In this deeply honest and inspiring episode of Stories from Everywhere, Jill L. Ferguson reconnects with longtime friend, former workshop student, software engineer, screenwriter, and bestselling indie author Margie Benedict for a powerful conversation about creativity, courage, divorce after 40+ years, and the unexpected possibility of love later in life.

Margie’s story is anything but ordinary. From writing software for Apple’s early Macintosh computers to award-winning screenplays, fantasy trilogies, and now her newest novel Not My Job Anymore—a senior love story inspired by her own life—Margie shares how she reinvented herself multiple times by following one constant: the need to create.

Together, Jill and Margie dive into:

• The “death by a thousand paper cuts” reality of emotionally unfulfilling marriages
• Why many women stay too long, and what finally changes
• How grief, mortality, and turning 65 became catalysts for transformation
• The physical toll of unhappiness and why the body often knows before the mind admits it
• Navigating divorce later in life
• Online dating in your 60s (and why it may be worth the leap)
• Finding a true partner after believing that chapter might be over
• Writing stories that give hope to women who fear it’s too late to begin again

This episode is a moving reminder that reinvention has no expiration date, and that life after heartbreak can still hold creativity, companionship, healing, and joy.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to change your life, Margie Benedict’s story offers a resounding answer: absolutely not.

In this inspiring episode of Stories from Everywhere, Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Fiona Kesby, Australian-born entrepreneur, global business leader, and co-founder of GoTeam in the Philippines, or a conversation that spans continents, leadership, love, reinvention, and the courage to challenge conventional wisdom.

Fiona shares how what was supposed to be a short-term move to Southeast Asia became an extraordinary life journey: raising her daughters abroad, helping transform the outsourcing industry through transparency and human-centered values, and leading through crisis after losing half her business overnight during COVID only to rebuild stronger than before.

Together, Jill and Fiona explore:

• How ethical outsourcing can empower workers instead of exploiting them
• Why AI should amplify human potential, not replace it
• Fiona’s powerful ACE framework for thriving in the age of AI: agility, articulation, critical thinking, creativity, and empathy
• Building a workplace culture rooted in love, abundance, and dignity
• The mindset shift that helped Fiona create success not only in business, but in love later in life
• Why “If you can dream it, you can create it” applies to relationships just as much as entrepreneurship

This is a deeply honest conversation about leadership, motherhood, reinvention, global citizenship, and refusing to let fear—or outdated social expectations—dictate your life.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build a meaningful career, create a life on your own terms, or find love without shrinking yourself, Fiona’s story is proof that you can.

From flying first class as a Delta wife to road-tripping Costa Rica, falling in love with Mexico City, creating a colorful “donkey lady” art identity in Baja, and starting over in Long Beach, Sarah shares how every move, challenge, and creative leap shaped her. She opens up about learning new skills later in life—from painting and woodburning to writing her first novel about friendship, aging, and dogs—while reflecting on why growth, art, and asking for what you want matter more than fame.

This episode is a celebration of second acts, soulful travel, artistic courage, and the beauty of embracing change—even when it means moving countries, reinventing yourself, or becoming known as the woman who paints blue burros. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to create, explore, or begin again, Sarah’s story is your reminder that life expands when you do.

In Episode 52 of Stories from Everywhere, Jill L. Ferguson sits down with therapist, social worker, men’s group leader, and lifelong bridge-builder Domenic Tamborriello for a deeply insightful conversation about relationships, masculinity, healing, and the stories we tell ourselves that shape our lives. From his unforgettable “first marriage counseling session” at just six years old to decades of work helping couples, men, and families navigate love and fear, Domenic shares hard-won wisdom with warmth, humor, and remarkable clarity.

Together, Jill and Domenic explore why men are often taught to internalize emotion, how language like “should” can quietly imprison us, why commitment is less about obligation and more about choosing “the struggle,” and how making your partner feel loved every day can transform a relationship. Domenic’s perspective—shaped by civil rights activism, feminism, social work, and decades of counseling—offers refreshing insights into communication, gender, emotional freedom, and what it really means to stay awake in love.

This episode is packed with memorable ideas, including:

• Why “there’s so much less to be afraid of than you think”
• The difference between “have to” and “get to” How words shape thought—and thought shapes reality
• Why marriage should never feel like prison
• The power of seeing your partner with fresh eyes, again and again

Wise, compassionate, and thought-provoking, this conversation is an invitation to rethink not only how we love others, but how we live with ourselves.

Micah shares the unvarnished reality of building a creative career, from shooting weddings and real estate videos to navigating the business side of storytelling and ultimately rediscovering his passion during the uncertainty of the pandemic. What emerges is a powerful conversation about persistence, creative identity, and the courage to pivot when something no longer feels aligned.

