Welcome to the Quixotic Heights Podcast, where we climb to new perspectives through stories of resilience, identity, and creativity.

Our next guest is Bill Hulseman—an educator, ritual designer, and author of the memoir "six to carry the casket and one to say the mass: reflections on life, identity, and moving forward."

Bill is from Chicago and the East Coast and now lives in Seattle. He is the youngest of ten children who grew up in a large Irish Catholic family, navigating questions of faith and identity, and coming out as a gay man. In 2019, he turned to writing to process grief, burnout, and the search for meaning. In this conversation, we’ll explore the intersections of loss and healing, the power of rituals in modern life, and what it truly means to move forward after heartbreak.

To learn more about Bill:

https://www.facebook.com/billhulsemanrituals

https://www.youtube.com/@billhulseman1251/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/billhulseman/

https://www.billhulseman.com/reflection

https://www.instagram.com/billhulsemanrituals/

Bill Hulseman is a writer, ritual designer, and former educator whose work explores identity, belonging, and personal agency. His debut book, “six to carry the casket and one to say the mass,” is a collection of deeply personal essays examining the identities we inherit, the traditions we navigate, and the power we have to shape our own narratives. Through reflections on family, Catholicism, and queer identity, Hulseman offers a nuanced exploration of what it means to carve out space for oneself in a world that often seeks to define us.

A former middle school principal, teacher, and campusminister, Hulseman holds degrees in religious studies, the comparative study of religion, and education leadership. His time in Catholic schools gave him both a profound appreciation for faith and a firsthand understanding of the tensions between personal identity and institutional tradition. His writing is informed by this background, as well as his deep love for pop culture—where figures like Madonna and “The Golden Girls” helped him see himself long before the world was ready to.

Hulseman now lives in Seattle with his husband, Jonathon, where he continues to write, design rituals, and lead meaningful conversations about identity, faith, and belonging. Learn more at BillHulseman.com.

Our next guest on the Quixotic Heights Podcast is Marty Ludlum, a storyteller, lawyer, and university professor.

Marty has a sharp mind for business law and international trade, and a heart for storytelling that’s pure gold. He is the author of "At First I Was Afraid," the first book in his vibrant Disco Divas Series, where glitter meets grit, and every page has a beat.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2019, Marty now donates a portion of every book sale to MS research, turning his personal journey into a force for good.

So grab your platform shoes, adjust that mirror ball, and get ready to hear how law, life, and disco can dance together in unexpected harmony. We couldn't ask for a better guest to kick off 2026 with an inspirational message of keep fighting and keep living with your sense of humor intact!

Marty Ludlum is the author of the Disco Divas novels, a mystery series set in Las Vegas with Detective Donna Summer Wyznecki. Yes, she's named after the disco diva. It’s a long story.

When not writing, Marty is an award-winning college professor of Business Law at the University of Central Oklahoma. He enjoys international travel with his college sweetheart, Kara; reading; watching Netflix; donuts; disco music (of course); time with his growing cadre of grandkids; and is always searching for another great Mexican restaurant.

Marty is active with Writercon, Mystery Writers of America, Oklahoma Writers Federation, and Sisters in Crime. Marty loves good storytelling in all forms.

Marty was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2019 and donates a portion of all book sales to MS research.

https://www.ludlumbooks.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-ludlum-8731552b/

Our next episode is with Wen Hsu, founder of Wen Coaching. She is redefining what authentic leadership looks like. Wen helps high-achievers navigate their careers without abandoning who they truly are, empowering them to lead from a place of alignment, not fear.
In this conversation, we explore the power of embracinglayered identities, the challenges of visibility as an introvert, and how each of us can live at our own quixotic heights, one brave step at a time.

For our listeners, schedule a free 25-minute strategycall: https://calendly.com/wencoaching/25-minutes-call-quixotic

Born and raised in Taiwan, Wen is the first in her family to go to college and earn an advanced degree in the US. After 15+ years in corporate America, with a successful track record and career progression as an engineering manager in the San Francisco Bay Area, she left her comfort zone and pursued a vastly different career choice: career coaching for people whohave a track record of success, but are somehow feeling stuck and wanting more fulfillment in their lives.
Website: https://wencoaching.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wen-hsu/

Substack: https://substack.com/@wencoaching

Instagram: @wen365

Welcome to Quixotic Heights, where dreams take flight! Here, we explore the stories that shape us and the voices that heal us.

