In this episode, we talk to Peter Stavros. He describes himself as creative, resilient and a work in progress. Peter lives in the United States. 

Peter tells us about sitting on a comma with colitis, a health condition that rendered him out of commission for an entire year. While battling with his health scare, Peter was inspired to document his recovery by writing about it. Not only did this help him mentally survive this difficult process, but it also sparked a creative craving that ultimately led him to change careers and shift to a lighter, more expressive way of working. Tune in to hear what Peter means when he says “I finally walked the 50 feet”.  

You can find Peter on:

• Website:  https://peterjstavros.com 

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/PeterJStavros/ 

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjstavros/  

• X:  https://x.com/PeterJStavros/ 

Peter would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My wife, Christine, who was my nurse, coach and #1 fan  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-stavros-cpa-1b90a144/ 

Team Challenge, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation  https://teamchallenge.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/pages/1962  Team Challenge is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s endurance community — where we turn miles into momentum and fundraising into breakthroughs. The Foundation has played a critical role in the discovery of every drug for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that has come to market in the last decade, including groundbreaking biologic therapies. But when it comes to cures, impatience is a virtue. We want to improve quality of life and get to cures faster.

#stuckunderthecomma #walkthe50feet #workinprogress #colitisandcrohns #introvertstoryteller #Iwanttowrite #thiswillmakeagoodstory #documentmyrecovery #recoveringattorney #OfftheCommapodcast #offthecomma 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Jack LaFountain. He describes himself as a vagabond dreamer. Jack lives in the United States. 

Jack tells us about sitting on a comma after a back surgery necessitated a career shift. When the prospect of continuing to work as a nurse was no longer possible for Jack, he pivoted through retirement and into writing full time. While writing and creating had always been a part of his life, Jack now had to overcome the challenge of self-promotion in order to give his books the life they deserved. Through his journey of leaning into becoming a writer, he learns that self-promotion doesn’t negate his passion for service to others. Tune in to hear what Jack means when he says “my characters wake me up sometimes in the night.”

You can find Jack on:

• Website:  www.jacklafountainauthor.com  

• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/authorjacklafountain  

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-lafountain-729b99209/

Jack would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

American Legion Post 237  https://www.legion237.com/post-location  Since our charter, our American Legion Post has been welcoming VETERANS from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today, we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community.  Our mission is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings for our country, friends and families embodied in our Preamble.

The Forty and Eight  https://www.fortyandeight.org/  La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses) is an independent, by invitation, honor society of American veterans, more commonly known as “The Forty & Eight”.

House of Honor Books  https://www.houseofhonorbooks.com   Readers and writers House of Honor welcomes you. We are an independent publisher located in rural north Alabama. We are a small press, but our vision is as big as the cosmos.

#vagabonddreamer #veteransgroups #runonsentence #givethisatry #nowwhatdoido #backpain #cajunwerewolf #steadfastness #tellalltheirstories #learntopromoteyourself #talkaboutthebooks #happiernow #whatif #wholenewlife #OfftheCommapodcast #offthecomma 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

In this episode, we talk to Luna Westish. She describes herself as curious, contemplative, and adventurous. Luna lives in the United States. 

Luna tells us about sitting on a comma with deciding how she wanted to publish her next book. While facing challenges with attention, Luna worked to get clear on what outcomes she wanted for her book and the process she wanted to use to complete the work needed to get there. Along the way, she had to evaluate her expectations and set realistic goals, ultimately deciding how she wanted to see her book come to life in the world. Tune in to hear what Luna means when she says “I want to see people holding my book”. 

You can find Luna on:

• Website:  www.lunawestish.wordpress.com 

• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/lunawestish 

• TikTok:  www.tiktok.com/@lunawestish 

• Bookshop:  https://bookshop.org/a/115025/9798986371665 

Luna would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to them and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

The query sites Luna mentioned in her interview are (corrected):

• Query Tracker  https://querytracker.net

• qtCritique  https://qtcritique.com

Mutual Aid organizations, such as Tacoma Mutual Aid Collective  https://mutualaiddisasterrelief.org/co-conspirators/tacoma-mutual-aid-collective/  Mutual Aid Disaster Relief is a grassroots disaster relief network based on the principles of solidarity, mutual aid, and autonomous direct action.

#querying #publishingprocess #formattingnotintuitive #attention #impostersyndrome #productivitytime #setyouroutcome #protectyourprocess #soulsearching #learnaboutmyself #readingasatool #writingasamirror #realisticexpectations #OfftheCommapodcast #offthecomma 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Toni Akin. She describes herself as kind, hard-working and community-focused. Toni lives in the United States. 