At the heart of the episode is Starfish, Micah’s deeply original sci-fi drama that uses cloning and memory integration not as spectacle, but as a lens to explore love, grief, and identity. The film asks a haunting question: if you could bring someone back, should you—and who would they become? Beneath the science fiction lies an intimate story about family, responsibility, and the emotional complexities of being human. 

This conversation goes beyond filmmaking. Micah dives into the mindset required to pursue meaningful work, why stamina and curiosity matter more than talent, how intuition often outperforms overthinking, and what it really takes to balance creativity with the demands of production, funding, and distribution. He also reflects on the philosophy behind his work: creating stories that are not only thought-provoking, but ultimately redemptive and hopeful.

From the realities of indie film financing to the deeper question of what you would sacrifice for your craft, this episode is a thoughtful exploration of passion, discipline, and the pursuit of something greater than yourself.

Whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, entrepreneur, or simply someone chasing a creative calling, this episode offers both inspiration and a grounded look at what it takes to turn vision into reality.

Christina didn’t set out to become a university president. In fact, her journey began with a love of teaching, a childhood shaped by a military family, and formative experiences living abroad, including eye-opening years in the Philippines that challenged her understanding of culture, privilege, and identity. From struggling through Latin and Greek to working her way up from receptionist to credit analyst, Christina’s story is one of persistence, curiosity, and stepping up when it matters most.

Together, Jill and Christina explore:

• What a university president actually does day-to-day, and why it’s far more human than most people think
• The power of great (and terrible) teachers in shaping a life
• How global experiences at a young age can transform perspective
• The tension between career, family, and purpose and how to navigate it
• Why higher education must evolve to truly prepare students for the real world
• The importance of vocation, values, and building a meaningful life, not just a successful one

At its core, this conversation is about choosing to be part of the solution. Christina shares how a simple realization—you don’t have to just complain; you can lead—changed the trajectory of her life and continues to guide her work today.

This is an episode for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re on the “right” path, or if it’s time to step into something bigger.

Trish never planned to write a book. In fact, she was convinced she couldn’t. But one small nudge to join a writing group set off a chain reaction that led to her upcoming children’s book series, The Adventures of Lola, inspired by her confident (and slightly diva-like) Pomeranian. What began as discomfort turned into joy, creativity, and an entirely new direction in life. 

But that’s just one chapter of Trish’s story.

From traveling the world for work to living in Turkey during COVID lockdowns, to building a business that helps families navigate loss through estate sales, Trish shares how every unexpected turn has shaped her perspective and her purpose.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How trying something “you’re bad at” can unlock hidden talents
• The surprising difficulty (and magic) of writing children’s books
• Building a brand and a following through joyful, creative social media
• What estate sales reveal about people, memory, and the stories we leave behind
• Life lessons from living abroad and connecting across cultures
• The unexpected power of a dog to inspire confidence, kindness, and storytelling
• Why movement, play, and presence (hello, pickleball!) can quiet the noise in your mind

At its heart, this episode is about reinvention, about discovering that you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. Sometimes, the best things in life start with: “I’m not good at this… but I’ll try anyway.”

In this engaging and often surprising conversation, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with George to explore his unconventional journey from “majoring in football” to leading advancement efforts in higher education. Along the way, George shares how mentorship changed the course of his life, why he believes pressure is a privilege, and how a single question helped him refocus his future.

You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories from his time in nonprofit leadership, his experiences as a percussionist playing alongside nationally recognized artists, and how music shaped the way he learns and thinks. And just when you think the conversation couldn’t take another turn, George dives into the world of dog showing—complete with championship ambitions, breed insights, and an unforgettable raccoon encounter.

But at the heart of it all is a powerful message: success isn’t about transactions; it’s about trust. Whether raising funds, mentoring a team, or connecting with others, George reminds us that people and relationships still matter most.

This episode is a rich blend of humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom you won’t want to miss. 

In this inspiring episode of Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Marcos Redondo, President of Zenith Prep Academy, for a conversation that explores the power of passion, perseverance, and authentic learning.

Marcos shares the remarkable journey that shaped his life—from overcoming childhood obesity through marathon and ultra-distance running to building a career devoted to education and helping students discover their true passions. Along the way, he recounts unforgettable moments: running hundreds of miles for charity, meeting his future wife while buying a baby stroller for a race, and how endurance sports became both a meditation and a metaphor for life.

The conversation also dives into Marcos’s Cuban-American roots and the complex emotions many immigrant families hold about their homeland. He reflects on identity, opportunity, and why education has always been central to his mission—an influence that began with his mother, a teacher who showed him how learning can change lives.

