Letters To My Younger Self

Today on the podcast I interview Viktor Vajda, one of the top Iron Man athletes in the US. Viktor is Hungarian and shares about his experience growing up in different parts of Europe and his challenges moving to the US as a teenager. He talks about how he started running and what it takes to compete in Iron Man’s. This year he had the opportunity to compete at the world competition in Hawaii. He is humble and kind and one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. He shares his no regret attitude and teaches us to live life with intention and not let anything get in the way of accomplishing your dreams.

Today on the podcast I interview one of my dearest friends, Catalina Le Blanc, about her experience with postpartum depression. She is motivating and dynamic and charming. She grew up in Chile and was living in New York City away from family, friends and a support system when she went through this experience. She encourages mothers to get help right away and not be ashamed of their feelings. Cata is a devout catholic and she shares how much her faith has helped her in her journey.

Today on the podcast I have Audrey Landheim who shares her journey and fight against anorexia. She was worried about her appearance as early as 4th grade. When her extreme dieting and exercise got out of control in high school, she had to be hospitalized. She talks about her journey to recovery and her struggle with food. We discuss how she overcame this disorder and how she has become stronger and more confident because of what she’s been through.

Today on the podcast I have the vibrant, lovely Sabrena Suite-Mangum. She is a writer, yoga instructor and leads a non-profit organization called Pillows for Prisoners. She is full of passion and her love for all people is contagious. On the podcast we discuss the prison system and how difficult it is for inmates and families to get basic necessities. We also discuss a sexual assault that lead her sister to a life of drugs and alcohol that ended in her being sent to Jail.  Sabrena shares a few of her own experiences with sexual assault. Our interview gave me a new outlook on helping those that don't seem quite as deserving of love and compassion, I hope it does the same for you. If you would like to learn more about Sabrena's organization go to https://pillowsforprisoners.org/

Today my amazing cousin Ashleigh Hedin joins me on the podcast. She is vivacious, beautiful and kind. Her first husband was addicted to drugs, and she did everything she could to try to help him recover. She went on a roller coaster with him and learned a lot about recovery. She teaches us about how recovery is very personal. She hasn’t had an easy life but her experiences have left her more wise and compassionate towards others. She is a licensed social worker and lives her life with intention and compassion for others. She teaches us how heartache can actually bring us more joy in the end.

Today Scott Bostwick joins me on the podcast to discuss loss, grief and dating as a single parent. After 8 years of marriage, his wife Meg passed away suddenly from cancer. She was 26 weeks pregnant with their second child when she was diagnosed, and was able to deliver the baby on life support. He shares his experience being a single dad and taking care of his girls. We also discuss his experience dating and marrying his second wife, Amber. Scott’s advice for his younger self was to live in the present, as you never know how much time you really have with your loved ones.

Today Valentina Di Giovanni joins me on the podcast to discuss how Buddhism and meditation helped her family heal from a tragic accident. Valentina is from Rome and currently lives in London with her husband Max and their three children. Several years ago, Valentina and Max decided to go on one last trip to Australia before settling down to start a family. While there, Max was involved in a surfing accident. He nearly drowned, and ended up being paralyzed. We discuss how Valentina and Max began meditating to help with healing, about their conversion to Buddhism, and their miracle wedding where Max was able get out of the wheelchair and walk down the aisle. Valentina emanates peace and love and teaches us how we can be more mindful and present in our lives.

Today Julia Shin joins me on the podcast to discuss her experience immigrating to several countries around the world. She was born in South Korea, and has lived in Spain, Australia, Philadelphia, Chicago, Mexico City and...Kentucky.   She is fluent in Korean, English and Spanish. We discuss how she has stayed true to her Korean roots while adopting pieces of other cultures and became her own person.  She talks about her experience with discrimination and racism in school and she shares an experience of  how her classmates stood up for her when a girl called her a racist name. Even though she was born in Korea, she feels like a stranger when she visits her own country.  Julia gives advice on how to make friends, adjust to new cultures and help immigrants feel accepted in our own country.

Today Kelsey Flores joins me on the podcast to discuss her experience overcoming mental & physical disability in her family and discrimination and how she leaned on her relationship with God throughout these challenges. While Kelsey was living in Italy doing a service mission in her early 20's, her father became very ill. He was always the life of the party, traveling all over the world for work and bringing people together. When she returned home, her dad had changed both physically and mentally all because of an E. coli infection. We discuss how this changed her family and her perspective on life. Kelsey talks about her relationship with God and how he has led her on her current path. She recently graduated from law school and interviewed for over 100 positions before landing her dream job in Washington DC. She discusses dealing with discouragement and discrimination throughout the process.

Today my guest is Quan Thompson. Quan grew up in California and Las Vegas. His mother was a drug dealer and his father wasn't in the picture. Basketball saved his life, keeping him away from gangs and violence and introducing him to his his teammate and best friend Landon. Landon’s family eventually adopted Quan. Landon's Dad, Coach Darrell, wasn't just a coach for basketball, but a life coach and the only Father Quan has ever known. We talk about his brothers murder, how he scrapped to make food for his family and how his life changed when he was in a family surrounded by love and joy.  Quan encourages us to love a little more, hug people, and to take charge of your own life. He was the first person in his family to go to college and has a happy life with his new son and beautiful wife Maryann.