Conversations With Mr. A — Interview with Jackson: Swimming Beyond His Years

In this episode of Conversations With Mr. A, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jackson Sword, Ruth’s middle child, while visiting South Carolina. Jackson is heading into 8th grade and is already making a name for himself as a competitive swimmer.

Jackson has been competing on a swim team and has had the opportunity to compete against swimmers who are older and more experienced—including high school athletes. What really stood out to me during our conversation was his maturity, determination, and drive at such a young age.

We talk about his journey in competitive swimming, what motivates him to keep improving, what it’s like competing against older athletes, and the challenges that come with pushing yourself to become better. We also discuss the importance of discipline, confidence, handling competition, and setting goals.

Jackson may be young, but his mindset and approach to his sport show a level of maturity well beyond his years. I really enjoyed getting to know him better and hearing his perspective on swimming, competition, and what he hopes to accomplish moving forward.

Thanks for watching/listening to Conversations With Mr. A! If you enjoy the episode, be sure to like, subscribe/follow, and share it with someone who might enjoy Jackson’s story.

🎙️ Conversations With Mr. A
Real conversations. Real people. Real stories.

Conversations With Mr. A — Interview with Jude Sword: The Journey of a Competitive Golfer

In this episode of Conversations With Mr. A, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jude Sword while visiting South Carolina. Jude is the oldest son of Ruth, one of my wife Yolanda’s best friends, and he recently graduated from high school.

Jude has spent the last several years playing competitive golf, putting in the time, practice, and dedication required to compete at a high level. In our conversation, we talk about his journey in golf, what drew him to the sport, the challenges and lessons that come with competitive competition, and how the experience has helped shape him both on and off the course.

We also talk about what it’s like to reach such an important transition point in life—graduating high school and looking ahead to what comes next.

I really enjoyed getting to know Jude better through this conversation, and I think his story offers some great insight into commitment, perseverance, competition, and pursuing something you love.

Thanks for watching/listening to Conversations With Mr. A! If you enjoy the episode, be sure to like, subscribe/follow, and share it with someone who might enjoy Jude’s story.

🎙️ Conversations With Mr. A
Real conversations. Real people. Real stories.

In this special episode of Conversations With Mr. A., Mr. Abastilla reconnects with one of his former students, Rylee Jo Spainhower, for a full-circle conversation as she reflects on her journey from freshman year to high school graduation.

Mr A. first met Rylee while serving as a school counselor at Chimacum Junior/Senior High School during the 2022–2023 school year. Now, just a few years later, Rylee shares what her senior year was like, the lessons she learned throughout high school, the memories she’ll cherish, and the excitement—and nerves—of preparing for her next chapter at Washington State University this fall.

As the first interview with a Chimacum student since Season 1, this episode is a meaningful reunion and a celebration of growth, perseverance, and new beginnings. Whether you’re a student preparing for graduation, a parent watching your child take that next step, or someone who enjoys hearing inspiring stories of young adults chasing their dreams, this conversation is sure to encourage you.

Congratulations, Rylee, and best of luck as you head to Cougar Country! Go Cougs!

What does it take to become a traveling nanny? In this episode of Conversations With Mr. A., I sit down with Cierra Escobar to learn about her unique career caring for children while traveling to different locations and working with families from a variety of backgrounds.

Cierra shares how she got started, what a typical day looks like, the challenges and rewards of the job, and the skills it takes to build trust with both children and parents. We also discuss some of her favorite travel experiences, memorable moments, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Whether you’re curious about careers involving travel, interested in working with children, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring stories from people with unique professions, this conversation offers an engaging look into a career many people know very little about.

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, follow, and share Conversations With Mr. A. New episodes feature guests from all walks of life whose stories are meant to inspire, educate, and encourage others.

#TravelingNanny #Childcare #Careers #Travel #ConversationsWithMrA #Podcast #Inspiration #Education #CareerJourney

Ever wondered who writes the contracts that keep the federal government running?

In this episode of Conversations With Mr. A., I sit down with Lee Escobar to pull back the curtain on the world of federal contracting. As a government contract specialist, Lee explains what goes into writing and managing contracts, the level of responsibility involved, and why attention to detail is so critical when working with taxpayer dollars and government agencies.

We also discuss the skills needed to succeed in this unique career, the challenges that come with the job, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you’re curious about government careers, enjoy learning about professions you’ve never considered, or simply love hearing people’s stories, this conversation offers an inside look at a field that impacts millions of people every day.

Episode Title: Federal Contracts, Big Responsibility

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves learning about different careers and the people behind them. Thanks for listening to Conversations With Mr. A.

In this episode of Conversations With Mr. A., I’m joined by licensed therapist Maria Gregg for an honest and insightful conversation about her journey as a therapist and working with trauma, unhealthy attachments, emotional healing, and the journey toward healthier relationships.

Together, we explore how past experiences can shape the way we think, feel, and connect with others. Maria shares her professional knowledge, practical wisdom, and personal insights into recognizing unhealthy attachment patterns, understanding the impact of trauma, and taking meaningful steps toward healing. We also discuss common misconceptions about therapy, the importance of self-awareness, and why hope is always possible—even after life’s deepest wounds.

Whether you’re navigating your own healing journey, supporting someone you love, or simply looking to better understand mental and emotional health, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and practical takeaways.

Thank you for listening to Conversations With Mr. A. If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend or family member who could benefit from it. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us for more conversations designed to inspire, encourage, and help us grow together.

In this interview, Mr A. interviews Jenn Burrell via phone interview from Kansas City. Jenn works as a corporate Travels manager and a part time jeweler with a passion for photography with a background in the medical field. Mr A. inquires about the the variety of career aspects as well as Jenn’s story as a single mom.

In this episode, Mr A. talks with the excecutive director of Scarlet Road, Rosie Garbe. Specifically, Scarlet Road is an organization that helps out those who are victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. If you are a victim or going through that please check out their website at scarletroad.org or email them at [email protected]

Mr A. interviews a longtime friend Chelsea Pyper, who has spent the last 10 years as a substitute teacher in a variety of districts. Chelsea shares a lot of insightful and fun stories from her experiences in various districts.

In this episode, Mr. A. interviews his old student Tommy Chilson. Tommy was in 8th grade when Mr A. was his school counselor, now, Tommy will be a Senior die the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Tommy has ALWAYS loved cars back then and still does!