As president of Zenith Prep Academy, Marcos is helping reshape how students prepare for college and careers. Instead of “checking boxes” for admissions, Zenith focuses on helping young people identify their authentic interests and build meaningful experiences around them. The company now works with students as early as fifth grade, and its growing programs—including partnerships connected to the United Nations—aim to empower the next generation with both purpose and global awareness.

Marcos also discusses leadership, speaking at the World Economic Forum, preparing students for an AI-driven future, and why he believes passion—not prestige—is the real key to long-term success.

This episode is a powerful reminder that the most meaningful journeys—whether in running, education, or life—don’t really have finish lines.

Listen in for a conversation about resilience, authenticity, and helping the next generation discover who they truly are.

In this fascinating episode of Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with sound healing practitioner and founder of Sound Ascent, Nav Kaur, to explore the science, and the deeply personal journey, behind sound therapy and brainwave entrainment. 

Blending ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience, Nav explains how specific sound frequencies can shift brainwave states, helping people move from stress and overthinking into calmer, more creative, and restorative states. From supporting post-operative patients and individuals in recovery programs to helping high-performing professionals and athletes sharpen focus and decision-making, sound medicine is emerging as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and neurological health.

But Nav’s work isn’t just professional—it’s personal. After experiencing a neurological health challenge during a high-stress healthcare career, she returned to the meditation and sound practices she had learned earlier in life. The results changed everything and led her to create Sound Ascent, a company dedicated to bringing evidence-based sound healing to individuals, institutions, and communities. 

In this episode, Jill and Nav discuss:

• How sound frequencies influence brainwaves and nervous system regulation
• The surprising role sound therapy plays in clinical and rehabilitation settings
• Why visualization and repetition can reshape the brain
• The connection between energy, emotions, and the stories we tell ourselves
• Practical tools—from meditation apps to frequency-based sound sessions—that anyone can use to improve focus, creativity, and well-being

Along the way, Nav shares insights from her work as a neuro coach, trauma-informed practitioner, and mother, offering a thoughtful reminder that healing often begins with small shifts in awareness.

If you’ve ever been curious about meditation, brainwave science, or the growing field of sound medicine, this episode opens the door to a fascinating intersection of science, wellness, and human potential.

🎧 Tune in and discover how sound, something we encounter every day, may hold the key to calmer minds, clearer thinking, and deeper healing.

In this powerful episode of Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Doug Cornfield and Dave Clark, the founders behind the Disability Dream & Do movement and the organization behind D3D camps. Their story begins with adversity, but grows into a mission that is transforming lives across the country.

Dave Clark’s journey started when he contracted polio as a baby and doctors told his parents he would never walk or use his muscles. Instead, he grew up playing sports, competing against able-bodied athletes, and eventually pitching ten years of minor league baseball on crutches. 

Along the way, a moment from his childhood shaped the path of his life: a classmate named Ernie who pulled him in a wagon during a school field trip so he wouldn’t be left behind. That simple gesture became a lifelong reminder of the power of inclusion—and inspired a children’s book, a national speaking message, and an award honoring everyday heroes who “pull others along.” 

Doug Cornfield, a former scholarship athlete at the University of Georgia and the father of a son born without arms, found deep inspiration in Dave’s story. Together, they created camps where children and adults with disabilities can experience sports at the highest level—playing on professional fields, learning from elite athletes, and discovering what they are capable of.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How a boy who was told he’d never walk became a professional baseball player

• The life-changing power of kindness and inclusion

• Why parents should never project their doubts onto their children

• The mission behind Disability Dream & Do camps across the United States (www.d3day.com)

• How professional athletes, families, and communities come together to create unforgettable experiences

From emotional reunions decades in the making to inspiring stories of resilience, this conversation reminds us that sometimes one small act of kindness can echo across an entire lifetime.

Evan spent more than two decades traveling the world creating documentary films that highlight urgent global issues. His groundbreaking film It’s a Girl exposed the devastating reality of gendercide in India and China—where cultural pressures, economic forces, and long-standing traditions have contributed to the disappearance of hundreds of millions of girls. The film reached audiences in more than 20 countries and sparked global conversations about human rights and the value of women and girls.

But Evan’s own story is just as compelling as the ones he films. Raised in an isolationist religious cult, Evan grew up believing he had a divine duty to save the world. As an adult, traveling internationally and witnessing different cultures challenged everything he had been taught. When he finally began questioning those beliefs, it cost him his career, community, and family support system—forcing him to rebuild his life from the ground up.

