Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Thursday, August 17, 2023, Dr. Robert Wolf.  Dr. Wolf is a National Speaker and Author of his new book "Not a Real Enemy: The True Story of a Hungarian Jewish Man's Fight for Freedom" along with Janice Harper, which just won (3) awards!  The book details the remarkable story of his family's history that follows his Jewish parents and grandparents first living under the Nazis, and then under the communist regime in Hungary. It explores the depths of his family, shares their experiences, and his father Ervin Wolf's quest for freedom. While immersing myself in Dr. Wolf's book, I found myself transported to a unique vantage point, where history unfolded before my eyes. His profound work evoked a deep sense of gratitude for his literary achievement. The pages held an irresistible allure and a constant thread of hope. True to its roots, this captivating narrative weaved together elements of suspense, tragedy, comedy, and ultimately, triumph. Brace yourself with a box of tissues for the emotional journey that awaits! Step into the compelling narrative of Ervin Wolf and his family, as they navigate the turbulent grip of fascism sweeping across Eastern Europe, particularly Hungary. Witness their journey from a life of privilege in the upper-class to their harrowing imprisonment, daring escapes, heartbreaking losses, and thrilling exploits. Follow Ervin's gripping tale as he orchestrates his final escape under the cover of darkness, towards the elusive promise of freedom. To connect with Dr. Wolf further, please check out his website and various social media platforms: https://robertjwolfmd.com/ https://twitter.com/robertjwolfmd https://www.instagram.com/robertjwolfmd https://www.facebook.com/notarealenemy https://www.youtube.com/c/RobertJWolfMD https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-j-wolf-md https://www.amazon.com/Not-Real-Enemy-Hungarian-Holocaust-ebook/dp/B0B9C7JYQ5 Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share or have you written a book?  If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Dr. Wolf - “truly” you have certainly carried on your parents’ mission to never let the past be forgotten and these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Thursday, August 10, 2023, Rita Ernst.  Rita is an organizational effectiveness consultant, executive coach, speaker, writer and Owner / CEO of Ignite Your Extraordinary, an organizational consulting practice emphasizing the convergence of happiness and productivity to create positive, committed, high-performing organizations.  She is also the Author of the Book:  Show Up Positive. I “truly” was riveted when I read Rita’s book.  From the Dedication, Preface and reading the first chapter: You “Show Up Positive” Invitation, I knew this was so much more than what I had anticipated.  As Rita stated in her book, “. . . the beginning of a multi-dimensional change; not a step-by-step . . .”, I felt as though I was not going to just read her book, I certainly was going to learn a whole lot from reading it, and I certainly did!   Rita, by nature, is a Geek when it comes to psychology.  She holds an advanced degree in Organizational Psychology from Clemson University.   Her book advocates you to stop waiting and generate positivity yourself.  She offers in her book Show Up Positive acts to inspire and motivate your success while taking back your happiness at work.   As mentioned on the back of her book:  “Rita emphasizes grasping reality with all of its flaws and disappointments and choosing not to let those imperfections define the possibilities. . .” The beauty of Showing Up Positive is that not only can employers improve employee morale, reduce operating costs and increase profit margins, you, as an individual, can learn, develop and cultivate your own positivity by engaging and taking an active part in creating your own “Template for Success”!  How you use this book will make an impact in your life, a positive one and that certainly will “Ignite Your Extraordinary”!! To connect with Rita further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: rita.ernst@igniteextraordinary.com https://www.igniteextraordinary.com/ https://www.instagram.com/igniteextraordinary/ https://www.facebook.com/igniteextraordinary/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-ernst-positivity-influencer/ Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Rita - “truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Tuesday, August 2, 2023, Edmund A. Rossman, III.  Ed has been in the libraries and broadcasting industry since 1980.  Ed has also been a business manager of radio stations in (2) major markets.  He is also the Author of the Book:  "A Guy's Guide to Throat Cancer". A personal story of the Do’s and Don'ts of Recovery (the subtitle of Ed’s book) and how Ed’s 50 / 50 % chance of survival put him on a path of self-reflection and self-discovery.  His book was written through his eyes and observations through his journal entries in CaringBridge which is a social media platform for people with illnesses to easily keep all those interested in their treatments and locations as informed as possible in an efficient way.  To say Ed had an upbeat approach is “truly” and understatement.  He offers motivation and distraction through music and motivation not only for himself, but the utmost respect in lightheartedness and seriousness to his family and friends. Through his entries, Ed encouraged his friends, family and colleagues to look at life through a guy's eyes, of not being a victim, and with faith in the Lord that he would pull through. His entries reflect in his writing as if he was discussing things on a bar stool, not a hospital room.  Through discipline, strength, learning his attitude and his faith, Ed was able to correlate different things in his life with what was happening in his treatments.  