Make Your Day Richer

Scott Pacitti's journey from overflowing creativity to life-changing impact is anything but ordinary. We're exploring how improvisation—beyond the stage—can unlock resilience, imagination, and real-world skills in underserved communities. From middle school classrooms to nonprofit boardrooms, Scott shares how his nonprofit, Planet Improv, is planting seeds of possibility and helping students reclaim their voice, confidence, and joy. Whether you're an educator, artist, or simply someone who believes in the power of play, this conversation will leave you inspired to say “yes, and” to life.

In this episode, we cover:

• Scott’s origin story and the birth of Planet Improv

• Why creativity is a survival skill, not just an artistic one

• The emotional and educational impact of improv in Title I schools

• How fear and self-judgment block creativity—and how to gently dismantle them

• The difference between performance improv and educational improv

• What employers are really looking for in the next generation

• How you can support Planet Improv through funding, volunteering, and connection

Jennifer Sims, Outreach Coordinator for NAMI Piedmont Tri-County, is here to talk about mental health, community support, and the healing power of showing up. Jennifer shares her personal journey, her passion for advocacy, and the incredible work NAMI is doing across Lancaster, Chester, and York counties. From teen support groups to crisis intervention training for first responders, Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and hope. Whether you’re seeking help or looking to help others, this episode is a must-listen.

• 🧠 Guest: Jennifer Sims, Outreach Coordinator for NAMI Piedmont Tri-County

• 🌱 NAMI’s Mission: Free mental health support, education, and advocacy across three counties

• 🧒 Teen Support Groups: Led by licensed therapists, open to ages 13–17

• 🚓 Crisis Intervention Training: 35-hour CIT program for law enforcement and EMS

• 🏥 Mental Health First Aid: Jennifer trains nurses, counselors, and first responders

• 🧩 Personal Story: Jennifer’s experience supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder

• 🏃‍♀️ NAMI Walks: October events in Rock Hill, Chester, and Lancaster—family-friendly and full of heart

• 💻 Website: namipiedmonttricounty.org

• 📞 Contact: Jennifer’s direct line is 803-762-9165

• 💖 Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/makeyourdayricher

Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a dynamic educator, coach, and podcast host and she's here to explore the transformative power of small steps. From her TED Talk to her book Discover Your Superpower, Christiane shares how her Petite Practice Method helps people tackle big goals with bite-sized action. We're diving into legacy, personal branding, and the joy of celebrating progress. With laughter, wisdom, and a few koosh balls tossed in, this episode is a masterclass in living with intention and heart.

• 🎓 Guest: Dr. Christiane Schroeter, creator of the Petite Practice Method and host of Happy, Healthy Hustle

• 💡 Petite Practice: A method for tackling big goals through small, consistent steps

• 🗣️ Superpower Spotlight: Why naming your strengths out loud creates momentum

• 🎤 TED Talk Moment: Christiane’s “Say it out loud!” mantra and the STEP system

• 📘 Book Feature: Discover Your Superpower—a multimedia guide to personal growth

• 🎧 Podcast: Happy, Healthy Hustle airs biweekly on Fridays at 6pm

• 🧣 Signature Style: Christiane’s iconic scarf and the voice it protects

• 🌍 From Germany to California: A journey of language, learning, and legacy

• 🐴 Pony Dreams & Beach Memories: A playful dive into Christiane’s favorite things

• ☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/makeyourdayricher

I'm reconnecting with actor Dave Maldonado, whose career spans indie films, network TV, and blockbuster premieres. From his early days in community theater to working with Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, Dave shares stories of persistence, humility, and the evolving landscape of film in the Southeast. We'll talk about red carpet awkwardness, the joy of live theater, and the importance of staying grateful even when the phone’s not ringing.

• 🎬 Guest: Dave Maldonado, actor in Sinners, Your Honor, and Netflix’s upcoming His and Hers

• 🕰️ Throwback: Dave’s first appearance on The Richard Wilmore Show in 2018

• 🎥 Career Highlights: Working with Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, and Jon Bernthal

• 📍 Industry Insight: The rise of Texas and Louisiana as film hubs

• 🎭 Theater Love: Why Dave still cherishes the stage—even if he hasn’t done it in years

• 💡 Mental Health & Sobriety: Dave opens up about hitting one year sober and the connection between wellness and creativity

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family First: Gratitude for his wife, kids, and the life he’s built

• 🧠 Star Meter & Red Carpets: Dave’s hilarious take on Hollywood metrics and photo ops

• 📺 Upcoming Project: His and Hers on Netflix, a murder mystery starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal

• ☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/makeyourdayricher

What happens when your faith community becomes the source of your deepest wounds? I'm talking to Tiffani Bradley, author of Coming Out of the Cave, for a raw and revelatory conversation about church hurt, spiritual awakening, and reclaiming your connection to the divine.

Tiffani shares her journey from disillusionment to empowerment, including the heartbreaking story of a beloved pastor who faced death threats and legal battles for simply changing the day of worship. With grace and grit, she breaks down toxic traditions, spiritual manipulation, and the healing power of truth. Whether you’ve been hurt by religion or are simply seeking a more authentic path, this episode offers affirmation, insight, and hope.

📌 Show Notes

Guest: Tiffani Bradley, author & spiritual support coachBook: Coming Out of the Cave – available on Amazon (digital & paperback)Business: Aqua Rose Life EnterprisesConnect: Facebook @AquaRoseLifeEnterprises

Topics Covered:

• 00:01:00 – Tiffany’s background and spiritual journey

• 00:03:00 – What “church hurt” really means

• 00:05:00 – The story of a courageous pastor and the cost of truth

• 00:08:00 – How spiritual esteem transforms your life

• 00:10:00 – Toxic traditions and contradictions in church culture

• 00:13:00 – Writing the book: anger, healing, and divine downloads

• 00:16:00 – Who the book is for and what readers are saying

• 00:18:00 – Harry Potter as a metaphor for spiritual community

• 00:20:00 – Tiffany’s next book: “Sex Is a Spiritual Superpower”

• 00:22:00 – Fave Rave game: spiders, bats, bears, and cave creatures

• 00:24:00 – Reflections on motherhood, purpose, and reclaiming self

Actress Alison Hamann stops by to talk about Decision Height, a powerful stage production from Waxhaw Community Theater, honoring the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II. Alison shares her experience portraying Virginia Haskell, the empathetic protagonist who narrates the untold stories of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice. From opening night jitters to the emotional depth of the play, this conversation celebrates the resilience of women in wartime and the transformative power of live theater.

• 🎭 Guest: Alison Hamann, lead actress in Decision Height

• 🎬 About the play: A tribute to the WASPs—Women Airforce Service Pilots—who served stateside during WWII

• 🕊️ Themes: Sisterhood, sacrifice, historical injustice, and emotional healing

• 📍 Performance Location: Western Union Elementary, Waxhaw, NC

• 🎟️ Tickets: waxhawcommunitytheater.com

• 💡 Behind the scenes: Allison’s first podcast appearance, cast camaraderie, and the challenges of nonprofit theater

• 🎉 Game Segment: “Cue the Drama” – a playful trivia showdown with high stakes and laughter

• 🏆 Awards Buzz: Waxhaw Community Theater’s recent nominations from the Metro Allina Theatre Association

• 💖 Support the arts: Donate, volunteer, or spread the word to help Waxhaw Community Theater grow

• ☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/makeyourdayricher

What happens when you leave behind a name, a career, and a life and choose to start over? Branch Isole ia a prolific author and poet whose journey from corporate success to spiritual seeker has led to over 20 published books and a podcast that’s changing lives.

Branch shares how poetry became his medium for healing, storytelling, and truth-telling. From the origins of his chosen name to the emotional architecture of trust, this conversation explores identity, creativity, and the courage to break free. Whether you’re navigating change or craving deeper meaning, Branch’s insights will meet you right where you are.

