Host Leslie Pagel welcomes Linda Wysocka, musical creator behind SouLara Rose and founder of Rebirth Rhythm, to discuss living “to the beat of your own drum” as a remembering of one’s true self through shedding conditioning, checking alignment in the body, and regulating the nervous system. Linda shares using somatic cues to make decisions, distinguishing intuition from nervous system activation, and practicing boundaries, saying no, and protecting time and energy. She recounts major losses during COVID, divorce, heart-opening healing, and releasing grief through her Rebirth Rhythm Method combining music, movement, and breath. Linda explains creating an alter ego - SouLara Rose - to access bold self-expression, giving herself permission to feel and cry, and shares her future plans for books, workshops, retreats, and eventually singing her own songs. The episode ends with Leslie reflecting on training intuition alongside intellect.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:12 Remembering Your True Self

03:47 Music Roots and Return

04:28 Unpeeling Conditioning

05:57 Crisis Divorce and Healing

09:50 Rebirth Rhythm Release

11:13 Nervous System vs Intuition

14:52 SouLara Rose Alter Ego

16:28 Dancing in the Storm

19:01 Permission to Feel

23:39 Is Self Care Selfish

27:08 Regulate Before Choosing

27:46 Pressure Means No

28:09 Visualize The Reality

29:56 Define Your Success

30:45 If In Doubt Wait

33:08 Timing And Cycles

34:12 Identity In Between

35:07 Don’t Chase Attract

39:27 Healing Onion Layers

41:00 What’s Next

42:43 Where To Find Linda

43:14 Trust Yourself Message

45:16 Host Reflection Wrap

You can find Linda on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindawysocka/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580392440169

SouLara Rose on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wwhEcDid5PPNwjAhn8R8Q

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

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Host Leslie Pagel talks with Carol Koiro about living “to the beat of your own drum” through determination, confidence, and refusing to accept “no.” Carol shares examples of solo travel to Dubai and a trip to Cuba despite others’ doubts. She explains that she has been headstrong since childhood. After tearing both hamstrings, she pivoted from running to triathlon, gradually improving to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona. She describes being diagnosed with colon cancer and later lung cancer (after racing in 2023), having lung surgeries, and choosing to shift focus to new experiences like hiking after moving to Washington State. Carol explains how she identifies fear, researches, breaks challenges into steps, plans for worst-case scenarios, and avoids panic. Leslie reflects that confidence is built by taking action, hearing “no,” failing, and continuing anyway.

00:00 Welcome to Purpose Project

00:41 Meet Carol Koiro

01:16 Solo Trips and Big Ideas

02:48 Headstrong Since Childhood

04:46 From Runner to Kona

05:54 Cancer and Changing Priorities

09:05 Confidence and Fear Research

14:07 Breaking Fear Into Steps

17:58 Figuring It Out in 2020

18:48 Determination Over Proving

20:07 Goals And Purpose Mindset

20:56 Childhood Self Sufficiency

22:28 No Excuses Philosophy

25:02 Life Is Short

26:27 Finding Your Adventure Tribe

29:18 Meeting People In New Places

31:11 Support Network That Enables

33:41 What Holds You Back

34:35 Building Confidence Through Action

37:07 Closing Reflections And Takeaways

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

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Host Leslie Pagel interviews Nicholas Lawrence about finally thru-hiking the 2,198.4 mile Appalachian Trail in 2023 after dreaming about it since 2012 while building a white-collar compliance career. Nicholas defines a thru-hike, notes that about 4,000 attempt it yearly and roughly 20% finish. Nicholas describes years of delays due to certifications, moves, and growing responsibilities, and how he kept the goal alive through micro-steps, practice hikes, and talking about it. A turning point came when his partner Catherine encouraged him to stop talking and do it, then supported him with resupplies and meetups. He committed in late 2022, started in January, experienced extreme solitude, managed fears and setbacks, and finished, losing about 40 pounds. He discusses evolving “whys,” trail depression, applying lessons to work, and advice to break goals into tangible steps and welcome accountability.

00:00 Welcome to Purpose Project

01:06 What a Thru Hike Means

03:28 Nicholas Makes the Call

04:21 A Decade of Excuses

07:03 Keeping the Dream Alive

07:49 The Catalyst Partner Support

15:27 Accountability on Trail

16:59 Planning Without Overwhelm

20:12 Office Reactions and Regret

22:56 From Decision to Day One

24:31 Cold Weather Doubts and Gear

27:34 Day One at Amicalola

28:27 Alone On Trail

30:31 Planning And Check Ins

31:11 When It Felt Real

34:10 Purpose In Steps

35:36 Hard Days And Whys

38:14 Training For Solitude

39:56 Whys Evolve Over Miles

41:45 Changed Body And Mind

43:55 Trail Depression After

47:15 Finding Your Next Hike

48:57 Advice And Micro Steps

51:29 Closing Reflections

Reach out to Nicholas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nwlawrence/

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

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Host Leslie Pagel interviews Terra Aguirre on Purpose Project’s season about living “to the beat of our own drum.” Terra, now 55 and in her third year of medical school, describes pursuing a childhood dream after years focused on family and work and a turning point at 50 as an empty nester. Encouraged by her husband, daughters, and a physician sister, she proved she could still succeed academically, studied for the MCAT, and entered medical school.—Three weeks before classes began she learned that she had early-stage breast cancer, which didn’t stop her. Terra shares challenges of being older among her peers, supportive reactions during rotations, her goal of family medicine in Indiana, core beliefs (dedication, service, gratitude, faith), relationship tradeoffs, and advice to prioritize health, prepare mentally, research the path, and go for it. Leslie reflects on shared themes of purpose, age not being a limitation, and the power of support systems.

