It’s my 39th birthday! Releasing this final episode of my Fortunate Events Podcast today feels like the best birthday gift I could give myself.

In Episode 14, I sit down with social media influencer and entrepreneur Christy Huckaby to talk about life, pivoting with purpose, and how success can evolve as we do. It's a great conversation you don't want to miss!

This episode marks the end of an incredible journey that began as a grad school project and grew into something more meaningful — a platform to share stories of faith, purpose, and resilience. Thanks for listening!

Follow Christy's journey on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/christyhuckabyproperties

https://www.facebook.com/christy.huckaby

https://www.youtube.com/@ChristyHuckaby

In Episode 13 of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with Steve Passons, founder of Be Someone Sports, to talk about leadership, character, and the heart behind this youth sports league. Steve shares the story of how his vision began, what drives his passion for mentoring young athletes, and how sports can shape confidence, purpose, and lifelong growth. His story is one of commitment, community, and the belief that every athlete has the potential to make a lasting impact beyond the game.Visit BeSomeoneSports.com to learn more about this amazing organization, and follow them on social media!https://www.facebook.com/Besomeonesportshttps://www.instagram.com/be_someonesportshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5g7c2iTr6Kj3iHsFJs4hRQ

In Episode 12 of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with CEO Rachel Rost and Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Reibenstein of Story Built Homes, a company rooted in the belief that every home has a story.

We talk about purpose, vision, and the calling behind building something that lasts. Rachel and Matthew share their journeys, how their paths crossed, the company’s mission, how faith influences their leadership, and how Story Built Homes continues building homes, crafting stories, and creating legacies across Greater Houston, Texas.

This conversation is a reminder that when purpose and faith align, every story — and every home — becomes part of something greater. Learn more about this amazing homebuilder at storybuilthomes.com.

Follow along on social media for weekly updates.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mystorybuilthome

Instagram: www.instagram.com/storybuilthome

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/story-built-homes

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

In the eleventh episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, A Season for Every Purpose and a Time for Every Calling, I sit down with Nate Manthey, a man whose journey has spanned ministry, nursing, entrepreneurship, authorship, and graduate studies in marriage and family therapy.

In our conversation, Nate shares how each chapter of his life has been shaped by faith, how God has led him down unexpected paths, and what it means to step out in courage when the script doesn’t look the way you imagined. We talk about lessons from serving others, the connection between compassion and calling, and the ways God redeems even our hardest seasons.

This episode is one of the most vulnerable and faith-filled conversations to date, and I know it will encourage anyone who feels “different” or is searching for clarity in their purpose.

For those who would like to connect with Nate, you can follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natemanthey.

✨ Episode 10: The Suit Boss of Houston ✨What does it take to build a name, a brand, and a reputation in one of the most competitive cities in the country? In this episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with Adam Ross — Houston’s own Suit Boss.Adam shares how he built his presence in the fashion world, the lessons he’s learned about business and branding, and what it means to lead with both style and substance. We talk about the drive it takes to stand out, the discipline behind the look, and the deeper story that makes him more than a brand — he’s a leader worth following.🎙️ Catch Episode 10: The Suit Boss of Houston streaming now on YouTube and all podcast platforms!📲 Follow Adam: YouTube -‪@adamrossthesuitboss‬   / adamrossthesuitboss

    / adamrossthesuitboss  

  / adamrossthesuitboss  📌 Subscribe for more episodes: Fortunate Events Podcast

Thank you to our Headline Sponsor, Infante Marketing Solutions, for supporting the podcast! I love getting to share stories like this one. #FortunateEventsPodcast #SuitBoss #HoustonStyle #HoustonBusiness #MensFashion #LeadershipJourney #HoustonPodcast

“When I was ten years old, I almost got jumped in the gym — the next day I prayed for a way out and heard the band playing.”In the eighth episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with Brian Moreno, Band Director at Clear Falls High School and founder of his own marketing company, Biz Make Solutions. In our conversation, Brian shares how music became a life-saving outlet, why teaching has been his calling, and how curiosity opened the door to a second career in marketing. We also talk about the surprising connections between conducting a band and guiding clients, the challenges of balancing multiple roles, and his collaboration with a former student who is now the lead trumpet player in the top band at the University of North Texas. For anyone who would like to connect with Brian, you can reach him at [email protected] or through his marketing company at [email protected]. He is always open to sharing ideas, helping band programs, or supporting businesses with creative problem-solving.

In the seventh episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Bob Darling and his wife Stephanie, owners of Darling ENT in Friendswood, Texas. Dr. Darling shares what inspired him to open his own practice, how his approach to care is shaped by both science and compassion, and what it’s really like balancing the roles of doctor, business owner, husband, and dad. We talk about the unexpected lessons that come with running a medical practice — and how staying rooted in purpose helps them serve patients and their community with heart. To learn more about Darling ENT, visit darlingent.com. Follow them on social media!

In this sixth episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I sit down with Todd Caliva, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare. Todd shares his perspective on how life’s challenges build character, the importance of showing up, and how consistency and resilience have shaped his leadership journey. We also discuss the role marketing plays in healthcare and why it matters more than people might think. This episode offers thoughtful insight into leadership, growth, and leading with heart in a high-stakes industry.To learn more about Todd and HCA Houston Healthcare, visit: https://www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com/.

In the fifth episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I’m joined by Dakoda Mazzii, an adult fantasy romance author, artist, wife, and mom from Houston. Dakoda shares her journey of writing Chasm of Dreams, her debut novel currently awaiting acquisition from a publisher. We talk about the themes of grief, loss, found family, and reclaiming your power—all woven into a story inspired by Norse and Judeo-Christian mythology, complete with gods, monsters, angels, and high-stakes adventure. Dakoda also shares what it was like signing with Lunar Literary Agency and her hopes for what’s ahead. This episode is full of creativity, vulnerability, and real-life behind-the-scenes of the publishing world.

To connect with Dakoda, follow her on TikTok @dakodamazziiautho and Instagram @dakodamazziiauthor.

In the fourth episode of the Fortunate Events Podcast, I’m joined by my twin sister, Jennifer Guarino, a diversity, equity, and inclusion professional based in Houston. Jennifer reflects on our journey growing up as twins and shares how life’s unexpected challenges have shaped her personally and professionally. We also discuss the meaning behind Ryan Long’s song “If It Hadn’t Rained That Day” and how a few rainy days in our own story became turning points that changed everything. This episode is full of honesty, reflection, and heart.

To connect with Jennifer, follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferguarino.