Not in a Huff with Jackson Huff

This week, I had a powerful conversation with Stuart Warren Dansby. He is a 56-year-old kickboxer who defied expectations and proved that age is no barrier to pursuing your dreams. Stuart’s journey is the subject of a documentary that chronicles his preparation for an actual fight, not just training and sparring, but stepping into the ring to compete with some of the best.

Here’s what we have talked about:

• His decision to start kickboxing at a later age and why he chose to take on the challenge of an actual fight.
• The mental and physical hurdles he faced, from his body’s natural limitations to the doubts and skepticism from others.
• How the documentary came to be and the nine-year journey it took to create.
• The powerful mindset that kept him going, even when faced with external pressures and self-doubt.
• Life lessons Stuart learned throughout this journey that go beyond kickboxing, touching on perseverance, strength, and the importance of silencing the negative voices around you.
• The unwavering support from his wife and the balance between pushing limits and taking care of yourself.

Stuart’s story is a true testament to the fact that it’s never too late to take on challenges, face fears, and redefine what's possible, no matter your age.

Make sure to listen to the whole podcast to hear how he overcame obstacles and proved what’s possible with the right mindset.

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Watch Documentary Here! Stuart Dansby – Taking the Fight Website

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Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast

Please follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had the pleasyre of speaking with, Dr. Dan McMillan. He is the founder of Save Democracy in America, a non-partisan campaign focused on removing the influence of big money from politics using Voter Dollars reform. Dan is also a historian, a former history professor and prosecuting attorney, and the author of the acclaimed book “How Could This Happen: Explaining the Holocaust”. His insights into history and democracy are truly remarkable.

Here’s what we talked about:

- The causes of the Holocaust and why such an atrocity occurred.

- Why Dan believes an event like the Holocaust could not happen again in today’s world.

- How democracy is currently crumbling and what steps are necessary to save it.

- The impact of big money in politics and how Voter Dollars reform can make a difference.

- Why Dan remains hopeful about the future of democracy despite current challenges.

This conversation is packed with historical insights and a forward-looking perspective on making positive change. I hope you enjoy it!

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Save Democracy in America Website: https://savedemocracyinamerica.org/

Dr. McMillan's Website: https://drdanmcmillan.com/

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Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast

Please follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had an enjoyable time with Heather Gudenkauf. She is a bestselling author of at least ten mystery novels, known for her skill in weaving complex narratives with multiple timelines and perspectives. Her newest book continues this tradition, showcasing her unique storytelling style.

Here's what we talked about in this podcast:

• Our shared love for women’s basketball and its connection to her Iowa roots.
• Heather’s journey as an author and her inspiration for writing mysteries.
• How she approaches crafting stories with multiple timelines and perspectives.
• The unique storytelling elements in her book Before She Was Found.
• The process of making different mediums (like emails and diaries) work cohesively in a novel.
• Her advice to aspiring authors on tackling complex narratives.

You’ll definitely fall in love with this episode, her journey and advice are sure to captivate and inspire!

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Heather Gudenkauf - New York Times Bestselling Author | Novelist

Amazon.com: Heather Gudenkauf: books, biography, latest update

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Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast

Please follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with the amazing Daniel Henning—a NY Times Bestselling Audiobook Narrator, theatre director, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Maybe most known for narrating TJ Klune's award winning "The House in the Cerulean Sea". Daniel is a man of many talents, and we had such a great conversation about his incredible journey.

Here’s what we talked about:

• Daniel shared his audiobook career and how brings different stories to life with his amazing character voices.
• What it’s like to record audiobooks from a booth he built at home.
• The awards and recognition he’s earned for his narration work.
• His passion on advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and more
• Being recognized by the California Legislature for his dedication to the arts and activism.
• Fun Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Daniel’s passion for storytelling and making a difference is truly inspiring. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

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Daniel's Website: https://www.danielhenning.net/

Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhenningla

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Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast

Please follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had a wonderful conversation with Blaze Porter, better known online as Baby Blaze. Blaze is a true trendsetter, blending the worlds of rave culture and van life in a way that has captivated thousands. From her stunning rave costumes and makeup to embracing the freedom of van life, Blaze has created a unique online presence that continues to inspire her fans.

Here’s what we talked about:

• Blaze’s rise to fame through rave costumes, makeup artistry, and her growing online presence.
• Her passion for EDM raves and what excites her about the rave culture.
• The decision to convert a van into her mobile home and her adventures traveling the West Coast and beyond.
• The challenges and successes of building out her van, leveraging her mechanical background.
• The ups and downs of being a social media influencer, including sponsorships and managing negativity.
• Blaze’s travel experiences through California, Arizona, and other locations, and the highs and lows of life on the road.
• Personal growth, creativity, and the journey of self-expression both online and in her everyday life.

This conversation was so much fun, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!

