Narrative Voices

Most authors write memoirs—Matt Cheek turns storytelling upside down by blending humor, vulnerability, and a sharp voice of Philip Roth to explore love, identity, and personal growth. His journey from bluegrass stages to heartfelt prose reveals how humor and honesty can transform the way we share our stories and confront our inner critics. In this episode, you'll discover how Matt crafted a memoir...

Today, we dive into the life and legacy of Charles C. Diggs, Jr., a groundbreaking figure in American politics whose story has often been overlooked. Our guest, Professor Marion Orr, unveils the extraordinary contributions of Diggs, who was instrumental in shaping civil rights legislation and advocating for African relations during the tumultuous 20th century. As Michigan's first black congressman...

Today, we're diving into a heartfelt conversation with Athena Dean Holtz, an inspiring leader with over 40 years of experience in ministry and publishing. Our discussion revolves around her latest book, "No Longer Hidden: You Can't Resist What You Don't Recognize," which sheds light on the unseen tactics of the enemy that often lead to division and strife in our lives and communities. Athena share...

Today, we dive into the profound and often heartbreaking journey of caregiving through the lens of Sarah Vosburgh, who shares her deeply personal experience of caring for her mother diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. As roles reversed, Sarah navigated the emotional complexities of guilt, grief, and the intricate healthcare system while witnessing the gradual loss of the woman who raised her with...

Today, we dive into a heartfelt conversation with artist and writer Linda Summersea, who shares her journey of resilience, creativity, and rediscovery. At 67, Linda took a leap of faith and embraced a passion for expedition hiking, allowing her to explore the transformative power of nature. Her memoir, "The Girl with the Black and Blue Doll," offers an intimate glimpse into her life, revealing how...

Today, we delve into a heartfelt conversation about love, healing, and the often-complex journey of grief with our guest, Jacqueline Werket. With over three decades of experience as a nurse practitioner and a certified grief recovery method specialist, Jacqueline brings a wealth of knowledge and personal insight to the discussion. She opens up about her own experiences with delayed grief, emphasiz...

Today, we dive into the captivating world of Colonel Kenny Dupar, a retired soldier-turned-storyteller who believes humor is a vital survival tool. With a background that spans the gritty realities of war in Iraq to navigating the complexities of life during Covid, Kenny Dupar intertwines laughter with profound lessons. His novels reflect a unique blend of creativity and authenticity, while his Yo...

In a riveting exchange, Harvey Duchendorf takes us on an enlightening journey through the realm of emotional intelligence, unraveling its significance in both personal and professional contexts. Drawing from his rich tapestry of life experiences, Harvey unveils the genesis of his passion for emotional intelligence, rooted in his childhood struggles and a desire to forge meaningful connections. He...

In this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, host Rev. Dr. Keith Haney talks with Bill Blankschaen, founder of Story Builders, about the transformative power of storytelling. They explore how each person has a unique story that can give a competitive edge in leadership and influence. Bill shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, the importance of structuring messages effectively, and how storytel...

Today, we dive deep into the transformative power of kindness in leadership with Christy Pretzinger, the owner and CEO of WG Content. Christy not only leads a successful agency but has also fostered a workplace culture where kindness, personal growth, and inclusivity reign supreme. She shares her insights on how leaders can cultivate environments where people thrive, emphasizing that true leadersh...

Today, we're diving into the transformative journey of building real confidence with our incredible guest, Simone Knego. With her wealth of experience as an international speaker, author, and confidence expert, Simone shares her insights on reconnecting with our worth and navigating the chaotic beauty of life. She reveals her unique framework, the Real Method, which empowers individuals to embrace...

Join us as we dive into a powerful conversation with Julie Barth, a remarkable woman whose journey through love, loss, and resilience is nothing short of inspiring. In our chat, we explore the essence of her upcoming memoir, which captures her experiences as a mother of six while navigating the profound challenges of her husband's illness and her daughter's special needs. Julie shares how these li...

