THE MAKING OF ME

Feeling stuck, stressed, or struggling to find joy? Happiness is a choice—even in life’s hardest moments. In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , bestselling author and happiness coach Matt O’Neill shares his transformative insights on how the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality. Learn practical strategies for turning negative emotions into lasting joy and discover how self...

Feeling disconnected from your body despite doing “everything right”? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Making of Me Podcast , health educator and founder of Superwoman Health , Carlijn Krijger , shares her personal journey of overcoming health struggles and finding true vitality. Learn why so many women feel out of sync with themselves today, the impact of misinformation, and the simple, p...

A life-changing accident could have ended Stephen Wagstaff’s story at just 19—but he turned it into a journey of purpose and empowerment. In this inspiring episode of Aro Benaiah , Stephen shares how he navigated the challenges of living with a disability, maintaining an inter-able marriage, and founding SwaggyAbility , an organization dedicated to supporting those facing adversity. His story is f...

The Hidden History of Women Priests in the Catholic Church Did you know women once served as priests in the Catholic Church? In this compelling episode of The Making of Me Podcast , author and advocate Margaret O’Connor uncovers the hidden history of women’s ordination, the push for church reform, and the courage it takes to challenge centuries-old traditions. Margaret shares her personal journey,...

Are you running a small or growing business but not seeing the financial results you expected? You might be making the #1 mistake that holds most business owners back. In this episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Nick Jain , Harvard MBA and fractional CFO, breaks down the biggest financial mistake small businesses make—and how to fix it. Through real-world examples and practical insights, Nick re...

Struggling with anxiety on the spectrum? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Lawrence Bartley —also known as the Autistic Hypnotist—shares his inspiring journey from battling intense anxiety to becoming a hypnotherapist specializing in helping autistic individuals. Lawrence explains how content-free hypnotherapy works, why it’s uniquely effective for those on the spectr...

Experiencing loss can feel overwhelming—but it can also be a doorway to empowerment. In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , writer and coach Elizabeth De Sevo shares her deeply personal journey through grief after the sudden loss of her mother. Discover how Elizabeth transformed her pain into a powerful realization: “Life is a series of moments, and we get to choose how we live th...

In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Kimberly Peek , creator of The Yes Life Project , shares her simple yet powerful framework for living a happier, more intentional life. Discover the “6 Ps” that helped Kimberly reinvent herself after divorce, empty nesting, and health challenges—and learn how you can use them to design a life that feels aligned, joyful, and meaningful, especi...

Struggling with burnout and health challenges as an entrepreneur? You’re not alone. In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , Craig Cooke shares his journey from running a fast-growing company to facing a diabetes diagnosis—and how he reversed it naturally through discipline, lifestyle changes, and energetic practices like medical qigong. Craig reveals practical strategies for balanc...

Ever wondered why you and your partner don’t always want intimacy at the same time? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Making of Me Podcast , intimacy coach Dr. Laura Jurgens explores the reality of desire gaps (libido mismatches) in relationships—why they’re so common, the shame many couples feel, and practical steps to reconnect and find true fulfillment together. Laura explains how societ...

Discover the wisdom of Dr. Angelo Valenti, a renowned consultant and author, as he explains why so many people make life harder than it needs to be—and how to change that. In this episode of The Making of Me with Aro Benaiah, you will learn: • Why comparison is the thief of joy • Simple habits to improve your physical and mental well-being • How self-care and self-acceptance unlock true fulfillmen...

Feeling stuck or ready for a fresh start? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast , James Lee , author of “New Beginnings” , shares his remarkable journey from struggling in school and feeling unsupported, to rebuilding his life, confidence, and purpose through fitness, service, and self-discipline. James opens up about overcoming negativity, discovering his calling in healthcare, an...

How much does your mindset really affect your success? In this powerful conversation on the Making of Me Podcast , award-winning author and human behavior expert Kenneth Wyche shares how the way you think can shape your personal growth, business results, and overall direction in life. Kenneth breaks down the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, explains how beliefs around abund...

