What happens when you stop chasing approval—and start redefining who you are?

In this episode of Who’s On My Mind, I sit down with Jen Rulon — 15-time Ironman finisher, former marine animal trainer, TEDx speaker, and now a life coach helping women reinvent themselves in midlife.

Jen spent years pushing her limits — completing Ironman races, building a career at SeaWorld, and striving for validation.

But it wasn’t until she stepped away from it all in her late 40s that she began to truly understand self-worth, identity, and what it means to start over.

Now living in Costa Rica, she helps women navigate change, rebuild confidence, and create a life rooted in purpose.

This conversation is about letting go of external validation, finding your voice, and having the courage to reinvent your life — no matter your age.

🎯 What You’ll Learn

• Why external validation can quietly drive your life
• What it takes to complete 15 Ironmans — and why it’s not enough
• How to rebuild your identity after major life transitions
• The mindset behind resilience and reinvention
• How to find your voice and stop people-pleasing
• Why it’s never too late to start over

🌐 Connect with Jen Rulon

Website: https://jenrulon.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenrulon
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachjenrulon

Book: Self-Motivation Strategies for Women
https://www.amazon.com/Self-Motivation-Strategies-Women-Transform/dp/1648766234

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast
Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Who Is Jen Rulon
03:38 The Decision to Pursue Ironman
06:18 Where the Drive Came From
08:59 Chasing a Father’s Approval
11:36 Her First Ironman Experience
15:21 Realizing Self-Worth
17:05 The Meaning Behind the Butterflies
24:51 Struggles with Purpose
25:37 Walking Away from Ironman
28:29 Marriage and Identity
31:48 Lessons from SeaWorld
36:45 Trust and Communication with Animals
45:04 The Breaking Point
52:21 Quitting Alcohol
52:22 Moving to Costa Rica
53:52 Finding Her Voice
55:13 Coaching and Transformation
59:15 Daily Life in Costa Rica
01:01:53 Family Reflections
01:05:17 Courage to Start Over

🔍 Keywords

self worth, midlife reinvention, personal growth podcast, finding purpose, identity crisis, life transition, resilience mindset, confidence building, stop people pleasing, women empowerment, life coach, mindset shift

📢 Hashtags

#SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeReinvention #Mindset #Resilience #Podcast

This is the extraordinary story of Ignacy Chiger, a Holocaust survivor who hid in a complex sewer labyrinth in Lvov for 14 months, with his family, during Nazi occupation. This deeply moving conversation explores resilience, moral courage, and survival strategies in the face of unimaginable evil. Doron Keren, his grandson, highlights his grandfather's story and the heroism of sewer worker Leopold Socha and the human choices that defined life and death during the Holocaust.

We also discuss related works, including the film In Darkness and the memoir The Girl in the Green Sweater, which provide additional context on survival, heroism, and moral courage.

Resources & Guest Links (Connect with Doron)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneaththelightlesssky/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GGfhrPQbJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Lightless-Sky-Surviving-Holocaust/dp/949341857X

In Darkness movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Darkness_(2011_film)

Girl in the Green Sweater book: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Green-Sweater-Holocausts-Shadow/dp/1250018986Key

Topics Covered

Ignacy Chiger's 14-month survival in Lvov sewers

The role of moral courage and resilience in extreme situations

Nazi and Soviet occupation impacts on Lvov

The heroism of sewer worker Leopold Socha

Moral and human choices during the Holocaust

Reflection on trauma, survival, and the importance of personal stories

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Doron Keren and his grandfather

