Renzo's family was threatened when they lived in Peru by members of The Shining Path. Their lives were threatened repeatedly and even one of their nannies was found out to be a member of the terrorist organization. They had to leave everything they knew behind and start all over in America. They went from upper middle class in Peru to starting from scratch in the U.S. But they did it, and they thrived. Renzo credits his family with surrounding him with art and literature. He fell in love with poetry and decided at the end of his college years, as a senior, to switch from a technical major to a major in English literature -- specifically poetry. A shock to his family, to be sure.He was accepted in a poetry program at Cambridge,  but he didn't have assurance he wouldn't be deported if he went. It was after 9-11 and things were more strict. So he studied in the U.S. Returning to Miami to help his family, he ended up in healthcare and climbed the corporate ladder. But he never gave up his poetry and now he has a book of poems available on Amazon called "Still." It has recently become a bestseller in a number of categories.From the description on Amazon:Still is a collection of poems that focuses on the immigrant experience: a family's journey from Lima, Peru to Miami, Florida as political refugees and asylum seekers and the impact that had on the life of a boy as he grew into a man. Renzo Del Castillo's poems often reveal larger moral concerns, touching in their language the world of politics and betrayal that cannot help but impose upon the world of private language. That heritage of terror and exile that sometimes underlies these poems gives them a sense of history within the lyric confusions of a single life, capturing the idiosyncrasies of the Miami landscape as a destination for Latin American and Caribbean migrations that intersect with an evolving definition of American identity. These poems include reflections of memory and transition, as well as adaptation to new cultures and geographies, through an ethnographic lens. There is a lovely and intimate tone, used to remind the reader that imagination triumphs over, or sometimes through, adversity.The mix of poet and corporate leader, immigrant who was granted political asylum, and  citizen of the world is irresistible. Renzo teaches us how to connect with each other and leave things better than we found them.Find his book here:Amazon: https://a.co/d/fgAHznmHis Website and  Socials:www.renzodelcastillo.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elrenzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renzodelcastilloTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Susan Glenney is a gentle soul whose story includes some horrific childhood trauma. She has made her way through that and teaches us a little about her methods in this interview.  She started in the Hospitality field and was doing that work for years but the "writing bug" bit her and wouldn't let go....she became an author and wrote a  novella ("Moments in time with 16 Men"). Her latest novel is "The Bowtie." Susan uses her books as a platform to encourage other women to heal. The stories she tells are lively and enjoyable, but also teach us how to overcome and be more at peace in our lives.Amazon link for "Moments in Time with 16 Men":https://www.amazon.com/Moments-Time-Men-Susan-Glenney/dp/1076664539/Susan's  website:https://www.SusanGlenney.com Free chapter from "Moments in Time with 16 Men" for readers:https://www.susanglenney.com/free-chapterHer Instagram page:https://www.instagram.com/authorsusanglenney/Her Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanglenney/The  book trailer for "Moments in Time with 16 Men":https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HAG7KM6m54&t=3sTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Deece always loved comedy, in fact he would fake being asleep in the floor while his parents fell asleep on the couch so that he could stay up and watch comedy on TV.  Growing up in a California neighborhood better known for its gangs than anything else made life harder for him and he got swept up in the gang life for a while. Eventually, he turned himself into a successful business consultant and even had two homes -- one in Mexico and one in California. But the comedy dream had never left him and he decided to ditch his comfy life and pursue a career in comedy.It wasn't easy -- but as Deece speaks about -- change rarely is easy but it's worth it! Fifteen years later, he is a successful comedian and writer, and he just finished his first comendy special. Dreams do come true, but as Deece reminds us, there is a lot of work involved!To learn more about Deece and his latest projects, (including his podcast and his new special) go to:  www.DeeceComedy.com Here is a link directly to his special on Youtube: https://youtu.be/fr740QLKF_IYou can also follow him and learn about the latest news on his Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/deece.comedy/THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Originally from the Deep South Louisiana, Trent considers himself a little rough-around-the-edges Southern gentleman!  