In this special episode of The People We Meet, host Ty Bruner interviews his long-time friend Tony Sequina, embarking on a journey through the decades of their shared experiences. An unexpected deep conversation with his daughter sets the stage for this heartfelt narrative, as Ty reflects on how simple format changes can unveil new insights.

With his new equipment ready, Ty is determined to uncover untold stories from Tony's life, forged during their years together in the fire department. As they delve into Tony's life journey, from his roots in Montana to his steadfast career in the Spokane Fire Department, poignant stories of challenges faced as a "brown kid in a predominantly white environment" emerge.

Tony's tale of falling into firefighting, overcoming difficult beginnings, and nurturing a lifelong friendship with Ty offers listeners a compelling narrative filled with humor, grit, and heartfelt moments. This episode, encapsulating the essence of friendship and growth, invites you into an enlightening conversation forged by years of camaraderie, resilience, and overcoming adversity. Cheers to a story of friendship that transcends life’s fires and triumphs over its trials.

Join Ty Bruner in an inspiring conversation with Ricky "The Pitbull" Welliver, a boxing legend known for his dedication to the sport and his community. Born into a lineage of fighters, Ricky shares his journey from the gritty neighborhoods of Spokane to becoming a revered mentor in the boxing world.

Throughout the episode, Ricky recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his passion for boxing, embracing the challenges and triumphs along the way. Discover how his local gym has become a sanctuary for those seeking strength, resilience, and a fresh start, transcending the boundaries of socioeconomic status.

Immerse yourself in the world of boxing as Ricky reveals the profound impact that the sport has had on countless individuals – from nurturing young talents to guiding those battling personal demons. With a deep sense of community, honesty, and heartfelt dedication, Ricky Welliver has turned his love for the sport into a transformative journey for all who step into his gym.

This was a great episode and I appreciate Rick for his time and honesty.  If you would like more information, please contact me at: [email protected] or visit: thepeoplewemeetpodcast.com

In this captivating episode of "The People We Meet," host Ty Bruner introduces us to Gleason Garske, a remarkable 10-year-old bowling prodigy with an extraordinary story to tell. As the first episode of "The Voices of the Kids" series, this narrative delves into the life of Gleason, a fourth-grader with a zest for life, who effortlessly balances school, sports, and personal projects.

Join Ty and Gleason as they explore the young bowler's journey that began at a tender age, nurtured by family and surrounded by mentors. Gleason shares his experiences, from practicing with his great-grandmother to winning national tournaments and racking up scholarships in his Smart Account. His passion for bowling led him to start a foundation, EKB, that gives kids their first bowling equipment, aiming to inspire and uplift other young bowlers facing similar challenges.

This episode is not just about strikes and spare balls; it’s about the spirit of giving back, overcoming challenges like ADD, and Gleason's dreams of integrating sports with community service. Dive into this heartfelt conversation to discover why Gleason truly embodies the spirit of a modern champion, on and off the lane.

Check out Gleason's foundation: Every Kid Bowls (EKB) on Facebook.

Contact me at: [email protected]

In this captivating episode of "The People We Meet," host Ty Bruner sits down with Dr. Jake Deakins, a physician who dared to step away from corporate medicine to pursue a more patient-focused approach. From the EMT trenches to establishing a thriving wellness clinic, Dr. Deakins shares his journey through the complex landscape of healthcare, highlighting the transformative power of patient empowerment.

Join us as we delve into the systemic challenges of modern healthcare, exploring the pivotal moments in U.S. history that shifted control from patients to corporate entities. Dr. Deakins sheds light on the broken system he encountered and his bold steps to reclaim his practice by focusing on metabolic and hormonal health, lifestyle medicine, and reversing chronic illnesses. Through personal anecdotes and insights, this episode uncovers the profound impact of putting patients back in control of their healthcare decisions.

Discover how Dr. Deakins and his team are leading a quiet revolution in healthcare, fostering innovation and hope in a field that desperately needs change. In a world overwhelmed by bureaucracy and inefficiencies, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what healthcare can and should be. Understanding is half the battle toward effecting change, so if you care about your healthcare and want to know how in the hell we got to the mess we're in.... this episode is for you.

Join host Ty Bruner as he sits down with Eddie Williams, a professional bowler from Spokane, Washington. In this episode of "The People We Meet," Eddie shares his fascinating journey from a young boy in Brooklyn to becoming a bowling pro in Southern California. Discover how his family's love for the sport shaped his passion and led to a lifetime dedicated to mastering the lanes.

Witness the highs and lows Eddie faced on his path to success, including making bold career moves, embracing the challenges of professional bowling, and navigating through personal trials that tested his resilience. Through candid storytelling, Eddie reveals how he managed to balance his love for the game with the demands of life, business, and family. This episode offers an intimate look into the life of a man who turned his passion into a profession while keeping his integrity and joy intact.

On a personal note, I've bowled my whole life, but I had no real idea about what it took to hit the professional level and make a living at it.  I appreciate Eddie's candor and personability.  This was a fun episode, and I hope you enjoy it.