In this candid conversation, Jill and Evan explore:

• The shocking realities uncovered while filming It’s a Girl

• The difficult moral questions surrounding cultural practices and human rights

• Growing up in a religious cult and breaking free from deeply ingrained beliefs

• How childhood trauma can shape our identities, relationships, and careers

• The struggle—and freedom—of reclaiming your voice and purpose

• Why authentic, relationship-driven storytelling matters more than ever in the digital age

Now a filmmaker, speaker, and marketing strategist helping others tell meaningful stories, Evan shares how understanding our past can become the key to building a more honest and impactful future. This episode is a deeply human conversation about identity, justice, culture, and what it means to live—and tell stories—with authenticity.

In this candid, unscripted conversation, Jill opens up about:

• The healing journey that led to a powerful vision of Truth and the message that “love is the way”

• Launching a grassroots love movement in a time when fear and division dominate headlines

• Why love is not soft — but one of the strongest forces on the planet

• How trust, truth, and vulnerability form the foundation of real connection

• The personal cost of starting something meaningful while navigating family illness

• The small, everyday acts of kindness that ripple outward and change lives Jill shares a moving story about listening to an inner nudge to buy a meal for a stranger — and how that simple act became a profound moment of human connection on one of the hardest days of his life

It’s a reminder that love is not theoretical. It’s practical. It’s relational. It’s brave. You’ll also hear Jill speak vulnerably about where she still struggles — especially around romantic vulnerability — and why choosing love anyway is worth the risk.

Together, Jill and Danielle explore:

• What it really means to “lead with love”

• How to respond to hate without becoming hateful

• Why community and collaboration are the only path to lasting change

• How you can participate in spreading love — through storytelling, meditation, conversation, and everyday courage

This episode is personal. It’s philosophical. It’s practical. And it’s an invitation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether love can truly change systems, businesses, relationships — or even the world — this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Because in the end, as Jill reminds us, we are here for such a short time.

And when everything else fades, what remains is love. Listen in. Then go start your own ripple.

In this deeply human and surprisingly soulful conversation, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Joshua Dunlop, founder of Even Path and a purpose-driven financial planner who works at the powerful intersection of money and emotion. Together, they explore why financial decisions are often hardest during moments of loss, divorce, retirement, or major life transitions—and why spreadsheets alone can’t guide us through them. Joshua shares his philosophy on emotionally informed financial planning, why shame keeps so many people from seeking help, and how true financial clarity can free us to grieve, heal, and reimagine what comes next.

From redefining retirement as a lifestyle transition (not a financial event), to unpacking our complicated relationship with money, relevance, and self-worth, this episode challenges everything we’ve been taught about success and security.

You’ll hear about:

+ Why emotions—not investments—derail financial plans

+ The six non-financial pillars that predict a fulfilling retirement

+ How grief, identity, and money collide during major life changes

+ Letting go of shame around finances (no matter how much—or little—you have)

+ Why purpose-driven planning may be the future of financial guidance

This episode is for anyone navigating change, questioning old definitions of success, or wondering how to build a life that feels meaningful—not just financially “sound.”

💛 Because when money meets clarity, life gets lighter.

In this deeply moving and unflinchingly honest conversation, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with composer, TED Fellow, and founder of the Flying Carpet Festival, Sahba Aminikia, to explore how art can heal what politics and war have broken. Raised in Tehran during years of cultural repression and conflict, Sahba shares how underground music, storytelling, and community became lifelines and how those early experiences now fuel his life’s work.

As the artistic director of the Flying Carpet Festival, Sahba has helped bring music, performance, and joy to more than 400,000 children living in war zones and conflict-affected regions.

In this episode, he speaks candidly about growing up amid bombs and beauty, why limitation fuels creativity, how children suffer for adult decisions, and why investing in imagination may be the most radical peace-building act of all.

Together, Jill and Sahba unpack big ideas with rare nuance: the danger of dehumanization, the failure of cultural institutions, the difference between information and wisdom, and why “only through love is education possible.”

This is not a conversation about politics; it’s a conversation about humanity, empathy, and what it means to bring light into the darkest places. If you believe art can change lives, if you’ve ever wondered how hope survives in impossible conditions, or if you’re searching for a reminder of what truly connects us across borders—this episode is essential listening.

What begins as a conversation about healthier food for aging pets quickly unfolds into a powerful narrative about loss, love, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Billy shares how losing his Labrador to cancer sent him down a rabbit hole of pet nutrition, culinary school, and eventually K9 nutrition certification—transforming a personal heartbreak into a mission to change how people feed their dogs and cats.

