What does it take to rebuild your life after everything changes?

In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast, psychotherapist and coach Joshua Dvorkin shares his extraordinary journey after a life-altering spinal cord injury left him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite a devastating medical prognosis, Joshua defied the odds through determination, the support of loved ones, and an unshakeable belief in possibility.

Today, he uses his story to help others rise above adversity and reclaim their lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What “resilience without romanticism” really means
• How to rebuild your identity after trauma or loss
• Practical steps to move from survival to purpose
• The role of mindset, support systems, and belief in healing

If you’re navigating a difficult season or looking for hope and direction, this conversation will inspire and equip you to take your next step forward.

✨ Ready to start your journey toward healing and growth?
Download free resources or book a complimentary consultation:
https://www.headwaymentalhealth.com

🔗 Connect with Joshua Dvorkin on LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/joshua-dvorkin-headwayhelps

Subscribe for more real conversations on resilience, growth, and transformation.

#Resilience #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealth #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #MakingOfMePodcast #OvercomingAdversity

Are you feeling overwhelmed as a parent or wondering how to create stronger bonds in your family? In this powerful conversation, Angela Caldwell, a licensed marriage and family therapist, explores the life-changing impact of the "village" approach to raising children. She shares how support from extended family, friends, and the community leads to more resilient, well-adjusted kids—and less parental burnout!

Angela explains why silo parenting is making families more anxious, and she offers practical advice on building your own village in today’s world—even if you feel isolated. Discover how opening up, asking for help, and letting others support you can transform your family.

Ready to build your village?
Learn more about Angela Caldwell’s work at caldwellfamilyinstitute.com

#Parenting #Family #Community #Village #MentalHealth #AngelaCaldwell #Podcast #TheMakingOfMe

Have you ever faced a life-changing setback—loss, heartbreak, or a dream that didn’t come true? In this interview with Chanoa Inez, personal branding advisor and author of Dream On: How to Create the New Life of Your Dreams After a Upheaval or Loss, we explore how to rebuild your identity, move forward after grief, and cultivate true joy.

Learn practical steps for embracing chaos, letting go of self-criticism, and showing up as your authentic self. Discover why self-love is the key to confidence and opportunity, and how transforming your personal brand from the inside out can attract better relationships, career growth, and fulfillment in every area of life.

🔗 Find more about Chanoa’s method and resources: https://chanoainez.com
🔗 Connect with Chanoa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanoa/

Timestamps:

• The moment that changed everything 00:41
• How unprocessed grief affects every area of life 01:57
• The difference between joy and happiness 05:52
• Why your personal brand starts from the inside 07:22
• One self-love exercise you can try today 12:10

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#SelfLove #PersonalGrowth #GriefRecovery #Transformation #MakingOfMePodcast

Discover the fascinating world of little-known World War II aircraft in this episode of The Making of Me Podcast with Air Force veteran, aerospace engineer, and author Jeff Kildow.

Dive into the remarkable engineering, rare designs, and incredible stories of warplanes that history almost forgot. From experimental builds to overlooked innovations, Jeff shares how these aircraft pushed the limits of aviation—and how they’ve inspired the stories in his books.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about hidden moments in history, this conversation will open your eyes to a side of World War II most people never hear about. You might even find yourself spotting these rare aircraft in Jeff’s writing!

📚 Explore Jeff Kildow’s books:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeff-Kildow/author/B00FFUOIVM?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1763137366&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=ab93c643-1dd5-4cf1-878e-1b53e8716f76

🔗 Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-kildow-a66b9026/

Subscribe for more conversations that bring history, innovation, and powerful personal journeys to life.

#WorldWar2 #AviationHistory #MilitaryHistory #Engineering #MakingOfMePodcast #HistoryLovers #WW2Aircraft

Think you know the story of World War I? Think again.

In this episode of The Making of Me, award-winning author Gerard Everett Jones uncovers the hidden fronts of World War I far beyond the trenches of Europe. At the center of it all is the ambitious Berlin-Baghdad Railway, a project that reshaped global power and played a surprising role in igniting worldwide conflict.

Explore a lesser-known side of history filled with espionage, international rivalry, and secret operations across Mesopotamia and India—stories rarely taught but deeply influential in shaping today’s world.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
• The true global impact of the Berlin-Baghdad Railway
• Hidden conflicts outside the Western Front
• The role of imperial ambition in triggering World War I
• How history is often more complex than we’re taught

If you love history, storytelling, or uncovering the deeper forces behind global events, this episode will completely shift your perspective.

