Live Your Purpose

In this episode, I share my personal story, including my journey of recovery from alcoholism and what motivated me to become a life purpose coach.

Looking back, I can see that my life has really been a search for my own potential. Although I was always bright and outwardly successful, inwardly I was often plagued by self-doubt, fear and uncertainty about the future. Depression was common and I developed an addiction to alcohol that lasted for 16 years. This addiction, more than once, threatened to take everything away from me that mattered most. Fortunately, I was able to find recovery and my life was transformed from the inside out.

SPECIAL NOTE: Please be advised that this episode contains conversations involving addiction, mental illness, trauma, and suicide. Utilize the numbers and websites listed below to get help.

Reachout National Crisis & Information Hotline: 1-800-522-9054 (24x7)

Oklahoma 211: 211 (24x7)

National Crisis Text Line: 741741 (24x7)

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: www.ok.gov/odmhsas

Share and subscribe:

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For more ways to share and subscribe https://anchor.fm/liveyourpurpose

Thank you!

Connect with Charles:

Learn more about my life coaching, public speaking, and retreat services https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com

Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram @ fullintegrationcoaching

My guest is Brandy Sitts, who taught visual art for 12 years in public school, was the 2017 Oklahoma Secondary Art Educator of the Year, and is currently a curriculum coordinator for Fine Arts and Gifted Education. She has a Bachelor of Art Education and a Master of Secondary Education with emphasis in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Education. One of her professional goals is to develop programs and services to empower children to find their voice and make an impact in their worlds. In her current profession, this desire manifests through leading professional development for art educators and gifted specialists who then reach their hundreds of students.

Connect with my guest:

You can contact Brandy Sitts through the Putnam City Schools website https://www.putnamcityschools.org/academics/curriculum-staff

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Putnam City Schools Gifted and Talented Program https://www.putnamcityschools.org/academics/gifted-talented

The Putnam City Schools Fine Arts Program http://pcfinearts.weebly.com/

Press:

Putnam City Schools Emphasis on Art https://oklahoman.com/article/5592863/interviews-putnam-city-school-district-puts-emphasis-on-the-arts-to-inspire-students-to-success

OAEA Secondary Art Educator of the Year Award https://oklahoman.com/article/5563944/achievers-for-sept.-16

Share and subscribe:

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Thank you!

Connect with Charles:

Learn more about my life coaching, public speaking, and retreat services https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com

Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram @ fullintegrationcoaching

My guest is David Lee Anderson, an artist who has worked in commercial art, publication, fine art, illustration and has been a part-time art and illustration teacher. He also worked as a musician, singer, guitarist and songwriter and is currently working as an actor for films and commercials. David Lee illustrated paperback and magazine covers, board game art and computer game art for national and international science fiction and fantasy publication for 35 years. He was the artist guest of honor for 23 science fiction & fantasy conventions around the country, and displayed art at more than 440 science fiction art shows. He is currently doing hyper-realistic fine art paintings for corporate and private commissions of historical buildings and landscapes based in Oklahoma. David Lee has a dozen credits acting in films so far on IMDB and has been in more than 35 films, short films and commercials since 2013.

In this episode, David Lee describes the moment he knew he wanted to be doing what he's still doing today. As a fourth grade student, he was influenced by a visiting art teacher who provided opportunities for him to consider art as a career. David Lee highlights pivotal events in his life that motivated him develop a love for illustration and storytelling. He recalls early jobs in printing that allowed him to learn the entire process, ultimately landing him in departmental leadership roles. David Lee describes the life-changing impact that movies like Fantasia and 2001: A Space Odyssey had on his direction as an artist, along with reading comic books and listening to classical music. He provides insights and tools for young creatives to consider, especially being patient and kind with oneself. Plus, David Lee discusses family caregiving, musical and acting pursuits, and a love for learning which has made him who he is today.

Connect with my guest:

You can connect with David Lee Anderson and his fine artworks on Facebook @ davidlee8.anderson, and find his science fiction and fantasy illustrations at www.davidleeanderson.com. You can email him at [email protected].