For instance, not using “difficult” in describing what he may have been feeling but using the word “different”. His medical treatment spanned the Lenten season, and his journal entries and discussions contain many daily mass readings that provided him and his "crew" with a spiritual scaffolding of support. The biblical messages of faith, perseverance and gratitude are tonic to anyone, not just guys, in going through this life-changing disease. “Truly”, life is a beautiful garden! To connect with Ed further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: erossman74@yahoo.com https://www.amazon.com/s?k=guys+guide+to+throat+cancer https://www.instagram.com/guysguidetothroatcancer/ https://www.facebook.com/Guysguidetothroatcancer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erossman74/ Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Ed’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Ed - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Monday, July 31, 2023, Terri Kozlowski.  Terri is a certified life coach, blogger, and the Author of the book: "Raven Transcending Fear," which recently won the FireBird Award from SpeakUp Talk Radio in the Memoir category!  Read the press release here: https://www.pr.com/press-release/891774 She is also the Founder of Soul Solutions. She specializes in empowering women by teaching them to set personal boundaries, reframe the stories they tell themselves, overcome their fears, and push past their limiting beliefs. Terri’s book is part memoir, part self-help guide and is a raw and personal story of diving deep into childhood trauma, dealing with the terror before ultimately getting comfortable with fear and transcending it. We dove deep into the ins and outs of her childhood trauma and how each stage of progression or the lack thereof shaped her ego in a way where sometimes it protected her, tricked her and as she learned, ultimately kept her from living her life.  As Terri puts it, you stay stuck until you are able to make the shift and that shift came when she had an “aha” moment. Sometimes the people that are the closest to us tend to be very truthful and sometimes that truth can hurt; however, Terri took the opportunity of this “aha” moment when a friend mentioned that she was getting something for playing the victim of abuse instead of living as a survivor.  This was the start of her awakening; the moment she became a survivor! So poignant what Terri wrote in the Afterword of her book:  “Acknowledging our stories allows us to reframe them without shame, blame, or guilt.  It recognizes the truth that the soul sees in the light.  The ego is what holds us back.  It’s the reason we stay in fear for so long.”  Terri Kozlowski Hard-earned wisdom indeed - priceless!  “Why me?  Now what?” To connect with Terri further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: Terri@TerriKozlowski.com https://TerriKozlowski.com https://twitter.com/tmkozlowski https://www.instagram.com/terrikozlowski/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/8548967271811747 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbT3ygWLAxEcPqOOgCflL_A https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrikozlowski/ https://www.pinterest.com/terrikozlowski/ https://tinyurl.com/RavenTranscendingFear Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Terri’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Terri - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, Marjie Hadad.  Marjie is an international public relations expert, the general manager of Must Have Communication & Consulting, an author, an award-winning TV producer, as well as a coach and a speaker on how to apply public relations strategies to parenting, life and careers.  Marjie is the Author of the Book: The Power of PR Parenting / How to Raise Confident, Resilient, and Successful Children Using Public Relations Strategies, which was published in April, 2023.  With 30 years of PR experience, Marjie certainly is an expert in her field; however, she freely admits she had no idea on how to write a book.  The thought of course came to her when she had a conversation with her daughter seeing her friends in their professional relationships and how to balance that out with their personal lives and her daughter’s response was “you did it Mom”.  Marjie enlisted the assistance of her publisher, Muse Literary and her story development coach. The Power of PR Parenting is more than just a book on parenting.  It’s a glossary, your go-to resource and so much more!  From the introduction in her book, you feel as though Marjie is sitting across from you at a coffee shop; friend to friend - that’s how I knew this was going to be an amazing story with practical advice and strategies.  [Full disclosure, I’ve only read about ½ of her book - and I can’t wait to finish reading it - of course, it’s THAT GOOD!] While no parent is perfect, what Marjie gets across to her readers is that it’s more of a relationship on how we react or in some cases, the lack thereof.  She gives practical advice from both points of view and when a crisis happens, how she relates that to her PR background in my opinion is astounding.  There is always a lesson to be learned and “you just deal with it.  And yes, it can be learned.” What is even more impressive, at the beginning of each chapter, she informs the reader of what they will learn in that particular chapter and at the end of said chapter, you can apply the PR strategies she has outlined by scanning the QR Code with access to the workbook that will walk you through the process.       To connect with Marjie further and to purchase her book, please check out her website and various social media platforms: marjie@netvision.net.il https://prfor.life/ https://twitter.com/MarjieHadad https://www.instagram.com/marjiehadad/ https://www.facebook.com/marjie.shankenhadad https://www.youtube.com/@PRParenting https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjie-hadad-65337a7/ www.facebook.com/groups/prparenting/ Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Marjie - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Thursday, July 20, 2023, Lyn Delmastro-Thompson.  Lyn is a certified hypnotist, energy healer, and entrepreneur for the past 13 years.   Lyn is also the Author of the Amazon Best Seller, You Are Not Your Diagnosis. This is my 3rd time having the pleasure and honor of interviewing Lyn.  She was a guest on the podcast I co-host with my sister, TwoSistas, on her solo podcast on March 13, 2023 and a few days later on the celebration of our 600th episode on March 18, 2023. The life-changing dramatic diagnosis of having a form of leukemia had a major impact on her life.  