Better Than We Found It

Sit in and listen to my conversation with sudden cardiac arrest survivor/Founder and President of the Aliver Foundation.

A non for profit 501(c)(3) who's mission is simple:

"To raise awareness and funds to install all weather AED's in outdoor recreation spaces while also providing crucial resources and educational opportunities to individuals and communities."

You see on June 25, 2021 while attending a gathering at a public park, Jill died from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Were it not for the quick thinking of a bystander, who performed CPR until the paramedics arrived with an AED, Jill would not be here today.

Leaving the hospital with no roadmap for recovery, Jill spent late nights on Google and Facebook groups just trying to make sense of what happened. She quickly realized how few people knew CPR, how rare outdoor all-weather AEDs are in public parks, and how isolated survivors often feel. Drawing on her 20+ years in the non-profit world, she founded THE ALIVER FOUNDATION.

Today, this all-volunteer team works with survivors, first responders, and medical professionals to put climate-controlled AED's in public spaces, teach CPR, and give survivors the guidance she never had.

I very powerful story with a beautiful outcome and future.

Hope you enjoy my conversation with Jill Pall

In this powerful episode of Better Than We Found It, we sit down with Jennifer Brusstar, President and CEO of The Tug McGraw Foundation, to explore a mission that’s changing lives at one of the most vulnerable intersections of health and hope.

Jennifer shares the heart behind the foundation’s work—supporting individuals and families navigating the emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges of brain tumors. But this conversation goes deeper than programs and services. It uncovers the “why” that fuels Jennifer’s leadership: a personal connection to the cause, a relentless commitment to advocacy, and a belief that no one should face this journey alone.

We talk about how the foundation uniquely blends military and civilian research to create meaningful, real-world impact, and why collaboration is key to accelerating breakthroughs. Jennifer also opens up about the human side of this work—the stories that stay with her, the moments that test her, and the ones that remind her exactly why she keeps going.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to turn purpose into action, this episode will leave you inspired—and challenged—to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Patrick and I met back in 2023 when i walked into a barber shop and he welcomed me on to his chair and little did i realize at the time, but into his life.

What happens when someone survives their darkest moments- and chooses to turn that pain into purpose?

Today I sit down with my friend and suicide survivor Patrick Lomantini to find out.

Patrick shares his story with honesty and courage, opening up about the struggles that nearly took his life and the turning points that helped him find a new path forward, Today he works with people who feel trapped in silence, reminding them that their lives still matter and that hope can return- even when it feels impossible.

This conversation is raw , compassionate, and ultimately hopeful. It's a reminder that even in the darkest seasons of life, light can break through-and that each of us has the power to help someone else keep going. And,

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING: In the United States, you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to connect with traIned counselors 24/7. You are not alone, and help is available.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Sometimes one conversation can change-or even save- a life.

I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Patrick Lomantini and I hope you have the best day ever!

Peace! ✌🏽

In this episode of Better Than We Found It I sit down with Chris Whitney founder of One Gereration Away to talk about turning hardships into hope.

Chris shares how personal struggle and a deep sense of purpose led him and his wife to launch a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing surplus food and delivering it directly to families in need.

Chris and I explore faith, resilience and what it really looks like to serve others when life gets hard.

If you've ever wondered how one person can create real change, this is your episode.

sit back, relax, and enjoy my conversation with Chris Whitney

https:/onegenaway.org

In this episode of The Better Than We Found It Podcast I'm sitting down with a woman who turned heartbreak into hope.

Lisa Moore, founder and CEO of Blaze of Hope in Sarasota, Florida, created a lifeline for families facing the emotional toll of caring for a critically ill child.

Her mission is simple, but powerful: no parent should have to choose between their child's health and their household's survival.

Join me and listen in as I learn how one mother's love sparked a movement that's helping families find light in their darkest days.

Thank you for being here,

Enjoy.

www.blazeofhope.org

In this episode of The Better Than We Found It Podcast, I get the opportunity to have an amazing conversation with Christian Countzler.

Christian is the Executive Director / CEO of Stable Recovery, Inc., a nonprofit based in Lexington Kentucky. At Stable Recovery, men in early recovery from alcoholism and addiction engage in structured community living, 12-step support, all being centered around equine-assisted recovery including a "School of Horsemanship at Taylor Made Farms.

But what makes this story truly powerful isn't just what they do-it's how it all began.

This story is not about ease. it's a story about redemption, about the quiet power of showing up-

for yourself, and then for others.

So glad you're here.

Deano

In this heartfelt one on one episode, Deano reflects on the quiet power of everyday helpers-those people who show up, step up, and make the world a little better just by being kind, being consistent and being human. Through stories, reflections and a reminder that you don't need a title to make an impact, this episode invites you to notice the helpers around you-and become one yourself. Because real change doesn't start with perfection. It starts with care.

www.instagram.com/betterthanwefounditpod

[email protected]

Just checkin in... letting ya'll know, we're still here.

Today I venture out into the podcast universe, alone...

On a verbal excursion through my inner most thoughts, ideas, and aspirations.

Wanna join?

C'mon... don't be afraid...

Oh BTW the Youtube Channel I reference in the episode is

Old Jazz Cafe.

Check it Out.

Nathan grew up in the North East and was introduced to the joy of music at a young age as he spent most his spare time in his fathers recording studio. The buzz would fuel his drive to pursue his love of piano and song-writing. Having the opportunity to perform on the national television show, Star Search would only validate his desires of becoming a Rock Star. Moving to Nashville at the age of nineteen, Nathan quickly came face to face with many choices which were vital to his success in the Music City. The need to keep the lights on and food in his stomach would eventually force him to start his own painting company which quickly grew to a successful six-figure business but still left him empty.

Nathan's story is one of hope, pain, seeking, finding and ultimately, learning how to love the the most important person on the planet...himself.

I hope you enjoy this episode of The Better Than We Found It Podcast with Nathan Lee.

https://www.sendmusicianstoprison.com

https://www.youtube.com/@sendmusicianstoprison

Eddie Garcia, fellow Texan, father, husband, radio-personality, video producer, pod-caster... the list goes on and on, but most importantly, outstanding human being.

Eddie works tirelessly at his day job, which goes way beyond the normal 8:00-5:00, and somehow he still finds time to help raise 4 young boys and over $2 million for various charities through comedy and music.

Eddie and I met years ago shortly after he and his radio team moved to Nashville. We became instant amigos and continuously find out more and more similarities we share growing up in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

I had a real good time talking with my buddy, I hope you enjoy listening in.

Peace!