The Teaching Journeys Podcast

What if the things stealing your satisfaction are hiding in plain sight?In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Lynette Melnyk — next chapter strategist and creator of the Unedited Life — to explore why so many accomplished people feel like life looks right on paper but something feels off.Lynette shares her own journey through burnout, a trip to France that didn't fix what she thought it would, and how she found her way to helping others rediscover who they really are beneath years of expectations and obligations.In this episode, you'll discover:The 4 hidden pillars stealing your satisfaction: time, energy, attention, and identityWhy success can make it harder — not easier — to hear your own soulHow creativity and "getting into the flow" can unlock clarity and directionThe difference between reinvention and editing your life (and why one is far less scary)What it means to be "over-loyal to a version of yourself you've outgrown"The one question Lynette asks every client that changes everythingWhether you're burned out, restless, or just feel like something's missing, this conversation will give you practical insight and the permission to start listening to yourself again.Lynette’s Bio and Contact InformationLynette Melnyk believes that success is a wonderful builder... but a terrible editor. As a Next Chapter Strategist and creator of The Unedited Life™, she helps accomplished people who feel like life looks right on paper but something feels off. Through practical insight and thoughtful conversations, she helps them stop second-guessing themselves and create a life that fits who they are now.Connect with LynetteWebsitelynettemelnick.comLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynettemelnyk/Website:https://www.lynettemelnyk.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@lynettemelnykResourceFree PDFhttps://lynettemelnyk.coachesconsole.com/nothing-wrong-so-why-pdfIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend and leave a rating or review — your support makes all the difference.The Teaching Journeys Podcast is on YouTube and other commonly known podcast platforms.

What happens when a child survives vitamin A toxicity, 20+ surgeries, parental kidnapping, and a front-row seat to 9/11 — and still builds a captivating life?In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with author and resilience advocate Eliza Young to unpack one of the most extraordinary life journeys you'll ever hear.Eliza shares how she became the first diagnosed case of vitamin A toxicity — a medical mystery that left her physically handicapped and led to over 20 surgeries before her 18th birthday. She opens up about surviving her parents' brutal custody battle, including multiple parental kidnappings, and being just one mile from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.But this isn't just a story of survival. It's a story of transformation.Eliza discusses:How writing her memoir Life in Captivity became a healing journey after a breast cancer diagnosisThe mind-body connection in medical treatment and how patients are (and aren't) truly heardRaising children with freedom and voice after growing up without eitherWhy she's trading New York for southern Spain at nearly 60 years oldHer definition of resilience — and why it's okay to feel the lows without staying in themWhether you're a trauma survivor, a caregiver, a parent, or simply someone searching for proof that it's never too late to create the life you've always wanted, Eliza's story will move and inspire you.Eliza’s Bio and Contact InformationThroughout her childhood, Eliza overcame unimaginable challenges. She was the first diagnosed case of Vitamin A toxicity that left her physically handicapped, experienced over 20 surgeries before she turned 18, faced emotional and mental trials when her parents battled for custody, including parental kidnappings, and on September 11, 2001, was just one mile away from the World Trade Center. Eliza is a testament to resilience and strength. She embodies the spirit of survival and her story will inspire and empower others. 🌐 Website: acaptivatinglife.com📖 Book: alifeincaptivity.comSocial Media:https://www.acaptivatinglife.com/contact/

What if an animal has been trying to send you a message — and you just haven't been paying attention?In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with licensed clinical social worker and intuitive spiritual guide Tammy Zumbo to explore the transformative journey behind her upcoming book, When the Lion Roars: Answering the Call (releasing August 18th).Tammy shares how a shamanic breathwork journey in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and a sacred ceremony on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala led her to discover the white lion as her primary spirit totem — and how that encounter completely reshaped the book she was writing.In this episode, you'll learn:How to identify your spirit animal or totem — including signs you may be missing in everyday lifeWhat shamanic breathwork is and how it can unlock deep emotional healing and shadow workWhy forgiveness is freedom — and how to release energetic bonds that keep you stuckThe role of soul contracts and past lives in shaping your current relationships and challengesWhat the Akashic Records are and how they can offer clarity on your soul's journeyHow energy medicine, acupressure tapping, reiki, cacao ceremonies, and compassion key can support your spiritual pathWhether you're an empath, light worker, or highly sensitive person navigating your purpose, this conversation offers practical tools and profound perspective to help you hear — and answer — the call of your soul.Tammy’s Bio and Contact InformationTammy Zumbo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with people on an intuitive, spiritual level. Together we will collaborate in navigating your journey. She combines Energy Medicine and Energy Psychology ( acupressure tapping) into sessions. She specializes in the guidance of Empaths, Light workers, and Highly Sensitive People. Tammy’s goal is to help validate all who seek her wisdom ,support and tools to help them navigate the world.She teaches workshops in the area of energy healing, Empath self care, Energy Psychology, and blending complementary therapies into direct practice modalities. She is available for speaking engagements.Tammy is the author of the book, When The Lion Roars, due to be released on August 18 , 2026.🔗 Connect with Tammy: tammyzumbo.com📖 When the Lion Roars: Answering the Call — available on Amazon & KindleThe Teaching Journeys Podcast can be found on your favorite podcast platforms.

In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Cristina P. Simmons — bestselling author, TEDx speaker, trauma-informed occupational therapist, and founder of Soul Story Collective — to explore the deep connection between emotional trauma and our relationship with food.Cristina opens up about losing three biological children, raising a son with autism, surviving two major surgeries, and how all of it led her to discover occupational therapy — and ultimately, herself. She breaks down why so many of us eat our feelings, the neuroscience behind emotional eating, and the practical tools she used to heal her nervous system and redefine her relationship with food.In this episode, you'll learn:Why emotional eating is rooted in nervous system dysregulation — not a lack of willpowerHow occupational therapy principles can help anyone manage stress, anxiety, and emotional triggersWhat "mirror work" is and how it helped Cristina rebuild her sense of selfThe surprising connection between childhood food rules and adult emotional patternsHow vulnerability and storytelling can be powerful tools for healingWhat the Soul Story Collective is and how it helps women share their storiesWhether you're on a wellness journey, working through grief, or simply curious about the mind-body connection, this episode will leave you feeling seen — and inspired to give yourself grace.Bio and Contact InformationCristina P. Simmons is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, trauma-informed occupational therapist, and publisher. Inspired by her personal journey, she now helps women turn pain into purpose through storytelling. As the founder of Soul Story Collective, she blends clinical expertise and lived experience to guide women in healing, regulating their nervous systems, and sharing their stories with clarity, strength, and impact. She believes every woman’s story holds the power to heal not only herself, but others.Connect with Cristina:🌐 cristinapsimmons.com📧 [email protected] Mediahttps://www.facebook.com/cristina.b.simmonshttps://www.instagram.com/cristinapsimmons/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-simmons/https://www.youtube.com/@CristinaSimmons-d3j📚 Eat Your Feelings — available on Amazon📱 Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | TikTokThe Teaching Journeys Podcast is on your favorite platforms

What if the energy trapped in a house could prevent it from selling — and a spiritual specialist could clear it?In this captivating episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Venus Castleberg — energetic clearing specialist, intuitive guide, ordained minister, and bestselling author — for a wide-ranging conversation that bridges the seen and unseen worlds.Venus shares her remarkable story: how getting sober at 30 unlocked her gifts as a clairvoyant medium, her years of resistance, and the pivotal moment in Sedona that changed everything. She explains how she developed the Vibrational Flow Method — a seven-step system that helps real estate agents clear the stagnant energy holding properties back from selling.Dave and Venus also explore:How to tell when a home needs energetic clearing (and 49 things to try before calling Venus)The psychology of self-love and why we're conditioned to work against ourselvesTrusting your intuition even when science dominates the conversationThe power of Reiki, spiritual awakening, and embracing your gifts instead of hiding themVenus's bestselling book Here To Forever: Finally Free To Be MeWhether you're a real estate professional, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious about what lies beyond the veil, this episode offers practical wisdom, heartfelt honesty, and a powerful reminder: loving yourself is not as hard as you make it.Venus Bio and Contact InformationVenus Castleberg is an energetic clearing specialist, intuitive guide, and ordained minister with over 25 years of experience working with the unseen. After a life-changing awakening at age 30, where she began seeing spirits and energy. Venus committed to help clear those energies that do not belong.Venus is also the founder of the Vibrational Flow Method and brings a unique blend of spiritual insight and grounded practicality, having once owned and operated a construction company and insurance agency. Today, she brings that blend into the world of real estate, partnering with agents to clear the energy that can prevent homes from selling. Through her seven-step Vibrational Flow system, she helps properties release old stories and attract the buyers they’re truly meant for. Venus creates a grounded, compassionate space for exploring what’s really going on behind the veil.Connect with Venus Castleberg:Facebook main: https://www.facebook.com/venusmariecastlebergFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/venuscastleberg/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venus_castleberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/venus-castleberg/Website: https://www.venuscastleberg.com/Book: Here To Forever on Amazon Podcast: Awakening Adventures- Where podcasts are found.Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who needs it, and please leave a rating or review — your support helps Dave leave a positive mark on the world, one conversation at a time.

In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Serena Mastin — founder of the award-winning Pulse Marketing agency, author, speaker, and resilience advocate — for a raw, honest conversation about healing, loss, and rebuilding life with purpose.Serena shares her extraordinary journey: surviving a satanic cult in early childhood, living on the streets at 15, navigating a decade of infidelity and mental illness in her marriage, losing her husband Kyle to suicide in 2020, and then losing her partner Thomas to sudden cardiac arrest in 2024. Through it all, Serena found her way to healing — and now helps others do the same.In this episode, you'll learn:Why you can't heal what you keep hidden — and how radical honesty changed Serena's lifeHow chronic trauma keeps the nervous system locked in fight-or-flight mode, and practical tools (including HeartMath) to regulate itThe difference between resilience and post-traumatic wisdomWhat grief from suicide loss and sudden loss have in common — and how they differHow Serena turned personal pain into a thriving business and a mission to empower othersSHORT BIO: Serena Mastin is the founder of Pulse Marketing, an award-winning agency she launched in 2013. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and leadership, she’s known for her thoughtful, story-driven approach that helps brands connect in meaningful ways. In addition to her work in business, Serena is an author and speaker. Her memoir, Exposed: You Can’t Heal When You Hide, reflects on her personal journey through abuse, addiction, and loss, offering encouragement to others navigating their own healing. As a single mother, advocate, and entrepreneur, Serena’s work is rooted in a desire to help others find their voice and move forward with clarity and purpose.Social Media LinksConnect with Serena:Website: serenamastin.comAgency: pulsemarketingteam.com Agency Website: www.heartofcreative.com Author Website: www.serenamastin.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/heartfeltstories2026/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/pulse_marketing/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PulseMarketingTeam Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartofcreative/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenamastin/ Amazon: amazon.com/author/serenamastin Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Exposed-Audiobook/B0CF3NDWGM?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdpIf you found value in this episode, please share it and leave a rating or review — your support makes all the difference.

