Vroom Vroom Veer with Jeff Smith

Peter J. Stavros is a writer and attorney in Louisville, Kentucky. His debut novel, The Thing About My Uncle, was released on August 20 by BHC Press. His work has also appeared in The Saturday Evening Post, The Boston Globe Magazine and Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Peter J. Stavros Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary

In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer," host Jeff Smith welcomes Peter Stavros, a writer from Louisville, Kentucky who recently published his debut novel, "The Thing About My Uncle." The episode begins with an introduction from Tim Paige, setting the stage for a discussion about steering away from a scripted life to embrace more fulfilling paths.

Peter discusses his journey from being an attorney to becoming a writer, a transition sparked by his profound life experiences and the challenges of aligning his legal career with his creative passions. He talks about his novel, which is set in Eastern Kentucky and revolves around a young boy sent to live with his reclusive uncle, unfolding family secrets and life-altering lessons.

Jeff and Peter delve into the intricacies of Peter's novel, the inspiration behind his characters, and the setting that plays a crucial role in the story. They also explore Peter’s prior life as a lawyer, his educational background, and his reasons for shifting towards creative writing. Peter shares his experiences with illness and recovery, which played a significant role in rekindling his passion for writing.

Throughout the episode, they touch on the themes of unexpected life changes and the pursuit of passion despite fear and uncertainty. Peter highlights the importance of support from loved ones, like his wife, who helped him through his toughest times.

The episode concludes with Peter giving advice to listeners on persevering through rejection and failure, emphasizing the importance of resilience in creative pursuits and career changes. Jeff wraps up the episode encouraging listeners to visit Peter’s website and check out his literary works.

Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of how personal veers in life can lead to profound professional and creative fulfillment, as exemplified by Peter Stavros' journey from law to literature.

Connections

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Paralympian, Professional Speaker, Author, Exactly What to Say®️ Certified Guide. Cancer took my sight, blindness gave me vision, adventure lets me live.

Kyle Coon Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary

The podcast episode begins with Danny Covey prepping the host, Jeff Smith, for recording. After a brief interaction involving humorous remarks about Danny’s relaxed attitude and reference to Mr. Rogers, the recording starts. Jeff introduces the podcast "Vroom Vroom Veer," emphasizing the theme of overcoming tough situations.

Kyle Coon is introduced with an energetic opening statement, alluding to viewers veering away from scripted lives to embrace more authentic ones. Kyle briefly discusses his most recent experiences, notably his return from France after a triathlon and his relief from the pressures of Paralympic games preparation.

The conversation shifts to Kyle’s early life, his cancer diagnosis at ten months, and his eventual loss of sight due to the treatments for his condition. Despite these challenges, Kyle shares his adventurous spirit, influenced by meeting blind adventure athlete Eric Weihenmayer. This meeting spurred his involvement in various adventure sports, from rock climbing to competitive outdoor activities.

Kyle’s journey into the Paralympics is also highlighted. Initially not a high-level athlete, Kyle found his calling in Ironman triathlons after a depressing period post-college, further switching to sprint triathlons for Paralympic competitions. These experiences led him to train harder than ever, utilizing high-altitude training advantages in Colorado Springs.

In terms of personal development, Kyle discusses his educational background and the impact of losing his sight on his worldview. The narrative then returns to his Paralympic adventures, discussing the intensive preparations and adjustments needed for peak performance in such a competitive arena.

Kyle also mentions the psychological elements of preparing for high-pressure competitions, drawing parallels between military tactics and sports strategy to manage the intense environment of the Paralympics.

The episode concludes with mention of Kyle’s podcast, “Kicking It With the K Train,” inviting listeners to follow his continued journey through various platforms, including Instagram and Facebook where he is active.

The recording wraps with a typical sign-off for the "Vroom Vroom Veer" podcast, leaving listeners with a vivid portrayal of Kyle Coon's incredible journey through adversity, his Paralympic achievements, and life’s veers.

Connections

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Danny Covey survived 8 heart surgeries — 4 of which were open-heart! He nearly died on the operating table 3 times. Despite being told he would never physically excel, I earned a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. His story is one of resilience, healing, and most importantly, HOPE.

Danny Covey Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary

In this episode of Vroom Vroom Veer, hosted by Jeff Smith, guest Danny Covey shares his extraordinary life journey marked by multiple heart surgeries and a passion for Jiu-Jitsu that defied medical expectations. The episode commences with an introduction by Tim Paige, highlighting the podcast's theme about navigating life's unexpected turns.

As the conversation begins, Jeff warmly welcomes Danny, who jests that any day without heart surgery is a great day. Danny shares insights into his business excitement centered around a new book that details his resilience through eight heart surgeries and his surprising journey to earning a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu.

Jeff and Danny reflect on memorable incidents from Danny's childhood before his first memory of surgery, painting a vivid picture of his early challenges. Danny discusses his perilous surgeries, including one at 18 months and another major operation at age eight, where he vividly recalled the events leading up to it and the subsequent procedures.

The discussion veers to a lighter note as Danny explains his venture into martial arts, spurred by a successful heart valve replacement that significantly enhanced his health. This change allowed him to start training in karate and later Jiu-Jitsu, which became a major part of his life, despite ongoing health challenges that included a life-threatening aortic aneurysm emergency during a routine surgery in 2017.

Further into the episode, Jeff and Danny explore themes of resilience and recovery, specially focusing on Danny's comeback to Jiu-Jitsu and earning his black belt post-recovery, cementing his journey of overcoming the odds.

The episode also gives insight into Danny's creative and personal life, discussing his venture into the arts and how his life experiences influenced his creative outputs, including innovative Christmas cards which have become a cherished tradition in his family.

Towards the end of the podcast, the conversation shifts back to Danny's ongoing health struggles, his approach to handling new challenges, and his commitment to staying active within the limitations of his condition.

The episode wraps with Danny sharing ways to connect with him and purchase his book, offering encouragement and inspiration to listeners facing their own life veers, concluding with Tim Paige signing off.

Connections

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Dr. Ashley Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, author, and co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength. She is passionate about using psychology and applied neuroscience to help people live bold, happy lives.

Dr. Ashley Smith Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary

In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer," Jeff Smith opens with a warm welcome to Dr. Ashley Smith, after an insightful introduction by Tim Paige on the show's theme of embracing the veers in life. Dr. Ashley Smith, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders, shares both professional insights and personal stories. She discusses her work in psychology and neuroscience, detailing her involvement with Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength, a venture she co-founded to make psychological tools more accessible beyond academic and therapy settings.

Jeff and Ashley delve into various topics, including handling life’s challenges, understanding how our brains can act as barriers to happiness, and leveraging mindfulness to lead a better life. Ashley shares her personal journey, dealing with vision impairment, and how she has turned personal trials into professional triumphs, adapting her life to focus on what truly brings happiness. They discuss the importance of understanding the mind's functionality, which often prioritizes survival over happiness, and how one can train themselves to foster happiness by nurturing a different relationship with their thoughts and emotions.

Ashley also shares her experiences of shifting from traditional clinical practice to virtual sessions, emphasizing the advantages it presents for both her professional and personal growth. She talks about how embracing changes and confronting fears has helped her live a more fulfilling life. The episode concludes with both hosts reflecting on the beauty of being here in the moment and the importance of continually seeking personal satisfaction over external accomplishments.

Listeners are directed to Ashley's resources and contacts for further engagement, making it clear how insightful and practical her contributions to psychology and personal happiness are. Jeff Smith closes the episode, ensuring the audience is left with meaningful strategies to navigate their life's veers.

