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What if the detour was the door you needed? We sit down with Dr. Ali Herweck—physician, MPH, and current REI fellow—to trace a real, unvarnished path into women’s health and fertility care. From not getting into medical school the first time to matching lower on her list and moving across the country, Ali turns every twist into fuel. She shows how purpose steadies ambition, how mindset is a daily choice, and how “hope through compassionate education” changes patient care, one clear explanation at a time.

Ali opens a window into reproductive endocrinology and infertility, where science and empathy meet. We talk IVF, evidence-based medicine, and the quiet resilience patients carry through uncertainty. With a marketing background and strong research training, she also tackles the messy reality of health information online—why so much goes viral and wrong, and how clinicians can meet people where they are with trustworthy, human content. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure which source to believe, this conversation is a steady hand on your shoulder.

Beyond the clinic, Ali shares the routines that keep her grounded: fitness as a reset, Sunday planning to tame chaos, and honest check-ins about goals and growth. She speaks frankly about bias—being told to dim her hair and personality to be taken seriously—and why she chose to stay herself while sharpening her craft. For anyone navigating admissions seasons, the Match, career pivots, or family-building decisions, her story is a practical masterclass in resilience and clarity.

If this resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs hope backed by evidence, and leave a review to help more people find honest conversations about fertility, women’s health, and the power of second tries.

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Death doesn't come with a guidebook. For Rhonda Roberts, each loss became a stepping stone toward profound understanding—from the confusion of a 10-year-old watching her grandmother's casket to the peace of whispering goodbye to her father-in-law on his birthday.

"The last thing people that are loved ones want us to do when they transition is to spend our lives in a constant state of grief," Rhonda shares, her cheerleader's energy bringing unexpected light to this somber truth. A Texas-born choreographer and coach whose spirit radiates through every story, Rhonda takes us through her evolution from a college sophomore desperately reading every book on death after losing her father, to a woman who can hold both grief and joy in the same breath.

Her most extraordinary story involves her Aunt Betty, with whom she developed a deep phone relationship during daily commutes. After Betty's passing, Rhonda's three-year-old daughter announced, "Mommy, I saw Aunt Betty. She said I love you. Now go to sleep"—addressing the exact bedtime struggles Rhonda had discussed with her aunt before her death. These moments of connection beyond the physical realm have shaped Rhonda's understanding that our loved ones remain present, just differently.

Beyond her grief journey, Rhonda shares glimpses of her vibrant life—from cheerleading in films like "Bring It On Again" to writing her children's book "Coconut and the Orange Cat," which teaches that joy comes from within. Her philosophy is refreshingly simple yet profound: "You're here, so why not give it your 100%? Just do the things!" This enthusiasm for fully showing up to life honors those she's lost while embracing her continuing journey.

Follow Rhonda and look for her forthcoming book that will guide others through their own grief journeys. Her story reminds us that hope isn't found by avoiding pain, but by moving through it with intention, presence, and the courage to keep showing up.

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Gail Priest, award-winning author of Soul Dancing, shares her journey from theater teacher to novelist and how her background in education and counseling psychology influences her storytelling. Her passion for writing stories about healing from trauma and family secrets offers readers hope and the possibility of second chances.

• Background in theater and education provides foundation for character development
• Theater training translates directly to novel writing through understanding narrative arcs
• Soul Dancing won 2024 Book of the Year by American Writing Awards
• Stories focus on healing within families and second chances
• Nature and coastal settings serve as characters in her books
• Being "productive without attachment" helps overcome creative blocks
• Annie Crow Knoll trilogy inspired by time spent on the Eastern Shore
• Theater education builds transferable skills including teamwork and empathy
• Finding confidence is an active choice rather than something that magically appears
• Connecting with others on a soul level creates meaningful relationships
• Hope appears as "an eternal flame that will not go out"

If you enjoyed this episode, you can find Gail's books on all major online retailers and in independent bookstores. Visit gailpriest.com to sign up for her newsletter and follow her on social media to keep up with her upcoming novel "Hope is a Thing with Feathers."

Gail Priest — Author of the Annie Crow Knoll trilogy and Eastern Shore Shorts

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Miguel Gonzalez shares his extraordinary journey from fine arts graduate to gifted medium and spirit artist, recounting how a profound visitation from the Lady of Guadalupe changed his life path forever.

• Experienced dream visitations from Lady of Guadalupe at age 26 that initiated his spiritual awakening
• Grandmother's spirit visits provided early validation through information Miguel couldn't otherwise know
• Combined his fine arts background with mediumship to develop remarkable spirit portrait abilities
• Explains how his mediumship training developed through various teachers and mentors
• Describes his special connection with Native American guide Braveheart
• Shares the importance of surrender and trust in spiritual development
• Views hope as "a new adventure, a new opportunity" that's always available to us
• Believes everyone has the ability to connect with spirit through understanding how they uniquely receive information
• Approaches both art and mediumship from a space of flow and connection
• Emphasizes the importance of not judging spiritual information as it comes through

Find Miguel on Facebook under Miguel Gonzalez or email him at [email protected] to learn more about his services.

