"Losing his sight didn't cost Paul Mayfield his vision — it gave him one. This is the story of how isolation, addiction, and a broken heart became the birthplace of a movement that's saving lives."

What happens when the world tells you that you're broken — and you decide to build something anyway?

Dustin Lea Wheeler sits down with Paul Mayfield, Executive Director of Friends With Disabilities Association (FWADA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Grand Rapids, Michigan dedicated to ending isolation, depression, and loneliness for people with disabilities.

Paul shares his raw, unfiltered story — going legally blind at 16, losing his sight completely over the last decade, retiring from teaching, and spiraling into isolation and substance use before faith, family, and a single conversation at the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons in Kalamazoo sparked the idea that would become FWADA. Today, the organization hosts free monthly gatherings with round-trip transportation, activities, and community for people who are differently abled — and has already been credited with helping save lives.

Dustin and Paul dive deep into:

• 🌱 What it really takes to keep "watering the seed" when results aren't instant
• 💡 How assistive technology (like Meta glasses and VoiceOver) is changing what independence looks like
• 🤝 Why connection — not sympathy — is the antidote to isolation
• 🙏 The role faith played in Paul's darkest season and his comeback
• ❤️ Real stories of lives changed — and saved — through community

This conversation is a powerful reminder that your limitations don't disqualify you from your purpose — they might just be the doorway to it.

Connect & Support:
🌐 Learn more about Dustin Wheeler and the Modern Day Profits mission: dustinleawheeler.com

🤍 Learn more, get involved, or support Friends With Disabilities Association: FWADA.org

📩 Reach out directly to Paul Mayfield through FWADA.org to learn how you can help end isolation in your community.

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Guest: Dino Gomez

AI isn't replacing business.

It's exposing weak business.

In this episode of Modern Day Profits: Rising From Soul, Dustin Lea Wheeler sits down with marketing strategist and agency owner Dino Gomez to unpack what AI actually is, why so many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed by it, and how small business owners can use AI to create stronger systems, better marketing, and more meaningful customer relationships—without sacrificing what makes them human.

Together, they explore why infrastructure matters more than chasing more leads, how AI can help identify the hidden bottlenecks holding your business back, and why learning to ask better questions may be one of the most valuable skills every entrepreneur can develop.

Whether you're a coach, consultant, service provider, or local business owner, this conversation will help you move beyond the fear and noise surrounding AI so you can begin using it intentionally, strategically, and consciously.

Technology will continue evolving.

Your humanity is still your greatest competitive advantage.

In This Episode

• Why most small business owners are overwhelmed by AI

• What AI actually is—and what it isn't

• Why infrastructure matters more than marketing

• How AI can strengthen—not replace—human relationships

• The biggest opportunities entrepreneurs are missing

• How to identify the true bottleneck inside your business

• Why conscious businesses will thrive in the AI revolution

Connect with Dino Gomez

Learn more about Dino, his agency and how he helps small businesses navigate the world of marketing and AI.  

https://sandiegoaimarketing.com/

Ready to Strengthen Your Business?

Book a complimentary strategy call and receive your Free Business Foundation Assessment at:

https://dustinleawheeler.com

Modern Day Profits: Rising From Soul creates connection through conscious conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators navigating business, technology, and the future of work—without losing what makes us human,

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In this intriguing episode, we’re joined by Dino Gomez, creator of the Mini-Workshop Method & 7 Figure Visionary, to explore the marketing strategy that continues to crush it in the marketplace (regardless of your niche) because it creates genuine connection. He gives us some examples of how more service based businesses, coaches and consultants could be leveraging workshops to grow their business.  

We also take a deep dive into how AI is fitting into our world today and where we he thinks it's heading.  

Then we wrap up the session with some mic drop wisdom that will help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey that you are definitely going to want to stick around for.    

Check out Dino Gomez below: 

https://7figurevisionary.com

https://www.youtube.com/@DinoGomezMarketing-Coaching

Check out his ManyChat Strategy:

https://7figurevisionary.com/many-training-reg

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In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Dawn Rishárd, creator of the Wake Up to Real Love podcast, to explore the heart of building deep, meaningful relationships—starting with the one we have with ourselves. Dawn shares her powerful insights on the difference between mindset and heartset, explaining why tuning into your heart and spirit is key to creating lasting love and connection.

