Beyond the Spectrum:  Real Talk on Adult Life with Autism – My Guest, Keegan Riley.

“Autism isn’t a problem to be solved, it’s a perspective to be embraced.” ~ A. Ne’eman

Imagine waking up every day and feeling like the world looks and feels different to you than it does to everyone else around you.  That is basically what it is like in the mind of someone with autism.  The way someone with autism interprets information and how they react to that information may seem weird to others.  However, for the person with autism it is all they know.

I had the incredible blessing of being the youth league baseball coach of this week’s guest.  Mr. Keegan Riley played a few years of baseball in his pre-teen years and I had even went to college with both of his parents.

Keegan shares with my listeners some of the struggles he faced while he was growing up and how it just took time to figure out the best way for him to carve a path of success.  Using his love of gaming and natural ability in tech, Keegan explored jobs that matched his interest.

Like many of us, life is just a big game of trial and error.  We can’t know what we will love or be good at unless we try.  This can be an added difficulty when you see the world through a different perspective than others.  Keegan shares how he learned to better manage his impulses and find focus to overcome difficult moments and he stands as a great example of how anyone can turn what others might perceive as a disability, into a strength.  His message to others out there that may be trying to find their way in this world while managing autism, is to never give up and don’t forget that you have a gift that can help others, so never stop growing.

Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my social media content on my website http://MotivateWithCoachCamp.com   Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link below to learn more.

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This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC

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Breaking Barriers: Autism Awareness through a Preteen’s Eyes – My Guest, Hunter Camp.

“Autism is not a disability, it’s a different ability.” ~ S. Duncan

Over the last 25 years we have seen an increasing number of children being diagnosed with autism.  In fact, some of the latest stats show that 1 in 31 children in the United States alone have some form of autism.  This is a 312% increase since 2000.

The average age of diagnosis is around 4 years of age and it may take several years to truly assess the severity of the person’s condition.  The reason for this is because autism doesn’t affect everyone the same.  Hunter is not only my guest this week, but he also happens to be my nephew.  While I can reflect back over the years and think of several people I know that have had to learn how to manage and live with their autism, I can honestly say I’ve had a front row seat to seeing the varying stages my nephew has gone through as he has gotten older.

I wasn’t sure how he would do in the studio with all of the bright lights, but true to form he completely surprised me with how easy the conversation was.  It was one more revelation of how we should never put limitations on someone and we should always try and assume the best.  Hunter gives a very honest and candid conversation on some of the things he struggles with and he opens up about the things he loves to do.

One of my big takeaways from our conversation was simply, we as a society would do ourselves a huge favor to pause and stifle judgement when someone is acting in a way that is outside the quote “norm”.  Hunter and millions like him just simply see the world differently and they just want to be accepted for the person they are.  My nephew has an enormous heart and I hope our conversation helps someone out there by seeing how this young fella isn’t just surviving, he is thriving!

Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my social media content on my website http://MotivateWithCoachCamp.com   Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link below to learn more.

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On this episode of Cannonballing Life, Derrick realizes the joys—and headaches—of parenting a teen driver when his daughter's car breaks down at the worst possible time. He also shares why he's letting his hair grow out and how Coach has some colorful ideas for improving local politics. Plus, Coach recounts another high-anxiety MRI visit, Derrick finally lands a primary doctor (hello, colonoscopy prep!), and the guys dive into some listener emails to wrap things up. It’s another ride through real life—with laughter, honesty, and just enough TMI.

Please email us your questions at [email protected]

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This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC

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Magnolia State Politics: My Run for Mississippi State Senate District 1, Jon Stevenson.

“Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts.  It is about one life influencing another.” ~ J. Maxwell

For this week’s podcast I decided to offer a moment to allow two candidates to come together and talk about why they feel like they were the best person to lead Mississippi forward.  Here in North Mississippi our State Senator position is having a special election due to a recent redistricting of the population in District 1.

While I am certainly not a political podcast, my podcast has definitely had its fair share of politicians share their personal stories and what motivated them to go into public service.  My hope was that we could get a side by side comparison of the candidates so the constituents could make a better informed decision.

At the very core of my beliefs is, anyone that chooses to hold office should have a servants heart.  Leadership is crucial and having the wrong leader can be very detrimental.  Over my many years in athletics I’ve seen what a great coach can do, not only for their team, but for the players.  A great leader should be able to motivate, inspire, build confidence, perpetuate hope and above all, remain humble in order to always be able to put others needs before themselves.

Unfortunately, only one candidate was able to make it, but I did have a written statement from Mike McClendon.  I hope that this episode gives some insight to the person that is running for the position and highlights some of the things that he has gone through which were life building toward his character.

My final thought is this, I feel like we as a society would be a lot better off if we put our emotions to the side when discussing politics and allow more for discussion instead of dismissal.  We might find that we all have a lot more in common than we think.  I wish both candidates well and I am pulling for the winner to be great…Mississippi needs you to be great!

Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my social media content on my website http://MotivateWithCoachCamp.com   Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link below to learn more.

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In this episode of Cannonballing Life, Derrick reflects on his daughter starting her senior year and how a chaotic senior picture day tested everyone's patience. He also recounts a wild DJ weekend that included sunburn, family fun, and an awkward music request at a kid-filled party. Meanwhile, Coach deals with the trauma of a broken toenail, they read a few listener emails, and Zach Camp delivers another diary-worthy tale.

