Seemingly Ordinary

College life was weird from 2020-21, but many students were not only on campus, they did some really cool things, like travel abroad and create communities of deep friendships. In this inspiring episode Madeline Joerger, 20, grows, acts freely, and inspires others to unleash all of the love in their hearts.  This episode was recorded on May 20, 2021.

My friends Sean & Jamie Cailteux are healthcare workers, and the parents of three kids, Claire, Josie, and an unborn baby boy! 

I’ve interviewed Sean before. He’s a super-fit chiropractor, and he’s my go-to guy when it comes to all things health and fitness.

Jamie Cailteux is a nurse and perhaps the most avid reader I know—and that is saying a lot. I am not sure how many books she goes through in a year, but it could be between one and two hundred.

In the past, I’ve interviewed people who have raised six or seven kids. Some of their kids are in their early twenties, and they’re out of the house, employed, graduated, and getting married. So, I wanted to see how young couples, whose kids are four, two, and unborn, are thinking through some of the complex topics of parenthood! Sean & Jamie are maybe about four miles into this 26.2 mile marathon that they are running. I respect them deeply, and want to know how they think.

This episode was recorded in July 2020.

Amber Hellwig is the Director of Admissions at St. James Academy. We discuss her life story, and our in-person '20-21 school year, and the benefits and  burdens that went with it.

Sammy Kopecky became the sole proprietor of profitable and professional photography business as a high school student. She’s done senior portraits, special events—and even was trusted enough to be the photographer for a newlywed couple. You can find her at Kopecky photography, at samanthakopeckyphotography.com.  

            Matthew Newkirk is only 18, and yet he is an accomplished singer, actor, sports announcer, performer, and student. His podcast, available on multiple platforms including iTunes, Spotify, and other platforms, is The Young Money Podcast.

            This is a story about a person who works extremely hard at what he loves, which is performing and announcing. It’s also the story of a guy who works hard at the rest of life—Matthew takes the time to get all of the technical aspects right—in order to create stellar performances. And he makes A’s. But best of all, he does all of this while bringing art, sports, and financial advice to others—all while having a good time himself!

Whenever I see happy, healthy, accomplished kids, I always wonder how the parents did it. In this episode, Jerry and Lucy Tujague, two very accomplished people, tell fascinating and helpful family stories.

Two days ago, I interviewed Antionette Ishmael, an original thinker with a brilliantly analytical and yet creative mind. The mind of a trained thinker is wonderful to explore. In this mini-episode, I explore some of Ish's habits of mind. Enjoy!

             Antionette Ishmael is a lifelong teacher. She’s taught many different kinds of English, speech, debate, and theatre. She’s helped put on plays, musicals, concerts. Her debate /forensics teams have often come in first in the state/local tournaments.
            She’s also a published author! Check out her stories in “Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother’s Soul,” “Chocolate for a Woman’s Heart,” “Chocolate for a Woman’s Blessings,” and “Swollen Ankles and Blowfish Kisses.”
           Today, we discuss how precise speech, a love of the arts, and a willingness to engage tough topics with other people will sharpen your mind, increase your mental discipline, ramp up your creativity, and help your heart grow.

Emily was a beloved high school teacher at a very demanding school before she became a full-time mom of six children. I've always been fascinated by how great parents raise cheerful kids. Today, Emily explains it all: from romance  to engagement to marriage to baby boom. What does it take to raise awesome children? Emily is too modest to say she knows. Even so, enjoy!

23. Emily Mushinski, World Traveler