What happens when the life you've built no longer fits who you are? In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Natasha Ramlall — embodied integration coach and guide for high-functioning women navigating major life transitions and identity shifts.Natasha shares her own journey of growing up without a single defining trauma, yet still carrying the weight of unprocessed emotions, cultural expectations as a child of West Indian immigrants, and the guilt that came from not feeling "allowed" to struggle. Her story will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt unmoored between who they were and who they're becoming.In this conversation, you'll discover:Why trauma is less about what happened to you and more about what you didn't receiveHow identity ruptures can become powerful portals to self-discoveryThe role of embodied healing in navigating life's biggest transitionsWhy high-achieving women are often the most disconnected from their own humannessWhether you're recovering from a difficult life transition, questioning the life you've built, or simply ready to evolve — this episode offers practical wisdom and deep insight.Natasha’s Bio and Contact InformationNatasha Ramlall works with high-functioning, capable women who feel the ground cracking beneath them after a difficult life transition or an awakening to a mismatched life. As an Embodied Integration Coach, she guides you back into a deeper experience of your human-ness to heal, expand and evolve from an Identity Rupture and navigate the space between who you were and who you are becoming. Return to your body with her Free Guided Audio or learn more at humanistcoaching.caLink to Free Guided Audio: https://humanistcoaching.eo.page/free-resourcing-audioMy website: https://www.humanistcoaching.ca/Youtube :https://www.youtube.com/@natasharamlall🎙️ Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support The Teaching Journeys Podcast and help this message reach those who need it most.Keywords: identity rupture, embodied integration, life transitions, women's healing, self-discovery, trauma recovery, personal growth, mindset, coaching, awakening

In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Kari Wells — Bravo TV personality, actress, entrepreneur, and author of From Attitude to Gratitude: 15 Practices for Transforming Pain into Power — for a deeply moving conversation about survival, loss, and the radical power of gratitude.Kari opens up about the night she was held at gunpoint during a violent armed robbery, the PTSD that followed, and how her sense of safety was shattered. She also shares the heartbreaking loss of her sister Jackie to an accidental overdose — and the 20-year journey of grief that ultimately became her greatest source of empathy and purpose.Together, Dave and Kari explore:Surviving trauma and overcoming PTSDThe stigma of addiction and how to separate behavior from identityWhy grief is not linear — and how to move through the pain cavesThe neuroscience of gratitude and its effect on the brainPractical gratitude habits to shift your mindset dailyHow to move from victim to student after tragedyThe power of near-death experiences and spiritual belief in healingWhether you're navigating personal loss, supporting a loved one through addiction, or simply seeking more joy and resilience, this episode offers profound wisdom and actionable tools.Kari’s Bio and Contact InformationElegant, articulate, and effortlessly charming, Kari Wells is a British-born television personality, actress, and entrepreneur admired for her signature poise both on and off the screen. Best known as the breakout star and fan favorite of Bravo’s Married to Medicine, she was christened “The Queen of Class” by Andy Cohen—a title she carries with warmth and humor. But behind her polished presence lies a story forged in fire. After losing her sister to a tragic overdose and surviving a violent armed assault, Kari found herself shattered and searching. Refusing to let trauma define her, she turned inward and began cultivating a life anchored in gratitude, presence, and radical healing. What emerged was a profound personal transformation—one she now shares with others seeking peace, resilience, and emotional renewal.Kari’s career spans continents and creative disciplines. Formally trained in film and television in both the U.K.and the U.S., she has appeared in national commercials, independent films, and series including Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the HaveNots and the Ghostbusters web series. 📖 From Attitude to Gratitude is available wherever books are sold.📲 Connect with Kari Wells:🌐 KariWellsOfficial.com📸 Instagram: @KariWells_ Website : KariWellsOfficial.comSubscribe, share, and leave a review — your support makes all the difference.Keywords: trauma recovery, gratitude practice, grief and loss, addiction stigma, PTSD, Bravo TV, Kari Wells, Dave Roberts, Teaching Journeys Podcast, personal growth, resilience, healing, near-death experiences, mental health, mindset shift

What does it mean to truly start over after a life-altering diagnosis? In this powerful episode, breast cancer survivor and wellness advocate Susan "Belly" Varee shares her raw, unfiltered journey through chemotherapy, identity loss, and radical self-reinvention — and why healing is never a straight line.Belly opens up about how cancer forced her to ask the hardest question: "If today was the last day of my life, how am I going to choose to live it?" From rediscovering a love of food and cooking during chemo (yes, even when everything tasted like metal) to confronting grief, setbacks, and the myth of overnight transformation, Belly's story is one of grit, hope, and the courage to grow beyond your comfort zone.In this episode, you'll hear:Why healing is more like stepping stones than a straight shot — and why that's okayHow food, culture, and connection became part of Belly's recoveryThe difference between living to exist and living with purposeWhy it's never too late to reinvent yourself and expand what you thought possibleHow to "feel your feels" and move through the darkness toward the lightWhether you're navigating a health crisis, processing trauma, or simply searching for your next chapter — this episode is for you.Belly's Bio and Contact InformationSusan "Belly" Varee is a teacher, single mother, breast cancer survivor, and author of Belly Knows Best — a deeply personal story about healing, identity, resilience, food, and rebuilding life after trauma. After years as a high-achieving educator, Ironman athlete, and self-described perfectionist, Susan's world shifted following her diagnosis. What followed was not only physical healing, but a journey of rediscovering purpose, creativity, and self-trust. Through storytelling, cooking, and honest conversations, she inspires audiences to move through fear, embrace change, and understand that healing is never linear. Her perspective is raw, authentic, empowering, and deeply relatable.Signature Message"It doesn't rain every day. Things will get better — you just have to have hope."Connect with Belly  Instagram : Belly Knows Best.Facebook And Tik Tok : BK Knows BestYouTube : Belly Knows Best.Website :bellyknowsbest.net,Book: Amazon and Belly’s websiteThe Teaching Journeys Podcast can be found where you get your podcasts , including YouTube.

The Teaching Journeys Podcast | Episode with Janelle Miller MoravekWhy is your involvement in your child's therapy more important than you think — and what's stopping parents from showing up?In this eye-opening episode, host Dave Roberts sits down with return guest Janelle Miller Moravek, Executive Director of Youth and Family Counseling (YFC) in Lake County, Illinois. Janelle brings nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership and mental health advocacy to a conversation every parent, educator, and clinician needs to hear.In this episode, you'll learn:Why parent participation in children's therapy is essential — and how it works in practiceThe real reasons parents don't consistently attend sessions (hint: it's not always their fault)How clinician countertransference and imposter syndrome affect treatment outcomesWhy YFC is seeing a surge in service requests for children ages 6–11How anxiety, trauma, and community stressors are showing up in young children's behaviorThe role of generational trauma and family secrets in resisting mental health supportYFC's new Atlas care navigation tool — a free resource to help families understand and access mental health servicesHow to navigate paperwork, insurance, and system barriers to getting your child the help they needWhether you're a parent navigating your child's mental health journey, a school counselor, a clinician working with youth, or a nonprofit professional, this conversation offers practical insight and compassionate guidance.Janelle's Bio and Contact InformationJanelle Miller Moravek is a nonprofit leader & mental health advocate. She has led Youth & Family Counseling as Executive Director since 2009, driving its growth and impact across Lake County, Illinois. With a deep commitment to increasing access to mental health services, she oversees strategy, programming, and operations while fostering strong partnerships throughout the community. Janelle plays a key leadership role in the region, serving on the board of the Lake County Alliance for Human Services and co-chairing the Lake County Behavioral Health Action Team. Her prior experience includes development roles at Carmel Catholic High School and Barat College. She holds a BA in French Studies from Wesleyan University and lives in Libertyville with her husband and three children.Connect with JanelleWebsite: CounselingForAll.org/LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/janelle-miller-moravek-903a815b/Janelle’s profile: accessspeakers.biz/speaker/janelle-miller-moravek-nonprofit-leader-mental-health-advocate/Call to Action for Listeners:Connect with Janelle on LinkedIn—she’d love to hear from you! Be sure to mention you found her through this show! Linkedin.com/in/janelle-miller-moravek-903a815b/Links to our first episode:https://rss.com/podcasts/theteachingjourneys/2607777/ Once in, hit Listen On button to find Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b1gvHq7aLwTo connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com Follow the podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify and other podcast platforms

