theJOURNEY

Episode 54, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chase Rowan. Chase joined the U.S. Army in 2003 and served as an Army Ranger in the 3rd Ranger Battalion. He deployed to Northern Iraq in 2005. Shortly after returning from deployment his unit did a nighttime airborne training jump in South Carolina where he suffered a severe TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and was ultimately Med boarded out of the Army...

Episode 53 of theJOURNEY podcast I was honored to speak with Joe Gionti, CEO/Founder of K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, an incredible organization dedicated to pairing service dogs with veterans and first responders in need. Joe and his organization are proudly partnered with Ridgeside K9 Ashtabula. Joe’s mission is built on passion, purpose, and a deep respect for those who serve and have served. We spoke ab...

On Episode 52 of theJOURNEY podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Fitz Koehler—a dynamic fitness innovator, race announcer, keynote speaker, and breast cancer survivor. Fitz radiates energy and positivity in everything she does. Her journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and a passion for connecting with others—not just as followers, but as friends. Whether she's announcing...

On this episode of theJOURNEY podcast, I had the honor of speaking with AnneClaire Stapleton. She is an Emmy and Dupont award winner, former CNN conflict journalist, military spouse and an advocate for psychedelic-assisted Therapy for Mental Health & Trauma Healing. We discussed her journey as a conflict journalist and her perspective on connecting with those suffering from conflict and connec...

Disagreements are natural, but unity is a choice. In episode 50 of theJOURNEY podcast, Theresa Carpenter, Public Affairs Officer (U.S. Navy) and S.O.S. Podcast host and I explore how coming together despite differences leads to growth. We spoke about coming together and the areas we need to navigate to get to the truth and having difficult conversations.  Having those conversations and focusing on...

I had the pleasure of hosting Ken Stearns, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry across Asia and the U.S. Beyond his impressive career, Ken is the host of three podcasts ( The Jar , Mental Health Today , and The Humanist ) and the author of Dear God – Letters to God . Ken shared his incredible journey, taking us from his hometown of Chicago to Asia and...

In this episode I have a conversation with Christopher Shawn Shaw about his journey as a Director/Producer from small village, Ohio to California. He directed the 2021 comedy, Church People, but don't be too quick to think it is the usual Christian movie. Yes, you can watch it with your kids; it's funny, relatable and not preachy if you are on-the-fence. It is thought-provoking whether you are a b...

In this episode of theJOURNEY podcast we’re joined by Ryan Pelletier, the visionary inventor/founder of Morphite Boards. Blending innovation with craftsmanship, Ryan has revolutionized the world of longboards with a design that push the boundaries of what's possible. Ryan’s journey began with a simple mission: transform the way you experience skating, making it more versatile and convenient than e...

In this episode, I speak with Kerron Andrews—veteran, filmmaker, writer and the creative mind behind Triniman Films . Kerron’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and passion. From serving in the military to crafting powerful stories on screen, Kerron has used his experiences to inspire, educate, and connect with audiences worldwide. We explore how his time in the service shaped his pers...

Tony Riccio is the visionary founder of Elite Adventure Tours, a premier private touring company based in Los Angeles, California. With an unparalleled passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Tony has redefined luxury travel by curating bespoke adventures that showcase the best of Southern California. Whether it’s exploring Hollywood’s iconic landmarks, uncovering hidden gems in Malibu, or...

I had a great conversation with Hilani Ellis; Speaker, Founder and Facilitator.  She is the founder of Exceptional Admins, a leading headhunting agency that helps leaders expand their capacity.  She is a great speaker and storyteller as she brings experience, wisdom and candor to any conversation. We spoke about her background from being an executive assistant for a celebrity, to her recently taki...

On this episode I had a conversation with John D. Folsom, Executive Director of Dunham House, a combat wounded residence community. John is also a retired Colonel (USMC), where he started his career as a CH-46 helicopter pilot, serving in multiple overseas deployments in the Western Pacific, including Beirut in 1983. In 1986, he left active duty but remained in service as a member of the Marine Co...

On this episode my guest is Michael Peacock, retired Army CWO4 and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Michael has been working in the maintenance/manufacturing and continuous improvement industry for about 30 years now. We discuss the topic of Microlearning; it's all the buzz right now in training. What is Microlearning? How can it help your organization, but most importantly how does help the employee or...

