Kevin Polky - The Journey

During this reflection, I share some thoughts about pursuing greatness. What it takes? What are the trade-offs? And what are the distractions? What we learn on the journey is what we transfer to the next chapter of our journey. Greatness is not the outcome rather what we learn along the way.

I wonder if this ever happened, I believe the prompting is not an accident and I know what direction to go in. But it does seem to be the right time. So, I must just wait and be patient. Not comfortable but necessary. So, what to do. A quote from Maya Angelou helps, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”

Clark Kelly joins me on The Journey to share how music shaped his life. What started at 10 years old with an inexpensive guitar eventually led him to Nashville, where he was performing and signed with Sony. Like most meaningful paths, his hasn’t been a straight line. There have been pivots, challenges, and growth along the way. But through it all, Clark has stayed committed to following what light...

Continuing the series on replacing habits and establishing routines. This reflection focuses on what can I control: my actions, response to my thought and emotions. Choose to focus on gratitude and happiness versus hatred and disappointment. Our choice!

In this episode, I talk about what it really takes to set and maintain personal goals when life gets hard. I walk through my own daily wellness routine—physical exercise, spiritual practices, and moments of mindfulness—and explain how consistent habits and intentional rituals have shaped my growth. I challenge listeners to look closely at their daily choices, their interactions with others, and ho...

Continue to reflect on goal setting and desiring to be the best version of myself this year for the ultimate goal to be able to help someone who is struggling. To be able show through kindness some hope and Light in their darkness.

Recently, I did a 3-hour workshop on changing habits. I initially did this workshop due to the tradition of New Year’s resolutions at the first every year. I wanted to see if there was a way to help individuals be more successful achieving their goals creating healthier habits. The episode focuses on what I learned from Charles Duhigg’s research on the habit loop. Enjoy!

A couple of weeks ago, I had Nathan Sills return to The Journey to talk about his film Afterglow. The night of the final public showing a fellow guest speaker was SaVana the older sister of Devon and his two brothers who were in the film. During the episode, SaVana shares about her experiences growing up in extreme poverty, homelessness, mental illness and addiction. She shares about her mental aw...

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is more than a holiday classic—it’s a mirror. Through the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, we’re reminded that change doesn’t require perfection, only honesty, courage, and a willingness to see ourselves clearly. In this episode, I reflect on how Ebenezer’s awakening—his reckoning with the past, his awareness of the present, and his responsibility for the futu...

In this episode of The Journey, I take time to reflect on the last few weeks and the many conversations I’ve had around the Hero’s Journey. I share how quickly life can change—sometimes in a single moment—and how those moments often arrive as a call we didn’t ask for, but need. No matter the situation, I believe every disruption carries an opportunity for growth, deeper awareness, and transformati...

In this episode of The Journey, I sit down with Nathan Sill to explore the deeper themes behind the documentary film Afterglow. We talk about parkour as a pathway to personal growth, the role of urban exploration in self-discovery, and how community and connection can transform lives. We also dive into the vulnerable stories shared in Afterglow, its impact on mental health awareness, and why makin...

In this episode, I take some time to reflect on my experience attending the final showing of Afterglow at Beloit College. I was invited to speak about mental health and resilience, and the evening became a powerful reminder of what it means to be a light for others. The hero’s journey is never a straight line—it’s circular, ongoing, and full of opportunities to step into something greater than our...

In this episode of The Journey, I share a reflection sparked by the first meaningful snowfall of the season in central Wisconsin. After Thanksgiving, the world around me slowed under a fresh blanket of snow—a moment of solitude, beauty, and quiet that invited me to breathe, listen, and reconnect with nature and with God. I talk about the importance of embracing these pauses in our lives, especiall...

In this episode of The Journey, I sit down with my friend Mike White to talk about his life, his work, and the powerful story of his son, Connor. Mike shares how he transformed his pain into action by creating Connor’s Second Chance, an endowment supporting at-risk youth through Youth for Christ. His commitment to honoring his son by helping others is a powerful reminder of resilience, gratitude,...

During this reflection, I talk about recent experience speaking at Rock Valley College regarding International Suicide Survivor Day on November 22nd . We never know what others are experiencing, so it best to choose to be kind and seek opportunities to be available to others.

In this reflection episode of The Journey, I take some time to pause and share thoughts on the Gifts of Autumn, the beauty, change, and stillness that this season brings. As the world around us slows down and shifts, we’re reminded to do the same: to be mindful, to stay present, and to notice the gifts that surround us each day. This episode is an invitation to embrace the transitions in life with...

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Nikki Myers, licensed clinical professional counselor, to discuss her 15-year journey with endometriosis and her mission to raise awareness and support others facing this condition. Nikki shares her powerful story of perseverance, from years of misdiagnoses and pain to finding answers through surgery and self-advocacy. She opens up about the physical and emo...

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Ashley Phillips for an important and deeply honest conversation about domestic violence, what it looks like, how it impacts victims, and what it takes to break free. Ashley shares her personal experiences and professional insights, shedding light on the many forms of abuse that often go unnoticed, including psychological, emotional, sexual, and financial con...

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Mary Votava, educator, yoga instructor, and behavior intervention specialist for Rockford Public Schools. Mary shares her journey from teaching English and ESL to her current work supporting students through mindfulness, movement, and social-emotional learning. We talk about how her yoga and breathwork practice has shaped her approach to student intervention...

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Michelle McCabe-Shafer, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Michelle shares her powerful story—from her early career aspirations to her unexpected breast cancer diagnosis at age 36. She opens up about the challenges of treatment and recovery, the emotional toll of cancer, and the lessons she’s learned about self-...

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Nick Votava, co-founder of Rockford Barbell. Nick and I dive into the story of how Rockford Barbell began and how it has grown into a community space where movement, weightlifting, and yoga help children develop crucial social and emotional skills. We talk about the rise in anxiety among youth since the pandemic and how physical activity and community can be...

Vanester Scott shared her journey of following God’s prompting and direction for her life. In this episode she shared the story of how she met her husband, started her prayer ministry and upcoming community event for unity. Enjoy!

Greg has been a staple on the radio as a radio personality for the past 30 years. He has found a love for the outdoors and as well performing arts world. He will be the MC for the second year in a row for the Annual SOS Fundraising Dinner. Greg shared about his involvement with InCrowd 815 helping non-profits networking. Enjoy!

Matt has been an educator for 12 years working as teacher and now as administrator. During this episode, we discuss the impact of mental health issues in the school setting. Awesome conversation as we discussed the importance of willingness to get involved. Enjoy!

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Olivia Gaumond and her father, Tim. Olivia opens up about her battle with OCD and the path she’s taken toward recovery. Tim shares his perspective as a parent—what it was like to walk alongside his daughter during her darkest times and how he found ways to support her through the struggle. Their story is a powerful reminder of courage, resilience, and the st...