Jill Van Balen
Finding Your Inspiration
Ignite a spark of inspiration, unlock your boundless potential, and pursue your passion with the Finding Your Inspiration podcast! Join host Paul Tully as he delves into captivating stories of individuals who have defied odds, conquered challenges, and pursued their dreams with unwavering courage. Each story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, celebrating the resilience and triumphs of individuals from all walks of life. Co-created by National CORE Founder Jeff Burum, FYI Host Paul Tully, and National CORE SVP of Marketing/Communications Jill Van Balen, Finding Your Inspiration is...
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Episodes
#122 | From Sleeping in Her Car to Living Her Dream as a Glass Blower Artist: Carlyn Ray 08.07.2026 41:41
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Carlyn Ray — glassblower, artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Carlyn Ray Designs, whose breathtaking glass sculptures and installations have transformed homes, businesses, and public spaces throughout Texas, California and beyond. But Carlyn's journey wasn't always filled with success. Long before becoming an accomplished glass artist,...
#121 | The Man Who Put Art on the Moon: A Conversation with Pink Floyd Saxophonist Scott Page 08.07.2026 1:00:06
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Scott Page — entrepreneur, innovator, and legendary saxophonist known for performing with Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Toto. But Scott's story goes far beyond music. From touring the world with some of the most iconic bands in history to helping send art to the Moon, Scott has spent his life living at the intersection of creativity, tech...
#120 | The Reality of Losing 100 Lbs. (And Keeping It Off) 07.07.2026 31:05
In this special episode of Finding Your Inspiration, the tables are turned as FYI Podcast host Paul Tully becomes the guest. Interviewed by Executive Producer Jack Rothman, Paul shares the reality behind his ongoing 100-pound transformation. At the time of this conversation, he's 75 pounds down with 25 pounds left to go. What makes this story different isn't the weight loss—it's what finally made...
#119 | Michael C. Martin's Journey from Real Life to Writing Brooklyn's Finest 18.05.2026 1:03:00
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Michael C. Martin — screenwriter, storyteller, and the writer behind Brooklyn's Finest — to talk about the real-life journey that led him from East New York to Hollywood. Michael's path into screenwriting didn't begin with a perfect plan. After film school, a car accident, and a need to make money, he entered a screenwriting contest wit...
#118 | Conversation with a Film Composer: Andrew Morris 05.05.2026 57:01
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Andrew Morris — film composer, creative, and the technical studio engineer and lead editor behind the FYI Podcast at National CORE — to talk about following your instincts and how seemingly unrelated paths can ultimately lead you exactly where you're meant to be. From the outside, Andrew's journey might look random — moving between diff...
#117 | Why You Can't Wait to Chase the Life you Want: Real Estate Advisor Mike Ramirez 27.04.2026 1:06:07
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Mike — real estate advisor and entrepreneur — to talk about life, loss, and why you can't wait to chase the life you truly want. On paper, Mike's journey is one of success — building a career, creating opportunities, and helping others find their place in the world. But behind that path is a much deeper story shaped by family struggles,...
#116 | More Than a Theme Park Streamer… This Means Everything to Him 13.04.2026 52:30
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Danny — theme park streamer and content creator — to talk about community, connection, and how something as simple as going live can turn into something much bigger than he ever imagined. From the outside, Danny's content looks like fun, rides, and entertainment. But behind the streams is something deeper — a growing community of people...
#115 | World Panna Champion Jack Downer's Daily Habit Changed Everything 13.04.2026 1:01:47
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Jack Downer — World Panna Champion, professional footballer, and creator — to talk about resilience, recovery, and what it really takes to rebuild your life after everything changes. From the outside, Jack's journey looks like elite skill, creativity, and success. But behind it is a story of trauma, a near-death experience, and a long r...
#114 | Christian Filimon Walked Away From a "Perfect" Career… Why? 06.04.2026 44:31
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Christian Filimon — broadcaster, podcaster, and front office executive — to talk about what it really means to bet on yourself. Raised in Queens by immigrant parents who worked tirelessly to build a better life, Christian grew up surrounded by discipline, ambition, and expectation. That foundation led him into the world of finance, but...
#113 | Army Veteran, Operating Room Nurse, and Sports Reporter: Amanda's Journey 09.03.2026 48:05
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration , we sit down with Amanda — Army veteran, operating room nurse, and sports reporter — to talk about service, purpose, and the unexpected paths life can take. Amanda's journey began in the United States Army, where she developed the discipline and resilience that would shape every chapter that followed. After her time in uniform, she stepped into the medi...
#112 | When Tragedy Sparks a Movement: Erin Runnion's Mission to Protect Children 04.03.2026 33:03
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Erin Runnion — mother, advocate, and founder of The Joyful Child Foundation — to talk about loss, legacy, and how one life can spark a movement that protects millions. After her daughter Samanta was kidnapped and murdered, Erin faced a grief no parent should ever endure. But instead of allowing tragedy to define the end of her daughter'...
#111 | Graffiti, Survival & Second Chances: How Efrain Turned It Around 23.02.2026 57:40
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Efrain Aguiar — former graffiti tagger, street kid, and survivor — to talk about identity, survival mode, and the moment that forced him to choose a different path. Growing up, tagging wasn't just about spray paint and walls. It was about belonging. It was about recognition. It was about navigating an environment where survival came fir...
