The Connection with Jay Miralles

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A tribe isn't just people who like the same stuff – it's made of individuals who believe in your mission, don't flinch when you dream big, and show up when it's inconvenient for them. Success is not a solo sport, and fulfillment doesn't happen in isolation.

• Spotting the wrong circle: people who hope you fail, give bad advice, or remain silent when you share goals
• When you're around the right people, your standards go up and you start thinking bigger naturally
• Take an audit of your tribe – the five people you spend most time with – do they challenge, celebrate, and call you out?
• Your energy is your most valuable currency – spend it where it compounds and gets returned
• When surrounded by the wrong people, you start to shrink, lose dreams, and believe playing small is noble
• Building a tribe starts with one move – just show up where people are growing and working hard
• Be specific when approaching potential mentors – ask thoughtful questions about their mistakes and journey
• True tribe relationships are reciprocal – you must also support others, not just receive support
• People who are truly in your tribe will shine when they see you and help make you better

Please share this episode and tag someone in your tribe—or someone who needs a new one. When you walk with the right people, everything changes.

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We explore how giving up alcohol creates unexpected space for bigger, more authentic living through the eyes of six individuals at different stages of their sobriety journey. Each shares candid reflections on what surprised them, what they feared losing, and what they gained by choosing a life without alcohol.

• Discovering the unexpected gift of more time—reclaiming "lost" days previously spent recovering from drinking
• Sleep quality dramatically improves, creating a foundation for better health and clearer thinking
• Learning to navigate social situations and find authentic fun without alcohol as social lubrication
• The clarity moments that led each person to choose sobriety, from parental responsibility to health concerns
• How friendships and relationships evolve when alcohol is removed from the equation

If you're sober curious or considering a change in your relationship with alcohol, know that you don't have to wait until things get bad to make a positive change. As one guest advised: "Give it one year—if your life isn't predominantly better, you can always go back."

1. Tami: Tami is a mother of three and a seasoned hairdresser with 36 years of experience. She embarked on a journey of sobriety starting with a one-month dry challenge, which has now extended to over a year and a half. Tami enjoys her new lifestyle, embracing early workouts and a positive outlook on life.
2. Jody J: Jody is a retired Senior Master Sergeant from the Air Force, where she served for 21 years. Now a mother of three and a bakery owner, Jody has been sober for 921 days, attributing her success to personal determination and support from friends like Jane.
3. Stephen: Stephen is a dedicated father of three who works at a dairy and enjoys spending quality time with his family through activities like fishing and swimming. With 117 days of sobriety, Stephen is committed to being present for his children and improving his lifestyle.
4. Leah J: Leah is a mother of two and the owner of an event planning company called The Event Firm. She has been alcohol-free since 2018, focusing on living a fulfilling life without counting the days of sobriety.
5. Amanda: Amanda is a single mother and a passionate advocate for healing from addiction and trauma. With 18 and a half years of sobriety, she is pursuing a master's degree to become a counselor and runs a nonprofit dedicated to helping others.
6. Scott: Scott is a family man with two daughters, managing a local store in Omaha. His journey to sobriety began with a dry January challenge, and he has now surpassed 900 days without alcohol, finding joy in his early morning routines.

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Happier Hour AF: Zero Alcohol. All Vibes.

Tired of the same old boozy networking events where you leave with more small talk than real connections (and maybe a hangover)? Yeah… us too.

Welcome to Happier Hour AF — where the drinks are zero proof, but the energy is 100%.

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Thank you for listening to The Connection Podcast with Jay Miralles. Please subscribe and share!

WEBSITE
https://www.letsgo321.com

GET IN TOUCH
https://flow.page/jaymiralles

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https://books.by/jaymiralles

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What are the odds that a healthy baby boy abandoned on a hospital doorstep in China would grow up to become an accomplished author, speaker, and adoption advocate in America? For Wilson Munsterman, this extraordinary journey isn't just a story—it's his life.

At just 19 years old, Wilson brings wisdom far beyond his years as he shares his powerful adoption story with raw authenticity. Born during China's one-child policy era and left without identification, Wilson spent his early months in the Chinese orphanage system before being adopted by American parents. What makes his perspective so compelling is his profound gratitude: "I've come to terms that I shouldn't be alive, I shouldn't be here in America... I'm going to attack every day as a gift."

