Jill Van Balen

Finding Your Inspiration

Business EN ↓ 120 episodes

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...

Author

Jill Van Balen

Category

Business

Podcast website

nationalcore.org

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

#70 | Soccer as a Way of Life: Inside the Life of an Indoor Soccer Coach at Utica City FC 22.01.2025

Explore the incredible journey of Hewerton Moreira, a Brazilian soccer player turned coach, now leading Utica City FC in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). From playing futsal in Brazil to inspiring players in indoor soccer, Hewerton shares how hard work, sports discipline, and an athlete's mindset helped him achieve his dreams. Learn about his transition from player to coach, strategies for an...

#69 | Voice of Change: Phylicia's Filmmaking as a Tool to Inspire 22.01.2025

Join host Paul Tully on Finding Your Inspiration as he sits down with Phylicia Wissa, a talented actress, voiceover artist, and writer, to explore her incredible journey. In this episode, they discuss Phylicia's acting career, experiences in voiceover acting, and the importance of embracing family and culture for inspiration. Discover how Phylicia finds resilience and creativity in her roots, from...

#68 | Ink and Intention: The Passion Behind Joey Cruz's Tattoo Artist's Journey 09.01.2025

Join Paul Tully in this exciting edition of the FYI podcast as he introduces Joey, a gifted tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and influencer whose journey from hustling in National CORE buildings to flourishing in the art of tattooing is nothing short of remarkable. Joey discusses his story, from growing up in Ontario and overcoming obstacles to discovering his passion for painting. He anecdotes of per...

#67 | Transforming Lives Through Service to Others: Rafael, a Healthcare Hero Promotes Wellness 09.01.2025

Join Paul Tully in this inspiring episode of the FYI podcast as he sits down with Rafael Barba, a dedicated registered nurse who turned his uncertainty into a fulfilling career dedicated to helping others. Discover how Rafael navigated his early struggles, from feeling lost at 20 to finding purpose in nursing after working with special education students. His heartfelt stories of connection and co...

#66 | Inspiration for Musicians: How Jocko Deal Turned His Passion into a Full-Time Career 20.12.2024

Join Paul Tully in this captivating episode of the FYI podcast as he welcomes Jocko Deal, a talented musician known as the "human jukebox." Jocko shares his inspiring journey from a stable job at Sherwin-Williams to pursuing his passion for music full-time, illustrating the pivotal moment he had to pass up a significant opportunity. This experience became a wake-up call, motivating him to embrace...

#65 | Climbing Life's Toughest Peaks: Shane's story of Battling Cancer & Finding Success in America 06.12.2024

Join Paul Tully in this inspiring episode of the FY podcast as he interviews Shane Riley, a remarkable individual whose journey from surviving in apartheid South Africa to pursuing his dream of climbing the base of Mount Everest is nothing short of extraordinary. But, his journey doesn't end there! Shane shares how he overcame adversity, including a recent cancer diagnosis, by embracing a positive...

#64 | Allie's Inspirational Journey: Turning Passion for Dogs Into a Purpose-Driven Business 02.12.2024

Join Allie Parelskin, founder of the Canine School of Behavior, as she shares her inspiring journey on the Finding Your Inspiration Podcast. Discover how this passionate dog trainer turned her love for animal behavior into a thriving dog training business. Learn valuable tips on how to start a dog training business, overcome business challenges, and achieve growth. This episode covers essential to...

#63 | Inspiration for Content Creators: How Rickey Ortiz Turned Challenges Into Creative Success 02.12.2024

  Looking for motivation and inspiration to fuel your content creation journey? Join us as YouTuber and filmmaker Ricky Ortiz shares his story of overcoming challenges as a disabled content creator, building a YouTube career, and growing his channel through authentic storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, new YouTuber, or just looking to learn more about content creation strategies an...

#62 | How to Find Your Calling: Lessons from Filmmaker and Author Stephen Michael Kelly 12.11.2024

Discover the journey of finding life's true calling with filmmaker, author, and creative powerhouse Stephen Michael Kelly. As he shares his path through independent filmmaking, documentary work, and publishing a heartfelt kids' book, Stephen reveals what it means to pursue creative passions with purpose. Dive into an inspiring conversation on the impact of teachers, mentors, and the courage to fol...

#61 | Growth Mindset Meets Environmental Awareness: Inspiring Change for a Healthier World 12.11.2024

In this episode, we dive into the world of microplastics and their impact on environmental health with hydrogeologist and entrepreneur Moises Santillan. Join us as we explore the pressing issues of plastic waste, water quality, and public health alongside Moises's unique personal growth and self-improvement perspective. Discover how a growth mindset can empower communities to tackle complex challe...

#60 | Overcoming Addiction: A Sobriety Journey of Faith, Healing, and Personal Growth 12.11.2024

Prepare for an inspiring FYI podcast episode as Paul Tully sits down with the incredible Cristal Aguirre! In this candid discussion, Cristal shares her profound journey through addiction and recovery, offering powerful insights into how vulnerability can be a source of strength. From tackling the challenges of social media to remaining committed to spreading positivity, her story is a testament to...

#59 | Homeless to Hero: How Joe the Poet Rose from the Streets of New York to the World Stage 05.11.2024

In this exciting episode of the FYI podcast, Bronx-born rap artist Joe the Poet joins Tully to share an inspiring story of resilience and creativity. From overcoming personal struggles to performing on an international stage, Joe offers a powerful message about perseverance and staying true to oneself. Their conversation touches on unexpected opportunities, the importance of self-discipline, and t...