Toni tells us about being born on a comma. Growing up as LGBTQ in a housing project, Toni’s life was shaped by challenges and stigmatization. Navigating the difficulties of this early life, she looked to her community to shape and support her. Family and coaches, followed later by employers and organizations, all played a role in helping her work toward the better life she envisioned for herself. As an adult, she found herself passionately advocating for others who face similar life challenges that she did. Tune in to hear what Toni means when she says “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”. 

You can find Toni on:

• Website:  www.toniakin.page.gd 

• Facebook:  @Toni Akin (Providence, RI)

• X:  X.com@toni_d_akin  

• Linkedin:  www LinkedIn.com/in/ToniDAkin  

Toni would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My mom and dad for their impact on my life. 

My late softball coach, Anthony, for checking in on me and seeing to my needs. 

I want to honor my Italian grandmother for bestowing a $500 US Savings Bond with a handwritten note to "graduate high school and go to college. 

I want to thank my partner of 26 years, Ali. I never thought I would find a love this earnest, here in the Capital City of Rhode Island, that I also fell in love with.  https://www.nenapvd.org

The U.S. Army and the U.S. DOT respectively, for having faith in my capabilities as a young professional launching my career in public service. 

TerraCorps  https://terracorps.org    The mission of TerraCorps is to prepare and mobilize emerging leaders to help communities conserve and steward land for people and nature.

#community #advocacy #positiveinfluences #housingprojects #faceyourfears #bornonthecomma #betterlistener #weneedeachother #causesthatmatter #abetterlife #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to John Rennie. He describes himself as a leader who is empathetic and creates unity. John lives in the United States. 

John tells us about sitting on a comma with a transition in his life; winding down a long-term business and propping up a new ministry. Strong in his faith, John tells us about the challenges of losing his identity as a business owner and learning to submit himself to God to guide his new path and purpose. Along the way, he finds that harmony means carrying his cross with him as he seeks to help others with carrying their own. Tune in to hear what John means when he says “I had to put aside expectations, which goes against my learned behavior”. 

You can find John on:

• Website:  https://www.brushfires-digital.com 

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/brushfires.ministry/ 

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-j-rennie/ 

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/430555434394373 

• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@BrushFiresMinistry  

John would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My wife Buffy  

Mike & Tina Green  

Kearsy & Colton Hoffman  https://kearsyhoffman.com

#understandingbeliefs #purposethroughministry #obedientsubmission #harmonywithGod #Iwasdrained #setasideexpectations #losingidentity #falsebeliefs #awareness #fruitofthespirit #burdenofthechurch #pickupyourcross #slowdownandwalk #OfftheCommapodcast #offthecomma

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Polly Lovell. She describes herself as empathetic, insightful, and driven. Polly lives in the United Kingdom. 

Polly tells us about sitting on two commas that were connected. Polly describes setting down alcohol while going through a stressful divorce; needing to have clarity while going through the process. However, after claiming her freedom, she found herself returning to alcohol as a means to cope with job pressures, the pandemic and life! What she discovered was a health scare, a role model and a plan to help her reclaim her freedom again. Tune in to hear what Polly means when she says “I learned that I have exceptional strength”. 

You can find Polly on:

• Website:  https://www.sobercoachpolly.com

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZByMkNa7p/?mibextid=wwXIfr

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sobercoachpolly?igsh=MWU0em9zaTlzczdrNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/polly-lovellsobercoach?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Polly would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Janey Lee Grace  https://www.instagram.com/janeyleegrace?igsh=MXN2NW1pbzZ2cW5mdg==

Hilbre 'Bre' Kirk  https://www.instagram.com/bre_moves?igsh=bTl4cHBscHU3N3Vl

Catherine Grey  https://www.instagram.com/unexpectedjoyof?igsh=d3AyZHYwOWR4dzR6

#divorcechallenge #tastingfreedom #metrics #NLP #healthdriven #daughterinspiration #awakeningforme #regretispainful #coreresilience #exceptionalstrength #servicetopurpose #healthandconfidence #OfftheCommapodcast #offthecomma 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Mark Blacknell. He describes himself as expansive, flawed and an amalgamation of primordial stuff. Mark lives in the United States. 

Mark tells us about sitting on a comma with PTSD and feeling “messy” in life. While his life was threaded with anxiety, depression, and challenging thoughts, Mark found ways to move forward despite the struggles. What was missing for him was a sense of calm, warmth, peace and stability. On his journey, he found the clarity to seek help and discovered a pathway to these goals through zen meditation. Tune in to hear what Mark means when he says “I stopped to take my mental illness seriously”.

You can find Mark on:

• Website:  https://stareatthewall.org/

• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/stareatthewallwithmark/

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-blacknell/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stareatthewallwithmark

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stareatthewallwithmark

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stareatthewallwithmark

Mark would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Christine Ramos  https://influentialwomen.com/connect/christine-ramos

Peter Coyote, My Teacher  https://petercoyote.com/

Lewis Richmond  https://www.lewisrichmond.com  Lewis Richmond is a bestselling author, editor, blogger, and musician/composer.

