The People Who Make Us

In this episode I explore what it means to "create your own reality" through my own lived experience. It is not a way to deny hardship or bypass responsibility, but it is a practice of choosing who you become in the middle of uncertainty, fear, and change. Sometimes the life you want or deciding who you want to become doesn't happen after the fear disappears. Sometimes it happens the moment you make your move anyway. https://jonnythyne.comhttps://linktr.ee/Jonnythynehttps://www.lightsourcecenter.org/21day/

Jen is back! And this time we get into the specifics. If you heard her on season one, you know she's the real deal. If this is your first time meeting her, buckle up.In this conversation we go deep on what it actually means to create your own life. Not the Instagram version of manifestation...the real thing. The kind where you realize that everything happening to you is actually happening for you.Jen and I share specific moments where we've literally made things happen- from a parking spot that was never supposed to be open, to getting unstuck from a broken elevator at one in the morning. We also talk about what it means to be human while doing this work, because spirituality isn't about becoming a "monk on a mountaintop". It's about learning to live your actual life from a place of love instead of fear.If any of this makes you pause or brings up a question — send it in. I'd love to have the conversation, privately or on the podcast.Follow: @thelightsourcecenter https://www.lightsourcecenter.org/21day/jonnythyne.com

Before there was a podcast and the Jonny you all know today- there was just a kid who didn't want to share his toys, liked being by himself, danced on picnic tables in a polka dotted dress, and quietly refused to be anything other than himself. My Mom was there for all of it- introducing her... introducing me! Enjoy.

The podcast has a new name...and it’s not just a rebrand. Refuse to Subscribe is what this show has always been trying to say. It’s for the people who think too deeply to accept the default life, who follow something their soul is calling them toward instead of the script society handed them. If you’re listening, you probably already know what that feels like.In this first episode back, Jonny reintroduces himself, breaks down why The People Who Make Us evolved into something bigger, and catches you up on everything that’s happened since- a first date in Yosemite, moving in with his boyfriend Andrew, a grandfather’s passing, and a decision to walk away from social media and a smart phone. Same person. Different angle.This season is going to be something. Buckle up.📩 Got feedback, a story to share, or want to come on the show? Reach out: [email protected]🔗 Follow along on Substack and everywhere else: https://linktr.ee/Jonnythyne

In this solo episode, Jonny Thyne — host of The People Who Make Us — opens up about the journey behind the mic over the past seven months. From launching the podcast in the midst of wildfires, job loss, and uncertainty… to pushing through chaos, finding moments of connection, and finally stepping back to reflect, this is a candid update on what it’s taken to get here.Jonny shares the story behind his unexpected break during the Pride series, the spontaneous trip to Paris that helped him reconnect with his purpose, and what you can expect from the podcast moving forward.Whether you’re a longtime listener or just dropping in, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and realign — in podcasting and in life.Mentioned:— Pride series continuation featuring Jackie Beat— Pageboy Book Club finale & upcoming pick— Break announcement + return in September💌 Keep in touch on Instagram @jonnythyne and share what’s been resonating with you.🎧 And as always — thank you for listening to The People Who Make Us.

In this deeply personal solo episode, Jonny Thyne turns the mic inward to share his coming out story—raw, unfiltered, and decades in the making. From childhood innocence to internal battles, from self-harm to self-acceptance, Jonny walks us through the moments that shaped his identity and nearly broke him.This episode is a love letter to queer people—those still in the closet, those out but still healing, and those who never had the safety to speak their truth. It’s also a heartfelt invitation to allies, especially straight and cisgender listeners, to understand just how much bravery it takes simply to exist.If you’ve ever struggled to feel safe in your own skin… this one’s for you.Content warning: This episode includes discussion of self-harm and suicide.Resources mentioned:The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

Book Club Series – with special guest @kiraleclairIn this book club episode, I’m joined by my cousin Kira to unpack Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning—a book that somehow manages to be both devastating and deeply hopeful.We explore how Frankl’s experience as a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist shaped his belief that even in the most inhumane conditions, we can still choose our response. From logotherapy and suffering to the importance of imagination, identity, and love—we dive into how his message still resonates in today’s world.We also share some personal reflections and stories as we ask:What helps us stay human in hard times?Where do we find meaning when life feels empty?And… can a sunset really keep someone going?📚 Don’t worry if you haven’t read it yet—we start spoiler-free and give a clear heads-up before diving deep.💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts:DM me @jonnythyne or Kira @kiraleclair to join the convo.🌈 And stay tuned—next week kicks off something very special for Pride Month that I can’t wait to share with you.—Next Month’s Book: Pageboy by Elliot Page – read along with us for our next book club episode!

In this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne welcomes Jen, a long-time friend and meditation teacher from the non-profit Light Source Center. They delve into the true essence of meditation, spirituality, and self-discovery. Jen shares her journey of finding her spiritual teacher and how working with energy and light can transform one's life. They discuss practical ways to start meditating amidst chaos, the importance of self-awareness, combating fear with love, and creating your reality through energy. Both Jonny and Jen highlight the power of choice in overcoming life's challenges and the potential for profound personal growth.https://www.lightsourcecenter.org00:00 Introduction and Provocative Question00:36 Meet Jen: Meditation Teacher and Friend02:36 The Story of How We Met04:39 Jen's Spiritual Journey09:44 Discovering the Light Source Center12:50 Personal Growth and Meditation23:34 Incorporating Meditation into Daily Life24:44 Understanding Energy and Light27:29 Redefining Meditation30:20 Starting with Meditation: Time and Commitment30:55 Meditation's Purpose: Self-Love and Compassion31:53 Love vs. Fear: The Core Emotions34:06 Creating Your Own Reality36:16 Rewriting Negative Self-Talk42:46 Understanding Vibration and Energy47:43 The Power of Choice and Light54:46 Conclusion: Rewrite Your Story

In this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne engages in a direct conversation with listeners about how to overcome feeling stuck in life. He shares personal insights and practical steps to change daily routines, evaluate media consumption, and cultivate gratitude to create a life filled with intention and presence. Jonny also stresses the importance of recognizing and managing fear, proposing actionable techniques to rewire the brain and develop a more fulfilling, love-oriented perspective. Listeners are encouraged to start with small changes and gradually build up to more significant, life-altering practices.00:00 Welcome to the People Who Make Us Podcast00:20 Identifying Life's Turning Points01:32 Small Changes for Big Impact05:06 Reevaluating Media Consumption06:58 Mindful Habits and Intentional Living11:05 Facing and Overcoming Fear17:05 The Power of Gratitude22:22 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

In this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne talks with Olivia Conrad—a leader in healthcare, a published author, and a new mom. They explore Olivia's journey from her roots in Scottsdale, Arizona, through her career in healthcare technology, and into motherhood. Olivia shares her insights on balancing ambition with care, the importance of resilience, and showing up as your best self. They also discuss the significance of community support, especially in professional and personal growth. Olivia introduces her newly self-published children's book, 'When Mommy Goes to Work,' and a planner designed to help others organize their lives and achieve their goals. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, integrity, and living with purpose.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:41 Meet Olivia Conrad: A Modern Badass Woman03:08 Olivia's Early Life and Family Background07:11 Career Beginnings and Challenges12:42 Leadership and Mentorship20:52 Facing Adversity and Proving Doubters Wrong23:01 Building Your Roof: Mentorship and Support Systems24:22 The Importance of Community and Connection26:31 Navigating Pregnancy and Work29:02 Balancing Parenthood and Career33:02 Publishing a Children's Book34:59 Creating a Planner for Success38:55 Final Thoughts on Leadership and CommunityWhen Mommy Goes to Work book:https://tinyurl.com/Mommy-Goes-to-WorkThe OK Method Planner:https://tinyurl.com/The-OK-Method

In part two of the conversation with Craig, the discussion delves deeper into the intersection of love and pain. Craig shares impactful stories about showing up for others during their times of suffering without needing to provide answers, focusing on the power of presence and empathy. The conversation touches on the importance of connecting across differences, the role of love in overcoming life's challenges, and the evolution of communication and societal values over time. The episode also explores how love can bridge political and ideological divides, advocating for an approach centered on empathy and genuine human connection. This candid dialogue offers valuable insights into maintaining relationships and fostering understanding in a complex world.00:00 Introduction and Recap00:42 The Intersection of Love and Pain01:27 Showing Up Without Answers01:47 The Power of Presence and Connection02:56 Exploring Faith and Belief03:46 Finding Peace in Love and Service07:19 The Essence of Tribe and Togetherness11:38 The Evolution of Communication17:36 The Impact of Technology on Relationships23:15 Numbing Pain and Embracing Emotions24:11 The Illusion of a Perfect Life25:48 Finding Purpose in Pain28:14 A Story of Resilience31:27 Navigating Political Divides43:36 The Power of Truth and Imperfection45:29 Final Reflections on Life and Love

In this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne engages in a heartfelt conversation with his dear friend Craig Smith, founder and CEO of Swiss America. They explore themes of love, connection, and the importance of showing up for one another in a divided world. Craig shares his personal journey, including moving across the country due to his mother's illness, his marriage to his supportive wife Melissa, and the challenges and triumphs of building his company from scratch. They discuss the impact of the Covid pandemic on human connection, the power of true friendship, and the significance of serving others. Craig also reflects on the importance of approaching others with compassion, regardless of differing beliefs. The episode emphasizes the idea that real love transcends agreement and focuses on the quiet power of being there for those we care about.

