🇨🇦💪 From Trauma to Triumph: The Inspiring Story of John Brink

In this powerful interview, John Brink shares how he transformed a childhood shaped by war in Holland into a life of success, resilience, and purpose in Canada. From arriving with just $25.47 to becoming a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the oldest competitive bodybuilder in North America, John's journey is a testament to the human spirit.

He opens up about living through WWII, overcoming PTSD and ADHD, building a business empire, and why community, democracy, and giving back matter more than ever.

🌐 Learn more about John A. Brink: https://johnabrink.com/

📺 John’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnABrink

🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations like this:

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 the Journey
04:55 Childhood in War-Torn Holland
12:16 The Impact of War and PTSD
19:55 Influence of Family and Values
25:03 Pursuing Dreams: The Move to Canada
32:36 Building a New Life in British Columbia
33:51 Journey to Canada: A New Beginning
38:37 Overcoming Adversity: The Drive to Succeed
42:00 Finding Identity: The Role of Toastmasters
47:44 Living the Dream: A Life of Fulfillment
53:07 Reflections on the Past: Lessons from Childhood
56:18 Giving Back: The Importance of Community Engagement
01:01:24 Outro

#JohnBrink #JohnABrink #WWII #Entrepreneurship #PTSD #Bodybuilding #CanadianSuccessStory #Inspiration #Philanthropy #Democracy #CommunityLeadership #Resilience #ImmigrantSuccess #OvercomingAdversity #MotivationalStories #Legacy #Holland

David Roskelley | 1st American to Climb the Volcanic 7 Summits

In this inspiring conversation, mountaineer David Roskelley, the first American to climb the Volcanic 7 Summits, takes us deep into the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of mountain climbing. From his first encounters with the mountains to summiting the Volcanic 7 Summits, Dave reflects on how nature, family, and faith have shaped his identity and resilience.

Whether you’re an adventurer, seeker of purpose, or someone navigating your own mountains — this conversation offers profound takeaways.

🔗 Connect with Dave Roskelley:

Website: https://davidroskelley.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 Climbing Passion
05:07 The Journey Begins: Childhood Inspirations
08:00 First Encounters with Mountains
11:00 Climbing Milestones: The Seven Summits
13:38 The Impact of Nature on Well-being
16:24 Training and Preparation for Climbs
18:09 The Challenge of the Seven Volcanic Summits
20:27 Lessons from Climbing: Overcoming Adversity
22:45 Mountains as a Metaphor for Life
25:21 Moments of Solitude and Reflection
27:34 The Emotional Experience of Summiting
30:14 The Descent: A Critical Phase
33:06 Post-Climb Indulgences and Recovery
35:58 The Physical Toll of High-Altitude Climbing
36:52 The Spiritual Connection at the Summit
39:59 Summit Blessings and Celebrations
42:25 The Role of Faith in Climbing Decisions
48:31 Challenges of Climbing and Family Connections
52:21 The Joy of Beekeeping
57:09 Reflections on Life and Legacy

#mountainclimbing #sevenSummits #adventuretravel #spiritualjourney #resilience #naturetherapy #personalgrowth #familyfirst #climbinglife #exploration #faithandadventure #overcomingchallenges

How Caroline Fernandez Went from Parenting Blogger to Award-Winning Children’s Author

In this conversation, award-winning children’s book author Caroline Fernandez shares her inspiring journey from parenting blogger to publishing over 17 books. She reveals her creative writing process, how she incorporates real women in STEM into her stories, and why she’s passionate about historical fiction for kids.

Caroline opens up about her book Plague Thieves, inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, and how she blends real history with storytelling. She also talks about the power of reading as a relaxing escape, the importance of community among authors, and why she encourages young writers to “just write for pleasure.”

Whether you're a fan of children’s literature, a writer looking for inspiration, or an educator interested in stories that empower girls through STEM and history, this interview has something for you.