Resources mentioned in this episode:

David Lee Anderson IMDB page https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8433922/

Press:

David Lee featured at the OKC Festival of the Arts https://oklahoman.com/article/5592830/oklahomas-influence-on-artists-displayed-at-festival-of-the-arts

Outro music:

David Lee Anderson. "Enabled to Fly." Cosmophonic, 2014. Starcruisers Bandcamp, https://starcruisers.bandcamp.com/album/cosmophonic

Share and subscribe:

Share this podcast https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com/liveyourpurpose

For more ways to share and subscribe https://anchor.fm/liveyourpurpose

Thank you!

Connect with Charles:

Learn more about my life coaching, public speaking, and retreat services https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com

Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram @ fullintegrationcoaching

In this mini episode, I take a couple of minutes to reflect on the Live Your Purpose podcast so far and to talk about gratitude. Thank you to all my guests, listeners, and supporters in the community. I'm grateful for YOU!

And during this time of Thanksgiving, be sure to visit my Facebook or Instagram pages where you can share your thoughts on gratitude. 

Go to @ fullintegrationcoaching and tell me:

Outro music:

The Sho-Bop-Sha-Bang Crew. "Sho-Bop-Sha-Bang." Money Doesn't Make You Rich, 2019. Spotify, https://open.spotify.com/album/6z3uxRQVL8Efp30Nxh2xCe

Share and subscribe:

Share this podcast https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com/liveyourpurpose

For more ways to share and subscribe https://anchor.fm/liveyourpurpose

Thank you!

Connect with Charles:

Learn more about my life coaching, public speaking, and retreat services https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com

Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram @ fullintegrationcoaching

My guest is Mark Walvoord, who is a resident of Edmond, Oklahoma, husband of Kelly, and father of two. He works as an Assistant Director of the Student Transformative Learning Record at the University of Central Oklahoma, and as an adjunct instructor of Biology at the University of Oklahoma. He earned his Master and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology in Oklahoma and has worked full-time in Higher Education settings in North Carolina and Oklahoma, enhancing student learning and success through the use of technology and transformative learning methods. Mark gives regular conference presentations, helps run the annual Oklahoma Compost Conference, trains faculty on his campus and elsewhere, and has published research about frogs, crabs, student success, and educational technologies. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors for three non-profit organizations: Partners for Madagascar, Association for Biology Laboratory Education, and Joiners.

In this episode, Mark discusses his early love for nature which led him in large part to the work he does today. He reflects on early experiences with the outdoors that not only peaked his curiosity, but also instilled in him a desire to protect the natural world. Mark also talks about some of the important people in his life who have guided and encouraged him along the way. He shares classroom experiences which have impacted student learning and exciting places that education has taken him. Additionally, Mark describes his work with life-changing nonprofits in Madagascar, the Oklahoma Compost Conference, and the innovative transformative learning program at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Connect with my guest:

You can connect with Mark Walvoord through LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwalvoord/. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

UCO Student Transformative Learning Record https://stlr.uco.edu (and on Facebook and Instagram @ ucostlr)

Association for Biology Education https://www.ableweb.org/

Partners for Madagascar http://partners4madagascar.org

Joiners Inc. http://joinersmg.org

Oklahoma Compost Conference https://okcompostconference.org

Share and subscribe:

Share this podcast https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com/liveyourpurpose

For more ways to share and subscribe https://anchor.fm/liveyourpurpose

Thank you!

Connect with Charles:

Learn more about my life coaching, public speaking, and retreat services https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com

Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram @ fullintegrationcoaching

My guest is Rachael Leonhart, who currently serves as Group and Community Engagement Coordinator for Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Her focus is to make performing arts accessible to everyone. She is a graduate of St. Ambrose University, where she earned a BA in Public Relations and Marketing Communications. In the past year, Rachael has been awarded the Horizon Award by the Young Professionals Network of Oklahoma City, and was a recipient of the Oklahoma Gazette’s Forty Under 40 Awards. Rachael currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Plaza District. She is also a ‘Big’ with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and an active member of Leadership Oklahoma City.