She underwent 3-years of chemo treatment; however, despite the fact that her blood work was starting to look better, her health further declined and this deeply affected her mindset.  She lost an extreme amount of weight and of course reported this all to her physicians.  Lyn instinctively knew that something was just not right.  Thankfully, she followed her instinct! Lyn started to explore different holistic types of therapy and after finally being seen by another physician, she learned that she had been misdiagnosed with leukemia, she became passionate about sharing her message.  (I can’t even imagine being told that you were misdiagnosed / how does this happen?  It’s more common than you think.)   Lyn believes that a chronic illness diagnosis doesn't have to be a life sentence (she certainly did not accept the status quo.) Lyn works with women with chronic health symptoms who want more energy so they have peace of mind, live a meaningful life, and be independent. Lyn’s gaslighting journey through the perils of 3-years knowing she was diagnosed with leukemia, her body knowing that something was not adding up and having the patience to finally accept that she had to be her own advocate paid off - it was not easy but she is where she is today because of what she went through.  “Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer; seek that referral for a 2nd opinion”.  Lyn did and now she of course realizes that she had the opportunity to share the impact of what transpired with her journey in a way that helps others.  She has done that and more! To connect with Lyn further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: lyn@heartfirehealingllc.com http://www.heartfirehealingllc.com https://www.instagram.com/heartfirehealing/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/womentakingchargeoftheirhealth2022 https://a.co/d/1XEcbgV Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Lyn’s certainly has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Lyn - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, Sarah Duran (Episode #125).  Sarah is a freelance project manager, consistent six-figure freelancer, and solopreneur coach. She started her company, Fruition Initiatives, to help people and organizations turn their ideas into action – to bring their goals to fruition.  Sarah is also the Author of the Book:  How to Start a Business of One / Instant Freelancer / The Shortest Path to Independent Work and Money in the Bank. Sarah’s book is a book I wished I had when I initially started my journey of entrepreneurship - it is that good!  (Sarah also has a workbook that accompanies the book as well.  I decided to read her book first; now I am going to download the workbook and read it again!)  She lays her book out in such a way to really enable her reader to strategically input their ideas and thoughts into action!  Taking action may be the hardest part to your independence; however Sarah quotes in her book a famous quote from Susan B. Anthony:  “Independence is happiness!” We specifically chatted about the first part of her book:  “Why Freelance Now" and the two parts to that specific section:  The Freelance Revolution and What Freelancing Needs to Give You.  The perfect place to start indeed as you need a healthy foundation to start your freelance business.  Sarah identifies (10) descriptions of freelancers some of which of course can be intertwined.  I believe I am a mixture of freelancer, creative, consultant and coach.   Sarah is also a coach, podcaster, blogger, and content creator who helps solopreneurs live up to their highest potential. She takes her expertise as a consistent six-figure freelancer and combines it with her background in curriculum design, facilitation, and coaching to give solopreneurs the support to get what they need out of their work EVERY DAY. To connect with Sarah further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: sarah.duran@fruitioninitiatives.com https://www.fruitioninitiatives.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hustlers_manifesto/ https://www.facebook.com/fruitioninitiatives https://www.youtube.com/@thefreelancerevolutionpodc6051 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-duran-72246817/ https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Freelancer-Business-Freelance-Freedom/dp/B09YQF2PDZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EU0AW6JW680P&keywords=instant+freelancer&qid=1673888014&sprefix=insant+freelance%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1 Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Are you doing what you love everyday?  If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Sarah - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Eleni Fuiaxis (Episode #124.)  Eleni is an Educator, Entrepreneur, SAG Actress/Model and Mother 2.  Eleni is also the Author of the children’s book Series “The Kids We Love Collection”:  Picky Patrick. As a very busy Mom, Eleni recognized the importance of the connection with her children and one thing that her two sons loved were the stories that she would share with them.  Eleni explained that as an actress / model, she was always sharing stories and she of course, absolutely loved this time with her sons!  Her sons were engaged with her stories and urged her to write them down.  Time went by and Eleni finally started to do just that.  As every story goes, there are trials and tribulations along the way.  Suffice it to say, she continued to flourish, nurturing her gift (even through the ups and downs that life threw at her.)  When she wrote, she flourished!  It wasn’t until 8 years later where she picked up where she left off and started the process again.  “Comparison is the thief of joy” and until Eleni grasped and shifted her perspective, she then flourished even more!   She may have thrown caution to the wind when she left her lucrative, 6 figure salary in Sales in NYC however she knew she was meant for more!  During the height of covid, she switched gears yet again and became a Certified Teacher in New York City to serve children and give back to her community.   