Born without a choice

What happens when the treatment you’re told will help ends up changing your life in ways you never imagined? In this powerful episode of Born Without a Choice, I sit down with Ellen Lubensky, a Stanford graduate, attorney, and patient advocate whose life took an unexpected turn after developing a disabling movement disorder caused by psychiatric medication. After spending nearly two decades living...

What happens when the person you trust most shatters your world? In this deeply honest episode of Born Without a Choice, Roxanna Johnson shares her powerful journey after discovering her husband’s long-hidden sexual addiction—a revelation that completely changed the course of her life. Through heartbreak, betrayal trauma, and years of healing, Roxanna found a path toward hope, faith, and rediscove...

What does it mean to refuse to let life’s greatest setback define your future? In this inspiring episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Kenneth (Ken) Kunken, whose life changed forever after a football injury left him almost completely paralyzed at just 20 years old. Rather than giving up, Ken returned to college, became the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University, earne...

What if aging didn’t have to mean slowing down? In this episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Karl Sterling, NASM Master Trainer, neurological wellness specialist, and author of Brain, Body, Bones: The Science of Living Stronger, Longer. Karl shares how the latest research in neuroscience, movement, and longevity is changing the way we think about aging. We explore why brain health is...

What if true healing starts by looking beyond symptoms? In this fascinating episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with wellness practitioner and researcher Andrew Scheim to explore a holistic approach to health, healing, and human potential. Andrew shares how the body, mind, emotions, environment, and consciousness are deeply connected, and why lasting wellness requires more than simply tr...

Before you can lead your family, your business, or your team… you have to lead yourself. In this powerful episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Brian Parana, health and lifestyle coach, podcast host, and founder of The Call to Rise, to discuss why so many men over 40 struggle with their health, energy, and confidence—even while succeeding professionally. Brian shares practical strateg...

What if healing isn’t about recovering from your past—but recovering yourself? In this extraordinary episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Colette Duvall Pondella, lovingly known as “Wolf Mom,” to explore the remarkable connection between trauma, unconditional love, and the healing power of wolves. A survivor of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, bulimia, and post-traumatic stress...

Every life is a story—and the people we love often become the chapters that shape us the most. In this heartwarming episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with bestselling author Susan Gooch to explore the power of storytelling, lifelong friendships, family bonds, and the experiences that help us discover our true voice. Drawing inspiration from her Southern roots, decades as an educator, a...

What happens when your greatest struggles become the doorway to your deepest purpose? In this inspiring episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Jessica Morris, author, poet, spiritual director, and disciple of Jesus Christ, whose journey from addiction, childhood trauma, and spiritual brokenness led her to a life of healing, freedom, and faith. Jessica shares how recovery transformed no...

What if forgiveness isn’t about letting someone else off the hook—but finally setting yourself free? In this heartfelt episode of Born Without a Choice, we welcome Katharine Giovanni, three-time award-winning bestselling author, international speaker, Practical Forgiveness Educator, and Transformation Mentor. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming childhood trauma, stage 3 breast cancer, a...

What if healing doesn’t require reliving your trauma? In this powerful episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Anissa Hudak, founder of Phoenix Women Healing, to explore how trauma lives in the body—and why true healing begins by creating safety within your nervous system. As a two-time survivor of sexual trauma, military spouse, and neuro-somatic therapist, Anissa shares how women can...

What if high performance didn’t require burnout? In this episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with leadership strategist Kathy Eastwood to explore how trust, emotional intelligence, and human-first leadership create stronger teams and better results. Drawing on more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across global organizations, Kathy shares why so many workplaces struggle w...

What does success really look like if you’ve lost yourself in the process? In this episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Debra Bowers, leadership strategist, founder of Hexagon Media, and host of Deals with Heels. After rebuilding her life and career following years of caregiving, personal loss, and burnout, Debra shares how clarity became the foundation for authentic leadership and s...