In this episode, I spoke with Christa Haberstock, the Founder and President of See Agency, a leading speaking management agency that helps shape the careers of some of the most in-demand speakers in the industry.  She is also the author of, “Become A Bookable Speaker”. Christa shares the journey to creating the agency, the qualities of top-tier talent, and the strategies that have led to incredibl...

I had the pleasure of speaking with Chad Arndt, Special Inspector, CWI/CWE ACI lvl 2, Supplier Quality Specialist and Author. We discussed the trades, not just as an option for a career, but as a pathway to self-reliance. A way to learn a skill that you can take anywhere; the possibilities are endless. The trades are such as important part of what makes America tick. We break the stereotype that t...

In this episode I sat down with Adam McDaniel, Aerospace Structures Instructor, who started down a path that would not have led him to where he is today. Starting as a 17-year-old kid he was lost, but today he is found. From his beginning in aerospace as a Structures Trainee to Instructing and Coaching those that build one of the finest aircraft in the world, he shares his journey along the way. A...

I had a conversation with Joyce Williams, Cancer Survivor and Founder - Keepers of the Flame Foundation. She spoke openly about her journey (fight) with Breast Cancer and the support her organization provides. Her experience and knowledge is priceless as she was taken to the depths of the ocean during her battle. You can never prepare yourself for what comes after the words, "You have cancer". Edu...

It was great having a conversation with Bob Paff. It all started with a question on a daily walk and we took it where it went. A walk can take you to many places, and one of those places can be silence. Bob speaks openly about his faith, tragedy, trauma, and success to name a few. The greatest way to learn is to listen to the silence and those that lived it. Enjoy!

I sat down with Jerry McBrayer in Forth Worth, TX at his Tea & Spice Exchange in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Jerry and I spoke full circle around Tea & Spice, Aerospace, Life, History of the Stockyards and more on the benefits of Teas and even more about life. It is an episode with so much wisdom and experience. A huge thank you to Jerry for his time, patience, and being such a great guest!

In this episode, I have a conversation with Claire Schindler. She is an Airline Transport pilot on 747's, Pilot in command type rated on Falcon 7X and Global XRS/5000 where she instructs part-time. She has flown as a formation pilot for air-to-air filming for the Netflix movie, Mercury 13. We speak about women in aviation, teamwork, travel, getting started in aviation, challenges in life, and much...

In Episode 34 I got the chance to sit down with Gemba Academy co-founder Ron Pereira in Keller, TX. Gemba Academy offers subscription based videos, classes and more on the subject of Lean Six Sigma, sometimes referred to as Continuous Improvement. Lean Six Sigma focuses on processes and using tools and methodologies to improve those processes. These tools and methodologies can be used in any proce...

In Part 2 of Episode 33, we continue our talk about Combat Boots 2 The Boardroom and how they support veterans, especially those transitioning to civilian life. PROSPER, one of their programs for veterans, really helps them see the opportunities that are out there. James Smith also discusses his book, 1989:What Happens When A Killer Returns For Revenge, a novel you should check out if you love thr...

Part 1 of Episode 33, I sat down with Lynnetta and James Smith, Founders of Combat Boots 2 The Boardroom. CB2TB is a non-profit organization in Richmond Hill, GA that transforms the lives of veterans by helping them transition to civilian life and find purpose after their service. No questions are off the table; there are so many obstacles for veterans as they transition out of military life and t...

I visited the Flying Monk Noodle Bar in Savannah, GA. I love Phở and you will too. I had their Steak Phở and made it a little spicy, had their crispy egg rolls and some hot black tea. Nothing bad to say about it at all. Highly recommend it. Great place with great atmosphere; come on in if you live in Savannah or visiting. Tell them I sent you! https://www.flywiththemonk.com/

I had to have a conversation with Chris, owner of Bad Obsession Records in Savannah, GA. They offer all things music; vinyl, cd's, cassettes, and books. Chris also offers his art for sale, features local artists and even carries a couple lines of coffee; yes, they are good too! Chris and I talked about his journey from Boston to Savannah and opening the store, talked music, life, rescuing pets and...