Taking it for Granted

All Father Mike has ever wanted to do is help. Whether that be through coaching wrestling, teaching special education, his priesthood, or helping his kids navigate through life, Mike wants to be of service. He has been blind in his left eye since birth and his currently battling leukemia, but that has never slowed Mike from accomplishing amazing feats like qualifying for the Olympic trials. Religion, faith, family, and love are the driving forces behind Father Mike's life, and the connections he makes with others is what keeps him positive through all the adversity thrown his way!

Luigi Casaretto AKA Weege is a musician who describes his sound as "reggaeish," but what's most important to him is being a great role model for his daughters and the best husband to his wife. After a long hiatus from music, he's hitting the road with a 10 piece band and couldn't be more excited about it. Find out more about his music and when he'll be playing near you by checking out his website www.weegemusic.com or following him on Instagram @weegemusic.

Wic Whitney is a musician who is sometimes labeled as a rapper, but blends the genres of hip hop, folk, soul, and a little rock to create his own unique sound. He's an advocate and voice for the LGBTQ+ community, and as a gay man himself, he uses his platform to help others become their true selves. Wic is as genuine and real as it gets, and that shines through in his music and his personal life!

Dr. Roger Teel is a spiritual leader and speaker who co-founded the Association for Global New Thought. He was also the long-time minister at Mile Hi Church and author of the book "This Life is Joy." If you want to hear more about Roger's background or his life's work, go back and listen to the previous episode with him, or check out www.rogerteel.com.

Charlie Fulks is a giver and wouldn't have it any other way. He knows the importance of helping those in need through his work with the Peace Corps and Special Olympics, and has continued to give back in his community as well. Charlie's traveled the world from Guatemala to Germany, and has overcome loss in his life, coming out on the other side stronger than before, making sure those bad times don't outweigh the good!

Dr. John Howell is a retired professor at Ohio University, an active member of his Quaker community, and dabbles in many fields such as religion and economics. He has a passion for the outdoors, and loves his small town life, but has lived all over the United States. John finds the most joy out of educating students and helping them reach that "AHA" moment!

Tom McGowan is a young entrepreneur on a mission with All Things Good. ATG is a news outlet that is turning into a digital empire that provides only good news stories and content. Through the struggles of starting a company with no financial backing, moving from city to city to find work, and overcoming the naysayers who didn't believe in the power of positive news, Tom is on his way to changing how the world of media works! To learn more about Tom and his work, give him a follow on Instagram @tommcgowancreative and @allthingsgood.

Ben and Emily Roberts have been hitting the road together in their band Carolina Story for a decade, and being a married couple touring together definitely presents its own challenges. They found each other through music, and continue to spread their message of hope and happiness through their songs. This is especially evident in their latest album "Dandelion" available for purchase on their website www.carolinastory.com or check out their latest tour dates to catch them when they're in your neck of the woods!

Dean was shot at the Kent State Massacre in 1970 and subsequently paralyzed. While that definitely changed the course of his life, it didn't slow him down. Over the past 50 years since the shooting, Dean has competed in marathons, played wheel chair basketball and was a County Commissioner. He doesn't hold a grudge, is thankful to be alive, and makes the most of each day he's given!

Richard was a HS History teacher for 25 years, and the former Deputy Director of the Ohio State Teachers' Retirement System. From growing up on a tobacco farm in North Carolina shortly after the Great Depression, to traveling the world to places like Egypt and India, being immersed in different cultures has shaped who he is. Family trumps all with Richard, and he makes the most of the present, while letting the future take care of itself. Take a listen, and learn about life from a man who has lived a lot of it!