Defining Success with Marion Roaman

Philip Gomez shares his extensive experience in event production, logistics, and entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges of large-scale events, industry insights, building relationships, and his vision for future business ventures.

Chapters

00:00 Cultural Insights on Citizenship and Family Dynamics

03:00 The Journey to Event Planning 05:54 Career Evolution and Industry Insights

09:14 Navigating Challenges in the Event Industry

11:58 Building Relationships and Client Management

15:01 Innovations in Event Planning and Technology

17:55 The Importance of Team Dynamics

20:56 Philosophy on Business and Commissions

26:19 Expansion and Complacency in Business

30:27 Innovative Approaches to Linen Production

34:13 Challenges of Growth and Financial Crisis

40:25 Logistics and Event Management

46:41 The Changing Landscape of the Event Industry

53:41 The Southern Perspective on Wealth

55:31 Market Trends and Migration Patterns

58:17 Building Relationships in Business

01:01:15 The Journey to Entrepreneurship

01:04:35 Advice for the Next Generation

01:10:22 Defining Success Beyond Money

Resources

Gus Galanis (Designer)

DreamWorks Studios

Atlantic City Casino Boom (Late 80s)

Event 11 (Event Production Company)

Lifestyles Nashville

DreamWorks Classic Party Rentals

Find Philip

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-gomez-nyc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrsyboyinla/

In this episode, Jonathan Chia, Founder and CEO of the Reality Center, shares his powerful story from a difficult childhood in Cincinnati to serving in the military, and ultimately discovering purpose through storytelling, creativity, and community.

He opens up about the impact of personal loss, the challenges veterans face within the VA system, and how spirituality and alternative therapies became an important part of his healing process. Jonathan also reflects on the collective trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for frontline workers and communities navigating isolation, uncertainty, and mental health struggles.

Through these experiences, he was inspired to help create the Reality Center, an innovative space focused on providing immersive, technology-driven mental health solutions and accessible support systems for people from all walks of life.

Chapters

03:00 Navigating Early Challenges and Military Enlistment

06:01 Military Experience and Leadership Development

08:55 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Discovering Creativity

12:00 The Impact of Loss and the Power of Storytelling

14:48 Community and Healing Through Shared Experiences

18:00 Exploring Alternative Therapies for Veterans

21:03 The Role of Spirituality in Recovery

23:55 Navigating the VA System and Disability Benefits

27:01 The Shift During COVID and Community Support

30:02 Building a Community for Veterans and Healing

32:51 Equestrian Therapy and Its Impact

35:59 The Importance of Finding the Right Modalities

39:00 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

41:44 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health

45:13 Opening the Reality Center: A New Approach

49:04 Grants and Sustainability in Mental Health

54:10 Integrating Technology in Schools

01:01:14 The Experience at the Reality Center

01:19:38 Defining Success in Mental Health Initiatives

Connect with Jonathan:

@jonathanchia00

@realitycenter

@veterancaregroup

About Jonathan Chia:

Jonathan Chia is a combat veteran and cofounder of Reality Center, a pioneering sensory wellness lab based in Santa Monica that sits at the intersection of technology and human performance. After navigating years of post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and chronic migraines, he set out to build a drug-free solution that could help regulate the nervous system in a fast, tangible way. What emerged is a platform that uses synchronized light, sound, and vibration to guide people into deeply restorative and often transformative states—what he calls “digital psychedelics.” Under his leadership, Reality Center has served thousands of people, including over 1,500 veterans and first responders through partnerships with the Department of Mental Health and Veterans Affairs, while also expanding into schools and broader communities. His work is rooted in early intervention, precision over hype, and a belief that the future of health starts from within.

What happens when resilience, reinvention, and purpose, cougars and endurance races all collide in one life story?

In this powerful episode, Arwen Becker opens up about her path from competitive athletics and toxic coaching environments to endurance sports, wildlife rehabilitation, financial planning, motherhood, advocacy, and finally, faith. Arwen shares what it truly means to find strength, rediscover confidence, and create a life rooted in meaning.

This conversation is a reminder that success is not achieved overnight. It is shaped through courage, community, perseverance, and learning to find joy even in life’s hardest moments.

