THE MAKING OF ME

What happens when you start writing a novel at 19 and finish it 37 years later? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , author Rodney Phillips shares how decades of life experience, coaching, and leadership shaped his debut novel Dissension into something far deeper and more authentic than he could have created as a teenager. After shelving his manuscript for nearly four decades, R...

Are you approaching or already living through the empty nest phase? In this empowering episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Hanna Bankier , acclaimed coach and founder of Birdie Launcher , shares a fresh and hopeful perspective on one of life’s biggest transitions. Instead of seeing it as a loss, learn how this season can become your greatest opportunity for growth, purpose, and rediscovery. Thro...

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn and everything you planned begins to change? In this heartfelt episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Jeff Ton shares his powerful journey retracing the Lewis and Clark Trail with his wife and how that adventure was interrupted by a life-altering illness that reshaped everything. From becoming a full-time caregiver to redefining his identity, marriage...

How can leaders thrive in a fast-paced, tech-driven world without losing the human touch? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Mariam Chtchyan , COO of HAC Tech LHC, shares her journey from project management to the C-suite and what it really takes to lead effectively in an era shaped by AI, automation, and constant change. Mariam reveals how to balance operational excellence wi...

Can red light therapy really transform recovery, performance, and overall wellness? In this episode of The Making of Me Podcast , John Graham Harper , CEO of Lumaflex, shares his powerful journey from overcoming serious injuries and a brain tumor to developing a breakthrough solution that is helping athletes and everyday people recover faster and perform better. Discover how red light therapy work...

Can stories of monsters, magic, and trauma actually help us heal? In this episode of The Making of Me Podcast , network engineer and “accidental universe builder” Justin Anderson ( J. Vaelorin ) shares how his dark fantasy world transforms grief, depression, and unseen emotional struggles into powerful, meaningful narratives. Through his creation, the Vaelorinverse, Justin reveals how trauma can b...

Are you working harder than ever in your leadership role but still not seeing the results you expect? In this insightful episode, leadership transition coach Tyler Clapp explains why the issue may not be your effort at all it may be that the context around you has changed. When workplace dynamics shift, strategies that once worked can become ineffective, leaving leaders frustrated, exhausted, and...

Have you been told to “fake it till you make it” when trying to manifest your dream life but it never seems to work? In this enlightening episode, manifestation coach Kelsey Aida Shugarts reveals why this common advice often creates inner resistance instead of real results. Rather than helping you align with abundance, success, and happiness, forced positivity and empty affirmations can lead to se...

Why does self-improvement sometimes make us feel like we are never enough? In this thought-provoking episode, licensed therapist and author of The Process of Unbecoming , Lacey Kelly , explores the hidden downside of self-help culture and why the constant pressure to “fix yourself” can create a damaging cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction. This conversation challenges the belief that you are b...

Are you tired of experiencing the same relationship challenges over and over again? In this powerful episode, Alison Lager explores the hidden patterns that keep people stuck in unhealthy relationship cycles and how to finally break free from them. By breaking down the top three relationship “killers” overreacting, jumping to conclusions, and blame this conversation offers practical tools to help...

Discover why joining a men’s group can be one of the most transformative decisions a man can make. In this powerful conversation, Jason Lange explores the real challenges many men face today loneliness, societal pressure, emotional suppression, and the struggle to express vulnerability in healthy ways. He explains how men’s groups create a safe and supportive environment for authentic connection,...

Unlock your true potential by discovering and building a clear vocational purpose. In this episode of The Making of Me Podcast , impact investor and author Florian Kemmerich breaks down his powerful Seven-Step Vocational Framework designed to help you align your passion with your profession and live a more meaningful, purpose-driven life. Learn how to cut through noise and confusion, identify your...

Discover why traditional sales tactics no longer work in today’s business landscape and what successful professionals are doing instead. In this insightful episode, sales consultant and author of Leadership Selling , Joe Candido , breaks down how modern, outcome-focused selling is transforming the way businesses connect with clients. Instead of pushing products, today’s top performers are becoming...

