Kevin Polky - The Journey

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...

Kirsten Edmunds returns to tell her story of fighting ED (eating disorder) and discovering her true identity. She is accompanied by her best friend, Taylor who fought to be by her side through the darkest time. Amazing story of the power of perseverance and friendship. Enjoy!

In this episode of The Journey, I open up about how I became involved in suicide prevention and share the origin story of Shatter Our Silence. What began as a response to tragedy has grown into a movement dedicated to education, awareness, and being a light in the lives of those who are struggling. I also talk about our current mission and how, together, we can make a difference in preventing suic...

This week on The Journey, I’m joined once again by my friend Ralph Velasco — a seasoned travel photographer, tour organizer, and author who has spent the last 17+ years exploring the world and helping others do the same. Ralph has led over 130 international tours across 7 continents and recently released his newest book, Bucket Lists for Travel: Places to Go Before Your Knees Give Out! In this con...

This week on The Journey, I reflect on the idea of the good life. What if you woke up tomorrow and found yourself living it? What would be different? What would you be doing? In this episode, I explore why asking these kinds of questions matters — sometimes even more than finding the answer. It's in the asking that we discover what we truly value, what we long for, and what might be missing. Take...

In this episode, I reflect on the work of Emily and Amelia Nagoski and their insights into the threat response cycle. In today’s world, most of our threats aren’t physical — they’re emotional, mental, and psychological. And yet, our bodies still respond as if we're in danger. Too often, we suppress those feelings, leaving stress unresolved and our systems stuck in overdrive. I talk about why it’s...

In this week's episode of The Journey, I reflect on the power of perspective. When you see a glass with 8 ounces of water, do you see it as half full or half empty? Or is it simply a glass with water, until we assign it meaning? I also explore how our interpretations shape our experiences, and how the stories we tell ourselves can either limit us or set us free.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Lacey, whose story is one of incredible resilience and transformation. Lacey grew up in a home shaped by the challenges of addiction. When she was just 12, her father passed away from cancer. A year later, she and her sisters were abandoned in Paris, France. When she returned to the U.S., Lacey entered foster care and lived with her grandmother and aunt unti...

In this episode of The Journey, I reflect on the philosophy of stoicism and the impact it’s had on my life. I share how I was introduced to the writings of Ryan Holiday, and how his modern take on ancient wisdom helped shape the way I approach daily challenges. I also tell a story about Marcus Aurelius, one of stoicism’s most well-known figures, and how his perspective reminds us that obstacles ar...

I have been influenced by Joseph Campbell’s work, The Hero’s Journey for over 20 years. During this episode, I share an overview of the hero’s journey and the three main segments of the journey. Enjoy as we begin the process of waking up on our journey.

In today’s episode of The Journey, I’m joined by my good friend Tom Leu, who returns to the podcast after five years. Tom is a speaker, coach, and expert in communication, and our conversation couldn’t be more timely. We explore the importance of healthy, intentional communication and why it’s become even more challenging in today’s world, where distractions are constant and real connection can fe...

In this week’s episode of The Journey, Kevin Polky takes a thoughtful and personal look at Men’s Mental Health — why it matters, why it’s often overlooked, and how we can begin to change the conversation.⁣ ⁣ Kevin reflects on his own journey, the influences that led him into men’s work, and the lessons he’s learned from years of listening, coaching, and walking alongside men through their struggle...