The Story Seat

What does it take to stop hiding—and finally face your truth?In this powerful episode of The Story Seat, Calvin Bagley—entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of a multi-million dollar company—shares a story that goes far beyond business success. Raised in extreme hardship and without formal education until the age of 22, Calvin spent years hiding a past shaped by survival, isolation, and silence.Everything changed when he chose to confront that truth.Through his memoir Hiding from the School Bus, Calvin opens up about his journey from a childhood without structure or schooling to building a life of purpose, impact, and leadership. In this conversation, we explore what it means to break generational patterns, redefine your identity, and use your past as fuel instead of limitation.This is a story about courage—the kind it takes to be honest with yourself, to rewrite your narrative, and to step fully into who you’re meant to become.

What happens when your body forces you to face what your mind has been avoiding?In this deeply honest episode of The Story Seat, Melissa Crook—host of The FEEL Podcast—shares the story of a turning point that changed everything. What began as a series of alarming health scares led to a powerful realization: the root wasn’t just physical—it was emotional.After years of holding it all together, people-pleasing, and pushing her feelings aside, Melissa found herself confronting anxiety, codependency, and the weight of unprocessed emotions. That moment became the beginning of a new journey—one rooted in self-awareness, healing, and learning how to truly feel.In this conversation, we explore the connection between emotional and physical health, the challenge of setting boundaries, and the courage it takes to slow down and listen to yourself—especially in a world that rewards constant doing.This episode is a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the parts of yourself you may have been taught to ignore.

What does it take to build a life around storytelling—and keep evolving as the world changes?In this episode of The Story Seat, Aaron Ryan—award-winning author, voice actor, and creative force behind more than 40 published books—shares the journey behind his work. From writing across genres like sci-fi, thrillers, and children’s literature to seeing his stories adapted for the screen, Aaron opens up about the discipline, creativity, and resilience it takes to stay consistent over time.We explore how his background in voice acting shapes the way he brings characters to life, the realities of navigating a rapidly changing creative industry, and how he’s adapting to shifts like AI without losing his voice.This is a conversation about reinvention, persistence, and the power of storytelling—not just as a craft, but as a lifelong pursuit.

What happens when everything you built… suddenly falls apart?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit down with Alex Rajan—an AI innovator helping businesses transform how they connect with their customers through voice technology.After experiencing a dramatic fall from financial success to personal and professional uncertainty, Alex found himself at a crossroads. What followed wasn’t just a comeback—it was a reinvention.We explore how his lowest moments reshaped his perspective, what led him to the world of AI, and why he believes voice technology is changing the way businesses communicate. From “silent websites” to real-time conversations, Alex shares how this shift is helping companies engage, respond, and grow in entirely new ways.This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what becomes possible when you choose to rebuild with purpose.

Some patterns don’t start with us…but at some point, they ask to be seen.In this episode of The Story Seat, Dr. Kaci shares a journey shaped by early trauma, military service, and the kind of life experiences that force you to question everything you thought you understood about yourself.But this isn’t just a story about what she’s been through.It’s about what she began to notice.The patterns beneath behavior.The difference between surviving… and actually living.And the quiet shift that happens when you stop outsourcing your truth—and start trusting your own voice.Through her work in what she calls spiritual human behavior and her Speaking Freedom™️ platform, Dr. Kaci helps people move from confusion to clarity… from reaction to alignment.In this conversation, we explore what it really means to rebuild, to take responsibility without losing compassion for your past, and to create a life that feels honest—rather than just functional.Because sometimes, the most powerful transformation isn’t becoming someone new…it’s finally understanding who you’ve been all along.

What do you do when the way you’ve always worked… suddenly doesn’t?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit down with Tyler Clapp, a leadership transition and team dynamics coach who has spent over 15 years developing leaders within the Volkswagen Group.Together, we explore what Tyler calls “the in-between”—that often unspoken phase where the old way of leading no longer fits, but the next step isn’t fully clear yet.From misunderstood performance struggles to the hidden dynamics shaping teams, Tyler shares why what looks like a skill problem is often a context problem—and how leaders can begin to adapt without losing themselves in the process.This is a conversation about awareness, transition, and learning to navigate uncertainty with more clarity and less pressure.

