The Carroll Connection Podcast

On this episode, Billy Giannouloudis rejoins the podcast for his first time since appearing on episode 132. Billy walks us through what has happened since February 2023. He talks about going to Michigan State University to host a workshop for students. Billy shares how valuable it is to teach about how powerful the mind is to young students to help them succeed early on in their life. Then, we dove into the discussing of things that happen for you rather than to you in relation to spirituality and religion. We share our interest in the author, Billy Carson, and how he has opened our eyes to new information regarding religion and human creation. Join us in this unique conversation on the power of the mind, spirituality, and mental health.

Soleil Marcotte is a 2nd grade inclusion teacher and small business owner. On this episode, Soleil opens up about her family dynamic and what it was like having to step up from time to time while her father had major health scares. Soleil explains her relationship with her mother and how she influenced her to eventually become a teacher. Also, Soleil talks about being a swimmer and how it helped her form some of her best friendships. She discusses her college path and the importance of getting real life experience in the classroom. Soleil mentions some of the learning curves she had entering her own classroom too. We discuss the value of technology in the classroom and the concept of productive struggling. Join us in this amazing conversation on family, teaching, and mental health.

Colby Dressler is a freelance writer, editor, and YouTuber. On this episode, Colby opens up about his family dynamic and relationship with his siblings. Colby explains what it was like having a brother on the autism spectrum who was mostly nonverbal and how they led him to have more compassion for others. Also, he talks about his love for sports and more specifically baseball. Colby mentions moving to Georgia for college and working towards studies in animation/art. Then, Colby discusses why he moved to Arizona during the pandemic and how he started putting more effort into YouTube. Colby shares some advice on trying to achieve success on YouTube. Join us in this authentic conversation on animation, art, and mental health.

Colby's YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Colby2D

Aaron Ferro is co-founder of non-profit, Hope For Providence, aimed to help people who are homeless, suffer from mental health issues, and identifying local RI infrastructure problems. On this episode, Aaron opens up about his family dynamic and being raised in a Cape Verdean family. Aaron discusses the importance of family and community and how that's lacking in current society. Also, Aaron explains being a creative early on in life and constantly exploring stories. He talks about going to college to study philosophy, but ultimately dropped out and invested into books and a camera. Eventually, Aaron co-founded Hope For Providence and explains why he started as well as sharing his most memorable story documented thus far. Join us in this authentic conversation on community, homelessness, and mental health.

Hope For Providence: https://linktr.ee/hopeforprovidence?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

On this episode, Zane Propatier rejoins the podcast for his third appearance last one being episode 118. Zane catches us up on everything that has happened since his last episode which was in 2022. He talks about his album release party for '10:30' and what it meant to him having family and friends supporting his music. Also, he explains why he chose to donate the proceeds to St Jude's and the value in doing that versus keeping the money for profit. Zane discusses the end of an era in terms of his music and switching to finishing his masters. As well as, Zane becoming a therapist and being able to help people in need. We discuss passions and how things change over time. Join us in this valuable conversation on music, therapy, and mental health.

Levi Leland is a creator and guide of edgarallanpoeri.com and 'A Walking Tour of Poe's Providence. On this episode, Levi opens up about his family dynamic and the bond he had with his great grandparents. Levi dives into his parents' marriage and how their divorce affected him as a young teen. During his early teenage years Levi began to fall in love with the history of Edgar Allan Poe. He shares how he traveled to many locations where Poe lived and how his work impacted him. Also, Levi discusses the relationship he had with his father and how his father's mental health played a major role in his passing. Levi talks about learning about his father's suicide and explains how we grieved this loss. We dive into the topic of mental illnesses and how society views them in comparison to mental health. Join us in this powerful conversation on Edgar Allan Poe, art, and mental health.

***TRIGGER WARNING*** - discussion of suicide during podcast

Jaime Calva is a music artist also known as J.C. On this episode, Jaime opens up about his family dynamic and the relationship he has with his mother. Jaime dives into what it was like being born in Mexico and moving to the US around 2 years old. He discusses getting his residency later in life and eventually visiting Mexico in his late teenage years. Also, he talks about how he starting writing music early in his childhood drawing inspiration from Eminem. Jaime explains how he was able to get over his fear of promoting and constantly striving to improve his music switching from English to Spanish and mixing between the two. We share our struggles with creating content and talk about never giving up on our dreams. Join us in this refreshing conversation on music, passion, and mental health.

Susan Shapiro is a compassionate aging hippie and my grandmother. On this episode, Susan opened up about her family dynamic and what it was like watching her mother battle illnesses. Susan explains how all her family stepped up to help and what her relationship was like with her father. Also, Susan discusses what it was like to go to college in New York and how she ended up pursuing a degree in psychology. She talks about supporting many social justice causes ranging from race to gender and everything in between. Susan speaks on the relationship she had with my late grandfather, her late husband - James Carroll Sr. She talks about what he meant to her and how they worked together to have their own small business to support local artists. Join us in this loved filled conversation on family, passion, and mental health.

Catherine Tiley is an artist and masters student. On this episode, Catherine opens up about her family dynamic and relationship with her cousins. Catherine explains what it was like growing up and being undiagnosed for autism. She walks us through how she managed to handle stress and difficult situations throughout her childhood. Also, Catherine talks about isolating from friends during school to help raise her siblings at times. Then, she discusses finally getting her diagnosis and how validating it was to have an explanation for how she felt. As her mental health was improving she reconnected with her passion for arts and crafts and created her brand, Cool Cat Crafts. Join us in this powerful conversation on family, autism, and mental health.

Lexi Milich is a holistic lifestyle guide, usui reiki practitioner, and content creator. On this episode, Lexi opens up about her family dynamic and how much she values her relationship with her parents. Lexi explains the connection she has with her mother and how valuable it is to work along side her. She dives into her spiritual journey and what her family has gone through while putting aside their business to handle things. Lexi talks about how much she's grown over the last several years and mentions the value of reconnecting with her inner child. We discuss the importance of spiritual growth and balancing being a content creator. Join us in this powerful conversation on spirituality, family, and mental health.