#110 | When Life Gets Heavy, You Keep Going: Ralph Bracco's Story 11.02.2026 23:17
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, host Paul Tully sits down with longtime friend Ralph Bracco for a real, honest conversation about family, loss, and what it means to keep going when life gets heavy. As two old friends catching up, Ralph opens up about caring for his parents, losing them, and how that experience reshaped his perspective on success, gratitude, and purpose. He also reflec...
#109 | She Turned Life's Challenges into Strength: Theresa Farrell 05.02.2026 25:00
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Theresa Farrell to talk about resilience, self-belief, and what it really means to keep going—especially when life doesn't unfold the way you expected. Theresa's story is one of growth shaped by challenge. From navigating difficult moments early on to learning how to stand confidently in who she is today, her journey is a powerful remin...
#108 | NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson: Legacy Beyond the Game 27.01.2026 33:07
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Eric Dickerson — NFL Hall of Famer, Rams legend, philanthropist, and entrepreneur — to talk about legacy, purpose, and what it means to make an impact far beyond the game of football. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1983, Eric didn't just enter the NFL — he changed it. With 13,259 career rushing yards (8th all-time) and the NFL singl...
#106 | Transformation Doesn't Happen Overnight: Aram Ramirez on Film Directing & Entrepreneurship 26.01.2026 55:08
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Aram Ramirez to talk about navigating uncertainty, staying grounded when life feels heavy, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when the next step isn't clear. Aram shares how seasons of doubt, responsibility, and internal pressure shaped his outlook — and how learning to trust himself became the turning point. Through reflec...
#105 | What Happens When You Stop Playing It Safe W/ Kandice Gonzalez 05.01.2026 43:59
In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Kandice Gonzalez to talk about navigating uncertainty, trusting yourself when the path isn't clear, and what it really takes to keep going when things feel heavy. As an actor chasing her dreams while also caring for her brother who has Down syndrome, Kandice shares how responsibility, love, and resilience have shaped her perspective —...
#103 | Portraying Lenny Bruce: The Play That Changed Ronnie Marmo's Life 09.12.2025 41:25
In this episode of *Finding Your Inspiration*, Ronnie Marmo opens up about the realities behind the craft — the struggle, the discipline, the honesty, and the purpose that drives an artist forward. Ronnie, known for his powerful one-man show on Lenny Bruce, talks about: * What inspired him to bring Lenny's story to life * Why authenticity is everything for an actor * His own battles, setbacks, and...
#102 | The Story Behind the D'Ellena Winery (In Memory of Claude Ellena) 25.11.2025 45:32
This episode was filmed on September 29, 2025, just weeks before Claude's passing. We are deeply honored to share his story — his family's incredible journey, the history behind the D'Ellena winery, and the legacy that shaped generations. Claude welcomed us into a world built on grit, craftsmanship, and heart. As National CORE becomes the new steward of this historic land, we remain committed to p...
#101 | Johnny Canizzaro on Pursuing His Acting Dream and Portraying Steven Van Zandt 19.11.2025 48:17
Johnny Canizzaro shares how he pursued his acting dream, the defining moments that shaped his journey, and the incredible opportunity to portray Steven Van Zandt in the new Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere. Before stepping into an iconic role, Johnny had to understand who he was becoming — as an artist and as a man. In this episode, he opens up about the moments of doubt, the disc...
#100 | How Sheila Conlin Built a Legacy That Shaped Modern Entertainment 11.11.2025 57:33
Sheila Conlin is more than a casting director—she's a trailblazer who helped define an entire genre of television. Over a 15-year span, she evolved from talent agent to casting visionary to executive producer, leading the charge on some of primetime's most iconic unscripted series In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, Sheila shares how she broke into the entertainment industry, built a new...
#99 | Inside the Mind of a Psychic Medium (Laura Cifaldi Explains the Unseen) 27.10.2025 58:11
What do people really come to mediums for? In this episode, we explore grief, closure, "signs" from loved ones, and how readings can bring clarity when you need it most. We also dig into ethics, evidence, and what the afterlife might be like — including pets crossing over and the power of automatic writing. Laura's Socials 🌐https://www.lauracifaldinewjerseymedium.com/ 📸https://www.instagram.com...
#98 | The Power of Hope: Finding Your Inspiration Season 2 Highlights 14.10.2025 3:57
From heartbreak to healing, struggle to strength — every guest this season had one thing in common: hope. This compilation celebrates the moments that reminded us why we do what we do — to share stories that inspire transformation and remind us that no matter where you are, hope is always the first step toward change. ✨ Watch. Feel. Believe. Subscribe for more stories that prove one spark of hope...
#97 | How We Said Yes to a Half Ironman with Only 6 Months to Train 06.10.2025 58:18
What started as a simple chat with past guest and para-athlete David Whelan became a life-changing decision: the Finding Your Inspiration team would run a Half Ironman in Muncie, Indiana — with only six months to train. In this special segment, host Jack Rothman sits down with Paulie, Norma, and Andrew to unpack the decision, the training struggles, and the emotional moments that came with race da...
#96 | How One Man is Making Sure Thousands of Kids Are Getting Fed 23.09.2025 30:55
What does it take to change a community? For Greg Quezada, it starts with a single meal. Through Allison's Project, Greg provides hot meals to kids in after-school programs—giving hope, consistency, and connection to families who need it most. In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, Greg shares why he started Allison's Project, how it honors the legacy of a close friend, and why service in yo...
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