Grief doesn’t have to end a story—it can give it new direction.
In this episode, I sit down with my aunt, author and Life Skills Ambassador Jill Siegal Chalsty, whose new memoir Packets of Hope: A Journey of Healing and Rediscovery follows her journey aboard the Queen Anne on its maiden world voyage. What began as a search for healing after loss became a mission to share life skills education with teachers and students around the world.

From the spiritual resilience of Tonga to the harsh beauty of Namibia, Jill’s “Packets of Hope” carried tools for communication, goal setting, and conflict resolution—life skills she believes are essential for students, and for nurturing safer, more compassionate communities. Along the way came wrong turns, quiet acts of kindness, and unexpected breakthroughs.

Jill opens up about the moments that shaped her journey, and how journaling became a lifeline. Her story is a testament to the power of purpose born from struggle, and a reminder that small, persistent acts of hope can ripple farther than we ever imagine.

Download your free copy of Packets of Hope: https://www.packetsofhope.com/

For more information, visit the episode webpage.

Garrett Owen’s music has the raw, rustic quality of a Texan, but his origin story is not that of your typical Texas troubadour. The son of career missionaries, Owen spent his childhood in Tanzania and Kenya, his adolescence in South Louisiana, before coming of age in Ecuador. 

In this episode, we dive into his album Memoriam, his songwriting process, and the techniques that make his music stand out. Garrett also shares how he balances live and studio performances, protects creative focus in a noisy world, and approaches stage nerves and performance with honesty.

We also talk about finding meaning in music on a small scale, giving songwriters permission to experiment, and how patience and persistence turn ideas into songs that truly connect.

Listen to Garrett's music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7y2CyDlhMd1el8HDgyYuTD?si=Tt-EcYVMTZCEazm6WSJtsQ

Garrett's website: https://garrett-owen.com/

https://garrettowen.bandcamp.com/

For more information, visit the podcast episode webpage. 

My guest is Katelyn Rose, a Florida and destination film photographer. Katelyn captures timeless, emotion-filled images with an eye for both beauty and meaning. Her style blends whimsical portraiture with curated color and detail, transforming weddings into vibrant visual narratives. 

We discuss:

• How Katelyn built a travel photography business from the ground up
• Staying inspired and maintaining a creative edge while working on diverse projects
• Blending film, digital, and Super 8 to capture mood and story
• The role of color in her work and why she approaches editing like painting
• Portfolio curation and shaping inquiries to book the work you love
• Learning to trust creative instincts and define the kind of work you want
• The balance of patience, practice, and experimentation in refining her style
• Advice for aspiring creatives, travel artists, and entrepreneurs

Katelyn's Website:  https://katelynrosestudio.com/

Katelyn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katelynrose_photos/

Katelyn’s TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@katelynrose_photos?_t=ZP-90BjncJfrcl&_r=1

For more, visit the podcast episode webpage.

When was the last time you held back from pursuing something meaningful because of fear, self-doubt, or feeling unqualified? Kerryn Vaughan, an international speaker and author, facilitator, and podcast host, knows this hesitation all too well. Through stories of both triumphs and missteps, Kerryn shares practical wisdom for anyone feeling stuck on the sidelines.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Leading with authenticity
• Creating true impact through simple, intentional actions
• Transforming personal tragedy into meaningful change
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and taking decisive action
• How to turn failure into the first step toward unexpected success
• Fostering real connection through heart, not just knowledge

Through vulnerable storytelling and practical wisdom, Kerryn offers a compelling roadmap for anyone wanting to make a difference in the world while embracing their authentic self.

Learn More About Kerryn:

Website 

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

For more information, visit the podcast episode webpage. 

Ryan Watson is an award-winning videographer, filmmaker, and instructor at the University of South Florida's Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications. He brings a unique perspective at the intersection of education and storytelling, sharing insights from his career and creative projects.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Launching USF’s first drone videography course and creating new opportunities for students
• Building a virtual production class after receiving technology donations from Diamond View Studios
• Encouraging students to work hard, explore entrepreneurship, and apply their skills professionally
• What makes a good story
• Ryan’s current project, Paper Made, a feature film reboot 
• Advice for students navigating uncertainty and balancing adult responsibilities with finding their path
• The importance of authenticity in both teaching and filmmaking

Check out Ryan's website.