Connections

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Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a licensed Naturopathic Physician with two decades of experience, specializes in empowering health-conscious professionals to conquer long COVID and ME/CFS fatigue. Her personal battle with chronic fatigue inspired her to uncover its root causes, leading to the creation of a transformative system that addresses the five core root causes of Chronic Fatigue/ME. This approach helps those overwhelmed by exhaustion regain their energy and vitality, allowing them to fully embrace life once again.

Combining a thorough functional medical approach with deep subconscious work, Dr. Tufenkian's method facilitates significant shifts in both physical and energetic well-being. She believes in a holistic healing process that integrates the physical, mental/emotional, and energetic dimensions, emphasizing the body's inherent ability to be vital.

Dr. Tufenkian earned her medical degree and completed her residency at the National University of Natural Medicine. She is also a mom of two, happily married and loves her time outdoors and in the kitchen.

Dr. Jenny Tufenkian Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary

This episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer" hosted by Jeff Smith features Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a licensed Naturopathic Physician. The episode opens with a pre-recording blunder involving an Outlook notification interruption, followed by the proper introduction by Tim Paige, emphasizing the podcast's theme of shifting away from a scripted life.

Jeff introduces Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, jokingly stumbling over her name, and starts by asking about her current excitement in her practice. Dr. Tufenkian shares her passion for helping patients with long-term undiagnosed conditions like chronic fatigue and long COVID. She emphasizes the importance of interacting with patients ready to actively engage in their healing process.

The conversation evolves into a more personal narrative as Dr. Tufenkian reflects on her own health issues, including long COVID and myalgic encephalitis. She describes the onset of her condition next a bout of food poisoning and a later COVID-19 infection. Dr. Tufenkian vividly details her symptoms and the significant impact they had on her life and professional activities.

The discussion veers into Dr. Tufenkian's past, exploring her transformative years during high school and college. She shares anecdotes about her unconventional dress sense, advocacy for peace, and academic challenges, particularly with algebra. These stories segue into her early interest in health, marked by her choice to become a vegetarian and her proactive approach to nutritional balance.

The podcast takes a deeper dive as Jeff and Dr. Tufenkian discuss broader health-related topics, like the importance of diet on mental and physical health, societal impacts of communal eating habits, and the potential transformative effect of improving institutional food services. They highlight the crucial role of gut health and how mainstream medical opinions are gradually acknowledging its importance.

As the episode closes, Dr. Tufenkian provides information about her professional services, outlining how she can help people regain their energy and manage their health conditions through various programs at her practice. Jeff expresses his enjoyment of the conversation, noting how much he learned and appreciated the discussion.

Tim Paige wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to check the podcast's website for more information and to tune in next time.

Overall, the episode provides a mix of personal anecdotes, in-depth medical insights, and a holistic view of health, embodying the podcast's theme of veering towards a more authentic and insightful life.

Connections

Website

From Staci B's About page:

The stress from complex trauma and undiagnosed neurodivergence, along with serving as a caregiver for over a decade, pushed Staci b’s nervous system into a continuous state of high alert. Determined not to let her fate be eternal survival mode, she embarked on a journey that led her to become a Nervous System Regulation Evangelist.

With hundreds of hours of research under her belt, staci translates complex science into easily digestible information and points the way to valuable resources that empower others to create a nervous system regulation practice that works best for them.

A journalist, author, and speaker, Staci highlights the value of nervous system regulation by openly sharing her own stories, both in person and in The Nervous System: Before and After, an essay series on her Substack, Inanna's Journal.

By providing real-life examples of her own behavior in situations and relationships before she began a nervous system regulation practice and after, she illustrates the depth of the benefits available from this work.

A sought-after podcast guest and speaker, she credits nervous system regulation as the foundation that frees her to live her destiny and not her fate.

Staci B Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary

Jeff warmly welcomes Staci, who immediately shares a recent unsettling incident—a verbal attack from a stranger, highlighting her ability to handle such events thanks to her tools for nervous system regulation. The conversation naturally delves into the topics of personal security, the usefulness of secondary phone numbers via Google Voice, and strategies to protect one's privacy.

