Elsplend Realities

What if the path you planned for your life isn't the path you're meant to follow? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with **Sean Mitchell—author, journalist, and former award-winning arts critic—for a thoughtful conversation about identity, curiosity, storytelling, and discovering purpose through life's unexpected turns. Sean once dreamed of becoming a sportswriter, but the cultura...

What happens when the path you were meant to follow doesn't look anything like the one you originally imagined? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with **Zac Baldwin—novelist, playwright, choreographer, former stunt performer, and lifelong storyteller—for a fascinating conversation about creativity, authenticity, resilience, and the courage to stay true to your vision. From discove...

What if the chapter you thought was over is actually the beginning of something new? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with **H. A. Callum—author, poet, educator, writing mentor, and former legal professional—for a deeply thoughtful conversation about finding your voice, embracing reinvention, and trusting yourself enough to pursue a life that feels true to who you are. After more...

What happens when life gives you every reason to give up—but something within you says there is still more? In this powerful episode of Elsplend Realities, David Ebel shares an extraordinary story of resilience, faith, survival, and service. Born with severe health complications and given a prognosis that suggested he would not live beyond twenty, David went on to defy expectations and spend more...

What if staying curious could change the way we understand people, ourselves, and the world around us? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Peter Moore shares a remarkable journey through journalism, storytelling, humor, travel, and conversations with some of the world's most fascinating people. From presidents and celebrities to everyday people with extraordinary stories, Peter reveals what dec...

Why do we keep repeating patterns we consciously want to change? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Craig Meriwether explores the subconscious mind, emotional patterns, self-sabotage, and the deeper influences that can shape how we think, feel, and respond to life. This conversation invites us to replace self-judgment with curiosity and discover how greater self-awareness can become the first...

What happens when people know their contributions truly matter? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Dr. Paul White explores the psychology of appreciation, the different ways people experience value, and why genuine recognition can transform relationships and workplace culture. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the simplest thing we can give someone is the feeling that they are see...

What if laughter can become a form of resilience? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Colonel Kenny (Ken Dupar) shares how military service, difficult experiences, storytelling, and creativity have shaped his understanding of courage and healing. From war and sacrifice to humor and human connection, this conversation explores how we can carry painful chapters without allowing them to define the...

What happens when healing is no longer the destination, but the beginning of something more? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Dr. Lisha Antiqua shares her powerful journey from surviving profound adversity to rebuilding self-trust, identity, intimacy, and purpose. Together, we explore what it means to move beyond understanding our past and begin creating a life that is truly our own—one shap...

What happens when the life that looks successful from the outside no longer feels like the life you're meant to live? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Clifford Brown, former commercial law partner, international development leader, and author of Inside USAID: An Odyssey of Foreign Assistance. Clifford shares the remarkable journey that took him from a successful legal career...

What if fantasy isn't really about escaping reality—but understanding it in a different way? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with J.F. Monroe, author of the Legacy of the Four trilogy, to explore the deeper human stories hidden within fantasy, imagination, and adventure. Inspired by the worlds of legendary storytellers and shaped by themes of courage, friendship, love, sacrifice...

What happens when you've done everything "right" and still feel disconnected from the life you've built? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Stefanie Carlstedt, a Certified Human Design Business Coach, to explore the journey from achievement and burnout to alignment, authenticity, and self-trust. After more than a decade of entrepreneurship, including building a six-figure busi...

What does it really mean to build a life that feels stable, purposeful, and free? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Axel Meierhoefer, entrepreneur, educator, retired Air Force officer, and real estate investor, to explore the lessons behind building long-term financial independence and a meaningful life. Axel shares insights from his journey through military service, entrepre...

What happens when writing becomes more than self-expression—and becomes a way to process uncertainty, preserve memory, and make sense of a divided world? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Andrea LeDew, author of Polemics: Political Poetry & Prose, to explore the relationship between writing, conscience, identity, and meaningful dialogue. With a background spanning literature...

What if the biggest barrier to being heard isn't a lack of ability, but the fear of being seen? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Peter George, public speaking coach, professional speaker, TEDx coach, podcast host, and six-time award-winning author of The Captivating Public Speaker. Peter shares the deeply personal journey of growing up with a lisp and stutter, overcoming the...

What if the way we see the world shapes the way we experience our lives? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Stewart Cohen, commercial director, photographer, entrepreneur, and founder of SC Pictures, to explore the power of perspective, storytelling, creativity, and intentional attention. With a career spanning major global brands, diverse cultures, and countless human stories...

What if understanding difficult people begins with understanding ourselves? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Dr. Jeremy Sherman, researcher, writer, and thinker whose work explores the fascinating intersection of science, psychology, philosophy, human behavior, and the nature of the self. Jeremy brings complex questions about consciousness, identity, decision-making, and dif...

What happens when someone tells you that you can't do something—and you decide their words won't become your truth? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Kris Keppeler, a narrator, actor, voice actor, writer, and storyteller whose journey is a powerful reminder that our potential isn't always visible at the moment we're told what we can't do. After being told at thirteen that she...

What if true progress isn't about constantly replacing the past, but knowing which lessons are worth carrying forward? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Dr. Edward Feinberg, a dentist, educator, author, and mentor whose career spans more than four decades. Building on the legacy of his father while embracing decades of technological and professional change, Dr. Feinberg offer...

What happens when the beliefs that once gave us certainty are tested by circumstances we never expected? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with David Libby, author of A Different World: God's Sovereignty in the Face of Suffering, for an honest conversation about faith, suffering, resilience, and the questions that emerge when life becomes difficult. David shares how years of chron...

For many of us, money carries far more than a number. It can carry fear, shame, security, identity, freedom, and deeply rooted beliefs about what we deserve. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Morgana Rae takes us beyond traditional financial advice and into the emotional relationship we have with money. Drawing from decades of helping people transform their financial lives, she explores self-...

Leadership isn't simply about having authority, making decisions, or achieving results. It's about the impact we have on the people who experience our influence. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Po'okela Mossman shares lessons from his journey as a Combat Medic, entrepreneur, ministry leader, executive coach, and speaker. He explores what it takes to recognize toxic leadership, protect your...

History isn't just about dates, names, and events. It's about understanding where we come from, questioning what we believe, and using the lessons of the past to make wiser choices for the future. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Barbara Ann Mojica—author, historian, educator, and creator of Little Miss History—to explore the power of storytelling, curiosity, and lifelong le...

Menopause is often talked about in terms of symptoms—but what happens when the changes begin to affect how a woman sees herself? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Alison Bladh joins us for a deeper conversation about menopause, confidence, nutrition, healthy aging, and the emotional experience of navigating midlife. We explore why women can feel disconnected from themselves during this transi...

What if courage isn’t about making a huge leap, but taking one small step when life feels uncertain? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Bernice McDonald, Life Strategist for hard things and creator of the Tiny Brave Steps method, explores how we can navigate fear, loss, change, and self-doubt without needing to have everything figured out. From understanding the nervous system to practicing se...