexpected new mission, Brad discovered that even in the middle of suffering, hope can still be found.This is a conversation about identity, transformation, and learning to meet life's unexpected chapters with courage—and sometimes, a little laughter.