Are you struggling with self-sabotage, fear, or feeling stuck in life? In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Andrew Wilson introduces the “Mirror Technique” a simple but transformative practice that uses self-talk and self-reflection to help you break free from limiting patterns and rebuild your mindset from the inside out. This conversation dives deep into how looking within and...

What if curiosity is the missing skill that could transform the way you lead, connect, and make decisions? In this thought-provoking episode, bestselling author and founder of Curiosity Based, Hoai Julie Pham , explores how practicing curiosity can reshape leadership, strengthen relationships, and guide you through uncertainty with greater clarity and confidence. Through powerful personal stories...

What makes someone truly confident and deeply attractive in relationships? In this insightful episode, relationship coach and matchmaker Paul Roseberry shares the powerful principles behind the Security Method a practical approach to building confidence, understanding your value, and creating healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Paul explains why knowing your worth is the foundation of succes...

What if everything you thought you knew about hypnosis was wrong? In this eye-opening episode, clinical hypnotherapist Craig Meriwether uncovers the truth behind hypnotherapy and clears up the myths often created by movies, television, and stage hypnosis performances. Discover how real hypnotherapy works, why you remain fully in control during the process, and how this powerful therapeutic tool ca...

What would you do if doctors gave you only months to live? In this extraordinary episode of The Making of Me podcast, Rick Hill shares his remarkable story of surviving stage 4 embryonal cell carcinoma after being diagnosed at just 24 years old without undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. Fifty-one years ago, faced with a terminal prognosis, Rick made the bold decision to reject conventional trea...

What happens to your relationship when the kids leave home and it is just the two of you again? In this inspiring episode, Rick and Clancy Denton share how embracing a simple but life-changing philosophy “Just Say Yes” helped them rediscover each other and bring fresh excitement into their marriage during the empty nest season. By choosing openness, adventure, and intentional connection, they tran...

What if forgiveness is not about excusing someone else’s actions but about setting yourself free? In this powerful episode, peak performance coach and Fierce Grace creator Jessie Torres shares the deeper truth about forgiveness and why letting go is one of the most powerful acts of healing you can choose for yourself. Jessie explains how resentment, anger, and emotional pain can silently affect yo...

What would you do if, after 50 years, you discovered your entire identity was built on a hidden family secret? In this deeply emotional episode of The Making of Me , retired comedian and memoirist Al Isaacs opens up about the life-changing moment he discovered he was adopted and how that revelation led him on a journey to uncover the truth about his past, reconnect with his identity, and search fo...

Unlock the true power of leadership through one essential skill: receiving honest feedback. In this episode, leadership coach and author Yogi Mueller breaks down why many leaders struggle with accepting honest feedback even when it is exactly what they need for growth. From ego and fear to vulnerability and self-awareness, this conversation dives deep into the hidden barriers that limit leadership...

Struggling with stage fright or feeling nervous before speaking in public? In this episode of The Making of Me , international speaker and Warriors Rising founder Harriet Bratt shares practical, real-world strategies to help you overcome the fear of public speaking and step into confidence. You’ll learn why even experienced speakers still feel nervous and how to turn that anxiety into presence, im...

What does it really take to lead effectively when the pressure is high and the stakes are real? In this episode of The Making of Me , high-performance leadership expert and Olympic-level dressage rider Silvia Rizzo reveals powerful lessons from elite sports that translate directly into leadership, business, and everyday life. Drawing from years of elite athletic experience, Silvia explains how str...

What you wear does more than change how people see you—it can change how you see yourself. In this episode, fashion therapist and licensed psychotherapist Marisol Colette explores the powerful connection between clothing, mindset, and self-confidence. She reveals how intentional style choices can help you align your inner identity with your outer expression and show up more confidently in every ar...