Born without a choice

What happens when you’re responsible for protecting democracy while privately battling your own darkest moments?

In this episode of Born Without a Choice, I sit down with David Maeda, former Director of Elections for the Minnesota Secretary of State, to discuss the unseen weight of leadership, the challenges of safeguarding democracy during one of the most turbulent periods in U.S. elections, and his deeply personal journey through depression, heartbreak, and healing.

David opens up about mental health, resilience, the power of authenticity, and how music, friendships, and even his love for cats helped him find hope through life’s darkest seasons. This is an honest conversation about leadership, vulnerability, and choosing to keep moving forward—even when life feels overwhelming.

If you’ve ever questioned your purpose, struggled in silence, or wondered how to find light in difficult times, this episode is for you.

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Guest Contact Details

Guest: David Maeda

Website: https://www.davidmaeda.com/

Visit David’s website to learn more about his memoir, his work in election administration, and his inspiring story of resilience, mental health, and hope.

What if confidence wasn’t something you were born with—but something you could build?

In this episode of Born Without a Choice, I sit down with Lopaze Lasane, author, relationship coach, and creator of Love Can’t Wait. We unpack what it really takes to become the best version of yourself, why confidence is the foundation of meaningful relationships, and how personal growth transforms every area of your life.

Lopaze shares his journey, the lessons he’s learned from traveling the world, and the mindset shifts that help men—and anyone seeking self-improvement—develop stronger relationships, greater purpose, and lasting success.

Whether you’re looking to improve your confidence, understand attraction on a deeper level, or simply become a better version of yourself, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

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Guest Contact Details

Guest: Lopaze Lasane

Website: https://luvatfirstclick.com/dating

YouTube: Love Can’t Wait

Free Resource: Watch the free training on how to meet your ideal partner and discover relationship insights most people never learn.

Some of the deepest pain can become the foundation for your greatest purpose.

In this heartfelt episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with Dara V. Rose—author, speaker, Bible study teacher, and founder of 12 Cups of Grace—to discuss grief, faith, identity, healing, and learning to find your voice after life’s most difficult seasons.

Dara opens up about losing loved ones, walking through stillbirth, navigating family struggles, and discovering how God can bring purpose from pain. Together, they explore what it means to heal without pretending everything is okay, trust God through heartbreak, and embrace the person you were created to become.

If you’ve ever experienced loss, questioned your purpose, or needed hope in the middle of life’s hardest moments, this conversation is for you.

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Guest Details (Spotify)

Guest: Dara V. Rose

Website: https://www.12cupsofgrace.com/born-for-this-name

Learn more about Dara’s memoir, Born for This Name, join her email community, and explore faith-based resources from 12 Cups of Grace to support your journey of healing, faith, and personal growth.

What if healing begins the moment you stop pretending?

In this deeply honest episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with author, poet, and speaker Jeff Dalton to explore the difference between religious performance and having a genuine relationship with Jesus.

Jeff shares his powerful journey through depression, rejection, bipolar disorder, church hurt, and years of questioning his worth. Instead of offering easy answers, he explains why true healing starts with honesty—bringing your pain, doubts, fears, and brokenness before God without hiding behind appearances.

This conversation is for anyone who has struggled with faith, felt rejected by religion, or wondered if God still sees them in the middle of their darkest moments.

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Guest Details (Spotify)

Guest: Jeff Dalton

Book: https://a.co/d/08VZox7l

Grab a copy of Jeff’s book, Expressions of the Heart: Poems and Devotionals, to explore his story, poetry, and reflections on finding healing through an authentic relationship with Jesus.

What if your best years are still ahead of you?

In this empowering episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with Carolyn Hatton, life success coach, speaker, and founder of The Forever Young, to explore how women can redefine aging and embrace a vibrant, purpose-filled second act.

After overcoming struggles with self-confidence, body image, and an eating disorder, Carolyn discovered that true transformation begins with a mindset shift. Together, they discuss aging with confidence, building resilience, prioritizing health, and choosing more joy, more purpose, and more life at every stage.

Whether you’re entering a new season of life or simply looking for inspiration to become your best self, this conversation will remind you that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

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Guest Details (Spotify)

Guest: Carolyn Hatton

Free Resource: https://the-foreveryoung.com/signup-7320-8239

Download Carolyn’s free eBook, Reclaim Your Second Act, and discover practical tools to overcome the fear of aging, strengthen your mindset, and begin creating a healthier, more fulfilling future.