Our guest is Anhtuan Do, the author of Healing—a beautifully raw and honest book that explores the tender, often painful journey of reclaiming peace, self-worth, and truth. Through poetic language and deep introspection, Anhtuan invites us into a space of courage, vulnerability, and growth.

Content warning: this conversation includes a discussion of suicide, suicidal thoughts, and mental health challenges. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please take care while listening. Your well-being matters. And if you or someone you love is struggling, please know that help is available.

In this conversation, we’ll talk about the experiences that shaped his path, the challenges of writing through pain, and what healing really means—not as a destination but as a lifelong process.

Whether you’re deep in your own healing or just beginning to ask the hard questions, this episode is for you.

Anhtuan Do is a storyteller based in Maplewood, NJ. From the ages of 12-42, he was suicidal. In January of 2023, he finally got help. Ten weeks and 400 hours of therapy work later, writing spilled out. In his own words, Anhtuan shares with us what his book, HEALING, is about.

“The first time I thought about suicide, I was twelve. In January of 2023, thirty years later, I finally got help. I did 400 hours of therapy in ten weeks. If you estimate that most people do an hour a week, I conservatively did eight years in those weeks. As March came along, writing spilled out, specifically screenplays. By September, I finished my fourth, thirteen more sit in my head. This is that journey.”

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anhtuan.42/

Book: https://amzn.to/47WdHYt

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/unplaced

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anhtuan.424

Website: https://doventry.com/

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, please reach out:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA) – Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org

• Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

• The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth) – Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit nami.org

• SAMHSA Helpline – Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential treatment and referral info (available 24/7)

* AAMI (AAPI Artists for Mental Initiative) https://www.aamiadvocate.org/

Today, I’m joined by Randy Kim, a Khmer-Vietnamese American writer, content creator, and the host of Banh MiChronicles. He’s also the mind behind the Substack newsletter Banh Mi Bites. Randy’s work amplifies BIPOC voices, exploring identity, memory, and healing.
As a queer child of refugees, Randy has wrestled with questions of belonging, survival, and resilience — often through deeply personal reflections on trauma and mental health. In our conversation today, we’ll talk about his journey, the power of storytelling, and how vulnerability can become a bridge to community and self-love.

Please know this episode may be triggering for some listeners as we discuss trauma, identity, politics, and mental health.

In this episode, Randy Kim, a content creator and podcaster, shares with the Quixotic Heights Podcast his journey of creating an award-winning platform to elevate the stories of the BIPOC communities and how he navigates grief to come through the other side stronger and more purposeful than before.

Randy Kim is a queer Vietnamese-Khmer American storyteller and podcast host of The Banh Mi Chronicles as well as content writer for his Substack, Banh Mi Bites. His work centers on intergenerational healing, identity, and uplifting voices from Asian, queer, and BIPOC communities.

Randy is an experienced nonprofit development professional. With a background in public storytelling and relationship-building, Randy creates space that honors history, builds trust, and provokes reflection.

IG: @BanhMi_Chronicles

Substack: randykim.substack.com

Today, we’re joined by a very special guest, Sheena Yap Chan, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose words have resonated with thousands and whose story will inspire even more.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a curious reader, or just someone who believes in the power of persistence, thisconversation is for you. We delve into the creation of a bestseller, the mindset behind it, and the journey that led Sheena to the top of the charts.

Sheena Yap Chan, a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster, is recognized for elevating women’s leadership and self-confidence through the power of media and visibility. @sheena.yap.chan is the founder of the Confidence Through Visibility™ movement and host of The Tao of Self-Confidence podcast, ranked in the top 0.5% globally with over 1.3 million downloads and 800+ interviews featuring celebrities, CEOs, and cultural icons.

Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence, was named one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority. At the same time, her latest release, Bridging the Confidence Gap, is a bold call to reimagine leadership by making visibility and self-trust core competencies. Through her signature VISIBLE Framework™, Sheena delivers transformational keynotes and corporate programs that help organizations bridge the confidence gap, retain diverse talent, and build cultures where women are seen, heard, and respected. Her work has been featured on NBC News, FOX, MindValley, and The Manila Times, and she has spoken for global brands including NASA, Live Nation, and UKG. Sheena believes that confidence is something we can build—and that visibility creates the impact we wish to see in the world.

https://sheenayapchan.com/links⁠

Take your free Self-Confidence Personality quiz here: https://www.sheenayapchan.com/quiz

Today’s guests are a remarkable father-daughter duo: Thomas and Samantha Dahlborg.

Thomas is a compassionate researcher, writer, and advocate for children’s emotional and spiritual health. Samantha isnot only a fierce creative force—but also Miss Maine USA, a Sports Illustrated model, and a Paris fashion photographer.

But behind the spotlights and achievements is a deeper story—one marked by bullying, depression, anxiety, loss, and the long climb back to the light.

Together, they’ve taken that pain and transformed it into a message of love, agency, and faith for children and families everywhere.

In this episode, we talk about their book series The Light, the healing power of storytelling, and how we can all help children find their voice and their worth in the eyes of God.

A former Miss Maine USA (2014), Samantha Dahlborg discovered early on the power of personal branding and the art of storytelling through photography. What began as a childhood love of creativity grew into a lifelong passion—from founding The Confidence Project, where Samantha photographed and interviewed young women to help them feel seen and beautiful, to launching her business, Studio Citrine, where she now photographs celebrities, pageanttitleholders, and fashion clients while also leading creative direction.

Having worked as both a model and a photographer—walking in fashion weeks, hosting shows, photographing weddings (including a destination wedding in Italy), and shooting an editorial during Paris Fashion Week—Samantha understands every side of the lens. She uses her talents to serve God and empower others. She is also a proud mother of twin girls. Her family is currently relocating from Boston to Nashville to embrace new career opportunities and focus more intentionally on building her family life. An artist at heart, she has recently collaborated with her father, Thomas Dahlborg, on a special book project that blends creativity and family legacy, years in the making.

Sammy: website: www.dahlborgdesigns.com

IG: @samanthadahlborg @dahlborgdesigns

Named a Healthcare Disruptor and a Mental Health Champion by Authority Magazine and a Ruckus Maker by The Patient Experience Community, with over forty years of extensive healthcare leadership experience, Thomas Dahlborg is a disciple of Jesus and a voice for love-centered care models, servant leadership, and quality and systems improvement. A leader and advisor, Tom is also an internationally recognized speaker and writer with expertise in leading with love, heart, and mind communication, courageous vulnerability, systems thinking and improvement, stopping bullying, amplifying positive childhood experiences, and bringing “love in action” to all we do.

Tom’s multiple award-winning book, From Heart to Head & Back Again … a journey through the healthcare system, is a callto action that brings people together to make a positive impact on others in healthcare and beyond, and was a 2021 AUPHA book award for healthcare leaders of tomorrow.

His other multiple award-winning book, The Big Kid and Basketball … and the lessons he taught his Father and Coach, focusing on bullying and ACES and PCES, has led to significant improvements in youth sports and school systems, as well as in children’s experience and well-being. And his forthcoming book series, The Light …, is already garnering much attention as it reassures children that God loves them, that they are never alone, that the Holy Spirit empowers each and thus has His power within (agency), that they are lovable, and that they are loved.

Tom brings practical, tangible, impactful tools, married with love, compassion, and caring, to all he does. He is a father, husband, and coach. A coach to healthcare leaders. And a coach to young men and women.

Tom: www.dahlborghlg.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasdahlborg/

IG: @thedhlgroup

X: @tdahlborg

Stephanie Dooley, who you may know as SL Dooley, is a fantasy author whose stories transport readers into richly imagined worlds while anchoring them in timeless truths.From building epic landscapes to crafting characters who wrestle with faith, courage, and purpose, Stephanie’s work shows us that fantasy can do more than entertain—it can inspire us to live braver stories in our own lives.
Stephanie is a fantasy author looking for a never-endingstory to go boldly through the wardrobe into another adventure. She's the best-selling author of the Portal Slayer trilogy and the award-winning high fantasy duology, The Summertime Circus and The Cold Moon Carnival.
One of her side-quests is to encourage new writers as they navigate the paths toward publication. She has spoken atnumerous events, including the Realm Makers conference, The Bookfest spring festival, and WriterCon.
With a passion for fantasy literature since childhood, Dooley draws inspiration from mythology, folklore, and a vivid imagination to craft immersive narratives that transport readers to realms of magic and adventure. One of her side-quests is to take up Tolkien’s charge: find any way to escape into fantastical worlds and to bring as many people asshe can with her. She lives in Texas with her husband, where she collects old books and new journals.
Join her on the adventure at www.SLDooley.com or follow along on Instagram at @s_l_dooley