Chapters

02:59 Arwen's Athletic Journey Begins

05:59 Overcoming Adversity in Sports

08:52 Rebuilding Confidence After Setbacks

11:58 The Shift to Endurance Sports1

4:59 Finding Joy in the Journey

18:10 Transitioning to Financial Planning Career

20:52 Wildlife Rehabilitation Experience

23:54 Sasha the Cougar and Lessons Learned

30:26 The Unexpected Encounter with Sasha

35:31 The Impact of a Dream Job Loss

41:49 Finding Love and Purpose in Financial Planning

49:40 A Journey of Faith and Transformation

57:59 Turning Points and New Beginnings

59:13 Navigating Emotional Challenges in Parenting

01:00:11 Transitioning Roles in a Family Business

01:02:41 Empowering Women Through Advocacy

01:03:59 Finding Purpose After Career Changes

01:06:19 Building Community and Support for Young Women

01:09:30 Courage in the Face of Adversity

01:12:19 The Impact of Social Media on Advocacy

01:15:12 Challenges in Fundraising and Support

01:18:59 Resilience Against Opposition

01:22:06 Defining Success in Difficult Times

Find Arwen:

Instagram: arwenbecker

Facebook: SheHandledIt

X:SheHandledIt

YouTube: ArwenGBecker

Marion and Coach Viliami Tafokitau Tapealava Tuivai, known as Coach V, keep it real in this truth telling interview.

Coach V shares his journey from childhood in Tonga to becoming a successful speaker, coach, and entrepreneur in the United States of America,

Listen to hear how resilience, accountability, and a growth mindset shaped his path to success and how you can apply these principles to your own life.

As Marion says, LET'S GO!!!

• Coach V's Website
• Coach V's Instagram
• Island City Media Group

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Coach V's Background

01:59Early Life in Tonga and Growing Up in California

04:03Defining Success and Childhood Aspirations

07:00The Role of Sports in Shaping Character

09:58From High School to College: Overcoming Challenges

14:12The Turning Point: Going Back to School

17:05Discipline, Purpose, and Accountability in College

21:00The Journey into College Football and Life Lessons

24:54Post-College Life and Transition into Coaching

29:57Discovering the Power of Public Speaking

34:57Handling Pressure and Building Confidence

39:55Current Business and Media Ventures

45:07Balancing Family, Business, and Personal Growth

46:58Defining Success and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Patricia Machado shares her powerful journey from Brazil to the United States, transitioning from a career in chemical engineering to becoming a leader in language education. She opens up about the challenges of building a life as an immigrant and how those experiences fueled her passion for helping others find their voice.

Through her company, SQA Education, Patricia supports adult immigrant students from around the world, creating opportunities through language and connection. In this episode, Patricia also shares some of the innovative ways SQA Education is incoporating AI into the learning experience, making education more accessible, personalized, and impactful.

This conversation dives into the realities of building a mission-driven organization, the cultural depth of language learning, and the confidence that comes from being able to communicate. Patricia shares highly personal moments of her "why" and exposes a bravery and sense of self that we can all learn a little something from. Good thing she works in education!

Sound Bites

"I came to the United States in 2002."

"I need to work. Because I love working."

"We started teaching English for children."

"It's like having a real conversation."

"We have a 4,000 student wait list."

"Learning English is like a journey."

"Language really is freedom."

"Learning is power."

"Success is finding what you love."

"You cannot waste the opportunity."

"AI gives teachers tools."

"Language is a survival tool."

"You have to have a North Star."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:52 Patricia's Journey to the United States

10:00 Transitioning Careers and Finding Purpose

16:37 Building a Nonprofit and Impacting Lives

28:56 Innovations in Language Education

34:57 The Future of Language Learning with AI

39:51 The Demand for Language Education

40:16 Global Reach and Accessibility of Programs4

1:24 Building a Life and Business in the U.S.

44:08 The Journey of Learning English

46:30 Empowering Through Language

47:25 Integrating AI into Language Learning

49:42 The Importance of Communication in the Workplace

51:10 Defining Success and Personal Growth

55:29 The Role of Passion in Success

01:01:18 Harnessing AI for Educational Innovation

01:06:48 Cultural Context in Language Learning

01:08:04 Reflections on Growth and Impact

You can find Patricia Machado and SQA Education on the following platforms:

Web: https://sqaeducation.org/premium-esl-classes/

IG: @Sqa_education

April is Autism Awareness Month 💙 which makes this conversation with Valerie Herskowitz even more meaningful.

A speech pathologist turned fierce advocate, Valerie didn’t wait for the system to catch up, she built something herself. What started as a deeply personal mission for her son Blake became The Chocolate Spectrum… a business creating meaningful employment, job training, and purpose for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The reality she shares: Parents of children with special needs are often left asking, “What happens after high school?”