What really separates those who break through… from those who stay stuck?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit down with Dr. Bramante—a veteran talent agent with over two decades in the entertainment industry, who later pursued a Ph.D. in Psychology to better understand the inner world of performance.Having worked with actors across TV, film, and Broadway, Dr. Bramante shares a powerful truth: success isn’t just about talent or opportunity—it’s about mindset.We explore the hidden patterns of self-sabotage, the weight of rejection, and why self-doubt and imposter syndrome are so common in creative careers. Drawing from tools like hypnosis and NLP, he offers a deeper look at how performers can rewire their thinking and step into their full potential.This is a conversation about what’s happening beneath the surface—and how mastering your inner world can change everything on the outside.

What if the struggle with food… isn’t really about food?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit down with Jane—a psychotherapist and author of Always Hungry: How I Lost the Weight and Found Myself—to explore the deeper emotional layers behind weight, identity, and self-worth.After losing 103 pounds and maintaining it for over a decade, Jane shares why lasting change didn’t come from dieting—but from doing the inner work. From emotional eating and body-based discrimination to rebuilding her life after divorce, her journey reveals how our relationship with food is often rooted in something far deeper.We also explore the role of compassion, humor, and acceptance—from her work with clients to her experience parenting a neurodivergent, non-binary child.This is a conversation about healing, not restriction.About understanding, not judgment.And about finally addressing the story beneath the surface.

What if the biggest thing holding you back… isn’t external—but internal?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit down with Stan Lewis, a leadership and communication expert whose work centers on one powerful idea: most people aren’t stuck because of circumstance—they’re stuck because of conditioning.With over 15 years of experience across leadership, law, and human behavior—including his time as an OSHA investigator and mediator—Stan has seen firsthand how limiting beliefs, fear, and unchallenged patterns quietly shape the way we lead and live.Through his Freedom From Mental Captivity framework, he breaks down how to recognize those internal barriers, challenge them, and begin stepping into clarity, confidence, and purpose.This conversation isn’t just about leadership.It’s about awareness.It’s about ownership.And ultimately—it’s about freedom.

In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, what happens when we choose to slow down?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit with Rusty Gardner—a lifelong teacher, counselor, and self-described wanderer—who discovered something profound through a simple daily practice: walking.What began as early morning phone calls with his son evolved into something deeper—uninterrupted conversations, genuine connection, and a growing awareness of what truly brings meaning to our lives.Together, we explore the quiet power of presence, the patterns that shape our relationships, and why fulfillment often lives in the moments we tend to overlook.This is a conversation about slowing down, tuning in, and rediscovering what really matters.

Why do certain moments affect us more than they should?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit down with Brian—a psychotherapist with over three decades of experience—to explore the neuroscience behind emotional triggers and why so many of our reactions feel automatic.Drawing from his work and his book Living a Trigger-Free Life, Brian explains how what we often see as flaws are actually learned emotional responses—patterns shaped over time, not fixed traits.We dive into what’s really happening in the brain when we’re triggered, why traditional coping strategies often fall short, and how updating emotional learnings can create lasting change.This conversation bridges science and self-awareness—offering a new way to understand your reactions, your patterns, and your capacity to change.

What if belonging isn’t something you find… but something you help create?In this episode of The Story Seat, Tamara Fyke shares a journey rooted in connection, creativity, and the quiet power of bringing people together. As the founder of Love In A Big World and a lifelong educator, her work has touched communities across generations—offering spaces where people feel seen, valued, and included.Through personal stories, motherhood, and her own path of finding her voice, Tamara reflects on what it really means to build connection in a world where so many feel alone. This conversation explores hope, emotional healing, and the role creativity plays in helping us understand ourselves—and each other—more deeply.Because sometimes, the most meaningful impact we can make…is helping someone feel like they belong.

What happens when you spend your life doing everything “right”… but feel nothing at all on the inside?In this episode of The Story Seat, Adam Tomlin shares his journey from a successful career as an attorney to confronting the emotional disconnection he had carried for years. Raised in an environment where only certain emotions were acceptable, he learned early on to suppress what he felt—until that way of living began to catch up with him.What started as a personal decision to seek therapy—driven by a desire to show up differently for his son—became a much deeper process of unlearning, healing, and rebuilding his relationship with himself.This conversation explores emotional awareness, the pressure of masculinity, and the powerful shift from seeing compassion as weakness to recognizing it as strength.Because sometimes, the hardest thing to face…is what you were never taught how to feel.