05:20 Doron recalls his grandfather's decision to write his memoir

07:51 Life before the war in Lvov and Ignacy's aspirations

10:51 The impact of Soviet occupation on Lvov and Ignacy

25:45 The German invasion and the shift in survival tactics

31:47 Adapting to new threats and building hiding places4

9:25 Meeting Josef Grzimek and his brutality

57:25 The brutal execution of Ignacy by Grzimek

58:43 The psychological torment and resilience of the family

01:01:33 The inhumane treatment of Jews and acts of kindness

01:07:51 Life in the sewer: daily routines and challenges

01:15:00 The relationship with sewer worker Leopold Socha

01:22:30 The death of Ignacy's brother-in-law and other tragedies

01:31:04 The escape from the sewer and liberation

01:40:17 Recognition of Leopold Socha as Righteous Among the Nations

01:49:50 Post-war life and the publication of the memoir

01:56:18 Reflections on survival, luck, and divine intervention

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast

Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441

Keywords / Hashtags

#Holocaust #JewishSurvivor #SurvivorStories #MoralCourage #WWIIHistory #podcast

🏕️ I sit down with Mark Wienert, founder of Life Song Wilderness Adventures, to explore what wilderness survival really teaches us about ego, fear, purpose, and what it means to be human.Mark spent years in the logging industry before walking away from that life in his 40s to dedicate himself to teaching wilderness survival skills, nature awareness, and tracking. But this conversation goes far beyond fire-making and shelters. We dive into how the wilderness strips away illusions, confronts fear, and forces a deeper kind of personal growth that most people never experience in modern life.We talk about:Why nature is neutral — and what that means for survivalThe psychological challenges people face in the wildThe role of ego, fear, and discomfort in transformationWhat survival really depends on (hint: it’s not gear)Lessons from Christopher McCandless and modern wilderness mythsWhy tracking and deep observation change how you see the worldThe philosophy behind Life Song Wilderness AdventuresThis episode is for anyone interested in:The meaning of lifePersonal growth through challengeWilderness survival and self-relianceResilience, purpose, and human natureWhether you’ve ever stepped into the backcountry or not, this is ultimately a conversation about how to live better by understanding what we really need.👉 If this conversation made you think, leave a comment with the biggest insight you took from it — I read and respond to them.👍 Like the video if you want more long-form conversations like this.🔔 Subscribe for deep conversations with people who have lived interesting lives.Guest InformationMark WienertFounder – Life Song Wilderness Adventures🌐 Website: https://lifesongadventures.com/🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcastSpotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcastChapters00:00 Introduction02:54 The Philosophy Behind Life Song Wilderness Adventures05:51 Experiences That Shaped a Love for the Outdoors08:21 The Impact of Nature on Personal Growth09:48 Teaching Wilderness Skills and Building Confidence10:33 Cultural Perspectives on Fire and Nature11:06 Transformative Experiences in Wilderness Training23:43 The Protective Nature of Community26:37 Survival Skills and Gender Dynamics32:17 Understanding Wilderness Survival Principles37:39 Psychological Challenges in Survival Training39:10 The Importance of Knowledge Over Tools43:16 Lessons from Christopher McCandless's Journey47:27 Nutritional Insights from Nature49:22 Survival Strategies in Extreme Conditions54:19 The Importance of Pemmican and Food Storage56:02 Community Resilience in Crisis57:00 Teaching Respect for Nature01:00:38 Getting Started in Wilderness Survival01:04:53 Ethics of Nature and Survival01:05:54 Reflections on a Lifelong Journey in Wilderness Education#WildernessSurvival #MeaningOfLife #PersonalGrowth #SelfReliance #HumanNature #Podcast

What does it take to survive four different armies in World War II as a Jewish man in Europe?

In this powerful, emotional conversation, Martin Bodek shares the extraordinary true story of his grandfather—documented in his book Zaidy’s War. Born in Romania, drafted into multiple armies, captured, starved, and forced to make impossible choices, his grandfather’s journey spans four armies, three continents, and one relentless will to live.

This is not just a World War II story. It’s a story about family, endurance, identity, and the weight of choices made under unimaginable circumstances.

Martin reflects on: His grandfather’s survival during the Holocaust. Moral decisions made at the edge of humanity. Post-war rebuilding, immigration, and legacy. Why preserving these stories matters now more than ever

🎧 Content Warning:

This conversation includes sensitive historical topics related to war, starvation, and survival. Some difficult themes—including cannibalism in extreme wartime conditions—are discussed respectfully and within historical context.