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Liz Michels shares her powerful journey as an adult woman with autism, challenging misconceptions and advocating for understanding that people develop "in their own time." Her story from early diagnosis to becoming a workplace advocate demonstrates how proper support and acceptance can lead to thriving despite challenges.

• Diagnosed with autism at age three despite doctors' limited expectations for her future
• Parents chose to "take her home and treat her like everybody else" rather than viewing her through a deficit lens
• Found inspiration in the Japanese concept of autism meaning "in their own time" rather than just a disorder
• Credits dedicated teachers including her music teacher Mrs. Bernstein and occupational therapist Mrs. Snyder with helping her reach milestones
• Now works as an EVS technician at a hospital where she advocates for inclusive hiring practices
• Was featured in a "Coast Life" segment for National Disability Awareness Month to showcase workplace capabilities
• Lives by the motto "If you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine" which reflects her positive approach to challenges
• Emphasizes that everyone deserves patience and understanding regardless of neurological differences
• Recommends that counselors and mental health professionals listen fully to autistic clients and educate themselves through available resources
• Finds joy in being an aunt and spending time by the ocean near her Delaware home

Connect with Liz on Instagram @Lizzy_Sunshine_Strutter_98 or on Facebook as Liz Michels to share your story or connect with her autism advocacy work.

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What if the death of a loved one isn't the end of your relationship, but rather the beginning of something profoundly different? Martin and Krista Anderton discovered this truth in the most heart-wrenching way when their 20-year-old son Zach died in a car accident. Just when they thought their world had ended, something miraculous happened on the third day—they found Zach, or more accurately, he found them.

Their journey from devastation to connection unfolds with stunning moments that defy conventional explanation. Fingerprints appearing on screens when no one is touching them. Messages arriving at exactly the right moment. A camper van purchase guided by their son from beyond, with costs matching his unknown life insurance policy down to the last few dollars. These aren't coincidences, but evidence of what happens when we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of consciousness.

What makes this conversation special is Martin and Krista's background—they were self-described "ultra-competitive, material-focused people" before their loss, not spiritual seekers. Their transformation came through direct experience, not belief. "We don't believe, we know," Martin emphasizes, highlighting the distinction that changed everything for them. This knowing led them to create Zach's House, a gathering place providing support for bereaved people through mindfulness, health and well-being, consciousness, and energy healing.

Through their story, we explore how grief itself—which they describe as "love on"—can actually heighten our connection rather than block it. We discover how each person connects differently with loved ones who have passed, whether through meditation, signs, spontaneous communications, or simply remaining open. Most importantly, we learn that relationships don't end with physical death; they transform into something new that can be even more expansive.

Whether you're navigating grief, curious about consciousness beyond the physical, or simply drawn to stories of extraordinary human resilience, this conversation will leave you questioning the boundaries you thought existed between life and death. As Krista beautifully puts it, "Hope equals knowing"—knowing that we are never truly separated from those we love.

Supporting The Bereaved Through Conscious exploration | Zach's House | England

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A childhood brush with death shaped Neal Woodson's entire life philosophy. After surviving what doctors called an infant tachycardia at less than a year old, Neil's mother consistently reminded him: "You're here for a reason. Don't squander it." That powerful message became the foundation for a life dedicated to service and helping others realize their potential.

Neal takes us on his journey from aspiring musician to leadership trainer and service advocate, revealing how unexpected opportunities and saying "yes" led him to discover his true calling. Though he initially pursued music, studying composition theory and playing trombone professionally, Neal found his purpose in teaching others about leadership and service. His transition wasn't planned but emerged organically as he followed his instinct to help others.

What makes Neal's perspective so refreshing is his definition of service. "Service is much bigger than customer service," he explains. "It's something we all do every day." From opening doors for strangers to bringing milk home for your family, service permeates our daily lives in ways we often overlook. Neal's research reveals that humans are biologically wired for cooperation rather than competition, with our bodies releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin when we help others.

His book "Giving a Shit" challenges the notion that businesses exist primarily for profit, arguing instead that making money is necessary (like breathing) but not the purpose. True purpose comes through service. Neal shares a fascinating contrast between the fictional "Lord of the Flies" and a real-life incident where shipwrecked schoolboys thrived through cooperation rather than descending into savagery, illustrating how service and cooperation represent our natural state.

Throughout our conversation, Neal returns to his core mantra: "Go do some good." This simple yet profound directive guides his work and personal life. When asked how he hopes to be remembered, his answer speaks volumes about his values: "He helped me. He helped me be better than I thought I could be."

Whether you're navigating personal relationships, leading a team, or running a business, Neal's insights on service-centered living offer a transformative path forward. Listen now to discover how embracing service can create a more fulfilling life and a better world for all of us.

