THE MAKING OF ME

Are you living life just to get by, or are you truly being yourself? In this episode of Aro Benaiah, Randy Bishop, author and guide for midlife transitions, explains the difference between a “survivor identity”—the role we take on just to cope—and living authentically. Discover his practical RE Method (Reflect, Reframe, Restore) for finding your true self, building purpose, and making meaningful c...

Feeling burnt out or stuck, even though your life looks perfect on the outside? In this episode of The Making of Me podcast, Julie Cyvonne shares her journey from high-achieving attorney to a life rebuilt from within. Discover practical steps for reconnecting with yourself starting by identifying your core values and making sustainable changes, one step at a time. Watch for actionable advice on es...

In this powerful episode of The Making of Me, Chris Moore, advocate and author of Age Out Loud, shares his deeply personal story of resilience after losing his wife of 33 years. Discover how challenges can shape us, the role of mindset in aging well, and why gratitude is essential for thriving at any age. Chris dives into practical ways to reinvent yourself, find joy, and contribute meaningfully l...

Feeling stuck or pressured by societal timelines? You're not alone. In this episode of The Making of Me podcast, reinvention expert Christelle Harris shares her powerful journey of pivoting from family obligations and career expectations to living a life aligned with her true values. Christelle breaks down why reinvention isn’t a sign of failure, but a courageous skill everyone can develop—esp...

Ever feel overwhelmed by endless to-do lists and constant distractions? In this episode of The Making of Me, productivity coach Cindy Baker shares her Focus or Spirit Method—designed for anyone with a “busy brain,” not just those with ADHD. Learn how to: Prioritize tasks without feeling buried Use powerful focus sprints to get more done in less time Build daily habits that actually move the needle...

What really causes burnout in leaders—and how can you perform at a high level without sacrificing your health or relationships? In this episode of The Making of Me, leadership expert Rachael Edmondson-Clarke shares her journey from corporate executive burnout to helping leaders balance impact, energy, and well-being. You’ll learn practical strategies to restore your energy, recognize early stress...

In this episode of The Making of Me, Dr. Nafisa Sekandari shares her personal journey with anxiety and her professional insights on how high-achieving women can reduce stress, recover from burnout, and create lasting success without sacrificing their well-being. You will learn why quick fixes often fail, why real transformation comes from addressing the root causes, and practical steps you can sta...

Unlock the secrets to crafting presentations that captivate and convert with Dr. Danny Brassell, global speaker and author, in this episode of The Making of Me with Aro Benaiah. Danny breaks down his powerful 5 C’s framework—clarity, connection, content, call to action, and close—showing how to turn your story into a client-generating machine. Discover practical strategies for using your life expe...

Are you worried that retirement means your best years are behind you? In this inspiring interview, David McNally bestselling author and Hall of Fame speaker shares actionable strategies for turning retirement into a vibrant new chapter filled with purpose, creativity, and contribution. Learn how to: ✅ Redefine your identity beyond work ✅ Leverage your wisdom and life experience ✅ Serve your com...

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or paralyzed by fear? In this episode, Bernice McDonald, life strategist and creator of the Tiny Brave Steps method, joins Aro Benaiah to share her inspiring journey from living in fear to embracing everyday courage. Discover practical tools for facing uncertainty, why making friends with your fears can be life-changing, and how taking just one tiny brave step a...

Are you a high achiever who feels trapped by the need to meet everyone else’s expectations? In this episode of The Making of Me podcast, mental fitness coach and hypnotherapist Pennie Wilson shares her powerful journey of breaking out of a 17-year narcissistic marriage and reclaiming her authentic voice. Pennie explains how people-pleasing patterns are formed, why they keep us stuck, and what it r...

What if everything you believe about joy and success is upside down? In this episode of The Making of Me podcast, Larry Kesslin shares the life-changing experience that reshaped his understanding of happiness, connection, and what it truly means to live well. After spending time in rural Africa, Larry discovered that communities with fewer material possessions often overflow with something many hi...

