Fill To Capacity (Where Heart, Grit and Irreverent Humor Collide)

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How do unexpected friends become our greatest healers? Join  Emily Couture, known to squirrel enthusiasts as Emily Gordon, where home for her is a bustling hub of both indoor and outdoor animal adventures, capturing hearts and sparking laughter across the digital landscape!

Hear how Lily the squirrel profoundly impacted Emily during her recovery from brain surgery and opioid withdrawal, captivating thousands with her daily posts about Lily’s antics!

Emily discusses the clear differences between living with wild animals versus pets, stressing the need to respect their natural behaviors. See why wildlife rehabilitation is a passion project that's not for the faint-hearted. 

Her tales of rescue animals such as the charismatic Mr. Pickles and the affectionate Bubba, bring warmth and joys as she paints a vivid picture of their unique bond. The enchanting story of Gypsy, the diva bunny and her influence on household dynamics is further proof of the healing power of animals, along with updates on Gypsy’s new companion.

Emily's heartfelt stories reveal the deep bond between humans and animals, highlighting how these magnificent beings often end up rescuing us. 
 
 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Laura Gabayan, a leader in ER medicine and wisdom research at UCLA, shares insights from her groundbreaking book "Common Wisdom." Born to Kurdish immigrants and having faced numerous life challenges herself, Dr. Gabayan embarked on a quest to understand the essence of wisdom by interviewing 60 individuals nominated as wise across North America. Through their stories and her rigorous analysis, she identified eight core elements of wisdom, including kindness, humility, and curiosity. 

Brace yourself for an illuminating journey as Dr. Gabayan unravels how the pursuit of wisdom can light our paths, leading us to profound meaning, deep contentment, and an unshakable connection to our shared humanity - even amidst life's thorniest complexities.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this gripping episode, Dr. Scott Kolbaba, a renowned physician, and author, takes us on a profound journey into the heart of teen mental health. With his work in an adolescent psych unit and personal experiences as a father of seven, Dr. Kolbaba exposes multifaceted challenges facing today's youth, from the relentless pressures of social media and bullying to overwhelming academic demands.

But amidst the darkness, a beacon of hope emerges as he shares the transformative power of finding purpose – a lifeline that can combat teen depression and ignite resilience. Prepare to be captivated by Dr. Kolbaba's poignant stories of teens in crisis, stories that have left an indelible mark on his soul and fueled his mission to create supportive environments where meaningful connections and mental wellness can thrive.

Join us as we uncover actionable strategies and life-changing insights that can guide our youth through the complexities of modern adolescence, empowering them to embrace their purpose and navigate their way to a brighter future. Don't miss this powerful episode – a must-listen for anyone committed to nurturing the well-being of our next generation.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this episode, Joanne DiCamillo and Nikki Puzzo, founders of befree, an innovative adaptive clothing line designed for people with limited mobility share their unstoppable journey! Inspired by Nikki’s daughter Stella’s post-surgery needs, Joanne and Nikki transformed a simple idea, zipOns into a groundbreaking solution that offers comfort, ease, and dignity to those who need it most. But zipOns quickly caught on with anglers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts.  

Join us as Joanne and Nikki share their intergenerational journey, from the challenges of prototyping and manufacturing to the impact their clothing has had on customers’ lives. Discover how befree’s adaptive clothing is redefining normal, providing freedom, and enhancing the daily lives of individuals with disabilities and for their caregivers.

Through trials, feedback, and a relentless belief in their mission, Joanne and Nikki have mainstreamed adaptive fashion that challenge norms making stylish, functional clothing accessible to all. Learn how they navigated the fashion industry without prior experience, evolved their products, and envision the future of inclusive fashion.

Tune in to be inspired by their story of innovation and dogged commitment to inclusivity, one zipOn at a time!

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this episode, Paul Gaines, talks of the wild beauty and daunting challenges of Alaska's mental health scene. In candid conversation, Paul recounts his work at the College of Visual Arts (St. Paul. MN) to becoming a Behavioral Health Director in Fairbanks. Alaska’s tough environment requires mental health professionals who can handle extreme seasons and the deep emotional impacts of isolation and trauma.

