Every so often, we meet someone whose outlook reframes how we see the world. In this episode, I sat down with Tommy Rodriguez to explore the mantra that’s shaped his journey: “For you, not to you.” Tommy shares how this simple shift has helped him find purpose and peace through some of life’s biggest changes—including leaving a successful career to start his own business. He opens up about the doubts and fears that come with making big moves, and how embracing the lessons in our hardest moments can open doors we never saw coming. Whether it was a canceled massage that led to his very first coaching client, or learning to act when he’s only “60% ready,” Tommy’s wisdom is a reminder that setbacks can be setups. If you’re looking for inspiration to get unstuck, trust your growth, and turn obstacles into opportunities, this conversation is packed with stories and insights you’ll carry into your own “next step.”

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Connect With Tommy Rodriguez
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommyrodriguez24
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-rodriguez-a042261b2/

Chapters
00:00 Career Crossroads and New Directions
00:43 Meet Tommy Rodriguez
01:02 “For You, Not To You” Explained
01:35 Big Life Events and Letting Go
02:00 The Leap Into Entrepreneurship
04:05 Preparing To Start A Business
05:35 The 60% Ready Mindset
06:27 Everyday Examples of the Mantra
08:00 When Setbacks Become Setups
08:17 First Client, Unexpected Opportunity
10:37 Building Confidence Like A Muscle
11:29 Coaching, Credibility, and Living It
13:59 Habits, Self-Sabotage, and Change
15:08 The Importance of Mentors
15:45 Connect With Tommy Rodriguez
16:09 Final Reflections and Takeaways

This episode is a powerful dive into personal responsibility, self-awareness, and conscious leadership with Trevor Stevenson as our guide. I loved exploring his two core mantras: “If it is to be, it is up to me” and “Dear, but for me go I.” Trevor Stevenson shares honest stories from his own life—like the moment when career stress and family responsibilities collided and forced him to realize he was standing in his own way. We discuss the difference between influence and control, how leaders can avoid self-blame, and why emotional awareness is the untaught skill men desperately need. If you’ve ever felt stuck on autopilot or unsure how to break out of old patterns, Trevor Stevenson’s insights on pausing, naming your emotions, and shifting your thinking are practical and compassionate. There are so many relatable moments in this conversation, reminding us that change starts from within, and that the habits that got us here might be the very ones in our way. I hope you’ll find, as I did, wisdom and encouragement to take small, conscious steps toward the life you want.

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Connect With Trevor Stevenson
Website: https://www.consciouslead.life/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/funroadtofreedom

Chapters
00:00 Everyday Practice and Influence
00:55 Introducing Trevor Stevenson
01:41 Quote Context: “Dear, but for me go I”
02:27 Utilizing the Power of the Squad
03:31 Personal Responsibility vs. Self-Blame
05:03 Realizing Self as the Obstacle
07:39 Recognizing Autopilot Patterns
10:08 Emotional Skills Men Need
11:54 Role of Emotional Awareness in Action
13:24 Shifting From “Should” to Passion
15:35 The First Internal Question to Ask
17:47 Practical Advice and Connection

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In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Dr. Rahul Prasad, a physicist, philanthropist, explorer, and above all, a lifelong learner. Dr. Prasad shares his favorite mantra: "The day you stop learning is the day you find yourself six feet under." Through stories of his own journey—transitioning from science to philanthropy, raising money for disadvantaged children in India and South Africa, and even narrating videos outside his comfort zone—he brings this powerful idea to life. We explore how constant learning propels us forward, the importance of asking better questions, and the ripple effect of small acts of impact. Dr. Prasad's candid insights invite us to consider not only how we can embrace discomfort to pivot for meaningful change, but also how inspiring just one person can spark a chain reaction. If you've ever wondered how to get unstuck or make a difference, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and encouragement to keep growing—one small step at a time.

Connect With Rahul Prasad
Website: https://www.butterfliesusa.org/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-prasad-305b26/

Chapters
00:00 Favorite Quote On Lifelong Learning
00:25 Introduction To Relatable Wisdom
00:50 Meet Dr. Rahul Prasad
01:32 “The Day You Stop Learning…”
02:14 Personal Story Of Stagnation
03:14 Seeking Answers And Better Questions
04:09 Staying Curious In All Areas
04:44 Pushing The Edge Of Knowledge
05:37 Impact Of Learning On Humanity
06:28 The Power Of Possibility
07:14 Inspiring Disadvantaged Youth
08:00 Lessons From Butterfly’s Bank Project
08:58 Moving From Science To Philanthropy
10:05 From Local To Global Impact
11:28 Building Trust In Communities
12:05 Stepping Outside The Comfort Zone
13:11 Taking Small Steps To Pivot
14:36 Advice For Career And Life Shifts
15:15 The Philosophy Behind “Impact Shift”
16:46 Why Write The Book Now?
18:35 Excuses, Choices, And Growth
19:29 Creating Impact One Person At A Time
20:07 The Ripple Effect Of Doing Good
21:13 Kindness And Positive Spirals
22:38 Stay Connected And Final Thoughts

