On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Gretchen Schoser—founder of Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions, podcast co-host, and passionate mental health advocate—to explore the power of vulnerability and shared stories. Gretchen’s favorite quote, “Every time we share our journey, we unlock somebody else’s prison,” becomes the guiding thread as she opens up about her own transformative journey since surviving a suicide attempt in 2022. Her willingness to speak out, even when it was difficult or against her upbringing, has not only been cathartic but also a lifeline for others. Gretchen shares how storytelling—both her own and that of the 200+ guests on her podcast—creates hope, connection, and practical resources, especially as critical mental health support becomes less accessible. Listeners will find both inspiration and practical wisdom here: the courage to speak up, the power of community, and why even one shared story can change (or save) a life.

If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world.

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Connect With Gretchen Schozer
Website: https://schosersolutions.com/
Podcast: https://goesoninourheads.net/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction And Welcome
00:23 Gretchen’s Background And Passions
00:43 The Quote: Sharing Unlocks Prisons
00:59 Personal Journey After Suicide Attempt
01:55 Impact Of Sharing Stories
03:01 Is Storytelling For Everyone?
03:39 The Value Of Lived Experience
04:15 Loss Of Mental Health Resources
05:52 Finding Hope After Crisis
06:23 Why Gretchen Began Speaking Out
08:04 Breaking The Silence, Embracing Vulnerability
09:34 Setting Boundaries And Finding Strength
10:08 Listener Feedback And Saved Lives
11:42 The Importance Of Ongoing Advocacy
12:36 Never Second-Guessing The Mission
13:40 Where To Learn More About Gretchen
14:05 Closing And Reflections

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Angela Caldwell, a licensed marriage and family therapist and family relationship coach, to explore the wisdom behind one of history’s most powerful quotes: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Angela opens up about why this mantra has resonated with her recently, especially in her work helping people manage anxiety. Our conversation dives into how fear and anxiety are not enemies to be vanquished, but natural, even necessary, parts of the human experience.

Angela shares brilliant insights about how embracing our emotions—rather than fighting or fearing them—can drive personal growth, build resilience, and foster stronger family connections. She also unpacks the dangers of letting fear immobilize us, and how showing up with courage (and sometimes a trembling voice) is often where the magic happens. Whether you’re facing new challenges or wrestling old fears, this episode will remind you that wisdom is found in feeling, not just overcoming. Don’t miss Angela’s actionable advice and stories about bravery, parenting, and learning to “get back on the horse.”

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Connect With Angela Caldwell
Website: https://caldwellfamilyinstitute.com

Chapters
00:00 Introduction And Welcome
00:24 Meet Angela Caldwell
00:49 Angela’s Favorite Quote
01:12 “The Only Thing We Have To Fear…”
01:54 Rethinking Anxiety And Fear
02:38 Emotions Are Messengers
03:47 Positive Purpose Of Negative Emotions
04:40 Fear’s Role And Misconceptions
06:11 Fear Of Fear And Inaction
07:03 What Happens When Fear Paralyzes
08:28 Parenting, Fear, And Children
09:13 Living With Fear (Not Fighting It)
10:34 Fear As A Compass
11:43 Courage And Acting Despite Fear
12:21 The Danger Of Denying Fear
13:00 Fear In Everyday Life
14:13 Rejection, Failure, And Our Actions
15:29 Fear In Disguise: Excuses And Delay
17:05 Empowerment Through Honesty
18:12 Starting Despite The Fear
20:12 “Get Back On The Horse” Lessons
21:03 Desensitization, Exposure, And Growth
22:20 Raising The Stakes To Move Forward
24:02 Leveraging Commitment And Accountability
24:24 Sports And Facing Fear Under Pressure
24:40 Making A Fear Smaller By Making Something Bigger
25:00 Building Evidence And Habits Over Time
25:29 Living For Something Greater
26:01 Upcoming Book: “It Takes A Village”
26:45 Book Progress Update
27:05 How To Contact Angela Caldwell
28:11 Closing And Gratitude

In this episode, I sit down with Alesia Galati, founder of Galati Media and a passionate advocate for the power of podcasting. Alesia shares a deeply personal quote from her late mother: “The answer is already no if you don't ask.” We dive into how this mantra shaped Alesia’s journey as a business owner and podcaster, challenging her to become her own advocate and encouraging listeners to do the same.

