Extraordinary People in an Ordinary World

Send us Fan MailThis episode shares Miriellys’ journey of trusting God, choosing life, and raising her daughter, Aerilyn, through it all.What begins as one of life’s most joyful moments—a long-awaited pregnancy—quickly turns into an unexpected journey of faith and resilience. In this episode, Miriellys shares the moment she learned her daughter, Aerilyn, had a rare genetic condition at 16 weeks, and how she chose to trust God through uncertainty. This is a powerful story of choosing life, leaning on faith, and finding strength in the midst of the unknown. Aerilyn's Instagram Page: Lely26If you are faced with a difficult diagnosis during pregnancy and would like to speak with Mirellys, please email her at : [email protected] Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailNot all teachers stand at the front of a classroom. In this heartfelt episode, we share the story of a groundskeeper whose quiet presence, kindness, and consistency made a lasting impact on the lives of students. Through simple gestures and always remembering kindness, he created a sense of belonging and left an impactful message on graduation day that would last a lifetime. This episode is a powerful reminder that influence isn’t always loud or recognized— it lives in the every day moments and every day people. Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailShe didn’t know his name.  She just felt called… and said yes.In today’s episode, we share the incredible journey of a woman who donated her kidney to a stranger — proving that compassion still lives  among us.One decision. One surgery. One life saved.  And two lives forever changed.Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailIn this month's episode I interview Paula Muller, a scientist and innovator behind CareLink360, a communication device designed to assist aging adults and their families. Paula shares her personal journey, the motivation behind her invention, and how CareLink360 addresses the challenges faced by older adults, particularly those with dementia. The discussion highlights the importance of family connections, the role of technology in caregiving, and the future of aging with the integration of AI. Paula emphasizes the need for education and awareness in dementia care, advocating for a compassionate approach to support families and their loved ones.Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailIn this months episode I sit down with Rocco Mazza—someone whose life this podcast was created for.  Rocco shares his journey growing up with a developmentally disabled brother and how that relationship shaped a lifetime of devotion to family, advocacy, service. and most of all empathy. Rocco’s story is one of humility, responsibility, and love without recognition. This honest and moving conversation reminds us that some of the most meaningful lives are lived behind the scenes—showing up, day after day, simply because it matters.Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailThis month's episode is a repeat from last December. It tells the story of some extraordinary people who made sure a families Christmas was special. Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we will pull up a chair and sit down with  founder of No Limits Cafe in Red Bank, NJ — a restaurant with a mission that goes far beyond serving great food. Mark and Stephanie Cartier have  created a space where adults with special needs can work, learn, and build the confidence and skills for lifelong independence. It’s a conversation about purpose, inclusion, and the incredible impact of believing that everyone deserves a chance to shine and that's just what No Limits Cafe offers.Check out their website for way to support their mission.https://www.nolimitscafe.org/Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailThe burgundy, browns, rust and yellow fall colors are upon us but there is another color that takes center stage in October- Pink. Listen to one woman's 10 year journey with breast cancer and her message of strength and hope. Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailWhat would you do with your 16th birthday? For most teens, it’s all about parties, friends, and milestones. But for Maggi Brown, it became something far more powerful. Instead of gifts, she turned her sweet sixteen into a fundraiser — honoring her sister who lost her battle with cancer. This is more than a story about loss — it’s about love,family, and the impact one person can make when they choose purpose over pain.https://www.francesfoundation.net/Calm Creations: Order your candles here:https://calmcreations.com/If you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailThis episode of Extraordinary People in an Ordinary World shares the powerful story of Françoise Maricle, a survivor of a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Her journey is one of remarkable resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable hardship.Link to the Book:Hold on to Your Dreams: Regardless of Your Pasthttps://amzn.to/4ocCgbsZoom Link: Aug. 15th 2:00pm ESThttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-50ppeWtR-KkPMaOT3quacACalm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailIn this deeply moving episode, we sit down with a remarkable woman whose life has been shaped by both unimaginable love and heartbreaking loss. A devoted wife and mother to four biological and six adopted children, she stood beside her husband as he faced a terminal illness with courage and grace. After his passing, she turned her grief into purpose — founding Walk the Red, a powerful organization that brings light to others walking through their own goodbyes. She is also the author of Navigating Goodbye, a book born from her loss and desire to help others.Join us as she shares her journey — not just of saying goodbye, but of continuing to live with a full heart and a strong commitment to honoring his legacy. This is a story of resilience, faith, and the unbreakable bond of family.https://www.walkthered.comhttps://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Goodbye-Blindsided-Terminal-Illness-ebook/dp/B0DW18RVFSCalm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailJoshua Santiago turned his own hardships into a mission to help others. He understands the struggles of the homeless in Philadelphia and uses his skill as a barber to give them more than just a haircut—he gives them dignity. Through simple acts of care, he reminds people they matter. Santiago is a cut above the rest, using his craft to deliver compassion where it's needed most.https://empoweringcuts.org/https://www.instagram.com/empoweringcuts_/Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailThis month’s guest is the definition of strength and grace. A mother of five, she wears many titles: biological mom, foster mom, adoptive mom, and special needs mom. Her journey through motherhood is anything but ordinary. Rooted in faith, guided by compassion, and powered by unwavering resilience, she pours love into every corner of her family.Join us as we explore her powerful story—a story of heart, hope, and the kind of motherhood that changes lives.Moms of Treasures Support Group Link: https://www.facebook.com/MomsofTreasuresOur