Fortunate Events Podcast

It’s my 39th birthday! Releasing this final episode of my Fortunate Events Podcast today feels like the best birthday gift I could give myself. In Episode 14, I sit down with social media influencer and entrepreneur Christy Huckaby to talk about life, pivoting with purpose, and how success can evolve as we do. It's a great conversation you don't want to miss! This episode marks the end of...

In Episode 13 of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with Steve Passons, founder of Be Someone Sports, to talk about leadership, character, and the heart behind this youth sports league. Steve shares the story of how his vision began, what drives his passion for mentoring young athletes, and how sports can shape confidence, purpose, and lifelong growth. His story is one of commitment, communi...

In Episode 12 of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with CEO Rachel Rost and Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Reibenstein of Story Built Homes, a company rooted in the belief that every home has a story. We talk about purpose, vision, and the calling behind building something that lasts. Rachel and Matthew share their journeys, how their paths crossed, the company’s mission, how faith influenc...

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 In the eleventh episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, A Season for Every Purpose and a Time for Every Calling, I sit down with Nate Manthey, a man whose journey has spanned ministry, nursing, entrepreneurship, authorship, and graduate studies in marriage and family therapy. In our conversation, Nate...

✨ Episode 10: The Suit Boss of Houston ✨What does it take to build a name, a brand, and a reputation in one of the most competitive cities in the country? In this episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with Adam Ross — Houston’s own Suit Boss. Adam shares how he built his presence in the fashion world, the lessons he’s learned about business and branding, and what it means to lead w...

“When I was ten years old, I almost got jumped in the gym — the next day I prayed for a way out and heard the band playing.”In the eighth episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with Brian Moreno, Band Director at Clear Falls High School and founder of his own marketing company, Biz Make Solutions. In our conversation, Brian shares how music became a life-saving outlet, why teaching ha...

In the seventh episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast , I sit down with Dr. Bob Darling and his wife Stephanie, owners of Darling ENT in Friendswood, Texas. Dr. Darling shares what inspired him to open his own practice, how his approach to care is shaped by both science and compassion, and what it’s really like balancing the roles of doctor, business owner, husband, and dad. We talk about the une...

In this sixth episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with Todd Caliva, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare. Todd shares his perspective on how life’s challenges build character, the importance of showing up, and how consistency and resilience have shaped his leadership journey. We also discuss the role marketing plays in healthcare and why it matters more than people might think. This episo...

In the fifth episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I’m joined by Dakoda Mazzii, an adult fantasy romance author, artist, wife, and mom from Houston. Dakoda shares her journey of writing Chasm of Dreams , her debut novel currently awaiting acquisition from a publisher. We talk about the themes of grief, loss, found family, and reclaiming your power—all woven into a story inspired by Norse and Ju...

In the fourth episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I’m joined by my twin sister, Jennifer Guarino, a diversity, equity, and inclusion professional based in Houston. Jennifer reflects on our journey growing up as twins and shares how life’s unexpected challenges have shaped her personally and professionally. We also discuss the meaning behind Ryan Long’s song “If It Hadn’t Rained That Day” and...

In the third episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I’m joined by Caitlyn Pristine, a recent graduate of the University of Houston-Clear Lake with a degree in Communication. Caitlyn shares her experience as a UHCL student, reflects on her internship journey, and talks about how dance has played a meaningful role in her life. We also dive into her “fortunate event” moment and the lessons she’s le...

In this second episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I’m joined by Rebecca McCartney, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, and a contributing author of A Peaceful New Year. Rebecca discusses her career path and how her faith has guided her work, explores the inspiration behind A Peaceful New Year, and shares practical strategies to manage fear, build resilience, and embrace pe...

In this first episode of the newly rebranded  Fortunate Events Podcast , I’m joined by Carey Donnelly, the Executive Director of  Adria Women's Health , and her husband, Sean Donnelly (one of my clients at IMS with Web Grass). Carey shares powerful stories about overcoming challenges and the strength of community support, offering valuable wisdom on how rejection can actually be a redirection in o...

Episode 4 of  Semester of Fortunate Events  features Host Jessica Bennett with UHCL Professor Anna Klyueva. They explore pivotal moments in media relations, ethics in PR, and digital media evolution while reflecting on intertwining events from the past 10 years. The episode highlights opportunities like UHCL’s travel abroad program and features Professor Klyueva sharing a defining "fortunate...

In this episode of  Semester of Fortunate Events , Jessica interviews Christy Huckaby, CEO, broker, and owner of The Closers Real Estate Group. With over 25 years of experience, Christy has taken the real estate industry by storm, excelling in luxury home sales, innovative marketing campaigns, and staging and remodeling projects. Her career is defined by resilience, creativity, and a passion for m...

In this episode of  Semester of Fortunate Events,  Jessica interviews Lily Jang, a top-producing real estate agent and former Emmy-nominated television anchor for KHOU Channel 11. Lily shares her inspiring journey of career reinvention, transitioning from broadcast journalism to real estate, where she has achieved remarkable success by leveraging her storytelling skills, adaptability, and authenti...

In this episode, Jessica talks with Joy, a UHCL Communication student graduating this December with a passion for animation, video, and drawing. Recently accepted into the Digital Media Studies master’s program, Joy shares her academic journey, creative pursuits, and future goals. Hear how her creativity and determination have opened doors to exciting opportunities.

In this episode, Jessica chats with Chastity White, VP of Sales and Marketing at Story Built Homes. They discuss her journey, life experiences, and vision for a homebuilding company focused on quality and storytelling. Hear how passion, partnerships, and persistence shaped her career, and how unexpected challenges led to fortunate events.

In this episode, Jessica welcomes UHCL Professor Michael Brims, an award-winning filmmaker and digital media expert. They discuss his journey from filmmaking to teaching, impactful storytelling courses, and a life-changing experience at the border that shaped his work. Learn how challenges can become fortunate events and the skills essential for a career in digital media.

Episode 1 features Host Jessica Bennett alongside her twin sister Jennifer Guarino, a DEI Professional in Houston. They are joined by special guest Justin Dorsey, TV anchor for KBTX-TV in College Station. Hear about the challenges and "fortunate events" that have shaped their unique career paths, news media experiences, and views on success and growth.