Taking it for Granted

Lillian So is a Life Coach, Holistic Healer, Fitness Instructor, and Author of "So Empowered." She has turned her passion into her career, and as her passions in life have changed, her career has pivoted as well. Lillian started very successfully in the fitness world at a young age, but learned that she wasn't happy in a lot of other aspects of her life; so that became her mission. Now through her...

Matthew Birch is a musician and the founder of the band Our Violet Room. The band was recently a finalist in Hometown for the Holidays, a local music competition hosted by radio station KTCL, 93.3 in Denver. Even though a "long haul" battle with COVID slowed Matthew down recently, he is skyrocketing through the music industry. His music has been used in multiple tv shows, and Our Violet Room has a...

Therese Rocca is a Senior Account Executive at iHeartMedia, but lives such an interesting life outside of her 9-5. She is an expert travel hacker who has been to 27 countries and counting. Therese has found out what is important to her in life, and a big part of that is seeing amazing places with amazing people. Now she is helping others live out their travel dreams too. To learn more about Theres...

Colin O'Brien went viral this past year for his website datecolinobrien.com, but that is just part of who he is. When he isn't looking for his someone special, Colin produces many events from concerts to film festivals, puts together extravagant Christmas parties, or decides to run a marathon. While he is trying to navigate finding love in this new world of dating apps, Colin decided to set himsel...

We celebrate a year of the podcast by welcoming back the very first guest, AJ Smith. He is a former Marine, a recovering drug addict nearing five years of sobriety, and the Safety Coordinator for Thompson Construction Group. AJ gives us an update on the past year of his life, and his mindset heading into a new year.

I'm bringing back one of my favorite episodes of the past year, because I think everyone needs to hear it, and if you already have, you should hear it twice. Wic Whitney is a musician and LGBTQ+ Advocate, and his music took over my ears in 2021. He is the definition of being your true self, and that's something everyone can learn from. Check out his genre-blending music by following him @wicmakesm...

A special compilation episode of the year's guests and what brings them the most happiness and joy in their lives.

Charity Freeland is an author, motivational speaker, and burn victim survivor who just wrote "Life Beyond the Scars." In her book, she details the life lessons learned through tragedy, and tells readers how she has continued to find hope and joy in her life. Through family, faith, and her own courage, Charity is helping countless people find their own hope and motivation. To learn more about Chari...

Sam Rivera is the founder of Samuel Rivera Films, but he took quite the path to get to where he is today. Through shifting his mindset and focusing on getting one percent better everyday, Sam has been able to create the life he wants to live. He has told numerous inspirational stories through his work, and has been able to learn some life lessons along the way too. To learn more about Sam, check o...

Mandy Connell is the host of The Mandy Connell Show on iHeartRadio and 850 AM KOA, and she has scratched and clawed her way to get there. Through hard work and making the most of the opportunities presented to her, Mandy has created one of the most popular talk radio shows in the country. While she loves her work, over the years, Mandy has found that what is most important to her is the relationsh...

Romi Bean is a sports reporter and anchor at CBS4 in Denver, Colorado. While she may have had an unusual path to where she is now, through hard work and perseverance, Romi has open doors she never thought she would. Letting people in and putting a smile on people's faces is what brings Romi true joy, and she is doing a great job at that!

Stu Adams is the Caucus Director for the Iowa House Democrats, and one of the nicest people you'll ever hope to meet. With his previous work as a campaign manager all across the Midwest, to the work he is doing now, he is doing everything he can to be the change he wants to see in the world. While his work is very rewarding, Stu takes time to notice the little moments that make his life complete!

Paul Moak is a Grammy nominated producer and musician who has worked with countless artists, and recently got off tour with Ann Wilson of Heart. Paul's passion for bringing artists' voices into their music really shines through in his work, but who he is as a person is what really sets him apart. He stays open minded and curious, and doesn't limit himself to what people think he should be. To lear...