📝 Guest Links

🌐 Caroline's website: https://www.carolinefernandez.ca/

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/parentclub

📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/parentclub/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentclub.ca

🐦 X: https://x.com/ParentClub

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

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

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

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

🧠 Topics Covered

- Children’s literature & the author journey

- Writing process & creative techniques

- Highlighting women in STEM

- Historical fiction for young readers

- Finding inspiration during the pandemic

- Encouraging creativity in children

- Reading as self-discovery

- Building community in the writing world

🔖 Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
27:15 The Journey to Writing
32:21 Writing Process and Techniques
37:20 Exploring Themes in Writing
42:22 Women in STEM and Historical Fiction
47:33 Inspiration and Ideas for Writing
52:12 Engaging with Young Readers

#ChildrensBooks #WritingProcess #ChildrensLiterature #WomenInSTEM #HistoricalFiction #ReadingForKids #Inspiration #YoungWriters

What drives a man to sail around the world alone—using only the stars and a sextant?

In this soul-stirring conversation, Bert terHart shares the extraordinary story of his solo sailing circumnavigation of the globe and then his solo canoe journey across Canada. But this isn’t just about adventure—it’s about motivation, planning, overcoming fear, and discovering what truly matters.

Bert reflects on the lessons of solitude, the importance of having a strong “why,” and how his father’s adventurous spirit shaped his own path. He dives into navigation without GPS, the beauty and brutality of the open ocean, and the profound insights gained when you're utterly alone with nature. This episode is packed with powerful takeaways on self-discovery, personal growth, connection, and legacy.

Whether you're a fan of exploration, resilience, or human transformation, Bert’s story will challenge and inspire you to think bigger, live more fully, and embrace your own journey—wherever it leads.

🌐 Learn more about Bert terHart:

Bert's website: https://bertterhart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bert.terhart/

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

🎧 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 The Whys Behind the Journey

06:41 Lessons from the Ocean and Life Perspectives

14:20 Navigating Fear and Taking Action

19:40 The Art of Navigation: Lessons from History

32:15 The Journey: Challenges and Unexpected Delays

41:43 Loneliness vs. Solitude: Finding Connection at Sea

48:10 Family Roots: A Journey from the Sea to the Prairies

53:00 The Journey of a Surveyor

59:13 The Mirror of the World

01:05:01 Returning to the West Coast

01:11:31 Understanding Portaging

01:18:01 Interactions on the Road

01:26:09 Moments of Profound Connection

01:32:06 The Calm Amidst Chaos

01:43:03 Pursuing Dreams and Authenticity

01:48:47 Legacy and Family Connections

01:56:01 Future Adventures and Life Lessons

#Adventure #PersonalGrowth #SailingLife #SelfDiscovery #OceanJourney #FearlessLiving #LifeLessons #Exploration #Navigation #SoloSailing #Motivation #Inspiration

Laura M. Clark | First Woman to Solo Climb All Colorado 14ers & Top 100 Peaks

Meet Laura Clark, a record-breaking solo mountaineer and the first woman to solo climb all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers—and the state’s 100 tallest peaks. In this episode, we explore her incredible journey of resilience, adventure, and personal transformation through the wilderness.

From her early days in Girl Scouts to becoming a pioneering woman in mountaineering, Laura shares how the mountains became her sanctuary, her therapist, and her greatest challenge. Along the way, she’s faced mental and physical extremes, close encounters with wildlife, and even a ghost story from the trail.

Laura opens up about:

- How hiking helped her navigate life’s toughest challenges

- The mental strength needed to solo some of Colorado’s most remote peaks

- Safety, planning, and the realities of mountaineering alone

- The healing power of nature and outdoor therapy

- Her mission to inspire others to explore the outdoors, push their limits, and find clarity in solitude

Whether you’re a hiker, climber, outdoor enthusiast, or just someone who loves powerful stories of human endurance and self-discovery, this conversation is for you.