00:00 Meet Terra Aguirre

01:18 Breaking Age Norms

01:53 Childhood Dream Deferred

02:54 Turning 50 Wake Up Call

06:52 Support System Says Go

07:33 Fear Doubt And Drive

09:56 Proving Herself Back In Class

13:24 Breast Cancer Before Day One

15:36 Finding Strength In Treatment

17:29 Fitting In With Younger Cohort

19:38 Third Year Reflections

20:29 Age Questions and Acceptance

22:35 Experience as an Advantage

24:04 Inspiring Others to Start

25:33 Core Beliefs and Gratitude

27:37 Relationships and Sacrifice

31:34 Advice for Late Careers

33:27 Self Care Turning Point

39:11 Host Reflection and Outro

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

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Host Leslie Pagel interviews Jeremy Beaty about living “to the beat of our own drum” after he left a comfortable chemical engineering career to attend Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and prepare to go overseas with his wife to do God’s work. Jeremy describes growing up near Houston, studying chemical engineering at Texas A&M, and coming to faith in Christ the summer before his final semester after exploring multiple belief systems, including Islam, veganism, Mormonism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and New Age ideas. He explains how conversion and sanctification deepened his desire to study Scripture, discern God’s will through prayer, alignment with the Bible, and affirmation from other believers, and how mixed reactions from others didn’t deter him. Leslie reflects on purpose found not only within oneself but also by devotion to something outside oneself - God.

00:00 Welcome

00:47 Jeremy’s Career Pivot

07:54 Searching for Truth

10:59 Beyond Religion and Veganism

14:41 Seed Grows After College

15:53 Sanctification and Calling

20:06 Inward and Outward Discernment

27:04 Reactions and Doubts

32:30 Faith Object Not Strength

37:05 Advice and Closing Reflections

39:44 Host Takeaways and Disclaimer

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

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Host Leslie Pagel interviews her friend Michele Meyer about living “to the beat of your own drum” and pushing against social norms. Michele attributes her assertiveness to impatience and self-reliance. She paid her own way through college, then joined the Peace Corps for nearly two and a half years, working in sustainable agriculture and environmental education with kids and farmers. Michele discusses gender and work as a woman in road construction. She emphasizes moving forward despite fear, practicing daily kindness and interconnectedness, and not letting social norms define one’s reality—“be the author of your own life.” 

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:57 Pushing Social Norms

04:16 Wild Childhood Freedom

06:54 Catholic School Clash

10:07 Choosing Peace Corps

14:00 Life in Nicaragua

16:04 Parents Reaction and Support

18:07 Women in the Workplace

22:47 Street Cred in Construction

23:31 Intimidation as Advantage

24:16 Always Moving Forward

25:45 Fear Fight or Flight

26:38 Gut Instinct vs Planning

29:20 Contentment and Retirement

30:40 Dark Period and Purpose

32:46 Choosing Change to Survive

34:16 Interconnectedness and Kindness

38:20 Smiling Leadership Style

39:15 Rejecting Social Norm Scripts

41:15 Stoic Closing Reflection

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of life’s purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:

Instagram: @purpose.project

LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media

TikTok: @purpose.project

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

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Marina Danilova, founder of Integrative Leadership and Wellbeing, joins Purpose Project to explore living life to the beat of one’s own drum through an integrative approach to health. Marina explains that “traditional” medicine predates modern biomedicine and emphasizes whole-person, nature-based, balance-restoring care, while valuing modern medicine for emergencies and serious disease but noting its limits with chronic conditions and quality-of-life concerns where patients may feel unseen. She describes integrating lifestyle, gentle interventions, and alignment with inner values, drawing on Chinese medicine principles such as living in harmony with nature’s cyclical rhythms and one’s true self. Marina shares her career shift from law and 20 years in corporate business to Chinese medicine, discusses curiosity and skepticism toward her work, and encourages self-inquiry, responsibility, and listening to the body. 

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:49 Why Integrative Healthcare

02:59 Whole Person Healing Explained

06:27 Women’s Health Case Examples

08:08 Chinese Medicine Philosophy

09:04 Harmony With Nature

11:43 True Nature and Identity

13:17 Skepticism and Doctor Buy In

16:34 Readiness to Change

18:23 Marina’s Career Pivot Story

24:26 Intuition and Integration

26:53 Responsibility and Courage

30:51 How to Work With Marina

33:34 Final Wisdom and Wrap Up

36:29 Host Reflection and Disclaimer

For more information or to connect with Marina: https://www.marinadanilova.com/ 

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of life’s purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:

Instagram: @purpose.project

LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media

TikTok: @purpose.project

Captions are auto generated.