Dawn also takes us on a pivotal moment from her own hero’s journey, revealing the life-changing experience that ignited her passion for helping others experience true love in their relationships. Together, we dive into honoring emotions, expressing your authentic self, and reconnecting with your heart to manifest the life and relationships of your dreams. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will inspire you to love yourself deeper and create more fulfilling connections in every area of your life.

Check out Dawn Rishard and below:

https://www.tiktok.com/@theawakeningwithdawn
https://www.facebook.com/dawn.r.webster/
https://www.instagram.com/dawnrishard/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-rish%C3%A1rd-m-a-30923a75/

Also you can catch her "Wake Up to Real Love" Podcast here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-to-real-love/id1472828220

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Welcome to this amazing episode “A Writer Must Write” with special guest, Joey Hodges.  She is a renowned, published author of the coming of age series, “Yeah, Maybe”.

Join me as we visit some unforgettable moments on her own Superconscious  Hero's Journey and how she was able to turn one of the scariest moments in her life into action that would completely transform her future.   

She now encourages other’s to do the same and follow their heart! 

We talk about some of the things you can expect on your journey, how to stay the course and how to honor whatever stage of your journey you might be in with love and gratitude.  

To Check Out Joey’s Work: 

Go to https://www.joeyhodgeswrites.com/

If you’d like to get on the waitlist for my Free Masterclass on “Awakening the Force Within: Moving from the predictable programed path to the Superconscious Hero’s Journey!”  

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Welcome to our debut episode with special guest, Corvaa!   Join me as we visit some profound moments on her hero's journey and how to she was able to persevere through her darkest moments with the help of her amazing team and what's a better message that we can carry forward on our own hero's journey! 

Here is her mission! "Our mission at Corvaa Music is to get all talent their opportunities of choice.  We can assist in your long or short terms goals by providing entertainment services."

To Check Out Corvaa's Mission: 
Go to persevere.com

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In this episode, we dive deep into the theme of the Hero's Journey and "How Practice Love while Taking Risks." Life often throws us unexpected curveballs, challenging our courage and resolve. I share a recent personal experience where I encountered a significant opportunity that knocked me sideways. Despite the initial shock, I chose to respond with love and resilience. I'll walk you through how I regained my focus, realigned with my path of love and joy, and embraced the risks inherent in growth and transformation.

✨ Real Example of Turning an Obstacle into an Opportunity: Just recently, I was presented with a chance to practice my commitment to my values that required stepping out of my comfort zone. While daunting at first, I recognized it as a potential catalyst for personal and professional growth. Despite the uncertainties and the initial resistance that arose, I chose to lean into the opportunity with an open heart and a mindset of abundance.

🚀 How I Reacted: Initially, I felt a mix of strong emotions.  However, I reminded myself that growth often requires venturing into the unknown. Instead of succumbing to fear, I embraced the experience as a chance to look for the gifts and re-align with my values.  

💡 Regaining Focus: To realign with my path of love and joy, I practiced Grace & Trust. I tapped into my inner wisdom and reaffirmed my core values and intentions. By reconnecting with my purpose, I regained clarity and focus, allowing me to move forward with courage. 

📚 Pre-order "Awakening the Force Within": Exciting news! You can now pre-order my book, "Awakening the Force Within: Navigating the Hero's Journey With Spirit Riding Shotgun," at awakeningtheforcewithin.com. Pre-ordering grants you an OG Electronic PDF copy on Sunday 4/28/25, along with a softcover copy upon release. Don't miss out on this transformative journey!

🎙️ Be a Guest on the Podcast: Are you ready to share your own hero's journey and explore unpacking conscious conversations? I invite you to be a guest on the podcast! Let's delve into what inspires you, what's your current mission and discuss the better messages we can carry forward together.

💌 Connect with Me: Want to learn more about my work or become part of the movement? Message me directly at m.me/dustinleawheeler.com for more information.

