James Alford reflects on a long, “wonderful” life that began in poverty and heavy responsibility as the eldest child on a Mississippi farm. He joined the Army at 17½, serving in the post-WWII occupation and later Korea, traveling across the Far East and briefly working around General MacArthur. A devout Christian and staunch patriot, he believes America was founded as a Christian nation and centers his “five loves” on God, family, nation, anthem, and flag. After the military he built a career in commercial art and advertising, starting at Coca-Cola and eventually running a successful agency with major accounts. Golf and business connections brought friendships with generals, executives, golf legends, and entertainers. He also cherishes his Civil War–era family history, which he recorded in a book. Now widowed and aging, he remains grateful, despite the nation’s troubles today, confident he’ll be reunited with his wife and loved ones in heaven. 

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🎙️Host: https://www.instagram.com/hey_dad_can_we/

In this Interesting Humans episode, guitarist Paul Harrigill shares his inspiring journey from humble Louisiana roots to touring the world with Josh Turner. Raised in a pastor’s family steeped in gospel and bluegrass, Paul began performing at age five and formed The Harrigill Family Band by age ten. After dropping out of high school to pursue music full-time, he joined the acclaimed bluegrass group Flat Lonesome, where he met his wife, Kelsey. Together, they earned record deals, major awards, and national recognition before stepping away from touring life to focus on family. Paul reflects on struggles with self-doubt, faith, and financial hardship before receiving a life-changing call in 2020 to join Josh Turner’s band — just before the pandemic hit. His story is a testament to perseverance, humility, and unwavering belief in the power of music and family.

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In this episode of Interesting Humans, “Bonneau Ansley: My Comeback Story [Dyslexia to $440 Million],” real estate mogul Bonneau Ansley recounts his journey from struggling with dyslexia to building a $440 million business empire. He begins by describing the challenges he faced in school: being labeled “stupid,” failing classes, and internalizing negative expectations. Rather than letting that define him, Ansley used that adversity as motivation.

He emphasizes the importance of persistence and resilience. Rather than giving into defeat or pity, he chose to outwork others—putting in long hours, sacrificing comfort, and embracing the grind. He also credits mentors and role models who believed in him when nobody else did, giving him both encouragement and practical guidance.

Another key theme is self-belief. Ansley argues that success starts with a mindset—if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. He insists that “vision” and “belief” must precede results, and that failures are simply data points to learn from. He urges viewers to redefine failure, treating it as feedback, not an endpoint.

Finally, he underlines the value of giving back: as his wealth grew, so did his commitment to supporting others—particularly those with learning differences or disadvantaged backgrounds. His story is framed as a “comeback,” not just personally, but in showing how limitations can be transformed into fuel for breakthrough success.

🎙️Host : @jeffhopeck

🚀Guest : @bonneau_ansley

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In today’s episode, Host Jeff Hopeck (Former U.S. Secret Service Officer) gives a detailed account of May 11, 2005 (he was standing post on the North grounds of the White House). It was the day an airplane disaster caused a panicked, chaos-filled White House evacuation. Being only a few short years after 9/11, it was a charged atmosphere. 

“All the training in the world can’t properly prepare you for the radio transmission that turned a blue-sky, cloudless day, into what felt like the last couple minutes on earth.” — Jeff Hopeck

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🎙️Host : @jeffhopeck
🚀Guest :  https://www.instagram.com/willjonesofficial/

In this heartfelt episode of Interesting Humans, host Jeff Hopeck sits down with rising country music artist Will Jones for a conversation that’s anything but ordinary. Known for his authenticity, storytelling, and deep Appalachian roots, Will opens up about the winding road that led him from playing bluegrass as a kid in Virginia to sharing stages with Josh Turner.

Will talks candidly about the pressure to fit in, turning down early publishing deals that didn’t feel right, and the moment he embraced being unapologetically himself. He reflects on the foundational influence of his father and grandfather, the values they passed down, and how those lessons still guide his decisions on and off stage.

You’ll hear stories of sleeping in trucks during tours, playing honky-tonk bars for little pay, and what it really takes to stay grounded in an industry that often rewards image over integrity. Will also shares insights into his creative process, the spiritual depth behind his songwriting, and the peace that comes from writing music with real emotional weight.

Whether you’re a fan of country music, someone chasing a dream, or just love hearing real talk from real people—this conversation delivers. Jeff and Will cover everything from fatherhood and faith to songwriting inspiration, road life, and finding joy in the grind.

This isn’t just another music interview. It’s a masterclass in perseverance, self-awareness, and building a life with purpose.

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In this episode, Nick McKinley discusses the critical issue of human trafficking, emphasizing the stark differences between kidnapping and trafficking. He highlights the modern methods traffickers use to exploit children, particularly through social media and online platforms. McKinley shares insights into the mission of Deliver Fund, which leverages technology to combat trafficking and support law enforcement. The conversation also touches on the legal landscape, the influence of lobbyists, and the economic impact of trafficking. McKinley urges parents to take proactive measures to protect their children and emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the fight against trafficking.

Takeaways

* Human trafficking is often misunderstood as kidnapping, but it primarily occurs online.
* The majority of child abductions are familial, not stranger abductions.
* Traffickers exploit children through social media, posing as peers to gain trust.
* Parents should be vigilant about their children's online interactions and social media use.
* Deliver Fund uses technology to assist law enforcement in combating trafficking.
* There is a need for stricter regulations on social media platforms to protect children.
* Lobbyists for the pornography industry significantly influence legislation related to trafficking.
* The economic impact of trafficking is substantial, affecting countless lives.
* Community involvement and awareness are crucial in the fight against trafficking.
* Education and training on trafficking are essential for both law enforcement and the public.