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

Captions are auto-generated. 

In this episode, host Leslie Pagel interviews Elliott Obermaier, guitarist for the indie rock/indie pop band Six Foot Blonde. Elliott describes stepping away from a traditional career path after graduating college to making music his profession. He discusses reactions to being a professional touring musician and shares how doubts were eased through the band’s tight-knit community and love of playing guitar. Elliott shares guiding beliefs: working hardest at what he loves (inspired by IU professor Glen Gass and his Beatles expertise) and a family metaphor of being a disciplined, “green” leaf in the wind - open to life’s direction while maintaining health, discipline, and self-care. He speaks about staying grounded by calling friends outside the music world, and reframing touring as something he “gets to do.” He advises listeners to start small and stay consistent, be honest yet forgiving, seek inspiration actively, and build consistency through habits. The episode closes with Elliott encouraging listeners to listen to and share music and attend shows.

00:00 Welcome to Purpose Project + Meet Elliott Obermaier (Six Foot Blonde)
01:06 Choosing Music Over the “Safe” Career Path
02:21 From Anthropology to Building a Music Community in College
06:08 Graduation Curveball: Losing the 9–5 Offer & Saying Yes to Touring
08:10 Balancing the Grain: Remote Work to Fund the Band Life
10:05 “You’re Actually in a Band?” Reactions, Skepticism, and Credibility
14:47 Doubts & What Kept Him Going
16:23 Who Is Six Foot Blonde? Origin Story, Tours, and a Healthy Road Culture
19:28 Beliefs That Shaped the Path: Do What You Love + “Leaf in the Wind”
23:29 Discipline + Self-Care to Let Life Happen (The “Green Leaf” Mindset)
24:34 Finding What You Love Early vs. “Do What You Love” Advice
26:31 Letting Go of Control When Life Throws a Curveball
28:07 Living in Alignment: Noticing When You’re Off-Center
29:26 Touring Highs, Ego Traps & the Reminder: “You Get to Do This”
32:37 Staying Grounded on the Road: Friends, Perspective & Honest Check-Ins
33:50 Advice for Going Against the Grain: Start Small, Stay Consistent
36:54 Slumps & Burnout: Rest vs. Excuses + How to Find Inspiration Again
41:48 Closing Reflections: Responsibility, Community, and Purpose 

Be sure to check out Six Foot Blonde: https://www.sixftblonde.com/

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of life’s purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

Captions are auto generated.

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

Captions are auto-generated. 

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with Brad Ton to explore what it means to live in alignment with one's true self. Brad courageously shares his journey of overcoming alcoholism, addressing debilitating anxiety, and discovering his life's purpose. He emphasizes the importance of self-love, setting healthy boundaries, and being present in the moment. Brad also discusses the significant role of community support and spirituality in his recovery. At the end of the episode, Brad offers a special gift for listeners. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the power of vulnerability and transformation.

00:00 Introduction to Purpose Project Season 3

00:46 Welcoming Brad Ton

02:15 Brad's Journey to Sobriety

04:40 The Gift of Desperation

08:41 Practicing Presence and Letting Go

12:31 Morning Routines and Mindset

21:18 Impact on Relationships

23:14 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries

24:42 Losing Friendships and Finding Clarity

26:17 The Importance of Community in Recovery

32:29 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

39:37 The Power of Belief and Presence

46:43 Freestyle and Final Thoughts

You can follow Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradton/

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

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n the first episode of Season 3, Leslie Pagel introduces the theme of living uniquely to our own drum beat. The episode features Krista Sexton, founder of Acton Academy of Morgantown in Indiana, who shares her inspirational journey of developing an alternative educational path for her daughter and community. After a career at Starbucks, Krista took a sabbatical, delved into entrepreneurship, and questioned the traditional education system. Guided by faith and persistent determination, she established a learner-driven micro-school emphasizing creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Throughout the discussion, Krista highlights the importance of tuning into one's inner voice, navigating challenges, and living purposefully despite societal norms and criticisms.

00:00 Welcome to Season Three

00:36 Introducing Krista Sexton and Acton Academy of Morgantown

01:59 Krista's Journey to Founding Acton Academy

03:55 The Impact of COVID and Personal Growth

06:20 Discovering Acton Academy

07:44 Starting the School: Challenges and Confirmations

11:40 The Vision and Philosophy of Acton Academy

19:50 Opening the Doors: First Days and Lessons Learned

24:47 Perseverance and Passion: Overcoming Obstacles

26:33 Discovering Purpose and Passion

27:42 Beliefs and Divine Guidance

29:08 Monetizing Passions and Entrepreneurship

30:36 Balancing Passion with Practicality

32:07 Challenges and Resilience

36:51 Faith and Finding a New Space

44:08 Intuition and Intellectual Balance

46:50 Advice for Following Your Calling

49:13 Embracing Play and Creativity

50:58 Final Reflections and Gratitude 

For more information on the Acton Academy of Morgantown, visit: https://actonacademyofmorgantown.org/

Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
TikTok: @purpose.project

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