He’s a world traveler and small business international entrepreneur who introduced, owns and operates a kettle corn manufacturing business in New Zealand over thirteen years.  Hei is also a 3x cancer survivor!  He is is over two years cancer-free now, having beat incredible odds.He considers his purpose to share his journey giving others inspiration and hope. He has co-authored a best-seller that has been recently released on Amazon called "Breaking the Silence: Voices of Survivors."  https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Silence-Survivors-Michelle-Jewsbury/dp/B0CS9HR5SS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10RTFEIX96H4Q&keywords=breaking+the+silence+voices+of+survivors&qid=1705815185&sprefix=voices+of+sur%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1 trentbrock@yahoo.comhttps://www.facebook.com/trent.brock.73https://www.instagram.com/trentbbrock THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

As a man who switched up his whole life and career, James Guzzetta has an interesting story to share.  He had whole careers in IT and later running medical device companies (CEO of 2 of them), but a sudden loss of his business partner and friend caused him to let go of his old life and embrace a new way of working with and coaching others and ultimately, he realized, helping them to heal.Talking to him about his journey was really interesting and enlightening. His shamanic experience with his power animal (the hummingbird of all things) led to powerful validation in his backyard!I didn't realize we had these shaman experiences in common and ended up sharing one of mine. It can really be a powerful tool for spiritual and self-discovery. And the methods are ancient!James also weighed in on his study of how the spiritual and the scientific worlds relate to one another, and I asked if he knew Greg Braden who speaks about the same thing.. (who I really enjoy reading) and James answered "I breathe Greg Braden."He also shared his technique of "deep listening" and how it helps people to feel truly heard.I am so humbled by who ends up finding me and this podcast. Loved talking to James. Hope you enjoy listening. You can email James at: James@JourneyIn2.com-- you can ask about the upcoming Summit in July that he is part of -- and ask to get notified about it.You can leave your info on the contact form on the website too:His website is:  https://journeyin2.systeme.io/c4429e48THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Talking with Spoken Word Artist Traci Neal is like breathing in a breath of fresh air.  She is warm and full of energy. I listened to her spoken word poetry and it was the same, it pulses with a lifeforce that I believe is, as she claims, spiritually channeled. The way Traci puts it is: "As a poet, I cannot come up with this poetry on my own. It is my relationship with God that delivers amazing poetry. I am a walking miracle." How Traci chooses to use her gift is what sets her apart -- she seeks out nonprofits (especially ones serving young people) and offers her help to them, often using her poetry as a bridge for young people to realize that they too have gifts they can share. What an inspiration this young woman is! You can reach Traci (and hear her work) at:Traci NealProfessional Christian Poet & Certified Youth SpeakerEmail: info@tracinealspeakerpoet.comWebsite: www.tracinealspeakerpoet.comTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

I can tell that Brittany is a great therapist, because she puts you at ease and is so easy to talk to! I learned a lot and enjoyed our interview.Brittany learned at an early age the positive benefits of setting intention and setting goals. As a young adult Brittany used those skills to go back to college and get her bachelors in Psychology and her Masters in Mental Health Counseling. As a Licensed Therapist Brittany has worked with several populations including domestic violence survivors, children, families, and individuals. Through the years Brittany has learned and taken specialized training in trauma focused modalities including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT) and Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS). Brittany is an Approved Consultant in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and she uses it to help her clients process anxiety and past trauma. Through her work with clients Brittany realized that many of her clients are blocking themselves, that lead to Brittany writing her Amazon Best Seller Get Out of Your Own Way, 21 Days to Stop Self Sabotage. Today Brittany uses her knowledge to work with both counseling