THE MAKING OF ME

When USAID was dismantled, the world didn't just lose an agency — it lost decades of quiet, life-changing work. In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Clifford Brown — former USAID mission director, author, and public servant — pulls back the curtain on exactly what was lost when America stepped back from one of its most impactful global institutions. 🎯 In this...

What if the clarity you've been searching for isn't found in doing more—but in slowing down and reconnecting with nature? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Amy Lou Jenkins —award-winning author, educator, speaker, and memoir coach—shares how spending time in nature helped her discover her authentic voice and embrace the person she was created to be. Through heartfelt...

What if starting over at 40 turned out to be the beginning of the best chapter of your life? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Kira Hartley Klinger shares her remarkable journey from being a single mom with no college education or formal job training to becoming a successful entrepreneur, bestselling author, public speaker, and television personality. After divorce, Kira tran...

What happens when someone who's mocked for their faith becomes the very person asking for prayer? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Dr. David Chotka —author, speaker, founder of Spirit Equip Ministries, and prayer teacher—shares the unforgettable story of a hospital encounter that changed everything. What began with skepticism and ridicule turned into a medically verified...

What if the biggest obstacle to your success wasn't your circumstances—but the beliefs you've been carrying for years? In this empowering episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Jacob Gaspard —entrepreneur, business coach, and founder of Sales Boss—shares how breaking free from a scarcity mindset and rewriting limiting beliefs can transform every area of your life. Drawing from his own journ...

What if your biggest doubts about God were actually the beginning of a deeper faith? In this thought-provoking episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Constance Hastings —acclaimed author, ordained clergy, and mental health counselor—shares her remarkable journey from skepticism to a life of deep faith and ministry. Raised by non-religious parents and educated in a Christian school, Constance opens...

What if reading the Bible wasn't just about gaining knowledge—but experiencing real transformation? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , James Early —Bible teacher, author, and Jesus Mindset Coach—shares how more than 50 years of studying Scripture transformed his faith from simply knowing Bible stories to living their truth every day. James explains how approaching the Bibl...

What if the darkest season of your life became the foundation for changing thousands of other lives? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Mohammed Ajoulou Rahmouni shares his extraordinary journey of spending three years confined to bed and how that season of adversity became the catalyst for a mission to empower underprivileged youth across Africa and Europe. From overcoming ph...

What if your intuition was trying to tell you something that could change your life? In this fascinating episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Jason Ciofalo —known professionally as The Social Psychic , attorney, intuitive, and cancer survivor—shares the extraordinary story of sensing that something was seriously wrong with his body months before doctors confirmed his cancer diagnosis. Jason refle...

What if the key to becoming a better parent wasn't learning how to control your children—but understanding yourself first? In this empowering episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Latiffe Ghanem shares how conscious parenting helps high-achieving women break free from cycles of guilt, burnout, and reactive parenting. Drawing from her experience as a trauma-informed life and parenting coach and...

What if leaving the world's biggest tech hub was the best decision you could make for your career and business? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , ST Tangirala shares how stepping away from Silicon Valley opened the door to fresh opportunities, deeper innovation, and a more meaningful entrepreneurial journey. As an entrepreneur, author, AI founder, and host of the Next In...

What happens when your greatest struggle becomes the foundation for your greatest purpose? In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast , retired Lieutenant Colonel, leadership coach, and bestselling author Ryan Reichert shares his remarkable journey of overcoming alcohol and prescription drug addiction after 23 years of service in the U.S. Army, including 42 months in combat. Ryan opens u...

What if the hardest moments of your life were actually preparing you to help others? In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Darren Richardson shares his extraordinary journey from surviving a traumatic childhood and a life-changing rock climbing accident to serving as a firefighter while navigating the realities of PTSD. Through every setback, Darren discovered that pain doesn'...

What if the greatest setback of your life was actually preparing you for your greatest purpose? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Fernando Alessandri shares his extraordinary journey from facing rejection in Hollywood and experiencing career collapse to confronting deep personal trauma, rebuilding his life, and eventually earning a PhD dedicated to helping others heal. Fernan...

What happens when your entire career falls apart in the most public way imaginable? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Ilene Marcus —author, executive coach, leadership consultant, and founder of Aligned Workplace —shares how being fired on the front page of The New York Times became the unexpected turning point that transformed her life. Rather than allowing public failure to...

What if the emotions you've been carrying for years aren't meant to be managed—but released? In this transformative episode of The Making of Me Podcast , emotional therapist and Emotional Liberation facilitator Becca Williams shares how unresolved emotions can quietly shape our lives, relationships, and sense of self. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming chronic anxiety and leaving a...

What if the strongest people aren't the ones who control others—but the ones who can control themselves? In this insightful episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Jerry D. Clark —veteran, former telecommunications executive, counselor, and author of Blind Spots in Relationships —shares practical wisdom from decades of leadership, military service, and relationship coaching. From managing anxiet...

What makes us truly human? Is it our intelligence, our emotions—or the stories we tell? In this thought-provoking episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Grammy and Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and author Maxim Langstaff explores why storytelling lies at the heart of the human experience. From shaping our beliefs and culture to fueling creativity and personal identity, Maxim explains how stories...

Why do talented teams with smart people, great ideas, and plenty of resources still struggle to innovate? In this insightful episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Preston Chandler —innovation strategist, leadership consultant, and co-founder of Centered—shares lessons from more than two decades of helping organizations transform the way they work. Drawing from his experience with startups and glob...

What happens when everything you've built your identity around is suddenly taken away? In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast , internationally acclaimed concert pianist and composer Martin Mayer opens up about the life-changing 2019 accident that left him unable to play the piano after more than 30 years of performing. Through 233 medical appointments, unimaginable setbacks, and...

What does it really mean to experience a spiritual awakening—and why is it so crucial for humanity today? In this thought-provoking episode of The Making of Me Podcast , The Paraclete explores how true transformation begins within. From conquering the ego to embracing conscious living, this conversation uncovers why personal awakening is the foundation for creating a more compassionate, connected,...

What does it really look like to trust God with your finances—even when there's no traditional paycheck? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Paul Granger shares his journey of choosing ministry over financial security, learning to lean on faith instead of fear, and experiencing countless moments when God showed up in unexpected ways. Discover what it takes to surrender comf...

What if retirement wasn't an ending — but the most exciting beginning of your life? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Lynn Friesth — Encore Career Coach and creator of Lynn AI — shares how retirement can be a powerful launchpad for a brand-new chapter fueled by experience, curiosity, and deep purpose. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: How Lynn reinvented himself af...

What if the perfect moment you've been waiting for was never coming — and the only move was to begin right now? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Mitesh Jani shares how years of private reflection and hidden writing finally led to breakthrough and real fulfillment — not by waiting for the right conditions, but by starting, even when things weren't perfect. 🎯 In this...

What if the strength you've been performing has actually been keeping you prisoner? In this raw and deeply honest episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Lisa Lacy — writer, drama educator, and author of Note from a Certified Mad Woman — reveals how trauma, addiction, and survival mechanisms shaped her journey from corporate success to true self-acceptance. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discove...