📚 About the Book

Zaidy’s War: Four Armies, Three Continents, Two Brothers. One Man’s Impossible Story of Endurance

👉 Buy the book here: https://martinbodekbooks.com/

👤 Guest Information

Martin Bodek

Author & Storyteller

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2tixBVnGPx8h72oOyjQNqC

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441

🔑 Key Takeaways

Survival during WWII required constant moral and strategic decisions

Endurance was rooted in mindset as much as circumstance

Faith, identity, and belief were deeply challenged during the Holocaust

Family storytelling preserves history when official records failImmigration brought hope—but not closureSome questions are never asked, yet shape generations

#WorldWarII #HolocaustSurvivor #JewishHistory #SurvivalStory #WWIIHistory

⚓️ 91-year-old Navy veteran, Jim Paulk, compiler of Shaking Up the World, shares powerful Naval Academy memories, Pearl Harbor recollections, and why preserving veterans’ stories matters for future generations.

I sat down with Jim Paulk — a storyteller, Navy veteran, and one of the driving forces behind Shaking Up the World: Stories of the Naval Academy Class of 1957 — to talk about collecting the voices of his classmates, the unexpected turns life took after his Naval academy graduation, and the lessons these personal narratives leave for us all. Jim tells stories that range from funny NFL-related anecdotes to heart-wrenching memories of wartime and Pearl Harbor. We dig into how relationships, humor, and simple acts of kindness shaped lives and created legacies worth preserving.

If you care about veterans, memoirs, Naval history, or learning life lessons through personal stories — this conversation is for you.

Get Jim's book and audiobook here:https://www.amazon.com/Shaking-Up-World-Stories-Academy-ebook/dp/B0D3VS3GJGhttps://www.audible.com/pd/Shaking-Up-the-World-Audiobook/B0FN6CC9GX?srsltid=AfmBOoqdvUl4ANf5LfcK8Z_QPW5ffrQtZLMDKb1v0DPUM0OksI70415g

🎧 Listen to the show on Your Favorite Platform:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast

Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to James D. Paulk

04:34 Inspiration Behind Shaking Up the World

07:27 The Collaborative Process of Storytelling

09:51 The Impact of the Book’s Proceeds

12:25 Unique Stories from the Naval Academy Class of 1957

15:25 Inspirational Story — From Janitor to Admiral

18:20 Capturing Pearl Harbor Memories

20:28 Journey to the Naval Academy

24:39 Life After Graduation & Submarine Service

33:35 Heartbreaking Stories of War

37:29 Survival & Resilience in Adversity

41:54 The Importance of Storytelling

46:20 Lessons from Life & Decisions

55:04 Humor in the Midst of Seriousness

01:00:16 A Journey to Annapolis

01:02:32 Engagement & Marriage

01:03:21 Life After Marriage

01:04:01 Marriage Encounter Experience

01:04:32 Trust, Respect & Love in Relationships

01:06:47 Favorite Stories & Lasting Memories

01:14:41 Reflections on Life & Relationships

01:19:08 The Importance of Relationships

01:22:37 Legacy & Family Connections

#storytelling #navalacademy #veterans #oralhistory #pearlharbor #navy

In this inspiring interview, Ken Kunken shares his powerful journey from a life-changing spinal cord injury to becoming a respected attorney, advocate, and devoted family man. At just 20 years old, Ken faced paralysis after a football tackle — but he refused to let it define him.

Ken opens up about:

Facing the reality of spinal cord injury and overcoming adversity

Finding strength through resilience, faith, and family supportHis relentless pursuit of education and a law career

Breaking barriers in employment and advocating for disability awareness

How adversity shaped his personal growth, values, and legacy

This conversation is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration, motivation, and proof that resilience can turn tragedy into triumph.