The conversation explores adoption with remarkable nuance, challenging simplistic narratives. Wilson emphasizes that adoption isn't inherently good or bad—it's an experience that varies widely depending on individual circumstances. He offers invaluable insight for prospective adoptive parents, birth families, and adoptees alike, stressing that what matters most is approaching each situation with grace, understanding, and love.

Most impressively, Wilson has transformed his personal experience into meaningful action by authoring "Marked by Adoption," a book offering ten key insights from an adoptee's perspective. The impact of his work is already profound, with people across generations finding healing through his words. Beyond adoption advocacy, we discover Wilson's passion for vinyl records, Elvis Presley memorabilia, and his appreciation for history that sets him apart from typical 19-year-olds.

Wilson's story reminds us that our greatest challenges often become our most powerful purpose. His message to those feeling discontent resonates deeply: count your blessings, set goals for self-improvement, and remember that "the world is good, people are good." At its heart, this conversation is an invitation to see the world through a lens of gratitude and possibility—no matter where your journey began.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Connection Podcast with Jay Miralles. Please subscribe and share!

WEBSITE
https://www.letsgo321.com

GET IN TOUCH
https://flow.page/jaymiralles

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https://books.by/jaymiralles

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Ep 36 The Unstoppable Nate Peitz: Taking the "Dis" Out of Disability

What does it mean to truly overcome limitations? In this powerful conversation, Nate Peitz redefines what's possible when you refuse to be defined by circumstances beyond your control.

Born with spina bifida, Nate shares his remarkable journey of growing up as the only wheelchair user among five siblings in a family that never treated him differently. "Take the dis out of disability" isn't just a catchy phrase for Nate—it's his life philosophy. With refreshing candor, he reveals how his parents' refusal to accept "I can't" in his vocabulary shaped his determined approach to challenges.

The conversation takes us through Nate's impressive athletic career in wheelchair basketball, soccer, and sled hockey, where his competitive spirit earned him championships and All-American honors. But what truly shines is his commitment to service. Unable to join the military due to his disability, Nate found other meaningful ways to serve, including his current challenge—completing a grueling 50-mile march in his wheelchair to support veterans.

Perhaps most inspiring is Nate's perspective on obstacles. When faced with steep hills during the march qualifier, his response wasn't frustration but determination: "I'm going to figure it out." This mindset transcends his personal journey, offering profound lessons for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Whether you're confronting your own limitations or seeking to understand how to better connect with people of all abilities, Nate's insights will transform your perspective. His message is clear—see the person, not the wheelchair; acknowledge the challenge, then find a way forward.

Listen now and discover how reframing your view of limitations might just reveal capabilities you never knew you had. What would be possible in your life if you decided to "figure it out" instead of saying "I can't"?

https://www.facebook.com/nate.peitz

https://givebutter.com/OperationHomeBase2025/50MMNatePeitz

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Thank you for listening to The Connection Podcast with Jay Miralles. Please subscribe and share!

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https://flow.page/jaymiralles

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The power of genuine connection threads through this conversation between longtime friends Jay Miralles and DeDee Oliver, who reconnect after nearly three decades to share insights that span professional wisdom and deeply personal memories.

DeDee opens up about her remarkable 27-year journey in real estate, revealing how the industry transformed from three-ring binders with listings and paper maps to today's digital landscape. Her success secret? Blending traditional relationship-building practices with modern technology. "The heart of my business is built on referrals," she shares, describing how she's helped multiple generations of families find homes. This philosophy of authentic connection has sustained her career while many others came and went.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when DeDee shares the story of her father, Marvin Edward Park, who was killed in action during Vietnam when she was just 13 months old. Though she has no personal memories of him, her father's presence has been kept alive through family stories and a precious book created by his war buddies containing photographs and accounts from his service. "How do you miss something that you never knew? But you do," DeDee reflects, in a moment that speaks to the universal experience of loss and remembrance.

Jay announces he'll be honoring Marvin during the upcoming 50 Mile March, carrying his photo and sharing his story. Their exchange reveals how listening to others' experiences—really listening, not just hearing—creates meaningful bonds that enrich our lives. As Jay notes, "We've lost the art of connection, and as I get older, that gets more and more important." Whether you're building business relationships or preserving family legacies, this episode reminds us that genuine connection remains our most valuable resource.

Pictures for Reference of Marvin E Park

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Z6zQJrKD/

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Connection Podcast with Jay Miralles. Please subscribe and share!