What happens when a man teetering on a hotel balcony, ready to end his life, screams out to a God he doesn't believe in — and everything changes?In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Peter A. Colter — musician, author, and survivor — for a raw, unfiltered conversation about addiction, mental illness, faith, and the moment that changed everything.Peter opens up about growing up deaf, undergoing over a dozen ear surgeries, and discovering music as a lifeline. By 14, he was touring in bands — and struggling with drugs. For the next two decades, bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and repeated suicide attempts defined his life. Seven attempts. In and out of rehabs. Lost in depression so deep he couldn't see his own kids as a reason to stay.Then came November 14, 2024. A balcony in South Carolina. A last-ditch cry to a God he didn't believe in. And a heart that was changed in an instant.Now three years sober and walking in faith, Peter has channeled his survival story into The Endless Fall — a young adult novel about addiction, abuse, and the battle for belief — and Carrion Creek, a retro horror anthology series tackling mental health and trauma, set to film in August.In this episode, you'll hear about:Living with bipolar disorder and what it really feels like from the insideHow addiction masked pain — and what finally broke the cycleThe balcony moment: a spiritual awakening that stopped a suicide attemptWriting The Endless Fall as an act of healingWhy Peter answers every message from people who are strugglingThe upcoming horror anthology Carrion Creek and its mental health missionIf you or someone you love has faced addiction, depression, or thoughts of suicide, this episode is essential listening.Peter’s Bio and Contact InformationPeter A. Colter was born in Utica, New York, and raised in the small village of Clinton, where the quiet streets held both beauty and chaos. A lifelong musician, writer and creative soul, Peter found expression through art and music even in his darkest moments. He has lived with manic depression and bi-polar disorder for most of his life. Weathering storms that many never see and never hear. After writing many screenplay's he decided to start working on novels. His writing comes from a place of raw emotion, real experiences and renewed hope. He lives surrounded by the family he cherishes and continues to grow in faith each day. His hope is that his work reaches others who feel unseen, unheard and lost.Connect with Peter Colter: Facebook (Peter A. Colter), Instagram (@peter.colter), and find The Endless Fall and Abused on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.comTo connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What happens when you lose your father and your job on the same day?For Thomas Scaria, resilience coach and founder of Steps Along the Way, April 6, 2020 was that day — and it became the catalyst for a complete life transformation.In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Thomas to explore how grief, loss, and a relentless pursuit of purpose can forge unshakeable resilience. From running five solo marathons during COVID lockdown to raise money for cancer research, to nearly finishing an ultra-marathon in South Africa with a bloody, dislocated kneecap — Thomas's story is a masterclass in what the human spirit is capable of.In this episode, you'll discover:The PACE framework (Patience, Accountability, Commitment, Excellence) and how to apply it to your career and personal lifeWhy resilience is a muscle — and how anyone can build itHow the Marathon Mindset Method helps professionals move from existing through life to living itThe difference between managing people and truly developing them as leadersWhy connecting to a cause greater than yourself is the ultimate performance fuelThomas also shares insights from his book Resilience + Rise, his coaching practice for program and project managers, and his upcoming Olympic triathlon — which he's preparing for despite learning to swim less than a year ago.Whether you're navigating career loss, grief, or simply searching for your next chapter, this conversation will remind you: don't just exist through life — live it.Thomas Bio and Contact InformationBased in Vancouver, BC, Thomas Scaria is a Resilience & Accountability Coach and the Founder of Steps Along The Way, a personal development initiative that provides coaching services aimed at fostering growth mindsets for program and project managers. His expertise lies in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with resilience while offering them the tools for accountability to reach their personal and professional goals. Through his innovative approach—The Marathon Mindset Method—Thomas has made significant strides in transforming how professionals perceive success, fulfillment, and resilience in their careers. Discover more about his unique coaching method here. Discover more here.As an advocate for personal growth, Thomas believes in the power of vulnerability and accountability in fostering meaningful change:“Growth happens when we embrace vulnerability and take responsibility for our journey,” Thomas shares.Connect with Thomas Scaria:🌐 Website: resiliencerisemindset.com💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Scaria🎙️ Podcast: Resilience Plus Rise (Spotify & YouTube)Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What if you brought Fortune 500 CEO energy into your cancer treatment? That's exactly what Farla Efros did.After receiving an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis mid-client call, Farla — president of HRC Retail Advisory and former interim CEO of True Religion — refused to be a passive patient. Instead, she built an "executive board" of healthcare providers, walked into oncology appointments with printed agendas and highlighters, and developed the Healing Rebel Protocol: a step-by-step system for patients to take control of their own care.In this raw and deeply honest conversation with host Dave Roberts, Farla shares:Why hope is not a strategy — and what to do insteadHow she navigated chemo, multiple surgeries, and the deaths of her mother, father, and sister simultaneouslyThe role of exercise, nutrition, and integrative medicine in her recoveryHow to advocate for yourself when fear and shock make it nearly impossibleThe mindset shift that transformed cancer from her greatest weakness into her greatest strengthFarla is also the author of Fuck Cancer — a no-nonsense guide that hands readers the exact protocol she used to survive and thrive.Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode will change how you think about the doctor-patient relationship and what it truly means to fight for your life.🎙️ The Teaching Journeys Podcast — Learning through conversations with extraordinary guests.Farla’s Bio and Contact InformationFarla Efros is President of HRC Retail Advisory (Accenture), former Interim CEO of True Religion, and author of F*ck Cancer. After receiving an aggressive cancer diagnosis on a client call, she applied 30 years of Fortune 500 turnaround strategy to her own treatment.Now she teaches patients to bring "CEO Energy" to the exam room through her Healing Rebel Protocol.📖 CONNECT WITH FARLA EFROS:🌐 Website: farlaefros.com📖 Fuck Cancer — Available on AmazonTo find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What if the key to extraordinary leadership was already inside you?In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Randall Ian Thames — CEO, author, executive coach, pastor, and speaker — to explore how leaders at every level can discover, develop, and display their unique "executive superpower."Drawing from 35+ years of corporate experience across Fortune 10 companies and his proprietary Discover, Develop, Display Your Best framework, Randall shares the deeply personal journey that sparked his life's mission — and what it means to truly Rise to the Role.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why identity-driven purpose is the foundation of authentic leadership• The 5-step awareness-to-action framework (Awareness → Acknowledge → Assemble → Analyze → Approach)• How to create inevitable outcomes through a proven system of success• What "dragons" are silently dragging you down — and how to slay them• Randall's daily habit tracker: Wake Up, Worship, Why Up, Wise Up, Work Up, Win Up• Why writing your own eulogy may be the most powerful leadership exercise you'll ever do• How Inspirit Institute helps executives align vision with execution and unlock their full potentialWhether you're a C-suite leader, an educator, an entrepreneur, or someone simply searching for more meaning in your work and life, this conversation will challenge you to stop living as ordinary — and rise to the role you were born to play.Randall’s Brief Bio and Contact InformationAs CEO, Author, Speaker, Pastor, Executive Coach & Advisor, Adjunct Instructor, and Athlete, Randall Ian Thames empowers global audiences—from large-scale conferences and C suites to leadership teams and classrooms—through transformational experiences delivered across presentation, platform, podcast, pulpit, and podium.Drawing from 35+ years of corporate leadership experience across multiple Fortune 10 companies, combined with his role as an adjunct instructor at a top global business school, Randall brings uncommon credibility, clarity, and conviction. Through his proprietary Discover · Develop · Display Your Best™ Framework, Randall equips leaders to uncover their identity-driven purpose, cultivate it with intentional discipline, and activate it with courage and consistency—resulting in Inevitable Outcomes™ that impact organizations, communities, and generations. Randall has blended his decades of experience into his book, Rise to the Role: How to Discover, Develop, and Display Your Executive SuperpowerAs CEO of Inspirit Institute, Randall helps executives align vision with execution, elevate leadership presence, and maximize both professional and personal potential. Connect with Randall Ian Thames:Website: inspiritinstitute.comLinkedIn: Randall ThamesBook: Rise to the Role — available on Amazon and major book retailersEmail: [email protected] find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What happens to your sense of self when grief turns your world upside down?In this powerful follow-up conversation, host Dave Roberts welcomes back journalist, attorney, and author Ashley Jordan to explore one of grief's most overlooked dimensions: the deconstruction and rebuilding of identity after devastating loss.Ashley shares her deeply personal journey through repressed traumatic grief, which resurfaced unexpectedly at age 37, nearly 24 years after losing her childhood sweetheart Daniel at just 12 years old. Together, Dave and Ashley unpack what it truly means to "unbecome" — to shed the false versions of ourselves forged in the aftermath of tragedy — so that a truer, more loving self can emerge.In this episode, you'll discover:• What "deconstruction of self" and "unbecoming" really mean in the context of grief• Why relationships change after loss — and why that's not always a bad thing• How to set healthy emotional boundaries while at your most vulnerable (the armadillo lesson)• Practical, gentle strategies for navigating identity shifts: nature walks, journaling, movement, books, and transient angels• Why grief is ultimately an expression of love — and how to transmute it into a life of abundanceWhether you've lost a child, a partner, a friendship, or a version of yourself, this conversation offers a compassionate companion for the journey into darkness — and back into light.📖 Mentioned: Unhappy Achiever by Ashley Jordan | Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom | Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson | The Afterlife of Billy FingersAshley’s Bio and Contact InformationAshley Jordan has done many things throughout her life. She’s been a feminist activist, licensed attorney, public speaker, and a stay-at-home mother. Most notably, however, she’s a well-published journalist with her works appearing in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and HuffPost, among others. Today, she lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her three children.🔗 Connect with Ashley Jordan: ashjordan.com | @msashjordan on InstagramCheck out Episode 233 with Ashley on YouTube Apple, SpotifyTio connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What happens when suffering becomes your greatest teacher?In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Kelsey Dunbar and Marc Rogala — co-founders of the Suffer to Tougher resilience and mental wellness movement — for an honest, raw conversation about trauma, addiction recovery, and transformation.Kelsey shares how childhood abandonment, military school, and obesity-driven suicidal ideation led him to a 30-year career as a fitness and mindset coach. Marc opens up about battling alcohol and opioid addiction — including multiple overdoses, a near-fatal car accident, and losing his family — and how a 45-minute conversation from a stranger in psychiatric care changed everything.Together, they discuss:• How early childhood experiences shape mental health and addiction• Breaking the stigma around asking for help• The connection between diet, brain chemistry, and recovery• Why sobriety is a lifestyle — not just an absence of substances• Their best-selling book Suffer to Tougher and children's book You're Not Broken• The Rebuild and Fulfill Podcast and their growing coaching communityWhether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply navigating life's harder moments — this episode is a reminder that if there's a pulse, there is hope.Kelsey Dunbar & Marc RogalaKelsey Dunbar and Marc Rogala are the co-founders of Suffer To Tougher, a resilience and mental wellness movement dedicated to helping people overcome life's challenges and build stronger, healthier lives.Kelsey is a bestselling author, speaker, coach, and fitness professional with over 30 years of experience helping individuals transform their health and mindset. His personal journey from childhood obesity, addiction struggles (parents), and adversity fuels his passion for helping others discover that lasting change is possible.Marc's story is one of recovery, rebuilding, and redemption. After battling alcohol and substance addiction, Marc transformed his life and now uses his experiences to inspire others who are facing similar struggles. His authenticity and willingness to share both the victories and setbacks have made him a powerful voice for hope and resilience.Together, they host the Rebuild & Fulfill Podcast, where they have honest conversations about mental health, addiction recovery, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. They are also co-authors of the bestselling book Suffer To Tougher and are committed to helping people realize that their struggles do not define them—their response to those struggles does.Connect with Kelsey & Marc:Website: suffertotougher.org | Facebook: S2T Nation | Podcast: Rebuild and Fulfill (YouTube)(Apple) (Spotify)(Amazon)LinkedIn: Kelsey Dunbar • LinkedIn: Marc Rogala Marc Rogala, CIC, LUTCF To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back executive coach and former CEO Becca Pearce — author of You Don't Have to Achieve to Be Loved — for a raw, honest conversation about mourning the past, redefining success, and choosing who you want to be after tragedy.Becca survived a brain tumor that left her with lasting disabilities and forced her to walk away from a high-powered career. Dave lost his daughter. Together, they explore what it truly means to grieve not just people, but the versions of ourselves we can never return to.In this episode, you'll learn:• What "mourning the past" really means — and why it's a necessary phase of personal reinvention• How to release an old identity without losing the parts of you worth keeping• Why the people closest to you often can't give you what you need during transformation• How to redefine success on your own terms (and write it down)• Why failure is not the opposite of success — and how to fail forward• The surprising research on what Americans say success means vs. what they really believeWhether you're navigating loss, a career pivot, a health crisis, or simply feeling stuck, this episode will challenge you to stop chasing someone else's definition of success — and start building your own.Becca’s Bio and Contact InformationBecca Pearce understands firsthand how hard change can be. Two life-altering events forced her to realize that what she once wanted no longer felt right. The resulting journey reshaped her path, upending everything she had believed about success and happiness.Over the last twelve years, Becca has learned the value of vulnerability, the importance of optimism and the imperative to find the life you want to live now because we're never promised tomorrow. A former CEO and state official, she is now the president of Extend Coaching & Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping people find the courage to live the life they've been dreaming of.Connect with Becca Pearce: morebekkapearcce.com | You Don't Have to Achieve to Be Loved available now.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccapearce/Links to Episode 248 with Becca: YouTube, Apple, SpotifyThe Teaching Journeys Podcast | Hosted by Dave Roberts : Subscribe on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platforms.Dave's Personal Website: davidrobertsmsw.com

In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Christine Olson, founder of TIFF's Initiative (To Inform Families First) — a program that has helped over 22 million people in Florida alone ensure their emergency contacts are embedded directly in their driver's license.On December 7, 2005, Christine's daughter Tiffiany was killed in a motorcycle accident. What followed was a nightmarish six-and-a-half-hour ordeal of fragmented communication, unanswered questions, and a law enforcement system unprepared to notify next of kin. That experience became the catalyst for a grassroots movement that is now before the U.S. Congress.In this episode, you'll learn:• The harrowing events of the night Christine lost her daughter• Why the national average for notifying families after a death or emergency is six hours• How a server on a tiny Florida island sparked a nationwide legislative movement• What TIFF's Initiative is, how it works, and why it costs taxpayers nothing• How to check if TIFF is in your state — and how to advocate for it if it isn't• The legacy of Tiffiany Olson and the love that drives this mission forwardWhether you're a parent, caregiver, or someone who simply wants to make sure your family can be reached in a crisis, this episode will move you — and motivate you to take action.Christine's Bio and Contact InformationChristine Olson was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin.But she heard the waves of change calling her to Florida in 1999 and joined her brother and son who already relocated to the beautiful island of Anna Maria. Tiffiany her daughter decided to stay in Milwaukee and finish high school while living with her father.In 2000 Tiffiany couldn’t wait any longer and the three of three of them started a new adventure of life on a beautiful seven mile long barrier island.Volunteering at Mote Marine Aquarium’s whale and dolphin program as well as the island turtle patrol Christine felt life just couldn’t get better.Then December 7th 2005 happened. Tiffiany was involved in a fatal crash with her boyfriend and in the blink of an eye Christine’s life as she knew it would be forever turned on its head. This is Christine’s story of how she was forced to make a choice. To literally die or do something so no one would have to endure the horrific events she did that night. Tiffs Initiative was born…………….. RESOURCES MENTIONED:🌐 Register with TIFF's Initiative: https://toinformfamiliesfirst.org📘 TIFF on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToInformFamiliesFirstRegister your emergency contacts today: toinformfamiliesfirst.orgTo connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What does it take to go from prison to pardon — and build a life of purpose?In this powerful episode of Teaching Journeys, host Dave Roberts sits down with Perry Staples, a St. Croix Chippewa Indian of Wisconsin tribal member with 17 years of sobriety, a gubernatorial pardon, and a life devoted to helping others heal.Perry shares his raw, honest story: growing up on the reservation, the grip of alcohol and drugs, six DWIs, four felonies, and 33 months in prison — all the way to receiving a personal phone call from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers congratulating him on his pardon. Along the way, Perry reveals how Native American traditions, ceremonies, and culture became the foundation of his recovery — and how they continue to guide his work today as a certified peer specialist and founder of the Wings of Migizi Recovery Peer Support Group.In this episode, you'll hear:• How Perry found sobriety in prison — and nearly lost it the night he got out• The five goals that transformed his life after incarceration• The role of the Big Drum, sweat lodge ceremonies, and Native healing practices in long-term recovery• Why Perry believes addicts "aren't scared of change — they're scared of being changed"• How to approach addiction treatment with cultural sensitivity for Native American clients• The legend of chaga and what Native medicine really meansWhether you're in recovery, work in addiction services, or simply want an inspiring story about resilience, faith, and community, this episode will leave a lasting mark.Perry’s Bio and Contact InformationPerry Ginwedibik Staples is a St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Tribal Member who has worked as a Certified Peer Specialist for four years. He has been a small business owner of Two Feathers Construction for the past 28 years, where he provides carpentry services to Tribal elders and community members. He is a serving member of the Burnett County Drug Court, as well as a former participant on the Burnett County Drug Court. Alongside his work responsibilities, he manages the Wings of Migizi recovery/peer support group through the St. Croix Human Services Department. He has been sober for 16 years, enjoys playing golf, and is married with six children and nine grandchildren. Perry is proud to be a member of the Big Drum, which is one of the highest honors within his Tribe.Connect With PerryWings of Migizi Recovery Peer Support GroupPhone: 715-416-8796 (available 24/7)To connect with Dave , go to : davidrobertsmsw.com