You’ll hear:

• Why raw food can mean shinier coats, cleaner teeth, better digestion (yes, even better poop), and happier, more energetic pets

• How TC Raw Eats grew from a tiny apartment “cottage industry” into a fully licensed brick-and-mortar shop with over a dozen freezers—and a fiercely loyal four-legged fan base

• Billy’s life-altering traumatic brain injury after a Vespa accident, his journey through coma, memory loss, seizures, and later discovering he is autistic—and how that understanding reshaped his life and relationships

• How he used AI as a personalized training partner to prepare for a marathon, turning technology into a motivational tool tailored to a neurodivergent brain

• Wendy’s own intense health battles—including hip dysplasia, spinal surgeries, and literally growing an inch from metal spacers—while still helping run a growing business

This episode is about more than pet food. It’s about questioning authority, advocating for your animals and yourself, navigating trauma and neurodiversity, and building a life—and a business—out of love, curiosity, and stubborn hope.

If you’ve ever wondered whether raw food really makes a difference, how small businesses survive in California’s regulatory maze, or how two people can stay standing when their bodies keep breaking, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this illuminating episode, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with vocal coach, author, performer, and communication strategist Kate Peters, the founder of Vocal Impact and the visionary behind her new venture, The Human Voice Initiative. Kate is preparing to release her upcoming book, Reverberate! The Art of Finding Your Voice in a Noisy World, and this conversation is a masterclass in presence, influence, and authentic connection.

Drawing from decades as a professional singer, violinist, voice teacher, consultant, and coach to corporate leaders, Kate reveals why your voice is not a fixed trait; it is a skill you can train, strengthen, and align with your purpose.

Together, Jill and Kate explore:

* Why most people take their voices for granted and how to change that

* The difference between wishful intention and “purpose with a plan”

* How intention, story, and presence must align to create real influence

* Why communication is a practice, not a one-day workshop

* How to use “Story with a capital S” to create meaningful connection

* The subtle mechanics of inflection, tone, and presence, especially for women in leadership

* Practical voice-care tips for cold season, including what not to do when you lose your voice

* How gratitude, thank-you notes, and job follow-ups become powerful when fueled by genuine intention

* Kate’s peace-building work with Braver Angels, helping people bridge divides through courageous dialogue

This episode is for anyone who has ever said, “I wish I could speak up,” “I don’t like my voice,” or “I don’t feel heard.” Kate reminds us that your voice is not something you’re born with; it’s something you create.

🎧 Tune in and discover how to move from being just another voice in the noise to becoming a presence people truly feel.

Ellen shares how her mother, a Viennese medical student forced to flee Nazi-occupied Austria, secretly crocheted diamonds into sweater buttons so Jewish refugees could smuggle their wealth to safety. What began as a mysterious childhood memory became the heart of a novel where young girls aren’t just victims of history—they’re the heroes who solve the impossible. You’ll hear how The Secret Buttons was crafted specifically for middle-grade readers who wanted to understand the Holocaust in a way that centers hope, agency, and resilience, and how Ellen wove authentic historical research with stunning illustrations to make the book both beautiful and emotionally accessible.

The conversation also dives into:

• How identity was systematically stripped from Jewish families—names changed, passports stamped, parks suddenly “forbidden”—and how these small humiliations led to catastrophic loss

• Why today’s children need stories that show them standing up for themselves, becoming early feminists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers

• Striking parallels between the refugee crisis of WWII and modern attitudes toward immigrants around the world

• Ellen’s belief that design is not decoration; it’s communication with soul, something no machine can replace

This is an episode about honoring the gifts immigrants bring, teaching young readers that they can choose who they want to be, and remembering that sometimes the smallest acts—like knitting a button—can change the course of a family’s future.

🎧 Tune in for an unforgettable story of love, loss, creativity, and the power of telling history through the eyes of children. The etsy shop mentioned in this episode is TheAlphagramshop.etsy.com The specific URL of the personalized editions of the book (hardcover and premium softcover) is https://www.etsy.com/listing/1818656257/the-secret-buttons-illustrated-wwii?sr_prefetch=1&pf_from=shop_home&ref=shop_home_active_12&sts=1&logging_key=b15cf9eae3edb8ecaaf321be4a5c6a706829d5bc%3A1818656257

In this powerful and heart-opening episode 37 of Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson welcomes award-winning internationalist, strategist, mentor, and breast-cancer-dragon-boating pioneer Michelle Hanton OAM joining us from a small island off the coast of Queensland, Australia — the only island in the country connected to the mainland by a single bridge. Michelle shares the extraordinary journey that took her from a young breast cancer diagnosis to founding Dragons Abreast Australia, now a nationwide movement supporting more than 2,000 survivors through the transformative power of dragon boating. What began as a medical study in Canada became a global community redefining recovery, resilience, and what it means to move your body — and your life — forward after cancer.