Obstacles, many; self-doubt at times, divorce and numerous other events may have derailed her, but “Truly” she is now in her own element and sharing her gift with others!  To connect with Eleni further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: https://www.elenifuiaxis.com https://instagram.com/elenifuiaxis.nyc https://facebook.com/elenifuiaxisauthorspeakereducator https://www.amazon.com/dp/1645439402/ref=tsm_1_tp_tc “Honor your intuition.  Just do it!”  Eleni Fuiaxis Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Eleni’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Eleni - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, Jackie Dighans (Episode #123).  Jackie is a Covenant Life Coach.  She loves helping people align with the covenant of God, throw off weights and sin, and forget the past so they can run their race and reach toward the goal of the high call of God.  She is also the Author of the Book:  Covered / Living in triumph while going through trials.  Sometimes there are more questions than answers when going through life’s ups and downs; sometimes it’s the process of rising above the circumstances.  As we all know, that certainly is not easy to do.  However, what if those trials and tribulations we have gone through were meant for something bigger? As Jackie pointed out, there are messes in our lives and God has us “Covered”.  Leaning on our faith and believing that through the noise of it all, if we listen with intent and love in our hearts with the hope that there is meaning and purpose, God’s guidance will direct us in a way which we may not realize right at first.  In our hearts, he is laying down the foundation and God is right there by our side.   I highly recommend reading this book.  It is an honest, raw and vulnerable story filled with trials and tribulations and the backdrop of how one woman’s faith and love for God and her family, lived in a way where she certainly has and will continue to triumph and inspire others to do the same! Jackie also has recently published (2) other Books:  Covered on a Deeper Level / Living in Triumph While Going Through Trials Bonus Materials What if You Believed?  / 31 Beliefs to Act on From the Living Word to Bring About Life Change. To connect with Jackie further, please check out her various social media platforms: jackiedighans@gmail.com https://instagram.com/jackiedighans?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://www.facebook.com/dighansjackie https://youtube.com/@jackiedighans8563 https://www.amazon.com/Covered-Living-Triumph-Through-Trials/dp/0578268787/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2KNHOWJ4IEIHC&keywords=covered+jackie+dighans&qid=1668737089&sprefix=covered+jack%2Caps%2C1754&sr=8-1 “You have a story, too.  Share it everywhere you go.”  Jackie Dighans Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Jackie’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Jackie - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us welcomed to today’s podcast, Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Allyza Shaine (Episode #122)  Allyza is a Business Mentor & Women’s Health Advocate dedicated to helping you secure the wealth legacy in your lineage.  She believes that generational poverty can end with us and it is your birthright to be unapologetically wealthy.  We have the power to break that chain and change the narrative for our descendants. In more ways than one, Allyza has taken the oath of becoming the chain breaker.  From age 7 when she came to the United States with her Father and 3 younger siblings, she has been taking care of “business”.  It was until after the birth of her 1st daughter where she realized that she wanted to rely on her own wealth and of course there were non-negotiables and for her, it meant being there for her children and husband. Allyza began to research how she could make money and stay at home with her daughter.   Since she and her family (her husband and 2 daughters with her 3rd child on the way) are still living the military life (her husband is still in the Armed Services), she began to share her insights with other military spouses showing them the possibilities.  Allyza realized she was certainly on to something! While Allyza works with military spouses and other women entrepreneurs, she brings a style of coaching that she 100% loves and enjoys!  More importantly, she honors her non-negotiables and coaches her clients as well to do the same. Although fear certainly may be on your mind, as Allyza points out it’s important not to compare yourself to others.  Do what your soul is calling you to do! Her insights on women & wealth have been featured on CBS News, ABC news, and on stage alongside trailblazing women like Sally Krawcheck and Monique Idlett-Mosley.  To connect with Allyza further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: allyza@allyzashaine.com https://allyzashaine.com https://instagram.com/allyzashaine https://facebook.com/allyza.maranon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4py3CuwQTBzB1lO1NMJ2uQ https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyzashaine/ To sign up for Allysa’s free email series as mentioned in today’s podcast, please click the link below: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63e2c62d0f93ed601fa29e05 To sign up for Allyza’s Summer Slumber Party Workshop called "Poised for the Position" on June 28, 2023, click the link below - the normal price is $97 - use the code “INSPIRE” to receive 20% off: https://bit.ly/poisedforthepositionworkshop Here is the direct code link to receive the 20% off: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poised-for-the-position-tickets-660212552517?discount=INSPIRE Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Allyza’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Allyza - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Friday, June 16, 2023, John Sovec (Episode #121).  