The dialogue continues to unpack Staci’s expertise in nervous system regulation. She shares insights from her own experiences and stresses the significance of understanding and regulating one’s nervous system to improve overall well-being. The hosts discuss the therapeutic practices and the importance of recognizing physiological responses to stress.

Staci also discusses her upcoming book re-release, which invites deeper into the discussion of personal growth, the costs of pursuing dreams, and the challenges and resilience in face of adversity and trauma. Staci explains her role as a "nervous system regulation evangelist," promoting a deeper understanding of self-regulation and advocating for mental health awareness and understanding.

In an extended, heartfelt segment, they explore societal behaviors, personal anecdotes about dealing with life's randomness and unexpected events, and the role that personal regulation plays in healthily managing responses to life’s events. They touch upon the cultural shifts in understanding neurodivergence and the personal and societal impacts of gaining better control over one's nervous responses.

Jeff and Staci’s engaging dialogue, mixed with personal stories and actionable advice, guides the listener through understanding how conscious regulation of the nervous system can not only manage immediate stressors but also lead to a more fulfilling and controlled life path. The episode wraps up encouraging listeners to explore and practice methods of self-regulation, promoting both websites and online communities that focus on supporting individuals in their journey toward better mental health and awareness.

Connections and Links

Staci's Website

Autism Questionnaire

the epigenetics study

Our PolyVagual World by Stephen Porges

The Octopus Movement

Stephen Porges Website

VIRAL GOR, widely known as VIRUS THE POET, is an award-winning Canadian poet and author of Poetry is Motion: Mind, Body & Soul who travels globally to perform on large stages throughout Toronto, Paris, London, San Francisco, Miami, NYC, and more. He received a national award for his poem “Home,” which was later published by the Poetry Institute of Canada. His poetry touches on universal themes of love, loss, and the human experience.

Viral Gor Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary

In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer," hosted by Jeff Smith, guest Viral Gor, also known as Virus the Poet, joins the conversation. The episode kicks off with Jeff initiating the recording, followed by introductions by host introducer, Tim Paige, and guest intro misstep and re-introduction by Risa August.

Jeff Smith then formally welcomes Viral Gor to the show, leading into a dialogue about Viral's recent projects, including his book "Poetry is Motion" and a corresponding album on Spotify. Viral discusses the therapeutic and reflective nature of his writing and how his poetry aims at provoking thought and offering relatability and motivation. He emphasizes the intention behind his poetry to invoke deeper reflection on personal experiences and emotions.

The conversation then transitions into Viral's background, including his upbringing in Toronto, which he credits for exposing him to diverse perspectives that enriched his character and creative output. He shares his unexpected journey into poetry, initially spurred by a classroom assignment and later cultivated during his college commutes, where he found solace and creative expression through writing on his Blackberry.

Viral reflects on his transition from casual writing to professional poetry, driven by the realization that his work resonated with others and had a meaningful impact. As the chat progresses, he discusses the nuances of poetry as an art form, focusing on the importance of message subtlety and the interpretative nature of poetry that invites readers to find personal meaning and provoke thought.

Further in the episode, Jeff explores Viral's process and personal connection to his topics. Viral elucidates on the creation of his seminal poem "Home" and the deeper exploration of family dynamics it involves. This leads to discussing the realities of familial relationships and the personal growth that comes from such introspections.

The episode shifts slightly to discuss Viral's experiences with public readings and his first reservations about performing on stage. He recounts his first public poetry reading and how later performances have contributed to his confidence and refinement in sharing his work publicly.

Jeff and Viral dive deeper into the artistic elements of poetry, its therapeutic potential, and its impact on both the writer and the audience. Viral stresses the significance of authenticity and emotional truth in writing, which enhances connection and relatability.

