Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

Sometimes all it takes are the right words from the right person to boost your courage and give you permission to take radical steps. Such is the experience of today’s guest, a dream chaser whose path has been anything but ordinary.

Diana Cheruvil is a dynamic and goofy human whose life has been a series of fortunate events. She’s passionate about connecting with people, understanding global perspectives with a focus on local community, and striving for the greater good. She loves to build and nurture relationships in ways that bring others’ most authentic selves to the forefront. Diana’s career spans 12 years of diverse communications and marketing experience that has taken her from Detroit to NYC to South America, and back to Detroit. She has an insatiable appetite for travel, loves her super cool friends and family, gives great hugs, and has very nice hair.

Following the shiny, bright object

When do you know it’s time to pivot? For Diana, it was clear. She studied pharmacy at the University of Michigan, and even though she loved the subject area, her heart was not into the academics. It was clear that a pivot was in order, and her parents made the decision for her to leave college and come home. Knowing this experience would NOT be the one to stop her, she explored, settling on communications and marketing for her next endeavor. For her, living and working in NYC was always the “shiny, bright object at the end of the tunnel,” so she ran toward it.

TWEET: If you fail, you fail - but fail forward. #chasingdreams

Taking a chance

Is it WHAT you know, or WHO you know? Diana moved to NYC (kinda on a whim), and her dreams became a reality. She says we need to realize that we don’t always have to follow a conventional path when it comes to jobs. Often it comes down to the connections you make that can be the most powerful and most impactful. Being backed by people who support you and believe in you makes ALL the difference. Creating strong relationships can help you get to where you’re going. 

TWEET: “It is NEVER too late. There is so much benefit in taking a leap because you never know what will happen.” #chasingdreams

What Diana learned from NYC and South America

Can you look back at steps in your life and recount the lessons learned? Diana had many lessons to learn as she worked her way up from an intern to be the head of a department. She learned that one person CAN change things and make a big difference. Spending almost 10 years in NYC left her stagnant and tired, and she was dissatisfied and burned out. Her dad advised her to have courage and be bold enough to give herself permission to change her life---so she did. She spent time in South America teaching English and traveling around. This time helped her change her perspective to one of desiring a simpler life and realizing that she is capable of SO much more than what she ever imagined. 

TWEET: It’s never about what you know, but it’s about the connections you make. #chasingdreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”It is NEVER too late. There is so much benefit in taking a leap because you never know what will happen.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:38] What young Diana wanted to be
• [3:24] Diverse career paths
• [5:53] Diana’s adventures on the way to NYC
• [9:00] Taking a chance
• [9:44] The connections you make
• [10:41] NYC: everything she wanted it to be
• [13:44] What NYC taught Diana
• [19:15] Advice from her dad
• [20:41] Where you find joy
• [23:24] How doors open
• [26:16] How parents don’t always make it easy
• [27:03] Taking the leap to South America
• [28:58] Rejuvenated and evolved
• [31:23] A simple story that’s not simple
• [32:58] How people thought Diana was...

Can a young person be the voice of motivation and empowerment in chasing dreams? Yes! Join me for an inspiring conversation with a dream chaser who is already making an impact and helping others find their purpose.

Marcus Roberts-DeLoach is a 22-year-old young adult empowerment writer, speaker, business owner, and radio talk program host from Philadelphia, PA. He is a former full-time student-athlete at Ohio State University-Lima and will soon be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Marcus is the author of Bigger Than You: What is Your Purpose? Through his work, he expresses how important it is to help others live a purposeful life. He is a firm believer that current situations don’t define final destinations. His advice to people is never to let people tell you what you can’t do or that your dreams are impossible to achieve. Marcus believes that putting in the work makes anything possible for anyone. His vision goes far behind himself, and he believes that empowering other people is the key to truly changing the world.

Finding his gifts

What are your gifts? Marcus always knew that his gifts were basketball, talking to people, and making them smile. He started out in athletic training, then moved to business, and later on to communications. Early on, Marcus developed the mindset that he wanted to own his own business, and he knew the sky would be the limit if he concentrated on growing a better version of himself. It didn’t take long for Marcus to turn into a personal development guru because he knew it would be the key to a better future.

TWEET: Building your dream is hard, but being broke is also hard. @IamMarcusRD #chasingdreams

Finding a balance

Is everything more difficult when you’re young? Not really, but finding a balance in life and finding yourself can be more challenging when you’re young. Marcus admits that his concentration is not as good because he feels “all over the place.” He realized that he had to commit to his dream with consistency and learn to say NO to some people. The average 22-year-old isn’t doing the things that Marcus is. He looks forward to what his decisions will look like at age 25, 30, 35, 40--and so on.