In this episode, Rachael reveals the struggles and triumphs that have made her who she is today. Though she had a good childhood, family divorce and the loss of loved ones created early challenges that in part helped her to forge a persevering attitude. Rachael describes the ways influential family members have shaped her and how a "figure it out" mindset empowers her to solve daily challenges large and small. She shares the story of embracing her true identity and the journey of self-acceptance she's taken with family, friends, and the broader LGBTQ community. Rachael also provides meaningful examples of how the arts have changed lives by the inclusion of marginalized and underserved Oklahoma City populations. Plus she reflects on coming to terms with adult onset inattentive adult ADHD, and discusses health and wellness goals for the new year.

Connect with my guest:

You can connect with Rachael Leonhart on Instagram @ okiesongbird and Facebook @ raklcrawford.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma https://www.lyrictheatreokc.com/

16th Street Plaza District https://www.plazadistrict.org/

Sisu Youth Services https://www.sisuyouth.org/

Oklahoma City Pride (Instagram & Facebook) @ okcpridefest

Share and subscribe:

Share this podcast https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com/liveyourpurpose

For more ways to share and subscribe https://anchor.fm/liveyourpurpose

Thank you!

Connect with Charles:

Learn more about my life coaching, public speaking, and retreat services https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com

Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram @ fullintegrationcoaching

My guest is Levi Dobrinski, the Orchestra Director at Putnam City West High School and Chairman of Orchestras for all Putnam City Schools. He is also the Director of the Silver Strings of Putnam City: Oklahoma’s only strolling orchestra, now in its 31st concert season. In 2020, the Putnam City Orchestra program will be traveling to London on invitation from the Lord Mayor of Westminster to participate in the London New Year’s Day Music Festival. Levi has served as the state president for the Collegiate Oklahoma Music Educator’s Association, and as concertmaster for the symphony and chamber orchestra at the University of Central Oklahoma. In 2018, he was named the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Young Music Educator of the Year for the state of Oklahoma.

In this episode, Levi talks about how the love for his family and passion for his students motivates him in his roles as husband, father, and teacher. He describes the early influences on his life that inspired him to become a music teacher, and the path that ultimately led him to where he is today. Levi also shares about the power that music has to build understanding between cultures, improve academic outcomes for students, and provide opportunities to create meaningful change. Plus he gives heart touching stories of student successes as well as tips for getting back to music for those who regret leaving it behind.

Connect with my guest:

You can contact Levi Dobrinski through the Putnam City Schools website www.pcwest.putnamcityschools.org/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Silver Strings of Putnam City www.facebook.com/thesilverstringsofputnamcity/

Stars & Stripes Forever 5K www.facebook.com/events/2352892168325105/

Press:

Putnam City Orchestras London Trip www.oklahoman.com/article/5591373/three-putnam-city-orchestras-to-be-in-london-performances

OMEA Outstanding Young Music Educator Award www.oklahoman.com/article/5571693/achievers

Share and subscribe:

Share this podcast https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com/liveyourpurpose

For more ways to share and subscribe https://anchor.fm/liveyourpurpose

Thank you!

Connect with Charles:

Learn more about my life coaching, public speaking, and retreat services https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com

Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram @ fullintegrationcoaching

My guest is Marnie Vinge, a podcaster and novelist from Norman, Oklahoma. She is the creator of Eerie Okie, a podcast that explores urban legends, true crime, hauntings, and weird or dark history in the state of Oklahoma. Part of her platform is speaking about her battle for her mental health. Her writing ranges from short horror stories to contemporary romantic suspense novels, all of which are primarily set in Oklahoma, several of which will be available next year.

In this episode, Marnie shares intimately about her struggles and triumphs with mental health. She describes the pivotal highs and lows in her journey towards wellness and a meaningful life. Marnie also reveals the interesting backstory of what got her started in podcasting, along with some of the most intriguing and unusual moments from Eerie Okie. She's completed several novels and has just published her first one. Gunshy is a contemporary romance novel involving a fictional mass shooting at a country music concert due for release in November 2019. Marnie talks about the events she's been attending, other podcasts she's involved with, and her ambitious plans for the new year.

