Description:

In this episode of Dim Lit Path, we talk with Tom Dutkowski, a lifelong coach, educator, and mentor. Tom shares how books, teaching, and setbacks shaped his coaching philosophy, helping him lead and inspire student-athletes with integrity and purpose.

Whether you’re a high school coach, a teacher, or a leadership mentor, this episode offers actionable insights on developing a growth mindset, building character in youth, and blending education with coaching.

Key Topics in This Episode:

• The books that influenced Tom’s leadership style
• How English teaching improved his sports coaching
• Using mental training to build athlete resilience
• Teaching character and leadership through literature
• Blending Catholic school values with modern athletics

Timestamps for Key Moments:

00:00 – Introduction & coaching background

00:58 – Growing up in Flint & sports culture

08:53 – Becoming a teacher: lessons from the classroom

13:11 – Coaching challenges & early failures

37:53 – Building a strong mental game

42:21 – Growth as a coach & mentor

49:02 – Coaching today’s athletes

52:05 – Merging teaching and coaching

53:47 – Coaching philosophy today

57:20 – The power of gratitude & reflection

About Dim Lit Path:

Success isn’t a straight highway—it’s a dim lit path with detours, doubts, and defining moments. We explore the real stories behind extraordinary lives—teachers, leaders, and changemakers who forged their own way.

Like, Subscribe & Share if you believe in the power of coaching, leadership, and lifelong growth.

Relevant Tags / Hashtags:

#CoachingPhilosophy #GrowthMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #TeacherCoach #BooksForLeaders #CatholicEducation #SportsMentorship #CharacterDevelopment #DimLitPath #TomDutkowski #PodcastInterview #LifeLessons #MentalGame

Tom Dutkowski - Entitled To Nothing, Grateful for Everything | Dim Lit Path Podcast

In this episode of Dim Lit Path, we sit down with Tom, a lifelong educator and mentor whose coaching philosophy has been shaped by years of experience—and a powerful bookshelf. From the classroom to the locker room, Tom shares how specific people transformed the way he leads, teaches, and inspires young athletes.

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✅ Topics Covered:

📘 Books that shaped Tom’s coaching philosophy

🏈 How teaching influenced his approach to coaching

🧠 Developing a growth mindset in athletes and students

💬 Building character and leadership through literature

Whether you’re a coach, teacher, or leader of any kind, Tom’s story offers timeless lessons on personal growth, mentorship, and the power of thoughtful leadership.

Danyelle Hillman - What They Planted Can’t Stop What He’s Growing | Dim Lit Path PodcastIn this powerful episode of Dim Lit Path, we sit down with Danyelle Hillman, a woman of resilience, vision, and faith. From overcoming doubt planted by others to pursuing her purpose with boldness, Danyelle shares how she stays rooted in what matters and continues to grow—personally, spiritually, and professionally.✅ Topics Covered:🌱 Turning negativity into growth💪 Staying grounded in faith and purpose✨ The power of mindset and vision📖 Lessons learned from challenges and setbacksDanyelle’s story is a reminder that what others plant can’t stop what God is growing—and your purpose can flourish even in difficult soil.⸻About Dim Lit Path:Success isn’t a straight, well-lit highway—it’s a dim lit path full of unexpected turns. On this podcast, we go beyond the highlights to explore the real journeys of remarkable people.00:00 Introduction to Danielle Hillman, music educator02:02 Early years in piano and dance06:01 First job experiences and transition to music09:31 College challenges and temporary departure14:35 Return to education and overcoming obstacles20:20 Teaching philosophy and cultural understanding26:25 Leadership advice and positive influence35:01 Current role at Flint Institute of Music40:23 Future plans in theater and community involvement📌 Subscribe for More Inspiring Stories!🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.#DanyelleHillman #FaithAndGrowth #MindsetMatters #PurposeDriven #OvercomingNegativity #DimLitPath #Podcast #WomenOfFaith #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #ChristianPodcast #musiceducation #teacher

Misty Krupansky - How Early Struggles Molded a Multi-Business Owner | Dim Lit Path Podcast

In this episode of Dim Lit Path, we sit down with Misty Krupansky, a multi-business owner whose journey was anything but easy. Despite facing early struggles, she held onto her faith and resilience, turning obstacles into opportunities. Now, she successfully runs three businesses and inspires others with her story of perseverance and entrepreneurship.

✅ Topics Covered:

💼 Misty Krupansky’s journey from struggles to success

🙏 How faith played a role in overcoming adversity

📈 Building and managing multiple businesses

💡 Lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and personal growth

🔔 Stay tuned after the credits for an exclusive deep dive into Misty’s personal struggles and triumphs.

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About Dim Lit Path:

Success isn’t a straight, well-lit highway—it’s a dim lit path full of unexpected turns. On this podcast, we go beyond the highlights to explore the real journeys of remarkable people.

📌 Subscribe for More Inspiring Stories!

#MistyKrupansky #Entrepreneur #BusinessOwner #SuccessStory #FaithAndBusiness #DimLitPath #Podcast #Resilience #OvercomingObstacles #WomenInBusiness

00:00 Early Challenges

05:34 Inspirational Role Model

08:45 Entrepreneurial Journey

16:52 Heartbreaking Loss

20:19 Finding Peace

26:53 New Beginnings

33:38 Conclusion

💬 What’s the biggest career twist you’ve experienced? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it.