TWEET: Average people wait, and winners create. @IamMarcusRD #chasingdreams

Finding mentors

If you don’t have a starting point, how do you figure out your gifts? Marcus says the first step is to find a mentor. Find someone whom you want to be like. We usually frown upon copying what someone else is doing, but it’s not wrong to copy someone else if you are molding and growing yourself. Two mentors that Marcus learns from every day are Jim Rohn and Steve Harvey. 

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Nothing is as hard as it seems. You can apply that to anything.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:09] Marcus’ accomplishments and young dreams
• [2:50] Discovering gifts
• [6:23] Finding the balance
• [9:41] Passions, gifts, and purpose
• [11:45] How to figure out your gifts
• [14:15] The reception to Marcus’ book
• [16:21] What’s next for Marcus?
• [18:40] Why people struggle with chasing their dreams
• [20:45] Why people are happy when they find their gift
• [22:55] Why it’s important to see others chase their dreams
• ]25:59] Marcus’ mentors
• [28:54] Age is just a number
• [30:52] ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Marcus on Facebook

Marcus on Twitter

Marcus on Instagram

Marcus on

Who doesn’t love a good story? Whether you’re reading, watching, or listening---you can be drawn in before you realize it. My guest today knows the power and magic of storytelling---and he’s sharing some of his secrets with us.

Shannon Cason has told stories all over the country with The Moth, Snap Judgment, and his own podcasts, Homemade Stories, and The Trouble. He is the chief educator for the Brutally Honest Storytelling Workshop Series and has worked with several companies, including WBEZ, WDET, and Spotify. He is originally from Detroit, and he’s gracious enough to come on the show to share his knowledge and experience as a dream chaser.

The magic of storytelling

Can you feel it? I’m talking about the moment when you hear a story, and you know whether someone is “putting on a performance,” using a gimmick, or being honest and open. The first thing Shannon noticed about storytellers is that people are drawn to you when you’re authentic and are yourself, especially when polarizing issues are involved. People simply relate more to truth and real life, and we’re drawn to that in stories because it allows us to see ourselves in the story or the experience. That’s the magic of storytelling. 

TWEET: People are drawn to stories because it allows us to see ourselves in the experience. #chasingdreams

Why podcasting?

Have you ever had money that burned a hole in your pocket? Shannon’s first iPhone came as the result of a gambling windfall, and he started listening to podcasts. He had the great idea to mix his love of storytelling with developing his own podcast. He wasn’t satisfied to just “talk,” but wanted full-fledged productions with music and sound effects. Never thinking of this creative endeavor--or any artistic effort--as something that could sustain him financially, he realized that there would be no other job that would bring him as much fulfillment as telling stories and that he could make a living while sharing his stories and chasing his dreams.

TWEET: No other job could bring as much fulfillment as telling stories and chasing his dreams. #chasingdreams

Finding YOUR voice

In storytelling or podcasting, how do you find YOUR voice? You may start out by following and imitating someone else, but Shannon says you have to evolve from that beginning and add your unique style. The beautiful part is when you figure things out and find YOUR voice. You can watch and learn from others, but then put the content through your own filter of truth and authenticity. Find something that isn’t what everyone else is doing. 

TWEET: You have to find your own voice. #chasingdreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Find an example of who you’d like to be and backtrack that example to see where they started. Seeing where they came from should inspire you.”

See the behind-the-scenes interview with Shannon for more! www.aimeej21.com/youtube

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:10] How Shannon and I met in 2016
• [1:25] What captured Shannon about storytelling
• [2:50] How storytelling is brutally honest and refreshing
• [6:58] Shannon’s storytelling aspirations
• [9:05] From storytelling to podcasting
• [11:20] Feeling financial pressures and fears
• [13:50] If people didn’t pursue their higher calling
• [17:00] Why we “trap” ourselves into living others’ lifestyles
• [21:19] “Outside the box” thinking
• [22:54] How Shannon put his own spin on his work
• [25:15] How his children are following in his footsteps
• [29:13] One surprising outcome
• [31:49] What’s coming up next for Shannon
• [33:16] ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Can you still chase your dreams if you aren’t sure about how to move forward? Yes! Today’s guest shares his personal experience with learning to be still and focus on the next step.

Brian Drury is a return guest from Episode 44. We’re checking in with Brian to see what’s new in his life and his dream chase. He’s the founder of Overcoming Graduation, the creator and host of the Overcoming Graduation podcast, a professional speaker, coach, and author of the #1 Amazon bestseller, The First Step. Through his work, he helps teach young adults everything he wished he had known about habits and mindset to help them create their dream lives, starting today. One of Brian’s recent speeches went viral and has reached over 14.7 million people around the world, and is now featured as one of Goalcast’s Top Inspiring Videos. Brian also has a passion for travel; he speaks three languages, taught himself to speak Portuguese in just seven months, and has traveled to 17 different countries around the world. Brian wants everyone, young and old, to realize that their dream life is within their reach if they are willing to think differently and take action.

