Live Courageously with John Duffy

CHRISTOPER LOVERRO, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Peace and Conflict Studies program, retired Police Officer, and founder of Warriors For Peace Theatre, brings a unique perspective shaped by his combat service in Iraq and humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. His commitment to using the arts as a tool for healing and peace, combined with his first hand experience in conflict zones, provides a profound understanding of the human cost of war.

ANTON YAREMCHUK, an award-winning Ukrainian filmmaker and humanitarian, and Christopher Loverro, a US Army Iraq War veteran and advocate for peace through the arts, are embarking on a significant speaking tour across California. This tour, titled "Voices from the Frontline,” aims to bring light to underreported aspects of the Ukrainian conflict, focusing on personal stories and the impact on local communities. Yaremchuk, born in Ukraine and fluent in multiple languages, returned to his homeland to document the Revolution of Dignity and the unfolding conflict in Eastern Ukraine. His work as a film maker and activist, particularly during the full-scale invasion in 2022, led to the founding of Base UA, a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting civilians and the military in Ukraine.

Robert “Bigg Sarge” Déon is a multi-talented individual who has not only served his country with honor and dedication as a retired disabled army war veteran but has also made significant contributions to the world of entertainment as an actor, director, and producer. His remarkable journey is a testament to his resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to both his art and his fellow veterans.

After leaving the military, Robert Déon quickly transitioned into the world of entertainment, where he discovered a new calling. His innate talent for acting quickly became apparent, and he honed his skills through formal training and dedication. Not only content with merely being in front of the camera, but Robert Déon also expanded his horizons to behind-the-scenes roles as a director and producer. his creative vision and leadership qualities has allowed him to successfully helm various projects showcasing his versatility and commitment to excellence. through is work, he has not only brought

captivating stories to life but has also provided opportunities for emerging talent in the industry.

Todd Speciale is recognized as a motivational guru, along with being an integrity-based authentic leader promoting real change who has built record breaking sales and leadership teams that have yielded

record breaking outcomes!

He’s the CEO and Founder of Make Sales Great Again. MSGA teaches business, sales, and leadership to the masses including CEO’s of major Fortune 500 companies and has helped generate over $800 million in revenue for the companies he’s served. He’s also the CSO (Chief Sales Officer) of Apex Roofing and Restoration a $140 million company growing insanely fast nationwide.

Having been nicknamed “The Culture Creator”, going into major corporations with huge teams and completely transforming they way they work with one another, combined with a doctorate in street education to having held multiple C-Level roles, you get the worlds most sought after business leader. He’s a 3x best selling author with his third book, his masterpiece, called “The Ultimate Sales Bible” just hit the shelves in Barnes and Noble globally in March of 2024.

He has spoken on stages with names like Ashton Kutcher, Jack Canfield, Danelle Delgado, Tai Lopez, Tom Bilyeu, Jason Sisneros, Sean Whalen, Les Brown, Hank Steinbrenner, and many more.

John shared his “Irish Journey” Story as a St Patrick’s Day Special.

John is the son of two Irish Immigrants who mourned to America in 1928 and arrived at Ellis Island. They met and married in the Bronx. John’s dad died when he was four years old. He remembers going to the St Patrick’s Day Parade every March 17th in New York City with his Mom.

As his neighborhood changed ethnically he lost touch with the Irish culture and adapted to the culture of the changing South Bronx. In 2008 he was contacted by an Irish cousin living in England that led to a journey and visit to Ireland on St Patrick’s Day and a reconnection with a family he didn’t know he had and rediscovery of his Irish culture. He went on to become dual citizen of the US and Ireland and traveled to Ireland three times.

He has called the connection with his Cousin Sharon and the trip to Ireland his “Irish Miracle”.

Michael Leahy an Architect and Planner by profession. He set up practice in 1986 and has long experience of running a business and as an employer. He is the former President of the Ennis Chamber of Commerce and was a board member for Bord Pleanála from 2012 to 2017. He has strong involvement in the local community including charitable and cultural groups.

Michael is passionate about rural regeneration and making it affordable for people to access the housing market. B.Arch (N.U.I.) 1981, M.R.U.P. (1984), Dip.Plng & Env. Law 2014. Former Board Member of an Bord Pleanála, (2012-2017). Principal of Michael Leahy archi- tects and Leahy and Conway architects, Ennis County Clare, (1986-2012). Founder Leahy Planning Ltd 2018. Local activities included presidency of the local Chamber of Commerce, local Tidy Towns committee, local Rotary club, local arts Festival, local Parish leadership. F.R.I.A.I., M.I.P.I. Michael is chairman of the Irish Freedom Party and is running for European Parliament

Alex Gilfiley grew up on a tiny Pacific Island of Yap Islands. This little island is in the Micronesian islands neighboring Guam, which is a sub-region of Oceania, comprising thousands of other small islands in the Pacific. The scarcity of education and jobs abound on the island, and opportunities for advancement are very limited. At a young age, as far back as third grade, Alex would pick fruits, nuts, and coconuts to sell at the local market for his bus fares to and from school. He worked on some low wage jobs starting in high school.