We explore the mindset traps that hold us back from reaching out, the importance of not rejecting ourselves before others do, and how shifting our approach to asking can open doors even after hearing “no.” Alesia also shares anecdotes from both her personal and professional life, offering relatable stories—like family “pity parties” and lessons from parenting—that show how reframing rejection can turn obstacles into growth opportunities. For anyone struggling to ask for what they want or fearing rejection, this episode is a reminder that sometimes, all you need to do is ask—and that a “no” is often just a “not yet.”

Connect With Alesia Galati
Website: https://helpmypod.com/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction And Welcome
00:22 Meet Alesia Galati
00:41 Alesia’s Podcasting Journey
01:39 Sharing A Powerful Quote
02:09 Alesia’s Story Behind The Quote
03:05 Rejecting Ourselves Before Others
03:37 Advocating For Yourself
04:20 Lessons In Asking And Selling
05:31 Surprised By The Power Of Asking
06:16 Practical Asking Strategies
07:05 Communication At Home
08:27 Lessons From Faith And Asking
09:13 Manifestation Versus Action
09:35 Asking Versus Frequency And Process
10:19 Embracing Rejection And Persistence
11:17 Reframing “No” In Business
12:05 Learning From Kids’ Mindsets
13:12 Respectful Asking And Accepting No
13:19 Parenting Teaches Life Lessons
14:23 Family Pity Parties And Growth
16:37 Exploring Other Avenues
17:28 Early Podcast Rejection Lessons
18:32 When “No” Means “Not Now”
19:12 Alesia’s Closing Reflections
21:06 Connect With Alesia
22:12 Final Thoughts And Review Request

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Karina, also known by her pen name  K. K. Biernath, to dive deep into the journey from living for others to truly living for yourself. Karina shares the powerful mantra that guided her transformation: "If your thoughts can make you sick, your thoughts can make you well." We unpack her story—how she did everything she was “supposed” to do, from climbing the corporate ladder to building a picture-perfect family, yet still felt an inner emptiness and even suffered physical symptoms. Through holistic healing, mindful self-talk, and writing her memoir, she discovered the incredible power thoughts hold in shaping our well-being. Karina’s honesty about facing fear, embracing authenticity, and choosing freedom (not as a destination, but as a daily feeling) offers practical inspiration for anyone who’s ready to stop people-pleasing and start living more authentically. Her insights and vulnerability remind us: it’s not about never being afraid—it’s about finding the courage to do it anyway.

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Connect With Karina
Website: https://kkbiernath.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kkbiernath/

Chapters
00:00 What If You’ve Done Everything “Right”?
00:19 Introducing Karina and Her Story
00:49 People-Pleasing and Self-Denial
01:59 Childhood Roots of Perfectionism
03:36 When the Body Starts Rebelling
04:56 Losing Joy, Ignoring Self
06:00 Discovering the Power of Thoughts
07:05 Holistic Healing and Belief Shift
08:12 Becoming the Creator of Your Experience
09:38 Healing Eczema With Mindset
10:58 Resisting External Pressure
12:14 Writing as Deep Healing
13:54 Ongoing Reflection and Growth
15:33 Is Freedom a Destination or a Choice?
16:37 Living With Fear and Doing It Anyway
20:02 The Yoga Wisdom of Staying in the Fire
21:45 The Process of Unbecoming
23:03 Language, Identity, and Authenticity
26:57 Owning Your Mood, On and Offline
28:49 Listeners’ First Small Step
29:12 Becoming Mindful of Your Thoughts
31:28 Where to Find Karina and Her Work

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with T.L. Mccoy—a psych nurse and award-winning author of Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grimm—for a powerful conversation about resilience, inclusion, and finding the light in life's toughest moments. T.L. shares the mantra that keeps her moving forward: “It’s not how hard you get hit, it’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward,” a quote from Rocky Balboa that shaped her approach to both writing and life’s adversities. We dive deep into her journey as a nurse and grandmother navigating the challenges of Dravet Syndrome, how facing hardship builds skills for the future, and why authentic representation matters in children’s literature. Listeners will walk away with renewed hope, practical advice for dark times, and a reminder that everyone faces setbacks—but it’s our willingness to get up, learn, and keep going that defines our wisdom and strength.

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Connect With T.L. Mccoy
Website: https://blueroundbookgroup.com

Chapters
00:00 Rocky’s Wisdom and Early Inspirations
01:07 Meet T.L. Mccoy
01:27 The Intersection of Nursing and Writing
02:30 The Power of Resilience Quotes
03:37 Facing Family Medical Challenges
05:43 Finding Light in the Dark
06:52 Advice to a Younger Self
08:01 Defining Resilience
09:07 Writing and Personal Connection
10:32 Psychiatric Thrillers and Authenticity
13:04 Using Life Experience in Stories
14:20 Empathy and Brain Science
16:11 The Purpose and Power of Delilah
18:18 Making Books Inclusive and Empowering
20:09 Simple Advice When Times Are Tough
21:49 Lightning Round and Favorites
23:22 Where to Find T.L. Mccoy

On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joe Owens, an inspiring example of what it truly means to live by choice. Joe’s philosophy, “life is a series of choices,” isn’t just a mantra—it’s how he transformed his health, career, and outlook, especially after overcoming significant medical challenges. At 75, Joe shares how rejecting a passive, “patient” mindset and actively embracing better habits helped him regain vitality and youthfulness. His story is a motivating reminder that age and adversity don’t have to define us; what matters most are the choices we make every day and the purpose behind them. Whether you’re seeking renewed health, career reinvention, or simply want to feel “groovy” again, Joe’s journey and practical wisdom will energize you to step off the sidelines and truly participate in your own life’s direction. If you’ve been on the fence about making a change, this is your wake-up call.

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Connect With Joe Owens
Website: https://joeowensbooks.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeowensnc/

Chapters
00:00 Holistic Choices and Health Awakening
00:44 Welcome and Joe Owens’ Philosophy
01:11 SVT Diagnosis and Early Lessons
02:57 Hospitalization and Life-Changing Decision
04:15 Embracing Ageless Aging
05:20 Mindset vs. Just Exercise
05:54 Staying Young Through Purpose
06:46 Age Is Just a Number
07:39 Loving the Tough Workouts
08:17 Real vs. Pseudo Choices
09:53 Rationalizations and True Action
11:00 Joe’s Mother: Resilience Personified
12:26 The Boomer Blueprint for Youth
13:03 Making Choices That Shape Life
14:03 The Power of Bringing Choices to Life
14:30 Pressure, Integrity, and Talking vs. Doing
16:19 The Longevity Movement and Blue Zones
18:12 Stories of Extraordinary Aging
19:15 Purpose: The Fuel for Choices
20:33 Finding Purpose and Staying Connected
21:37 Writing Your Own Obituary
22:43 Legacy, Humor, and Lasting Work
23:20 Joe’s Books, Movies, and Projects
24:51 Historical Fiction and Remastered Mysteries
26:14 Connecting With Past Authors
26:49 Gratitude and Final Thoughts
27:06 Outro and Listener Inspiration

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Aaron Gamble, a life coach and men’s work facilitator, who shares a quote that has deeply shaped his approach to life: “Our brains will accept a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven every single time.” We dive into the powerful idea that our minds are hardwired for the comfort of what we know—even if it isn’t healthy or fulfilling. Aaron Gamble opens up about how this played out in his own life, recognizing repeating patterns in relationships rooted in his childhood, and the hard work required to break out of that cycle. Together, we explore how awareness, self-questioning, and even physical movement can help us step into the discomfort of growth and possibility. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in old habits or unable to imagine a better life, this conversation will help you recognize your own “familiar hell” and inspire you to pursue your “unfamiliar heaven.” Join us for raw honesty, actionable insights, and relatable wisdom on how to make meaningful change—starting from within.

