Born without a choice

is a heartwarming conversation with Kirsten Telan, children’s author, kindness advocate, and creator of The Confetti Effect. Together, we explore how simple acts of kindness, courage, and compassion can shape the next generation and create lasting change.

Kirsten shares the inspiration behind her children’s book, A Tale of Two Dogs, and explains how teaching values like love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control helps children build confidence, celebrate differences, and step outside their comfort zones. This episode is a powerful reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave the biggest impact.

Contact Details

* Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kirstennelsontelan

* Blog: The Confetti Effect

* Book: A Tale of Two Dogs

* Newsletter, blog, and resources: Available through her Linktree

* Social Media: All official social media links can be found on her Linktree page.

features an empowering conversation with Peter George, an award-winning public speaking coach, professional speaker, TEDx coach, and author of The Captivating Public Speaker. Once held back by a lisp and stutter, Peter shares how overcoming those challenges shaped his mission to help others become calm, confident, and compelling communicators.

In this episode, Peter explains why great speaking is about serving your audience, how to transform nervous energy into confidence, and why your greatest struggles can become your greatest strengths. Whether you’re speaking on stage, leading a team, or simply trying to communicate more effectively, this conversation offers practical tools to help you find your voice and make a lasting impact.

Contact Details

* Website: http://PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com

* Podcast: Public Speaking with Peter George

* Book: The Captivating Public Speaker

* Speaking, Coaching & Resources: Available at http://PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com

* TEDx Coaching & AMP’D Framework™: Learn more through his website.

is an inspiring conversation with John Verrico, leadership coach, international speaker, retired Navy Master Chief, and nine-time international bestselling author. Drawing from a lifetime of experiences—from overcoming childhood bullying to serving in the military and coaching leaders around the world—John shares how resilience, communication, and purpose can transform both our personal and professional lives.

In this episode, we explore his TORCH framework—Trust, Opportunity, Respect, Communication, and Humanity—and discuss how great leaders inspire others, build stronger relationships, and keep their inner fire burning even during life’s toughest challenges. If you’re looking to grow as a leader, communicator, or simply as a person, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and encouragement.

Contact Details

* Website: https://www.johnverrico.com

* Podcast: Cracking the Rich Code (Host) and upcoming Share Your Fire podcast

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnverrico

* Speaking & Coaching: Available through his website

* Books & Resources: Available on his website and major online booksellers.

Your Second Act: Faith, Healing, Divorce, and Finding Purpose Again is a heartfelt conversation with Stephanie Carmody about rebuilding life after heartbreak. Stephanie shares how navigating divorce became the beginning of a new chapter—one rooted in healing, rediscovering her Christian faith, and finding peace, purpose, and hope again.

Together, we explore what it means to let go of the past, overcome toxic relationships, embrace personal growth, and trust that God can bring beauty from life’s most difficult seasons. Whether you’re facing a major life transition or searching for a fresh start, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to begin again.

Contact Details

* Website: https://secondactsessions.com/

* Podcast: Second Act Sessions

* Memoir & Resources: Available through her website

* Speaking & Media Inquiries: https://secondactsessions.com/

* Social Media: Linked through her website at Second Act Sessions.

What happens when life forces you to start over? In this episode of Born Without a Choice, Anthony Quiñones shares how reinvention is about much more than changing careers—it’s about transforming your identity, redefining your purpose, and creating a life that aligns with who you’re becoming.

After spending more than 30 years in finance and accounting, Anthony reinvented himself during the Great Recession, becoming an author, entrepreneur, coach, and the host of the Create Your New Normal podcast. Together, we explore the power of embracing change, overcoming fear, rebuilding after life’s setbacks, and creating a meaningful future on your own terms. If you’re facing a major life transition or wondering what’s next, this conversation will remind you that every ending can become the beginning of something greater.

Guest Contact Details

* Website: https://www.createyournewnormal.com

* Free Masterclass: http://www.createyournewnormal.com/masterclass.html

* Podcast: Create Your New Normal

* Books:

* The Brandpreneur Beginner’s Guide

* Repackaging Is Everything

What if anger isn’t the problem—but a symptom of something much deeper? In this powerful episode of Born Without a Choice, Ransom Kong shares how years of pain, trauma, and unresolved emotions can quietly shape our lives and relationships. Drawing from over 27 years of working with court-mandated men in anger management and domestic violence programs, Ransom explains why healing begins by understanding what’s beneath the anger.