Sponsor:Calm Creations: The best in candles, made in NJ specializing in small batch, hand poured candles.https://calmcreations.comCalm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailOne boy changed everything. His presence ignited a passion in a teenage girl  who would dedicate her life to caring for those with special needs. From that moment on, her world revolved around providing support, understanding, and compassion. Listen to Patti Gerris' journey—a life devoted to making a difference, one person at a time. If you would like to support Camp Fatima or Circle of Friends NJ please see the links below for more information:Camp Fatima: https://campfatimanj.org/https://campfatimanj.org/donate/Circle of Friends NJ: https://circleoffriendsnj.org/Please support our Sponsor Calm Creations: Calm Creations Candles: https://calmcreations.org/Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailIn this months episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Sarah Schmidt, a passionate advocate for animal welfare. Sarah's deep love for animals and her dedication to human well-being led her to establish The Big Fix Uganda and the Comfort Dog Project. Through these initiatives, she has harnessed the profound bond between humans and dogs to aid in the healing of individuals in Uganda who have endured trauma and PTSD. Her story is a testament to the extraordinary connection between humans and dogs, showcasing how this relationship can transcend boundaries and foster healing in unimaginable ways.In this episode, we'll explore Sarah's mission, the impact of The Big Fix Uganda, and the transformative power of the Comfort Dog Project. We'll also hear firsthand accounts of how these programs have touched lives and brought about meaningful change.Stay tuned as we uncover the heartwarming stories and the incredible work being done to bridge the gap between humans and animals in Uganda.https://www.thebigfixuganda.org/https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=ha_healthhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCgOu0p7x0chttps://www.amazon.com/Made-Each-Other-Biology-Human-Animal/dp/0306818604Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailKate Hooks and Diana Schott each have MS. Two women from different backgrounds who share a common battle- navigating life with multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite their different lives, their storeis intertwine through resilence, strength and the challenges they face in their diagnosis. Alongside them are two caregivers who have learend invaluable lessons from these extraordinary women. Through heart felt conversations, this episode highlights the realities of MS, the emotional and physical toll it takes and the profound connections that form between patients and caregivers. If you are interested in donating to Kate Hooks care, please visit:https://www.paypal.me/katehookscaregivingIf you are interested in learning more about MS: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/understanding-ms/what-is-msCalm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailThere are times in life when things get overwhelming both physically and mentally but in the darkness of difficulities there is light. Father Hank talks to us today about the "jumbles" in life and how no man should walk alone. He gives inpsiraiton and shows us al lhow to there for our fellow man. Father Hank is the pastor at St. Josephs Parish in Hillsborough, NJ . Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailThe gift of giving on Christmas Eve was a true Christmas miracle for a 9 year old girl whose family was struggling to make ends meet. St. Nicholas's Elves paid them a visit on Christmas Eve and made their world brighter with their gifts from the heart. Their elves George and Elizabeth, made their Christmas Eve complete and their namesake had an even deeper meaning. A heart warming story of a small Christmas miracle that had a lifelong impact. If you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailDan Jaworski: Alzheimer's Outlier and Ironman The hourglass of time and its uncertainty, particularly due to early Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), the precursor to Alzheimer’s disease—has inspired Dan Jaworski to adopt a new philosophy of living: Carpe Diem. His strength and determination to live life on his own terms began with the pursuit of his dream to qualify for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He seized the day by qualifying for and  competing in the  Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Living with an attitude of gratitude each day, Dan’s story serves as an inspiration for all of us to embrace the present moment. Carpe Diem.November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month.Resources:www.alz.orghttps://www.brainhealthkitchen.comhttps://www.instagram.com/dan_jaworski/Alzheimer’s Gear:https://ftcustomapparel.com/collections/memories-matterCalm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailOctober is Domestic Abuse awareness month and this months guest shares her story of courage and how she was able to walk away and end the domestic violence cycle. Her strength and courage gives hope when things can feel hopeless.All names have been changed to protect the identity of the subjects.  If you're experiencing domestic violence, please reach out and call or text the National Domestic Violence Hotline.Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233Text Start to 88788Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailBill Kvalheim joins us this month as our extraordinary coach who started a non-profit organization called Tackle Depression. His love of football and coaching led him down the field to a touchdown organization bringing awareness, resources and scholarships to young adults struggling with their mental health. Bill is a husband, father, educator and coach who didn't let his struggles with depression and anxiety put him on the sidelines. He saw the struggles of teens and used his own challenges to create something positive. https://www.tackledepression.org/Follow Tackle Depression on Facebook and InstagramCalm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailKate Germond, Senior Advocate and Investigator for Centurion, located in Princeton, NJ tells the audience about Centurion, the first innocence project in the world. Her tenacious spirit will keep you at the edge of your seat, as you listen to how Centurion began, what they do and how they keep motivated to free the innocent. Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show. 

Send us Fan MailA woman with a strong faith, love of God and family, who shares stories from her life as a Hospice Nurse and her mission trip to Haiti. With strong faith and gratitude, beyond measure, Doris Monroe, tells us how to live a life of abundant joy. Calm Creation Candles are based in NJ and their owner donates 10% of all proceeds to non-profit organizations. Check our their candles at Calmcreations.comIf you know an extraordinary person that you would like featured on this show email me at [email protected] or message me on Instagram at Extraordinary_people_podcastI would love to talk with them and have them on my show.