Neal Woodson | Service Coach

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From childhood wonder to professional musicianship, Heather Wolf's journey embodies the essence of authentic expression. Growing up with a profound spiritual connection to nature, Heather recounts the transformative moment when she felt unconditional love emanate from a maple tree in her backyard—an experience that shaped her lifelong devotion to folk wisdom and ancestral traditions.

What makes Heather's path remarkable is her courage to overcome deep-seated vocal shame. Just five years ago, she transitioned from business owner to professional musician, driven by a mission to help others reclaim their voices. "Folk arts can be regular," she explains, challenging our culture's obsession with expertise and perfection. Through her True Voice work, Heather guides people to connect with their authentic expression, recognizing that the voice is a powerful instrument for healing and transformation.

As we navigate what Heather calls a "poly crisis" era—with ecological collapse, social division, and cultural disconnection—she offers a refreshing perspective on hope. Rather than turning away from our planetary challenges, she finds solace in the regenerative cycles of nature. "Hope through the more-than-human world" means reconnecting with wisdom beyond human constructs and remembering that "we are the more-than-human too." This understanding bridges the false separation between humanity and nature, offering a path toward healing our collective wounds.

Throughout our conversation, Heather weaves together insights on authenticity, the wisdom of Indigenous women, and the power of community circles. Her work with Teen Talking Circles, founded by her mother nearly 30 years ago, creates spaces for young people to navigate the natural rites of passage with integrity and support. As she performs her song "Wolf Woman" from her upcoming album "Midnight Hour," Heather's message resonates deeply: it's time we believe we have the right to be our full, wild, embodied selves.

Ready to reconnect with your authentic voice and the wisdom of the natural world? Follow Heather's work at heatherwolflove.com and catch her on tour this July from LA to Vancouver.

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What does it mean to live an authentic life? Meet Linda Wolf, a woman who has fearlessly navigated cultural revolutions, personal struggles, and social upheaval since the 1960s, never losing sight of her core values along the way.

Linda's journey began in Los Angeles, where her feminist mother instilled principles of compassion, honesty, and boldness that would guide her remarkable path. At 19, she broke barriers as one of the first female rock and roll photographers, capturing iconic moments with Joe Cocker's tour before living and studying in France. But her lens captured more than celebrities—it revealed humanity in all its complexity, documenting both joy and injustice across cultural boundaries.

Throughout our conversation, Linda shares the pivotal moments that transformed her: from sneaking backstage to meet Mick Jagger at 14, to her revolutionary realization in her forties that "nobody was going to love me till the day I died but me." This profound insight fueled her work founding Teen Talking Circles and the Daughters Sisters Project, organizations that have created safe spaces for authentic expression and compassionate listening for countless young women.

What distinguishes Linda from many of her counterculture contemporaries is her unwavering commitment to social justice across five decades. While others abandoned the ideals of those early "love-ins and be-ins," Linda continued evolving, connecting dots between racism, environmental challenges, and gender inequality. Her philosophy of "saying yes, then growing to meet that yes" reveals how embracing opportunities—even when uncertain—can lead to extraordinary growth.

Today at 75, Linda finds joy in community dinners on Bainbridge Island, her growing family, and continuing creative expression. Her perspective on our current cultural moment offers wisdom for navigating turbulent times: focus locally, maintain connections, and choose optimism over mere hope. "It's not about wrapping your head around everything happening," she advises, "but about doing what you can, where you are."

Listen now to this compelling conversation that weaves together art, activism, and authentic living. Then ask yourself: What might happen if you began saying "yes" to life's invitations, trusting that you'll grow to meet them?

Linda Wolf Photography Linda Wolf

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Paul and Karen Larson never planned to revolutionize their community. When their athletic young son wanted acting classes in 1984, they signed him up with their local city program. The disappointing result – children simply lip-syncing to Sound of Music songs – sparked something unexpected. "I could do better than that," Paul said. Karen's response? "Well, why don't you?"

This simple exchange launched what would become a 40-year journey of community building through theater. As elementary school educators, the Larsons approached their fledgling theater program with teaching hearts – not to showcase themselves, but to create spaces where others could discover their gifts and potential. What began as a children's production workshop quickly expanded to include adult community theater, drawing in people hungry for connection and creative expression.

The magic of their approach lies in what community members affectionately call getting "Larson'd" – expressing interest in something only to find yourself suddenly empowered with responsibility and leadership. This philosophy has transformed countless lives as shy volunteers became confident directors, parents building sets discovered hidden talents, and children finding their voices both on and off stage. More than 400 productions later, their theaters have become a family where introverts find their place, struggling kids channel their energy constructively, and people of all backgrounds belong.

Even during the pandemic, when their physical theater closed, the Larsons pivoted to Zoom workshops, parking lot performances, and outdoor classes – proving that true community transcends physical space. Their philosophy of "looking for the good and praising it" has created ripples far beyond theater walls, touching education, parenting, and civic engagement throughout their region.

Ready to experience this special community yourself? Visit chinocommunitytheater.org to learn about upcoming productions and discover how theater can build hope through genuine human connection. Who knows – you might just get "Larson'd" yourself!

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