In this episode of "The People We Meet," host Ty Bruner sits down with TJ Gaia, a man whose life story unfolds like a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, courage, and introspection. Born in Las Vegas and transplanted to the quieter town of Moscow, Idaho, TJ shares his early life struggles, the absence of a father, and a mother's tireless efforts to keep their lives stitched together.

TJ takes us deep into his experiences as he navigates the tumultuous seas of war, describing the haunting echoes of his first deployment to Iraq. The narrative of survival, marked by the tragic loss of brothers-in-arms and the weight of command responsibility, paints a vivid picture of the soldier's dual battle—against external enemies and internal demons.

Yet, amid the horrors of combat, TJ's journey is also one of hope and redemption. The episode unfolds his transformative relationship with faith, which began to take shape after meeting a pastor whose words resonated with the trauma-hardened soldier. This spiritual awakening becomes a balm for his invisible wounds, guiding him towards healing and peace.

"The People We Meet" offers more than just a tale of one man's struggle; it is an invitation to witness the power of faith and community in overcoming life's most daunting challenges. Join us for an episode that challenges perceptions, stirs the heart, and shines a light on the path from trauma to triumph.

Learn more at www.thepeoplewemeetpodcast.com

Welcome to 'The People We Meet,' where host Ty Bruner dives into extraordinary stories of resilience and courage. In this episode, Ty sits down with his friend and colleague, Chris Muñoz, in Medical Lake, Washington, to explore the profound impact of working in the fire service and the implications of PTSD.

Join the conversation as Chris shares his personal journey from growing up in Western Washington, pursuing a career in the fire service, and navigating the mental challenges that come with it. With raw honesty, Chris reveals his struggles with PTSD, the pivotal moments that shifted his perspective, and how sharing his story is not only a path to healing but also a beacon of hope for others in similar circumstances.

As the dialogue unfolds, listeners will gain insight into the profound bond shared among those in the fire service and the powerful ways storytelling can create a sense of community and understanding. Discover Chris's transformative journey as he channels his experiences into coaching and mentoring, helping to shape a new generation while healing from his own scars.

Join Ty as he dives into a captivating conversation with his charismatic friend, Daddy D, in this riveting episode of 'The People We Meet.' D's extraordinary journey, which spans adventures in 87 countries, tales from Desert Storm as a U.S. Marine, and the battles he's faced both abroad and at home. From a rebellious high schooler to the battlefield, to prison, and finally to answer the humanitarian call, D's story is a testament to resilience and redemption.

Discover the heart of a traveler who has lived the highs and hit rock bottom. D's journey is one of justice and compassion, filled with rich experiences and profound insights. This episode promises a compelling narrative that will leave you questioning boundaries and embracing the spirit of adventure.

Join Ty Bruner as he delves into the compelling life of Elfreida Bruce, a now 95-year-old woman who grew up in Freiburg, Germany, during World War II under the shadow of the Third Reich.

As an impressionable 10-year-old, Elfriede looked upon Hitler as a savior and hero while her parents remained adamantly opposed to his quest for global conquest.  As a former member of the Hitler Youth, Elfreida's story offers a unique window into the tumultuous era, shaped by war, ideological indoctrination, and a family in conflict.

In this episode, Elfreida shares her childhood experiences, revealing a personal journey of belief, a community caught in the crossfire, and the tension between loyalty and doubt. With family resistance to the regime and personal encounters that raise questions about identity and morality, her narrative illustrates the complexities of growing up in a time of conflict and propaganda.

As Elfreida reflects on the past, listeners are invited to ponder the lifelong struggle of coming to terms with history and the impact of wartime memories on personal beliefs. This poignant episode explores the interplay of memory, identity, and the enduring desire for a world where kindness prevails over division. Listen in for a conversation that challenges perceptions, unearths uncomfortable truths, and leaves you with profound questions about the echoes of history in today's world.

In this episode of 'The People We Meet,' host Ty Bruner sits down with Sam Smith, an accomplished immigration attorney from Spokane, Washington, to uncover the human stories behind the immigration headlines. Born into a family of attorneys, Smith's journey is interwoven with personal convictions and experiences shaped by his unique upbringing. Together, they delve into complex topics surrounding immigration in the U.S., demystifying the nuances of terminology like 'undocumented' versus 'illegal' and the multifaceted realities of life as an immigrant.

Smith shares heartfelt anecdotes from his time on the front lines of immigration law, highlighting both the systemic challenges and moments of personal triumph that have marked his career. From his firsthand experiences at the southern border to establishing the Manzanita House in Spokane, Smith's narrative sheds light on the socio-political contexts and humanitarian efforts within the immigration sector.

Listeners are invited to reflect on America's immigration system, exploring the role of policy, legal frameworks, and personal responsibility in shaping a nation of diverse identities. Join us for a candid conversation aimed at fostering deeper understanding and empathy in today's often polarized discourse on immigration.