What happens after everyone goes home? In this deeply moving episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Kelly Edmondson — nurse executive, certified grief counselor, and bereaved mother — to explore the one truth most people avoid: grief doesn't end at the funeral. It's just beginning.After losing her son Darius on January 3rd, 2023, Kelly founded A Timely Presence, a year-long grief support service designed to show up for the bereaved long after the flowers fade. Drawing on her clinical background and lived experience, Kelly shares how ongoing presence — not platitudes — is what grieving people truly need.Dave, who lost his daughter Jeannine to cancer over 23 years ago, brings his own profound perspective, making this one of the most honest, human conversations you'll hear on grief, mortality, and healing.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why society avoids talking about death — and why that silence harms the bereaved• What NOT to say to someone who is grieving (and what actually helps)• How grief peaks between months 3–6, long after support disappears• The 3 Rs of workplace grief support: Regulate, Respond, Remain• Why the second year of grief is often harder than the first• How reframing rituals around holidays and milestones can transform the healing journey• Kelly's framework for turning loss into legacyWhether you're grieving, supporting someone who is, or an HR leader navigating employee loss, this episode will change how you show up.Kelly’s Bio and Contact InformationKelly Edmondson is a nurse executive, certified grief counselor, and bereaved mother whose personal loss became the foundation of her life's work. After losing her son Darius on January 3, 2023, Kelly founded Timely Presence, a year-long grief support service built on a simple truth: the funeral is not the finish line. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and her credentials a nurse and grief counselor she helps individuals, families, and organizations show up for the grieving long after the flowers fade. Her mission is to make ongoing presence the standard, not the exception, in grief support.Connect with Kelly Edmondson & A Timely Presence:🌐 Website: https://thetimelypresence.com📷 Instagram: @the.kellyedmondson💼 LinkedIn: Kelly Edmondson📘 Facebook: Timely PresenceTo connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What happens when a kid from one of America's most dangerous neighborhoods becomes a champion — on and off the field? Keith Mercer knows firsthand.Growing up in Capitol Heights, Maryland — once dubbed the "Murder Capital" — Keith Mercer made a decision early on: his circumstances would not define his future. That mindset took him from the streets of DC to back-to-back national championships at the University of Nebraska under legendary coach Tom Osborne, and eventually to founding Mercer Elite Academy, where he's helped over 200 student athletes earn college scholarships.In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Keith Mercer — leadership expert, professional speaker, consultant, and author of The Student Success Formula — for a raw, powerful conversation about resilience, mentorship, and what it truly takes to help young people thrive.In this episode, you'll hear:How growing up surrounded by violence and poverty shaped Keith's unshakeable mindsetWhat Coach Tom Osborne taught him about leadership, character, and showing up for peopleThe Four Bs of Success framework Keith uses to help students build belief, take action, and find balanceWhy life skills — not GPA — are the real key to student successHow social media, identity struggles, and the "freshman fog" are driving a mental health crisis on campusesKeith's powerful message for any student (or adult) who feels alone, stuck, or like they weren't born for greatnessWhether you're an educator, coach, parent, or someone still figuring out your path — this conversation will remind you that your current situation is not your final destination.Keith Mercer Bio and Contact Information Keith Mercer is a Leadership & Mindset Expert | Professional Speaker | Education Consultant | Author | who is Helping Teams, Leaders, Students & Organizations Build Confidence, Culture & High Performance .Connect with Keith Mercer: mercerelite.com LinkedIn: Keith-MercerInstagram: @mercer_eliteYouTube: @keithmercer3857TikTok: @mercereliteX: @MercerElite📚 Get the book: The Student Success Formula — available on AmazonTo find out more about Dave go to : davidrobertsmsw.com

What happens when grief strikes twice — 34 years apart?In this deeply moving episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Deston Rogers — veteran radio broadcaster, law enforcement officer, international police advisor, and founder of the Eagle Freedom Presents podcast — to explore one of the most profound journeys through loss, faith, and radical resilience you'll ever hear.Deston lost his son Cody and Cody's mother Jodi in a devastating car accident in 1990. Then, 34 years later, he lost his second son Dakota. Rather than surrendering to grief, Deston leaned into his Christian faith, chose connection over isolation, and transformed his pain into purpose.In this episode, you'll discover:• How to navigate multiple child loss and complicated grief• Why your circle of influence is your greatest resource in dark times• The power of faith, family, and professional counseling in healing• What the eagle teaches us about resilience and rising above adversity• Deston's Rise, Inspire, Overcome (RIO) movement and the story behind Eagle Freedom Presents• His contribution to the international bestselling anthology Miracles Are Normal• Whether you're navigating grief, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking a message of hope and purpose, this conversation will leave a lasting mark.Deston’s Bio and Contact Information:Deston Rogers has spent over four decades mastering the art of connection. A veteran of radio broadcasting, law enforcement, and international police advising, his career has been defined by his voice and his commitment to serving others. But his most profound message wasn't forged in a broadcast booth or a briefing room—it was born in the fire of unimaginable personal tragedy.After enduring the devastating loss of two of his sons, thirty-four years apart, and their mother, Deston faced distinct seasons of profound, suffocating grief that challenged everything he knew. In his darkest moments, he leaned entirely into his Christian faith, trusting that God already has a purposeful path laid out and will not let us be defeated. Bolstered by the unwavering support of family and friends, he made the active choice to keep fighting the good fight, stepping fully into a lifestyle of "radical resilience."Today, that choice has become his calling. Deston is an international best-selling contributing author to the book Miracles Are Normal and the founder and host of the Eagle Freedom Presents podcast. Through his platform, he champions the "Rise, Inspire, Overcome" (RIO) movement, using his voice—and his deeply personal journey through pain—to guide and inspire others navigating their own darkest valleys.Favorite bible verse:2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faithWebsite and Emaileaglefreedompresents.com📧[email protected] Media Links: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn Podcast: Eagle Freedom Presents — available on all major streaming platformsTo connect with Dave: go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What does it take to rebuild your life after unimaginable loss — and turn your deepest wounds into a source of strength for others?In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with author, blogger, storyteller, and mental health advocate Diana "Dinky" Smith for a deeply honest conversation about grief, resilience, healing, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward.After losing her daughter Lily to a drunk driving accident on her own birthday, Diana faced years of anger, depression, and isolation. But instead of letting tragedy define her, she chose to transform her pain into purpose — raising her granddaughter, writing books, and building a mission to help others feel less alone in their struggles.In this episode, you'll hear:• The heartbreaking story of losing Lily and its aftermath• How Diana raised her grieving granddaughter through trauma and self-harm• The "Scratches to Scars" framework for building emotional resilience• Why grief has no timeline — and what healthy, integrated grief really looks like• How creativity, storytelling, and kindness can be powerful tools for healing• Details on Diana's upcoming fantasy series Viridian and her brand, My Talking EyeWhether you're navigating child loss, grief, low self-worth, or simply looking for inspiration to keep going, this episode delivers raw honesty, hard-earned wisdom, and genuine hope.Diana Bio and Contact InformationDiana “Dinky” Smith is an author, blogger, storyteller, and mental health advocate whose work is dedicated to helping people navigate grief, personal growth, and life's unexpected challenges with honesty, compassion, and hope.After spending more than 22 years as a successful realtor in Colorado, Diana's life changed forever following the tragic loss of her daughter, Lilly. The years that followed led her through a profound journey of grief, depression, healing, and self-discovery. Rather than allowing that experience to define her, she chose to transform it into a mission to help others feel less alone in their own struggles.Drawing from lived experience, extensive personal study, and a deep passion for understanding the human condition, Diana writes about resilience, emotional wellness, grief, purpose, and self-mastery. She is the author of multiple books, including works focused on personal transformation and healing, as well as Veridien, an epic fantasy series that explores themes of courage, sacrifice, redemption, and hope through a richly imagined world. She is also preparing for the future launch of Grief, Unfiltered, a new program under her My Talking Eye brand that will feature candid conversations about grief, healing, mental health, and the realities that many people face but few openly discuss.Known simply as "Dinky" to friends, readers, and listeners, Diana brings authenticity, warmth, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to every conversation. Diana lives in Colorado with her husband, Rick, and continues to write, create, and advocate for stronger emotional health through storytelling, education, and honest dialogue. Her message is simple: no matter what you've been through, your story is not over, and there is still purpose to be found in the chapters ahead.Connect with Diana Smith:📧 [email protected]📘 Facebook: Dinky Diana Smith📸 Instagram: Dinky Diana Smith🎙️ Podcast: My Talking Eye (available on Apple Podcasts)Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that their story is not over.The Teaching Journeys Podcast | Hosted by Dave Roberts | New episodes available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

What happens when life strips away everything — your mother, your identity, and the father you thought you knew — all before the age of 12? For Kora Franco, it became the foundation for something extraordinary.In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Kora Franco, founder and CEO of Aesthetic Wines, a modern luxury wine brand rooted in resilience, bold self-expression, and intentional living. Kora shares her remarkable journey — from navigating grief and identity loss as a child, to a 15-year search for her biological father using AncestryDNA, to building a thriving wine brand and women's empowerment platform as a single mother.In this episode, you'll learn:• How childhood loss and identity struggles forged unshakeable resilience• What it's really like to break into the wine industry as a Black female founder• Why women drive the wine industry but rarely lead it — and how Kora is changing that• How Aesthetic For Her is creating a first-of-its-kind wine social club for women entrepreneurs• Why "shoot your shot" is the one mindset shift that can change your lifeWhether you're an entrepreneur, a wine lover, or someone navigating your own defining moment, Kora's story will remind you that luxury truly begins within.Kora’s Bio and Contact InformationKora Franco is the Founder and CEO of Aesthetic Wines, a modern luxury wine brand rooted in resilience, ambition, and bold self-expression. Guided by a deeply personal journey shaped by both triumph and personal loss, Kora believes that luxury is a mindset — one defined by intention, confidence, and the ability to appreciate the journey as much as the destination.Before founding Aesthetic Wines, Kora built her career in banking and consulting, working with top financial institutions and one of the Big Four consulting firms in New York City. Her experience navigating high-performance, male-dominated environments sharpened her strategic mindset, discipline, and leadership style, while reinforcing her passion for empowering women to move boldly, claim their space, confidence, and define success on their own terms.Wine became a natural extension of that philosophy. Through moments of reflection and celebration shared over thoughtfully curated tastings with friends and family, Kora recognized wine as more than a beverage — it is a symbol of mindset, milestones, and the perseverance behind every achievement. This realization became the foundation of Aesthetic Wines — a brand created for those who live intentionally, rise resiliently, and understand that true luxury begins within. Under Kora’s leadership, Aesthetic Wines continues to inspire a community that values confidence, connection, and empowerment — honoring not just where they are, but everything it took to get there. 🔗 Connect with Kora Franco:Website: aestheticwines.comInstagram & TikTok: @AestheticWinesApp: Aesthetic For Her (Apple & Google)To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What separates those who bounce back from those who stay stuck? Frank Zaccari has spent a lifetime finding out.In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes Frank Zaccari — 5x bestselling author, business turnaround expert, Air Force veteran, and host of the Bounce Back in Business and Life podcast — for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and the lessons that only life can teach.Frank shares how enlisting in the Air Force at 21 gave him a crash course in responsibility, critical thinking, and people management — skills he carried into 25+ years in the high-tech industry and later into turning around failing companies. He opens up about navigating divorce as a single dad, writing nine books, building the Trust the Process book marketing program (18 consecutive bestselling launches), and mentoring veterans through the Veterans Treatment Court.In this episode: Why what you don't know is more dangerous than what you do How to lead with empathy without losing accountability The difference between strategy and tactics — and why most leaders confuse them What it really takes to market a bestselling book Why legacy is not what you accumulate, but what you activate in others"The secret to walking on water is knowing where the rocks are." — Frank ZaccariFrank’s Bio and Contact InformationA native of western New York, Frank Zaccari served as a military medic in the U.S. Air Force before spending over 25 years in the high-tech industry. His experience included senior positions with Fortune 50 organizations “re-launching” small and mid-size companies.Frank is a 5X bestselling and 4X award-winner author who has written and published nine books based on life altering events. He led a workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs at Arizona State University; is a mentor with the Veterans Treatment Court; a mentor and judge with the University of California Entrepreneurship Academy and is an accomplished speaker. Frank hosts a Roku TV, Bounce Back in Business Life Podcast and youtube show which, has 240,000 listeners in 42 countries.Socials are:· https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4jSFziDx5ZQXP2ZY5-M0-w· https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankzaccari/· https://www.frankzaccari.net/· https://fzaccari.substack.com/?· [email protected]· http://www.authorstrusttheprocess.com/Connect with Frank Zaccari:🔗 LinkedIn: Frank Zaccari📧 [email protected]🎙️ Podcast: Bounce Back in Business and LifeTo connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What does it actually take to build a resilient organization — and how do you measure it?In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back Terry Healey — cancer survivor, facial difference advocate, keynote speaker, business strategist, and author of The Resilience Mindset. Terry draws on his 35-year career as a marketing executive and his deeply personal journey through a rare fibrosarcoma diagnosis to explore what resilience really looks like inside teams, leadership structures, and organizations.You'll discover why 83% of people believe they're resilient, but research shows only 57% actually are — and what organizations can do about it. Terry walks through his 7-dimension resilience assessment framework, covering resourcefulness, capability, alignment, seeking support, hopefulness, growth mindset, and positive mindset, and explains how leaders can use these tools to build stronger, more adaptable teams.What you'll learn in this episode:• The difference between individual and organizational resilience• How to conduct a resilience assessment workshop using Terry's proven framework• Why emotional intelligence and empathy are non-negotiable leadership skills• How the REBAR framework (Reflect, Build, Act, Renew) applies to both personal and organizational growth• Why empowering employees — not micromanaging them — is the foundation of a resilient culture• The one daily habit Terry recommends for anyone struggling with attitude or adversityTerry Healey BioA survivor of a life-threatening cancer that left him with a permanent facial difference, Terry Healey is an author, keynote speaker, and business strategist. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a thirty-five-year career as a marketing executive, Terry challenges audiences to face adversity and change, and apply his ReBAR resilience framework and principles to gain confidence, build resilience, and find greater purpose and joy in their personal and professional lives. Terry lives in Santa Cruz, CA with his wife Sue.Learn more at terryhealey.com.Resources mentioned:The Resilience Mindset by Terry HealeyTo find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What does it truly mean to strive for more — and how do you get there?In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Jan Raeder, the Self-Care Sensei — a wellbeing educator, keynote speaker, and author with over 30 years of experience in traditional Okinawan and Japanese karate.Jan breaks down her evidence-based MORE Framework (Meaning, Optimism, Relationships, Engagement) from her book Strive for More: What Wellbeing Really Means and How You Can Achieve It, and shares how the principles of martial arts — self-discipline, resilience, and perseverance — apply directly to personal growth and conscious wellbeing.In this episode, you'll learn: The key difference between wellness and wellbeing (and why it matters) How to use the MORE Framework to build a life of clarity, confidence, and purpose Why self-awareness alone isn't enough — and what to do with it How positive psychology and the science of optimism can rewire your mindset The role of gratitude, resilience, and meaning in overcoming life's biggest crossroads Lessons from 10,000+ sparring rounds and decades of martial arts teachingWhether you're navigating a career transition, health challenge, or simply want to live with more intention, this conversation is packed with actionable insights rooted in behavioral science and lived wisdom.Jan’s Bio and Contact InformationJan Raeder is a recognized Wellbeing Educator, keynote speaker, and author dedicated to helping people lead lives of clarity, confidence, and conscious well-being. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in traditional Okinawan and Japanese karate, behavior change science, and positive psychology, Jan blends evidence-based insights with lived wisdom to support meaningful, sustainable growth.As the author of Strive for M.O.R.E.: What Wellbeing Really Means & How You Can Achieve It, Jan breaks down her M.O.R.E.™ framework (Meaning, Optimism, Relationships, Engagement) and offers evidence-based, actionable tools. She delivers dynamic keynotes and workshops that help individuals and organizations make the mindset shifts that lead to lasting change.Having fought in over 10,000 sparring rounds, Jan deeply understands how practice, self-discipline, honor, and perseverance shape growth. That experience has also taught her a vital life lesson: the moment you start taking things personally, you lose your center—on the mat and in life.A National AAU Karate gold medalist and former senior instructor and business manager at US Budokai Karate of Albany, Jan also earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just four years. Through her work as the SelfCare Sensei, she empowers others to strive for M.O.R.E.—and to live with purpose, energy, and heart.Jan's Book: Strive for M.O.R.E.: What Wellbeing Really Means and How You Can Achieve It🌐 Website: selfcaresensei.com📱 Instagram: @selfcaresenseijraeder👥 Facebook: Self Care Sensei | Jan Raeder Well-Being Educator💼 LinkedIn: Jan RaederTo connect with Dave: davidrobertsmsw.com

