Feedback with Dan Holzman

Real Life’s guest in this episode knows what it means to experience profound loss, not once, but twice.  As a freshman in high school, Natalie Jacob-Bell lost her father to addiction.  Years later, she lost her childhood best friend, Kennedy Albright, to suicide.  Many people would be consumed by grief.  Natalie chose a different path.  She transformed that grief into purpose by creating Kennedy’s Kause, an initiative dedicated to mental health advocacy, suicide prevention, education, and building stronger systems of support.

Sometimes the things that challenge us the most become the very things that shape our purpose.  Lexi Hull knows this firsthand.  Lexi Hull is Mrs. Pennsylvania 2026 for American Royal Beauties, but her story is about much more than a title or a crown.  It’s about overcoming dyslexia and learning disabilities, finding confidence in herself, and using those experiences to inspire the next generation. In this episode we are talking about her journey, her mission, and why literacy, confidence and perseverance matter more than ever.

Heather McCool, Executive Director of Phoebe Ministries’ Berks Campus and Founder of Dementia Friendly joins us to help us understand more about dementia.  Heather’s message is an important one - accepting a diagnosis doesn’t mean giving up hope.   It means learning how to provide the best possible support medically, socially, physically, and emotionally.  It also means remembering that people living with dementia are still people first.  People with stories, relationships, accomplishments and lives that matter.  

This episode is another Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Member (GRCA)  Spotlight!  Joining us in studio today is Jackie Stiles, V.P. Business and Special Programs and Melissa Hassler, Membership Coordinator (both with GRCA) and Yurico Rodriguez-Batista, Founder and CEO of Rena-SER Business Solutions.  Rena-Ser Business Solutions is a company that helps individuals and entrepreneurs navigate taxes, business formation, financial planning, and the often-complicated world of running a business.  But as we will discover, her story is about much more than numbers.  It’s about entrepreneurship, perseverance, taking risks, building trust and helping others pursue their dreams.

Joining us on Real Life is Scott Hoh of Resolution Law Group.  None of us like to think about losing a loved one, but eventually every family faces that reality.  When it happens, grief often arrives at the same time as confusion, paperwork, decisions, deadlines, and family dynamics.  Today’s conversation with Scott Hoh is about helping families understand what happens after someone passes away, how to avoid common mistakes, and why planning ahead can be one of the greatest gifts we leave behind for the people we love.

My guest today has dedicated her life to standing beside people during some the of the most difficult moments they will ever face.  Moments of fear. Moments of uncertainty.  Moments when having someone who will listen, believe, advocate and help can make all the difference.  Beth Garrigan is the CEO of SAFE Berks, an organization that provides hope, safety, advocacy and support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Berks County.  Beth’s story reminds us that resilience is often more complicated than it appears, that asking for help is a sign of strength and that one person willing to listen without judgment  can change the trajectory of someone’s life.

Monica Reyes is the Vice President for Programs and Initiatives at the Berks County Community Foundation, where she helps oversee grant making and community programs that impact countless lives throughout our region.  Monica’s story reflects the experiences of so many people in our communities.  It’s a story about opportunity, resilience, believing in yourself and choosing to use your talents to make a difference.  Monica’s journey was not an easy path but with gratitude for the sacrifices her immigrant parents have made for their family and the hard working values and the spirit of always giving back, Monica believes investing in people and communities can change lives.

Many people dream about owning their own business.  They imagine being their own boss, creating something unique, and building a life around their passion.  What they don’t see are the early mornings, late nights, difficult decisions, financial risks, and sheer determination it takes to turn that dream into a reality.  My guest is Rachel Adams, Owner, Rachel’s Cafe and Creperie in downtown Lancaster, PA.  Rachel had a vision for a small cafe unlike anything else around.   Her story reminds us that passion, hard work, and a commitment to serving others can create something extraordinary.

Success often looks seamless from the outside.  We see the titles, the positions, and the accomplishments.  What we don’t see are the years of learning, adapting, taking risks, overcoming obstacles and saying yes to opportunities when they appear.  In this episode we talk to Chris Cappel, General Manager, Stokesay Castle and Marty Brintzenhoff, Cocktail Creator, Stokesay Castle.  This conversation matters because everyone is on a journey.  Whether you are building a career, leading a team, considering a new opportunity, or simply trying to find your place in the world, there are lessons to be learned from people who have dedicated themselves to growth, excellence and service.

Have you ever wondered if there is something more you are supposed to be doing with your life?  A gift you haven’t fully used.  A dream that you put on hold.  Laurie Dawkins, Founder of Straight Paths Entrepreneurship Resource Center, believes that every person has been given unique talents, experiences, and opportunities, not by accident, but for a reason.  Laurie is a faith based leader, educator, entrepreneur, mentor and community builder whose mission is to help others discover their purpose and use it to impact the world around them.