🌐 Connect with Ken, and buy his book:

Website: www.kenkunken.com

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast

Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441

⏱ Chapters:

03:39 The Day of the Accident

07:18 Initial Reactions and Hospital Experience11:10 Realization of Permanent Paralysis

13:04 Support from Family and Friends

16:43 Returning to Education and Overcoming Challenges

20:24 Career Path and Advocacy for Disabilities

24:21 Becoming a Lawyer and Breaking Barriers

28:16 Reflections on Career and Impact

32:06 Personal Life and Family

33:54 Finding Positivity in Adversity

36:21 The Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

37:52 Inspiration Through Adversity: The Ken Kunken Story

41:28 Lessons in Resilience and Perspective for the Next Generation

44:50 The Importance of Family and Community Support

45:21 Legacy and Life Lessons: What to Remember

47:43 Finding Inspiration in Challenges

#Resilience #SpinalCordInjury #MotivationalStory #DisabilityAwareness #PersonalGrowth

18 World Records: The Toughest Man You’ve Never Heard Of | Erden Eruc Interview

What drives someone to row across oceans, bike across continents, and circle the entire globe by human power? For Erden Eruc, tragedy became the turning point that led to a life of purpose, resilience, and record-breaking adventure.

In this powerful conversation, Erden shares how the loss of a climbing partner sparked his pursuit of 18 Guinness World Records, including the first human-powered circumnavigation of the Earth. We talk about his childhood influences, the sacrifices behind the records, the lessons learned from solitude, and the wisdom he carries into his next great challenge: the Golden Globe Race.

This is more than a story of endurance — it’s about resilience, faith, and the courage to honor your dreams.

🌐 Connect with Erden:

Website: https://www.erdeneruc.com/

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast

Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Erden Eruc's Journey

04:43 The Motivation Behind Human-Powered Exploration

11:24 The Turning Point: A Tragic Loss

17:15 Reflections on Life and Adventure

25:18 Childhood Influences and Early Adventures

33:15 Transitioning from Engineering to Adventure

34:05 Transitioning from IT to Adventure

34:38 The Journey Begins: Six Summits Project

40:17 Navigating the Pacific: Challenges and Triumphs

45:50 Crossing Oceans: Logistics and Perseverance

50:50 The Emotional Toll: Relationships and Expectations

01:00:39 Finding Purpose: The Why Behind the Journey

01:07:06 The Journey Over the Destination

01:10:03 Trusting the Process

01:11:02 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic

01:14:52 The Golden Globe Race and Future Aspirations

01:20:12 The Drive to Challenge Oneself

01:26:20 Overcoming Personal Struggles

01:32:40 Legacy and Life Lessons

⚠️ Disclaimer

This conversation includes discussion of suicide and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 in the United States to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For international resources, please visit: https://findahelpline.com. You are not alone.

#Inspiration #Adventure #Resilience #Motivation #LifeLessons #Podcast

From watching a breaching shark as a child to becoming a global voice for ocean conservation, Melissa Cristina Márquez has lived a life shaped by curiosity, courage, and resilience.

In this conversation, Melissa shares her journey as a marine biologist: from moving across continents to pursue her dream, to founding The Fins United Initiative, to writing books that inspire the next generation of ocean explorers. She opens up about representation in science, surviving a crocodile bite, and why sharks deserve respect—not fear.

Melissa’s story is one of inspiration, perseverance, and passion for the ocean. For young scientists and wildlife lovers everywhere, her message is clear: you belong in science, and your story matters.

📌 Key Takeaways

- How a childhood love of the ocean turned into a career in marine biology

- The moment Shark Week inspired her to study sharks

- Why cultural perceptions of sharks vary around the world

- The crocodile encounter that changed how she views wildlife

- The importance of representation and role models for women in STEM

- Why she founded the Fins United Initiative to make wildlife education free & bilingual

- Lessons from exploring all 7 continents, tagging sharks, and working with media outlets like BBC, National Geographic, and Disney+

🌐 Connect with Melissa Cristina Márquez

- Website: https://melissacmarquez.com

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissacristinamarquez/

- X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/mcmsharksxx

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast

🔗 Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast

🔗 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Growing Up in Puerto Rico & Love for the Ocean
02:00 Inspired by Shark Week: Choosing Sharks
04:00 Path Through Florida, New Zealand & Australia
09:55 The Impact of the Pandemic on Shark Research
12:00 Cultural Perceptions of Sharks Around the World
14:30 The Mystery & Diversity of 500+ Shark Species
16:48 Exploring All 7 Continents & Curiosity as a Driving Force
18:44 Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments in Marine Exploration
19:46 Tiger Sharks: A Favorite Species
20:12 The Fins United Initiative: Making Education Accessible
22:23 Crocodile Encounter During Shark Week Filming
25:35 Representation, Role Models & Female Scientists in STEM
28:30 Melissa’s Vision for Inspiring the Next Generation

#FemaleScientists #MarineBiology #SharkConservation #WildlifeEducation #OceanStories #Sharks

✞ What inspires a man to leave a successful corporate career to become a priest? In this inspiring conversation, Father Pat shares his unexpected journey from a corporate career to the priesthood. He reflects on his family background, early influences that shaped his faith, and the calling that led him to leave the corporate world behind.

