Fierce Conversations with Toby

Shamayne Olivia is an author, a motivational speaker and a difference maker Shamayne's authentic message guides women on a path towards personal and professional growth by fostering a renewed sense of passion, purpose, and confidence. Her workshop empowers women with the essential tools to get unstuck and move beyond the behaviors and patterns preventing them from realizing their full potential. S...

Kristin Caruso is a writer, editor, and researcher. She has a background in public relations and print journalism. Before Kristin joined Gaming Historian (hosted by her husband, Norman Caruso), she was an award-winning columnist and reporter. Kristin has a bachelor's degree in communications from Simmons College. Previously, she co-hosted the “Let's Go to Court” podcast. Currently, Kristin and Nor...

As a Reality existential therapist, Jacqueline Stuckey shares with her patients the "choices" they indeed have to improve their lives but may not realize it. She also helps patients assess how they understand their existence in this life. Jackie’s background is in drug and alcohol counseling. Sometimes all you might need is an ear to listen to your most intimate of moments. That’s where she comes...

Katrina Butler is a certified social impact consultant and a restorative justice facilitator. She is also the author of a book written for children of incarcerated parents. Katrina is a resilient woman who transforms life’s adversities into opportunities that inspire others. She believes in paying it forward by advocating for second chances, trauma-informed care, alternative sentencing and giving...

Welcome to Fierce Conversations with Toby—where stories of struggle, strength, and transformation take center stage. I’m Toby Dorr, and I believe that every conversation has the power to change lives. Here, we dive deep into the raw, unfiltered moments that shape us, challenge us, and ultimately, set us free. From personal reflections to compelling interviews, join me on a journey of fierce honest...

Bex Gunn considers herself a nomad. She’s lived in 8 different states and seems to be able to find herself at home in just about any social circle. Music, tattooing, and poetry are the hobbies she’s most passionate about. But her biggest purpose is helping people through the human experience, with love and kindness. Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video int...

Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Alexa Bigwarfe is a USA Today best-selling author and the founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell, a company dedicated to helping authors professionally self-publish and market their books. Her courses and training focus on author platform growth...

In this episode, Michael Thompson discusses his writing path which began at the age of 13. Learn how one teacher’s attempt to devalue his doodling led to his creative mentor. I pop into my local Barnes and Noble bookstore several times a month just to feel surrounded by books. When my trip happens to be on a weekend, I often come across local authors signing their books. A few weeks ago, I met Mic...

My guest today is my husband. Christian Dorr. While listeners may find it interesting to hear his perspective on my story, he has a powerful story of his own!  When I got out of prison, I had no intentions of ever getting married again. I was done with men, done with all the whole mess. I was just going to live my own little quiet life and then in walks Christian Dorr. And it became apparent that...

William, my oldest son is 33 years old. He's autistic, blind, and non-verbal. I decided to do a marathon and when I told William, he wanted to participate. My daughter joined in and it became a family affair. We had to push William in a wheelchair because he’s blind and it would be too difficult to lead him. Most of the race seemed to be uphill. But we finished! Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fi...

Trigger warning/disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about child abuse, divorce, and personal trauma, including personal experiences and journeys. The content may be emotionally intense and could be triggering for some individuals. If you find these discussions distressing, it may be advisable to skip this episode or listen with caution. Remember to prioritize your mental and emotional we...

Trigger warning/disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about death, including personal experiences and journeys. The content may be emotionally intense and could be triggering for some individuals. If you find these discussions distressing, it may be advisable to skip this episode or listen with caution. Remember to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. “And so she (our daughter...

The symbol of the artichoke has great meaning for Judy in her teaching and writing. As she works with families, she sees that frequently only the outer edges are exposed, which can be prickly and sometimes bitter to the taste. But, as you expose the artichoke - and people - to warmth, caring, and time, gradually the leaves begin to open and expose the real treasure–the heart. Judy has written more...

“It isn't that I had it all figured out, it's that I just focused on the next right step.”  - Charli Hoffman, CEO of Time Hackers Unite, Founder of Sparkle Warriors Book Club, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Some of our fierc...

“And the point is, you can do it. You have more strength than you think you do. You can go through these tough situations. You move through that adversity, and you move through those struggles. And you keep going.”        Susan J. Godwin, fervent educator, writer, freelance artist, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to f...

“And the point is, you can do it. You have more strength than you think you do. You can go through these tough situations. You move through that adversity, and you move through those struggles. And you keep going.” -       Pat Black-Gould, Ph. D., clinical psychologist award-winning children’s book author, fiction author, playwright, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Head to http...

Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ “The women of Framingham (Prison) sought a way out and their struggles gave them dignity. I could hear their voices speaking out of the darkness.”  - Jean Trounstine, author, activist, professor emerita at Middlesex Community College in Lowell,...

“For eight years, I was ashamed of my story. I learned that my story is freeing. Other people need to know that in telling their own story you can take your power back. And it takes away the power of those who are holding your story against you. Don't be the person others believe you should be just because you're a felon.  I am enough. And so are you.” -        Tanaine Jenkins, best-selling author...

“I feel like it's gotten to the point where we're so scared of crossing a boundary that we just say nothing.” -        Hannah Rumsey, developmental editor & writing coach for Sara Connell Coaching, Inc., creator and host of the podcast “Friends Missing Friends”, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby. Find the video interview here! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/pod...

Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Natasha Dasher is on a life mission to help Returning Citizens realize their true potential. She is an appointed Commissioner for Returning Citizens and Re-Entry Affairs and the co-chair of the DC Democratic Caucus for Returning Citizens. Some o...

Find all interviews at https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ In this episode, Brittany Means discusses her new memoir, Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways. About Brittany Means: Brittany Means is a writer and editor living in Albuquerque, NM. A graduate of Iowa's MFA Nonfiction Writing Program, Means has worked with Inara...

Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ http://www.bfa-ministry.org/ Gina Hanna founded Beauty for Ashes Ministry with her husband Derk in 2009. Their vision was to drastically reduce recidivism in prisons across the United States by providing a biblically based Christ-centered progra...

Watch the video interview here! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ When we know the hard choice is right, in a way, it's not hard because we can't not do it. -        Kimberly Braun, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Join us as Kimberly Braun shares her extraordinary life journey with us. Kimberly discusses her challe...

 Trigger warning/disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about cancer, including personal experiences and journeys. The content may be emotionally intense and could be triggering for individuals who have had personal experiences with cancer or are sensitive to health-related topics. If you find these discussions distressing, it may be advisable to skip this episode or listen with caution. Re...

Watch the video interview here! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ "The lost art of what's been going on is people have forgotten how to have a conversation and how to say, 'Can I help you?'"  - Laura Spetter, 14-year Air Force veteran and today’s guest along with Geoff Spetter, a 21-year Army veteran, on “Fierce Conversations with Toby” In this episode of “Fierce Conv...