Though these jobs, one of which he was a cargo handler at the small island airport at night while going to school during the day, paid him just a dollar an hour, he always dreamed of a better life for himself. He saw a sticker that read - Army. Be All You Can Be and that would spark the flame inside of Alex that ultimately encouraged him to begin planning his move off the island in his pursuit of a better life. Thus, the Army would be his one-way ticket that would bring him closer to this dream.

Some Noteworthy Moments in Alex’s Life include the following:

• Overcame multiple suicide attempts
• Acted and Production Managed “The Flag: short films.
• An honoree of a Senatorial Award for courageous commitment to protecting our Nation’s Freedom.
• An honoree of the US Congressional award for valorous acts of gallantry in service to our nation
• Helped saved the lives of over 15 wounded US Soldiers in a helicopter crash, and securing the bodies of 15, while risking his own life under heavy enemy fire in combat
• Was one of the few privates, which is a low rank in the military, to be awarded one of the nation’s highest valorous military award in the Iraq War
• Overcame the temptation of retaliating against the group of people that plotted the murdering of his father and made genuine peace
• Received acknowledgement as an awardee of the US Presidential Citation Award for playing a major role as a team member that kicked off the Global War on Terrorism.

Alex returned to Guam and Yap to care for his ailing Mother until she passed. He was chosen a Cabinet Member and Director of Yaps’ Youth and Civic Affairs Dept. He is the visionary of creating a Feature documentary of Yap in 2025.

Craig Stilley, aged 50, is a resilient individual who has overcome significant challenges in his life. Battling OCD and various anxiety disorders since the age of 16, Craig's determination led him to earn his GED after leaving school in 9th grade. Through a combination of medication and therapy, he has effectively managed his disorders.

Seeking an escape, Craig turned to boxing at 16, finding refuge and discipline in the sport under the mentorship of Dick Menchaca of Port Arthur and Kenny Weldon of Galena Park. In 1993, Craig took his passion for boxing to new heights by establishing his own boxing gym. His dedication to the sport propelled him to organize his first sanctioned amateur boxing event at the tender age of 19, and also as a trainer and manager.

Outside the ring, Craig is a multifaceted entrepreneur, serving as the owner of a commercial paint contractor company and venturing into various other business endeavors. Craig is also close friends and assistant to the legendary boxing champion Evander Holyfield. In addition to his business ventures, Craig is involved in the film industry and recently celebrated the publication of his debut book, Fractured Realities.

Beyond his professional pursuits, he is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, leveraging his own experiences to inspire and support others facing similar challenges. Craig Stilley embodies resilience, determination, and a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others and in the realm of mental health advocacy.

Skip Press has excelled as an editor, ghostwriter, instructor, playwright, publisher, screenwriter, and TV staff writer. He is as an author or editor of over 100 titles including several Writer's Guide to Hollywood books and four Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting books. He put together and edited The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing & Design and taught an online screenwriting course that was available in 1500 schools. His co-created “Ask A Screenwriter” space on Quora.com gained over 600,000 followers in a year.

His latest project is an ongoing journal on Substack called “Chasing Mark Twain” about how he became a pro writer and found and married someone he’d known in another lifetime.

Tommy Anderson is an independent film maker and a multiple best-selling author and screenwriter. Tommy Anderson also enjoys his role as a motivational speaker and Host of The Real Tommy Unleashed the IQ Podcast Network in San Diego and streamed over 10 stations. For example Tommy's show is heard on multiple streaming platforms. An accomplished screenwriter he has written and is a Producer on the award winning short film Life After Oblivion, based on his award winning adapted screenplay. Tommy's first feature film screenplay PTSD-A soldiers

Revenge is currently in production by Panther Trail Films - Hollywood. Tommy also

received his first directing credit on the pilot series The Tale of Richard Pic. Since then Tommy has directed and produced several award winning short films. In addition, Tommy is also routinely cast as an actor in commercials, television, and film.

Tommy is a founding member of VetPics Film Productions in San Diego, California. This is an all-veteran independent film production company which produced Life after Oblivion; Most recently Tommy was seen as the face of the national Spotify commercial as the man with the dancing dog. His best-selling novel Haboob Wind is now a screenplay, and recently won Best International Screen Writer by 8.5 Film Awards. and his new novel Two Million Steps was released in March of 2021 and went to Best Seller on Amazon in two weeks. Tommy has recently adapted this to a feature screenplay and in addition Tommy has written another feature screenplay called The Flight of the Deborah K.

Before moving to the Los Angeles area, Tommy lived in Madison Wisconsin and had a full career firefighter/medic with the Madison Fire Department and later retired from the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard. Tommy is a member of various organizations, including the Hollywood American Legion Post 43, Veterans in Media and Entertainment, the U.S. Press Association, and has served as a photo-journalist for ABC7LA News along with being a member of the California American Legion Press Association.

David Serpa is a Businessman, Marine Corps combat veteran, and author of the books Common Sense for California; A Guide to The New Revolution. He is a lifelong Californian working to save his home state, and our country, by running for Congress in California 39th Congressional District.

He wants to unite people around Common Sense before the next World War, Civil War, or Great Depression becomes inevitable. Despite what you read in the news; David believes America's best days are still ahead of us.