#ImpactMyLife

On this episode of the #ImpactMyLife Podcast, Jason Nolan is joined by John Tumino, co-founder and executive director of In My Father’s Kitchen, a Syracuse-based organization dedicated to restoring hope and dignity to people experiencing homelessness.

John shares his journey from growing up in an immigrant family and building a successful restaurant career to confronting his own addictions, rediscovering his faith, and walking away from the business he helped create to pursue a greater calling.

That calling became clear during an encounter with a man named Tim on a Syracuse off-ramp. What began with a sandwich and the words “You’re not invisible” grew into a street outreach organization that provides meals, medical support, case management, employment opportunities, and pathways toward stable housing.

Jason and John discuss the trauma and untreated mental-health challenges that can contribute to homelessness and addiction, the misconceptions that prevent people from receiving meaningful help, and why lasting change begins with listening rather than judging.

John also explains how In My Father’s Kitchen’s Hire Ground program offers dignified work as an alternative to panhandling and shares how ordinary people can make an impact through acknowledgment, compassion, donations, and a willingness to see the person behind the cardboard sign.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that everyone has potential, no one should feel invisible, and the gifts already in your hands may be exactly what you need to begin changing someone’s life.

Content note: This episode includes conversations about addiction, childhood sexual abuse, exploitation, homelessness, overdose, violence, and death.

On this episode of #ImpactMyLife, Jason Nolan is joined by Sean Kelsey, CEO of Nave Law Firm, for a powerful conversation about resilience, second chances, and what it means to turn difficult life experiences into purpose.

Sean opens up about growing up in foster care, navigating trauma, and learning how to transform hardship into growth. He shares how those experiences shaped the way he leads, parents, and shows up for people today, both personally and professionally.

Jason and Sean also discuss the importance of accountability, emotional awareness, being present as a parent, and teaching kids how to be kind, resilient, and responsible. From the idea of “pick your hard” to the value of giving yourself grace, this conversation offers honest perspective for parents, leaders, and anyone working to build a better life from the circumstances they have faced.

This episode is a reminder that your past may shape you, but it does not have to define you.

In this episode of #ImpactMyLife, Jason Nolan sits down with Dakota Knuckles-Malone for a powerful conversation on adversity, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and purpose. Dakota opens up about surviving five heart surgeries, how those life-altering experiences shaped the way he sees the world, and why growth, contribution, and self-awareness have become the foundation of his life.

The conversation also dives into mentorship, language patterns, success habits, community, clean energy, and what it really means to live with intention. From building resilience through hardship to helping other young men step into adulthood through his Better Brother community, Dakota shares wisdom, perspective, and practical insight for anyone trying to live a more meaningful life.

In this powerful and deeply reflective episode of the Impact My Life Podcast, host Jason Nolan sits down with one of his most respected mentors and influences, Shihan Gene Dunn, for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond techniques, belts, or competition.

Shihan Dunn shares his journey growing up in New York City, how martial arts became both a refuge and a framework for life, and why philosophy, mentorship, and community are just as essential as physical training. Together, Jason and Gene explore what it means to view martial arts as a lifelong practice—one rooted in personal growth, emotional intelligence, and responsibility to the next generation.

This episode dives into topics such as:

• Martial arts as a mission, not just a profession
• The importance of dojo culture versus gym culture
• Longevity, sustainability, and training through different seasons of life
• The mentor–student (senpai–kohai) relationship and why it matters now more than ever
• Preserving traditional values and philosophy in a modern, media-driven martial arts world
• Creativity, art, and self-expression as parallel lifelong practices

Shihan Dunn also opens up about vulnerability, leadership, masculinity, and the idea that true strength includes compassion, awareness, and accountability. His reflections offer valuable insight not only for martial artists, but for parents, educators, and anyone seeking purpose, resilience, and connection.

This is an episode about carrying the torch—honoring those who came before us, supporting those beside us, and ensuring the art doesn’t end with us.

Listeners are also encouraged to check out Shihan Gene Dunn’s own show, the Gentle Art Podcast, where martial arts, life, relationships, and spirituality continue the conversation.

In this powerful episode of #ImpactMyLife, Jason welcomes one of his oldest friends and longtime training partners, Shihan Craig Haley, owner of Elite Force Martial Arts in Deerfield Beach, FL. Together they revisit their early days on the mats, the rivalry-turned-brotherhood that shaped their lives, and how their shared passion for martial arts became the foundation for two meaningful careers.