We discuss the daily life of a priest, his responsibilities, challenges, and the deep joys he finds in serving his parish community. Father Pat also addresses common misconceptions about priests, explains what a typical day looks like starting at 4 AM, and shares memorable experiences from his priesthood — especially the powerful meaning of the Easter Vigil in his ministry.

🙏 Key Takeaways

- Father Pat felt a deep calling to leave his corporate career for the priesthood

- His family background and early influences shaped his faith journey

- Daily life as a priest involves prayer, community engagement, and various responsibilities

- Funerals are one of the hardest yet most meaningful parts of being a priest

- Many people mistakenly believe priests only work on Sundays

- His typical day starts at 4 AM with prayer and preparation

- He has led multiple pilgrimages to significant religious sites

- Inspirational saints like Saint André Bessette influence his service and faith

- The Easter Vigil is a pinnacle experience in his priesthood

- Father Pat emphasizes openness to change and God’s love in life

⛪ Connect with Father Pat and Sts. Simon & Jude Parish

Website: https://www.ssjwoodlands.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SSJWOODLANDS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssjwoodlands

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ssjwoodlands

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast

🔗 Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast/

🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441

⏰ Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Father Pat

06:58 The Calling to Priesthood

11:45 Childhood and Early Interests

16:32 Family Reactions to Priesthood Decision

21:31 Challenges and Misconceptions of Priesthood

26:10 Daily Life and Responsibilities of a Priest

31:38 Experiences with the Pope

37:31 Pilgrimages and Spiritual Journeys

42:49 Memorable Homilies and Messages

50:45 The Joy of Baptisms and Easter Vigil

#Priesthood #CatholicFaith #Spirituality #FaithJourney #CatholicChurch #Christianity

🚴 Who was The Black Cyclone? The Story of Major Taylor | Interview with Author & Olympian John Howard

In this powerful episode of Who’s On My Mind, we explore the extraordinary life of Major Taylor — the first African American world champion cyclist — with John Howard, an accomplished Olympian, coach, and author dedicated to preserving Taylor’s legacy.

Major Taylor shattered records and racial barriers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, yet his story remains largely forgotten. John Howard walks us through Taylor's rise to fame, the relentless racism he endured, and the principled life he led both on and off the track. This is more than sports history — it’s a testament to perseverance, integrity, and innovation.

📝 Guest Contact
🔗 Learn more about John Howard’s work and Major Taylor’s story: https://majortaylorstory.com/

📌 Key Takeaways

• Major Taylor was the fastest man on two wheels and the highest-paid athlete of his era.

• He overcame relentless racism and exclusion in the world of professional cycling.

• His disciplined lifestyle and innovative techniques redefined the sport.

• Taylor’s forgotten legacy is being revived thanks to passionate historians like John Howard.

• His story still inspires athletes, historians, and advocates of racial equality.

📕 Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Major Taylor and John Howard
04:12 John Howard's Early Life and Cycling Career
06:14 Major Taylor's Background and Early Influences
08:49 Rise in Cycling and Racial Challenges
14:18 Impact on Cycling and Breaking Barriers
17:08 World Records and Achievements
22:35 Struggles with Racism in Sports
51:42 European Success and Contrast in Racism
59:33 Innovations in Cycling
01:04:24 Journey to Australia
01:09:00 Life After Retirement
01:16:17 Legacy and Posthumous Honors
01:22:21 The Message of His Autobiography
01:26:13 John Howard’s Dedication

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:
🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast
🔗 Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast/
🔗 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441

#cycling #olympics #africanamericanhistory #sportshistory #blackhistory #blackathletes