Kevin Polky - The Journey

She is Making Changes in Her Office to help the Community I had the honor to have the 3rd speaker for the SOS Annual Fundraiser on The Journey, Jennifer Muraski. She shared her story of how she became a funeral director and later appointed to Winnebago County Coroner’s office. She shared how she is working to expand the understanding of the office and the services they offer.

Living her Best Life Welcome back to The Journey, Erica! It has been four years since Erica has been on The Journey. A lot has changed in her life. Listen to her catch us up on all the great strides she is making to live her best life.

She has Developed Many Tools for Her Healing Welcome back Tonya to The Journey. Tonya is going to be one of featured speakers at the Shatter Our Silence Annual Fundraising Dinner on September 21, 2023. During this episode, Tonya shared the complicated grief she experienced when her brother, friend and uncle died from suicide in less then 18 months. She shared the variety of tools and techniques sh...

She is Healing and Finding Her Purpose As we start preparing for suicide awareness month, Shannon has an extra special story of her work with the military and veterans. She has over 20 years of experience in the military primarily focused on suicide prevention and mental health. During this episode, Shannon does a great job sharing the work she does as a veteran peer support counselor for the Capt...

Many times, we question if we are on the right the path for our life. We question are choices and then question our fate. In this episode, I talk about the path you are on right now is exactly where you are supposed to be, but it is up to you if you want to stay on the path or make change. That is part that you can influence. Enjoy!

Sports have taught many things throughout my life. During this episode, I talked about how sports are a metaphor for life. I talk about being hurt versus injury. The paradox of getting relief as move toward the pain versus avoiding it. Enjoy!

I love competitive sports and the arts. I think they provide an opportunity for us to be challenged and stretch ourselves to be our best self. During this episode, I share about my observation of how art reflects life and how when you focus on developing your character, preparation + opportunity = success. Enjoy!

During this episode, I reflected on an interview with Carey Lohrenz, the first-ever female F-14 Fighter Pilot. She shared about three elements of character: courage, tenacity, and integrity. Check out this episode as go deeper into each of these elements.

An Advocate for Attorney’s Mental Health Adam openly shares his story of the complex trauma he endured as a child and “masks” he wore into adulthood until all came crashing down in June of 2018. He is now living his best life and advocating for mental health awareness for attorneys. Check this special episode out. Go to his website www.adamstivers.com for resources and more information.

In a time when there is an abundance of information, what is the basis of making the decisions in your life? Fear? Appearance? Judgement, of others? During this reflection, I share about some ideas of what we can build a firm foundation of decision making.

Soul Shine Sister I wonderful conversation with this new friend, Lisa. Check out this episode in which Lisa shares about her experiences throughout her life’s journey turns that she made and how she ended up exactly where she was supposed to be. One of my favorite conversations. Go to www.ltkcounseling.com for more information.

Champion for Juneteenth Tommy has shared his passion for bringing the holiday, celebration Juneteenth to the Rockford area for the past 33 years. During this episode, Tommy shares the history and the importance of Juneteenth and his why is important for all Americans to share in the celebration. For more information go to Facebook Rockford Juneteenth Celebration for the schedule of events for Sund...

At the beginning of summer there is excitement of school being out and the days being longer. But before we know we could be preparing to return to school and the fall activities. What can you do to plan for having the best summer possible.

During this episode, I share about my personal sanctuary for grounding and spiritual growth. It is not some exotic place. It is my backyard and my new activity (hobby) watching my feathered friends. Enjoy! Enjoy!

Sometimes in life setbacks happen. At times, it may be others’ choices. Sometimes it just life. I know for me when I am stuck in my thinking, I take a bad situation and make it worse. Listen to this episode to get a Higher perspective. Enjoy!

Increasing our self-awareness to realize, we have very little influence over the stressors in our life. And, we have even less power over eliminating the stressors. But we do have a responsibility to manage our response to the stressors. Equally, we have limited control over the outcome of an event, but we do have a responsibility in our preparation for the event. This episode focuses our energy o...

May is selected to be mental awareness month. Started in 1949 originally to bring awareness about breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. Today, this is still true but in this episode but I share about the importance of focusing on mental well being.

It appears Spring is arriving! Give yourself permission to embrace the change in seasons. Look in awe to the change all around you. Use this opportunity to get your hands and feet in and on the Earth. Be open to this gift and be present.

At this time in our society, there is no longer a lack of information. The current dilemma is deciphering through the information. Similar, many times we find ourselves dwelling on the past or overly preoccupied about the future. Check out this episode on the invitation to intentionally be in the present.

A Man Living His Work Greg is back on The Journey and is sharing about his life work of being a Light in the darkness regardless if it is at a critical incident, teaching, in the pulpit or writing his latest book. A wonderful conversation that I hope you enjoy.

White Collar Crime turned Red Welcomed Dr. Lichtenwald back to The Journey to continue our discussion about criminal thinking patterns and white-collar crime. Great discussion about how our societal views on crime changed over time.

A Psychologist’s Journey Part 1 I welcome Dr. Lichtenwald to The Journey. We started working together in the early 1990’s. I have always enjoyed my conversations personally and professionally with him and this one is no different. Dr. Lichtenwald will share his journey to becoming a clinical and school psychologist and then being recruited to be a forensic psychologist by the US government. Amazin...

“Aha! I love to Play” I welcomed Mary Kay back to The Journey. She has continued her work with bringing the benefit of play and humor to educators and the mental health field. Awesome conversation about how to utilize humor and play in everyday life. Great episode for parents and grandparents.

A Man following the Prompting Take a listen to this engaging conversation with Greg Young about his career as some who is willing to get involved as a pastor, instructor, author and crisis interventionist. Greg’s has brought him all over the world including: Ukraine, Sandy Hooke and Katrina. Enjoy! Part 2 will be coming in a little over a month.

During the episode, I discuss the importance of the autonomic nervous system. I shared about the 6 evidence-based techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Enjoy!