🔗 Learn more about Gerard Everett Jones and his work:
Website: https://geraldeverettjones.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldeverettjones/

💡 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations on history, storytelling, and the untold stories behind world events.

#TheMakingOfMe #WorldWar1 #History #HiddenHistory #Storytelling #GlobalPolitics #GerardEverettJones

Why do so many promising startups struggle right when things start working?In this episode of The Making of Me, Lauren Zaslansky Conner, co-founder of ZAZ Business Solutions and a seasoned leader with experience at Disney and mission-driven tech companies, breaks down the reality of the “messy middle” the stage where growth becomes complex, chaotic, and overwhelming.Lauren shares why even strong teams with great products hit walls during scaling and how to navigate this phase without burnout or losing your company’s core values.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why growth often creates chaos instead of clarity• The hidden challenges of scaling a successful startup• How to implement systems that actually support growth• Mindset shifts needed to move from startup to sustainable business• How to grow without losing your company’s heartIf you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or building a growing business, this conversation will help you navigate the hardest phase of growth with clarity and confidence.➡️ Connect with Lauren and explore more solutions:🌐 Website: https://www.zazbusinesssolutions.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenzaslanskyconner/💡 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with fellow founders and leaders building the future.#TheMakingOfMe #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessScaling #Leadership #Founders #BusinessStrategy

Is work-life balance really the key to happiness or is it actually holding you back?

In this episode of The Making of Me, John Salzwedel, coach and author of Stop Living Life on the Table, challenges the traditional idea of work-life balance and introduces a more meaningful way to live and work.

John explains why separating “work” and “life” can create frustration and how integrating your work into a purpose-driven life can lead to deeper fulfillment and clarity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why the idea of work-life balance can be misleading
• How to create a more integrated and intentional life
• What true fulfillment really looks like
• Practical ways to redefine success on your own terms

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to “balance it all,” this conversation will help you shift your perspective and take back control of your life.

🌐 Learn more or connect with John:

Website: https://www.thecoach.vip/podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-salzwedel-75986718/

💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations on growth, identity, and purpose.

#TheMakingOfMe #WorkLifeBalance #PersonalGrowth #PurposeDriven #SuccessMindset

Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck and yearning for true financial freedom? In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Carilyn Marrero shares her transformative journey—from losing everything in a hurricane to building generational wealth after immigrating to the United States.Learn how her unique “Freedom Method” helped her achieve financial independence in less than three years—and how you can apply this practical framework to your own life.In this video, you’ll discover:• The mindset shifts needed for financial transformation• Step-by-step strategies for eliminating debt• Beginner-friendly ways to start investing• How to build generational wealth for your family• Inspiring real-life examples and actionable tips🔗 Take control of your financial future and explore resources: cmfreedomfinance.com#FinancialFreedom #Investing #WealthBuilding #DebtFreeJourney #GenerationalWealth #CarilynMarrero

Discover the powerful story of Rosemary Fisher, founder of Recycled Women ministry, as she shares her journey of overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and generational cycles. In this inspiring conversation, Rosemary explains how faith, surrender, and intentional choices helped her break free from patterns of abuse and pain. Learn practical steps for breaking strongholds, finding your true identity, and living a life of hope and abundance. If you or someone you love needs encouragement or resources for healing, this episode is a must-watch.

🌐 Connect with Rosemary Fisher, get her books, or request prayer: rosemaryfisher.com
📸 Follow her on Instagram for updates and inspiration: https://instagram.com/rosemfisher

#BreakingCycles #RecycledWomen #Faith #Freedom #Testimony

What does it really take to succeed at the highest levels and what are the hidden costs behind the trophies, promotions, and paychecks? In this candid episode of The Making of Me, mental health advocate and former combat leader Omar Ritter joins Aro Benaiah to share his powerful journey from military deployments to Wall Street, his battle with PTSD, and what it means to truly take care of yourself while striving for big goals.

Learn practical strategies for resilience, how to spot early signs of burnout, and ways leaders can foster workplaces that support both high performance and mental wellness. Omar also explains how discipline in finance connects to discipline in mental health and why seeking help is a show of strength, not weakness.

🔗 Get Omar’s book and connect with him here: omarritter.com

If you’re feeling pressured, overwhelmed, or want to learn how to balance ambition with mental wellbeing, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories on resilience!

#MentalHealth #HighPerformance #Resilience #Leadership #MakingOfMePodcast #WorkplaceWellness