Born without a choice

Your past doesn’t have to define your future. In this heartfelt episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with journalist, podcast host, and storyteller Noah May to discuss his journey through depression, anxiety, rejection, and the struggle to find his voice. Noah opens up about battling mental health from a young age, overcoming thoughts of suicide, and transforming his pain into purpo...

Success doesn’t come from excuses—it comes from action. In this powerful episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with Dennis McCarty for a no-nonsense conversation about discipline, resilience, personal responsibility, and what it truly takes to succeed. Together, they discuss why so many people stay stuck, how to stop getting in your own way, and why embracing discomfort is often the...

What if your greatest productivity tool isn’t working harder—but sleeping better? In this eye-opening episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with Dr. Melissa Milanak, clinical psychologist, executive consultant, TEDx speaker, and internationally recognized expert on sleep, stress, and mental wellbeing. Together, they explore how chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and poor sleep quietly...

What does success really mean? In this inspiring episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with entrepreneur, author, and No Half Cakes founder Jim Sabellico to explore the moment that completely changed his definition of success. After building multiple 7- and 8-figure businesses, Jim appeared to have everything—money, status, and achievement. But missing his son’s sixth birthday and st...

Storms are inevitable—but they don’t have to define your future. In this powerful episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with Bill Derrick, construction industry leader, author, and speaker, to discuss how faith, resilience, and hope can carry us through life’s greatest challenges. After leading his company through the Great Recession, Bill faced an even more personal battle—being dia...

Healing from trauma isn’t about pretending the pain never happened—it’s about finding hope, purpose, and the strength to move forward. In this episode of Born Before the Algorithm, former Navy Chaplain and combat veteran Dr. Larry Brant shares his deep insights into PTSD, moral injury, and the often-overlooked emotional and spiritual wounds carried by veterans and countless others. Drawing from de...

Mental health is a journey, and no one should have to walk it alone. In this episode, counsellor and researcher Stephanie McAlister, founder of Virtual Connect Counselling Clinic, shares how her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired her to create a Canada-wide virtual counselling practice that makes professional mental health support more accessible. We explore trauma, anxiety, addictio...

What if the key to better health, less stress, and a more sustainable future was simpler than you imagined? In this uplifting episode, Cathy Nesbitt shares how three unexpected practices—vermicomposting, growing sprouts, and laughter yoga—can transform both your physical and mental well-being. From using worms to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil, to growing your own superfoods at home, C...

What if the greatest challenge facing humanity isn’t technology, politics, or economics—but our own consciousness? In this thought-provoking episode, The Paraclete, author of The Modern Citizen, shares his vision for a world transformed by wisdom, compassion, and personal responsibility. Together, we explore the spiritual awakening taking place across society, why meaningful change begins within e...

What does it truly mean to live with purpose? In this inspiring episode, Michael Cook shares his journey of faith, personal growth, and discovering the calling that shaped his life. Together, we explore how life’s challenges can become opportunities for transformation, the importance of trusting God’s timing, and why living with intention matters more than chasing success alone. If you’ve ever que...

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t a lack of talent—but a lack of clarity? In this thought-provoking episode, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of The Clarity Brand, Prosper (The Clarity Guy™), shares how many high achievers unknowingly live in what he calls the Default Loop™—a cycle of busyness, burnout, and chasing someone else’s definition of success. Together, we explore the impo...

Motherhood is one of life’s greatest transformations, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating. In this episode, Mariela Desantiago shares how becoming a mother inspired her to create New Mom Talk and the Carlsbad Mom Crew, providing support, education, and community for moms navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Together, we explore the realities of motherhood, the importance of me...

What if the answers you’ve been searching for have been within you all along? In this episode of Born Without a Choice, we welcome Rosanne Nieboer, yoga teacher, meditation guide, and chakra expert, for a powerful conversation about self-discovery, healing, and the wisdom of our energetic body. After spending more than two decades teaching yoga, Rosanne found herself searching for something deeper...

