Finding Your Inspiration

What started as a simple chat with past guest and para-athlete David Whelan became a life-changing decision: the Finding Your Inspiration team would run a Half Ironman in Muncie, Indiana — with only six months to train.

In this special segment, host Jack Rothman sits down with Paulie, Norma, and Andrew to unpack the decision, the training struggles, and the emotional moments that came with race day. From nutrition battles to mental breakdowns, from last-place finishes to unexpected breakthroughs, the team proves that saying yes to something bigger can change everything.

Alongside David Whelan, whose resilience continues to inspire, the FYI team discovered that the real win isn't about time — it's about not quitting.

📍The Team's Socials Jack Rothman (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/jack_rothman/

Paul Tully (Host) https://www.instagram.com/ptullyutm/

Norma Flores (Associate Producer) https://www.instagram.com/normzz12/

Andrew Morris (Technical Engineer, Editor) https://www.instagram.com/the.morris19/

What does it take to change a community? For Greg Quezada, it starts with a single meal. Through Allison's Project, Greg provides hot meals to kids in after-school programs—giving hope, consistency, and connection to families who need it most.

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, Greg shares why he started Allison's Project, how it honors the legacy of a close friend, and why service in your own backyard is more powerful than you might think. His story is proof that one person's calling can ripple out to impact thousands.

Chapters

0:00 – Am I doing enough?

1:00 – Beginning of Allison's Project

3:00 – Why feeding kids matters

6:00 – Consistency and hope

10:00 – Inspiration from Chef Bruno

15:00 – The healing power of service

20:00 – Honoring Allison's legacy

24:00 – Starting a nonprofit & challenges

27:00 – Greg's final message: just do it

📍 Learn more about Allison's Project

🌐 https://allisonsproject.org

National CORE & Hope Through Housing

🌐 https://nationalcore.org

📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore

📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing

FYI Podcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast

A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.

At just 14 years old, singer-songwriter Macie Rae Lewis is already learning what it takes to chase a dream. From her first garage band to performing at the O.C. Fair, auditioning for America's Got Talent and The Voice, and preparing for American Idol, Macie is building her career one step at a time.

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, Macie shares how she uses merch, social media, and pure determination to promote herself as an artist in today's world. Her story is a reminder that inspiration knows no age—and that success comes from persistence, creativity, and never giving up.

📍 Learn more about Macie Rae Lewis

🌐 https://macierae.com/

📸https://www.instagram.com/macieraemusic/

📸 https://www.tiktok.com/@macierae.music

🎧 https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fGuS8ylFuAizdHJ8WTH1y?si=EtcWtnsFSDGulJ-_BsDvEw

National CORE & Hope Through Housing

🌐 https://nationalcore.org

📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore

📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing

FYI Podcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast

A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.

On this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, Bella Balsoma shares her powerful story of survival. After a near-death experience, Bella was forced to reimagine what life truly means — and she chose to embrace every moment with her mantra: say yes to life.

Her journey is a reminder that we don't get forever. Every day is a choice, every opportunity is a gift, and every "yes" can lead to transformation.

👉 If this conversation resonates with you, don't forget to subscribe and join us each week for more stories that inspire.

📍 Learn more about Bella Balsamo

📸 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3516324/

📸 https://www.instagram.com/balsamoney/

National CORE & Hope Through Housing

🌐 https://nationalcore.org

📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore

📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing

FYI Podcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast

A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.

What if the only thing between you and your next chapter is… trying?

Liam Fountain wears many hats—actor, USA Masters amateur boxing champ, stunt/fight performer, and president of an Irish Catholic fraternity. His story proves a simple rule: if you don't try, nothing happens. From hotel housekeeping to PA gigs, bar security, Jimmy Kimmel Live! bits, and stepping into the ring over 40—Liam shows how discipline and action beat doubt every time

📍 Learn more about Liam Fountain

📸 https://www.instagram.com/liam_fountain_/

🌐 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1446680/

National CORE & Hope Through Housing

🌐 https://nationalcore.org

📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore

📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing\

FYI Podcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast

A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Fiona Ma, the California State Treasurer. From growing up as the oldest child of immigrant parents in New York, to becoming one of the most influential women in California politics, Fiona's journey is rooted in perseverance, public service, and financial expertise.

She shares her story of breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces, her passion for affordable housing and homeownership, and the personal experiences that shaped her belief in equity, education, and opportunity for all Californians. Fiona's message is clear: get involved, stay informed, and never underestimate the power of your voice.

📍 Learn more about Fiona Ma & the State Treasurer's Office

🌐https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/

🌐https://fionama.com/

📘 https://www.facebook.com/CA.FionaMa/

📸https://www.instagram.com/fionamacpa/

🔗https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionamacpa/

National CORE & Hope Through Housing

🌐 https://nationalcore.org

📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore

📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing

FYI Podcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast

A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.