What happens when one life ends… and another begins in a completely different world?In this episode of The Story Seat, Gregg Owen shares a journey that feels almost cinematic—moving from life as a touring rock musician to becoming a prosecutor handling some of the most serious homicide cases in Chicago.It’s a story of sharp turns, unexpected choices, and the weight of stepping into roles that demand everything from you—mentally, emotionally, and morally. From performing on stage to standing in courtrooms where lives hang in the balance, Gregg opens up about what it means to navigate two vastly different identities.We also explore the real stories behind the justice system, the emotional impact of high-stakes cases, and the deeper truths that inspired his book Convergence.Because sometimes, the path you never planned…becomes the one that defines you the most.

What if the very thing that broke you… could become the thing that helps you heal?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit with Dave Mowry—a comedian, author, and mental health advocate who shares his journey of living with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety, and what it really felt like to lose years of his life to it.But this isn’t just a story about struggle—it’s a story about transformation. About the unexpected moment that led him to a stand-up comedy class, and how stepping onto a stage became the beginning of finding his way back to himself.Through honesty, vulnerability, and even humor in the hardest places, Dave opens up about turning pain into something powerful—not just for himself, but for others walking similar paths.Because sometimes, healing doesn’t come in silence…sometimes, it sounds like laughter in the dark.

What if the life you’ve worked so hard to hold together… is the very thing holding you back?In this episode of The Story Seat, Heather shares the truth behind high-functioning success—the kind that looks strong, capable, and “put together” on the outside, but feels exhausting and disconnected on the inside.Through her own journey, and the message behind her book Illuminate Your Worth, this conversation explores what it really means to stop pretending, to question the roles you’ve been performing, and to reconnect with your sense of self beyond achievement and expectation.We talk about burnout, people-pleasing, and the quiet loss of self-trust—and what it takes to rebuild it without blowing your whole life apart.Because sometimes, the most powerful shift isn’t changing everything…it’s finally choosing to be honest about how you feel—and what you need.

What if the life you committed to… was never truly yours to begin with?In this episode of The Story Seat, Toni shares her extraordinary journey of spending sixteen years in a convent—living under a vow of obedience—and the moment she began to question everything she had once believed was certain.But this conversation goes beyond religious life. It opens up a deeper truth about the invisible vows so many people live by—unspoken commitments to expectations, perfectionism, and external validation that quietly shape our choices and silence our voice.Through her story, Toni explores what it means to walk away from an identity that once defined you, to navigate the uncertainty of starting over, and to rediscover the power of your own inner guidance.Because sometimes, the most important promise you can break…is the one that keeps you from being fully yourself.

What happens when the life everyone believed in suddenly unravels—and it does so where everyone can see?In this episode of The Story Seat, Karen shares the deeply personal story of a life that once looked “perfect” from the outside, and the moment it all shifted overnight. As a public crisis collided with private pain, she found herself navigating not only loss and uncertainty, but the pressure to keep it all together for the world—and for her children.This conversation explores the hidden cost of “busy happiness,” the weight of maintaining appearances, and the quiet realization that survival is not the same as healing.Through her journey from breakdown to rebuilding, Karen reveals what it really means to lose your sense of identity—and how you begin to reclaim it, piece by piece.Because sometimes, the moment everything falls apart…is the moment you finally get to choose what truly matters.

What if your healing wasn’t something you had to search for—but something you could create?In this episode of The Story Seat, we sit with Devorah, an artist whose work evolved into something far deeper than expression—it became transformation. Through her Soul Portraits process, she invites people to work with the fragments of their own lives—letters, photographs, memories—and turn them into something meaningful.This is a conversation about breaking free from external validation, reconnecting with your creative voice, and discovering that even the most painful parts of your story can be reimagined.Because sometimes, healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about learning how to see it, hold it, and create something new from it.

Some stories aren’t about becoming someone new—they’re about remembering who you’ve always been.In this episode of The Story Seat, Nuria Gimenez-Bosch takes the seat to share a deeply introspective journey of identity, transformation, and inner reconnection. Through moments of transition, grief, and self-discovery, her story explores what it truly means to outgrow old versions of yourself and step into a more aligned way of being.This conversation moves gently between the emotional and the embodied—touching on the power of stillness, the role of the nervous system, and the quiet courage it takes to trust yourself again in uncertain seasons.Nuria’s perspective invites us to slow down, listen more deeply, and reconnect with the inner voice that often gets lost in the noise of expectation and comparison.Because sometimes, the most meaningful transformation isn’t loud or visible—it’s the subtle, steady return to yourself.