What do you do when life changes forever? In this deeply moving episode, Neal Tricarico shares the heartbreaking loss of his son, Anthony, and how that unimaginable experience reshaped everything he believed about healing, resilience, and purpose. Rather than searching for closure, Neal introduces The Endurant Way—a powerful mindset that teaches us how to carry pain with meaning instead of waiting...

When the people who once cared for you begin to rely on you, life changes in ways few people are prepared for. Caring for aging parents is a journey filled with love, sacrifice, grief, and countless difficult decisions. In this heartfelt episode, Janice Goldmintz shares practical wisdom and compassionate guidance for navigating the emotional realities of caregiving. Together, we discuss supporting...

What if your greatest struggles became the foundation for your greatest adventure? In this inspiring episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Dave Letterfly Knoderer—author, artist, entrepreneur, and motivational storyteller. From performing with dancing horses and creating award-winning artwork to overcoming alcoholism and embracing a life of purpose, Dave shares how fear, failure, and...

What kind of world are we creating—and what happens if today’s choices shape tomorrow in ways we never expected? In this thought-provoking episode of Born Without a Choice, author Jeff Jefferies discusses his debut novel, Carter’s World: 2084 , and the powerful questions it raises about freedom, personal responsibility, government, justice, and the future of society. Through compelling storytellin...

What if lasting change isn’t about pushing harder—but about treating yourself with more compassion? In this thoughtful episode of Born Without a Choice, holistic wellness coach and author Kerisma Vere shares how healing begins by moving away from the pressure of perfection and toward self-trust, emotional regulation, and genuine well-being. Drawing from her lived experience with trauma, mental hea...

Why do we keep reacting the same way—even when we know better? In this fascinating episode of Born Without a Choice, Dr. Brian DesRoches, psychotherapist, author, and expert in emotional healing, explains how modern neuroscience is transforming our understanding of lasting personal change. Drawing from his book Living a Trigger-Free Life, he reveals why emotional triggers aren’t character flaws, b...

She’s back! In this special return episode of Born Without a Choice, we’re welcoming back one of our very first guests, Crystal Bell. Since her first appearance, Crystal has continued helping leaders and entrepreneurs move beyond overthinking, make confident decisions, and take meaningful action that creates real results. This conversation goes even deeper into clarity, personal growth, leadership...

What if success didn’t have to come at the cost of your peace, identity, or fulfillment? In this inspiring episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Mandi Dana, leadership coach and founder of Radiant Leadership. After spending nine years coaching within the Tony Robbins organization, Mandi shares how she reinvented her own life and now helps high-performing female CEOs bridge the gap bet...

What does it truly mean to show up—for yourself, your family, and the people who matter most? In this heartfelt episode of Born Without a Choice, Reuben Butterfield shares his journey through grief, addiction, recovery, fatherhood, and personal reinvention. As a brand strategist, entrepreneur, and single father, Reuben opens up about the quiet work of healing, embracing healthy masculinity, and fi...

Why does your body seem to change after 45—even when you’re eating well and staying active? In this empowering episode of Born Without a Choice, Dr. Roopa Chari, an Internal Medicine and Functional Medicine physician with over 25 years of experience, explains the real reasons behind stubborn weight gain, low energy, poor sleep, hormonal shifts, and other common midlife health challenges. She share...

Why do so many people keep finding themselves in the same unhealthy relationships—just with different people? In this eye-opening episode of Born Without a Choice, relationship pattern coach Virginia McConnell shares how to recognize toxic relationship cycles, rebuild trust in yourself, and create healthier, lasting connections. Drawing from her personal journey, formal training in narcissistic ab...

What happens when you lose yourself—and can you ever truly find your way back? In this deeply honest episode of Born Without a Choice, we’re joined by Rowan Vale, author of ENOUGH. Writing under a pen name to protect his family’s privacy, Rowan shares his powerful journey through addiction, brokenness, and recovery. Rather than offering a polished redemption story, he opens up about the slow, diff...