Conversations with Sekani

What happens when you bet on your curiosity instead of the “safe” path? Dr. Pardis Madavi — acclaimed author of nine books, former university president, provost, and dean — shares her journey from Iranian-American bridge-builder to education futurist. In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Pardis discusses: • Life in her 20s: dreams of changing the world and bridging cultures • Taking the risk to le...

A registered nurse for over 30 years, Nancy Thompson’s own hormone breast cancer diagnosis completely changed how she views healthcare. Today, as a functional medicine coach, she helps women navigate perimenopause, menopause, and holistic recovery by looking at the root causes instead of just symptoms. In this insightful conversation, Nancy shares: • Life in her 20s as a young nurse and new mom •...

How do you lead with ambition and faith without compromising your values? Dr. Michael Wright, Christian leadership expert, executive coach, and host of Kingdom Conversations, shares practical wisdom on aligning faith, purpose, and strategy for lasting impact. In this grounded conversation, Dr. Michael discusses: • How to lead boldly without compromising your beliefs • Using Jesus as the ultimate l...

He’s been called the world’s greatest podcast guest — with appearances on over 800 shows. Nicky (Niki), two-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of E-Circle Academy, and creator of the Thought Leader movement, shares how he went from an Iranian immigrant fleeing revolution to helping entrepreneurs become recognized authorities. In this high-energy conversation, Nicky discusses: • Escapi...

Have you ever woken up and barely recognized the woman in the mirror? Tiffany Tidwater, identity reclamation strategist and founder of Crown from Ashes, helps women rebuild after toxic relationships by restoring confidence, redefining purpose, and creating real financial independence. In this powerful conversation, Tiffany shares: • Clear signs you’ve lost yourself in a relationship • Why many you...

She was winning on paper — 14 years in finance, leading major deals — until her body and mind completely broke down. Alyssa Smith, certified holistic health coach, functional nutrition counselor, and Inog practitioner, shares how burnout forced her to rebuild her health from the inside out. In this practical and eye-opening conversation, Alyssa discusses: • Life in her 20s: hustling hard, long hou...

What if the reason most strategies fail is because we treat organizations like machines instead of living systems? Norman Wolfe, founder and CEO of Quantum Leaders and creator of the Living Organization Framework, has spent more than 40 years helping leaders across Fortune companies and high-growth startups bridge the gap between strategy and execution. In this insightful conversation, Norman shar...

Still in his 20s, Mr. Whiskey is already a US Navy veteran, speaker, author, preacher, comedian, addiction recovery coach, and founder of the Couple Olds podcast. He openly tackles the topics many avoid — mental health, addiction, trauma, faith, and rebuilding after hardship. In this raw and insightful conversation, Mr. Whiskey shares: ​ Growing up in a household of control, abuse, and addiction ​...

At 20 years old, Jordan Mendoza was told he might never walk again after a devastating truck accident. Today he’s the founder and CEO of Blaze Your Own Trail Consulting, a keynote speaker, author, father of six, and host of a globally top-ranked podcast. In this powerful conversation, Jordan shares: • The life-changing accident that flipped his world upside down • The long, painful recovery and ho...

It’s never too late to discover what you were made for. Kirk McCarley — the Seed Sower Coach — spent more than 35 years as a human resources executive before launching a new chapter helping people find their purpose. At 68, he’s still coaching, writing, working with ESPN, and teaching spinning classes. In this encouraging conversation, Kirk shares: ​ Life in his 20s: college, meeting his wife, and...

What happens when external success no longer feels like you? Helen Edmonson, multi-award-winning author, intuition mentor, and spiritual guide, left a high-powered senior government executive career after a profound spiritual awakening to help others reconnect with their inner wisdom, purpose, and authenticity. In this insightful conversation, Helen shares: • Life in her 20s as a first-generation...

Years of debilitating pain. Multiple surgeries. Over $125,000 spent searching for answers. Heather Yoshimura, UCSF-trained nurse practitioner, founder of Luial Health, and author of *The Endo Dilemma*, shares her raw journey with endometriosis and complex pelvic pain — and how she finally found lasting relief. In this powerful conversation, Heather discusses: ​Life in her 20s filled with daily hor...