As the episode wraps up, Viral talks about his aspirations for future projects, including a second book and more performance opportunities, underscoring his commitment to spreading his poetic influence and engaging with broader audiences.

The episode concludes with Jeff thanking Viral for his insights and contribution to the show, and Tim Paige rounds off with final remarks and directs listeners to the show notes for more information.

Connections

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Frances Pappalardo lives in ScottsDale, AZ with her husband Tony, daughter Emerson, and dog Grizzly. Together they’ve turned an idea to help others live better lives into the Customize Your Life movement.

As entrepreneurs, they’ve built a highly-successful business that has made them in-demand speakers at events around the world and frequent guests on leadership, personal growth, and self-help podcasts.

As certified performance coaches, they’ve helped people eliminate millions of dollars in debt, restore broken relationships, and build their own businesses. They co-founded the initiative Operation Impact which has raised over a half-million dollars to fund initiatives both domestically and internationally, equipping and empowering more than 2,000 volunteers in just three years. They’ve served as advisors for two non-profit organizations and have occasionally taken on the role of culture transformation consultants with major corporations. They love living an active lifestyle which involves skiing, surfing, and overall adventure and exploration. Tony’s current battle with cancer has filled them with an even broader sense of appreciation to enjoy life.

Frances Pappalardo Vroom Vroom Veer Stories

In 5th grade was invited to a dance by a cool kid, what she didn't now was his mother forced him to take her; he ignored he and laughed at her; to her credit; she didn't take it personallyIn college, she went to a sorority was a "spy" mostly to see what's it's like; on the last day of pledge week she drank the kool-aid; ended up being a pretty good experience--but mostly surface level In the middle of a podcast, her 3 year old daughter woke up and needed mommy; they paused the podcast long enough to set her up with a tub of ice cream on the couch with a friend with a busted footAttending her father as he was dying and witnessed his transition to the other side; Yes there is loss/grief; but she also saw the beauty and peace in his eyesFrances is living in faith now and praying that Tony wins his battle with cancer; her relationship with god is immediate and personal about real life and death decisionsWhen she was younger she leaned on her mother's faith and didn't really think much about prayer; when Tony started his journey with cancer she learned how to pray and listen for answer and see the signsGod told her to rest; who can rest when you need to "DO SOMETHING!"; when god tells you to rest; you better rest up; something is coming

Connections

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Words at the Threshold: What We Say as We're Nearing Death Paperback – March 17, 2017 by Lisa Smartt (Affiliate Link)

A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume Mass Market Paperback – January 1, 1975 by Foundation For Inner Peace (Author) (Affiliate Link)

Risa August is an award-winning author, speaker, and Gestalt Practitioner. Risa is also living with a rare pituitary tumor and she inspires audiences and clients alike. Former Ironman athlete, she opened up to a world of possibilities, exploring various styles of dance, aerial silks, boxing, and embracing life with curiosity and vigor. Risa's personal journey exemplifies overcoming limits and living fully...unleashed.

Risa August Vroom Vroom Veer Stories

Felt like an old soul and didn't really fit in with any groups; got a job at age 14 and just wanted High School to be over

Did two years of business college at Kent State but really wanted to study Archeology but of course that wouldn't make any money

Followed a guy to Maine, ditched that dude but discovered a whole new world of backpacking and outdoor life

Ended up getting a degree in Geography and got a job with an engineering outfit

Got married and tried to squeeze into a mold that really didn't fit her; she was also helping at her husbands business on the weekends and working Monday - Friday, so no days off

Finally moved out of PA and moved to Colorado by this time she is doing Ironman races and 500 mile bike trips for fun

Spent about 8 years being dismissed my her family practice doctor; then one day insisted that she get an MRI for headaches because she knew something was wrong

When the doctor told her that she had a tumor and a disease and the tumor had to come out; she went right into denial

Show Summary

In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer" titled "Unleashing Life Beyond Limits with Risa August," host Jeff Smith engages with the award-winning author, speaker, and Gestalt practitioner, Risa August. The conversation kicks off with a bit of humor as Jeff initially mispronounces Risa’s name, which she corrects politely. Moving forward, they delve into the heart of the discussion, where Risa shares the intriguing aspects of her journey both professionally and personally.