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Connect With Aaron Gamble
Website: https://www.aarongambel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronmgambel/

Chapters
00:00 How Our Minds Resist Change
00:26 Introduction And Show Purpose
00:50 Meet Aaron Gamble
01:03 Aaron’s Favorite Life-Changing Quote
01:28 Exploring The Familiar Hell Quote
01:37 Why Our Minds Prefer the Familiar
02:34 Life Example: Unheard Childhood Patterns
03:31 Breaking Awareness And Shifting Mindsets
04:53 Modern Day “Familiar Hells”
05:28 The Brain Resists Discomfort
06:04 Why Change Feels So Hard
06:45 Comfort Zone Examples: Exercise & People Pleasing
07:52 Prioritizing Self As The Unfamiliar Heaven
08:14 Excuse-Making And Sabotage
08:53 How Growth Happens Through Discomfort
09:40 Listener Pause & Podcast Invitation
10:23 Recognizing Self-Sabotage
11:16 Growing From Challenges And Grit
12:08 Using Fuel From Naysayers
13:15 Redefining Identity Beyond Suffering
13:58 The Mental And Physical Battle
14:49 Unsticking By Moving Your Body
15:29 Advice For Emotional Stuckness
16:21 Quotes Articulate Lived Experience
16:48 Survival Versus Thriving
17:08 Why We Stay Addicted To Struggle
17:26 Imagining A Better Life Is Hard
18:13 Importance Of Self-Awareness
18:42 First Steps To Change: Ask Why
19:49 Real Change Comes From Self-Inquiry
20:15 Closing Gratitude And Reflections
20:47 How To Connect With Aaron
21:48 Final Thoughts And Farewell

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Charlie Sheppard, a professor of leadership, organizational consultant, biotech co-founder, and lifelong learner. Charlie shared the mantra that has shaped his work and teaching: “Leadership is a choice.” We dove deeply into his perspective that the true opposite of leadership isn’t management—but drama—that energy-draining cycle we can all fall into. Through personal stories, insights from decades of experience, and thought-provoking distinctions (over 500 of them in his latest book), Charlie reminded us that positive leadership starts with leading ourselves. We spoke about the drama triangle of victim, adversary, and rescuer; how culture is constantly formed by these dynamics; and practical ways leaders can set others up for success. Whether you’re building teams or reflecting on your own sense of agency, Charlie’s wisdom offers a powerful lens for creating more energy, clarity, and growth in every area of life. This is an episode packed with actionable wisdom, real honesty, and inspiration for anyone ready to step up as a leader—by choice, not by accident.

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Connect With Charlie Sheppard
Website: https://sheppardpartners.com/
Linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesheppard/

Chapters
00:00 Choosing to Go to Work
00:20 Introducing Charlie Sheppard
00:47 Charlie’s Background and Projects
01:20 Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
02:05 Early Data and Impact
03:12 Campus Locations and Time Zones
03:15 Leadership Is a Choice
04:12 Drama Triangle Defined
05:17 Adversary, Rescuer, and Victim
06:27 Transforming Drama to Leadership
07:06 The Power of Distinctions
08:22 Creating Vision and Partnering
09:44 Coaching, Questions, and Smart AI
10:51 Distinctions That Spark Growth
11:18 Leaders Setting Others Up for Success
12:05 Keys to Effective Communication
13:15 Minimal Viable Product Mindset
14:18 Structuring Positive Organizational Culture
15:00 The Rescuer’s Role in Drama
16:30 Breaking Cycles for High Performance
17:22 Management Versus Leadership—A Modern View
18:14 Self-Diagnosis Using Drama/Leadership
18:44 “Have to” vs. “Choose to”—Generating Energy
19:37 Defining Culture Through Leadership
20:13 Drama Exists Everywhere
21:35 Leadership and Personal Vision
22:43 Using Superpowers for Impact
23:18 Where to Find Charlie’s Work
24:02 Daily MBA and Contact Info
25:10 Episode Wrap-Up and Thanks