clients and consulting clients set goals and identify and clear blocks. Brittany also facilitates trainings, workshops and seminars on Trauma, Mental Health, Anxiety, Sabotage, and Goal Setting/Purpose settingYou can reach Brittany at:info@brittanyajohnson.comand check out her website (and that great Self-Sabotage Quiz) at:https://brittanyajohnson.com/More on her podcast and course offerings (you can get on her email list here):https://www.lifesavher.net/THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Deana Kiser was 29 years old, living in Boston, enjoying a successful HR career, seeing friends, working out, enjoying a busy social life and her new boyfriend when a sudden and seemingly minor incident on an exercise machine turned into a battle with chronic pain that has lasted for decades.She tried surgery, numerous doctors, drugs, and ended up on her parents' couch, depressed and dependant on opiates. How she made her way back to a new life living with the pain is her inspiring story.Coming out of the "dark tunnel" as Deana describes it, took a lot of work and she now enjoys her life in spite of the pain she calls her "unwanted companion,"Learning to persist despite obstacles is never easy, but as Deana's example shows, it is worth it. You can write to Deana at:kdeanak@gmail.comTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Sarah T. Moore -- Women's Leadership CoachSpeaking with Sarah was like falling off a log. She puts you at ease right away and has so much wisdom to share. I can see that she must be a great coach!My favorite part of a story is when someone learns something and then decides to pass it on to others. This always warms my heart. Sarah has made it her mission to help women rediscover their true selves and live in authenticity, fully expressing their gifts.Sarah has spent 11+ years coaching women at every level of an organization from Senior Executives to Emerging Leaders, from start-ups to global brands. Her varied background in industries such as retail, journalism, and oil and gas, and extensive years living abroad, all have one thing in common; most every decision was born out of passion and purpose. She says: "With that in mind, the bottom line is, I'm coaching women to know what they want, to have the courage to say it, and pursue it. I want women to feel even more confident, to speak up in meetings and board rooms with ease, to communicate effectively in all of their relationships, to feel comfortable in their own skin, and to be seen as one heck of a leader."Phone: 484.685.6360Full of Herself Honor Line: 614.887.7676To Sarah's website:https://www.mooresoulsessions.comTo get Sarah's book "Full of Herself:"https://www.mooresoulsessions.com/getmybookHer Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/moore.soul.sessionsHer Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/sarah.tonnermooreTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Talking with Amanda Preacher was a fascinating time! It all started for her with a crystal.  She took it home and one day saw geometric patterns in it.From there, she began to study angel therapy,  and followed a  path from traditional counselor to spiritual practitioner. She offers her clients a wonderful mix of tools she has learned along the way -- angel communications, reiki (she is a Master), shamanic journeying, and more!  From her website:Amanda has been involved with several forms of energy work over the last 35 years. She is a trained Reiki Practitioner and also has training as an Angel Therapy Practitioner, Soul Memory Discovery Facilitator and Shamanic Counselor.Amanda works with and welcomes, anyone who wants to increase their connection with their higher self and who is seeking to obtain answers to issues they may be experiencing; whether it is body, mind or spirit. Her certifications include:Angel Therapy Practitioner, 2008Shamanic Counselor, 2018Reiki Master, 2021Animal Reiki PractitionerI learned so much from her and was so impressed with her mission to help as many people as she can.She is the real deal. I was so happy to hear that she is writing a book. Hopefully, we can read it next year!You can reach Amanda directly at:  AmandaPreacher@gmail.comMore info here: https://www.spiritualclassifieds.org/california/energy-healing/amanda-preacherHer website is: https://crystalintuition.org/(She offers a free session if you want to try it out!)THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

