Tom Sawyer, a renowned retired football coach from Winona State University, shares insights he's learned from 25 years as head coach, including how to build a strong team, the value of creating a goal-oriented culture, and strategies to handle both success and failure. Tom emphasizes the importance of giving team members ownership, fostering trust, and maintaining high standards. He also touches on how those principles can apply to other areas of life and work. Tom’s dedication to nurturing leadership and accountability in his team shines through, offering valuable advice for building successful teams both on and off the field.

Emily Miller opens up about her journey as a young transgender woman and how transitioning during high school in a rural community shaped her path. Facing both support and resistance from those around her, Emily reflects on what she’s learned about relationships, societal expectations, and the emotional shifts that came with her transition. Her story is a candid exploration of resilience, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to live authentically.

In this unique episode, host Tesla Mitchell is interviewed by former guest Ron Strege as she shares her own life experiences and profound lessons. Tesla talks about her father's tragic murder, the impact it had on her, and how it fueled her desire to document life. Also touching on her stepfather's fireworks accident and her own spiritual reflections, Tesla emphasizes the importance of capturing stories before they're lost and cherishing the moments that make us who we are.

Paul Stern talks about his experience studying in Buddhist Temples, his viewpoints on the human existence, and his belief that every moment can be sacred. Paul, a Buddhist priest and and an associate director at Winona State University, shares what he does when anger and other emotions pop up -- and the answer just might surprise you! 

Full of deep wisdom and humanity, Paul talks about the importance of community and how we show up in the spaces we live within. 

In this episode, Jeff Reinardy shares how he went from being the scrawny kid in school to a powerlifter and fitness fanatic. Now the Director of Fitness and Wellness at Winona State University, Jeff shares the lessons he's learned about injuries, comparing ourselves to others, and the power of small victories. 

Hear from Rebeccah Rudnik, who shares how she survived a life-changing car accident that ultimately led her to changing career paths from marketing to becoming a firefighter. From overcoming a severe spinal injury and depression to finding her purpose in firefighting, her story emphasizes the power of the human spirit, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams regardless of age or circumstances.

In Ep. 3 of How Life Shapes Us, we hear from Maria Espadas who talks about the risks she took in moving cities and later countries to follow her heart. Whether it included working next to alligators or marrying her husband after 6 months of dating, Maria learned the value in giving each decision her full dedication and effort.

In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, we hear from Tesla Mitchell's mom, Angel Miller, about moments that changed her life. Angel shares a spiritual experience she had after preparing a special place for her mother-in-law's ashes and how that deepened her sense of God's presence. By going a bit deeper into feelings of faith and spirituality, Tesla and her mom share a moment of understanding each other's faiths and how they can be different, yet experience a similar thing.  

In this inaugural episode of How Life Shapes Us, we hear Tesla Mitchell interview Ron Strege, who among many other things is the Director of the Warrior Success Center at Winona State University. Ron shares how key moments -- like losing his sister early in life -- taught him meaningful lessons in empathy and how needed it is in the world. 

Tesla and Ron also unpack his journey with cancer and how it's taught him transparency, living in the present, and the importance of genuine human connection.