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Blaze’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baby._.blaze

Blaze’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/Baby._.blaze

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Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast

Please follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, we have an amazing guest, George Appling. George is the owner of the Sherwood Forest Renaissance Faire in Texas, a vibrant and immersive festival that transports attendees back to the Renaissance era.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The fascinating world of Renaissance Festivals and their growing popularity across the country.

• George’s journey in creating the Sherwood Forest Renaissance Faire and what it takes to run such an elaborate event.

• The logistics behind organizing a Renaissance Festival, from the costumes to the characters to the intricate details that bring the past to life.

• His perspective on the Texas Renaissance Festival, featured in the documentary Ren Faire, and how it inspired a deeper look into this unique culture.

• The inspiration and process behind George’s recently published book, which explores achieving your dreams and balancing passion with practicality.

• Practical advice on pursuing your passions: whether to follow them now, later, or balance them alongside financial stability.

• Don’t miss this engaging conversation with George as we explore the magic of Renaissance Festivals and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

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George's Website: https://www.georgeappling.com/

Sherwood Forest Faire Website: https://www.sherwoodforestfaire.com/

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Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast

Please follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Zara Mizrahi, a dynamic stand-up comedian, writer, and voice actor who’s making waves in the entertainment industry. With rapid-fire questions, plenty of laughs, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of comedy and voice acting, this conversation is as entertaining as it is enlightening.

Here are several things we had discussed:

• Zara’s unique upbringing in a Mexican Jewish household, debunking common assumptions about her cultural background and exploring her perspectives on migration and identity.
• Zara’s fascinating insights into her career, from her stand-up performances at top comedy clubs to her voice work on shows like ‘Family Guy’’.
• Insights into the comedy and voice-over industries.
• Funny anecdotes and reflections on her career.
• Zara also dishes on her personal projects, including her quirky podcast inspired by her hilariously serious take on soup conspiracies.

And many more! Whether you’re a fan of Zara’s work or curious about the comedy scene, you won’t want to miss this episode!

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Zara's Website: https://www.zaramizrahi.com/

Zara's Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/zaramizrahi

https://linktr.ee/zaramizrahi?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZG6D_QCvAIL-IqliN7UHdnM8Gx_rR9wexA154MTmyZpHncXx4SE6e5x1Y_aem_5cMuimtsUEUTsM0qifD6Lw

https://www.tiktok.com/@zaramizrahi?lang=en

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Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast

Please follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had an amazing time chatting with Chad Bushnell. He is a talented country artist who grew up in a rodeo family and found his passion for music early on. Chad shared stories about his unique journey from competing in rodeos to becoming a Christian country singer and songwriter. His love for performing and connecting with fans shines through, along with his appreciation for a good story in his songs.

Here’s what we talked about in this podcast:

• Chad’s childhood in a rodeo family and his experiences with team roping and steer wrestling.
• How he discovered his passion for music at a young age.
• Balancing writing and performing in his music career.
• Stories behind his popular songs, like Imperfect Prayer, Thank God, and Whiskey to Work.
• Funny and unusual moments from his live performances, including a wild audience story!
• Opening for country stars like Dwight Yoakam, Lee Brice, and Rodney Atkins.
• Advice for aspiring musicians: focus on performing, connecting with fans, and staying consistent.

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Chad's Website: https://www.chadbushnell.com/

Check out Chad's music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7u3M8QGYeoWJBUKZt39xRN

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Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast

Please follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had an amazing chat with Bullseye the Clown! He’s not your ordinary clown – he’s a clown with a mission and a huge heart. Bullseye dedicates his life to helping others, using humor and compassion to make a difference in the world.

Here’s what we discussed:

- Bullseye's mission to fight bullying and the tools he provides to help people overcome it.

- His global charitable work, including performances in underprivileged communities and hospitals to bring joy and relief.

- His travels to places like South America, Russia, and beyond, spreading laughter and healing.

- Training with the legendary Patch Adams and how it shaped his approach to clowning.

- The journey to becoming a clown, including how he chose his persona, makeup, and style.

- Funny and heartwarming stories from his clowning adventures.

- The incredible impact humor can have on people going through tough times.

It was a heartfelt and entertaining conversation you won’t want to miss!

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Want the book? Interested in Joining a Mission Trip? Check out his website below!

Bullseye The Clown: Anti-Bullying Coach and Humanitarian Clown

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Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast

Please follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)

This week, I had the chance to have a chat with the talented Cali Kira, a young actress from LA known for her emotional performances. She’s trained at top acting schools, appeared in numerous short films, and won awards like the 2024 J.O. Teen Scholarship. Cali also has a background in competitive cheer, loves gymnastics and surfing, and performs stand-up comedy.

Here are the things the we had dive into:

• Cali’s Competitive cheer experiences
• Her acting career and some of her standout roles
• The awards she's already won for her acting work
• Her role in the world of stand-up comedy and what it's like to perform on stage at such a young age
• Cali’s bold aspirations to make an impact in the film industry

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Cali's IG: Cali Kira (@cali.kira) • Instagram photos and videos

Cali's Landing Page: Cali Kira on Direct.me

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Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcast

Please follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)