Join me on this journey of #consciouseducation, #emergingeducation, and #superconsciousness as we tap into the #creativespiritwithin and embrace "Awakening the Force Within." Together, let's embark on the epic adventure of the #herosjourney. 🌟

#emergingeducation #divergensee #superconsciouscreator #theherosjourney #unconditionallove

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After connecting with The Adolescent Redemption Project , I realize that these stories need to be heard.  I had the pleasure of hearing from Chester Shepard, who has now been incarcerated 47 years sentenced to life without parole. He practices every day to live a life of God and Grace even when the world says he doesn’t deserve a second chance. At what point can we decide that someone has earned a second chance for redemption?  When the prisoner no longer holds a threat to society and when even the laws that held him there for life have been overturned in 1980, how can we continue to turn our back on this human being?  

I often wonder if we will ever to be able to build systems based on forgiveness and compassion.  How many more lives could we truly save when our world isn’t run by the pursuit of power, politics and greed and more on the spiritual potential that lives within all of us?   Even as I spoke to Shepard, I thought to myself how does a man like still continue to be an inspiration and a mentor to so many others? How does he continue to help others when we’ve told him he isn’t worthy of a second chance?  If this is something that a man with no freedom, locked in a place where hope is a dangerous idea to hold, can find then isn’t it worth us listening to these stories and taking action so more lives don’t get silently sacrificed.  I do not condone the actions that got these men sentenced, but I do believe that they’ve earned the right to redeem themselves in society.  At what point in sentencing can we decide there is a better way forward for rehabilitation for the ones that when given the proper tools and education want to become something better? Don’t we at least need to give these adolescents a 1st chance before taking away their 2nd? 

Unfortunately, there are so many cases like Josh’s & Shepard’s where once sentences they are left forgotten to do nothing, become nothing and to die silently forgotten from society.  I encourage you to ask yourself is this really the best we can do as humans?  Wouldn’t a shot of redemption, rehabilitation and re-education be a better way to go that encourages, inspires and educates others from making the same mistakes?   

Although Chester Shepard and Josh Puckett don’t put the blame on anyone or anything other than their own choices, when do we as a society take responsibility for the fact that our systems, poor education and lack of community and togetherness have created the very things that we are condemning as guilty.  Only together can we truly become the change we want to see.  

If you would like to join the fight for 2nd chances, please visit The Adolescent Redemption Project to see how you can take part in saving lives, but also aiding in the education so adolescents faced with the same choices don’t make the same mistakes.  

What the say about Chester Shepard now: 

“Mr. Shepard is professional, kind and remarkably happy every day. He brings a joy and light to all individuals he is around. He often takes younger inmates under his wing, and does his best to encourage them to live up to their potential. He is a kind and gentle 67-year-old "old timer" who is loved by all who know him.” - MDOC Officers, fellow inmates and his work supervisors

To Support Shepard, Josh and their Mission to stop condemning adolescents to the silent death sentence , please go to: adolescentredemptionproject.org

To Join Our One Tribe Rising Team, please reach out to:
One Life. One Love. One Tribe.
Your Choice
Dustin Wheeler
[email protected]

Support the show

After connecting with The Adolescent Redemption Project , I realize that these stories need to be heard.  I had the pleasure of hearing from Chester Shepard, who has now been incarcerated 47 years sentenced to life without parole. He practices every day to live a life of God and Grace even when the world says he doesn’t deserve a second chance. At what point can we decide that someone has earned a second chance for redemption?  When the prisoner no longer holds a threat to society and when even the laws that held him there for life have been overturned in 1980, how can we continue to turn our back on this human being?  

I often wonder if we will ever to be able to build systems based on forgiveness and compassion.  How many more lives could we truly save when our world isn’t run by the pursuit of power, politics and greed and more on the spiritual potential that lives within all of us?   Even as I spoke to Shepard, I thought to myself how does a man like still continue to be an inspiration and a mentor to so many others? How does he continue to help others when we’ve told him he isn’t worthy of a second chance?  If this is something that a man with no freedom, locked in a place where hope is a dangerous idea to hold, can find then isn’t it worth us listening to these stories and taking action so more lives don’t get silently sacrificed.  I do not condone the actions that got these men sentenced, but I do believe that they’ve earned the right to redeem themselves in society.  At what point in sentencing can we decide there is a better way forward for rehabilitation for the ones that when given the proper tools and education want to become something better? Don’t we at least need to give these adolescents a 1st chance before taking away their 2nd? 