It's easy to see how Jenilee Samuel is so popular both as a podcaster and a teacher. She is upbeat, positive and super supportive. No wonder she is in the top 1% of globally ranked shows, she is actively listened to in 80 nations,  and has ranked in 7 countries and keeps climibing! I love a good "turn yourself into something else" story and Jenilee's story sure fits that.She is a pastor at a church in Texas, and so is her husband, they are co-pastors, but she found herself not being able to minister in the way she would have liked, mostly because people just expected her husband to be the "real' pastor, and that she would take a back seat.She needed an outlet for her voice, and she started her Podcast -- "Java with Jen -- Hearing  God's Voice in Everyday Life." That was almost 6 years ago. She now teaches several levels of podcasting courses and continues with her podcast as well.In fact, you can get $200 off one of her courses if you use the Storied Human code.You can also just dip your toe in by downloading her free 7-Step Podcast Essentials List.Jen can be found at:https://jenileesamuel.wordpress.com/Get your free 7-Step Podcast Essentials List here:https://jenileesamuel.wordpress.com/freebies/THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Jodi Greve is like a lot of my interviewees in that a setback she experienced forced her to change her path. She was a gifted athlete who competed in college when an ACL injury sidelined her. She decided to stick with athletics and studied to be a trainer. After years doing training with top athletes, she felt the coaching bug and became a coach. Spending time with elite athletes definitely affected her in a good way. She ended up setting her sights on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, despite never having done anything like that! She decided to plan it, buy the airplane ticket, and just figure it out after. As unorthodox as that was, it worked and she found herself on the mountaintop in Africa feeling like a failure because she was struggling and usually last in line, one of the slower climbers. Her guide had to remind her that there is no "#1 spot in climbing that just being there was winning. Despite the climb being grueling and really difficult, she kept going and reached the summit.  She had trained herself to go from "stop sign to stop sign" with her friend and she used the same approach on the mountain. She would focus on a rock ahead and just think about making it there. And then the next rock, and the next.When she got back home, she realized she was repeating her story over and over for inquisitive friends, so she did a Facebook live. People loved it and encouraged her to consider being a speaker. Her lessons learned in her life and on that mountain makes her the perfect mindset speaker and coach. She coaches people one one-on-one, speaks to business groups, athletes, and still does coach athletes in the summer. She wrote a book about her experiences called "Conquering Kilimanjaro " I found her such an inspiration, and you will too! You can reach Jodi at:Jodigreve.com or on Instagram, Ticktock, or X: CoachJodi_Information about her three books (including "Conquering Kilimanjaro" and "My Life in the 50 States" and "From Athlete to Entrepreneur") is on her website here:https://www.jodigreve.com/productsTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Ginger Berg was certainly busy before she decided to foster and later adopt children in need. She had three kids already, and a busy job teaching. But something touched her heart when she heard someone give a talk at her church about fostering and adopting.   She felt called by God to adopt. Her husband was not immediately on board. But Ginger held her intention close to her heart and prayed every day that God would touch her husband in the same way.Her husband also heard someone in church and felt moved to adopt too, so they started their fostering and adopting journey.  They are now a family of 8! And the book that Ginger wrote about her family "The Patchwork Family" -- originally intended just for friends and  family -- eventually was published at the urging of her family and friends. The first book ("The Patchwork Family") told her family's story from a bio kid's point of view, when a new sibling comes into the family.She wrote a second book in the Patchwork Family series, "Lavender's Story,"  which was published Sept 8th, 2023, and it is the adoption story from the adopted child's point of view. Both of these books are available on Amazon.  Ginger says:Based on a real family"These books are about my own family. The first book shares about how Nick loves his quilt because each patch represents a member of his family. Their love stitches them together like patchwork. My Patchwork Family is a beautiful story of a family sewn together through foster care and adoption."Her family's story is inspirational and speaks to the fact that we all have more love to give than we ever thought possible. Their journey as a family has not been easy, but it has been so worth it because two children who really needed "forever homes" now have them. Ginger hopes her books help spread the word about the good people can do by fostering and/or adopting children in need.See more about Ginger and her books at:www.mypatchworkfamilybook.comOrder her book on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/My-Patchwork-Family-Mikayla-Tucker/dp/1945121165THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Krysta Maravilla had a fine life. She worked in the mental health field and did well. She owned her own house. But something was missing. She had a dream -- literally. One night she had a detailed dream (and she rarely remembered her dreams). It ended up changing her life. She became, as she puts it,  a Wanderer, and she began to unravel her old life and move into her new life as a writer.She gave up her job, rented out her house, and hit the road with various family and friends and explored and climbed mountains, and had wonderful adventures. Then she went through the grueling process of actually writing and re-writing a book. Along the way, she met other supportive writers and got support from a writing coach and a great editor. How did she make the  change? Krysta says:"I began making small changes. Gratitude journals at night led to journaling, reiki, sound healing, counseling, and meditating. Sparks of hope burst into my life.I attended to the things that made me feel alive, balanced, playful. My momentum grew.I rented my house out and gave away most of my stuff. I traveled — haphazardly across the states, east to west coast, and back again. I allowed my life to breathe and become limber, discarding identities, beliefs, and self-created labels.What happens when you surrender to the unknown?I surrendered to the unknown, finding joy, and a deeper level of self-trust and confidence.I began collecting love stories. This new project revealed lingering fears deep within me, fears of having a voice, of using it, and of being heard and seen.As I moved through this fear, I fell in love with writing.What happens when you catch sight of a dream?I rolled up my sleeves and dove into writing Spark. It was torturous. It was expansive. I cried. I laughed. I ate a lot of Nutella. I wrote “The End.”What if the end is The Beginning?I am a different person than I was ten years ago. A new person.Soaring. Trusting. Embracing the marvel of who I am and courageously, insistently aligning with my ever-shifting true north."Krysta's first book in her fantasy trilogy is called "Spark" and  is out now on Amazon.You can read about and contact Krysta on her website:https://krystamaravilla.com/about-krysta/The Writing Facebook group that Krysta mentioned is:20 books to 50 thousand:https://www.facebook.com/groups/20Booksto50k You can email her using the form on her website or directly at:hello@krystamaravilla.comTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Sonny Von Cleveland speaks openly and honestly about the horrific sexual abuse he suffered as a very young child. He ended up going to prison at a young age and found himself as a teenager among hardened criminals. How he got through this and how he found his way to making peace with his past and learning how to forgive -- well it's one amazing story and Sonny credits one prisoner in particular who was near Sonny when they were both in "the hole" (solitary confinement), with teaching him how to change his life. This amazing Muslim man challenged Sonny to transform  his approach to life, and to try forgiveness and kindness. Through his inspiring words, he helped Sonny heal.-- to the point where he got his time in solitary shortened and was asked to present a course in the prison. In a cruel twist of fate, the course was to be presented to all pedophiles and Sonny had to wrestle with his own feelings and past. In the end he decided to do it, and taught the class. He reminds that each of the men in that class were once an innocent little boy before their innocence was broken, and they chose the path they did. Inspiring and uplifting, Sonny's story reminds us that we can choose to look at our lives in a different at any time. Today we can make changes. Sonny continues to make a difference with his work with juveniles, his new book "Hey White Boy," his coaching  (itopoacoaching), and his podcast "The Morning Choice." As he tells it, it is simple to live a good life: Be kind --both to others and to yourself. Pre-order his book (due out in September), "Hey White Boy -- Conversations on Redemption" from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hey-White-Boy-Conversations-Redemption-ebook/dp/B0CB9RB83V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W0MY6X5GYZ2R&keywords=hey+white+boy&qid=1691980012&s=books&sprefix=hey+white+boy+%2Cstripbooks%2C188&sr=1-1Hey, White Boy: Conversations of Redemption is the story of Sonny’s transformation from victimhood to self-actualization and redemption through the mentorship and teachings of a fellow inmate – a Muslim man whom he met during the 19 months he spent in solitary conferment. Through this man’s teachings, Sonny put himself through intense self-examination and scrutiny and used his mentors’ instructions to confront his past, forgive those who wronged him, hold himself accountable, and rebuild himself into the motivational speaker he is today.Hey, White Boy is a profoundly authentic and moving memoir about what it means to let go, transform, and rise from the experiences of our past.His contact info :Sonny Von ClevelandDirector & Mindset CoachYouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaL7Noxq4twziF_yHHCgBqAHis podcast "The Morning Choice," on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZDj-s2fS69UvrHe6JJjdQsq9IEIhnPwliTopia Coachingm: (1) 216.644.8198e: sonny@itopiacoaching.comwww.itopiacoaching.comThe book "Love is Letting Go of Fear, by Gerald JampoTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

For author and screenwriter LL Kirchner, it's been a long journey to self-discovery and learning what works for her.  Moved around a lot as a child, she coped by drinking and smoking at a young age. After a difficult divorce, she left her job in Qatar to go to an intensive yoga teacher training class in India. There, she quit smoking easily and learned a lot about Yoga and Hinduism. She wrote her first book -- American Lady Creature: (My) Change in the Middle East -- about being in the mideast and seeing blatant mysogyny and cognitive dissonance (she remembers seeing completely covered women walking by Victoria Secret ads). Upon returning to the U.S, she observed that women were not treated that much better here.  Struggling to find inner peace and meaning, she tried meditation and felt pressured to always try to improve on her mindfulness.  Her second book is deeply personal -- Blissful Thinking  - a memoir of overcoming the wellness revolution. It is the sweeping story of her search for nirvana that took her from university halls in the Persian Gulf to the streets of Manhattan to a sex cult in India.  The book is available September 26, 2023 by Molina Books.From her website: "Blissful Thinking is the true story of how one womans' search for wellness kept her spiritually sick."Fearing a return to her addictions, she tried every spiritual journey she can imagine—yoga, chanting, the sex cult—to regain her trust in the universe. But she kept returning to toxic relationships, until finally she realizedthe gift her mother had always given her—hope. Daring to challenge the popular thinking that meditation is always good and we must engage in  constant "self-improvement" activities, she points out to us that it's really important to find what works for US, including the idea that not all types of meditation are good for you. And to remember that "you're really only as sick as your secrets."  ********************************************************************************************You can email LL at: more@llkirchner.com Follow her on Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/llkirchner_/Check out her website: https://llkirchner.comLL offers  a free workshop called "Unstick your Magic -- a creativity master class ," which is available when you pre-order Blissful Thinking: https://llkirchner.involve.me/pre-order-workshopTo read a sample of Blissful Thinking: https://llkirchner.com/freeThis is also where you will find her meditation quiz that helps you discover which type of mediation fits you.And finally, look for her novel coming soon called Florida Girls.Books we mentioned in this episode: The Grieving Brain** by Mary Francis O'Connor, Deana Gashman's piece on Time.com -- So sorry for your loss, and Heartbreak by Florence Williams.**Note-- Lynne got the name wrong of the grief book (it's not "The Brain on Grief"THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

It was so great to talk to Karma Reese and hear about how she went from a tragic younger life to a powerful, healed one. Podcast personality, workshop presenter, and spiritual channeler, Karma uses all her energy to help guide and heal people.Karma has not let anything stop her from becoming her best self and it is inspiring to hear her story. Her goal is to help as many people as she can.You can find out more about her services at: https://karmplexityonline.com/You can find her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karmplexity/?hl=enHer podcast is called  "The Karma of it all" -- Find it on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2G7wDDK4lyBxg9tQUvVqf6or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/karmplexityTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