What if the stories you tell yourself are the very thing keeping you stuck?In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Scott Mason — known as The Myth Slayer — a speaker, coach, attorney, and former senior executive who uses the power of ancient Greek mythology to help people identify the toxic myths holding them back from living a bold, purposeful life.Scott shares his remarkable journey from a high-powered career in New York City government and nonprofits to a complete identity collapse — and the profound near-death experience that became his greatest catalyst for transformation.In this episode, you'll discover:• What "toxic myths" are and how they silently sabotage your personal and professional life• How ancient Greek mythology offers a timeless roadmap for self-discovery and reinvention• The surprising mind-body connection between toxic thinking and physical health• Scott's extraordinary near-death experience and the dream that changed everything• Why your darkest moments may be the doorway to your greatest rebirth• How to shift from the empirical mindset to the mythic mindset — and why it matters now more than ever• Whether you're navigating a career transition, recovering from personal loss, or simply searching for deeper meaning and purpose, Scott's story will challenge you to stop letting your past author your future.Scott’s Bio and Contact Information: Scott Mason is known as The Myth Slayer: a speaker, coach, attorney, and former senior executive who uses the power of Greek mythology to help people name the hidden stories that keep them stuck and begin writing a more powerful life.After graduating from Columbia Law School, Scott spent more than two decades as an attorney and executive leader in government and nonprofit organizations, including roles overseeing homeless shelter systems, senior services, administrative justice, compliance, operations, and domestic violence shelter services. He has also served on nonprofit boards and currently speaks to audiences across the country on leadership, professional rebirth, resilience, and bold personal transformation.But Scott’s work is not only professional. It is deeply personal. After experiencing his own career collapse, identity crisis, and painful period of rebuilding -- and later, a profound personal and spiritual reawakening during a mysterious illness that almost claimed his life -- he came to understand that many people are not trapped by a lack of talent, intelligence, or effort. They are trapped by what he calls “toxic myths”—the unconscious stories that convince us we are powerless, broken, invisible, doomed, or too far gone to begin again.Through his coaching, speaking, writing, and YouTube channel, Scott helps people name their toxic myths, and take concrete action toward a life of greater purpose, courage, creativity, and impact. His message is simple but fierce: your past may shape you, but it does not get to author the rest of your story.Social Media links:• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Myth_Slayer• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.scott_mason/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themythslayer/🔗 Connect with Scott Mason: MyFreedomRocks.com📖 Book: The Charismatic OlympianTo connect with Dave: davidrobertsmsw.com

What does it take to go from hitchhiking through a revolution at 19, scaling the deadly North Wall of Denali at 20, and surviving violent conflict in Vietnam — to becoming one of the world's leading voices for peace, purpose, and citizen action?In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with John Graham — Foreign Service officer, global peacebuilder, and 42-year leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project — for a raw and inspiring conversation about adventure, transformation, and the search for meaning. In this episode, you'll learn:· How John went from adrenaline-fueled risk-taker to compassionate peace advocate· Why he helped engineer the UN plan that contributed to ending apartheid in South Africa· The difference between smart risk-taking and reckless risk-taking — and the 6-step framework to know the difference· How the Giraffe Heroes Project inspires everyday people to "stick their necks out" and solve tough public problems· Why building trust is the single most important leadership skill most people overlook· How to find real meaning in your life — no matter your age or circumstancesJohn's memoir, Quest: Risk, Adventure and the Search for Meaning, and his video series Badass Granddad (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) bring these lessons to a global audience.John's Bio and Contact InformationJohn Graham shipped out on a freighter when he was 16, hitchhiked through the Algerian Revolution at 19 and was on the team that made the first ascent of Denali’s North Wall at 20, a climb so dangerous it’s never been repeated. He hitchhiked around the world at 22, working as a correspondent in every war he came across. A US Foreign Service Officer for 15 years, he was in the middle of the 1969 revolution in Libya and the war in Vietnam. To the young Graham, adventure was everything, and each brush with death only pushed him to up the ante—and to bury ever deeper the emotional life needed to make him whole.Then it began to change. At the United Nations he risked his career, crossing his own government to support initiatives for peace and justice in Asia, Africa and Cuba, including engineering a UN plan that helped end apartheid in South Africa. As a global peace builder, post Foreign Service, he contributed to peace efforts in Israel/Palestine.For the last 42 years he’s been a leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project, a global movement inspiring people to stick their necks out to solve public problems and giving them tools to succeed (giraffe.org). His speeches, blogs, podcasts and interviews have a global audience.Connect with John Graham:🌐 johngraham.org | giraffe.orgIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who's searching for more purpose in their life — and leave us a rating or review. Your support makes all the difference.🎙️ Teaching Journeys Podcast — where extraordinary lives teach extraordinary lessons.To find out more about Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What can 30 years living in Japan and Indonesia teach us about mental health, respect, and what it means to live a meaningful life? In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back writer, producer, and entrepreneur Rob Schwartz — son of Morrie Schwartz of Tuesdays with Morrie fame — for a wide-ranging conversation that connects Eastern philosophy, cultural identity, and the growing mental health crisis in America.Rob shares his remarkable journey from studying Eastern philosophy in university to building a decades-long career in Japan as a film journalist, Billboard Magazine Asia correspondent, NHK World TV script editor, and record label founder. He unpacks the profound differences between Japanese, Indonesian, and American culture — from Confucian values and group identity to the stigma surrounding mental health in East Asia.The conversation also explores Rob's work with the One Humanity Foundation, a global movement to raise mental health awareness, his innovative virtual reality startup Moshpit XR, and the timeless wisdom of his father Morrie Schwartz — whose philosophy that relationships, not money, are the true source of happiness continues to resonate worldwide.In this episode:• Why Japan and Indonesia place such a high value on respect — and what America can learn from it• How Confucianism shapes mental health culture across China, Japan, and Korea• The stigma of therapy in Japan and why it's keeping people from getting help• Morrie Schwartz's philosophy on love, relationships, and creating your own culture• Moshpit XR: the future of virtual concerts and photorealistic real estate tours• The One Humanity Foundation and the butterfly symbol for mental health awarenessRob Schwartz Bio and Contact InformationRob Schwartz is a writer, producer, and entrepreneur. His work has appeared in Time, Newsweek, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Interview and Melody Maker, among many others.He was a script editor at NHK World TV in Japan for fourteen years and has was an Asia Correspondent for Billboard magazine from 2007 to 2022. In 2005 he founded the electro-rock crossover label Dynastic Records in Japan.Rob produces feature films, including Putty Hill (2010) and Bernard and Huey (2017); Stay (2018) , Touched By Water. Rob actively invests in tech-based startups; and is currently a partner and the chief strategy officer in the virtual concert-creation platform Moshpit (www.Moshpit.Live).Putty Hill won a host of awards and the New Yorker magazine chose as one of its Top Ten Films for 2011.Recently Rob edited, wrote essays for, and published The Wisdom of Morrie (2023), a book authored by his father Morrie Schwartz (of Tuesdays with Morrie).Links to our previous episode :YouTube Other Platforms * *Hit the "Listen On "button to find your favorite podcast platform.CONNECT WITH ROB SCHWARTZ:The Wisdom of Morrie: wisdomofmorrie.comMoshpit XR: moshpit.liveCenneto (Real Estate VR): cenneto.comOne Humanity Foundation: onehumanity.oneEmail: [email protected]

What does British theater have to do with business leadership? More than you'd think.In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back award-winning actor, director, and business coach Carl Walsh for a deep dive into creativity, innovation, and the leadership principles that separate great managers from truly inspiring leaders.Carl draws on 20 years in the British theater, 25 years in corporate management, and 15 years as a professional speaker to explore:• Why most adults think they've "lost" their creativity — and how to get it back• How Disney built a culture where no one pointed fingers and everyone solved problems together• The "happy mistake" philosophy that transformed a theater scene into the biggest laugh of the show• Why failure is not inefficiency — and how experimentation drives breakthrough innovation• The critical difference between managing and leading (and why 60% of the workforce has "quietly quit")• How to balance creativity with efficiency without sacrificing either• What AI, improv comedy, and focus groups have in common when it comes to innovation• Why diversity of thought — not groupthink — is a business superpowerWhether you're a small business owner, team leader, or someone looking to reignite your own creative spark, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and memorable stories.Connect with Carl Walsh: [email protected], leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow leader who needs to hear it..Carl's Bio and Contact InformationCarl Walsh is a speaker, consultant, and business coach who blends theatrical expertise with corporate leadership. With 20 years as an award-winning actor and director, 25 years in corporate management—including as an IT Director—and 15 years as a professional speaker, he brings dynamic storytelling and strategic insight to business growth. As the co-host of The Oval Table podcast and co-founder of Alpha Dogs Small Business Coaching, Carl helps small businesses foster creativity, improve communication, and apply lessons from the theater to leadership and innovation. A certified Red Team Thinking coach, he challenges teams to think critically and adapt in a rapidly changing world.Connect with Carl Walsh and learn more about Dogologic:Email: [email protected] connect with Dave: davidrobertsmsw.com