Focus on the next small step

Do you always know the next step to take? No, there are times when you are in a place of uncertainty. You don’t always have clarity and focus on the next step to take, but you have to move forward in incremental steps to reach bigger goals down the road. Brian hasn’t always had the clarity in business and personal relationships for achieving the success he wanted. He says that even “on the path to somewhere,” you have to be able to find joy along the way. “Life won’t be sunshine and rainbows every single day.”

TWEET: You know if you explode and blow up, it’s not going to bring the results you are looking for. @overcominggrad #chasingdreams

Learning to live in “the medium”

Do you live in extremes? Brian admits that living in extremes has been his norm, but he is learning to stay in a healthier, happier “medium.” Even though he teaches self-care, he has had to discipline himself to keep up with that care every day, especially when the stress and busy-ness of life get in the way. Living in “the medium” has helped him take full responsibility in his identity and prompted an honest conversation with his father, which was a big emotional release.

TWEET: I’ve lived in extremes for most of my life. @overcominggrad #chasingdreams

Enjoy today - and tomorrow

Is your inner child still there? Brian says we need to be playful and embrace our inner child, but we need moderation in healthy areas and honesty in communication and relationships. We need to cut out bad habits and embrace healthy ones so that we can enjoy the next day in the same way as today. Brian lives by a quote from author Aubrey Marcus: “Don’t enjoy today at the expense of tomorrow.” Brian says we need to make time to play, have fun, and live in the moment.

TWEET: Having a coach and mentor has changed my life drastically. @overcominggrad #chasingdreams

See the behind-the-scenes interview with Brian for more! www.aimeej21.com/youtube

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:22] How Brian is still chasing his dreams
• [2:02] Being in a different place
• [5:38] Focus on the next step
• [9:55] Having it “all figured out” is inauthentic
• [16:14] Learning to take full responsibility
• [20:54] Easy to say, harder to do
• [23:56] How removing the consequences eliminates negative self-talk
• [31:36] The value of what you loved to do as a kid
• [34:22] What Brian learned last year
• [35:38] The dangers of social media assumptions
• [39:52] How we “dress up” our dreams with destination fallacies
• [45:22] Your own definition of truth
• [47:32] Slowing down to enjoy the...

Do you root for the underdog? My guest today pulls for the underdogs of the podcast world---the small, independent podcasters who don’t grab the big sponsorships. Let’s find out what she’s about and how she has made her place in the podcasting arena.

Jessica Kupferman is an internet and digital marketing pioneer who helps content creators grow and monetize a loyal, rabid fan base through understanding connection and the power of influence. She has worked on branding and messaging for large corporations such as Comcast, Subaru, as well as with hundreds of bloggers, podcasters, and online entrepreneurs by teaching personality-driven social media and sales strategies. Jessica is the co-host and co-founder of the She Podcasts brand, which currently supports over 10,000 female podcasters, and has a digital marketing reach of over 50,000 content creators. She started a podcast advertising agency, JK Media Agency in 2015, and then sold it in 2017 to pursue her passion for helping independent podcasters to create connection and step into their influence. Currently, Jessica is the head of marketing for Rebel Base Media and loves helping their members prepare for success in podcasting. She’s a busy lady, and I’m happy to welcome Jessica to the show!

Creating an authentic organization for women

Can men be part of She Podcasts? The answer is no. The group remains loyal to maintaining an authentic organization for women podcasters---a place of familiarity and comfort where women can be themselves. Jessica wants it to be a safe space of relaxation and feels that allowing men to join would take away from that. Even though men have asked to join, she says, “If we let one, then we’d have to let them all!” Every other podcast group out there is available for men to join, so this one will stay different and unique. Jessica’s background in the corporate world was always in jobs in heavily male-dominated fields, so she’s happy to have founded and to be a part of something that offers exclusive support to women.

TWEET: Your legacy won’t be your body of work but will be how you make people feel. @jesskupferman

Why you can’t advocate for every cause

Do you champion the causes you believe in? Most of us love being the advocate and the voice for the things we feel strongly about. The problem is that so many try to champion EVERY cause. You can’t advocate for everything, because you’ll exhaust yourself, and trying to defend every cause makes you a vague person who seems like they don’t know what they really stand for. Wanting to help is NOT enough, because there has to be a connection and a personal incentive. Be who you are.