What does it really mean to succeed? For this episode, I sat down with Ruth Douthit to unpack the power behind her personal mantra: "Completion equals success." I was deeply moved as Ruth Douthit shared her journey of finishing her college degree at 38, the trials she faced juggling family, work, and studies, and the life-changing inspiration she drew from Booker T. Washington’s determination. Her story reminds us that seeing things through—not giving up when they get tough—is often the real win, even if public recognition or rewards don’t follow. In a world obsessed with flashy outcomes, Ruth Douthit shows us that fulfillment comes from finishing what we start, finding personal meaning and resilience in the process. Whether you’re wrestling with self-doubt, starting over later in life, or just need a nudge to keep going, this episode will inspire you to redefine what success truly means.

If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world.

Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.

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Connect With Ruth Douthit
Website: http://www.artbyruth.com/

Chapters
00:00 Booker T. Washington’s Story
00:37 Welcome and Show Introduction
00:59 Meet Ruth Douthit
01:19 The Power of Completing Things
01:40 Ruth’s College Journey
03:17 Wanting to Quit
04:35 A Life-Changing Essay
06:17 Staying Motivated to Finish
07:48 Defining Success as Completion
08:15 Finishing Projects Beyond School
09:43 Challenges in Writing a Book
10:32 The Tough Editing Process
11:36 Why Completion Matters
12:20 Finishing vs. Outcomes
13:26 Abandoning Projects and Grief
15:18 Handling the Urge to Quit
16:05 The Importance of Your “Why”
17:23 How Success as Completion Changes Life
18:29 Life Gets Lighter
19:32 Building Confidence Through Completion
21:19 Advice for Late Bloomers
22:50 New Books and Staying Busy
23:10 Connect with Ruth
23:59 Episode Wrap-Up

On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sat down with dyslexic career and high performance coach Willie Blake, whose favorite quote comes from Napoleon Hill’s Outwitting the Devil: “Be definite in everything that you do and never leave unfinished thoughts in the mind.” Willie shares how this powerful mantra changed the way he approaches decisions, productivity, and creativity—especially as an author and coach. We dive deep into the meaning behind being definite (not stubborn!), how to overcome the fear of making the wrong choice, and the simple steps Willie took to go from struggling to express himself to becoming a bestselling author. Willie’s practical methods—like the 2% rule and the “GPS method”—are all about clarity and small, consistent wins. If you wrestle with indecision or tend to leave your dreams sitting in your mind, this conversation will inspire you to act now, finish the thought, and move forward—one small, certain step at a time.

If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world.

Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/join

Connect With Willie Blake
Website: https://coachwillieblake.com
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DyslexicAchieversHub

Chapters
00:00 Trusting Yourself and Intuition
00:21 Introduction to Relatable Wisdom
00:45 Meet Willie Blake
01:00 Willie’s Favorite Quote
01:29 Context and Meaning of the Quote
02:41 Why Unfinished Thoughts Accumulate
03:59 Real-Life Example: Lawn Mower Dilemma
05:48 Overcoming Fear of Wrong Choices
07:00 How to Trust Yourself Over Time
07:33 Coaching Example: Listen or Advise?
09:07 Quick Pause and Email List Plug
09:46 From Struggling to Bestselling Author
11:14 The 13 Day Principle
13:15 Can You Be Too Definite?
14:29 The Difference Between Definite and Stubborn
15:56 The Master Fails More Than the Novice Tries
17:20 The 2% Rule and GPS Method
18:32 Breaking Down Goals Into Daily Actions
19:09 Concrete Steps: Reaching Out for Stages
24:52 Why Simplicity and Consistency Matter
25:28 Definite, Adaptable, Consistent Progress
26:23 Where to Find Willie’s Work
27:41 Wrapping Up and Final Reflections