Please email us your questions at [email protected]

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This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC

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Lost in the Moment: Lives Altered by One Decision – My Guest, Cameron Land, Firefighter/Paramedic.

“Forgiveness means letting go of the hope for a different past.” ~ G. Jampolsky

This week’s podcast really hit home for me on several levels.  My guest, Cameron Land, shares with my audience the heartbreaking story of how 15 minutes changed his life forever and the grief of losing his friend will last his lifetime.

I had the incredible honor of actually being Cameron’s baseball coach when he was little and worked alongside his father on the Memphis fire department’s Special Operations Rescue Team.  To say I know this week’s guest well would be an understatement.  It is for this reason that I know this incident is something that any of us could fall victim to in a given moment.

Like many young people on St. Patrick’s Day Cameron went out with some friends to enjoy the festivities but by the end of the day he would find himself sitting in jail in downtown Memphis and his ex-roommate would be deceased.  When a text argument became a physical fist altercation, Cameron realized a simple fist fight had suddenly turned deadly and every emotion one could imagine flooded over him.

Cameron could not imagine how a fist fight could happen one minute and then he was performing CPR the next minute.  Cameron hopes that by sharing his story he can help at least one person to consider how quickly things could change and how just walking away from a situation can be the best thing an individual can do.

Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my social media content on my website http://MotivateWithCoachCamp.com   Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link below to learn more.

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This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC

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On this episode of Cannonballing Life, Coach and Derrick are battling through the fog—Derrick’s in a Zyrtec-D daze, and Coach claims he’s deep in the throes of male menopause. The guys tackle everything from animals that outlive their welcome to a bizarre first responder call involving a blowup doll. Plus, another hilarious entry from Zach Camp’s infamous diary makes an appearance, and they respond to some colorful listener emails. Chaos, comedy, and candid life talk—just another week cannonballing through it all.

Please email us your questions at [email protected]

Follow Coach’s new FB Group, Positive Voices

SUPPORT THE POD - If you would like to make a donation to the show you can on Venmo - @‌motivatewithcoachcamp

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This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC

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From District to Duty – My Guest, Rodney Hall, Representative for Mississippi House District 20.

“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. The greatest leader is the one who gets people to do the greatest things.” ~ Reagan

If I had to describe this week’s guest in a quick sentence it would be, “unequivocally, service before self.”  Rodney Hall is an Army Ranger and Battalion Commander in the Mississippi Army National Guard, he is also a Lawyer and was recently elected as, Representative for Mississippi House District 20.

Mr. Hall shares how his father played a huge role in his desire to strive to be the best version of himself and to do so with the intention of making those around him better in the process.  This truth was very evident because on the day of his interview he was accompanied by a protégé that was aspiring to be an immigration lawyer.

Mr. Hall explains that at the heart of his desire to run for office was the hope to create positive change that would not only far outlive himself, but hopefully influence future generations to push for a better tomorrow that will benefit others.

It has been my experience that people in leadership positions that are not in it for personal gain, but instead to do the most good, can actually change the direction of generations to come in a very positive and profound way.  It is my opinion that there are many more chapters to be written by Mr. Hall and I am excited to see how his influence will help mold the leaders of the future.

Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my social media content on my website http://MotivateWithCoachCamp.com   Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link below to learn more.

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In this episode of Cannonballing Life, Derrick and Coach dive into summer's chaos—both physically and figuratively. Still shaking off the effects of the "summer crud," the duo shares stories from the past week. Derrick recounts his blazing hot DJ gig and teases more events on the horizon, while Coach takes us on a ride to Myrtle, Mississippi, where he attended an MLB draft party.

The conversation slides into a debate about Major League Baseball umpires and their all-too-frequent blown calls. Listener emails to [email protected] also make their way into the mix, sparking honest and hilarious commentary. To wrap things up, Derrick and Coach explore the weird world of dreams—some crazy, some recurring, all unforgettable.

Another wild ride with your favorite cannonballers—strap in!

Please email us your questions at [email protected]

Follow Coach’s new FB Group, Positive Voices

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This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC

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My Guest, Dr. Derrick Edwards, Psychology Professor at Tennessee Tech and Professional Counselor for First Responders.

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone ” ~ Mr. Rodgers

It can go without saying that life is full of uncertainties.  However, there are plenty of things that can easily be said to be certainties in life as well.  One of those certainties is, first responders will face many difficult situations over the course of a career.  Some of those situations will leave emotional scars that will not heal alone and that’s when we must make our personal mental health the priority.

This week’s guest decided to combine his love of psychology and firefighting to be a voice for first responders.  Doctor Derrick Edwards does an incredible job of breaking down the many layers of mental stress that one goes through, and the different avenues individuals will take to find coping mechanisms.

Doctor Edwards took a practical approach to the complexity of psychology and did an excellent job of keeping the information both relatable and academic at the same time.  His personal experiences combined with his academic studies are the perfect blend when it comes to being able to be both sympathetic and empathic to first responders experiencing a mental health crisis.

This episode is a must listen if you or someone you know works on the frontlines and even non-first responders will gain a ton of information that can be useful in every day life.  The number one message that I hope others will take from this episode is, it is ok to not be ok, and you owe it to yourself to want a healthy mind.  Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is a true strength and your life is definitely worth living.

Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my social media content on my website http://MotivateWithCoachCamp.com   Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link below to learn more.  This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC ShelbyRowProductions.com

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This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC

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