TWEET: You can’t be an advocate for everything all the time. @jesskupferman

Focus on the individual

Would you sacrifice to help “the little guy”? Jessica really wanted to help small shows monetize their podcasts, but she needed to prove that to her advertisers. Today, she teaches with the Podcast Success Academy and focuses on teaching podcasters how to pitch, grow, and market their podcasts. Jessica shares how she was willing to make sacrifices and changes, which were prompted by the loss of her daughter, a pivotal point in Jessica’s life. She says we need to learn to ask the right questions to figure out who we are.

TWEET: When you die, you take with you the memories of how you made other people feel. @jesskupferman

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:25] Starting an organization and seeing organic growth
• [3:37] No men allowed
• [5:20] An environment of safety and inclusion
• [7:05] Jessica’s work in the corporate world
• [9:43] “Know, relate, understand, and respect”
• [14:37] The pressure to advocate for EVERYTHING
• [16:35] Don’t try to champion every cause
• [18:25] The dangers of social media
• [22:15] Why Jessica wanted to focus on...

With the prevalence of blended families today, being a stepparent is rarely thought of in a positive light. The truth is that it doesn’t have to be that way. Hold your skepticism until you hear what today’s guest has to say about blended families thriving and creating an atmosphere of love and mutual respect. 

Tuniscia Okeke is the author of Empowered Stepmother. In this book, she invites stepmothers on a transformational journey of self-empowerment to regain their voices and discover their identity in a blended family dynamic. The family vlog “Tea with Tuniscia O” gives a candid look inside the love and connection shared between Tuniscia and her stepson, Ike. The vlog journals their family’s victories and strategies to co-parent successfully with Ike’s biological mother. Tuniscia is an avid reader whose most creative thoughts occur while she’s in “couch potato mode.” As a wife and mother of three children, two of whom are adults, Tuniscia’s most cherished moments are family time together at home or on vacation. 

Tuniscia’s path

Were you a stepchild? Tuniscia was---and then she became a teenage mother at age 18, and then again at age 19. As the mother of two little ones, life hit her hard and fast, and she had to grow up quickly. She became a paralegal for a while and then bought her first house at age 24, an achievement that was unusual in her family. Even though Tuniscia had to be a working mom, she always had a job that was near her children. Looking back today, Tuniscia realizes that her leadership qualities were unique for one so young, and others saw that in her also.

TWEET: Too many times, stepmothers want to battle with the biological mother to see who’s more important. @blendingourlove #chasingdreams

Becoming a stepmother

Does anyone ever aspire to be a stepparent? The answer is probably a NO for most of us. Tuniscia never wanted this role, until she met her future husband, who happened to be the father of an 18-month-old son. It didn't take long for Tuniscia to fall in love with the father AND son, knowing that she wanted to be a positive influence in little Ike's life. Surprisingly, the foreword to Tuniscia's book is written by none other than Danielle, Ike's biological mother. She outlines how Tuniscia has helped her with the struggles to love and accept herself to be a better mom. Today, Tuniscia is Danielle's life coach, helping her rebuild and reinforce her beautiful bond with her son. The book came about as the guide Tuniscia wished she'd had when she went through the darkest days of her struggle in the role of stepmother. 

TWEET: I am not his biological mom, but I don’t use the word “step.” I’m here to help. @blendingourlove #chasingdreams

Being free to love

Have you thought about how a child feels when stepparents don't get along? Tuniscia's stepson, Ike, recently told her his wish that all stepchildren everywhere could be free to love their families as they want. He knows what it's like to feel like a caged animal, unable to love all the people in your life as you wish. Parents don't realize how this dilemma can stifle a child. Tuniscia's message is that blended families can thrive and find common ground.

TWEET: I knew there was something special that other people saw in me.  @blendingourlove #chasingdreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Follow your gut. Know your WHY--it’s the only thing that will propel you.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:30] How Tuniscia and I met at a local networking event
• [3:30] Tuniscia’s positive personality after many years of pretending
• [3:40] Tuniscia's path to responsibility and leadership
• [10:08] Making choices based on the hand you’re dealt
• [11:06] Becoming a stepmother
• [13:05] The Foreword of Tuniscia’s...

Hey Dream Chaser, 

Myself and the Chasing Dreams podcast is raising money to keep the podcast going for an additional twelve (12) months. This is a bonus episode to talk about the future of Chasing Dreams, why we're doing a fundraiser, and how you can help.

Thanks for all of your support. I wouldn't here without it.

Keep Chasing,

Aimee J.

Important Links

Donation Page - http://aimeej21.com/donate

Fundathon Variety Show - http://aimeej21.com/fundathon

Donation Wall - http://aimeej21.com/donation-wall

Still have questions, ask me at [email protected]

https://youtu.be/aItO-fzu-LE