What does it truly mean to build wealth that lasts for generations? In this inspiring episode, Aryana Charise shares practical strategies for creating financial security, protecting your family, and building a legacy that reflects your values. Drawing from her experience through the 2008 financial crisis, she explains why true wealth is about more than income—it’s about preparation, stewardship, a...

What if your biggest financial setback became the foundation for your greatest success? In this episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Mitch Abel, Founder and CEO of Investment Current, who shares his remarkable journey from retirement uncertainty and devastating six-figure trading losses to achieving financial independence and helping hundreds of others become confident traders. Mitch...

What if it’s never too late to discover the passion you were meant to pursue? In this inspiring episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Nancy Dillingham Marks, founder of Glass Arts Collective, who left behind a successful 35-year corporate career to follow an unexpected calling in fused glass art. Nancy shares how one beginner’s class transformed her life, why self-doubt shouldn’t stop...

What happens when life gives you a second chance—but you have to relearn almost everything? In this powerful episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Jennifer White, retired registered nurse, brain tumor survivor, and author, whose life changed forever after brain surgery left her in a coma. Waking up meant learning to walk, talk, think, and rebuild her identity from the ground up. Jenni...

What if the seasons of emptiness, waiting, and brokenness in your life weren’t setbacks—but part of God’s design? In this inspiring episode of Born Without a Choice, we sit down with Dawn Stephens, award-winning author, publisher, and self-proclaimed “Fruit Pot,” to explore how discovering our identity in God transforms the way we view purpose, pain, and growth. Dawn shares her personal journey of...

What happens when achieving success still leaves you feeling empty? In this inspiring conversation, Daniel Sterling shares his remarkable journey from competitive ski racing and television broadcasting to a life transformed by deep self-discovery. After experiencing disappointment, emotional collapse, and years of searching for meaning, Daniel found a mentor who helped him reshape his understandin...

What happens when a lifetime of creativity, resilience, and refusing to follow the crowd shapes the stories you tell? In this episode, Zac Baldwin shares his remarkable journey—from dancing, stunt work, and theater to Hollywood dreams and becoming a novelist. He opens up about creating strong female heroes, honoring Vietnam veterans through fiction, and why staying true to your vision matters more...

What if the habits keeping you stuck aren’t about willpower at all? In this powerful episode, Coach Jon McLernon shares his incredible journey from surviving trauma, PTSD, financial betrayal, and emotional eating to losing over 100 pounds and helping others transform their lives. Together, we explore addiction, brain rewiring, healing, faith, and the science behind lasting change. If you’ve ever f...

Can science become a bridge to peace? In this extraordinary episode, Dr. Zafra Lerman shares her remarkable journey from chemist and educator to internationally recognized human rights advocate and peacebuilder. She reveals how she has brought together scientists from nations in conflict, risked her own safety defending persecuted scholars, and transformed science education through the arts. This...

What does it take to rise above adversity and lead with authenticity? In this powerful episode of Born Without a Choice, Victoria Pelletier shares her remarkable journey from overcoming childhood trauma to becoming one of the youngest CEOs in her industry. Together, we explore resilience, whole human leadership, personal branding, diversity and inclusion, and the courage to reject the status quo....

Can gratitude exist even in life’s hardest seasons? In this heartfelt episode, Wendy Bower shares how family rejection, breast cancer, and personal struggles led her to discover a deeper relationship with God. She explains why gratitude isn’t just an attitude but a way of living rooted in faith, love, and healing. This conversation will encourage anyone seeking hope, joy, and peace beyond their ci...

What happens when the world tells you what you can’t do—but you refuse to believe it? In this inspiring episode of Born Without a Choice, Daniel Hodges shares his extraordinary journey of resilience, determination, and purpose. Born blind and living with multiple disabilities, Daniel was once told he wasn’t capable of becoming an independent adult. Instead, he defied every expectation, earning adv...