Seemingly Ordinary

Not too many people choose a college with only one major, with under 500 students, nestled outside of the city in a natural setting. But Sal and Jacob, cousins, each 18, chose this unusual institution based on the Great Books, and which uses the Socratic Method of instruction (which is where the professors grill you every class to see what you know). In this episode, we discuss why they're going to St. Thomas Aquinas. We also discuss their biographies, and what they hope to make of their unique, precious lives. 

(This episode was recorded on June 4, 2023.)

Sammy Kopecky is a college junior who spent nine days in the poorest part of Peru, the mountains, where people live without water and electricity, and almost without food. They are recovering from years of unrest. Sammy worked with a group of missionaries to help build cement stairs, but also just to play with the kids and speak with the adults. It changed her life and how she sees the world, and she is only beginning to come to terms with what she experienced, and what she now believes. But the heart of her existence is to love individuals like Christ does--radically, and freely, and with joy.

Links to reach Sammy: 
Kansas State University | Marketing | President - Women in Business

 w: samanthakopeckyphotography.com

 e: [email protected]

 ln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthakopecky/

(This episode was recorded on April 2, 2023.)

Belinda Ellsworth has built three successful businesses over the past 25 years and her podcast show, "Work From Your Happy Place," was picked up by iHeartRadio this year.  In this episode, she explains how she helps entrepreneurs, artists, and salespeople take their work to the next level.

(This episode was recorded on March 27, 2023.)

A writer and artist, Nora Ley is a first year college student at Benedictine, in Atchison, Kansas, who is having perhaps the best year year of her life. Christian Valldeparas is a high school sophomore who writes and acts. These good friends are truly growing, and their lives will inspire you to grow, as well.

(This episode was recorded on March 26, 2023.)

Abby Lynch has a very unique daughter with incredible writing ability. However, nothing was simple for daughter or mom when it came to finding a good school. This family's unique story is not only compelling--it has potentially societally wide implications.

(This episode was recorded on March 25, 2023.)

Dr. Maria Benes currently serves as co-director of the Before Gethsemane Initiative (BGI), a Catholic nonprofit for racial reconciliation. She also is a project lead for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage for Modern Catholic Pilgrim. 

We discuss Maria's childhood, teen years, college--and the scary trip in the Peruvian Andes that made Maria, who was considering agnosticism, confirm her faith in God.

(This episode was recorded March 14, 2023.) 

Aaron Parker went through a gigantic personal event which changed the direction of his life. While freely admitting many of his mistakes, and saying nothing disparaging about the mother of his son, Aaron discusses the custody battle for his son: what led up to it, how it unfolded, the toil it took on him, and the aftermath.

We also discuss Aaron's views on many things, from modern society to the state of masculinity in 2023.

Aaron Parker is a freelance video editor and voice over talent. His podcast is The Daddy Show.

(This episode was recorded on March 12, 2023.) 

Part 2 of 2 on Addiction. Last week: the problems. This week: the solutions. 

Adam Clement is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT).  He  has had experience and training working with couples, families, and individuals with a wide range of presenting problems including trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, marital conflict, divorce, and adjustment disorders. 

Last week, we discussed the damage done. This week, Adam proposes a three-part solution. Warning: the solution takes a lot of work, but in terms of saving relationships and giving people something awesome to live for, it is worth it.

(This episode was recorded on March 13, 2023.)