In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Julianna Burmesch — former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, and author of the memoir Life With Less of Me (releasing June 23rd).Julianna shares her deeply personal story of growing up in a home marked by alcoholism, physical abuse, and chronic unpredictability — and how those adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shaped her brain, her body, and her life well into adulthood. From PTSD and anxiety to sepsis, cancer, and necrotizing fasciitis, Julianna connects the science of trauma to real-world health outcomes in a way that is both eye-opening and deeply human. In this episode, you'll learn: · How ACEs and childhood trauma rewire the developing brain· The long-term physical and mental health effects of growing up in a traumatic environment· Practical grounding techniques for managing trauma triggers· What parents, educators, and policymakers can do to protect children's long-term wellbeing· Why investing in children — through universal childcare, birth support, and trauma-informed education — is one of society's most important priorities· Whether you're an educator, mental health professional, parent, or survivor, this episode offers both science-backed insight and profound human connection.🎙️ Julianna Bio and Contact InformationJulianna Burmesch is a former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, parent educator, and child advocate. In writing her memoir, “Life with Less of Me” (Books Fluent, June 23, 2026), she wants to help people understand the effects of adverse childhood experiences and unresolved trauma on one's long-term physical and mental health. Julianna is a mother, grandmother, potter, and occasional jewelry artist. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, John, and her beautiful dogs, Bella and Ruby.Links --Website - https://www.juliannaburmesch.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Julianna-Burmesch-Author/61568035880501/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-burmesch-69476674/ Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250813693-life-with-less-of-me Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Life-Less-Me-Julianna-Burmesch-ebook/dp/B0G32LQHQR/ 📚 Book: Life With Less of Me — available June 23rdTo find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What does it truly mean to see someone?In this heartfelt episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with award-winning author, humanitarian, and founder of the Desire to Inspire Foundation, Dawn Airhart Witte, for a deeply moving conversation about purpose, belonging, and the transformative power of human connection.Dawn shares how a childhood experience of not feeling seen sparked a lifelong mission — from volunteering in the LA foster care system to bringing clean water, resources, and hope to communities across Africa. Rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu ("I am because we are") and the Zulu greeting sawubona ("I see you, you are valued"), Dawn's work is a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life.In this episode, you'll discover ,among other things:• How serendipity and "soul families" shape our life's path• The story behind the Desire to Inspire Foundation and its global humanitarian work• What drew Dawn to Africa — and the dream that finally answered her question why• How to reconnect with your purpose after major life transitions• The Ubuntu Creator Circle and Dawn's upcoming projectsBio:Dawn Airhart Witte is an award-winning author, speaker, humanitarian, and the founder of the Desire to Inspire Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to uplifting communities through both humanitarian support and heart-centered connection. Through her work in Africa and beyond, Dawn has helped bring clean water, resources, and hope to those in need, while also addressing the deeper human need for love, unity, and belonging.She is the creator of The Secrets of Being, a platform devoted to helping individuals reconnect with their true selves and live with purpose, authenticity, and compassion. Dawn is the host of The Secrets of Being podcast, where she brings together thought leaders, healers, and visionaries to share wisdom that uplifts and inspires.Her work is rooted in the belief that we are all interconnected, often expressed through the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—and the Zulu greeting sawubona—“I see you, you are valued.” Dawn’s mission is to help every soul feel seen, loved, and inspired to be the change they wish to see in the world.Links:https://desiretoinspirefoundation.org/https://thesecretsofbeing.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.witte1/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-airhart-witte-19910920/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretsofbeingpodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesecretsofbeingAmazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B071WR5BY4?ccs_id=62d45259-927a-4a86-9bbb-2db1e245c827Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-secrets-of-being-podcast/id1716399716To connect with Dave: davidrobertsmsw.com

What happens when your worst chapter becomes the foundation for your greatest purpose?In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with RJ Johnson — speaker, author, and founder of Not My Will Ministries — to explore one of the most remarkable stories of redemption, faith, and transformation you'll ever hear.After making a devastating choice that led to a 20-year prison sentence, RJ didn't just survive incarceration — he encountered the relentless grace of Jesus Christ and came out with a mission. Serving seven of those years, RJ faced multiple attempts on his life, found faith in the darkest of places, and ultimately discovered that God doesn't waste a single moment of our pain.In this episode, you'll learn:• How RJ found faith and purpose while serving time in a maximum-security prison• Why taking full accountability — without justification — is the first step toward real healing• The powerful scripture-based workshop RJ created to help men break free from destructive cycles• What forgiveness truly looks like, even toward those who tried to take your life• How RJ's nonprofit, Not My Will Ministries, is transforming lives both inside and outside prison walls• The story behind his memoir God Doesn't Waste a Thing (written under the pen name Luke Chance)Whether you're walking through your own dark season, working in ministry, counseling, or simply looking for proof that God can redeem any story — this episode will challenge and inspire you.Bio and Contact InformationRJ Johnson | Founder & CEO, Not My Will Ministries | Author of God Doesn’t Waste a Thingwww.notmywillministries.comRJ Johnson is a speaker, author, and redeemed son of God who is passionate about helping others discover that God is still in the miracle business. After serving seven years of a twenty-year prison sentence, RJ encountered the relentless grace of Jesus—and everything changed.Through his journey of transformation, RJ founded Not My Will Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping men—both in prison and in society—break free from destructive cycles and rediscover their identity, value, and purpose in Christ. His ministry leads powerful, scripture-based Cycle Workshops that equip men to confront lies, build resilience, and walk in lasting freedom.RJ is also the author of God Doesn’t Waste a Thing (written under the pen name Luke Chance), an awe-inspiring memoir of the miracles he witnessed behind bars. His story challenges churches and communities to step outside their comfort zones and into God’s mission field—even when that mission field has razor wire and locked gates.With transparency, intentionality, and a spirit of joy, RJ brings a message of hope, redemption, and real-life faith. Whether he’s speaking to a church, podcast audience, or leadership circle, RJ’s life proclaims one core truth: Your worst chapter does not have to be your last one—and God can use every broken piece to build something beautiful.Connect with RJ Johnson:🌐 NotMyWillMinistries.com📖 God Doesn't Waste a Thing by Luke Chance — available on AmazonIf this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss a Teaching Journeys conversation.To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What does it take to lead with heart, communicate with impact, and live with true purpose? In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Amrita Mukherjee — TEDx speaker, ICF ACC executive coach, author, and founder of the Thriving Women's Tribe — for a deeply inspiring conversation on emotional intelligence, leadership communication, and the power of intentional living.Amrita shares how personal adversity, including recovering from a burn injury and losing her sister, shaped her passion for purposeful leadership. She breaks down the EQ-i 2.0 framework and explains why emotional intelligence — not technical expertise — is the defining factor in today's workplace. The conversation also explores how her engineering background at Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo gave her a unique systems-thinking edge as an executive coach.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why listening is the most underrated leadership skill• How emotional intelligence, executive presence, and leadership communication work together• The danger of groupthink and how to build psychological safety on your team• Why Amrita chose fiction over a leadership book — and how storytelling connects generations• How the Thriving Women's Tribe empowers women through coaching, community, and connection• The one takeaway Amrita wants every listener to rememberBio and Contact InformationAmrita Mukherjee is a TEDx speaker, an ICF-ACC executive coach, author, and seasoned industry leader with nearly 20 years of leadership experience in Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo. She is recognised for her expertise in EI-driven leadership, strategic communication, building remote and diverse teams, and strengthening employee engagement in today’s disconnected workplace.Known for her blend of data-driven insights, storytelling, and actionable strategies, Amrita equips leaders to build inclusive cultures that drive innovation and business performance. She has spoken at colleges, global forums, corporate events, and leadership summits across diverse sectors.As the founder of SHEvolution, Amrita is committed to empowering women through coaching, mentoring, and community-building. She has delivered impactful workshops for corporate leaders, universities, and schools, including programs designed to inspire confidence, communication, and leadership in teenage girls. Her advocacy extends to girls’ education and menstrual health awareness, supporting campaigns such as #PadforFreedom.LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mukherjeeamrita/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamamritamukherjeeWebsite - https://thrivingwomenstribe.com/Links to my books:Avani The Girl Who Found Her Voice - https://amzn.in/d/056QnH4nShe & Me - https://amzn.in/d/0a0WLRPlTo connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Can pain really become a portal to beauty? What happens when you stop numbing and start feeling everything?In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with writer and self-healing advocate Alexis Leigh, author of Pain Is a Portal to Beauty — a transformative memoir about grief, authenticity, and the unconventional path to wholeness.Alexis opens up about losing her mother to addiction at age 11, spending decades numbing her pain, and the moment a voice in the woods in 2020 told her, "If you die today, your life will have been a tragedy" — a wake-up call that changed everything.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why conventional wisdom and gratitude practices can actually keep you emotionally stuck• How MDMA therapy and ayahuasca helped Alexis access grief that years of talk therapy couldn't reach• The difference between performative happiness and genuine emotional freedom• How processing childhood trauma reshapes your identity at every life stage• Why codependency may be blocking your ability to love yourself and others fully• What it means to truly surrender — to pain, to healing, and to life itselfThis is a deeply honest conversation about the courage it takes to feel everything, embrace the shadow side of who we are, and discover the beauty waiting on the other side of pain.Bio and Contact InformationAlexis Leigh is a writer and advocate for self-healing through unconventional methods, including psychedelics and deep inner work. With a background in finance and consulting, her personal journey led her away from the corporate world and into a life centered around authenticity and transformation. Pain Is a Portal to Beauty is her first book, a testament to the power of feeling deeply and embracing the unknown."📖 Pain Is a Portal to Beauty is available everywhere books are sold.🌐 Connect with Alexis at alexisleigh.comTo connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What if kindness could literally save a life? In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Randy McNeely — also known as Captain Kind Man — a survivor of childhood abuse turned passionate advocate for courageous kindness.Randy shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his mission: from surviving multiple forms of abuse and near-suicidal darkness, to becoming a bestselling author, speaker, filmmaker, and founder of the Kindness Giver LLC and The Kindness Factor International.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Randy's traumatic childhood became the foundation for a worldwide kindness movement• The 5-step Kindness Givers Formula you can start using today• The difference between ordinary kindness and courageous kindness — and why it matters• How kindness can bridge divides, heal polarization, and transform organizations• Real stories of how a smile, a hug, or nine simple words saved someone's life• Why love — delivered through kindness — is the keystone of every successful relationship, team, and communityRandy's Bio and Contact InformationRandy McNeely—Captain Kindman—is a man of faith, husband, father of five, survivor, and passionate advocate for Courageous Kindness. Guided by the belief that we are all children of God, Randy inspires people to live and lead with love in every part of life.Through The Courageous Kindness Shift,™ Randy teaches how to see, think, feel, listen, and respond differently—helping students, educators, and organizations bridge divides, heal polarization, and create cultures of empathy and respect.As founder of The Kindness Giver, LLC, he equips others with the ICA Method™ (Identify, Clarify, Amplify) and The Kindness Giver’s Formula™ to turn kindness into real, sustainable action.Randy is also co-founder of positive film company The Kindness Factor International, producer of For Such a Time as This, co-creator of The Kindness Factor series, and co-host of The Kindness Factor Podcast.Mantra: Love PeopleMotto: You Can’t Fail with KindnessMission: To inspire and equip others to embrace The Courageous Kindness Shift and transform the world—one act of love-driven kindness at a time.Connect with Randy McNeely:🌐 captainkindman.com📚 Available on Amazon: The Kindness Givers Formula 2.0🔗 LinkedIn: Randy McNeelyIf this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave us a rating or review. Your support makes all the difference.**Teaching Journeys Podcast | Host: Dave RobertsPassing knowledge from one generation to the next — one extraordinary conversation at a time.

What happens when a child's life ends too soon — and what can it teach us about love, consciousness, and what lies beyond death?In this deeply moving episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes Katy Gilbertson, founder of Hauora Wellness, for a raw and spiritually rich conversation about child loss, grief, and the survival of consciousness after death.Both Dave and Katy have lived through a parent's worst nightmare — Dave lost his daughter Jeannine to cancer at 18, and Katy lost her son Jaxon to leukemia just before his 10th birthday. Together, they explore the sacred and the human dimensions of these profound losses.In this episode, you'll discover:• The concept of sacred law vs. human law — and why a short life can still be a complete one• How Jaxon and Jeannine demonstrated advanced empathy and spiritual awareness beyond their years• Real accounts of shared-death experiences and signs from the other side• How consciousness survives physical death — and how to stay connected to loved ones who've transitioned• The waves of grief that resurface at unexpected milestones, and how to navigate them• How Katy transformed her experience into Hauora Wellness, guiding high-achieving women beyond burnout into embodied leadership• Why "once you learn how to die, you learn how to live"• This episode is for anyone navigating grief, curious about life after death, or seeking meaning after profound loss.Katy Gilbertson's Bio and Contact InformationKaty is the founder of Hauora Wellness, an expert in holistic wellness, embodied leadership, and human potential, guiding high-level women to expand their capacity and step into their next level of life, leadership, and business in a sustainable and deeply aligned way.Her work sits at the intersection of holistic health, nervous system regulation, human potential, identity transformation, energy work, and personal mastery. Blending a holistic and functional medicine lens with embodiment, leadership development, and transformational coaching, Katy guides women to reconnect with the deeper intelligence of their body, energy, and purpose so they can lead from alignment rather than exhaustion.At the heart of her philosophy is Hauora, the interconnected relationship between physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental wellbeing. Her work is deeply shaped by lived experience. After navigating her own health challenges, chronic stress, periods of losing herself, and the profound journey of supporting her son through cancer and loss while continuing to lead in life and business, Katy’s understanding of resilience, regulation, grief, leadership, and human potential transformed entirely.These experiences became the foundation for the work she now shares through transformational immersions, private mentorship, embodied leadership experiences, and teachings devoted to sustainable expansion and self-mastery.Today, Katy supports high-level women, entrepreneurs, and leaders who know they are here for more, helping them move beyond overthinking, dysregulation, and survival-mode patterns so they can access deeper levels of vitality, clarity, creativity, leadership, and fulfillment.Through Hauora Wellness, Katy is building a movement devoted to embodied expansion, sustainable leadership, and helping women fully hold the mission they are here to lead.ConnectInstagram: @hauorawellnessFacebook: @hauorawellnessWebsite: www.hauorawellness.comEmail: [email protected], share, and leave a review — your support makes all the difference.