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

In this episode, Cameron Rhode shares his extraordinary journey of discovering his identity through the revelation of having 24-25 half-siblings, all stemming from his mother's use of an anonymous sperm donor. He reflects on the impact of growing up without a father figure, the close bond he shared with his mother, and how music played a significant role in their relationship. Cameron's passion for women's sports led him to become an owner of a women's football team in Atlanta, showcasing his commitment to promoting women's athletics. He expresses optimism for the future of women's sports and emphasizes the importance of personal connections and shared experiences in shaping one's identity.

Takeaways

• Cameron discovered he has 24-25 half-siblings through Ancestry DNA.
• His mother was a single parent who used a sperm donor.
• Cameron has a close bond with his mother, who passed away in 2021.
• He became a fan of women's sports in 2019, starting with the WNBA.
• Cameron owns a women's football team in Atlanta, marking a significant achievement.
• He values the community and culture in women's sports compared to men's.
• Cameron has a passion for music, having played piano since age five.
• He emphasizes the importance of education and tutoring in his life.
• Cameron is optimistic about the future of women's sports and its growth.
• He believes in the power of personal connections and shared experiences.

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Summary

In this episode, Gary Arndt shares his extensive travel experiences, highlighting the challenges and unexpected moments he has faced in various countries. From close calls during protests to the joys of culinary adventures, Gary provides a unique perspective on the realities of traveling the world. He discusses the importance of adaptability, the evolution of technology in travel, and offers practical tips for aspiring travelers. The conversation also touches on the impact of perceptions on safety and the significance of understanding local contexts when traveling.

Takeaways

• Traveling can be both exciting and dangerous.
• Experiencing local culture is essential for travelers.
• Natural disasters can impact travel plans unexpectedly.
• Transportation can lead to uncomfortable experiences.
• Food can be a source of adventure and risk.
• Border crossings can be challenging but memorable.
• Tourism in remote places often has its own unique challenges.
• Animal encounters can provide unforgettable experiences.
• Historical sites can leave a lasting impact on visitors.
• Traveling is about comfort and adaptability.

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In this episode of the Interesting Humans Podcast, Dr. Armando Sardi discusses the innovative HIPEC surgery, which combines surgical tumor removal with heated chemotherapy to treat advanced abdominal cancers. He shares inspiring patient stories, including that of Gary, who was given a terminal diagnosis but found hope through this procedure. Dr. Sardi reflects on his medical journey, the advancements in surgical techniques, and the importance of patient perspectives in decision-making. He emphasizes the need for second opinions in cancer treatment and the challenges faced with insurance acceptance. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the complexities of cancer treatment and the hope that innovative procedures like HIPEC can offer. In this conversation, Dr. Armando Sardi discusses the critical importance of early cancer detection, the emotional challenges faced by medical professionals, and the need for community awareness and connection. He shares personal stories of resilience, the future of cancer treatment, and his daily health routines as a surgeon. Dr. Sardi emphasizes the significance of passion in medicine and encourages listeners to find their own ways to contribute to the fight against cancer.

Takeaways

HIPEC surgery combines tumor removal with heated chemotherapy.
Many patients are told there is nothing that can be done.
Dr. Sardi's journey into HIPEC began after years of traditional surgery.
Advancements in technology have improved surgical outcomes.
Patient attitudes significantly affect treatment success.
Preparation for HIPEC surgery is crucial for recovery.
Misdiagnosis can lead to missed treatment opportunities.
Appendectomy plays a critical role in cancer treatment.
Memorable patient stories highlight the impact of HIPEC.
The future of HIPEC is expanding globally, but challenges remain.  Early detection of cancer can prevent severe outcomes.
Awareness and community connection are vital in healthcare.
Emotional resilience is crucial for medical professionals.
Life must continue despite personal tragedies.
The future of cancer treatment includes genetic testing.
Personal health routines are essential for longevity in medicine.
Passion is necessary for success in surgical procedures.
Everyone has a talent that can contribute to society.
Finding purpose can help in overcoming life's challenges.
Engagement in community efforts can lead to significant change.

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In this episode, Dr. Geoffrey Smith, the Chief Medical Examiner for the state of Georgia, shares insights into the world of forensic pathology. He discusses the differences between medical examiners and coroners, the challenges faced in the field, and the emotional toll of dealing with death on a daily basis. Dr. Smith recounts personal anecdotes from his career, including experiences with murder trials and the impact of the fentanyl epidemic. He explains the process of death investigation, the importance of determining cause and manner of death, and the complexities involved in death certificates.

Takeaways

* Forensic pathology is a specialized field that requires extensive training.
* Medical examiners are often confused with coroners, but they have different qualifications.
* The emotional toll of working in forensic pathology is significant and requires coping mechanisms.
* Fentanyl has become a leading cause of drug-related deaths in recent years.
* The manner of death can be classified as natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined.
* Investigating sudden and unexpected deaths often involves complex medical and legal considerations.
* The process of death investigation includes collaboration with law enforcement and other agencies.
* Death certificates are important legal documents that require careful consideration of cause and manner of death.
* The recruitment and retention of qualified forensic pathologists is a growing concern in the U.S.
* Personal anecdotes from the field highlight the unpredictable nature of forensic pathology. 

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we