Voices of Inspiration

There’s something deeply inspiring about choosing a life that feels true to you—even when it looks completely different from what’s expected. I had the chance to connect with Lisa Jansen, a New Zealand-based writer and digital nomad, to talk about her bold decision to step away from a conventional life and create something entirely her own. We explore what it really means to walk away from “what’s...

There’s something incredibly powerful about redefining what’s possible—and Kristen Secor is doing exactly that. Born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, she has faced challenges that could easily limit her world, but instead, she’s expanded it—traveling across continents and proving that adventure is still within reach. We talk about how her journey into accessible travel began, the realities...

Some stories are born out of loss—but transform into something far greater. In this conversation with Kamal X, a self-taught documentary photographer, we explore how a deeply personal experience turned into a journey of purpose, creativity, and global storytelling. We get into how travel became a path to healing, how photography evolved into a powerful voice, and what it really means to capture tr...

There’s something really special about rediscovering a place that shaped you—and that’s exactly what Mandy Volpe shares as she walks us through her journey with the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) in Gainesville, Georgia. From volunteering as a teenager to now leading the organization, Mandy’s story is a full-circle moment rooted in creativity, community, and a deep love for helping kids g...

Travel has a way of shifting something deep within us—and in this Inspirational Interlude, I explore how stepping outside of our comfort zones can completely transform the way we see the world… and ourselves. From navigating unfamiliar places to embracing moments of solitude, this episode dives into the powerful connection between travel and self-discovery. I share personal experiences, lessons le...

Travel becomes so much more meaningful when we approach it with intention—and in this Inspirational Interlude, I share how shifting your mindset can completely transform your experiences. It’s not just about where you go, but how you show up when you get there. From connecting with locals to embracing the present moment, intentional travel opens the door to deeper connections and lasting impact. I...

There’s something incredibly powerful about turning your passion into a purpose—and that’s exactly what Royce Johnson’s story reflects. From growing up immersed in the outdoors to building a career in park management, Royce shares how his love for nature evolved into a lifelong mission of serving both people and the environment. His journey is one of resilience, dedication, and finding meaning in...

Turning passion into purpose isn’t always a straight path—and Robert Young’s journey into the world of craft brewing is proof of that. What started as a curiosity sparked during his travels quickly evolved into something much bigger: a mission to bring culture, creativity, and community into Augusta through craft beer. His story is one of patience, persistence, and boldly stepping into spaces wher...

Creativity doesn’t have to fit into a single box—and Kevin Stark is a perfect example of what happens when you fully embrace every creative passion you have. From building the only Toy and Action Figure Museum of its kind to designing toys for major franchises and creating art across multiple mediums, Kevin shares how following curiosity and creativity can lead to something truly extraordinary. We...

There’s something incredibly powerful about community, purpose, and creating opportunities where they didn’t exist before. In this episode, I share the story of how GHA Autism Supports and Second Street Sundries are changing lives in Albemarle, North Carolina—one cup of coffee at a time. You’ll hear directly from Alan Cremisi, a talented barista whose passion and dedication have helped him grow bo...

Building something meaningful doesn’t always start with a perfect plan—sometimes it begins with a simple idea that takes on a life of its own. In this episode, I share the story of Mary Wysocki and how a small creative outlet turned into a thriving custom apparel business in Albemarle, North Carolina. From working out of her basement to opening a storefront with just $400, her journey is a true te...

Some stories remind us just how powerful resilience, community, and purpose can be—and Connie Blalock’s journey is one of those stories. In this episode, I share her path from a childhood marked by hardship to becoming the heart behind Glory Beans Coffee House in Albemarle, North Carolina. What started as a business quickly became something much deeper—a place rooted in love, service, and genuine...

Taking a leap into the unknown can be both exciting and overwhelming—and in this episode, I share a conversation that captures exactly that. Patty Davis opens up about what it really looks like to leave behind a familiar life in the U.S. and start fresh in Portugal. From selling her home without ever visiting the country to navigating a new language, culture, and way of life, her story is filled w...