Jason and Craig dive deep into how martial arts has evolved over the last 30+ years, why character development matters now more than ever, and how traditional values like discipline, confidence, and respect continue to transform both kids and adults. They discuss smart training philosophies, the importance of safe and sustainable sparring, and the role of community in helping students thrive on and off the mat.

Craig also opens up about overcoming a major challenge this year, a devastating fire at his dojo — and how mindset, support, and resilience carried him through. Whether you're a parent, student, or adult considering your first class, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable insights from two lifelong martial artists who live what they teach.

In this episode of #ImpactMyLife, Jason Nolan sits down with executive coach and author Ralph L. Simone to explore the principles behind his mantra “Slow Down to Go Faster.”

Ralph shares how martial arts, family dinners, and leadership coaching all tie into the art of being present and intentional. From creating “Not-To-Do” lists to embracing experimentation, he shows why slowing down often unlocks peak performance.

The conversation dives into:

• Why adaptability is the ultimate leadership skill in today’s world
• How Emergent helps people and organizations unlock authentic potential
• The importance of pausing, reflecting, and building energy—not just managing time
• Lessons from martial arts, flow state, and even a Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris sparring story

Whether you’re a parent, leader, or someone chasing personal growth, this episode will inspire you to rethink success and lead with presence.

In this special panel episode of the #ImpactMyLife Podcast, host Jason Nolan welcomes three guests with unique perspectives on the challenges facing teens today: Jennifer Meyers, School Psychologist at Phoenix Central Schools; Kira Pawletko, Biological Sciences major at Cornell University; and Betsy Lehmann, School Resource Officer for North Syracuse CSD. Together, they dive into the pressures of growing up in a digital world, from social media visibility and constant connectivity to the lingering effects of the pandemic.

The discussion explores how technology, mental health awareness, and changing social dynamics are shaping today’s youth—and what parents, educators, and mentors can do to help. From building resilience and setting healthy tech boundaries to fostering trust and genuine connections, this conversation offers both practical advice and hopeful insights for supporting teens through a rapidly changing world.

In this inspiring episode of the #ImpactMyLife Podcast, Jason Nolan sits down with longtime friend Mary Beth Featherstone, whose career journey spans corporate HR to 20 years of teaching second grade. Together, they explore the life skills that bridge the workplace and the classroom—goal setting, discipline, communication, and resilience.

Mary Beth shares parenting tips for setting kids up for a successful school year, the importance of limiting screen time, and how martial arts helped shape her daughters into confident, driven adults. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just passionate about personal growth, this conversation is packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories.

In this episode of Impact My Life, Jason Nolan welcomes longtime friend, martial artist, and instructor Jon Bidwell—a man with nearly four decades of martial arts experience and a black belt lineage that spans generations.

Jason and Jon dive into their shared history on and off the mat, from early sparring memories to modern-day lessons in grit, growth, and perseverance. They reflect on how martial arts has evolved over the years—from the hardcore, militaristic training of the past to today’s focus on mental toughness, character development, and inclusivity. You'll hear stories about black belt transformations, hilarious dojo moments, and the philosophies that shaped their approach to teaching and training—like the “shoe rack theory” and overcoming “stinking thinking.”

Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or just curious about what it means to live the black belt mindset, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.

In this episode of the #ImpactMyLife Podcast, host Jason Nolan sits down with longtime friend and Certified Nutrition Specialist Practitioner Amy Doyle, owner of White Stone Wellness, for a conversation that blends practical health strategies with real-life challenges.

Together, they explore:

• Why nutrition is a key form of self-defense
• Common myths about carbs, fats, and "inflammatory foods"
• How to approach supplements safely and effectively
• The truth about hydration and how it affects your daily performance
• Simple meal prep strategies for busy families
• Tips for fueling athletes, martial artists, and growing kids
• The power of small steps—and why joy might be the missing link in your health journey

Whether you're a parent, an athlete, or someone just trying to live better, this episode is full of insights you can use right now. Don’t miss Amy’s empowering reminder: you’re never too old to start something new.

👩‍⚕️ Learn more about Amy at whitestonefunctionalnutrition.com or connect via Instagram and Facebook.

🎧 Listen now and take your next step toward better health.