Start Somewhere Podcast

Why do we keep repeating behaviors we know are holding us back—even when we genuinely want to change? In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between personal development, emotional learning, and neuroscience with Brian, who helps people understand why self-defeating behaviors are often not personal flaws, but protective emotional patterns learned outside our awareness. Brian shares ho...

What does it take to rebuild your life after addiction, trauma, and years of struggling with mental health? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Justin L. Shaw, author of Sourcery 101: 13 Rungs to a Higher Elevation of Consciousness, to explore a journey of healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation. Justin shares how overcoming substance abuse, PTSD, depression, and anxiety inspir...

What does it take to move beyond simply making a living and start living with purpose? In this episode, I sit down with Scott Maderer , coach, speaker, author, and co-founder of Inspired Stewardship, to explore what it truly means to live your calling. Scott shares how he transitioned from a nearly 30-year career in education into a life of coaching others to align their time, talents, and treasur...

Leadership isn't just about leading teams or holding positions of influence—it's about leading yourself through adversity, uncertainty, and life's biggest challenges. In this episode of Start Somewhere, Christopher Rivers shares lessons from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, leading in the military, working in diplomacy, and listening to thousands of everyday people. Together, we explore resilience...

What if better health doesn't begin with a perfect diet or an intense fitness plan—but with one small decision? In this episode of Start Somewhere, we sit down with certified health coach Anthony Guastella, whose personal battle with serious health challenges became the foundation for a life dedicated to helping others. Anthony shares how his own journey from illness to wellness inspired him to si...

What if one of the greatest tools for personal growth wasn't a self-help book—but learning to think like a lawyer? In this episode, we sit down with licensed attorney and content creator Dina Ovsepian to explore her unconventional journey into law school as a self-development experiment. Dina shares how studying law transformed the way she thinks, builds confidence, sets boundaries, and approaches...

What does success really mean—and is it possible to achieve it without sacrificing who you are? In this episode of Start Somewhere Podcast, we sit down with Chad C. Betz, author of An Authentic Success, to explore what it means to pursue a life and career that align with your values rather than society's expectations. Chad shares how redefining success can lead to greater fulfillment, stronger rel...

Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. In this episode of Start Somewhere, we sit down with Bryan Charleau—sales professional, mentor, and author of Pitching Sales! A Complete Guide to Becoming a Sales Professional—to explore what it truly means to reinvent yourself. Bryan shares how embracing uncertainty, overcoming imposter syndrome, and taking intentional risks shaped both his career a...

What happens when your greatest struggles become the foundation for your life's purpose? In this episode of Start Somewhere Podcast, we sit down with Jai Roza, creator of Eden's Conflict, to explore his journey of faith, personal transformation, and discovering purpose through life's challenges. Jai shares how difficult seasons shaped his perspective, why resilience is built one decision at a time...

What if your greatest contribution is still ahead of you? In this episode of the Start Somewhere Podcast, we sit down with Robin to explore what it truly means to live a life of purpose, alignment, and meaningful impact—no matter your age or stage of life. Robin shares powerful insights on overcoming self-doubt, reconnecting with your value, embracing change, and discovering new opportunities when...

What does it take to move beyond self-doubt and become the leader you're meant to be? In this episode of the Start Somewhere Podcast, we sit down with a Marine Officer, father, author, speaker, and leadership mentor to explore the powerful lessons that come from failure, resilience, faith, and intentional growth. Drawing from his personal journey and years of leadership experience, he shares pract...

What if the biggest breakthrough in your life isn't changing your circumstances—but changing yourself? After spending 27 years in a loveless marriage, Larry Bilotta reached a point where he could have given up. Instead, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery that transformed not only his marriage but every area of his life. That personal transformation eventually became the foundation of a car...

What if lasting change isn't about willpower, fixing yourself, or waiting for a life-changing breakthrough? In this episode of Start Somewhere Podcast, we sit down with Kerisma Vere, a holistic wellness coach, author, and advocate for trauma-informed healing, to explore a gentler and more sustainable approach to personal growth. Drawing from her lived experiences with trauma, anxiety, depression,...

How do you overcome life's barriers without allowing them to define who you are? In this powerful episode of Start Somewhere Podcast, we sit down with Elisa Neven-Pugh, a motivational speaker, advocate, and woman of faith who is transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, healing, and service. Living with Cerebral Palsy Quadriplegia, Elisa has experienced firsthand what it means to be o...

What does it take to keep moving forward when life throws its toughest challenges your way? In this inspiring episode of Start Somewhere Podcast, we sit down with Jay Setchell—former Marine, entrepreneur, corporate leader, and passionate advocate for personal responsibility and resilience. Despite being mostly paralyzed and in his mid-70s, Jay continues to pursue multiple ventures, proving that li...

What happens when you achieve everything you thought would make you happy, yet still feel unfulfilled? In this episode of Start Somewhere, I sit down with Dr. Michael Jaquith, a Ph. D. chemist, entrepreneur, coach, husband, and father of six, who made the bold decision to leave a successful corporate career in search of something more meaningful. Michael shares his journey from the world of scienc...

What happens when your body, your health, and your life seem to be working against you? In this powerful episode of Start Somewhere, Maic Barclay shares her journey from life-threatening health conditions and trauma to becoming an instructor of PNEI of Trauma, health practitioner, and podcast host. We explore the connection between emotional and physical healing, overcoming medical setbacks, learn...

What happens when life knocks you down — through trauma, depression, abusive relationships, or even cancer? In this honest and deeply inspiring episode of Start Somewhere Podcast, we sit down with Zulma Williams, also known as The Swearing Therapist — a licensed clinical social worker, breast cancer survivor, podcaster, and mental health advocate who believes healing starts with keeping it real. Z...

In this episode of Start Somewhere Podcast, we explore personality, self-awareness, Stoicism, and personal growth with the founder of PersonalityPeek. We unpack how understanding yourself can help you make better decisions, break unhealthy patterns, handle life with greater clarity, and grow into the person you want to become. If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or curious about why you think and...

Sometimes, what looks like being stuck is simply needing clarity, courage, or the right information. Let’s talk about it.

My story, my struggles, and the reason I started this podcast—to remind you that growth begins when you decide to try.

Feeling stuck or unsure about your next step? This podcast is your reminder that you don’t need everything figured out to begin. Start here.