What if you could save your marriage — even if your partner has already given up? In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Dr. Lee Baucom, PhD, creator of the globally used Save the Marriage system and host of the Save the Marriage podcast (600+ episodes strong).Lee breaks down why most marriages fail — not from conflict, but from disconnection — and introduces his concept of the "pause button": the moment couples stop investing in their relationship and slowly drift apart. He reveals the three levels of connection (physical, emotional, and spiritual) that every healthy marriage requires, and explains why neglecting even one can quietly erode a relationship over years.You'll also discover:• Why premarital counseling rarely works — and what actually does• How to rebuild intimacy using a team approach, even through trauma, grief, and conflict• Why one motivated partner can shift the entire relationship dynamic (no dragging a reluctant spouse to therapy required)• The chaser-spacer dynamic — and how to invite connection instead of pushing your partner away• How Lee's Unpause app helps couples build new habits of connection daily• Whether your marriage is quietly disconnecting or at a full-blown crisis point, this episode delivers a clear, actionable roadmap for turning things around.Lee’s Bio and Contact InformationLee Baucom, Ph.D., is the creator of the Save The Marriage System,used around the world for over two decades. He is the author of fourbooks on relationship issues and marriage recovery. As a RelationshipCoach, Lee works with people around the world to save and restoretheir intimate relationships, even when a partner has given up.His method proved useful for people, working on their own, to turntheir marriages and committed relationships around into loving,thriving, connected relationships. He shares that approach in hisSystem, his writing, and the Save The Marriage Podcast. He has beenpodcasting since 2013. He is married, with two adult children and twoactive dogs.Connect with Lee Baucom:📌 Connect with Lee Baucom:Chronically disconnected → unpauseyourmarriage.comAt a crisis point → savethemarriage.comSave the Marriage Podcast: savethemarriage.comYouTube: Search : Lee Baucom Save the MarriageTo connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What does it take to break free from a lifetime of addiction, childhood abuse, and generational trauma? In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with internationally award-winning author, public speaker, and transformational mentor Shannan Kym to share her extraordinary journey from rock bottom to radical freedom.Growing up as the youngest of eight children in a home defined by alcoholism, mental illness, and abuse, Shannan endured unimaginable hardship — only to find herself trapped in a marriage to a narcissist and drinking up to six bottles of wine a day. Her story is raw, honest, and ultimately deeply inspiring.In this episode, you'll discover:•How childhood trauma and generational patterns fuel addiction — and how to break the cycle • What hitting rock bottom really looks like and the moment Shannan finally surrendered • Why traditional therapy and AA didn't work for her — and what did• The awakening that led to nearly 7 years of sobriety•How writing her award-winning book How in the Hell Did I Get Here? changed everything•The 10 Pathways to Self-Discovery . · •How she helps women ages 40–60 reclaim their identity, rebuild their lives, and step into their greatness Shannan's Bio and Contact InformationSHANNAN KYM grew up in a family where addiction, violence, and extreme dysfunction were normalized. Robbed of her childhood, she was forced to grow up at a very young age. After dropping out of high school and leaving her family, she was filled with self-loathing and shame. Suppressing her feelings, Shannan became an alcoholic. For years, she abused her body, gained excessive weight, and let herself be taken advantage of by toxic people, including marrying a narcissist. She experienced career highs and lows and suffered the loss of a child. Eventually, Shannan hit rock bottom; but on August 17, 2019, everything changed. That day, Shannan made up her mind to stop letting addiction control her life. She also made a decision to get real, let go of her past hurts, embrace forgiveness, and focus on living each day with gratitude, purpose, light, and love. Connect with Shannan Kym at shannankym.com or find her on all social platforms @shannankym.To connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What would you do if you lost four babies in one day — and then built a multi-million dollar nonprofit, wrote a book, and adopted nine children from trauma backgrounds?In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Debbie Simmons — Legacy Architect, keynote speaker, author, and CEO/founder of Anchor Point, a nonprofit serving families in crisis. Debbie shares the extraordinary journey that shaped her: surviving the loss of quadruplet sons, battling infertility, finding purpose through grief, and ultimately adopting nine children from the foster care system.Together, Dave and Debbie explore:• How to process grief without getting stuck in the "why" questions• The founding of Anchor Point — a nonprofit offering medical care, maternity housing, parenting classes, and trauma-informed family camps• Debbie's proprietary frameworks: The Architecture of Trust and The Obedience Engine — and how leaders can identify where trust is leaking in their organizations• Why control and hustle are maladaptive survival mechanisms — and how to replace them• The realities of parenting nine adopted children from hard places• How to take the "next best step" no matter where you are in life• Debbie's book, The Heart of Legacy, is available FREE at theheartoflegacy.com. to teaching journeys podcast listeners.Debbie's Bio and Contact InformationDebbie Simmons is The Legacy Architect™ — a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the CEO/Founder of Anchor Point, a multimillion-dollar nonprofit changing lives every day. With over two decades of leadership at the intersection of impact and exhaustion, Debbie equips high-capacity leaders to rebuild what success was never designed to carry alone. She’s the creator of the Architecture of Trust™, a structural framework that helps leaders diagnose where trust is leaking — and the Obedience Engine™, a proprietary rhythm and decision-making model that aligns identity, trust, and forward movement. Her frameworks weren’t built in theory. They were born under pressure. Debbie has adopted nine children from trauma backgrounds, lost quadruplets, and battled a health crisis that nearly killed her. Despite the outward success — leading teams, speaking on global stages, publishing a bestselling book — her system began to collapse from the inside out. That breakdown exposed what many leaders quietly feel: they’ve built strong organizations but left their own structure weak. From that wreckage, she rebuilt. Today, Debbie is a trusted strategist to CEOs, founders, pastors, and high-level teams navigating leadership at scale. She doesn’t just speak truth — she helps leaders structure their obedience, rebuild trust at the root, and lead from a place that holds under pressure. If you’re successful but stretched, respected but unraveling, or tired but still performing… Debbie is your mirror, your strategist, and your challenger. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: https://www.facebook.com/TheDebbieSimmonsSpeaks https://www.youtube.com/@TheDebbieSimmonsSpeaks https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedebbiesimmons/ https://www.instagram.com/thedebbiesimmons/To connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What would you do if you had to choose the day your husband died?In this deeply moving episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Erica Baccus — author, former marketing executive, and end-of-life advocate — to explore one of the most profound and rarely discussed decisions a family can face.After her husband John was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's in 2020, Erica and John made a courageous choice: rather than wait for the disease to steal everything he was, John would die on his own terms. That journey led them to Dignitas in Zurich, Switzerland — and forever changed Erica's life.In this episode, you'll hear:· What it was like the day John received his Alzheimer's diagnosis· Why U.S. aid-in-dying laws create a cruel catch-22 for dementia patients· The intimate, heartbreaking, and even humorous final moments of John's life· How Erica found the strength to choose the date her husband would die· The family's reaction — and why secrecy was necessary· Erica's book A Promise Kept: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Love· Why every person — young and healthy — should have end-of-life conversations nowA powerful, compassionate conversation that will make you think differently about life, love, and letting go.Erica’s bio:Erica started her professional career in the suburbs of Chicago as an 8th grade English teacher. She went on to San Francisco to become a high-tech marketing, advertising, and research executive. She and her beloved husband John were married for 41 years. Together they lived an active and adventurous life-skiing, golfing, hiking and traveling around the world. Erica enjoys spending time with her son, stepson, stepdaughter and grandkids. Now she helps advocate and educate people about end-of-life decisions exploring the moral and ethical perils so many face. Erica’s Social Media:Website: https://ericabaccus.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/ericabaccus/Threads:https://www.threads.com/@ericabaccus?xmt=AQF0dd2_SOOtLxTJickCWTEMu8SGa14IuGfoLb6PD1SoMS0Substack: https://ericabaccus.substack.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn9iTZX6vHaLEUPb4H0ve1jd4RW-YfGvouRzbgzDm4Loa51BkSGTvg61IkTtI_aem_M9j4EYCPiYOIDAt6UikBgA&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3_a1dennhddsnx1i📖 Erica's Book: A Promise Kept: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our LoveAvailable on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and review the Teaching Journeys Podcast wherever you listen.To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What does it look like to find joy after losing a child? In this deeply moving episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with author Carrie Eaton, who lost her 3-year-old daughter Chelsea in 1995 — and lived to tell a story of miraculous healing and unshakable faith.Carrie shares how she navigated decades of grief, survived two near-death experiences, caught a glimpse of heaven, and ultimately found peace through her relationship with God. She also opens up about releasing 27 years of self-blame and co-writing her book Walking in the Fullness of Joy After Tragedy — which she says God gave her word by word in under 30 days.A conversation about grief, faith, healing, and the hope that joy is always waiting on the other side.Carrie's Bio and Contact InformationCarrie Eaton currently resides in Elgin Texas and cares for her 92 year-old mother who has dementia and has for the past three years. God And I have written two books: Walking in the Fullness of Joy .Faith without Borders is our second book that will be out later this year. Carrie wants to give people hope that even through tragedy joy is on the other side of it. Email:[email protected] Media Links: https://www.instagram.com/carrie_eaton?igsh=aXFnYWtpOTlhdjl3&utm_source=qrhttps://www.facebook.com/share/14adN9w3wVP/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.threads.com/@carrie_eaton?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==https://open.spotify.com/user/31wy23toaccub26to5c2osxoiqbm?si=BPT82bUCRSO9K9CF3bF8SAhttps://youtube.com/@carrieeaton8069?si=Li7csw_bQR6FzsHjhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-eaton-485b7357?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ioshttps://a.co/d/018Ct82R📚 Carrie's book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.Keywords: child loss, grief, near-death experience, Christian faith, hope, healing, faith after tragedy