WEBSITE
https://www.letsgo321.com

GET IN TOUCH
https://flow.page/jaymiralles

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https://books.by/jaymiralles

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Beyond the Vest: The Real Impact of Service Dog Partnerships

What does it take to transform a puppy into a life-changing service dog for a veteran? Susan and Brandon pull back the curtain on this remarkable journey at Assistance Dogs of the Heartland (ADH), a Nebraska-based nonprofit with a powerful mission. Inspired by her family’s military service, Susan founded the organization to give back to those who have served. Brandon, his sister Grace, and other dedicated board members work tirelessly to match specially trained service dogs with veterans in need.

Susan and Brandon share personal stories about Susan’s military father, reflecting on how his experiences shaped their deep respect for veterans. When Susan and her late husband, Andy, acquired Bonafide Dog Academy in 2019, they saw an opportunity to expand their nonprofit arm specifically to support veterans through service dog partnerships.

This conversation reveals the meticulous process behind training service dogs like Hope, Harper, and Skye—dogs currently preparing for veteran placement. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring that each dog has the right temperament and health background. Training is intensive, costing approximately $20,000 per dog, and involves an innovative puppy raiser program where community volunteers help nurture future service dogs.

What stands out most is their commitment to thoughtful matching. These aren’t just dogs being handed out—they are carefully paired with veterans based on lifestyle compatibility and mutual benefit. The dogs learn specialized skills such as deep pressure therapy and develop an intuitive understanding of their handler’s needs. As Susan beautifully explains, “The thing that sums up a dog best is unconditional love... It doesn’t care what car you drive, it doesn’t care what job you have. It cares about you.”

ADH relies on community support to sustain its mission—whether through donations, volunteering as a puppy raiser, or spreading awareness. The goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of service dogs for veterans who might otherwise wait years for assistance through other programs. If you’re inspired by their mission to create life-changing partnerships, visit assistancedogsne.org to apply, or learn how you can help transform a veteran’s life through the extraordinary power of canine connection.

Enhancing Lives Through Canine Companions

At Assistance Dogs of the Heartland, our mission is to transform lives through the power of specially trained service dogs. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those facing significant challenges by providing them with loyal, highly skilled canine companions. Our service dogs offer essential support, fostering greater independence, confidence, and a sense of security for our clients.

We believe in the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs, and our goal is to harness this connection to create positive, life-changing experiences. Each dog in our program undergoes rigorous training to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. Our training process is tailored to address the unique needs of our clients, ensuring that every service dog is perfectly matched to provide the support and co

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Thank you for listening to The Connection Podcast with Jay Miralles. Please subscribe and share!

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Gina opens up about her transformative journey over the past year, sharing her aspirations to start her own business and become a motivational speaker. Her story is a testament to the power of personal growth and the importance of pursuing one's passion.  What if your next career move wasn't about a job change but about discovering your true passion? In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Gina Rue, a packaging sales professional with dreams that stretch far beyond selling empty boxes.

Gina's path hasn't been easy, but it's been incredibly rewarding. We explore the significance of resilience and vulnerability as Gina recounts her experiences, from the unexpected opportunities that arise when one door closes to the organic feedback that can guide you toward your true calling. The conversation touches on the emotional and physical challenges she faced during a grueling 50-mile walk, underscoring the strength that comes from community support and the profound impact of sharing personal stories. These raw moments of perseverance highlight the importance of being comfortable with our emotions to foster genuine connections and healing.

Set against the serene backdrop of Tahazuka Park in Elkhorn, this episode delves into the camaraderie and resilience needed to overcome both physical and emotional pain. Gina and I discuss practical tips for long-distance marches, the power of a support system, and the transformational impact of sharing your struggles with trusted friends and family. Authenticity and vulnerability are at the heart of this conversation, reminding us that true strength comes from opening up and letting others into our lives—messy houses and all. Join us for this inspiring episode filled with real-life lessons and the beauty of human connection.

GINA RHUE  

For more into about the 50 Mile March!
www.50milemarch.org

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Connection Podcast with Jay Miralles. Please subscribe and share!