Kevin Hughes shares his incredible journey of resilience and healing from a childhood marked by poverty, abuse, and the challenges of being raised by a sociopathic mother. In his debut book, "SocioMom," he reveals the profound impact these experiences had on his life and the long path to recovery that followed. Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into themes of identity, survival, and redemp...

Leaders, change-makers, and visionaries are at the heart of this episode, as we dive into the transformative world of education with Dr. James Lane. With a career that has influenced educational systems from local districts to the federal level, Dr. Lane shares his unique journey from a musician to an esteemed educational leader, emphasizing the importance of being great at the jobs we currently h...

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Keith Haney speaks with Dr. Greg Stewart about the intersection of leadership, personal growth, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Stewart shares insights from his book, i3 for Leaders,' emphasizing the importance of embracing negative emotions as tools for growth. He introduces the iCubed framework for processing emotions and discusses the significance of criti...

In this episode, host Keith Haney speaks with Jenna Udenberg, a disability advocate and author, about her journey living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and her efforts to promote accessibility and inclusion. Jenna shares her experiences growing up with a disability, the challenges she faced, and how these experiences shaped her perspective on advocacy. She discusses her memoir, 'Within My Spok...

In this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, host Keith Haney speaks with Faith Clarke, an organizational health and teamwork specialist. They explore the importance of teamwork, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership in organizations. Faith shares her journey from engineering to her current role, emphasizing the need for organizational health that prioritizes people. The conversation delves int...

Takeaways: Alan Gregerman's concept of enlightened ignorance emphasizes that not knowing can be a strength in innovation. The Wisdom of Ignorance challenges the belief that expertise is always necessary for breakthrough ideas. Curiosity is an innate human trait that can unlock new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Leaders often struggle with connecting their organization's purpose to individua...

In this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, host Keith Haney speaks with Kyle Townes, a Christian freelance writer and author, about her new book 'The Road Less Traveled: Reclaiming Childhood for Christianity.' They discuss the importance of nurturing children's spiritual and emotional lives through a Christ-centered approach, the challenges of modern parenting, and practical steps for parents to...

In this engaging conversation, Reverend Keith Haney interviews Larry Aldrich, a former antitrust prosecutor and co-author of the book 'What's Right with America.' They discuss the importance of optimism in today's polarized political climate, the power of individual agency, and the defining characteristics that have propelled the U.S. to greatness. Aldrich emphasizes the need for community empower...

In this enlightening episode, join us as we delve into the transformative journey of healing through solitude and self-discovery with Abby Rosmarin. Discover how embracing time alone can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself. Abby shares her experiences and insights, offering a roadmap for those seeking to reconnect with their inner selves and find peace in solitud...

Cindy Wageman joins us to share her remarkable journey of recovery from multiple sclerosis and the lessons she learned along the way. Her latest book, *Completely Healed*, dives deep into the connections between trauma, stress, and autoimmune disease, offering a beacon of hope for anyone facing health challenges. We discuss the importance of taking responsibility for our own healing and the vital...

Kathy Allan is revolutionizing our understanding of trauma in healthcare, and today, we dive deep into her transformative work. As the founder of Gussie Nurses, a pioneering education program, she aims to help nurses alleviate traumatic stress within the healthcare system, ultimately restoring the healing process for both caregivers and patients. With over 20 years of experience and a knack for hu...

Today, we’re excited to dive into a heartfelt conversation with Arminda Espinoza, a retired bilingual teacher and proud first-generation Mexican American, who has authored the inspiring children's book, *Brave Learns English*. Arminda shares her deeply personal journey, which resonates with countless English language learners, highlighting the fears, challenges, and triumphs that come with learnin...

Today, we dive into a conversation with Mary Lyn Hammer, a pioneering force in student loan reform and health advocacy. Mary Lyn has not only made history as the nation's first full-time default manager but has also shaped critical legislation impacting millions of students. Her journey is nothing short of extraordinary, marked by resilience as she overcame a life-threatening illness and turned he...