In this mini-episode, we honor the quiet heroes among us caregivers. Through personal reflections, we explore the gratitude, challenges, and unexpected blessings that come with caring for someone you love. It's a story of family, community, selflessness, and the powerful legacy passed from one generation to the next.

This episode is a reminder that caregiving isn't just responsibility — it's love, connection, and the heart of what holds families together.

Thanksgiving is more than a meal — it's a moment to pause, reflect, and share gratitude.

In this short conversation, we explore the traditions that bring families together: opening your home to others, celebrating the small joys, and honoring the rituals that connect generations.

From stories of community to simple moments of thankfulness, this episode reminds us why this holiday still means so much.

In this very special episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with someone many of you know well: former NBA All-Star and legendary rebounder Jayson Williams. After a brilliant career cut short by injuries, Jayson went through some very dark years — addiction, public struggle, and eventually incarceration.

But he refused to let his past define him. Instead, he chose gratitude, accountability, and the hard work of rebuilding. In doing so, he's helping others rebuild their lives too.

Jayson walks me through the journey that led him to create REBOUND, a program grounded in outdoor adventure and spiritual grounding for adults in recovery and returning from incarceration. From paddleboarding to skydiving, REBOUND gives its participants confidence, connection, and a sense of possibility.

He also shares his newest effort, REBOUND on the Road, an eight-week truck-driving program in Nassau County that helps people earn commercial licenses and take their first steps toward meaningful careers.

This is a story about resilience and the power of lifting others as you rise. I hope you'll tune in to hear Jayson's extraordinary second act and the impact he's making every day.

I've always believed that stories are how we make sense of life. They're how we connect, teach, and remember. Whether it's a tale passed around a dinner table or one shared in a business meeting, the right story can bridge generations and bring people closer together.

In this week's Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Kindra Hall, a bestselling author and expert in storytelling who's helped thousands of people learn how to share their stories with authenticity. Kindra believes that every person's story has value, even the ones we might think are too ordinary or small.

Our conversation reminded me that the best stories don't need to be perfect, just honest. We talk about the importance of finding the heart in our experiences, how to match stories to the messages we want to share, and why self-deprecating moments often connect us most deeply to others.

Take a moment to reflect on your own story and the lessons you've learned, the people who've shaped you, and the moments that have made you who you are. When we share those stories, we tell people who we are and remind them they're not alone.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month — a reminder to celebrate the talents and contributions of people with all abilities. In this episode of Celebrate Your Story, we meet Karen Patrohay, a mother whose love and dedication helped her son Michael turn a high school project into a thriving business: Michael's Barkery.

It all began in 2017, when Michael, then a high school senior, was assigned a project tied to his career aspirations. With help from his loyal dog, Sunshine, he cooked up a plan to bake and sell wholesome, homemade dog treats.

Inspired by the school assignment and guided by Karen, Michael's idea eventually blossomed into a full-service pet boutique, complete with retail, grooming, and a kitchen — while also providing meaningful employment for people with special needs.

Karen first shared her family's journey with me as a Celebrations Pulse reader, and I was so moved by her story that I invited her to join us for this conversation.

This episode is extra special because it's co-hosted by my niece, Julie, who brings her own insights as a mother navigating similar challenges with her son. Together, they explore the highs, the challenges, and the heart behind creating opportunities for people with cognitive differences.

What if golf weren't just a game, but the ultimate business playground?

In this week's Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Pat Healy, a Columbia graduate who recently made the leap into professional golf. Joining me for the conversation is my cohost, MiChaela Barker.

Together, we explore the surprising parallels between golf and music, the role of metrics in mastering performance, and how social media can foster connection. Pat also shares his journey

from college to the pro circuit, including what it takes to succeed, and how tools like AI can accelerate both personal growth and career strategy.

Whether you're passionate about golf, business, relationships, or building your personal brand, this episode will inspire you to rethink what success looks like on and off the course.

In this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Julianna Glasse, whose life has taken her from a conservative Christian upbringing to becoming a passionate advocate for women's empowerment. Glasse opens up about how reading, music, and education became her tools of liberation and expression. She explains how literature, in particular, gave her and countless others the words and courage to challenge limitations, reimagine possibilities, and claim their voices in spaces where they were once silenced.

In this episode, Jim McCann sits down with Maha Abouelenein – global communications strategist, entrepreneur, and author of The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance.

Maha shares her remarkable journey:

· Growing up in Minnesota as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants

· Leaving her successful U.S. career at 27 to care for her mother in Egypt

· Starting over as a secretary and eventually becoming a business partner to a billionaire

· Helping launch the internet and mobile networks across the Middle East

· Leading communications for Google and Netflix in the region

· Returning to the U.S. after 23 years abroad to reinvent herself again

Along the way, Maha reveals powerful lessons on: Building a personal brand that matters Networking through service and value creation Why your reputation is your greatest currency How to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them Empowering women to lead and find their voice

Her story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and self-reliance. Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or student, Maha's insights will inspire you to build your own path with confidence.

📖 Learn more about Maha's book The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance: https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Self-Reliance-Moving-Invest-Yourself/dp/1401978665 🌐 Connect with Maha: https://digitalandsavvy.com 📱 Follow her on Instagram & YouTube: @MahaAbouelenein

In this conversation, filmmaker Nick Budabin shares his journey from working on MTV's True Life to founding Keepsake Documentaries, a company dedicated to preserving family legacies through film. What began as a personal project after losing his father to cancer became a powerful way to help families capture memories, stories, and wisdom for future generations.

Nick discusses how storytelling can aid in the grieving process, why every person has a story worth telling, and how technology and music bring these keepsake films to life. He also shares moving client stories, advice for families thinking about legacy projects, and his vision for the future of personal documentaries.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

· Nick's early career in reality TV and documentaries

· How grief inspired him to create his first legacy film

· The birth of Keepsake Documentaries

· Why recording stories helps families heal

· Client stories that reveal the power of legacy films

· How music and personal touches make films unforgettable

· Advice for families wanting to preserve their legacy

Keepsake Documentaries isn't just about film—it's about keeping memories alive forever. Whether you've lost a loved one or simply want to ensure your family's story is remembered, this episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling.

Learn more about Keepsake Documentaries: Website: keepsakedocumentaries.com Email: [email protected]

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Heather A. Campbell — former ESPN "Synergy" lead turned entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and author of Good Is Amazing. Heather shares her remarkable journey from holding unique corporate titles like "Head of Alchemy" to founding Ready Set Recover, a groundbreaking program that helps surgery patients prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for better outcomes. In this episode, Heather reveals: • How she pivoted from corporate life to healthcare innovation • The surprising habits that boost recovery and reduce stress before surgery • Why "good" can be more than enough when building a fulfilling life • How gratitude, mindfulness, and daily rituals can transform your well-being • The importance of knowing what you truly want — and asking for it Whether you're preparing for surgery, seeking healthier habits, or looking for a spark of positivity, Heather's wisdom will leave you feeling empowered and inspired. Learn more about Heather's work and book: https://www.heatheracampbell.com If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe.