Celebrate Your Story

In this episode, Jim McCann sits down with Maha Abouelenein – global communications strategist, entrepreneur, and author of The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance . Maha shares her remarkable journey: ·        Growing up in Minnesota as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants ·        Leaving her successful U.S. career at 27 to care for her mother in Egypt ·        Starting over as a secretary and eventuall...

In this conversation, filmmaker Nick Budabin shares his journey from working on MTV's   True Life   to founding   Keepsake Documentaries , a company dedicated to preserving family legacies through film. What began as a personal project after losing his father to cancer became a powerful way to help families capture memories, stories, and wisdom for future generations. Nick discusses how storytelli...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Heather A. Campbell — former ESPN "Synergy" lead turned entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and author of Good Is Amazing. Heather shares her remarkable journey from holding unique corporate titles like "Head of Alchemy" to founding Ready Set Recover, a groundbreaking program that helps surgery patients prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for bette...

Whether you're religious, spiritual, agnostic, or simply curious—this conversation will move you, challenge you, and leave you thinking. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Rabbi David Katz, whose journey from the opera stage to the pulpit is as profound as it is inspiring. This episode weaves together threads of identity, transformation, faith, music, community, and what it m...

They said her son would never live on his own...now he thrives in the community she built. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story , I sit down with Denise Resnik, trailblazing founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center and First Place AZ. From her son's autism diagnosis at age two to reshaping real estate with purpose, Denise's story is one of innovation, advocacy, and unshakable...

Before his art graced the Vatican and the Olympics, he was washing dishes and selling paintings on the street. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story , I sit down with Romero Britto, the world-renowned pop artist whose signature style has become a universal symbol of joy. From humble beginnings in Brazil to collaborating with Disney, Absolut, and FIFA, Romero's journey is a masterclass in creativ...

The day he begged his wife to kill him was the day everything changed. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Shawn Lesser, an impact investor turned mental health advocate whose life took a dramatic turn in the fall of 2022. What started as a persistent depression spiraled into a full mental health crisis, one that led to hospitalization, months in treatment centers, and ultimat...

"I told my husband he could leave—I had just been diagnosed with an incurable pain disease less than a year into our marriage… but he stayed. And that's when I decided I was going to fight, not just for me, but for everyone like me." On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Beth Stillitano, a former teacher whose life was turned upside down at just 24 years old after a seemingly mi...

"I was going to break my promise to my dad that I would take care of my family… and that's when I told myself, 'D.T., I'm not going to die here.'" In this powerful episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Senior Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro, a true American hero. From a childhood marked by hardship and the loss of both parents at a young age to becoming a decorated Air Force special war...

In this week's Celebrate Your Story, I'm thrilled to hand the mic to my colleague, MiChaela Barker, for a conversation with Hali Lee, a remarkable philanthropist, author, and the founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle. Through her dynamic storytelling and rich cultural perspective, Hali shares how growing up as a Korean American in Kansas City and learning from generations of strong women shaped...

At 18, Lauren Sisler experienced the unimaginable: she lost both of her parents in a single day to prescription drug overdoses. As part of our special April series on faith, meaning, and human connection, I sit down with Lauren Sisler, ESPN and SEC Network reporter, former NCAA gymnast, and author of Shatterproof. Known for her vibrant presence on the sidelines, Lauren opens up about the hidden st...

Before she wore a flight suit, she was working in a pizza shop with a degree she couldn't use. In this episode, retired U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot Elizabeth McCormick shares how she went from unexpected career detours to becoming one of the first 100 women to fly the Black Hawk helicopter in the Army. She opens up about what it took to survive Warrant Officer Candidate School, where women had to m...

At just 15 years old, Edith was forced from her home and sent to Auschwitz, where she faced unimaginable horrors. For decades, she kept her story buried. But now, at 96 years old, she is ready to speak. Edith Gross is a Holocaust survivor who has chosen to celebrate life, building a happy and loving family despite the tragedies she endured. Her resilience has been her guiding force. Now, she educa...