Guest: Branch Isole, author & host of Patient Zero Website: branchisolid.com Podcast: Patient Zero – Wednesdays at 8:30 PM ET on Substack, YouTube, Apple & SpotifyUpcoming Book: Breaking Free – a follow-up to God, I Believe Topics Covered:

• 00:01:00 – Why Branch changed his name and life

• 00:03:00 – From sales presentations to spiritual writing

• 00:05:00 – The emotional power and purpose of poetry

• 00:08:00 – Who reads Branch’s books—and why they matter

• 00:10:00 – Preview of Breaking Free and its spiritual themes

• 00:12:00 – The Patient Zero podcast: stress, relationships, and prophecy

• 00:14:00 – Clip: “Trust is the crosspiece of your life’s easel”

• 00:16:00 – Fave Rave game: anchovies, sunlight, and a 1968 VW Bug

• 00:18:00 – Reflections on gratitude, growth, and living with purpose

What does it mean to truly unload? To release the weight of addiction, shame, and self-sabotage, and step into the life you were meant to live? In this unforgettable episode, I sit down with author and speaker Jamie Weatherly, whose memoir Unloaded chronicles his journey from executive chef to recovering addict to award-winning writer.

Jamie shares how he reclaimed his voice, rebuilt his life, and found purpose in vulnerability. From tattoo symbolism to leap-year publishing dates, from wrestling promos to purple Halloween lights, this conversation is packed with grit, gratitude, and the kind of honesty that sticks with you.

Whether you’re in recovery, chasing a dream, or simply trying to live more authentically, Jamie’s story will move you.

Guest: Jamie Weatherly, author of Unloaded

Website: jamieweatherly.com

Social: Instagram & Facebook @jamieweatherly

Book Signing: Park Road Books, Charlotte, NC – September (National Recovery Month)

Topics Covered:

• 00:01:00 – Jamie’s early writing gifts and creative spark

• 00:03:00 – Life in the restaurant industry and the turning point

• 00:06:00 – Addiction, recovery, and the path to sobriety

• 00:09:00 – Writing Unloaded and finding the real story

• 00:12:00 – What “unloaded” really means—emotionally and spiritually

• 00:15:00 – Feedback from readers: recovery, identity, and connection

• 00:18:00 – The power of branding, merchandise, and community

• 00:20:00 – Jamie’s reflections on fear, ego, and living freely

• 00:22:00 – Fave Rave game: hats, purple lights, and pepperoni

• 00:24:00 – Final thoughts on gratitude, family, and chasing joy

What if navigating health insurance didn’t feel like decoding a foreign language? In this episode, I sit down with Kyle from Health Market Genius, a seasoned broker with nearly 30 years of experience, to demystify the Affordable Care Act, subsidies, enrollment periods, and the real risks of going uninsured. From heartwarming stories to hard truths, Kyle shares how he helps people find coverage that actually works—without the overwhelm.

Whether you’re self-employed, between jobs, or just insurance-curious, this episode is packed with clarity, compassion, and a few laughs (yes, even about insurance).

Guest: Kyle, Founder of Health Market Genius Contact: [email protected] | 828-266-1369

Topics Covered:

• 00:01:00 – Kyle’s journey from insurance rep to founder

• 00:03:00 – How Obamacare changed the game

• 00:05:30 – Common myths about the Affordable Care Act

• 00:08:00 – What qualifies you for subsidies and tax credits

• 00:10:00 – Special enrollment periods explained

• 00:12:30 – Real-life stories: heart transplants, mental health, and more

• 00:15:00 – What to prepare before shopping for coverage

• 00:17:00 – The risks of going uninsured

• 00:19:00 – How Kyle supports clients across state lines

• 00:21:00 – Game time: “Insurance Lightning Round”

• 00:23:00 – Open enrollment dates and final tips

Darci Steiner has walked through unimaginable pain—and found purpose, healing, and beauty on the other side. Darci is a holistic nutritionist, ministry leader, and author of the powerful book Beauty Beyond the Thorns: Discovering Gifts in Suffering. Her journey includes two life-altering disabilities, a rare nerve disorder, and years of recovery that tested every part of her spirit. But instead of giving up, Darci leaned intofaith, embraced holistic healing, and turned her suffering into sacred storytelling. Her book is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating hardship—faith-based, yes, but filled with wisdom and grace that speaks to believers and nonbelievers alike.