Your past doesn’t have to define your future.

In this heartfelt episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with journalist, podcast host, and storyteller Noah May to discuss his journey through depression, anxiety, rejection, and the struggle to find his voice.

Noah opens up about battling mental health from a young age, overcoming thoughts of suicide, and transforming his pain into purpose through podcasting, writing, and sharing his story with others. Together, they explore identity, resilience, healing, and the importance of speaking up even when the world tries to silence you.

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or questioned your worth, this conversation is a reminder that your story matters—and your voice has the power to inspire others.

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Guest Details (Spotify)

Guest: Noah May

Website: https://www.noahspodcasts.com

Visit Noah’s official website to explore his podcasts, read his blog, learn more about his work, and stay connected through his latest content and updates.

Success doesn’t come from excuses—it comes from action.

In this powerful episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with Dennis McCarty for a no-nonsense conversation about discipline, resilience, personal responsibility, and what it truly takes to succeed.

Together, they discuss why so many people stay stuck, how to stop getting in your own way, and why embracing discomfort is often the first step toward real growth. Dennis shares practical lessons on building mental toughness, developing consistent habits, and choosing progress over excuses.

If you’re ready for a wake-up call that will challenge your mindset and push you toward becoming the best version of yourself, this episode is for you.

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Guest Details (Spotify)

Guest: Dennis McCarty

Website: https://www.suckitupcupcake.com

Visit Dennis’s website to learn more about his work, explore his resources, and discover practical tools for building resilience, discipline, and lasting personal success.

What if your greatest productivity tool isn’t working harder—but sleeping better?

In this eye-opening episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with Dr. Melissa Milanak, clinical psychologist, executive consultant, TEDx speaker, and internationally recognized expert on sleep, stress, and mental wellbeing.

Together, they explore how chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and poor sleep quietly affect every area of our lives—from our careers and relationships to our decision-making and overall happiness. Dr. Melissa shares practical, science-backed strategies to help you protect your mental health, improve your sleep, and perform at your best without sacrificing your wellbeing.

If you’ve been running on empty or struggling to balance success with self-care, this conversation will give you the tools to thrive—not just survive.

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Guest Details

Guest: Dr. Melissa Milanak

Website: https://melissamilanak.com

Visit Dr. Melissa’s website to access free guides, a library of practical wellness videos, and additional resources on sleep, stress management, burnout prevention, and mental wellbeing.

What does success really mean?

In this inspiring episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with entrepreneur, author, and No Half Cakes founder Jim Sabellico to explore the moment that completely changed his definition of success.

After building multiple 7- and 8-figure businesses, Jim appeared to have everything—money, status, and achievement. But missing his son’s sixth birthday and standing in front of half a birthday cake made him realize he was losing what mattered most.

Together, they discuss redefining success, prioritizing family over hustle, finding purpose beyond money, and building a life you’ll never regret. If you’ve ever questioned whether chasing success is costing you the people you love, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what truly matters.

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Guest Details

Guest: Jim Sabellico

Website: https://nohalfcakes.com

Visit No Half Cakes to explore Jim’s podcast, free resources, and practical tools to help you redefine success, simplify your growth, and build a life you won’t regret.

Storms are inevitable—but they don’t have to define your future.

In this powerful episode of Born Without a Choice, Victory sits down with Bill Derrick, construction industry leader, author, and speaker, to discuss how faith, resilience, and hope can carry us through life’s greatest challenges.

After leading his company through the Great Recession, Bill faced an even more personal battle—being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. Instead of allowing adversity to defeat him, he discovered a deeper purpose and now inspires others through his book, Restored by the Storm, sharing lessons on perseverance, gratitude, and unwavering faith.

If you’re walking through a difficult season or searching for hope in the middle of life’s storms, this conversation is a reminder that your greatest trials can become the foundation for your greatest testimony.

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Guest contact details

Guest: Bill Derrick

Website: https://www.billderrick.com/

Learn more about Bill’s journey, order his book Restored by the Storm: Navigating Through Life’s Unexpected Challenges, and book him for speaking engagements through his official website.