Flying Upstream Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode of Flying Upstream , host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with writer Cinda Gault to explore her journey from a career in social services to becoming a storyteller dedicated to capturing the depth and complexity of women’s lives. What began as a search for meaningful work evolved into a deeper realization: sometimes the “right” path on paper isn’t the one that fulfills...

In this insightful episode of Flying Upstream , host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with April Ratchford, an occupational therapist and advocate for autistic adults, to explore a critical and often overlooked transition: life after high school. While many systems provide structure and support during childhood, April highlights the significant gap that exists once individuals enter adulthood. Drawing f...

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Susan Hall to explore a life-altering journey through adversity, resilience, and personal transformation. After being diagnosed with a rare bone cancer while navigating multiple personal challenges, Susan was forced to confront not only her circumstances—but the way she had been living her life. At the heart of this...

In this empowering episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Debbie Fay to explore her inspiring journey from personal adversity to becoming a successful public speaking coach. Debbie shares how a pivotal moment in her life led her to pursue her passion for helping others communicate with confidence and clarity. Together, they unpack one of the most common fears people face—...

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros speaks with Michael Bugary, whose life journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of rebuilding from rock bottom. Once a promising athlete, Michael’s identity was deeply tied to baseball—until a devastating arm injury abruptly ended his career and left him questioning who he was without the game. What follo...

In this compelling episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Eric Robinson to explore a powerful story of reinvention, resilience, and listening to your inner voice—even when it leads you somewhere unexpected. After spending 12 years in Christian ministry, Eric found himself emotionally exhausted and questioning whether the path he was on was truly aligned with who he was. D...

In this solo episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros dives into a question so many people quietly carry: Why do I feel stuck, even when I know something isn’t right? Through honest reflection, she explores the invisible forces that keep people in place—long after they’ve outgrown the life they’re living. Kristyn unpacks the psychological patterns behind staying stuck, including fear of t...

In this insightful episode of Flying Upstream , host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Craig Merriweather, a certified clinical hypnotherapist, to explore the deeper layers of mental health, healing, and the subconscious mind. After facing his own struggles with depression and anxiety, Craig began searching for answers beyond traditional approaches—leading him to the transformative world of hypnothe...

In this inspiring episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Jeff Weiss to explore what it truly means to reinvent your life. At 48, Jeff found himself successful on paper as a lawyer, yet feeling unfulfilled and physically disconnected from the life he wanted to live. Rather than accept that reality, he decided to challenge it. Jeff began with a simple step—signing up for a...

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Jess Vanrose to explore a deeply personal journey from trauma and survival mode to healing and self-discovery. Jess shares how early life challenges shaped her identity and how years spent pushing through survival patterns eventually manifested as burnout, panic attacks, and autoimmune disease. Through reflection and...

In this deeply moving interview on Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Chanoa Inez to explore a story of love, devastating loss, and courageous reinvention. After relocating to Montenegro for her partner, Chanoa’s world shifted overnight when he passed away unexpectedly. What followed was not only profound grief, but physical health challenges, identity disruption, and a reckonin...

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Kathryn Sporcina, a serial entrepreneur and spiritual leader, to explore her profound journey of healing from trauma and domestic violence. Kathryn opens up about how childhood experiences shaped her drive for success, the unconscious pursuit of validation through achievement, and the painful patterns that kept resur...

In this reflective solo episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros distills the most powerful lessons shared by past guests—individuals who have challenged societal norms, faced adversity head-on, and chosen to live in alignment with their authentic selves. Kristyn explores five profound insights that consistently surfaced across conversations. First, that success without alignment feels em...

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with John Borden to explore a journey marked by addiction, awakening, and extraordinary personal transformation. Once trapped in cycles of self-destruction, John reached a breaking point that forced him to confront the direction of his life. What followed was not an overnight shift, but a series of intentional decisions t...

In this thought-provoking episode of Flying Upstream , host Krystin Medeiros sits down with Kris Land, a successful technologist who reached every external milestone society defines as “making it” — only to find himself facing deep depression and a haunting question: This can’t be it. Kris shares his journey through emotional collapse, near-death experiences, and an awakening that reshaped his und...

n this deeply human episode of Flying Upstream , host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Laura Bratton to explore what it means to rebuild identity and purpose after life changes in an instant. Laura shares her experience of being diagnosed with a rare eye disease at the age of nine and the emotional, psychological, and spiritual journey that followed as she lost her sight. With honesty and grace, La...

In this moving episode of Flying Upstream , host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Shannon Michelle to explore a story of recovery, resilience, and reinvention. After surviving a devastating motorcycle accident followed by a breast cancer diagnosis, Shannon’s life was reshaped in ways she never could have imagined. She shares what it meant to rebuild not just her body, but her identity, sense of pur...

In this inspiring conversation, Ken Kunken shares his journey of overcoming adversity after becoming a quadriplegic due to a football accident. He discusses the challenges he faced in education and employment, the importance of mentorship, and how he defied societal expectations. Ken also reflects on his role as a father to triplet boys and emphasizes the power of self-belief and resilience in the...

In this enlightening conversation, Caleb Matthews shares his journey from a successful corporate career to embracing a life of purpose and authenticity. He discusses the importance of understanding one's spirit, soul, and body, and how these elements contribute to finding true fulfillment. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Caleb emphasizes the significance of dreams as a roadmap for lif...

In this conversation, Shannon Curtis shares her profound journey of healing from childhood trauma, addiction, and the transformative power of forgiveness. She emphasizes the importance of inner child work, the necessity of feeling pain to move through it, and the significance of living authentically. Shannon's insights provide a roadmap for those seeking to reclaim their power and embrace thei...

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream , host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Steve Gallegos to explore a deeply personal journey of resilience, self-acceptance, and reclaiming authorship over one’s life. Steve opens up about growing up in a turbulent environment shaped by abuse, how those early experiences influenced his sense of self-worth, and the long road toward understanding why he was...

n this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Larry Kesslin for a reflective and eye-opening conversation about joy, fulfillment, and the difference between success and significance. Larry shares his personal journey from external achievement to internal awareness, revealing how a successful career still left him searching for something deeper. Drawing on powerful life ex...

Episode Description / Show Notes (Amy Porterfield–Style) What if the moment you’re waiting for — the confidence, the certainty, the permission — never comes? In this solo episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros explores the deeply human tendency to delay change until we feel ready. Through personal reflection and lived experience, Kristin challenges the belief that confidence must come b...

What if the success you worked so hard for is the very thing keeping you trapped? In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristin Medeiros sits down with Guy Morris for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, ambition, and the disconnect between success and true freedom. Guy shares his journey from a traumatic childhood into the world of corporate achievement, where education and ambition open...

What if one moment of grace could change the entire direction of a life? In this episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Olaolu Ogunyemi, a Marine Corps officer and children’s book author, for a powerful conversation about second chances, identity, and the responsibility of leadership, both at home and in the world. Olaolu shares his personal story of growing up in Louisia...