To keep an eye on Misty’s business endeavors, take a look at the links below:

Atomic Instrument Co.: https://www.atomicinstrument.com/

The Vintage Farmhouse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BroadStHollyMI

Blue Willow Exchange Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluewillowexchangeholly

The Vintage Farmhouse & Blue Willow Exchange YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Thevintagefarmhouse?si=6rmwrynGzp6iNPwA

Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay

James Cech - From Young Actor to Interpreter, Game Designer & Business Owner | Dim Lit Path Podcast

In this premiere episode of Dim Lit Path, we sit down with James Cech, whose career path is anything but conventional. Starting as a young actor in Los Angeles, James took the skills he learned in performance and applied them in unexpected ways—becoming a certified ASL interpreter, game designer, and successful business owner. His journey is a testament to adaptability, creativity, and seizing new opportunities.

✅ Topics Covered:

🎭 James Cech’s early career as an actor in LA

🧏 How he transitioned into ASL interpreting

🎲 The creative process behind game design

💼 Lessons on entrepreneurship and career reinvention

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About Dim Lit Path:

Success isn’t a straight, well-lit highway—it’s a dim lit path full of unexpected turns. On this podcast, we go beyond the highlights to explore the real journeys of remarkable people.

📌 Subscribe for More Inspiring Stories!

#JamesCech #ActorToEntrepreneur #ASLInterpreter #GameDesign #DimLitPath #Podcast #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStories

00:00 Introduction

01:09 Early Dreams

04:44 International Experiences

09:53 Struggles in LA

15:59 Discovering a Passion

22:59 Venturing into New Things

27:12 Finding Balance

30:30 Future aspirations

💬 What’s the biggest career twist you’ve experienced? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it.

To keep an eye on James’ business endeavors, take a look at the links below:

Super Dicey Games Pitch Site: http://thepitch4k.com/participants/james-cech/

Stage Hands, LLC: https://www.facebook.com/stagehandsLLC

Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay

Jake Bass - From Basement Runner to Producer | Dim Lit Path Podcast

In this episode of Dim Lit Path, we sit down with Jake Bass, a talented music producer who started as a basement runner at his family’s studio and worked his way up to producing for some of the biggest names in the industry. From early struggles to career-defining moments, Jake shares his journey, offering insights into the music business, production, and what it takes to succeed.

✅ Topics Covered:

🎵 Jake Bass’s early days in the studio

🎧 How he transitioned from assistant to producer

🔥 Collaborating with major artists

💡 Lessons on perseverance and breaking into the music industry

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About Dim Lit Path:

Success isn’t a straight, well-lit highway—it’s a dim lit path full of unexpected turns. On this podcast, we go beyond the highlights to explore the real journeys of remarkable people.

📌 Subscribe for More Inspiring Stories!

#JakeBass #MusicProducer #MusicIndustry #DimLitPath #Podcast #BehindTheScenes #MusicProduction #SuccessStories #CareerJourney

00:00 Introduction

00:38 Early musical background and family influence

02:00 Getting first drum set and discovering natural talent

05:59 Early studio experience and family business

09:56 Working from basement while learning the craft

14:38 Connection to Eminem and studio development

20:27 Personal definition of success and family balance

24:54 Advice for aspiring musicians

25:37 Current and upcoming projects

Music Used in this Video:

Song/Music: Downtown

Artist: Jake Bass

Album: my city: Detroit

License Type: Standard

Link to Jake on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jake-bass/728784139

Copyright Disclaimer:

Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976,

allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting,

scholarship, and research.

Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing.

Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

#podcast #dimlitpath #interview #musicproducer #recordingstudio #infinite #album #composer

Father Riley O’Shea - How an Engineer Becomes a Priest | Dim Lit Path Podcast

In this episode of Dim Lit Path, we explore the incredible journey of Father Riley O’Shea, who started his career as an engineer before answering the call to priesthood. How does someone go from a desk job to serving a congregation? Father Riley shares his story of faith, career change, and the unexpected twists that led him to his true vocation.

✅ Topics Covered:

🙏 Father Riley’s early career as an engineer

📖 What led him to leave engineering for the priesthood

✨ The challenges of making a major life change

💡 Lessons on faith, purpose, and following your calling

⸻

About Dim Lit Path:

Success isn’t a straight, well-lit highway—it’s a dim lit path full of unexpected turns. On this podcast, we go beyond the highlights to explore the real journeys of remarkable people.

📌 Subscribe for More Inspiring Stories!

#FatherRileyOShea #Priesthood #FaithJourney #CareerChange #DimLitPath #Podcast #Vocation #EngineeringToPriesthood #SuccessStories #LifePurpose

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Growing Up

07:05 Path to Engineering

13:04 Considering Priesthood

29:57 Leaving Engineering

35:57 Redefining Success

39:06 Finding Ground

42:32 Advice for Others

44:36 Healing Ministry

46:44 Final Reflections

💬 What’s the biggest career twist you’ve experienced? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it.

Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay