How Life Shapes Us

One morning, Mazin AbdelMagid left home to take a college quiz. By the end of the day, his city and country were at war. In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, host Tesla Mitchell sits down with Mazin AbdelMagid, a Sudanese international student and junior studying mass communication at Winona State University, to share the story of how a normal day turned into a fight for survival. When conflict...

In an upcoming episode set for June 23, international student Mazin AbdelMagid shares his perilous journey alone from the war-torn country of Sudan to Egypt and later to the United States as he looks to finish his college education.  With resilience and fortitude, Mazin's story is full of perspective, wisdom, and gratitude -- and will leave your heart full as you listen to his path toward gra...

Some teenagers discover a piece of their true self while in sports, in the pages of a book, or even during summer camp. And some, like Tsubasa Hidaka, find a piece of their true self by living in another country.  In this episode of How Life Shapes Us , Tesla Mitchell sits down with Winona State University coworker and friend Tsubasa Hidaka, a Japanese international student whose journey from Japa...

What if the habit of running isn’t about restlessness, but rather survival? And what happens when you finally decide to stay? In this episode of How Life Shapes Us , Tesla Mitchell sits down with Cat Breet, an HR leader and public speaker for more than 200,000 people, and one of those people you instantly gravitate toward. As she prepares to leave Winona, Minnesota for a new chapter in Hawaii, Cat...

When you grow up afraid your stepdad will hurt you or your mom, how do you become a parent that doesn’t do the same? Host Tesla Mitchell sits down with her husband, Justin, to talk about how fatherhood forced him to confront his own past and choose to heal. Justin shares what it was like growing up with a violent, fear-driven stepfather and how those experiences shaped the man he became. Now a fat...

Ending Season 1 of How Life Shapes Us , host Tesla Mitchell shares a quick update on what to expect in Season 2, reflects on the moments that struck her most from the first 14 episodes, and offers heartfelt gratitude for every listener who has tuned in so far. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 31, when the first episode of Season 2 drops—featuring Justin Mitchell, a former truck driver, Jiu-J...

What happens when a 10-year-old “investigator” sits down to talk about friendship, confidence, and the world around her? In this heartfelt season finale, host Tesla Mitchell welcomes her daughter Shina, a thoughtful middle‑schooler who’s listened to nearly every episode -- multiple times. Together, they explore shifting friendships, feeling like a “second choice,” the courage it takes to compete i...

What does a summer camp for cows, a Catholic Worker house, and a well-timed dad joke teach us about weaving ourselves into our community?  In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, Dan Wilson reflects on the unexpected paths that led him from college plans for medical school to a life rooted in community service. His journey includes running a summer camp for cows, living and working at Bethany House...

For local business-owner Samijo McClatchey, navigating the pandemic as a gym owner (in an industry built on close human connection) forced her to rethink business, identity, and purpose.  In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, host Tesla Mitchell talks with Samijo about how she got through some of the big life moments -- like shutting down her gym -- that shaped her into the forward-thinking, grou...

Told he might never run — and later that he'd die in surgery — Pastor Warren Green refused to surrender to fear and instead chose to live with purpose. Pastor Green shares his story of survival, faith, and resilience in facing mortality head-on, and how he used life's "detours" as opportunities to grow his understanding of purpose and service. Talking about his invitation to Af...

 From the wrestling ring to the open house, Chris Jacobson learned what confidence, grit, and pursuing an unconventional dream really takes — injuries and all.  A former pro wrestler, ex-teacher, and now successful Winona realtor, Chris shares how pro wrestling taught him resilience, shaped his confidence, and prepared him for the highs and lows of the housing market.  Tune in to hear: How a chang...

Tom Sawyer, a renowned retired football coach from Winona State University, shares insights he's learned from 25 years as head coach, including how to build a strong team, the value of creating a goal-oriented culture, and strategies to handle both success and failure. Tom emphasizes the importance of giving team members ownership, fostering trust, and maintaining high standards. He also touc...

Emily Miller opens up about her journey as a young transgender woman and how transitioning during high school in a rural community shaped her path. Facing both support and resistance from those around her, Emily reflects on what she’s learned about relationships, societal expectations, and the emotional shifts that came with her transition. Her story is a candid exploration of resilience, self-acc...

In this unique episode, host Tesla Mitchell is interviewed by former guest Ron Strege as she shares her own life experiences and profound lessons. Tesla talks about her father's tragic murder, the impact it had on her, and how it fueled her desire to document life. Also touching on her stepfather's fireworks accident and her own spiritual reflections, Tesla emphasizes the importance of c...

Paul Stern talks about his experience studying in Buddhist Temples, his viewpoints on the human existence, and his belief that every moment can be sacred. Paul, a Buddhist priest and and an associate director at Winona State University, shares what he does when anger and other emotions pop up -- and the answer just might surprise you!  Full of deep wisdom and humanity, Paul talks about the importa...

In this episode, Jeff Reinardy shares how he went from being the scrawny kid in school to a powerlifter and fitness fanatic. Now the Director of Fitness and Wellness at Winona State University, Jeff shares the lessons he's learned about injuries, comparing ourselves to others, and the power of small victories. 

Hear from Rebeccah Rudnik, who shares how she survived a life-changing car accident that ultimately led her to changing career paths from marketing to becoming a firefighter. From overcoming a severe spinal injury and depression to finding her purpose in firefighting, her story emphasizes the power of the human spirit, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams regardless of age...

In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, we hear from Tesla Mitchell's mom, Angel Miller, about moments that changed her life. Angel shares a spiritual experience she had after preparing a special place for her mother-in-law's ashes and how that deepened her sense of God's presence. By going a bit deeper into feelings of faith and spirituality, Tesla and her mom share a moment of unde...

In Ep. 3 of How Life Shapes Us, we hear from Maria Espadas who talks about the risks she took in moving cities and later countries to follow her heart. Whether it included working next to alligators or marrying her husband after 6 months of dating, Maria learned the value in giving each decision her full dedication and effort.

In this inaugural episode of How Life Shapes Us, we hear Tesla Mitchell interview Ron Strege, who among many other things is the Director of the Warrior Success Center at Winona State University. Ron shares how key moments -- like losing his sister early in life -- taught him meaningful lessons in empathy and how needed it is in the world.  Tesla and Ron also unpack his journey with cancer and how...