WEBSITE
https://www.letsgo321.com

GET IN TOUCH
https://flow.page/jaymiralles

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Byron Bode,  Vietnam Veteran, Helicopter Pilot
Medals and Awards:  Army Commendation Medal awarded for Valor, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, 1 Awarded for Valor
(and others not listed) 

Byron Bode, a Vietnam veteran, shares his connection to the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the helicopter he flew during the war. He discusses the unique circumstances that led to the memorial and the significance of the helicopter in his personal story. Byron reflects on his time in the military, the challenges he faced upon returning home, and the importance of talking about mental health. He also discusses his hopes for the future of the country and offers advice to current and future military members. The podcast ends with a heartfelt appreciation for Byron's service and his involvement in the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Takeaways

• The Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial holds significance for Byron Bode, a Vietnam veteran, as it features the helicopter he flew during the war.
• Byron reflects on his time in the military and the challenges he faced upon returning home, including the lack of recognition and support for Vietnam veterans.
• He emphasizes the importance of talking about mental health and seeking help, particularly for veterans who may be struggling.
• Byron expresses his concerns about the divisiveness in the country and hopes for a return to a common ground where people can come together as Americans.
• The podcast ends with a heartfelt appreciation for Byron's service and his involvement in the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Link to info on helicopter flown by Byron Bode
Click here
Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial
https://nvvmf.org/

Credit to my friend John Bode Nephew for introducing us to Byron.

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Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Connection Podcast with Jay Miralles. Please subscribe and share!

WEBSITE
https://www.letsgo321.com

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As I sat with 17-year-old Peter Rygg on the newly placed bench under the shade of the old oak at our local church, I realized the true depth of his initiative, "Visit with a Veteran." This episode is a heartfelt exploration of Peter's journey to create spaces that bridge the gap between veterans and the community, inspired by his grandfathers' own service. We unpack his vision of benches as more than just resting spots—these are places where stories of bravery and sacrifice are shared, and where the silent struggles of our veterans can find a voice.

Peter's story is an impressive reminder of what can be achieved with determination and a cause close to your heart. Tackling the logistics of fundraising, he navigates social media landscapes and taps into local networks with a maturity that belies his years. Balancing academics and soccer, his story is a powerful encouragement for young leaders everywhere. It's a testament to the idea that age is but a number when it comes to making an impactful change in your community.

This episode transcends a simple conversation; it's a call to action for each of us to reach out and truly listen. We explore how even a single bench can become a cornerstone of support, understanding, and mutual respect. Join us as we celebrate the ripple effects of Peter's project, and perhaps find inspiration to spark our own transformative connections within our communities. Through sharing these narratives, we continue to build a more connected, enriched world—one bench at a time.

LINK TO FUNDRAISER:  https://givebutter.com/vwv

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Connection Podcast with Jay Miralles. Please subscribe and share!

WEBSITE
https://www.letsgo321.com

GET IN TOUCH
https://flow.page/jaymiralles

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As the golden sun dips below the horizon, we're reminded that darkness often begets the most extraordinary tales of courage and fortitude. Today's episode is no exception, as we sit with a Navy SEAL veteran who walks us through the haunting labyrinth of war, sharing his raw experiences from the jungles of New Guinea to the stealthy night missions in the Philippines. These stories are not just about the clash of armies, but a deeper look into the human spirit, the disciplined focus on the task at hand, and the sacrifices made in the name of duty.

Transitioning from the echoes of gunfire to the soothing silence of peace, our guest opens his heart about the aftermath of war. The intricate details of a World War II scouting mission set the stage for a broader narrative that unfolds the complexities of a soldier's life post-conflict, from witnessing historical moments like General MacArthur's treaty signing to the internal battle faced when the uniform comes off. It's a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the struggle of reintegrating into a world that has moved on without you, punctuated by the poignant story of returning to a family farm that was no longer there.

We wrap up with a tender recollection, a love story sparked by a chance meeting with a redhead named Rusty, proving that the most significant battles are often fought within the confines of our own hearts. As our guest, at an inspiring 97 years young, shares his life's joys and tribulations, we are reminded of the enduring power of faith, resilience, and the human connections that shape our journey. Each episode is an opportunity to forge those connections with you, our listeners, as we navigate the depths of life's narratives together. Join us and be moved by these powerful testaments to love, life, and the pursuit of a peace hard-won.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Connection Podcast with Jay Miralles. Please subscribe and share!

WEBSITE
https://www.letsgo321.com

GET IN TOUCH
https://flow.page/jaymiralles

BUY MY BOOK
https://books.by/jaymiralles

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