What if the boldest version of you was waiting on the other side of fear and financial pressure? Zoe Charles, founder of The Cheek of It (one of the UK’s longest-running ballet and burlesque schools), shares how she turned a challenging 20s in London into a 20-year mission helping thousands of women reclaim confidence, joy, and self-expression. In this empowering conversation, Zoe discusses: • Mov...

Public speaking doesn’t have to feel terrifying. Debbie Fay, founder of Bespeak Presentation Solutions and author of *Nail It: Create and Deliver Presentations That Connect, Compel, and Convince*, has spent nearly 20 years helping professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs deliver presentations that actually get results. In this practical episode of Conversations with Sekani, Debbie shares: • Ho...

Feeling lost with money in your 20s is more common than you think. Vinod Lakhani, founder of We Leap — an AI-powered financial sidekick — shares how young professionals can take control of their finances one simple, high-impact step at a time. In this practical conversation, Vinod discusses: ​His own money struggles as an international student in his 20s ​Why starting retirement contributions earl...

Fear doesn’t have to stop you — it can become the doorway to your most authentic self. Kelly Keefe, author of *Rise Above Fear*, speaker, and transformational coach, shares how to break free from limiting beliefs, embody confidence, and live a more aligned life. In this insightful conversation, Kelly discusses: • Navigating her 20s, corporate resistance, and finding purpose • Why purpose isn’t a j...

What if the thing you avoided most became your greatest strength? Peter George — public speaking coach, professional speaker, and six-time award-winning author of *The Captivating Public Speaker* — grew up with both a lisp and a stutter. For years he avoided speaking entirely. Today he has trained more than 120,000 professionals. In this practical and encouraging conversation, Peter discusses: • G...

Some stories redefine what resilience looks like. Rachel Conley (Rachelle) — author, addiction counselor, mental health advocate, and survivor — shares her powerful journey through foster care, juvenile and adult prison systems, abuse, addiction, domestic violence, and multiple suicide attempts. In this raw and hope-filled conversation, Rachel discusses: ​ Being dropped into foster care and the ca...

What does it look like to build wealth with purpose? Jeff Richfield — entrepreneur, investor, author, and self-described “Godpreneur” — shares his journey from financial hardship in 2011 to building and exiting an eight-figure roofing business in 2023. In this faith-centered conversation, Jeff discusses: • Early years, financial struggles, and learning to listen for direction • Building a winning...

What if the relationship you thought was over could be rebuilt better than before? Bella Crottie (Bella K), relationship and feminine embodiment coach, shares her journey through two marriages, two divorces, and the unexpected reconciliation with her second ex-husband. In this honest conversation, Bella discusses: ​ People-pleasing and the “good girl” role in her 20s ​ Why she kept repeating the s...

Sexual health is rarely talked about honestly — yet it affects relationships, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Dr. Stephanie Zwonitzer (Dr. Z), doctor of nursing practice specializing in hormones and sexual medicine, founder of the Revive Institute of Sexual Health, and host of the Between the Sheets podcast, breaks the stigma with clear, educational conversation. In this open and practical epis...

What if God loves you exactly as you are — beyond fear, shame, and rejection? Phoenix Shepherd (Fenix), author of *Loved Unconditionally*, shares her powerful journey from leaving home at 14 through addiction, trauma, and identity wounds to spiritual awakening and healing. In this raw and hopeful conversation, Fenix discusses: • Early rejection, family trauma, and leaving home young • Years of add...

School teaches academics — but not the skills that actually create a good life. Rob Heller, entrepreneur and founder of The Boost Program, shares how he built and sold an insurance company, then turned his focus to equipping teens and young adults with people skills, character, and healthy mindset. In this practical conversation, Rob discusses: • What he wished someone had taught him in his 20s •...

Lying broken on a South African motorway at 19 after being hit by a drunk driver, Roy Castleman wasn’t focused on the pain — he was consumed by regrets. That moment became the blueprint for how he would live. In this powerful conversation, Roy shares: • The “white line moment” that changed everything • Building multiple 7-figure businesses and facing devastating setbacks • Contemplating suicide at...

Breaking the silence after abuse takes courage. Patricia Ann Grenelle — retired forensic psychologist with over 40 years of experience and author of *We Were a Normal Family* — shares her powerful journey of survival, healing, and reclaiming personal power. In this important conversation, Patricia discusses: • Childhood experiences and how they shaped her early adulthood • Recognizing abusive patt...