#58 | Miguel Ponce: Commitment, Discipline & Hard Work 14.10.2024

Professional soccer player Miguel Ponce discusses his incredible journey from modest origins in Tijuana to participating on a global scale, including the 2014 World Cup. He emphasizes the value of hard effort, discipline, resilience, and the necessity of being a helpful teammate even when not playing. Miguel's narrative exemplifies the mental toughness necessary to flourish in a competitive settin...

#57 | Creative Hustle: Kala and Jalen Reveal the Realities of Acting 10.10.2024

Actors Kayla and Jalen share their journey from the Chicago theater scene to the competitive landscape of Hollywood. They discuss the importance of self-worth, emphasizing that one must not rely on external validation. Instead, they encourage listeners to pursue their passions wholeheartedly, explore their craft, and foster a sense of community over competition. The couple also touches on their un...

#56 | Chasing Goals on and the Field: Momo Gueye's Inspiring Journey from Senegal to the U.S. 10.10.2024

Momo Gueye, a professional soccer player, entrepreneur, and podcast host, shares his inspiring story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. Born in Senegal, West Africa, Momo moved to the United States at 12 years old and struggled to adapt to the culture shock. Despite not speaking English, he used Google Translate to communicate and eventually graduated with a degree in criminal justice.   Mo...

#55 | From Foster Care to Family: Santana's Journey of Survival 25.09.2024

Santana Dempsey, an actor, painter, and writer, shares her journey from foster care to self-discovery. Separated from her birth mother due to family struggles, she and her sister were adopted by a loving couple in the Midwest. But growing up with mixed heritage in a small town came with its own challenges. Through embracing her Afro-Latino roots, Santana found her true identity and now advocates f...

#54 | From Cuban Roots to Hollywood: Leslie's Duty as an Artist to Inspire Change 24.09.2024

  Leslie Lluvet describes her path of growth and self-discovery, focusing on how art and creativity played an important role in her metamorphosis. She reflects on her time as a "party girl" and transitioning to a more spiritual and emotionally aware existence. Leslie feels that society frequently prevents people from feeling full and that her role as an artist is to help others reconnect with thei...

#53 | From Childhood Dreams to Olympic Gold: Marco Fabian's Journey to Being a Soccer Legend 24.09.2024

From the bustling streets of Guadalajara to the grand arenas of the Bundesliga, this is the journey of Marco Fabián – a professional soccer player, Olympic gold medalist, and a true symbol of resilience. Watch how Marco faced down adversity, battling through soccer injuries to rise as a soccer legend, playing for teams like Eintracht Frankfurt, Chivas Guadalajara, and Empire Strykers in the MASL....

#52 | Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: A Culinary Artist's Journey into a New Acting Career 24.09.2024

Nikita Privalov shares his journey from Nyack, New York, to the bustling world of Los Angeles acting. Born to Russian immigrants, Nikita reflects on his family's sacrifices and his rise from a young kitchen worker to a passionate actor. He delves into the grit required to thrive in high-pressure environments, the importance of embracing discomfort, and the artistic dedication driving his craft. Wi...

#51 | Empowering Clients to Achieve Fitness Goals: Leslie's Journey as a Transformative Fitness Trainer 03.09.2024

Leslie Martinez, a fitness trainer and instructor, shares her inspiring story of overcoming injuries and staying motivated to help others achieve their fitness goals. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, discipline, and finding joy in helping others feel confident and good about themselves. Leslie's personal experience of recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus surgery motivates her to cont...

#50 | Taking the Big Leap: How Jhon's Risk-Taking Fueled his Acting Success. 21.08.2024

In this episode of FYI, Paul Tully interviews actor Jhon Mejia, who shares his journey from Spain to LA and the challenges he faced along the way. Jhon reveals how he landed his first acting career with a major role in Paul's film Murder Motel, overcoming insecurities about his accent and embracing his unique qualities. Despite financial struggles being an immigrant and doubts, Jhon's perseverance...

#49 | A Creative Future: Tait's Vision for Music and Community in Hawaii 21.08.2024

On this episode of the FYI Podcast, Paul Tully talks to Tait Ferge, a Hawaiian producer. Listen to Tait's tale about balancing the high expense of living in Hawaii, sharing a studio apartment with his parents for six years, and finding inspiration from his father. Discover how he overcame societal constraints to pursue his passion for music and how he and his wife founded a company to promote loca...

#48 | Building Community and Authenticity: Entrepreneurial Journeys and Creative Marketing in Hawaii 21.08.2024

In the latest episode of the FYI podcast, host Paul Tully talks with Ilikea Ferge, a multi-talented entrepreneur and photographer based in Hawaii, Ilikea Ferge . Ilikea shares her journey from starting as a photographer to co-founding a successful business, Indie Union, with her husband, Tate. They delve into the importance of passion, community and authenticity in business, emphasizing that lovin...

#47 | The Art of Healing: Amanda Rose's Survival Guide, Trauma Recovery and Success as an Artist 01.08.2024

Amanda Rose, a talented artist, shares her struggles, experiences, and inspirational stories. She talks about her creative process, saying that she often doesn't know what she will paint when she starts, but it emerges as she works. Amanda opens up about her past experiences with stalking, assault, and blackmail. She felt trapped and humiliated, and it wasn't until years of therapy that she realiz...

#46 | Breaking the Stigma: Filmmaker Jackie Quinones on Mental Health & Mental Illness 01.08.2024

Jackie Quinones discusses the importance of talking about mental health and mental illness and how it's crucial to reduce the stigma surrounding these issues. As the producer, director, and actor of films such as "Sick," "Tough Guy," "Confession of a Closeted People Pleaser," "Dandelion," and "From Beyond," she talks about the challenges faced in writing and directing these projects. Jackie emphas...

Listen to the Finding Your Inspiration podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.