Some stories begin with loss — and become something far greater.In this episode of The Story Seat, Carilyn Marrero takes the seat and shares a deeply personal journey shaped by displacement, resilience, and transformation. From rebuilding her life after Hurricane María to confronting the hidden truth behind “looking successful but feeling stuck,” her story reveals what it really means to move from survival mode into intentional living.This isn’t just a story about money — it’s about awareness, identity, and the courage to rewrite the patterns we’ve inherited.As Carilyn reflects on the moment everything shifted, she opens up about the emotional weight of financial struggle, the mindset shifts that changed her path, and how she now helps others create freedom through her Método LIBRE™️ framework.Because sometimes the most important turning point isn’t what happens to us…it’s what we choose to understand, change, and build from it.

What happens when you let go of the idea that home has to look a certain way?In this episode of The Story Seat, I sit down with Alison Gieschen, who shares the story behind her decision to leave traditional living behind and build a life on a boat with her husband. What began as a bold and unconventional choice has become a deeply intentional way of living—one rooted in freedom, simplicity, and connection.Alison opens up about the emotional and practical realities of life on the water—the adjustments, the unexpected challenges, and the quiet beauty that comes with choosing a different path. We talk about partnership, navigating uncertainty, and what it means to truly feel at home, not because of where you are, but because of how you live.This conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder that the life you’re meant to live might not look like anyone else’s—and that’s perfectly okay.

What happens when the person who shaped both your life and your work is suddenly gone?In this deeply reflective episode of The Story Seat, Taryn LaRae Gordon takes the seat to share a story rooted in loss, transformation, and the courage to rebuild from within. After the passing of her father—her parent and lifelong business partner—Taryn found herself in a season that demanded not just external rebuilding, but profound internal realignment.Through that experience, she began to redefine what leadership truly means—not as performance or pressure, but as alignment, integrity, and inner governance. Her journey reveals the often unseen emotional and identity shifts that come with loss, and how those moments can become powerful gateways to purpose.With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience, Taryn now helps leaders move beyond surface-level success into something deeper and more sustainable. In this conversation, she shares insights on self-awareness, identity, resilience, and what it really takes to build a legacy that lasts.This episode is for anyone navigating grief, transition, or a quiet internal shift—especially when life no longer looks the way it once did.Take a seat. Reflect deeply. And remember—sometimes rebuilding isn’t about starting over… it’s about returning to who you truly are.

What happens when life forces you to slow down?In this episode of The Story Seat, Lolita Guarin takes the seat and shares how a personal health crisis became a powerful turning point in her life. What began as a moment of overwhelm and uncertainty evolved into a deeper understanding of stress, resilience, and the importance of self-trust.Although we begin by getting to know Lolita and her journey, her story opens the door to a bigger conversation — one many of us can relate to. The pressure to keep going, to keep achieving, and to wear stress like a badge of honor is something she knows all too well. But through her experience, she discovered a different path — one rooted in awareness, boundaries, and clarity.Lolita is the creator of the CALM Process, a framework designed to help people move from burnout to a more grounded and intentional way of living. Her approach blends personal experience with practical tools, offering a refreshing perspective on how to navigate life’s challenges without losing yourself in the process.This episode is a gentle reminder that sometimes, the moments that shake us are the very ones that shape us.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or unsure of how to find your way back to yourself, this conversation will meet you right where you are.Take a seat. Listen in. And remember — every story matters.

In this powerful episode of The Story Seat, host Splendour sits down with Rick Hill, a remarkable man whose life story challenges what many believed was possible. Diagnosed with cancer in 1974, Rick’s journey became one of the most extraordinary long-term survival stories ever recorded.More than five decades later, Rick reflects on the moment his life changed, the difficult road that followed, and the mindset that helped him keep moving forward when the odds were stacked against him. His story is not only about survival but about resilience, faith, perspective, and the power of hope.In this conversation, Rick shares the lessons he learned through decades of living beyond a diagnosis, how his experience shaped the way he sees life today, and why his story continues to inspire others facing their own battles.This is a conversation about courage, endurance, and the human spirit’s incredible capacity to keep going.

Episode 1 of the Story Seat introduces you to the world of real, human stories. Join host Splendour as we explain what the Story Seat is all about — a space where voices are heard, stories matter, and listening is everything. Get ready to discover a podcast where every episode brings a new story, a new perspective, and a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Subscribe and take your seat — the first guest story is coming soon

"Welcome to the Story Seat — a podcast where voices are heard and stories come alive. In this trailer, get a glimpse of what’s coming: a space where real people share real stories — funny, inspiring, emotional, or unexpected. Step into the Story Seat and experience the power of storytelling, one story at a time