📝 Guest Links
🌐 Laura's website: https://wildwanderertripreports.com/
📕 Buy Laura's book: https://wildwanderertripreports.com/buy-the-book/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_m_clark/

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

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

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

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

📕 Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

02:06 Finding Clarity Through Hiking

04:31 The Impact of Hiking on Personal Growth

07:23 Transitioning to Colorado and Its Hiking Culture

10:15 Challenges of the Permit System

13:00 Breaking Barriers: First Woman to Solo Colorado's 14ers

15:59 The Community of Mountaineers

18:49 Planning and Preparing for Hikes

25:56 Navigating Safety in Mountaineering

26:52 The Art of Trailblazing

28:00 Life on the Road: The Mountaineer's Truck

30:06 Survival Skills and Food Preparation

30:40 Safety First: Gear and Precautions

31:49 Encounters with Wildlife

35:28 The Power of Solitude and Self-Reliance

37:22 Personal Growth Through Mountaineering

38:55 Mental and Physical Challenges of Hiking

42:48 The Humbling Nature of the Mountains

44:48 Experiencing Flow in the Climb

46:30 Celebrating Summits: Rituals and Reflections

49:17 Altitude and Fitness: Training for Success

53:19 Balancing Life: Family, Work, and Passion

56:15 Lessons from the Mountain

59:25 Sasquatch Sightings: Myths and Realities

01:03:44 Hallucinations and the Limits of Endurance

01:07:39 Reflections on Family and Legacy

01:13:30 Mountains as a Metaphor for Life

01:18:51 Spirituality and Self-Discovery in Nature

#Hiking #Mountaineering #Colorado #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #SelfImprovement #Motivation #LifeLessons #Inspiration

Award-winning sci-fi author Steve Bellinger shares his incredible journey from a curious Chicago kid to publishing his first book at 65. He explores the power of storytelling, thoughts on time travel, and how science fiction shapes our world. Bellinger also reflects on his work in radio drama, the evolution of technology, and the role of creativity. Join us for a fascinating conversation about storytelling, innovation, and the power of imagination.

Steve's website: https://stevebellinger.com/

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

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

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

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

#SciFi #Podcast #Conversations #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness#SelfImprovement #LearningJourney #Motivation #ThoughtProvoking#KnowledgeSharing #LifeLessons #Interviews #Discipline #InspireChange #ListenAndLearn #MeaningfulDialogues #Empowerment #Curiosity

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Science Fiction Author

00:29 The Power of Storytelling and Creativity

00:46 Introduction and Technical Setup

00:46 Finding Interesting Guests for the Podcast

00:54 The Concept of Time Travel

02:22 The Chronicar: A Unique Take on Time Travel

03:44 Impact of The Chronicar on Readers

06:13 Technical Difficulties and Transitioning

06:33 Retirement and New Beginnings

08:55 The Influence of Literature11:27 The Journey into Writing

14:12 Education and Career Path

17:15 Radio and Media Experience

20:08 Star Trek and Science Fiction Perspectives

22:57 Creative Challenges in Production

25:52 Cultural Reflections in Science Fiction

38:01 The Realism of Science Fiction

47:18 Creative Fulfillment Through Writing

55:53 Impact of Writing on Relationships

59:50 Reflections on Life Choices and Regrets

01:02:10 Exploring Hoopla and Accessibility of Literature

01:03:06 The Science Behind 'Lines of Force'

01:05:45 Reflections on the Future: Star Trek vs. Mad Max

01:07:16 The Complexity of Time Travel in Literature

01:15:08 Legacy and Impact: How We Are Remembered

I sit down with my mom, Elva Farias, to capture some of her memories, insights, and stories. We discuss her childhood, her years as a teacher, life experiences, and her enduring love for my dad. She shares the lessons she’s learned, the values she holds dear, and advice she hopes to pass down to her grandchildren.

I sit down with 92-year-old Sarah Morales, a former nun whose life is full of energy, resilience, and faith. She shares her life journey, thoughts on faith, and the secrets to staying sharp and joyful. It's a conversation full of wisdom and laughter...