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Tiffany Smith, a multifaceted creative professional, to dig into the mantra that’s shaped her journey: “Choose your hard.” Tiffany Smith opens up about how this simple but powerful idea has guided her through major life decisions—including her bold move to New York and pivoting into the film industry. Together, we explore how every path in life comes with its own set of challenges—whether it’s staying in your comfort zone or chasing your dreams—and why conscious, intentional choices are essential. Tiffany Smith reminds us that hardship exists on both sides of every decision, and the key is to choose the one that aligns with your authentic self. We also dive into the daily struggles we all face—health, relationships, work—and reflect on the continual act of self-authorship and the courage of being true to yourself. This conversation is an honest look at the real work behind growth and fulfillment, and it’s packed with inspiration for anyone at a crossroads or seeking motivation to live life on their own terms.

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 Tiffany Smith

Website: https://www.creatiffity.me/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creatiffity11/

Chapters

00:00 Tiffany’s Lifelong Love For Film

00:42 Introduction To Relatable Wisdom

01:06 Meet Tiffany Smith

01:14 Sharing The Chosen Quote

01:16 The Meaning Of “Choose Your Hard”

02:06 How The Quote Entered Tiffany’s Life

02:13 Real-Life Moments Of Choosing Hard

03:37 Every Choice Has Its Difficulties

03:51 “Choose Your Hard” And Holistic Health

04:41 Long-Term Benefits Of Difficult Choices

05:31 Hidden Choices And Default Paths

05:56 Early Life, Projections, And Choices

06:48 Obvious Decisions Versus Everyday Choices

07:22 Compounding Daily Decisions

07:35 Profound Choices In Life And Love

08:18 Moving To New York—A Hard Decision

09:19 Choosing Your Path Daily

09:31 Work, Mondays, And Dread

10:09 You Aren’t Locked In—Change Is Possible

10:47 Consequences Of Sidelining Decisions

11:27 Making Versus Delaying Decisions

13:02 The Illusion Of Being On The Fence

13:28 Authenticity And Listening To Your Inner Voice

14:00 Hard Choices In Creative Work

14:21 Shifting Into Film And Embracing Hardship

15:31 “Be You” And Its Challenges

15:57 The Value Of Staying Authentic

16:46 Individuality Versus Conformity

17:07 Embracing Daily Choices

18:20 Making Informed Decisions

18:38 How To Connect With Tiffany

19:04 Gratitude And Farewell

What happens when a single moment of childhood wonder transforms the entire path of your life? In this episode, I sit down with Kristine Madera—a novelist, world traveler, and bold questioner—whose guiding mantra is that we are all "divine in disguise, walking one another home." At seven, Kristine experienced what she now calls "unity consciousness," a deep, connective insight that made her question everything she'd been taught. From her bold travels across continents to volunteering at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying, Kristine’s story is about trusting an inner curiosity that goes beyond society’s scripts. We talk about the stories we’re handed, how to recognize when they aren’t the whole truth, and practical ways to listen to the wisdom within us—even if you can’t just hop on a flight. Kristine’s perspective challenges and empowers us: life’s meaning is not handed to us, but discovered in the courage to be curious, let go of limiting stories, and open to the unknown. If you’ve ever felt ready to step out of old patterns, this conversation will inspire your next move.

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 Kristine Madera
Website: https://kristinemadera.com

God In Drag on Amazon: https://kristinemadera.com/god-in-drag/

Chapters
00:00 Seven-Year-Old’s Breakthrough Moment
00:47 Introducing Kristine and Her Guiding Quote
01:16 The Question That Sparked a Life Change
02:25 Experiencing Unity Consciousness
03:34 Grappling With The Wordless Experience
04:54 Outgrowing Childhood Scripts
05:31 Questioning The American Dream
07:04 Cultivating Curiosity and Imagination
09:18 Curiosity’s Role in Kristine’s Journeys
10:12 Traveling to Test Her Childhood Realization
11:29 Learning to Trust Inner Guidance
12:39 Lessons From Mother Teresa’s Home
13:50 Suffering, Grace, and Unity
14:44 Writing God in Drag
15:59 The Power Of Fiction For Self-Discovery
16:22 The Inspiration Behind the Book Title
17:26 Crossing Inner Borders and Old Selves
18:23 Processing Change and Letting Go
19:28 Transforming Stories Held In The Body
20:33 Practices For Opening to More
20:59 First Steps to New Perspectives
22:07 Expanding Beyond Your Comfort Zone
23:56 Filling The Space With Peace
24:34 The Social Media Bubble Challenge
25:02 Finding Unity Beyond Division
25:55 How to Connect With Kristine
26:24 Closing Reflections and Farewell

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I’m joined by Andrew Ackerman, a veteran startup investor, mentor, and all-around innovator, to explore how the philosophies of startup life echo our own journeys. Andrew shares the mantra that has shaped his outlook: "Life is like a startup." We dive into what that means—embracing experimentation, taking calculated risks, and learning from rapid feedback. Andrew’s stories from two decades in startup investing reveal why quick, cheap, and easy tests are crucial both in building businesses and making life choices. Listeners seeking clarity in decision-making or encouragement to try something new will find value in Andrew’s practical examples and his reminder that, just like in startups, there’s never more time—so experimenting costs less than regret. We also discuss his brilliant approach to making business advice accessible through storytelling in his book, and how learning from the missteps of others can be much less costly than making them yourself. If you’re ready to treat your life as your greatest startup, this conversation is for you.

Connect With Andrew Ackerman
Website: https://andrewbackerman.com

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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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:23 Meet Andrew Ackerman
01:39 Life Lessons From Startup Investing
02:04 What Is a Startup?
02:44 How Life Mirrors Startups
03:53 The Role Of Experimentation
05:00 Cost And Value Of Testing
06:58 Applying Experiments To Real Life
07:57 The Irreplaceability Of Time
09:02 Is It Ever Too Late?
09:48 Choosing The Right Experiments
11:15 The Value Of Startup Accelerators
13:01 Experimentation In Everyday Life
14:34 The "Well-Reasoned But Loosely Held" Principle
16:33 Startups, Life, And Uncertainty
17:14 Making Big Decisions Like College
19:59 Learning Through Premortems
20:51 Getting Honest Answers
21:54 Learning From Other People's Mistakes
24:05 Andrew’s Book And Startup Stories
27:10 The Power Of Storytelling
28:38 Where To Find Andrew And His Book
30:17 Final Reflections And Farewell

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of welcoming Jeffrey Kildow, a writer and history enthusiast whose guiding mantra is, “Those who don’t know history are condemned to repeat it.” Jeffrey’s deep curiosity about the past, shaped by his early belief in this powerful idea, led not just to lifelong learning but also to the creation of his novel, Nazi Menace—an alternative history of World War II. Our conversation explored how history is more than dry facts; it’s a tapestry of stories and lessons that shape every generation, whether we recognize it or not. Jeffrey shared how a passion for history (sparked by family stories and his own military service) fuels both his writing and his worldview. We discussed why schools too often overlook history, the value of “watching your six,” and the impact of imagining “what if?” in both personal and global decision-making. This episode is a reminder: when we reflect on the past, we gain the wisdom to move forward more thoughtfully in the present.

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 Jeffrey Kildow

Website: https://jeffkildow.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction And Welcome

00:22 Meet Jeffrey Kildow

01:00 The Meaning Behind The Quote

01:43 History’s Truths And Childhood Beliefs

02:07 Lessons From Pearl Harbor

03:09 Evolving Wisdom On History

04:06 Why History Is Neglected

05:07 The Boredom Of History Classes

06:19 Patterns Repeating In Today’s World

07:26 Power Struggles And Impasse

08:44 The Importance Of Trust

09:47 Intention Versus Capacity

10:32 Childhood Rivalries And Global Conflicts

11:28 The Spark Behind World War I

12:20 Kaiser Wilhelm And World War Tensions

13:04 Naval Power And Arms Race

13:39 History Inspiring Alternative Novels

15:26 Weaving History Into Storytelling

17:49 The Power Of Asking “What If?”

21:06 Recommended Eras To Study

22:36 Personal Lessons From History

23:20 Making History Relevant

24:56 Finding Interest In History

25:18 How To Get The Book

26:04 Episode Wrap-Up And Farewell

On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Toni Will, a trailblazer who lives by Mark Twain’s mantra: “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” Toni’s journey—from the banking world to becoming the general manager and only female governor of a men’s professional hockey team—is full of bold, rebellious decisions and powerful self-reflection. We talk about what it feels like to be the only woman in high-pressure rooms, how choosing sobriety (not because of crisis, but for clarity and more intentional success) changed her life, and the importance of “coloring outside the lines.” Toni’s insights will help you question default thinking, redefine success on your terms, and trust your ability to weather tough moments. If you’ve ever wondered how to make unconventional choices or stick to your values even when it’s uncomfortable, this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical strategies. Plus, learn how Toni’s upcoming book, Rebellious Success, and her leadership philosophy can fuel your own growth and gutsy decisions.