John is a nationally recognized expert on creating affirmative support for LGBTQ teens and their families during the coming out process. He is the clinical consultant for The Life Group LA, adjunct faculty at Phillips Graduate Institute and guest lecturer at Alliant University, Antioch, Cal State Fullerton, and USC School of Social Work. John is currently a member of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. John is the Author of Out: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond (just released in May 2023). John speaks at conferences nationwide, maintains a private practice, and provides training for community agencies, schools, non-profits, and professional consultation on how to successfully support LGBTQ teens. The “words you need” the “more words you need” is a part of the process to connect on a deeper level for the parent and child when coming out.  As John explained, when a child comes “out” to their parents, the child has actually thought about how to have this conversation with their parents for quite some time.  Typically, the parent may be the 2nd or 3rd person to find out. There is guidance and care for each party involved.  In other words, most definitely for the child and for the parent / parents, perhaps a grieving process.  While my words alone in these show notes cannot adequately articulate John’s heartfelt, caring and loving gift of compassion for all involved, there is hope and guidance to create a new family environment. “Many parents and teens find themselves not knowing where to turn.  “Out” is like sitting down to a trusted friend.  This is the go-to resource for any parent supporting their LGBTQIA+ kid through the coming out process.” John is a nationally recognized expert on creating affirmative support for LGBTQ adolescents with his work featured on The Riki Lake Show, OWN, FOX, The Advocate, Bravo, LA Talk Radio, The Washington Post, and columns for Huffington Post, Medium, and Good Therapy. To connect with John further, please check out his websites and various social media platforms: john@johnsovec.com www.JohnSovec.com www.GayTeenTherapy.com https://twitter.com/JohnSovec https://www.instagram.com/johnsovectherapy/ https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/johnsovec https://www.amazon.com/Out-Parents-Supporting-Lgbtqia-Through/dp/1839974249/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3AWLF4T5VK17O&keywords=john+sovec&qid=1673034210&sprefix=john+sovec%2Caps%2C424&sr=8-1 Are you or someone that you know going through a similar story?  Please share this podcast with them and have them reach out to John.  Also, click the Amazon link above to purchase “Out”.  He would love the opportunity to share with you how he can support you. Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as John’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you John - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us welcomed to today’s podcast, Don Wardlow (Episode #120).  Don is a Writer, Podcaster of The Baseball Lifer and baseball’s first blind broadcaster - YES - you heard that right!  But first, before we dove into his amazing story, we shared our favorite baseball teams with each other.  Needless to say, it boils down to the Red Sox vs Yankees - he is a “Yankees” fan and I am a “Red Sox” fan!!  (The rivalry I am sure will continue!) As a young boy, he was introduced to baseball and started off as a Mets fan.  It wasn’t until his Grandfather, a huge Yankees fan, where Don realized his love and passion for baseball.  That soon of course included other sports such as basketball. Don was 28 when he became baseball's first blind broadcaster.  During the next 12 years, with Jim Lucas doing play-by-play, he did color commentary with 4 minor league baseball teams.  His ability and passion for pursuing his dream to become a broadcaster was the relentless pursuit of what is “truly” possible. Don recounts the backdrop of his story when he first met Jim Lucas and how their eventual collaboration including baseball and basketball was the starting point of so many amazing broadcasts.  Despite the fact that there was a 4-year gap where Don and Jim’s lives went each in their own directions, they soon came back to work with one another. No doubt - Don loves baseball and basketball as well.  He is also a blogger and wrote articles for “Baseball As I see It”.   Beginning in 2020, he started writing an irregular column called "A Word About Sports" for "The Consumer Vision Magazine."   Don is also working on his memoir “Baseball As I Saw It”.   Although Don is an avid Yankes fan, I can’t hold that against him!  He is passionate about what he does and it certainly is a vision to behold! To connect with Don further, please check out his various social media platforms: wardlows97@gmail.com https://the-baseball-lifer.pinecast.co https://www.facebook.com/don.wardlow.39 https://youtube.com/musicmandon1 What is your favorite baseball team?  Are you Team Red Sox or Team Yankees?  Hmm, this could be a very interesting poll!! Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Don’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Don - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Vanessa Ciano Saracino (Episode #119).  Vanessa is an Author, CEO, Influencer, Blogger and Fashion Designer for her faith based Christian line, Be*You*Tiful.  She is also a 2/time International Best Selling Author - soon to be 3rd time with her new co-authored Book:  Ignite Your Faith.   Vanessa’s chapter in this book is a testament for the love and relationship with her Dad, Rocco Ciano, as well as the faith and inspiration of those who have supported her along the way.  As Vanessa shared, there are signs and wonders all around us and God has a way of strategically placing us where we need to be.  Vanessa was right where she wanted to be - on a journey with her Dad as he transitioned into the life ever after.  (Her Dad passed away and she shared that the time she was able to spend with her Dad, of course meant the world to her; it was very hard but very beautiful on so many levels:   “Vanessa, tell me another story.”) The process of writing comes very naturally for Vanessa.  Although initially she was not sure what she would write about, when it came time to do so, God was with her!  Writing comes to her very naturally and it’s with her voice that she shares her faith and wisdom for such a time as this. Also with Vanessa on this “Ignite” journey is an amazing team from Ignite Publishing and specifically, Lady JB Owen who is the Founder / CEO of Ignite Publishing and JBO Global, Inc. along with 31 other amazing co-authors who really have bonded as an “ignited” family! Ignite Your Faith shares “Inspiring stories that will uplift your heart and enrich your soul.”  