Seemingly Ordinary

Peter King just completed his first year at St. Thomas Aquanis College in California. His degree is in the arts. He writes, acts, sings, lifts weights, and has a ton of enthusiasm for all of these things. Today, we’re going to talk about his life in the arts, fitness, and what it’s like to move 2,000 miles away from home and pursue a brand new life. (This episode was recorded May 25, 2021.)

Dr. Shane Rapp became the principal of St. James Academy at the age of 29. The first four years had their challenges--and then 2020 hit.  We discuss this year's victories, challenges, the public's reaction mixed reactions, and much more. But my favorite parts were about Dr. Rapp's childhood, and what got him into teaching in the first place!  Dr. Rapp also outlines his vision for th...

Allie Stulzsatz is an entrepreneur from an entrepreneurial family . She is also a beloved teacher, a great wife and mom, and a great cookie artist! Today, we discuss business, family, and more. Enjoy!  (This episode was recorded on July 8, 2020.)

College life was weird from 2020-21, but many students were not only on campus, they did some really cool things, like travel abroad and create communities of deep friendships. In this inspiring episode Madeline Joerger, 20, grows, acts freely, and inspires others to unleash all of the love in their hearts.  This episode was recorded on May 20, 2021.

My friends Sean & Jamie Cailteux are healthcare workers, and the parents of three kids, Claire, Josie, and an unborn baby boy!  I’ve interviewed Sean before. He’s a super-fit chiropractor, and he’s my go-to guy when it comes to all things health and fitness. Jamie Cailteux is a nurse and perhaps the most avid reader I know—and that is saying a lot. I am not sure how many books she goes through...

Amber Hellwig is the Director of Admissions at St. James Academy. We discuss her life story, and our in-person '20-21 school year, and the benefits and  burdens that went with it.

Sammy Kopecky became the sole proprietor of profitable and professional photography business as a high school student. She’s done senior portraits, special events—and even was trusted enough to be the photographer for a newlywed couple. You can find her at Kopecky photography, at samanthakopeckyphotography.com.  

            Matthew Newkirk is only 18, and yet he is an accomplished singer, actor, sports announcer, performer, and student. His podcast, available on multiple platforms including iTunes, Spotify, and other platforms, is The Young Money Podcast.             This is a story about a person who works extremely hard at what he loves, which is performing and announcing. It’s also the story of a guy w...

Whenever I see happy, healthy, accomplished kids, I always wonder how the parents did it. In this episode, Jerry and Lucy Tujague, two very accomplished people, tell fascinating and helpful family stories.

             Antionette Ishmael is a lifelong teacher. She’s taught many different kinds of English, speech, debate, and theatre. She’s helped put on plays, musicals, concerts. Her debate /forensics teams have often come in first in the state/local tournaments.             She’s also a published author! Check out her stories in “Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother’s Soul,” “Chocolate for a Woman...

Emily was a beloved high school teacher at a very demanding school before she became a full-time mom of six children. I've always been fascinated by how great parents raise cheerful kids. Today, Emily explains it all: from romance  to engagement to marriage to baby boom. What does it take to raise awesome children? Emily is too modest to say she knows. Even so, enjoy!

23. Emily Mushinski, World Traveler

            Madeline Joerger, 19, is an accomplished singer, actress, performer, and student. Because of her artistic and academic excellence, she has received over $116,000 in scholarships to attend Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. 

Sean Cailteux is a weightlifter, a runner, and someone who has made a lifelong study of all things health. On Jan. 5, 2021, I published my interview with Sean about his views on Paleo, Whole 30, Vegetarianism, Veganism, the Carnivore Diet, and a few other things.  Now, we talk about the rest of fitness: exercise, sleep, water, relationships, and living a balanced life.

Clare Larkin is a teacher who traveled to Poland in order to have a transformative personal experience. We discuss what she did to Poland, how that nation is better off for her visiting it, and how you, too, can have a trip of a lifetime.

Two stories of being abroad.

Lindsey Weishar is a freelance writer and a world traveler. She's been to India, South Korea, England, France, Prince Edward Island, and Sicily. I hear her stories, and we discuss how travel can not just excite your life, but transform you into a better person.

Sherri teaches art, and student love her class. We discuss how her life led her to art, the art of her life, and how art can enrich every person’s life. 

Tyler Supalla is a teacher, coach, philosopher, and a productive side hustler. We go through his incredible and varied work history, how he creates entrepreneurial ventures, and discuss his thoughts on how people can get work in a tough economy, as well as how teachers and parents can get kids excited about work.

I read Chapter 5: "Win the Way," from Vaughn Kohler's amazing book, which finds the intersection between Biblical principles, and principles of business and success literature.

Vaughn Kohler was the co-host of the top 200 podcast, The MFCEO Project, and he is the author of Sacred Drive: Biblical Principles for Pursuing Your God-Given Potential. A hilarious storyteller, Vaughn gives us his wit and wisdom in this extraordinary episode.

Emily Mushinski started dancing at 4 years old. She has a BFA in Dance, trained and performed with Budapest Dance Theatre, and now she works with Owen/Cox Dance Group, Tristian Griffin Dance Company, and Storling Moves.  If you ever wanted to work hard at something, or do something beautiful, you’ll love hearing from Emily. 

A reflection of what makes Carrie Pirouette a successful social entrepreneur.

Where others see obstacles, Carrie creates opportunities, and makes lasting changes to society and culture.

            Some people don’t just attend the school of hard knocks, they live there. All while struggling to pay her way through college as a first-generation student, Kim coped with a mysterious health problem that took doctors years to resolve. This is a story of mystery, and toughness.