Together, Jill and Michelle explore:

• How breast cancer dragon boating began as a clinical trial — and became a worldwide movement

• Why community, not isolation, is essential to healing

• The stigma men still face when diagnosed with breast cancer — and why advocacy matters

• What it means to “pass the baton” as a founder and let your legacy live beyond you

• Michelle’s globe-trotting childhood with a UN-diplomat father and how it shaped her fearless adaptability

• Why retirement can feel like emotional whiplash — and how to plan not just what comes next, but how it will feel

• The importance of writing down your life stories before they’re lost forever

• Her upcoming memoir collaboration with her 87-year-old mother

• And the one lesson she wants everyone to remember: don’t wish your life away — happiness is built from the inside out.

This episode is a moving reminder that survival is only the beginning and that legacy is not what we leave behind, but what we build, paddle by paddle, day by day.

🎧 Listen in for inspiration, perspective, and a deep conversation about courage, change, and creating a life that still thrills you — no matter what you’ve been through. And here’s a link to Michelle’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Internationally-Abreast-Exercise-as-Medicine/dp/064528890X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PPMABE6ZYUW5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VOIpSjDQV_Znf0bs3caCKXnfJBLk9e9iIV5oUwpmzpbwZwUzX9lFl5K_xyjwQcwHknjacDVsC7uqTAeZSPYib3xuEZ1pgqqJKBAP0P0_bR43fzCJdpn8X6GKVN_N_PE2_PZmTk7Yt2eHU3K3pB70eqABRE-o9r1ZtMLRiaOQ7Jvgz2y7Z_or3IbX08CPudChG5PAL-J9naKWdRrHy-W1Foqk9UAl20W5jiEVs-0RQkM.Qx2EeYBNJBLk_3tEEZ_yOaz3KO-U8g266Rw8i85-478&dib_tag=se&keywords=Michelle+Hanton&qid=1768249426&sprefix=michelle+hanson%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1

Currently employed by GSD International School, Gloria shares her unexpected journey from a childhood shaped by art as emotional refuge to becoming the sole K–12 art teacher in international schools across the San Francisco Bay Area and Costa Rica. She opens up about how art became her therapy — and why she now strives to make her classroom a safe haven for students who don’t always thrive in traditional academics. 

Together, Jill and Gloria dive into the realities of teaching visual arts in an IB program without air conditioning, the pressures today’s teens face to create “perfect” Pinterest-worthy work, and how the rush for instant results is stealing joy from the creative process. Gloria explains how she encourages students to slow down, trust their instincts, and create from the inside out — even when they only have 45 minutes a week to find their muse. 

The conversation also travels beyond the classroom into Costa Rican culture — from dual citizenship and international families relocating for a better life, to organic living, star-fruit trees in the backyard, Caribbean rice-and-beans cooked in coconut oil, and the country’s deep commitment to education and the arts. 

Warm, reflective, and quietly powerful, this episode is a love letter to creativity, community, and the teachers who shape lives long after the bell rings. If you’ve ever wondered how art can heal, how slowing down can be revolutionary, or what pura vida really feels like — this one’s for you.

In this moving and deeply human conversation, disability advocate and TEDx speaker Jake April joins Jill L. Ferguson to unpack the power—and the danger—of first impressions. Born three months premature with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, Jake shares how strangers often notice the way he walks or holds his hand long before they recognize his ambition, intelligence, or grit. His TEDx talk, First Impressions, grew out of that lived reality—and the determination to be known for more than what meets the eye. From dozens of rejections before landing his TEDx stage, to finding his voice through Toastmasters, sports broadcasting internships with the New York Islanders, and a lifelong love of radio and sports, Jake’s story is about showing up even when the world doubts you. He opens up about adaptive skiing in Colorado, the complicated love of parents who want to protect you, and what it really means to advocate—starting with yourself.

This episode also introduces Jake’s heart-centered clothing line POS+Ability, a tribute to his late cousin and a partnership with Spectrum Designs (https://spectrumdesigns.chipply.com/PosabilityStore/product-detail-shell.aspx?pid=21299320&eid=462103) that employs people on the autism spectrum. Every shirt carries a reminder: just because it rains doesn’t mean it has to pour.

Together, Jill and Jake explore:

+ Why success is found in the attempt, not the applause

+ How small, quiet acts of self-advocacy create lasting change

+ The courage it takes to take the stage—literal or metaphorical

+ Why we should all offer people a second impression If you’ve ever felt unseen, underestimated, or hesitant to go for what you really want

This episode will remind you: there is no show unless you show up.