Our next quixote is Dr. Paul Corona—a physician, author, and host of The Dr. Paul Show.

Dr Paul Corona is known for his pioneering “Mind and Body Healing” approach. In his book, The Corona Protocol, Dr. Paul unveils a scientifically proven method he believes can stop addiction, bullying, homelessness, school shootings, and suicide. Join us as we dive into a bold conversation that could change the future of mental health care. We'll explore why traditional mental health treatment has stagnated, what needs to change, and how addressing the mind-body connection can truly transform lives.

Dr. Paul D. Corona, MD, is a Southern California-based physician reshaping the future of psychiatry and family medicine with his pioneering approach, “Mind and Body Healing.” He is the host of “The Dr. Paul Show” available on Roku, Amazon Fire, and YouTube. A leading voice in mind-body medicine, his latest book, “The Corona Protocol: A Scientifically Proven Medical Solution to STOP Addiction, Bullying, Homelessness, School Shootings, and Suicide 30 Years in the Making” is available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. In it, he unveils groundbreaking insights into mental health treatment, challenging conventional approaches that have stagnated progress.

With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Corona began in family medicine before transitioning to psychiatry—a shift that led to the development of the “Healing the Mind and Body” series of books. His holistic approach integrates emotional and physical well-being, offering an innovative alternative to traditional psychiatric treatments. “The Corona Protocol” presents his revolutionary methods as solutions to major societal challenges and serves as a resource for patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike.

A Southern California native, Dr. Corona earned his BS in Biology/Pre-Med from the University of Southern California before obtaining his medical degree from New York Medical College. He completed a rigorous three-year residency in family practice at California Hospital in Los Angeles. Today, he runs a private practice in Laguna Niguel, California.

For more information about his books, medical practice, and more, visit www.drpaulcoronamd.com

https://www.facebook.com/paul.corona.50

https://www.facebook.com/drpaulcoronamd

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-corona-b090669a/

Welcome to Quixotic Heights, where we explore boldlives, big ideas, and the beauty of becoming. Today’s Quixote is the brilliant and multifaceted Dr. Juliet Dang.

She’s a scientist by training, an artist by soul, a fashion designer by flair, and the powerhouse behind her memoir, Modern Asian Mom, and Vietology Magazine. Juliet weavestogether science, culture, motherhood, and creativity in a way that is unapologetically modern and deeply rooted in identity.

In today’s conversation, we talk about how she balances precision with passion, tradition with innovation, and how she’s rewriting the narrative for modern Asian womeneverywhere.

Juliet Dang, PhD, MS is a Canadian prairie girl who now resides in the Seattle area. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, where she majored in Biology / Chemistry at U of Winnipeg.

After working as a dental hygienist for a couple of years, she moved to Seattle in 2008 to complete a Master's and then a PhD in Oral Biology at the University of Washington.

For eight years now, Juliet has been in the medical affairs pharma biotech world and is the subject matter expert on respiratory virus vaccines.

In addition to heavily utilizing her left brain as a scientist, Juliet is an artist, actress/model, fashion designer, creative director, editor-in-chief, and producer.

In September of 2024, Juliet made her East Coast fashion debut and showcased her ready-to-wear apparel at Asian New York Fashion Week in Manhattan.  

Juliet's first major publication was the first edition of Vietology Magazine. The mission and vision was to highlight and elevate inspirational Vietnamese women and Vietnamese visual artists globally. Modern Asian Mom is her debut memoir chronicling her fertility journey and life in general.  

www.jujudang.art

IG: juliet_dang

FB: julietdang

TikTok: juliet.dang

Etsy: juju dang art