Paul Shippee  https://paulshippee.com  Paul Shippee, MA Psychology, has been teaching and facilitating NVC practice groups continuously for 14 years, after intensive training with NVC founder, Marshall Rosenberg, PhD and other NVC trainers, in addition to study with Native American teachers and yoga masters.

#ptsdaffects #stability #stopandreflect #zenmeditation #takementalillnessseriously #gettinghelp #birdsknownoboundaries #alwayschasing #faceyourself #needtostabilize #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Aaron Ryan. He describes himself as a dual storyteller, family man and provider/protector. Aaron lives in the United States. 

Aaron tells us about sitting on several commas around career and job pivots. As a creator his entire life, Aaron enjoys being a storyteller. While he has told many stories in many ways throughout his life, his passion revolves around writing his books. With the goal in mind of generating most of his income from his novels, he finds himself pivoting and facing the challenges of uncertainty. What serves Aaron is boldly getting started and slowing down while taking the steps. Tune in to hear what Aaron means when he says “you cannot microwave your way to success”. 

You can find Aaron on:

• Website:  https://authoraaronryan.com 

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authoraaronryan

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/authoraaronryan/

• Links:  https://dot.cards/authoraaronryan 

Aaron would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My wife and editor Janine Graves: www.denouementediting.com 

Fellow author, highly supportive friend 

Victoria Richmond: https://www.richmondscraftycorner.com/books 

Vance Pease, hugely supportive reader and personal friend 

Walker Armstrong, for the invaluable referrals to provide verisimilitude for the Dissonance saga

#manifestsuccess #creativestoryteller #providerandprotector #unfetteredbelief #couragelikeadog #pantserwriter #writingnovels #leavingalegacy #deafeningsilence #startquicklygoslowly #methodicaldiscipline #keepwriting #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Kate Hendrickson. She describes herself as family-oriented, southern-proud, and strategic. Kate lives in the United States. 

Kate tells us about sitting on many commas and the process she follows each time. Whether it was what to study at school, the work she wanted to do, or a critical life decision in the midst of a natural disaster, Kate learned to trust her gut about life changes that would serve her best. Despite second-guessing and worrying about what others might think, she found that her journey always involved taking steps and reflecting back at the results of her actions. Tune in to hear what Kate means when she says, “I never want to forget this moment in my life”. 

You can find Kate on:

• Website:  https://www.kate-hendrickson.com/ 

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kwhendrickson/

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-hendrickson-fl02/

Kate would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/  Each day, thousands of people – people just like you – provide compassionate care to those in need. Our network of generous donors, volunteers and employees share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world. We roll up our sleeves and donate time, money and blood. We learn or teach life-saving skills so our communities can be better prepared when the need arises. We do this every day because the Red Cross is needed - every day.

My family and friends who are my amazing support system!

#midlifeawakening #reflectionandpride #youngerpresenting #lifeisastory #whatsnext #makeadecision #feltlikechaos #Ineverwanttoforget #recoveringpeoplepleaser #6monthsinOrlando #multiplecommas #onedecisionatatime #takeaction #trustmygut #learnfromcommas #OfftheCommapodcast #offthecomma 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Margaux Amie. She is a storyteller at heart who is calm and focused. Margaux lives in the United States. 

Margaux tells us about sitting on a comma after the death of her husband following the loss of her mother and grandmother prior. When everything came to a stop for her, she found silence, darkness and depression. Margaux relied on the necessity of moving forward to find her ascension out of the grief, with the help of friends and therapists to serve as her mirror. As she climbed toward a better place, Margaux found a new sense of purpose in uplifting her professional community and the broader community of women. Tune in to hear what Margaux means when she says “I’m going to put my community back to work”. 

You can find Margaux on:

• Website:  https://trueselffilms.com/ 

• Instagram:  @margauxamie,  @trueselffilms

• Facebook:  Margaux Amie,  True Self Films

Margaux would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My family, for supporting me through my journey. 

My close and personal friends, for their support. 

My colleagues and coworker friends, for their support. 

I want to lift up women, for whom I am dedicated to support. 

True Self Films  https://trueselffilms.com/   At True Self Films, we create compelling feature films, TV episodics, and documentaries that inspire, entertain, and challenge perspectives. We are committed to storytelling that uplifts underrepresented voices and fosters inclusivity in the film industry.

Rosie Carter  https://thelifeside.com  To restore alignment, resilience, and vitality in the lives of those aged 30-60 through the power of presence.

#keepgoing #keepmoving #survivinggrief #everythingstopped #moveoutofnecessity #ascension #fromtheabyss #gettinghelp #buildingback #creativespirit #newpossibilities #carvemyownpath #flagshipfilm #trueselffilms #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!