Connect With Toni Will
Website: https://toniwill.com
Women In Podcast: https://toniwill.com/women-in-podcast

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

Chapters
00:00 Introduction And Welcome
01:20 Toni’s Life-Changing Quote
02:24 Choosing Sobriety And Standing Apart
03:47 Breaking Barriers In Hockey Leadership
05:28 Navigating Microaggressions And Speaking Up
06:49 Building Confidence And Overcoming Internal Barriers
08:45 Leading Authentically And Her Leadership Pillars
10:08 Embracing Career Detours
12:37 Recognizing Opportunities And Following Breadcrumbs
13:58 Facing Fear And The Power Of Challenge
16:22 The “More” Behind Going Alcohol-Free
17:58 Surprising Lessons From Sobriety
20:05 Defining Rebellious Success
21:42 How Her Definition Of Success Changed
23:51 The Value Of Failure And Trying
25:12 Fill-In-The-Blank Wisdom Game
27:18 Healthy Rebellion Versus Contrarian Sabotage
28:34 Pausing Before Responding
29:57 Where To Find Toni Online
30:22 Closing Reflections And Farewell

On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I’m joined by global business coach Sasha Eburne, who shares a simple yet powerful mantra: “You don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to take the next step.” Sasha opens up about her own leap—from a tough day at work to launching her business on a whim, and growing it with what she calls “messy action.” We dive into the fears that hold us back, why clarity isn’t always a prerequisite for progress, and how real growth begins outside our comfort zones. Sasha’s journey offers an honest look at navigating uncertainty, pivoting when things don’t go to plan, and tuning into what feels right. Whether you’re an overthinker, hesitant to start, or just in need of encouragement, this episode is a nudge to move forward—one step at a time—and embrace the wisdom found in action over perfection.

Connect With Sasha Eburne
Website: https://www.sashaeburne.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashaeburne_

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

If the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdom

Chapters
00:00 Introduction And Welcome
00:26 Meet Sasha Eburne
00:42 Sasha’s Favorite Quote
01:09 The Power Of Messy Action
02:27 Starting A Business On A Whim
03:03 Growing A Team Quickly
03:40 Facing Fears And Taking Risks
05:32 Pivoting And Reinventing In Business
07:05 Clip: Getting Started Changes Everything
08:23 Moving Beyond Excuses And Fear
09:43 Expanding The Comfort Zone
10:28 Breaking Through Initial Fear
11:28 The Value Of Execution Over Ideas
11:43 When To Figure Things Out First
12:37 Investing In Learning And Coaching
13:41 Speaking To Overthinkers
15:01 How Sasha Supports Women Entrepreneurs
15:48 Where To Connect With Sasha
16:28 Episode Wrap-Up And Farewell

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I’m joined by Rodney Carpentier—a 20-year law enforcement professional turned mystery writer—who shares the family mantra that has shaped his life: “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is not acceptable.” Rodney opens up about inheriting this saying from his father (and likely generations before), its practical impact on his approach to work and creativity, and how losing both parents at a young age fueled his desire to seize every opportunity. We dive into how this mantra became more than just punctuality advice—it’s about being truly prepared for life, not letting regrets accumulate, and not waiting for a “perfect” moment to pursue your dreams. Rodney reflects on incorporating the mantra into his crime trilogy set in the Catskill Mountains, the role of preparedness in his journey from policing to publishing, and how listeners can reframe feelings of “lateness” into fresh starts. If you need a nudge to stop waiting and start taking action—no matter your age or stage—Rodney’s story will inspire you to show up ready for possibility.

Connect With Rodney Carpentier
Website: https://rlcarpentierwriter.com
Newsletter: https://rlcarpentierwriter.com/newsletter-signup

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

If the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdom

Chapters
00:00 Introduction And Welcome
00:23 Meet Rodney Carpentier
00:42 Connection To The Catskills
01:07 Rodney’s Quote And Mantra
01:21 Meaning Behind The Quote
01:57 When The Quote Became Real
02:19 Using The Mantra In Life
02:51 Reflection On Preparedness
04:35 Staying Ready For Opportunities
05:08 Impact Of Family And Loss
06:14 Embracing The Mantra Fully
07:06 Writing And Life’s Surprises
08:23 Becoming A Writer Later In Life
09:15 Overcoming Regrets And Acting Early
10:34 The Consequences Of Being Late
11:40 Why “Early” Opens Doors
12:10 When It Feels Too Late
13:07 Turning Lateness Into Opportunity
14:23 Questions For Listeners
15:10 The Mantra In Rodney’s Writing
15:47 Preparing For The Next Chapter
16:34 Rodney’s Next Steps
18:00 About The Trilogy
19:29 Where To Find Rodney And His Books
20:14 Episode Wrap-Up And Thanks