Paralysis to Purpose

David Bentley’s zest for life towers over his dwarfism. Fearless and resilient, his early life was defined by basketball and football ambitions. However, High School made his disability visible as able-bodied peers changed David’s game. He swiftly pivoted, becoming a Basketball Manager in a decision that forever changed his life.  

With a dysfunctional family and tight resources, David accepted an offer to the Christian faith-based Anderson University. College parties quickly stole his attention, but those assigned to his success steered him back to the straight path. The Basketball Manager saw his University’s team hit major basketball milestones, but this success was juxtaposed with congenital stenosis. The aftermath of his spinal surgery introduced David to life in a wheelchair, but the Assistant Coach of Hargrave Military Academy and Upward Stars (summer program) is determined to soar to new heights. His eyes are now fixated on his next goal- coaching at the college level or the NBA.   

Follow David on Twitter and Instagram: @davbentley  

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The 14th of 14 children, this week's podcast guest Roslyn Weems fended off poverty and homelessness to become a force in the financial world.   

A financier, venture capitalist, wealth strategist, hotelier, interior designer, and author of “Wake up you Wealth”, Roslyn used to etch her dreams on the walls of her childhood home.   

Tune in to her interview with David and catch revelations from the Principal of Wealth Consortia LLC on finding true wealth, the connection between paperclips and pineapples, and our ambitions, and how losses often rebalance our lives.  

Check out Roslyn's website: wealthconsortia.com 

Follow Roslyn on Instagram: @wealthconsortia  

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Milwaukee native LaNelle Ramey shares his family's quest to break the cycle of poverty  and the role mentors played in shaping his life. He recounts the peer mentoring circle that kept him on the straight path, and Tom, his high school teacher who steered him in the College direction.   

The Executive Director of Mentor Greater Milwaukee reflects on the hardships of balancing fatherhood while in College, and the power of "owning our own thinking." LaNelle passionately shares his journey as a mentor and the importance of intentional listening. He reminds us that hardships may be temporary but teach lifelong lessons, and that others will always walk with us in this journey of life.   

Check out LaNelle's website:milwaukeementor.com 

Follow  Lanelle on Twitter and Instagram: @LaNelleRamey  

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Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

Episode 50 of Paralysis to Purpose features DJ Hines.

His fight is everyone's fight. 

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, driven by unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. Pastor and entrepreneur-extraordinaire DJ Hines was at risk for heart disease. Determined to leave cholesterol medication behind in his 30s, Hines found answers in a plant-based diet.

In this podcast, Hines shares his remarkable journey to veganism and his staunch commitment to an exercise routine. He also delves into the other spheres of his life including  life-altering outreach work across Milwaukee, and nurturing the gifts of his three children. He reminds us of our collective responsibility to “give time, resources and intellectual capital.”

Behind the soundproof walls of his studio, his life hung in the balance. Dutch voiceover legend Paul Strikwerda, solopreneur of “Nethervoice”, a multilingual voiceover coaching provider and blogger came face-to-face with death when a stroke attacked without warning.   

The husband, father and author of “Making Money in your PJs- Freelancing for voiceovers and other solopreneurs” was never guaranteed to live.  His wife’s instincts and the power to believe saved Paul’s life.

In this podcast, Paul delves into how belief anchored his family through several medical scares, including his daughter’s brain tumor and his wife’s multiple sclerosis. His walk from paralysis to purpose has led him to resurrect his emotional self, be kinder, more patient, and use his voice to help others in life.

Check out Paul's website: https://www.nethervoice.com/

Follow Paul on Twitter and Instagram : @nethervoice   

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FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS 

Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

In a riveting tell-all, Chris Buckley is a former veteran and Ku Klux Klan white supremacist with a dark past framed by childhood sexual abuse and an absent father. His story chronicles a movement from one toxic state to another, professing an obsession to 'hate.' 

Chris' pain is vivid as he recollects his childhood sexual abuse, a yearning to be loved by his father, the hurt of losing his ‘Jumpmans’ shoes, and how the war in Afghanistan triggered his Islamophobia. 

Beneath his layers of pain, Chris shares the lights of his life: his  grandmother’s unfathomable love, his mother’s resilience and his ever-supportive wife.  When substance abuse and hatred sent Chris spiraling out of control, a life-changing hug from Arnos Michaelis, a former white supremacist, helps to bring him back to life. 

In this interview, Chris shares how Arno connected him to his new purpose with Parents4Peace, a non-profit that saves people from extremism. Towards the end of the podcast, we appreciate Chris’ ‘full-circle’ journey when he says “ I am addicted to knowing that someone is benefiting from my pain.” 

Check out Chris's website: www.parents4peace.org

Follow Chris on Twitter:  @Chrisbu94982722

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Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

"Gratitude will open more doors for you than a resume will"  

What does it mean to embrace our "unique design?"    

Mario J Radford is a pastor, musician, speaker, actor, author of a children's book "What If?", Musical Director of the Kentucky State University Ensemble, and a podcast host.    

A multifaceted genius, Mario shares an early lesson learned on ‘mimicking limitations’, a reference to learning to play the piano from his grandfather, a stroke survivor who lost full use of his fingers.  Mario also shares his own missteps including expulsion from school due to failing grades, the struggles of synchronizing his singing and musician skills, and the importance of using someone else's bigger picture as “ an introduction to what we can become.”   

In this podcast, he also shares a defining moment in his life- delivering a speech titled “The power of Now '' at  Kentucky State University, and the role of gratitude in opening doors.   

Check out Mario's website:https://mariojradford.com/

Follow Mario on Twitter: and Instagram: @mariojradford  

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Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

Caroline Cotto is a young global leader who's revolutionizing the food waste industry.   

The Co-Founder and COO of Renewal Mill, Fulbright Fellow to the UN's World Food Program, White House intern for Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative, and champion for cultural exchange, shares her journey of resilience, innovation and advocacy in reducing food waste.   

Her unconventional path started at a tender age, her parents' ice cream shop sparked an interest in food and its life cycle- from the point of origin to serving it to others.  Armed with an educational background in Human Sciences with a focus in Nutrition, Caroline set out to tackle the world’s biggest contributor to climate change- food waste.   

She co-founded Renewal Mills, a start-up that 'upcycles' food byproducts into a line of nutritional baking staples. In this podcast Caroline shares insights into the challenges and successes in this industry, the importance of diversity in effecting change, and her partnerships with food stakeholders to make nutritious food more accessible.   

Check out Caroline's website: https://www.renewalmill.com/

Follow Caroline on Twitter: and Instagram:  @Renewal Mill    

FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose

FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS 

 Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

Beneath the layers of success as a veteran sports analyst and Radio Host of “The Drive” on ESPN 700, Spencer Checketts had a turbulent past.   Son of the iconic Dave Checketts, Former President of the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks, Spencer was exposed to all levels of the basketball world.   

His idyllic life began imploding at 25 when the husband, father of one and successful sports radio analyst discovered a brain tumor. His long road to recovery was quickly followed by another major blow-divorce.  His life was suddenly reduced to being a single father in a lonesome apartment.   

Spencer, who rejected the faith he was raised on, struggled to find spirituality and turned to alcoholism. His addiction led to a DUI charge in 2018 that cost him everything, and Spencer opens up about his path to sobriety. He shares the many lessons learnt during his road to recovery and enlightenment, including how to master the mind and the need to understand and connect to something higher than ourselves.   

Follow Spencer on Twitter: @spencechecketts  and Instagram: @spencechecketts  

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Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

Highly-approved by “Paralysis to Purpose” fans, Mario J. Brown is the mastermind behind the podcasts theme song. With hints of Soul, R&B and Caribbean music, Mario effortlessly blends these genres to produce a one-of-a-kind backdrop to each episode.  

The CEO of M J Brown Musik comes from three-generations of musical genius, honing his talent at his grandfather’s family church. Mario ascended to the ranks of performing with the R&B group Jagged Edge, but made an unpopular decision to return to his gospel roots.   Mario’s life then took an unexpected turn when an injury snatched his dream, forcing him into a string of odd jobs and depression. 

With steadfast faith, Mario channeled his energy into producing gospel music with an R&B flair.  Today, the artist, backed by 25 years of industry experience, continues to produce brilliant R&B-infused gospel music. He speaks about the importance of service to others, faith and perseverance.  

Check out Mario's website: www.artistecard.com/mariojbrown 

Follow Mario on Twitter: @mjbmusik and Instagram: @mariojbrown  

FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose 

FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS 

Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/