Tarin reflects on:

• His early years as a small-town “general practice” lawyer and the infamous 1999 murder case involving a 12-year-old falsely accused—an experience that shattered his trust in the justice system and was later featured on ABC 20/20

• Hitting rock bottom in Dayton, Ohio, grappling with suicidal thoughts, overwhelming anxiety, and the fear of leaving behind his wife and four children

• The moment he realized that his pain was something his children were inheriting—and that he had to find a way to heal, not just for himself, but for them

• A life-altering shamanic plant-medicine retreat that transformed his understanding of trauma, spirituality, and what it means to be alive

• His evolution into a national advocate for psychedelic religious freedom, explaining landmark Supreme Court cases, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the complex legal terrain facing psilocybin and ayahuasca churches today

• The heartbreaking story of a nurse facing decades in prison for growing mushrooms to microdose for her own survival—and how her case clarified the true purpose of decriminalization

• Why these substances are not “hallucinogens,” but ethneogens—tools for spiritual connection—and how science, religion, and philosophy are converging in what Tarin calls a modern renaissance of consciousness

This episode is raw, courageous, and profoundly hopeful. It is a conversation about justice, love, family, spirituality, and what it really means to listen when life—and spirit—calls you to change. If you’ve ever questioned the systems meant to protect us, struggled in silence, or felt there must be more to this human experience, Episode 34 will stay with you long after the final goodbye.

Peter shares how a childhood spent hopping from American Samoa to Hong Kong to Taiwan shaped his lifelong curiosity and empathy. He talks about learning Fortran on a refrigerator-sized computer in high school, discovering his calling in both technology and teaching, and how artificial intelligence is transforming the way he helps students become stronger writers and critical thinkers.

Jill and Peter dive into:

🌍 What traveling and living abroad taught him about joy, humility, and connection

💡 Why AI belongs in the classroom—and how the Socratic method can elevate student writing

❤️ How purposeful love, kindness, and cultural openness strengthen relationships and workplaces

🎓 Stories from his career in higher education, including accreditation battles, hiring insights, and the importance of mission-driven leadership

✨ The secret ingredient that makes his long-distance marriage thrive Peter also shares vivid, humorous stories—from learning phrases like “I love you” in Belarusian to get by in local bars, to being escorted out of the country by the KGB, to teaching tech executives how not to embarrass themselves in Tokyo boardrooms. Through it all, his message is clear: people everywhere want the same things—connection, respect, and the chance to be understood.

This conversation is equal parts warm, thoughtful, global, and wise. If you love stories that blend humanity, humor, and heart, Episode 32 will stay with you long after the credits roll.

He opens up about the unseen emotional and psychological burdens first responders carry—trauma, compartmentalization, burnout, and the “favorite chair” where many retreat when they can’t yet find their way back to themselves. With candor and humility, James shares how his years as a paramedic and fire captain shaped him, challenged him, and nearly broke him… and how sobriety, therapy, nature, breathwork, neurofeedback, psilocybin-assisted healing, and an arsenal of unconventional modalities helped rebuild his life.

Listeners will hear:

-What inspired The Last Patient—and why James wrote it for first responders and the people who love them.

-How childhood wounds become the “hooks” trauma grabs onto later in life.

-The brutal and beautiful realities of paramedic school and life on the ambulance.

-How being a father transformed his understanding of love, resilience, and responsibility.

-His mantra “Situation screwed. Still survivable” and how it guides him—and others—through crisis.

-His vision for Camp Pivot, a healing-centered, community-based refuge for warriors recovering from post-traumatic stress.

The love story that surprised him in the middle of his recovery journey. Honest, raw, emotional, and inspiring, this conversation offers a rare look into the heart of a firefighter—and the profound love, humility, and humanity behind the badge. The Last Patient will be available everywhere books are sold in early 2026, and listeners can join James’s mailing list at captainjamesowen.com for updates, bonus content, and virtual book-signing details.

Tune in for a story about trauma, courage, redemption, and the transformative power of love.

Dr. Pawa explains how chronic stress reshapes both mind and body, how food can function as medicine (or sabotage), and where pharmaceuticals fit into the bigger healing picture. She and Jill dig into the paradox of modern healthcare—how technology is revolutionizing treatment while simultaneously distancing patients from the deeply human need to see their doctor face-to-face.

The conversation turns profoundly personal when Dr. Pawa shares the life-altering emergency that shifted her trajectory—from delivering babies to studying integrative medicine at Harvard Medical School—ultimately transforming her entire approach to care. Insightful, empowering, and full of compassion, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand their body more deeply and reclaim their well-being from the inside out.

Danny breaks down the heart of great marketing—how relational and network marketing build trust, how joint ventures amplify impact, and why strategic partnerships are essential for helping businesses not just survive but truly thrive. His practical wisdom and big-picture thinking offer a refreshing look at collaboration in an increasingly noisy digital world.

The conversation also takes a personal turn as Danny shares what life was like before the age of selfies: growing up with a well-known parent whose public autograph requests were a normal part of daily life, and what it means to preserve pieces of that legacy now, in an era where memories live online.