From the lows of burnout to the highs of witnessing the northern lights, Paul's experiences as a behavioral health director, veteran advocate, and psychotherapist unravel like a map of human endurance. His return to Alaska, driven by an undeterred spirit and a commitment to finish what he started, echoes a larger narrative about the true meaning of 'home' and the persistent power of community. As Paul shares his wisdom and adventures, listeners are left with a vivid impression of life in the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'—a land that tests the bounds of the human heart and spirit.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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Orna O’Reilly, accomplished interior designer shares her journey from Ireland to thrilling days in South Africa, where she queued 5 hours to vote for Nelson Mandela to perilous times dodging danger in Mozambique. 
Once back in Ireland, she felt the irresistible pull to the place of her dreams: Italy. Her passion for Italian landscapes and culture reveals her decade-long affair with the heart of Europe and her leap of faith in selling her Galway home for a new chapter near Padova. Her stories capture the essence of community acceptance and the delicate dance of belonging in a foreign land.

Whether you want to relocate abroad or simply crave an armchair travel escape, Orna's candid insights offer a window into the expatriate life in Italy—a testament to the transformative power of embracing new horizons.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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“ Never seen but always heard!”  Jump headfirst into the high-stakes world of 911 dispatch with Marlis X with who navigates rapid-fire decisions and vital communications. Discover the daily work of emergency dispatch, where  multitasking and calm coexist.  Marlis talks about the mental gymnastics required to balance incoming calls, coordinate with first responders, and provide life-saving instructions, all while maintaining an island of tranquility in the storm of emergency situations.

 Listen to the  gripping story of a teenage boy thrown into the role of hero, performing CPR on his mother while guided by a dispatcher’s steady voice. This is so much more than an urgent fight for survival, it is a life changing event inspiring medical innovations that shape the future. Marlis shares how her experience hosting international students adds depth and perspective to her demanding job, offering a refreshing glimpse into the cultural richness that complements the intense nature of her work.
 
 This episode underscores the profound impact 911 dispatchers have on our everyday safety, when people are at their worst and minutes can mean life or death, these unseen heroes behind the headsets hold the line between chaos and calm, guiding us back to safety.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this episode, Natalie Zett shares a riveting narrative where she goes from storyteller to conduit for the voices that time almost silenced. She scours ethnic and neighborhood newspapers, offering an intimate look into the lives of immigrant families. Her translations of  historical documents, reveal the rich, culturally diverse voices silenced by the Eastland Disaster and opens a window into 1915 Chicago.

Natalie's Eastern European heritage and the unique influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire reveals how traditions and spirituality are woven into the fabric of history. In exploring bygone eras, we are reminded of the value that cultural practices hold in preserving our collective history. Her “Eastland Chronicles” serve as a tribute, highlighting how past experiences of our ancestors continue to reverberate in our present. 

She underscores the importance of genealogy research and the enduring legacy we create as we pen the stories of our own lives – a journey every listener is invited to embark upon, ensuring the memories of yesteryear inform the identities of tomorrow.

Links:
Flower In the River (website)
Flower In the River (audio book)

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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El baile no es solo movimiento al ritmo de la música; es la celebración de Liz Pimentel-Gopal de la identidad cultural y la autoreinvención. Desde las vibrantes calles de México hasta el foco de la NBA, la historia de Liz es un vívido bis de la vida a más de 55 años. Este episodio rastrea su resiliente ritmo desde una recién encontrada identidad americana hasta romper estereotipos con el equipo de baile Hardwood Classics de los Golden State Warriors. Liz rompe las normas de edad, abrazando la sabiduría de los años y el poder de la actuación, inspirando un baile de unidad a través de las edades y orígenes. Únete a nosotros mientras exploramos el papel transformador de la comunidad y el ritmo colectivo que nos impulsa a nuevas alturas. Sintoniza para un viaje alentador de baile, armonía y la incansable persecución de sueños.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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Dance isn't just movement to music; it's Liz Pimentel-Gopal's celebration of cultural identity and self-reinvention. From Mexico's vibrant streets to the NBA's spotlight, Liz's story is a vivid encore of life at 55+. This episode traces her resilient beat from a newfound American identity to breaking stereotypes with the Golden State Warriors Hardwood Classics Dance Team. Liz shatters age norms, embracing the wisdom of years and the power of performance, inspiring a dance of unity across ages and backgrounds. Join us as we explore the community's transformative role and the collective rhythm that drives us to new heights. Tune in for an uplifting journey of dance, harmony, and relentless pursuit of dreams.

Links:
Golden State Warriors Harwood Classics Dance Team

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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