It will be available for a free download on Friday, June 16th to Sunday, June 18th from Amazon.  After you have downloaded the book from Amazon, please make sure you leave a “review” to help these amazing authors (some of whom are 1st time authors) reach #1 International Bestseller status!! You have the story, the courage, the spirit and the faith to know that your story will inspire others, please make sure that you use your voice to share it!  There’s a revival happening around the world - Ignite Your Faith will no doubt “truly” uplift your heart and enrich your soul!  To connect with Vanessa further, please check out her various social media platforms: https://mainstack.me/vanessasaracino https://www.etsy.com/shop/StudiobeYoutiful https://www.instagram.com/vanessacianosaracino https://www.facebook.com/vanessacianosaracino https://www.facebook.com/inspirationfashionfaith How will you Ignite Your Faith”?  If you know of someone who would benefit from listening to this podcast, please share this with them. Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Vanessa - “Truly” these are the  Stories That Inspires Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Michal Stawicki (Episode #118).  Michal is a bestselling author in the personal development field and a business coach. He is obsessed with changing the world through daily habits, starting with his own habits and his world.  In the last decade, he published 19 books, sold over 84,000 copies, created dozens of new good habits, coached over 100 people in developing new habits, started a book advertising business, and quit his day job as a database administrator. Michal was Nicknamed Mr. Consistency, and with good reason!  Consistency is about establishing habits; habits give us the backdrop to our goals and accepting the discipline to achieve those goals is how he was nicknamed!   Persistence is without a doubt an ingredient to his success.  As a Best Selling Author in the personal development field and a business coach, he has an obsession with changing the world through daily habits, starting with his own habits and his world.   Michal preaches and practices consistent daily action. He believes this is the means to achieve success in any area of life, from parenting to business.  He points this out in his book:  Simplify Your Pursuit of Success / Six Simple Steps to Success.   Michal’s book is well thought out and written with a robust attention for challenging your methodology.  Changing is hard but establishing and claiming your success will help you to reach those goals! Believe - success in your hands! To connect with Michal further, please check out his website and various social media platforms: michal@expandbeyondyourself.com http://expandbeyondyourself.com/media https://twitter.com/StawickiMichal https://www.facebook.com/michal.sta.9 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stawicki-michal/https://www.linkedin.com/in/stawicki-michal/ https://www.amazon.com/Michal-Stawicki/e/B00D0MNDJU/ Are you willing to work towards your goals?  How do you define your success?  If you know of someone who would benefit from listening to this podcast, please share this with them. Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Michal - “Truly” these are the  Stories That Inspires Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Episode #117, Thursday, June 8, 2023, Jamie Blanco.  Jamie is a Journalist, Actor and Podcast Host and more importantly is a Co-Author of the Book along with her Dad, Jimmy Blanco, Hope for the Hopeless / How One Man Fought The World’s Deadliest Brain Tumor on His Terms and Won. Jamie was just nine-years-old when her father Jimmy got sick.  Her Dad, Jimmy Blanco, was one of the longest living survivors of the world’s deadliest brain cancer and he defied the odds without traditional medicine. In 1995, he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme grade IV and given less than four months to live. Given no hope of survival, Jimmy rejected chemotherapy and radiation and the doctor's death sentence for him. He self-treated with natural medicine, radically altered his diet, practiced visualization and other mental focus techniques, and had a healthy faith in God.  He fought EIGHT incredible years against the same tumor that claimed the lives of John McCain, Beau Biden, and Ted Kennedy – a disease that today kills most of its victims in under 15 months. Many doctors have called Jimmy’s story a miracle.  This book is a testament to not only his story and of course his family’s story, but for the hope and his faith, and inspiration and his dedication to defying the odds.  His message of building a team, advocating for yourself, using the power of his mind, the power of his faith is beyond amazing! While Jimmy decided not to undergo chemo and radiation, as Jamie describes in her Dad’s Memoir, “ . . . this book is not a wholesale endorsement of that approach, merely a testimony of the life he lived.”  While seeking a more holistic approach, Jimmy certainly defied the odds and “truly” claimed his Hope for the Hopeless.  Sadly, Jamie’s Dad did not finish it.  Fifteen years after his death, his widow, Elizabeth, found the unfinished book he’d been writing and gave it to their daughter, Jamie. Now as an adult and award-winning journalist, Jamie knew what she had to do—complete her father’s work. She investigated the biggest factors that contributed to her father’s miraculous remission and dived into the latest brain cancer research, both the great and the lacking.  I am so glad that she did!!! To connect with Jamie further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: hopeforthehopelessbook@gmail.com https://www.hopeforthehopelessbook.com https://twitter.com/jblanconewsie https://instagram.com/hopeforthehopelessbook https://m.facebook.com/100076277913396/ https://youtube.com/@hopeforthehopelessbook2125 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665303719 Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Jamie and her Dad, Jimmy, certainly has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Jamie - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspires Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us welcomed to today’s podcast, Episode #116, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Suzy Wood.  