SPECIAL NOTE: Please be advised that this episode contains conversations involving mental illness, self-harm, suicide, sexual assault, PTSD, and mass shooting. Utilize the numbers and websites listed below to get help.

Reachout National Crisis & Information Hotline: 1-800-522-9054 (24x7)

Oklahoma 211: 211 (24x7)

National Crisis Text Line: 741741 (24x7)

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: www.ok.gov/odmhsas

Connect with my guest:

You can connect with Marnie Vinge through her website at www.eerieokie.com, on Facebook and Instagram @ eerieokie, and her Facebook author page at @ authormarnievinge. Email Marnie at [email protected], and find her podcast Eerie Okie on most popular platforms or at www.anchor.fm/eerieokie.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Gunshy by Marnie Vinge (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YNWNCWM

Share and subscribe:

Share this podcast https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com/liveyourpurpose

For more ways to share and subscribe https://anchor.fm/liveyourpurpose

Thank you!

Connect with Charles:

Learn more about my life coaching, public speaking, and retreat services https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com

Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram @ fullintegrationcoaching

My guest is Marisa Mohi, an Oklahoma writer, blogger, and YouTuber. She's obsessed with work-life balance and showing writers they can carve out space for writing and refilling the well even if they have day jobs. Marisa has taught Business Communication at the university level and is a freelance writer for several local publications.

In this episode, Marisa shares what makes her want to get out of bed in the morning, starting with the practical matter of feeding her insistent, yet lovable 65 pound lap dog. She starts her day off with things she cares about. Getting a few smaller creative to-do's done gives her the momentum she needs to have a productive day. Marisa describes some of the detractors to her own creative process and what she does to overcome them. One of the best things she does for herself is to schedule regular personal retreats, where she can limit distractions, focus on productivity goals, and spend time in nature. Marisa also provides tips for aspiring YouTubers, shares her recent speaking adventures, and reveals her big plans for 2020.

Connect with my guest:

You can connect with Marisa Mohi through her website at www.marisamohi.com, on YouTube at www.youtube.com/marisamohi, and on Twitter and Instagram @ themarisamohi. Her email is [email protected].

Resources mentioned in this episode:

St. Francis of the Woods Spiritual Renewal Center https://www.stfrancisofthewoods.org

The Lost Ogle https://www.thelostogle.com

Share and subscribe:

Share this podcast https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com/liveyourpurpose

For more ways to share and subscribe https://anchor.fm/liveyourpurpose

Thank you!

Connect with Charles:

Learn more about my life coaching, public speaking, and retreat services https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com

Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram @ fullintegrationcoaching

My guest is Byron Jackson, the Executive Director of Possibilities, Inc., an organization which has a mission to strengthen the ability of people to work together for community change. Byron came to Possibilities with a background in social work, earning his degree at the University of Oklahoma. He has an impressive track record of presenting community training on cultural diversity, team building, and many other topics. His skill in working with diverse groups along with his humor, unpredictable behavior, his odd assortment of clothing, and extensive community contacts provides the Possibilities team with many important assets.

In this episode, Byron shares his passion for serving others, which came about through a lifetime of experience in social work as well as recovery from addiction. After being selected as the Director of the organization he served for years, he immediately found himself at a baseball-inspired crossroads: either swing for the rafters, or take a seat on the bench. Presented with a looming budget deficit, he was advised that it might be time to close the doors forever. However, Byron has a bold new vision which has attracted the leadership and donors needed to keep the organization working together for community change.

Connect with my guest:

You can connect with Possibilities, Inc. through their website at http://www.possibilitiesinc.org, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @ possibilitiesok.

Share and subscribe:

Share this podcast https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com/liveyourpurpose

For more ways to share and subscribe https://anchor.fm/liveyourpurpose

Thank you!

Connect with Charles:

Learn more about my life coaching, public speaking, and retreat services https://www.fullintegrationcoaching.com

Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram @ fullintegrationcoaching