Announcing the People Who Make Us Book Club with Jonny Thyne and Kira Leclair. In this episode of 'The People Who Make Us,' host Jonny Thyne announces the launch of the 'People Who Make Us Book Club,' co-hosted with his cousin Kira. Each month a new book will be announced for listeners to read with a discussion on the following episode. Jonny and Kira begin by sharing their top five most impactful books, from poignant tales like 'Demon Copperhead' and 'Know My Name,' to childhood favorites such as 'Where the Red Fern Grows.' They also discuss their least favorite reads, authors they consistently follow, and their favorite book characters. The first book for their book club is 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl, inspired by previous podcast guest Billy Cundiff and others. Listeners are encouraged to read along and potentially join the discussion in the next month's episode. The hosts conclude by expressing their excitement for this new, interactive journey.Jonny's Instagram: @jonnythyneKira's Instagram: @kiraleclair00:00 Introduction and Exciting Announcement01:18 Meet Kira: Co-Host and Cousin03:39 Kira's Top 5 Books16:38 Jonny's Top 5 Books24:26 Impact of 'Eat, Pray, Love' on My Life28:03 Exploring 'A New Earth' by Eckhart Tolle29:49 Dissecting 'Bunny' by Mona Awad32:23 The Secret History: A Love-Hate Relationship36:36 Favorite Authors and Their Works44:18 Announcing Our First Book Club Book48:58 Conclusion

Finding Happy: A Journey of Love, Light, and Perseverance with Maria BertrandIn this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne sits down with his inspiring friend Maria Bertrand, a celebrated filmmaker and actress. They discuss her acclaimed documentary, 'Finding Happy,' which has won numerous awards, including those from the Glendale International Film Festival and the Love and Hope International Film Festival in Barcelona. Maria shares her personal story, detailing her journey from modeling to acting, and eventually to filmmaking. She touches on the challenges of pursuing a purpose-filled life versus societal expectations and how a small act of kindness in rescuing a baby bird helped reignite her passion for storytelling during the pandemic. The conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, kindness, and the profound impact of human-animal bonds. Maria also teases her upcoming indie comedy film, 'Got Daddy Issues,' which explores how unresolved parental issues affect adult relationships. This episode is a touching reminder to build your own opportunities when life doesn’t offer you a seat at the table.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:23 Maria's Background and Early Career04:16 Journey into Acting and Storytelling07:39 The Power of Perseverance and Community14:27 Finding Happy: The Documentary23:36 Communicating with Animals24:01 Childhood Memories and Quirks25:16 Introducing 'Got Daddy Issues'25:50 The Journey of Making the Film28:21 The Importance of Personal Stories31:22 Influential Figures and Life Lessons36:05 Building Your Own Table38:09 Final Thoughts and Farewell

The People Who Make Us: Find Your War Paint & Always Bet On Yourself, the debut episode of The People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne introduces the premise and values behind the show, emphasizing the importance of love, connection, vulnerability, and realness. Jonny also shares his personal journey of overcoming fears with the support of friends, family, and therapy. The episode features a conversation with Nicole and Billy Cundiff, highlighting their remarkable achievements, including Nicole's career in real estate, law, and philanthropy, and Billy's NFL career. They discuss their motivations, challenges, and their shared commitment to making a positive impact, particularly through Colleen's Dream Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for ovarian cancer. The Cundiff's also share personal stories of resilience, family bonds, and the importance of staying true to oneself.00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey01:28 The Concept Behind the Podcast02:59 Introducing the First Guests: Nicole and Billy Cundiff04:06 Technical Difficulties and Overcoming Challenges06:59 Nicole's Background and Early Life09:48 Billy's Background and Early Life11:34 College Years and Meeting Each Other15:42 Post-College Life and Career Paths18:00 Family Challenges and Triumphs22:49 Creating a Legacy: The Foundation26:27 The Beginning of the Journey27:00 Starting the Foundation28:20 Challenges and Realizations30:07 Building Relationships and Facing Harsh Realities33:46 Cherishing Quality Time36:01 Chloe's Lemonade Stand38:19 Family Legacy and Impact40:06 Advice and Reflections42:31 Fun Questions and Closing Remarks