It’s a thoughtful, energetic episode about the relationships that shape us—professionally and personally—and the ways we carry our stories forward.

Debbie shares how every relationship and experience, even the challenging ones, nudges us along the path we’re meant to walk, reminding us that there’s no final destination when it comes to learning. The conversation turns deeply personal as she describes being a digital nomad not for beaches and palm trees, but because she was caring for her aging parents—navigating love, duty, and adaptability. Along the way,

Debbie talks about rescuing dogs and the profound lessons her canine companions offer in resilience, presence, and unconditional love. This is a warm, wise, and wildly relatable episode for anyone who’s ever reinvented themselves, cared for family, cherished a pet’s quiet wisdom, or embraced the beautiful uncertainty of the journey.

Together, Jill and Allyson discuss what it means to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s for a decade, the physical and emotional toll that caregiving can bring, and how our bodies often echo our grief. They explore the art of letting go of others’ pain, the difference between traveling and tourism, and why regrets can transform into powerful learning experiences. Allyson also reflects on building a long-term, committed relationship without marriage—and what true partnership looks like beyond traditional labels.

It’s an episode about love in its many shapes: selfless, evolving, messy, and real.

Ranbir shares her extraordinary journey from journalist and software developer to hypnotherapist and spiritual teacher, weaving in insights from the Gene Keys, Somatics, and the transformative work behind her Today I Practice app. Along the way, she and Jill reflect on the creative process, bringing products with purpose to market, and the radical idea that attention is the most basic form of love.

Tune in for a beautiful blend of wisdom, self-awareness, and compassion—a reminder that the greatest love stories often begin within ourselves.

Together, they talk about resilience, the lessons learned through building businesses, the evolving role of AI in entrepreneurship and in life—including its pros and cons, and the importance of mentorship. Garnet also shares his most valuable piece of advice: to be your authentic self—all of the time.

It’s a moving and motivating discussion about love, loss, and the courage to live truthfully in every part of your life.

It’s a thoughtful, heartwarming, and eye-opening conversation about writing, resilience, and the timeless relevance of history in our daily lives.

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Love: Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Richard Lefkowitz—real estate and bankruptcy attorney, storyteller, and author of Fabulous Angeles—to reminisce about the electric pulse of 1970s Los Angeles. Together, they explore the city’s golden era of music and art, from nights with The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, and B.B. King, to the bohemian energy that shaped both culture and politics.

Their conversation flows through how art uplifts humanity, how creativity passes through generations, and what it means for a city like L.A. to be truly hospitable—not just to dreamers, but to the dreams themselves. It’s a vivid journey through time, sound, and soul, celebrating the love that fuels artistic legacy.

Together, they discuss PTSD and its three major symptoms, the roles of lying and addiction in trauma, and the importance of addressing your inner child—sometimes by simply writing with your non-dominant hand. Dr. Dohn also shares stories from the LA music scene of the 1970s and insights on how gravity affects every aspect of our physical and emotional well-being.

It’s a powerful exploration of healing, honesty, and the lifelong process of learning to live in harmony with ourselves.

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Love Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with author and domestic violence prevention advocate Helen Winslow Black, whose powerful book Seven Blackbirds explores resilience, transformation, and love. Together they discuss how art can spark the conversations we most need to have, what kind of flowers sprout from a writer’s seeds, the journey of healing from emotional trauma, and why true love is always about reciprocity. Tune in for a deeply moving conversation about creativity, courage, and the many ways love shows up in our lives.

In this episode of Let's Talk About Love Stories From Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson talks to Dave, Andrea, and Nick Schick, founders of Peninsula Precious Plastic, part of the worldwide precious plastics movement that works to change global policies to limit plastic use and commercial production of plastic. Dave, Andrea, and Nick join Jill from their maker studio in the San Francisco Bay Area.

See how vaccine caps and needle guards get transformed into new functional pieces (clipboards, cups, and tables, for example) or into art.

On this episode of Let's Talk About Love's Stories from Everywhere host Jill L. Ferguson and retired clinical pharmacist Gary Ostrowski talk about his six-year misdiagnosis and declining health journey, how AI may affect the medical field, the definition of art, the value of being a lifelong learner, retirement, generational dysfunction (and poverty and abuse), film, and tips to create lasting relationships.

In this unscripted talk show Jill L. Ferguson and HR executive and writer Ralph Galloway discuss family history, strong women influences, what makes lasting relationships, and so much more.

It’s funny, heartfelt, and full of reminders that love and creativity show up in all kinds of places and stages of life. 📧 Reach Kate at katie325@yahoo.com 📸 Follow her on Instagram: @purvis3619