In this episode, we sit down with Shannon D. Dicus, the 36th Sheriff of San Bernardino County, to explore his powerful journey from a small desert town to leading one of the largest sheriff's departments in the U.S.

From his military roots to working the jail system, from VA policing to turning down a shot at the FBI, Sheriff Dicus shares what really led him to a career in law enforcement—and why he's stayed for over 34 years.

You'll hear untold stories about jail rehabilitation, fighting addiction and homelessness, confronting officer-involved shootings, and building trust with the community in a changing world.

🎧 Whether you're curious about criminal justice, leadership, or life in service, this one's worth every minute

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00:00 – Intro: Meet Sheriff Shannon Dicus

01:00 – From Joshua Tree to Military Service

03:10 – How the FBI Dream Shifted to the Sheriff's Dept

06:00 – Life Inside the Jail System

09:00 – Rehabilitation, Second Chances & HOPE Team

13:00 – Mental Health, Homelessness & Real Impact

17:00 – Officer-Involved Shootings & Personal Toll

20:00 – Ghost Guns, Crime Trends & Public Safety

26:00 – Supporting Local Businesses & Safer Communities

32:00 – How to Get Involved or Start a Career in Law Enforcement

📍 Learn more about Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus & the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

🌐 https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/

📘 https://www.facebook.com/SBCSD/

🐦 https://twitter.com/SBCSD

📸 https://www.instagram.com/sbcountysheriff/

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/san-bernardino-county-sheriff-s-department/

National CORE & Hope Through Housing

🌐 https://nationalcore.org

📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore

📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing

FYI Podcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast

A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.

Malik Mallory isn't just a financial advisor—he's a self-made entrepreneur who built his own wealth management firm from the ground up. In this episode, he shares how growing up around crime, hardship, and systemic disadvantage fueled his desire to do better—for himself, his family, and his community. He breaks down money myths, how anyone can start investing, and why owning your time is the ultimate wealth.

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0:00 – Is the stock market only for the wealthy?

1:30 – From Moreno Valley to money mindset

5:00 – Skateboarding, leadership & financial awakening

9:45 – Leaving corporate to follow his calling

13:00 – Facing racism while building a business

17:00 – Who Malik works with—and why

21:00 – The real steps to start investing

26:00 – Wealthy clients vs everyday investors

31:00 – Investing is a long game

36:00 – Starting Mallory Wealth Management

41:00 – Time is the true currency

46:00 – Final advice for aspiring investors

📍 Learn more about Malik:

https://www.mallorywealthmanagement.com/

📘https://www.facebook.com/LPLMalikMallory?mibextid=wwXIfr

🔗https://www.linkedin.com/in/malik-mallory/https://www.linkedin.com/in/malik-mallory/

📸 https://www.instagram.com/moneymanmalik299/

National CORE & Hope Through Housing

🌐 nationalcore.org

📘 facebook.com/nationalcore

📘 facebook.com/hopethroughhousing

FYI Podcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast

A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.

In Part 2 of D'Andre Lampkin's journey, we dive even deeper into family, faith, and what it means to break generational cycles.

From discovering hidden ties between both sides of his family, to caring for the father who never raised him — D'Andre shares how his moments of changing perspective shaped his mission to serve others.

🔗 Learn more and support:

➤ D'Andre's work: https://lampkinfoundation.org/

📷 https://www.instagram.com/lampkinfoundation/

National CORE & Hope Through Housing

🌐 nationalcore.org

📘 facebook.com/nationalcore

📘 facebook.com/hopethroughhousing

FYI Podcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast

A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, we dive deep into the early life of D'Andre Lampkin—community leader, nonprofit founder, and public servant. Raised by a single mother in South Central L.A., D'Andre faced constant exposure to gang violence, police neglect, and poverty. But instead of becoming a product of his environment, he rose above it.

From joining the Sheriff's Department's Explorer Program as a teenager, to witnessing tragedy firsthand, D'Andre opens up about how his upbringing shaped his values, discipline, and lifelong mission of service. He shares personal stories about reconnecting with siblings he never knew he had and meeting his estranged father under unexpected circumstances.

🔔 Don't miss Part 2, where we dive even deeper into D'Andre's childhood.

🔗 Learn more and support:

➤ D'Andre's work: https://lampkinfoundation.org/

📷 https://www.instagram.com/lampkinfoundation/

National CORE & Hope Through Housing

🌐 nationalcore.org

📘 facebook.com/nationalcore

📘 facebook.com/hopethroughhousing

FYI Podcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast

A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.