As someone who broke his own cycle of violence, Ransom offers honest insights into emotional healing, accountability, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to become a different person. This conversation is for anyone seeking healing from past wounds, breaking generational cycles, or learning how to live with greater purpose and emotional freedom.

Guest Contact Details

* Website: https://purposeoverpain.life

* Free Personal Reflection: https://purposeoverpain.life

* Programs: Purpose Over Pain (men’s personal development and emotional healing)

* Community: Tethered – Intentional matchmaking community for men seeking healthy, meaningful relationships (accessible through the Purpose Over Pain website).

What separates a good workplace from a great one? In this episode of Born Without a Choice, HR strategist and leadership expert Matinah Drew shares how healthy workplace cultures are built through intentional leadership, accountability, and putting people first.

Drawing from more than 20 years of experience in human resources and workforce development, Matinah explains why great leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. We explore workplace culture, communication, leadership accountability, conflict resolution, and the practical systems every organization needs to build strong, high-performing teams. Whether you’re leading a company, managing a team, or growing in your own career, this conversation offers practical lessons that extend far beyond the workplace.

Guest Contact Details

* Website: https://nobleheartshr.com

* Contact Page: https://nobleheartshr.com/contact/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matinah-d

* Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/noble-hearts-hr-consulting

What happens when you challenge everything you think you know? In this thought-provoking episode of Born Without a Choice, author and social thinker Mohamed Nabil explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, democracy, free thinking, and humanity’s future.

From creating AIDOP (AI Debates on One’s Publications) to advocating for “Enlightened Populism,” Mohamed shares why questioning ideas—even your own—is essential in an age shaped by AI, misinformation, and polarization. We discuss critical thinking, radical transparency, global citizenship, and how ordinary people can become better decision-makers in a rapidly changing world. Whether you agree with his ideas or not, this conversation will challenge you to think deeper, ask better questions, and never stop seeking the truth.

Guest Contact Details

* Website: https://mohamednabil.world

* Books: The Bachelors of Egypt, Enlightened Populism, My Interview with ChatGPT, Global Justice, Philosophical Debates with AI, Ideas that Survived AIDOP, Set Minds Free, Humanity’s Money, and Truth Is Sexy.

* Media Kit & Publications: Available through his official website.

What are the unwritten rules that shape how we belong? In this episode of Born Without a Choice, Irish fiddle player, educator, and cultural guide Tara Connaghan explores the hidden etiquette behind Irish traditional music sessions—and why understanding unspoken social rules matters far beyond music.

Together, we discuss tradition, confidence, respect, and the invisible expectations that can make newcomers feel anxious or excluded. Tara shares how learning these hidden rules helps people find belonging, navigate unfamiliar spaces with confidence, and appreciate the power of culture, community, and listening before leading. Whether you’re a musician or simply someone trying to find your place in a new environment, this conversation offers timeless lessons about respect, connection, and human relationships.

Guest Contact Details

* Website: https://www.sessionetiquette.com

* Podcast: In Tune with Tradition – Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music

* Newsletter: Available through the Session Etiquette website.

* Patreon (Private Session Experience): Available via the Session Etiquette website.

What if your greatest spiritual awakening didn’t happen in your twenties—but at fifty? In this episode of Born Without a Choice, Eli Brackenbury shares the deeply personal story behind his journey from grief, divorce, spiritual dryness, and identity loss to discovering renewed faith, purpose, and healing through an unexpected encounter with God.

Together, we explore what it means to rediscover your identity in Christ, navigate emotional healing, overcome seasons of doubt, and embrace the truth that it’s never too late to begin again. Whether you’re returning to faith, questioning your purpose, or simply longing for something deeper, this conversation offers hope, practical wisdom, and encouragement that God is never finished with your story.

Guest Contact Details

* Website: https://www.elibrackenbury.com

* Book: Finding God at 50: A Mid-Life Awakening to Grace, Purpose and Presence

* LinkedIn: Eli Brackenbury

* TikTok: @elibrackenbury (as referenced through his author profile and website)