What if your biggest setback becomes the foundation for your greatest growth? In this episode of The Making of Me with Aro Benaiah, we’re joined by Phebe Trotman—Mountain Hall of Fame athlete, entrepreneur, and author of Never Quit on a Bad Day. Phebe opens up about missing her dream soccer team as a teen, the tough-love conversation with her parents that changed her mindset, and how that resilien...

In this powerful episode of The Making of Me with Aro Benaiah, we sit down with Ryan Penley—author, recovery advocate, founder, and podcast host—to unpack the real journey of overcoming addiction. Ryan opens up about hitting rock bottom during his years in Las Vegas, the dangers of ego, the role faith played in his transformation, and how stacking small, sober days became the foundation for rebuil...

Unlock your true leadership potential with the CLIMB Framework ! In this episode of The Making of Me , leadership strategist Rahul Karan Sharma shares his proven method for cultivating confidence, mindset, and lasting impact. Learn how to build resilient leaders , inspire your team, and leave a legacy—whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting your leadership journey. Rahul reveals how l...

What if laughter really is the best medicine? In this inspiring interview, Dr. Brad Miller known as the Adversity Doctor shares how he faced a life-threatening cancer diagnosis right after retiring from 43 years as a church pastor. Discover his powerful ACTS plan (Action, Connect, Think, Serve) and how combining hope and humor helped him not just survive, but find a renewed purpose. Whether you or...

Have you ever felt like your creativity was stolen—or just slowly faded over time? In this episode of The Making of Me, artist, educator, and creativity coach Patrick Willams explores the concept of “creative colonization”—how societal pressures, schooling, and expectations quietly suppress our natural imagination. Patrick shares his personal journey of rediscovering creativity, explains the scien...

What happens when a Baptist pastor becomes an FBI special agent? In this episode of The Making of Me, Eric Robinson shares his extraordinary journey from ministry to tackling cases ranging from counterterrorism to violent crimes against children. Discover how his faith shaped his approach to law enforcement, the surprising lessons he learned along the way, and practical advice for anyone consideri...

In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me, Noah May, host of the Ladder Venue podcast, shares his deeply personal journey through anxiety, depression, and isolation. Discover how he transformed his struggles into a platform for impact, launching multiple podcasts that raise awareness and provide support for mental health. Noah opens up about the power of vulnerability, the importance of speaki...

Struggling to stay motivated? 😓 In this episode of "The Making of Me," personal mastery coach Stephen McConnell explains why identity—not motivation—is the key to lasting personal growth and success. Learn how aligning your actions with who you truly want to become can help you transform habits, avoid burnout, and build unstoppable momentum. Stephen also shares his Seven Laws of Persona...

Are you tired of attracting emotionally unavailable partners and finding yourself stuck in the same relationship patterns? 💔 In this episode, certified relationship coach Brylye Collins reveals the real reasons behind these cycles—and shares actionable strategies to finally break free . Learn how to strengthen self-love, build self-trust, and set healthy relationship standards so you can create t...

Author Nikki Allen, known for her novel Love You, Hate You, joins us to share her journey of healing after a toxic relationship. In this heartfelt conversation, she discusses the toughest truths she faced, practical steps to start choosing yourself again, and why self-love is the key to true transformation. If you’ve struggled to break free, reclaim your voice, or heal after heartbreak, this episo...

If you've ever considered adoption, especially through the foster system, this candid conversation with Lane Igoudin, author and adoptive parent, will inspire and inform you. Lane shares their three-year journey to keep their family together, revealing the unique challenges of navigating the foster system, building a family as an LGBTQ parent, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with in...

Are you a founder or business owner struggling to turn your hard work into lasting value ? 📈 In this episode of The Making of Me , we sit down with Rafael Pinho , finance executive and co-founder of TD Pinho Advisors , to uncover the key steps every entrepreneur should take to transform their business from a demanding job into a transferable, thriving asset . Rafael shares his remarkable journey—...