In this episode of The Making of Me podcast, Air Force veteran Michael Yearby shares how anime profoundly shaped his approach to leadership, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. From his early life in Miami to his military career and educational journey, Michael explains why anime was far more than entertainment—it became a mirror for real-life battles, identity, perseverance, and triumph. T...

What does it really mean to inherit the wounds of the past? In this powerful episode of The Making of Me, Caroline Crocker—author, scientist, and storyteller—reveals how the trauma of World War II shaped not only those who lived through it, but also their children and grandchildren. Through intimate stories from her own family, she explains how her father’s painful childhood influenced their home...

Why do some people achieve extraordinary success while others with equal talent struggle? In this episode of The Making of Me podcast, Christopher Rivers, former Army officer, diplomat, and author shares powerful lessons from the battlefield, politics, and corporate strategy. He explains why luck plays a bigger role than many of us admit, the importance of faith and persistence, and how resilience...

Join us in this powerful episode of The Making of Me podcast as we sit down with Jessica Taylor, author of From Tragedy to Triumph. After a devastating brain injury erased her memories and forced her to start over at age 31, Jessica shares how she rebuilt her sense of self, found unexpected spiritual guidance, and discovered new meaning in life. This conversation is a moving reminder of resilience...

Thinking of retirement as the end of the road? Think again! In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me, bestselling author and Hall of Fame speaker David Mcnally shares how your post-career years can become the most purposeful and fulfilling chapter yet. Discover how to: Reignite your creative spirit Redefine your sense of purpose Contribute to the world in ways that bring lasting joy David als...

In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me, award-winning life coach Ashish Singh opens up about the silent struggles that high-performing professionals often face. He shares his journey through anxiety and burnout, highlighting why focusing solely on external achievements can leave our inner wellbeing neglected. You’ll learn practical strategies for: Building resilience without toxic positivit...

Thinking about starting your first business or scaling up your current one? In this episode of The Making of Me, Chris McManus shares the lessons he learned after launching a landscaping company straight out of high school. Discover why hiring friends might not always work, how to build strong, professional teams, and the mindset shifts that helped him grow multiple businesses successfully before...

What does it take to turn life’s hardest trials into a source of strength and purpose? In this heartfelt episode of The Making of Me podcast, Daniel Lugo shares his incredible journey from being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and undergoing eight major surgeries, to finding resilience, hope, and meaning through faith. Through courage, perseverance, and unwavering belief, Daniel reveals how his str...

What do you do when life hits you from every angle at once? In this powerful episode of The Remaking of Me podcast, author and wellness advocate DK Kang opens up about one of the most challenging seasons of his life facing his wife’s cancer diagnosis while simultaneously losing his job. Rather than breaking down, DK chose to rebuild. In this conversation, he shares the practical mindset shifts, da...

What happens when you finally find a place where you are fully seen, accepted, and free to be yourself? In this deeply moving episode of The Making of Me podcast, novelist, explorer, and 20-time Burning Man participant Sarah Marshall shares how Burning Man became a turning point in her journey toward true belonging and self-acceptance. From her years of military service and global travel to naviga...

What if you could design your life with the same clarity and intention as planning a journey? In this episode of The Making of Me, Nathaniel A. Turner introduces the powerful concept of Backward Design a practical framework for defining where you want to go in life and intentionally working backward to get there. Using relatable examples like planning a trip to Lisbon or driving from Lagos to Accr...

Want to achieve lasting change but feel stuck breaking old habits? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me, Stanley Bronstein attorney, CPA, life coach, and author shares how he lost over 222 pounds and maintained his transformation for nearly 70 years. Stanley reveals the mindset shifts, daily habits, and personal discipline that make change truly sustainable. Learn about his “Four Barriers...

What happens when one phone call changes everything you thought you knew about your life? In this deeply moving conversation, Pamela Cass shares the moment she received a cancer diagnosis—and how it became a turning point that forced her to re-examine her identity, priorities, and sense of self. Pamela opens up about walking away from a high-powered executive career, confronting burnout and unreso...