Valerie’s story is a reminder that:

• Community support isn’t optional—it’s essential

• Siblings in special needs families need support too

• Vocational training changes lives

• Inclusion must go beyond childhood

• You cannot rely on “magical thinking”—you have to act

Her work is proof that purpose changes everything

“I had to look for opportunities… so I created them.”

🎁 Valerie has generously offered a promo code: SUCCESS10

https://thechocolatespectrum.com

The Chocolate Spectrum delivers nationwide!!!

In this episode, Dr. Talia Shafir, somatic psychologist, joins Marion for a deeply insightful conversation on the connection between body, mind, and healing. Dr. Shafir shares her journey into somatic and spiritual psychology, exploring how language, movement, and trauma are intricately linked.

From hypnotherapy to past life regression, she offers a thoughtful perspective on the many pathways to understanding and healing the human experience. Together, they dive into what it truly means to listen and how active, embodied listening can transform the therapeutic relationship.

The conversation also explores powerful concepts such as soul retrieval, the role of shame and grief in trauma, as well as the importance of therapists doing their own self-work to better support others.

Marion and Dr. Shafir discuss the nuances of grief, loss, and closure, emphasizing that healing is deeply personal and cannot be rushed or standardized. They also unpack the role of somatic practices, attachment, and even birth imprints in shaping how we move through the world.

Episode #27 features Yaniv Simpson, founder and CEO of The Conscious Bar, a chocolate bar indulgence crafted by using two superfoods ; Cacao & dates, nothing else. Yaniv shares his story of redefining chocolate where indulgence meets health, integrity, and sustainability.

Yaniv opens up about how his passion for chocolate evolved into a purpose-driven business, the challenges of ethically sourcing high-quality ingredients, and the non-negotiables he’s held onto while building his brand.

Drawing from his background as both an athlete and entrepreneur, he reflects on the importance of discipline, trust, and staying aligned with your values in an ever-changing industry.

The conversation also explores the power of team dynamics, the role of cultural fit, and how meaningful relationships have shaped his path. Yaniv offers a surprising perspective on success; one rooted not just in growth, but in happiness, fulfillment, and authenticity.

He also shares what’s next for The Conscious Bar and how the brand continues to carve out a unique space in the world of chocolate.

If you're interested in entrepreneurship, wellness, or building something with purpose, this episode is a MUST LISTEN!!!

The Conscious Bar ships worldwide, place your orders:

https://theconsciousbar.co/collections/all

Follow The Conscious Bar on IG :

https://www.instagram.com/theconsciousbar.co/

Camille LeBlanc-Bazinet is known to many as the 2014 World's Fittest Woman. But like many titles, that is only describes one part of who Camille truly is.

In this incredible episode, Camille tells us the story of how she found herself by peeling back the layers of her identity as the athlete, the achiever, the perfectionist and begin asking deeper questions about fulfillment, faith, and who she really was, is and desires to be. We talk about motherhood, ambition, and the tension so many women feel between strength and softness and what it looks like to reclaim both.

Camille shares her journey toward spirituality and the power of finding God. She share the vulnerability and courage it takes to step away from external validation in pursuit of something more meaningful.

We also talk about:

“Food noise” and what it reveals about our inner world.

Healing your relationship with food, body, and self.

The evolving conversation around women’s health in fitness.

Aging, identity shifts, and self-compassion.

Her family business and what "family" business means to her.

You can find Camille at:

https://thundrbro.com

Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/camillelbaz/

In this inspiring episode, Tevia Celli shares her remarkable journey from working as a private investigator to becoming a pioneering force in the boutique fitness industry. With more than 28 years of experience, Tevia reflects on the evolution of fitness studios, the rise of indoor cycling, and the powerful role that community plays in building brands that make impact..and last.

Tevia takes us behind the scenes of some of the most influential moments in boutique fitness, like when she decided to open Body&Soul, her studio with Janet Fitzgerald which re-defined the indoor cycling studio experience. We discuss the transition to innovative studio models like Flywheel and the rapid expansion of CycleBar.

She discusses the challenges and lessons that come with scaling a brand, leading in a fast-growing corporate environment, and staying true to the original vision of creating an immersive, music-driven fitness experience.

Beyond business, Tevia opens up about her deeply personal health journey after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She shares how the diagnosis reshaped her approach to health, leading her to adopt a vegan lifestyle and prioritize self-care, resilience, and intentional living. Through honesty and reflection, she highlights the importance of community support, adaptability, and listening to your body.

Today, Tevia works as a health and wellness coach and consultant, helping others find personalized paths to wellbeing. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and purpose.

When asked to define success, Tevia shares a powerful perspective: success is about personal growth, accountability, and finding peace in the choices you make every day.