Suzy is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and owner of True Wellness Within where she works with women to get control of their lives and their health after divorce. Her clients achieve their goals by addressing both food and lifestyle choices. The two most stressful events for many can be a divorce or the loss of a loved one. It  is never easy and as Suzy explained as far as divorce goes, you haven’t failed - the marriage has only reached its expiration date.  Divorce can be a calling card to have a do-over, re-launch yourself and live your best ever. It’s not easy to get there, but it can be done!  We have to consider our key lifestyle factors and find that balance to build our confidence to reach our goals.  It’s often the internal chatter, whether we are in the fight or flight mode and how that affects our overall parasympathetic system.  For many, it starts as baby steps and that’s certainly okay.   Building a healthy lifestyle “truly” comes from “within”.  After her divorce, Suzy left her career in high tech marketing, re-educated, started her own business and is now living her best life ever!  Suzy loves working with her clients (women) who are going through similar situations.  She offers 1:1 coaching services as well as free monthly support guidance in her Facebook group.  She also has a quiz on her website.  Has your body healed after divorce?  To connect with Suzy further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: Suzy@TrueWellnessWithin.com https://TrueWellnessWithin.com https://www.instagram.com/TrueWellnessWithin/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1634325603620269 https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-wood-true-wellness-within/ Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Suzy’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Suzy - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspires Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Tuesday, June 6, 2023, Angela Wilson.  Angela is the Founder of Angela Unlimited.  Angela coaches women from around the world, to examine and overcome mindsets that have been imposed on them (by others, or themselves) that are now limiting their lives.  Living the stories that are created and receiving criticism, especially when Angela was growing up, she often felt that she was not good enough and interpreted that to mean that she was not okay and perhaps would never reach her dreams.  Angela always thought she needed to change so that she could be what others wanted her to be. It wasn’t until she became an adult, that she realized that she wanted to live her true authentic self.  She found the courage to stand up, to let everyone know that she had a story to share and indeed she has done just that! The structure and vision of looking at your story from a point of view is all derived from our mindset.  “I couldn’t” stayed with Angela until she was able to tap into her inner self.  She had a dream, she had the vision and she was able to turn that around! Her book:  Living Out Loud, is a testament to her very vulnerable story.  Angela’s purpose was that she wanted to share that designing your life is truly a possibility!   Angela also wanted to create a ripple effect with her book which includes exercises, design keys and mindset shifts to assist the reader to stand strong and own your voice and allow yourself to be seen! After reading each chapter, there is “Angela’s Design Keys to Living Out Loud” with a QR Code to direct you to her YouTube channel with a message from Angela about the chapter.  Angela has gone from “Angela Limited” to “Angela Unlimited”.  While this certainly did not happen overnight, she is in a place now where she coaches her clients to live out loud through their own stories.  Fuel your dreams, work on your mindset and have that typical conversation regarding money so that women can see they can live by their own stories.  From here they can open up and start seeing the possibilities around them and to stand strong in their life. To connect with Angela further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: info@angelaunlimited.com https://angelaunlimited.com/ https://www.instagram.com/angelaunlimited/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050949463125 https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-wilson-036676a8/ Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Angela - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspires Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Friday, May 19, 2023, Doreen Padilla.  Doreen is a Speaker and Author and the owner of Barking Beagle Books.  She authored her first book, "Outsiders: A Journey to Belonging" which is the true story of a dreamer's long and arduous journey home.  Her work as an author has helped tell the stories of dreamers in America. Part memoir, Doreen’s story of feeling as an outsider is not only her story, but the story of her husband, Saul.  Through the mystical stages of life as teenagers, to young adulthood and beyond, to where they are today, their story of diversity and the struggles they went through, they no longer feel as though they have to hide behind their masks. Doreen was a young, struggling, single mother when she decided to pivot and create a better future for herself and her daughter. She went on to be the first in her family to graduate from college and to earn a graduate degree. As with any story, there are often twists and turns along the way.  As Doreen shared today, she was inspired when she was an audience member listening to a speaker’s story.  What Doreen took away from that speaker is two fold: there are often those stories where one’s biggest weakness later in life is embraced in such a way to their advantage - inspiring others!   This is one of those occasions when the true story of a dreamer's long and arduous journey home was meant to be shared.  As Doreen and Saul have found through their stories, “you just never know”! To connect with Doreen further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: barkingbeaglebooks@gmail.com https://instagram.com/doreen_padilla_author?