Unfortunately, there are so many cases like Josh’s & Shepard’s where once sentences they are left forgotten to do nothing, become nothing and to die silently forgotten from society.  I encourage you to ask yourself is this really the best we can do as humans?  Wouldn’t a shot of redemption, rehabilitation and re-education be a better way to go that encourages, inspires and educates others from making the same mistakes?   

Although Chester Shepard and Josh Puckett don’t put the blame on anyone or anything other than their own choices, when do we as a society take responsibility for the fact that our systems, poor education and lack of community and togetherness have created the very things that we are condemning as guilty.  Only together can we truly become the change we want to see.  

If you would like to join the fight for 2nd chances, please visit The Adolescent Redemption Project to see how you can take part in saving lives, but also aiding in the education so adolescents faced with the same choices don’t make the same mistakes.  

What the say about Chester Shepard now: 

“Mr. Shepard is professional, kind and remarkably happy every day. He brings a joy and light to all individuals he is around. He often takes younger inmates under his wing, and does his best to encourage them to live up to their potential. He is a kind and gentle 67-year-old "old timer" who is loved by all who know him.” - MDOC Officers, fellow inmates and his work supervisors

To Support Shepard, Josh and their Mission to stop condemning adolescents to the silent death sentence , please go to: adolescentredemptionproject.org

To Join Our One Tribe Rising Team, please reach out to:
One Life. One Love. One Tribe.
Your Choice
Dustin Wheeler
[email protected]

Join me and a very special guest, Josh Puckett,  and the TARP (The Adolescent Redemption Project) as we talk about Josh's personal mission to help others and himself fight for a second chance.  Since we are speaking from Prison, you will be able to hear the recording when our allotted time is up as well as the poorer audio quality.

Much like Josh, I believe that Transformation comes from the Small & Mighty Steps that reap the Mighty Rewards and even through the most dyer of circumstances we each hold the most valuable resource we have, Our Choice to focus on the things we can control and go All In on that.  While in prison, Josh wrote a workbook called The Power of the Grind, to help others grow and transform in a way more beneficial to themselves and to other’s around them.  

The Power of the Grind resonated with me deeply in a powerful way.  The books multiple lessons aligned with all that I try to Teach & Reflect through the service in my life for others.  It is a simple, effective pocket guide to build a better foundation on Value, Principles & Heart vs. fear, doubt & ego as so many of us has been taught.  

Undeniably, it hurts my heart to think that people, actual human beings like Josh and so many others are sentenced to Life with no opportunity for redemption.  In my opinion, the Personal Growth that Josh has Risen through should be Honored and Appreciated as he is setting a new standard for someone in his circumstance.  Where so many choose to give up, he chooses Empower, Educate & Entertain a new way of thinking, feeling and behaving for those who are not being given a second chance.   

Josh and I have had countless conversations and every time I walk away from them a better person for having met Josh and so often just left with one major question of why are we keeping him behind bars?  Why can we not see that by doing so we are actually robbing so many others of what Josh has to offer others who are on the verge of giving up?  How many others like Josh, have we locked away to be forgotten about, with no hope, with no future? Are we truly honoring the lives lost from these horrendous circumstances? 

Josh rarely speaks about his own freedom, but more so fights for the freedom of others when it has come down to how can he become a service to others.  Rarely has he asked for anything for himself, although I know his fight to become a free man is still a very real cause, one that I can only hope that somehow through these words can give his story some justice. 

I am in awe of his strength, determination and dedication to helping others fight for something that I can only imagine can feel very hopeless at times and hope is something that I believe that we should all fight for because when hope is gone, so leaves our desire and our will to fight for the value of our lives. Without feeling hopeful, we feel helpless and when we feel helpless, we get caught up in disempowering thoughts, feelings & actions that only continue the victim mentality cycle which only breeds more fear and destruction.  Isn’t this the exact thing that we are trying to prevent and avoid by locking up these people and throwing away the keys for life?  

Where we can go one, we can go all! 

To Support Josh and his Mission and start practicing a model of Service where No Lives Get Left Behind, please go to:

 www.freejoshpuckett.com
adolescentredemptionproject.org

To Join Our One Tribe Rising Team, please reach out to:
One Life. One Love. One Tribe.
Your Choice
Dustin Wheeler
[email protected]

Support the show