Risa explains her transformation into a Gestalt practitioner in 2019, which significantly expanded her horizons in coaching, complemented further by her achievements as an author and a motivational speaker. She expresses deep emotional connection when describing the impact of her book, which has won several awards and prompts heartwarming feedback from readers worldwide.

A large part of the conversation pivots around Risa’s experiences living with a rare pituitary tumor, her trials and tribulations as an Ironman athlete, and how these challenges veered her life down unexpected paths numerous times. Risa’s narrative is one of overcoming limits and persistent adaptation, embracing new experiences like various styles of dance, aerial silks, and boxing.

Jeff compares the non-financial aspects of success and joy generated from pursuing passions, which includes a short segment on financial independence and managing money effectively through available resources like the financial independence retire early movement and Mr. Money Mustache.

Shifting towards a more personal exploration, the conversation takes the audience back to Risa’s high school years, her early independence, and brief engagement with sports before moving into a contemplative phase about her identity and place in life during different stages.

Risa also discusses the significant transition and the harsh realization of her medical condition which was diagnosed late despite her proactive attempts. This leads to a poignant reflection of her challenging journey through brain surgery, and the subsequent struggle with her health as medications failed to curb the growth hormone production due to her tumor.

A significant veer in her life narrative was her decision to embrace life fully, post-recovery, marked by an ambitious 1800-mile bike ride which she signed up for, underscoring her philosophy of living boldly despite adversities. This ride represented not just a physical challenge but a metaphoric j...

Steve Acho is a keynote speaker, business owner/coach, author, musician, athlete, tech enthusiast, and self-described “lunatic” for human performance. His passion is sharing actionable wisdom, perspectives, and tactics to enhance the quality of as many lives as possible.

Steve Acho Vroom Vroom Veer Stories

In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer" hosted by Jeff Smith, the show opens with Tony Schmaltz playfully reminding listeners to "wake up" followed by Jeff commenting on a small error Tony made. The show's proper introduction is provided by Tim Paige, emphasizing the podcast’s theme of navigating life changes and shifting paths.

Jeff Smith warmly welcomes Steve Acho, a multi-talented individual involved in business, music, coaching, and more. The conversation kicks off with Jeff asking Steve about what he’s currently excited about. Steve discusses the challenging nature of defining what he does due to the diverse range of his activities. He shares his excitement about releasing a new song and the potential collaboration with Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter’s charity to use another one of his songs as a charity theme.

Steve’s conversation further veers into the subjects of his upcoming TED Talk and a crucial business call he has lined up, both opportunities that could significantly influence his career. He talks about his philosophy of being a "delusional optimist" and the importance of maintaining resilience and self-belief in entrepreneurship, drawing parallels with being an NFL quarterback who must trust himself amidst adversity.

Moving into personal anecdotes and a broader discussion on lifestyle and culture, Steve recounts his educational and professional experiences in Japan, highlighting how cultural immersion affected his work and personal growth. He discusses the benefits of minimalistic living and working out, relaying how these practices contribute to his day-to-day fulfillment.

The episode concludes with Jeff transitioning back to discuss Steve's early life and how he grew up, which further delves into his experiences in Japan in more depth, providing insights into cross-cultural understanding and practical application in international business and everyday interactions.

Throughout their chat, both Steve and Jeff exchange views on self-improvement, the importance of satisfying one’s curiosity, and finding meaningful engagement in various aspects of life, emphasizing a theme of holistic development and personal growth. The episode wraps up with reminders of the podcast's aim and thanks to the listeners for joining the journey of unexpected and enlightening life veers.

Connections

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