Michael Fetherman, diagnosed with ADHD and autism, always struggled to make friends—a challenge faced by so many individuals with special needs. Seeing this firsthand, his sister, Juliana Fetherman, set out to change the narrative. She created Making Authentic Friendships, an app designed to connect people with special needs based on their age, interests, and location. The app's name isn't just a...

At just 13 years old, she suffered sudden heart failure, and doctors told her parents she wouldn't survive. But thanks to the selflessness of a grieving mother, she was given a second chance at life. Jen Lentini is a heart transplant recipient who has dedicated her life to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation. Her journey from an unexpected health crisis to receiving a new hear...

When Ashley Manning's son started preschool, she learned that his teacher had recently lost her husband to cancer. As Valentine's Day approached, Ashley felt a deep pull to offer comfort. So, she arranged a bouquet and gifted it to her, simply acknowledging how hard the day must be. She was moved, and months later, she shared just how much that small act of kindness had meant. In that moment, Ashl...

Jim sits down with media executive Chris Licht for an insightful conversation on the future of broadcasting and content creation. From his experiences leading major networks to his observations on streaming's impact on traditional media, Chris shares his unique perspective on where the industry is headed. The discussion explores emerging technologies, the value of truth in media, and how genuine c...

In this episode of Celebrations Chatter, Jim sits down with Robert Silvers, Under Secretary for Policy at the Department of Homeland Security, for an insightful discussion on national security, cybersecurity, and public service. Robert shares his journey from practicing law to government service, including how he helped transform DHS's approach to cybersecurity under both the Obama and Biden admin...

Jim sits down with Susan Feldman, the founder of One Kings Lane, a luxury home decor site, and In The Groove, a digital platform and community inspiring women over 50. A self-described "late bloomer entrepreneur" who started her first company at age 53, Susan shares her journey from retail to entrepreneurship and her vision to change the narrative around aging. Drawing inspiration from her father,...

In this episode of Celebrations Chatter, Jim sits down with Lakshmi Rengarajan, a relationship expert and former WeWork executive, to explore the complexities of modern relationships and dating, particularly for those in their 40s and 50s. Drawing from her experience as a bartender, dating industry veteran, and workplace connection specialist, Lakshmi shares insights on how people can develop mean...

On this episode of Celebrations Chatter, Jim sits down with Dr. Bobbi Wegner, psychologist, author, and founder of Groops. Dr. Wegner shares her journey from clinical psychology to entrepreneurship, discussing how her company Groops is using technology and AI to improve workplace connections and mental health. They explore the importance of building relationships, both in and out of work, and how...

In this episode of Celebrations Chatter, Jim McCann sits down with Debbie Howard, a caregiver advocate and author of "The Caregiving Journey;" and Rhonda Klug, Head of Experiential Marketing and caregiver advocate at Harry & David.  Together they explore the often-overlooked world of caregiving.  The conversation features practical advice for current and future caregivers, including the value of t...

In this episode of Celebrations Chatter, Jim sits down with Karen Wooldridge, co-founder of Bluebirds & Blooms, to discuss how she and her childhood friend and co-founder, Laura Hogan, bring joy to memory care and hospice patients by delivering repurposed flowers. What began as an idea over a cup of coffee has now grown into a nonprofit that has delivered over 90,000 bouquets across Minnesota.  Tu...

In this episode of Celebrations Chatter, Jim sits down with Amelia Nickerson, CEO of First Step Staffing, to explore how employment can transform lives. First Step's innovative approach helps individuals experiencing homelessness and financial hardship find meaningful work by combining staffing services with crucial support systems. Amelia shares how First Step has grown from serving 100 people an...

Jim explores the vital yet often unseen world of public health with Katherine Oliver and Dr. Amy Acton, co-creators of "The Invisible Shield," a groundbreaking four-part PBS documentary series that illuminates the critical role of public health in our daily lives. Dr. Amy Acton, former Director of Health for the State of Ohio, shares her firsthand experience leading public health efforts during th...