What happens when grief, toxic relationships, and rock bottom become the foundation for your greatest transformation?In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Claudia Wyatt — internationally recognized keynote speaker, certified confidence coach, and founder of the Walkabout Method — for a deeply honest conversation about turning tragedy into purpose.Claudia opens up about a decade of compounding loss: the death of her father and sister within a month of each other, two toxic marriages (including one to a master manipulator), and the slow erosion of her sense of self. She shares the exact moment — a simple walk with her dog — that sparked her awakening and ultimately led to building her signature coaching framework.Whether you're a leader, a survivor, or simply someone ready to stop living on autopilot, this episode will energize and challenge you to take that first bold step forward.Claudia Wyatt Bio and Contact InformationClaudia Wyatt is a globally recognized inspirational leader, international keynote speaker, consultant, coach and writer known as The Enthusiasm Igniter™ and Self-Doubt Eraser™. With over 20 years of experience coaching high-performing teams and leaders, she helps individuals and organizations break free from limiting beliefs, strengthen communication, and lead with unshakable confidence.Claudia is a certified confidence, cognitive behavior and life purpose coach with emphasis in leadership, empowerment and wellness.Having transformed profound personal loss into purpose, Claudia brings authenticity, heart, and fire to every stage she steps on. She is the founder of The Walkabout Method™, her signature framework guiding leaders & individuals to reclaim their power, elevate emotional intelligence, and lead boldly from within. Showing up as themselves for themselves and living on purpose. Recognized &verified by Influential Women. Awarded Best Executive Life & Leadership Coach – Midwest USA (2025). World’s Rising High Women Leaders Making a Difference in 2023. One of the Most Admired Women Leaders in Business to Follow in 2022. Claudia’s impact is immediate, audiences leave energized, empowered, and ready to rise.Social Media Links:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiawyattcoaching/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theclaudiawyatt/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554805040594 Company pages:LinkedIn: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/claudia-wyatt-coaching-llc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567176611416Website: https://claudiawyatt.com/ To find out about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Vanessa's Bio and Contact InformationVanessa Cardenas is a Relationship Reset Expert and Betrayal Recovery Specialist who has helped individuals and couples rebuild trust, restore emotional connection, and regain clarity from the inside out since 2017.She is the founder of Understanding Ear and the creator of the HOPE Roadmap, a structured approach designed to help people stabilize after betrayal, navigate emotional disconnection, and make grounded decisions about what comes next in their relationships. Vanessa’s work focuses on emotional safety, intentional communication, and restoring self-trust when relationships feel uncertain or fractured.For years, Vanessa was considered a best-kept secret, quietly supporting clients through some of the most painful and defining moments of their lives. In 2025, her work was formally recognized when she was named Best Relationship Coach in Westchester County.Clients often describe her impact simply and powerfully. One shared, “Working with Vanessa helped me come back to myself. I stopped spiraling and finally trusted my own decisions again.”She believes empowerment begins when people feel safe enough to trust themselves again and strong enough to choose what comes next.Websitehttps://www.UnderstandingEar.comBooking / Sessionshttps://calendly.com/understandingear/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/vanessa_understandingear/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/UnderstandingEar/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@Vanessa-CardenasLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-understanding-ear/Substackhttps://beyondbetrayal.substack.com/Mediumhttps://medium.com/@Vanessa-CardenasBookDealing with the Devastation of Your Partner’s Betrayalhttps://amzn.to/3PcA6bjTo connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Kat Polsinelli to the Teaching Journeys podcast to discuss how a decade-long abusive relationship shaped her life and mission. Kat, a domestic violence and PTSD survivor, shares her journey of leaving at 28 with two children, rebuilding identity, and helping others through speaking, her podcast Real Chat with Kat, and The Lotus Effect. She emphasizes that survivors are not alone, that abuse is often emotional and psychological, and that common biases and stigma—especially toward men—harm understanding; she cites domestic violence prevalence and deaths. Kat and Dave highlight why “just leave” is complex, the importance of safety planning, and how helpers can hinder by talking over survivors or taking control. Kat presents her TEDx “three Cs”—courage, curiosity, connection—plus a simple practice for judgment-free conversations, and previews a mid-May support community.Kat's Bio and Contact InformationFrom stepping onto a stage at just 10 years old to stepping out of a decade-long abusive relationship, Kat Polsinelli's journey is one of courage, resilience, and radical transformation. Now a sought-after speaker, bestselling co-author, and host of Real Chat with Kat—a top 5% globally ranked podcast airing on four radio stations and two public TV stations—Kat is on a mission to shed light on the unseen wounds of emotional and psychological abuse while empowering others to reclaim their strength and rewrite their stories.A survivor of domestic violence, PTSD, and the challenges of single motherhood, Kat speaks with raw authenticity about the invisible scars that linger long after the abuse ends. She chose to leave, to rebuild, and to lean into courage every day—and now she helps others do the same. Through her own story and hard-won insights, she challenges audiences to rethink what they know about trauma, healthy relationships, and resilience, offering a powerful look at the emotional and psychological toll of abuse and the path to healing.Kat's talks go beyond inspiration—they spark deeper conversations and deliver practical change. She brings a no-nonsense approach with a compassionate heart, making her a powerful voice for colleges, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations. Whether she's speaking to students, educators, social workers, or criminal justice professionals, audiences walk away with greater understanding of the survivor experience and actionable tools to support those affected by abuse.Featured in NashvilleVoyager, CanvasRebel, and Her Nation, Kat has taken the stage at universities, domestic violence awareness events, and criminal justice panels. She's here to challenge perspectives, create change, and prove that even the darkest moments can become catalysts for transformation.Connect with Kat Polsinelli:Website: www.the-lotus-effect.comPodcast: Real Chat with Kat (available on all major platforms)Socials: @KatPolsinelliTo connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Emma Leach to the Teaching Journeys podcast to discuss how art and movement shape healing and meaning. Leach describes a childhood rooted in theater and visual art amid family instability and bullying, and how creative expression helped her cope. She shares the loss of her first love, Ray, who died of a heroin overdose at 27, and how discovering Gabrielle Roth’s Five Rhythms dance practice became a turning point, leading her to teach the method for 25 years and apply arts-based work with marginalized youth, prisons, and addiction. Leach explains Five Rhythms (flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, stillness) as an energetic “wave” that supports intuition and trauma release. She also outlines her in-progress documentary, Let It Play, centered on Ray’s handmade guitar as a metaphor for grief, hope, and storytelling through musicians and dance.Emma's Bio and Contact InformationEmma Leach has spent 35 years listening to bodies.Not as objects to be trained or corrected, but as living texts, fluent in a language older than speech. Movement, for her, is not decoration or performance. It is metaphor in motion. A way meaning arrives before thought has time to organize it.Rooted in the Five Rhythms as her main body of study, Emma has been teaching this practice for 25 years. Over decades of guiding others through sweat, silence, pulse, and release, she has witnessed how movement tells truths the intellect cannot negotiate. The body speaks sideways, symbolically, through weight and rhythm and pause. It reveals what words circle but never quite land on.Alongside this devotion to movement practice, Emma has wandered widely through other art forms. Visual art. Installation. Clowning. Burlesque. Theatre and ritual theatre. Each discipline added texture, tension, and contrast. Each offered another doorway into presence, risk, and transformation. Yet again and again, she found herself returning to the body as the primary instrument, the original stage, the first storyteller.Now her work is evolving. What once lived in separate rooms is beginning to converse. From this convergence, Movement Metaphor is emerging. A living, expanding practice that recognizes the body as a generator of meaning rather than a vehicle for ideas. In this work, movement does not illustrate concepts. It unlocks them.Emma’s inquiry rests on a simple, radical knowing. When the body moves with attention, something beyond intellect comes online. Memory. Image. Instinct. Archetype. The unsayable finds form. Gesture becomes sentence. Rhythm becomes revelation.Her work invites people into that threshold, where language dissolves into motion and motion reassembles as understanding. Not tidy. Not fixed. Alive.Emma Leach continues to explore, create, and listen. Following movement not as an answer, but as a question that keeps unfolding.🎵 About the Documentary: Let It Play is currently in post-production and seeking support. Follow Emma's journey at emmadance.co | Instagram: @EmmaChristinaRedTo connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Deanna Scaldaferri to the Teaching Journeys podcast to discuss her work as a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, Reiki master, intuitive life coach, speaker, and facilitator of a narcissistic abuse recovery support group in Charlotte, North Carolina. Deanna shares how her Italian-American, Catholic upbringing, living overseas (especially in Germany), and major traumas—including being a 9/11 survivor, losing her parents, and leaving a dangerous 20-year narcissistic relationship—shaped her path. She describes recovery tools including faith, psychotherapy, somatic work, neuroplasticity/rewiring, massage, Reiki, and energy protection for empaths. Deanna explains similarities and differences between massage and Reiki, emphasizing nervous system regulation, trauma release, and clarity/intuition. Deanna's Bio and Contact InformationDeanna Scaldaferri is a Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist, Usui Holy Fire III Reiki Master, Intuitive Life Coach and Public Speaker. Her passion is helping people grow on their life’s journey and spiritual path to find healing, balance, health, love and happiness. She approaches every person with a total MIND, BODY, SPIRIT mindset and treats each client individually. She offers a safe and trusting place, and the ability to hold space with compassion & empathy, without judgment. Massage therapy and Reiki energy healing are her main tools in helping others release stress & heaviness to feel better in their bodies physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually. She has overcome heavy trauma and many obstacles in her personal life, and feels inspired to help others do the same. Deanna is grateful to be of service to others in attaining a healthier and happier life.Deanna has been facilitating a Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Support Group in Charlotte for the last 4+ years. She herself is a survivor of this emotional, verbal & psychological abuse, and knows first-hand how damaging it is to the mind, body and spirit. The intention of the group and its monthly meetings is to educate, learn, grow and heal, all in community with like-minded people who are seeking recovery and healing in their lives from these toxic and abusive relationships. Deanna creates a safe space where survivors can feel heard and truly seen, and recognize that they are not alone. Many members of this group book private sessions with Deanna for massage, coaching or Reiki energy healing to help find clarity and purpose in their lives, as well as to help release trauma from the body. Deanna offers holistic healing tools to get to the root cause of people's blockages in their lives, that keep them from moving forward. She helps them reconnect with themselves, build a sense of empowerment and heal from the inside out.www.healinghandsbydeanna.comhttps://www.meetup.com/charlotte-narcissistic-abuse-recovery-meetup-grouphttps://www.youtube.com/@HealingHandsbyDeannahttps://www.deannadecamillo.com/Deanna would like to offer a promotional item of a 10% discount to any of The Teaching Journeys Podcast listenersfor booking a private session with me. Anyone can book me virtually for ReikiEnergy Healing or Intuitive Coaching. The coupon code to use is: DAVE10%OFFTo vonnect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Michelle Kuei, a business and visibility marketing coach for coaches and founder of Elevate Life Coaching, who helps certified coaches get clients through her signature client enrollment method. Kuei shares her journey overcoming deep negative self-talk rooted in an 11-year-old car accident that left her physically disabled, immigrant identity, feeling she didn’t belong, and using a “diamond” metaphor for personal transformation. She explains how choosing a new path led her to get fit and eventually hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on crutches, shaping her views on empowerment and taking bold action. Kuei defines true visibility as being seen by providing non-harmful value and fostering belonging, describes her mission and evolution to training other coaches, and argues motivation isn’t enough without determination, dedication, and discipline. She discusses barriers like limiting beliefs and past trauma and her memoir Perfectly Normal.Michelle’s Bio and Contact InformationMichelle Kuei (pronounced Ku-way) is a Business and Visibility Marketing Coach, ICF-accredited coach, and founder of Elevate LifeCoaching — a company built on one simple belief: your coaching certification gave you the skills to change lives. It just didn't teach you how to find the people whose lives you're meant to change.She works with certified female coaches who are talented, trained, and completely stuck on how to get clients consistently. Using her signature Client Enrollment Method — a 7-step framework built around visibility, messaging, and client attraction — she helps coaches stop second-guessing themselves and start building businesses they're genuinely proud of.Michelle brings a rare combination of credentials to her work: ICF accreditation through iPEC, certified copywriter, email and content marketing strategist, and a background in conversion copywriting and social media marketing. She doesn't just teach coaches how to show up online — she teaches them how to show up in a way that actually converts.Her thought leadership has been featured in Life Coach Magazine, Influence Digest (Top 15 Coaches in Los Angeles), the Los Angeles Tribune, and on FOX.She's also the author of Perfectly Normal: An Immigrant's Story of Making It in America — a memoir about resilience, identity, and having the courage to build a life that doesn't fit the mold.And if you really want to understand how Michelle operates: she's physically disabled and hiked 26 miles of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. That same stubborn, keep-going energy is exactly what she brings to every client, every program, and every stage she steps on.Her mission hasn't changed: help purpose-driven women turn their coaching skills into a profitable, fulfilling business — without losing themselves in the process. Website: http://elevatelifecoaching.orgIG: http://instagram.com/elevatelifecoachFB: http://facebook.com/lifecoachingbyelevateLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michellekueiEmail: [email protected] connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Anca Uni, an award-winning trauma expert, healing innovator, former IT and cybersecurity leader, and author of “Soulful Alignment: Daily Reflections for Enlightened Connections.” Anca shares how moving from Romania to Canada, corporate leadership, and personal experiences (immigration, divorce, single parenting, quitting smoking) shaped her mission to bring “soul back into tech” and help people heal at the root rather than cope. She describes client challenges such as anxiety, insomnia, and addictions, and her approaches including hypnotherapy, reiki, energy work, sound healing (crystal bowls, tuning forks, mantras, breathwork), and nervous system regulation, including distance healing.Anca’s Bio ( In Her Own Words)Anca Uni, born and raised in Europe, has three deep passions: 5D healing, a master’s degree in computer science, and dancing. Having spent a significant part of my life as an IT and cybersecurity professional, I know that world inside out. Now, my mission is to bring soul back into tech—helping IT professionals and corporations not just survive but truly thrive.At one point in my life, I struggled with my own trauma and weight challenges, which led me on a journey to find sustainable healing modalities. By combining these methods, I’ve created Signature Programs and Healing Interventions to help my clients achieve their goals. Witnessing transformations in myself and those I’ve helped fuels my passion and determination to create a lasting social impact.I’m a Hypnotherapist & 5D Healer, NLP Master Coach, Reiki Master, and Trauma-Aware Coach, with a track record of transforming over 200 lives and earning five-star reviews. Over the past decade, I’ve pioneered healing modalities that seamlessly blend Neuroscience, Quantum Energy, Subconscious Communication, and Spirituality to create profound 5D Healing experiences. Recognized as an innovator in the healing space, my work has been honored with multiple prestigious awards, including Best Service, Best Choice, and Canada’s Choice for Hypnotherapy.I am passionate about making a societal impact and helping people break free from trauma, emotional pain, and internal turmoil, guiding them toward elevated consciousness for profound 5D Healing, self-love, inner peace, abundance, and lasting empowerment. My mission is to assist those ready to change and heal, especially those who have been let down by traditional modalities.I’m also a published author of “Soulful Alignment: Daily Reflections for Enlightened Connections.” My hope is that this guided journal will find its way into as many homes as possible and become a trusted companion. I bring a deep passion for fostering meaningful connections and an extensive background in psychology, relationship counseling, and personal development. My mission is to empower as many people and couples as I can to navigate the intricate terrain of love and intimacy, providing thoughtfully crafted prompts, exercises, and insights to help you strengthen your bonds, communicate effectively, and nurture lasting, fulfilling relationships. Drawing from my years of experience, I aim to guide you on a transformative journey toward deeper connection, self-discovery, and enduring love.Website: www.ancauni.comTo connect with Dave go to www.davidrobertsmsw.com