For more information, visit the podcast episode webpage.

My guest is Sean Segal, a composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. He shares his journey from picking up guitar as a kid to composing scores for film and television, revealing how he blends technical skill with creative innovation.

In this episode, we discuss:
• How Sean discovered music and the story behind building his own guitar

• His education and journey into film and TV scoring

• His creative process and approach to scoring for different stories

• How he develops unique sounds and brings his own voice to each project

• Behind-the-scenes of composing for My Spy: The Eternal City and what it was like recording at the legendary Abbey Road Studios

• Practical tips for improving as a musician

Check out Sean's website.

Follow Sean on Spotify and Instagram.

For more information, visit the podcast episode webpage.

Katie White, a Tampa-based watercolor artist, shares her journey from elementary art teacher to artist-entrepreneur whose work combines painting with meditation and mindfulness. Her mission centers on bringing calm amidst chaos through watercolor art that helps people slow down and reconnect with beauty in quiet moments.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Katie’s path to becoming a full-time professional artist
• How she rediscovered her passion for creativity by watching children create without fear or inhibition
• Using watercolor and guided meditation to reduce stress and find healing
• Approaches to authentic social media growth and connecting with an audience
• How nature, travel, and play inspire her artistic process
• Advice for emerging artists
• Her upcoming “Meditate with Watercolors” course and free “Breath to Brush” challenge

Check out Katie's website

Follow Katie on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube

For more information, click here for the podcast episode webpage.

From circus performer to Emmy-nominated visual storyteller, Amy Mariani Wright has taken a path that is anything but ordinary. Now a senior videographer at BluePearl Pet Hospital, she channels creativity into projects that tell compelling visual stories and humanize veterinary medicine. Growing up with clown parents and traveling the country provided her with a foundation of curiosity and adaptability—qualities that continue to shape her work today.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Amy's journey into a career of visual storytelling.
• Leading video and photography initiatives for a national organization.
• Creating engaging stories that highlight people, their work, and specialized fields.
• Applying professional techniques from photography and cinematography to elevate storytelling.
• Professional versus personal measurements of success.
• Curiosity and building trust to improve as a storyteller.

Whether you’re a content creator or simply curious about the craft of storytelling, Amy’s journey offers inspiration to approach creative work with a fresh perspective.

For more information, click here for the podcast episode page.

I reconnected with my high school band director, Jarrett Lipman, after eight years, sparking memories of how band shaped my confidence and sense of belonging during my teenage years. This episode tells the story of how band is more than just music — it’s about community, growth, and the lasting impact of having a teacher or mentor who truly believes in you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How structured activities can help young people overcome social anxiety and build community
• The discipline and commitment required in high-level group performance settings
• Overcoming self-doubt to grow into leadership roles
• The challenges high achievers face with self-criticism and perfectionism
• Leadership as a skill developed through experience and practice
• Defining success by progress and relationships rather than awards
•The shift in teaching approaches to include more flexibility and focus on well-being
• The power of kindness as a simple yet profound leadership lesson

For more information, click here for the podcast episode page. 

There’s something timeless about photos that feel real instead of posed or perfected. Documentary wedding photographer Christian Noble has built his career on capturing authentic, emotionally honest images that stand the test of time—and he does it primarily on film.

In our conversation, Christian reveals how an impulsive camera purchase during a period of boredom transformed into a creative calling that now defines who he is. Having shot weddings professionally for nearly seven years, he's developed a distinctive philosophy that views weddings as sacred celebrations that deserve to be documented with minimal interference.

While many photographers arrive with elaborate shot lists and time-based packages, Christian takes the opposite approach. He calls it "entering empty," allowing each wedding to unfold organically while he captures the genuine moments between people.

Beyond technical insights, Christian shares candid wisdom about maintaining artistic integrity in a social media-driven industry, his approach to making people feel comfortable in front of the camera, how he stays creatively inspired, and much more.

Whether you're a fellow creative, planning your own wedding, or simply appreciate the art of storytelling through photography, Christian's thoughtful approach offers valuable lessons about authenticity, creative risk-taking, and making work that truly matters.

Christian's website: https://noblephotoco.com/

https://www.instagram.com/noblephotoco

tiktok.com/@noble.photo.co