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://m.facebook.com/100077913246005/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/doreen-falcon https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578362945 Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Doreen’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Doreen - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us welcomed to today’s podcast, Friday, May 12, 2023, Tenya Eickenberg.  Tenya is  a certified life and self-care coach whose passion is to help women release their emotional baggage and direct their energies toward efforts to heal and regain strength, freedom, and happiness. Her unique approach to energy healing is an alternative method that deviates from conventional medicine or talk therapy and instead encourages individuals to nurture positive energy for healing to take place. Tenya took an active part in her decision to enter this profession.  She shared the backdrop of her story which stemmed from her long-term fight against depression and anxiety, which made her look for other ways of healing apart from the traditional treatment methods. She discovered that energy healing is an effective technique for regaining one’s health after realizing that it brought about positive changes that medication and therapy could not achieve. Energy healing is widely used and recommended as a reliable healing method of releasing tension and getting oneself back to a more positive and fulfilling life.  We also discussed the benefits of self-care.  Tenya started her self-care practice about 9 months into her certification journey.  At that point, Tenya stated that she was about 80% healed and with her implementation of self-care:  meditation, journaling and creating boundaries, she is now 100% healed!  While this indeed is significant, Tenya stated that there are of course those moments when sadness, anxiety creep-in; however, she now has the tools to guide her through. Today’s broadcast was also simulcasted through the Wisdom Audio App and Dr. Robert James Goodman joined us on today’s discussion.  Thank you Dr. Goodman! Tenya is one of those kind souls whose mission it is to teach women that healing is possible if they follow the right method, especially when they have the right information, dedication, and consistency required to realize gradual changes. She guides and trains women that adopting deliberate self-care techniques along with energy alignment can help them overcome anxiety and depression. According to her, one must first have a strong intent to heal, because without it healing will be delayed. This is the right approach to this kind of healing process because every achievement begins with a personal decision to succeed.  To connect with Tenya further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: teickenebrg@gmail.com https://designyourexistence.com/ https://www.instagram.com/designyourexistence/ https://www.facebook.com/designyourexistence https://www.youtube.com/@designyourexistence3767 Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Tenya’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Tenya - “Truly” these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message

Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Thursday, May 11, 2023, Sherrie Dunlevy.  Sherrie is a former NBC News Anchor, Inspirational Speaker and the Founder of the Graduating Grief Academy, an online support community, as well as host of the podcast:  Graduating Grief.  She is also the Author of the #1 Best Selling Book: How Can I Help? / Your Go-To Guide for Helping Loved Ones Through Life’s Difficulties.  How to support others in the simplest and kindest way possible when tragedy, death or so many other unexpected life events occurs is NEVER easy for anyone (especially for the person who has experienced the tragedy.)  What do we say, how do we say it and as a family member or friend, how can we support our loved one (or friend) who has experienced the tragedy? Sherrie’s book was written to help people know exactly what to say and do when the people they love and care about are hurting.  A life lesson / guide to direct us to help those suffering through their distress of a traumatic life event.  Sherrie’s quest in writing her book took her several years.  Through her personal tragedy, she found passion and purpose.  As her story evolved it became evident that there wasn’t really a book that could guide you through or share a simple list of techniques to help and comfort others.  Her book does just that! Life can be difficult.  We never know what someone else is going through.  But when we do know the specifics of one’s story, having this guide as a useful and purposeful tool is a way to navigate through a stressful situation on how we fully respond in a way that is heartfelt, genuine and can be such a blessing during someone’s difficult times. I read Sherrie’s book with a new lens on how I can personally acknowledge, encourage and be ever more present in my follow through in a much more meaningful way.  I know you will too.  It’s not a book you would think to buy but definitely the book you should buy to guide you through when tragedy strikes. To connect with Sherrie further, please check out her website and various social media platforms: sherrie@sherriedunlevy.com https://sherriedunlevy.com https://www.instagram.com/sherriedunlevy/ https://www.facebook.com/sherriedunlevy https://www.youtube.com/@SherrieDunlevy https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherriedunlevy/ https://goo.gl/rgqzr9 Are you or someone that you know going through a similar story?  Please share this podcast with them and have them reach out to Sherrie.  She would love the opportunity to share with you how she can support you. Let me know what you thought of today’s episode.  Also, do you have a story you want to share?  Your story will inspire others as Sherrie’s has!   If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”. https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/ Thank you Sherrie - “Truly” you are an #Inspirationista as these are the Stories That Inspire Us!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/janis-melillo7/message