Michael Poore is a middle school teacher, and an author of books such as "Up Jumps the Devil," "Two Girls, A Clock, and A Crooked House," and my personal favorite "Reincarnation Blues." He embraces the little moments in life, but realizes that when things get heavy, it's the people around you that make a difference. He credits those people around him with a lot of his success, but his hard work an...

Blaine Dillinger is an amazing guitarist for the reggae band Hirie, but he's so much more than that. His curious mind keeps him busy, constantly learning new ways to better himself, or new instruments to play. Blaine overcame numerous failed bands to get to where he is now, and he doesn't forget the moments that made him who he is. Whether it be through producing music, teaching, or being on the r...

Rick Lewis is a legend in the radio world. He's done and seen it all, and with over 40 years in the industry, and 30 years on one show, Rick has left his mark on the world of radio. In addition to his work in radio, he is the founder and drummer of The Rick Lewis Project, and his band gets to open for acts such as The Doobie Brothers and ZZ Top. For all of his successes, Rick has certainly had som...

Laurie Allen is a quadriplegic triathlete inspiring countless people with her story and drive to succeed, no matter what life throws her way. After competing in triathlons for 20 years, Laurie suffered paralysis from a freak injury, but that didn't slow her down. She is back to competing, and advocating for others in similar situations that need assistance in all aspects of life. While she may not...

Angie Cillo is a member of the Army Reserves, a kickboxer and a radio pro. She just returned from a deployment to Kuwait, and Angie reflects on how that changed her as a person. Angie tells it like it is, and while some people describe that as mean, she's comfortable being herself, and doesn't worry about what others think of her. Angie has a podcast called "But, You're So Level Headed, available...

Ken and April Pishna raised two kids, had successful careers, but realized something was still missing from their lives. That's when they decided to start Living A Stout Life, and head out on the road in their RV, traveling the country and spreading their message. They are also the hosts of the Craft Beer Travel and Adventure Podcast, where they talk to brewers from around the country to get tips...

Mark Dean is a former collegiate hockey player, a 20 year veteran of the military, and a storyteller. He writes children books, poems, and music, and finds the most joy in his life from watching his two kids serve their communities. Mark has overcome many things in his life that have shaped him into the human he is today, but has always had one constant, and that is his deep love and appreciation...

Joshua Santiago is a man on a mission to make as big an impact as he can in his community and around the country. Through his nonprofit organization Empowering Cuts, he provides free haircuts for the homeless. Josh is always thinking of his next big idea like the 7 Random Acts of Kindness for 7 Days, where he blesses an individual with whatever they need in their life. Learn more about Empowering...

Becky Morrison had done it all in her career. She was a well respected lawyer turned COO, but no matter how much success she found at work, the one thing she couldn't find was her happiness. So She went on a mission to find her "Happiness Recipe," the name of her book, and is now helping others find success not only in their career, but on the happiness front as well. Find out more about Becky's s...

Ben Glover is a Grammy award winning songwriter and producer, and has known he'd be a part of the music industry from a young age. There was no plan b for Ben, and when his career as a singer flamed out, he had to find another way to work in music. He found songwriting and producing, and maybe his calling. After working with country superstars like Lee Brice and just getting his 40th number one hi...

Jerry Schemmel was a broadcaster for the NBA and MLB for 30 years, hosts the podcast Amazing Americans, and is the author of "Chosen to Live," which details the plane crash he survived. He is a giver, helping those in need through various philanthropic avenues, including biking across the country twice to raise money for Children's Hospital. Jerry hasn't always been dealt the best hand in life, bu...

Eeland Stribling is an up and coming talent in the world of stand up comedy, but his passion lies within his work in conservation and being an Ambassador for Brown Folks Fishing. While he loves making people laugh, being a wildlife biologist and working to protect animals' environments is something he has known would be part of his life since childhood. To learn more about Eeland's comedy, his con...