Some experiences stay with you forever—and my conversation with Martha Rebour is one of those that brings me right back to the moments that changed how I see the world. From traveling to Zambia and witnessing firsthand the realities families face just to access life-saving vaccines, to understanding the global impact of organizations like Shot@Life, this conversation is both eye-opening and deeply...

Some journeys unfold in ways we never could have planned, and Shawn Oke’s story is a perfect example of that. What began as a lifelong calling to the fire service eventually grew into something unexpected: preserving and expanding one of Albemarle’s most beloved businesses. From third-generation firefighter to Sweet Shop owner, Shawn shares how faith, family, and a willingness to take risks shaped...

Michele Herrmann brings a fun and fascinating perspective to travel by exploring destinations that feel like Halloween all year long. From historic towns steeped in mystery to cities filled with eerie legends and ghostly lore, this conversation dives into the stories behind some of the world’s most spine-tingling places. What I loved most is how Michele blends history, culture, and a sense of adve...

Amy Bizzarri’s story is a beautiful blend of resilience, curiosity, and the courage to choose a bigger life. From teaching in Chicago classrooms to traveling the world as a writer, Amy has created a life filled with adventure—one that didn’t follow a straight path, but instead unfolded through passion, persistence, and a willingness to say yes to opportunity. What stood out most to me is how she t...

Chief Chris Cowan’s journey into law enforcement wasn’t something he planned—it was something he felt called into. Hearing him reflect on the past 30 years, it’s clear that his leadership is rooted in service, faith, and a deep commitment to people. From navigating the challenges of modern policing to building meaningful relationships within the community, Chris brings a perspective that goes beyo...

PJ Barnes' journey is a powerful reminder that perseverance isn’t just a mindset—it’s a lifestyle. From early days of creativity and storytelling to building a production company and navigating the realities of the entertainment industry, PJ has consistently found ways to create his own opportunities rather than wait for them. His passion for storytelling, teaching, and uplifting others shine...

Christina Karis and I share more than just a conversation here—we share roots, similar experiences, and the understanding of what it feels like to grow up in a place where you don’t fully feel like you belong. From the same small Alabama town and even the same high school, we both knew there was something bigger waiting for us, even if we didn’t yet know how to reach it. Watching Christina build a...

Marc Howard’s work challenges the way we think about justice, education, and second chances. When I first spent time on Georgetown’s campus and learned more about the Prisons and Justice Initiative, I was struck not only by the impact of the program, but by the humanity at the center of it. Marc has devoted his career to changing lives inside and outside prison walls, and that commitment comes fro...

I came across a short film called Almost Normal and immediately felt drawn to its message. After watching it multiple times, I knew I had to connect with the person behind it. John Austin’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and learning to embrace what makes you different—even when the world doesn’t understand it right away. In our conversation, John shares what it was like growing up fe...

Meeting Aspen Heidikrueger through Cancer for College was incredibly special for me, because she was the very first recipient of our family scholarship—and her story is one I will never forget. Aspen was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia at just 13 years old and endured one of the most intense chemotherapy regimens in existence. What she has walked through physically, mentally, and emotionally...

Jackson Snelling is already making a powerful impact through his music—and at just 18 years old, his story carries depth far beyond his years. From stepping onto the American Idol stage to earning Video of the Year in Nashville, he’s quickly building a name for himself as both an artist and a storyteller. In this conversation, I explore how his life experiences have shaped his music in such a mean...

Dayvee Sutton has built a career that blends storytelling, travel, and purpose in a way that is both inspiring and deeply intentional. From her early days working in radio to earning national Emmys and becoming a trusted travel expert across major networks, her journey is a powerful reminder that success rarely follows a straight path. In this conversation, I reflect on how our paths first crossed...