JUST A REMINDER-- WE ARE ON SUMMER HOURS, SO EPISODES COME OUT EVERY OTHER WEEK.  SEE YOU  ON JULY 17th!Richard Conner was a runner and he did work out. But he wanted more when a friend mentioned running a Spartan race. Spartan races are super challenging obstacle courses that really test you! If you fail at an obstacle, you have to do 30 Burpees! But Richard knew he could do it and with the help of a coach, kept pushing himself until he was an accomplished obstacle course runner (the Spartan races).He shares his story about how he did it and continues to motivate others on his own podcast "Inspire to Run." Check it out!You can reach Richard on Instagram: @inspiretorunpodcastListen to his podcast; Inspire to Run on your favorite platformEmail him at: richard@inspiretorun.coTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Kendal is a 23-year-old currently living in Calgary Canada. She grew up playing highly competitive sports, while suffering from depression, anxiety, and what she would later come to find out was ADHD. When she was 17 she suffered a pulmonary embolism due to a blood clot that had transpired after her first knee surgery.  She has truly come to the realization of how short life is, and that her true purpose is helping others also get through their mental health struggles. She shares her story so that others can know that they are not alone and that they need to try to reach out for help. And she adds that if you know someone who is suffering, you have to reach out to them, because they probably don't want to burden you with it.Kendal's message is life-affirming and gives those who struggle with their mental health hope and a roadmap for feeling better. She feels that we all need to view mental health just like physical health, no different from going to the doctor for a headache or other physical problem.  It is why she works as a mental health activist, spreading the message that mental health is just a sickeness, like any other sickness, and you can get help and heal from it. You can reach out to Kendal at:kendal@ventspaceapp.comCheck out her podcast "It's Just Mental" wherever you listen to podcasts.THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian

Speaking with Amanda about her many accomplishments could be intimidating except it's not -- she is open and warm and just wants to make the world better. She has done just that, with her many contributions to groups who help the previously incarcerated.Amanda DuBois is the founder and managing partner of DuBois Levias Law Group, a woman-owned boutique family law firm on Lake Union in Seattle. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Amanda was a high-risk labor and delivery nurse at the University of Washington Medical Center.Amanda is the author of the Camille Delaney mystery series. The Complication was published in spring 2022 and Deliver Them From Evil was published in March 2023. She is currently working on the third book in the series, which centers on mothers in prison and the importance of reuniting them with their children. Amanda’s books address inequities in the legal system while offering a fast-paced reading experience with the twists and turns one would expect from a good thriller.The Complication received an Honorable Mention Award from the Eric Hoffer Book Award in the 2023 E-Fiction category. It was also designated by IndieReader’s as a “Best Reviewed Books of the Month in January 2022. Their review contains a helpful synopsis of the story. And The Complication received a favorable review by Kirkus Reviews in spring 2022. Deliver Them From Evil spent several weeks on the Bestseller list for Medical Thrillers on Amazon shortly after it was published.Amanda is also the founder of Civil Survival Project, an organization that teaches advocacy skills to formerly incarcerated individuals. Civil Survival Project’s mission is to Educate, Motivate, and Liberate people who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system. Civil Survival also provides civil legal aid to individuals struggling with the consequences of incarceration and helping them with reentry. For the past several years,Amanda has mentored Tarra Simmons, who is a formerly incarcerated lawyer and the executive director of Civil Survival Project. Amanda recently founded the Full Circle Scholarship at her alma mater, Seattle University School of Law. The scholarship helps fund tuition for students who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system. Amanda was recently awarded the Sally P. Savage Leadership in Philanthropy Award from the Washington State Bar Association and the Washington State Bar Foundation.Amanda is the Vice President of the board of Purpose Dignity Action in Seattle (which advocates for criminal legal system reform and develops alternatives that shift from apunishment paradigm to a system that supports individual and community health). She is also aboard member of Freedom Education Project Puget Sound (which pr vides post-secondary education to women inside Washington Corrections Center for Women). She is the past president of the Women's Funding Alliance, and has served on a number of community boards, and is currently a member of the Seattle Chapter of the Women's President's Association.You can reach her at: AmandTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian