With Gratitude, Matt

Some life lessons we are forced to learn earlier than others. For Bryce Steele, he learned at age 17 that suffering is part of the journey and that bad things can happen to good people. In September of 2019, Bryce was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called thymoma, which after the initial treatment, would still return two more times. Cancer was not part of his plan of a being a future college linebacker. Initially, Bryce was recruited by over 30 schools around the country to play football including Ohio State, Texas, Michigan, and Tennessee, but cancer narrowed the list and ultimately, he was led to Boston College. When the cancer returned a 3rd time, surgery and treatment set him back physically but he has fought to defy all odds to return to the field. It was during one of his routine scans at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, that Bryce met Matt and Bill Moran in the waiting room. While they connected because of their cancer journeys and several mutual friendships, there was also an admiration and appreciation in how each was living and battling. Matt immediately saw the maturity, charisma, and faith of Bryce and the positivity he carried despite the battle. Prayers, support, this podcast, and some motivational words from Bill would just be part of the relationship that sprung from this chance meeting. In addition, the stories of both Matt and Bryce are being shared in an article appearing on the Jimmy Fund website. In conjunction with the article, a fundraising Giving Page was created to help fight cancer in honor of Matt and Bryce’s journey - http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/mattmoranandbrycesteele. Direct donations can be made there online, or by mail at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or by phone 800 525 4669.

Through the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, Bryce has been surrounded by love from his family, his girlfriend, the University, and from the staff at the Dana Farber Institute in Boston. We hope you will also join us in supporting, praying and perhaps donating. The 2024 football season is also just around the corner for Boston College so keep your eye out for number 2 for the Eagles, that's Bryce. He is courageously preparing and is optimistic about all that is ahead for his future.

The video version of this episode can be found here on Youtube.

Ellen Duncan strives to live a life of joy alongside grief. Every day she models strength, love, and faith for her daughters and all who know her. In July 2022, life took a shocking turn and she lost her husband Paul of 10 years while he was out on a morning run. A heart condition - hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – which Paul was unaware he had, took his life and created a new path for the family. In this conversation with host Bill Moran, Ellen shares the love story between her and Paul and it’s beginnings during the autumn of 2009 on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Paul, a graduate student and offensive tackle for the Fighting Irish, and Ellen, in her junior year, found a deep connection that evolved from friendship into a profound love. Two years later they married and began a family. After a short time in the NFL, Paul built a successful career as an industry leader in construction management with the Walsh Group in Atlanta, while in 2020, Ellen founded a strategic marketing company called Pineapple Partners. Their story and life together was filled with joy and efforts to live each day to the fullest. No one is ever prepared for the hardship that lands in their path, but Ellen felt touched by the Holy Spirit and has slowly been putting the pieces in place to honor Paul’s big-hearted life by helping others and finding daily strength despite the ever-present grief. On her Instagram page -@pineapplellen -Ellen inspires others who are dealing with loss by sharing her experiences of grief, hope, love and faith, demonstrating and again modeling a path forward. Paul was only 35 and was taken too soon, but he created a light with Ellen that she shines onto others through her work and her smile. Her grace filled story that she shares will lift anyone who has touched loss, can be heard here and watched here. 

Before Matt passed in August of 2023, he followed Ellen on Instagram and had discussed having her on the WGM show. Some commonality in their stories but mostly Matt saw Ellen’s wisdom, her desire to be present, and wanted to shine his light on her story. May the Heavenly light of both Paul and Matt inspire and bless all of those listening today.  

Dr. John Delony is a highly sought after best-selling author, mental health expert and show host covering relationships, mental health, anxiety, healthy leadership and emotional wellness. In other words, this episode is relatable to just about anyone aware of the opportunity to learn from adversity. John has been with Ramsey Solutions since 2020 and hosts the Dr. John Delony Show. Through his speaking and writing, he helps individuals work through past trauma and find a path forward. So often when dealing with a crisis, we feel stuck and alone. The wisdom John provided starts with a reminder that you are not alone in the room. His perspective and guidance comes from battling his own personal challenges, finances and discovering how to heal. John also spent 20 years working in crisis response and discovered how be a comforting yet strong voice of change. John’s most recent book, Building a Non-Anxious Life is the centerpiece of the discussion for this episode. His down-to-earth approach and advice has a tremendous appeal and inspires many across the world. For more about John’s background, his show, books, other podcasts and articles, check out his website.  To purchase any of his line up of products, go to the Ramsey Solutions store. To enjoy Bill and John’s discussion, you can listen here or watch here. 

Before Matt passed, he had become a fan of John's work and had made arrangements to have him on as a guest. It is wonderful to see this come to fruition and be another source of love and strength inspired by Matt.

ADDITIONAL NOTES ABOUT DR. JOHN DELONY:

·       John has two PhDs and over two decades of experience in counseling, crisis response and higher education. 

·       He is the author of the bestselling books Own Your Past, Change Your Future, Redefining Anxiety and most recently, Building a Non-Anxious Life. 

·       John has appeared on Good Morning America, Fox News and Fox Business and been featured in Real Simple magazine, Fast Company, The Today Show, and HuffPost.  

·       He has been a guest on The School of Greatness Podcast, The Minimalist Podcast, The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, The Dhru Purohit Podcast and the Mind Pump Podcast. 

·       John’s goal is to help people navigate tough decisions, improve their relationships, and believe they’re worth being well. Follow John on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.

Dr. Christopher Kerr is an end life researcher, a hospice physician, CEO and Chief Medical Officer for Hospice and Palliative Care in Buffalo, NY, and the acclaimed author of Death is But a Dream. He provided hospice care for Matt Moran and his family in August, 2023. His extraordinary care and guidance was impactful and comforting for the family in the moment and in the grieving process that followed. As Matt would certainly would have wished and how he so often did with this podcast, we are passing along the lessons and spreading the good word about Dr. Kerr.

Dr. Kerr’s work, his research, book, and films are based on his experience and research working with hospice patients and seeing the extraordinary way the mind connects reality to the thoughts, visions and dreams of the dying. His work validates these powerful moments and brings comfort to family and to the emotions that come at the end of life. Dr Kerr defines End of Life Experiences or ELEs as significant, subjective experiences within the dying process that occur while asleep or awake. They can happen hours, weeks or even months before a person passes and may increase in frequency as patients approach death. These experiences are indeed gifts and impact the bereaved because “how people leave us matters,” says Dr. Kerr. His website provides many resources for learning more about his work, including:

·     View the award winning TED talk from 2015 titled  ‘I See Dead People, Dreams and Visions of the Dying” to learn more about Dr. Kerr’s perspective on End of Life Experiences.

·       Order the book, Death is But a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning in the End of Life, by Dr. Christopher Kerr, available from numerous book outlets. 

·      His film, also titled Death is but a Dream, shares many patient stories. This is available for viewing on YouTube  or you can watch a short preview here.

·       End-of-Life Experience Research 

In this podcast, Bill Moran and Dr. Kerr talk though many of these topics and how Dr. Kerr helps brings perspective, purpose and meaning to the final days of a life. You will also hear how Bill was able to piece together what he was feeling as his brother was saying goodbye, the love and connection that was present, and the awareness of the power and incredible gift that came from this time that will last forever for him and the family. While the emotions don’t necessarily become less painful, talking through what is happening and what it all means shines light on the process. With that perspective comes much more joy, much more impact, and less focus on the loss and declining health of the individual. Tune in here to listen to the podcast (or connect to your favorite streaming service listed) or view the podcast on youtube. 

SHOW NOTES: The world lost a positive force of nature, a friend, brother, a husband, and a father of two amazing girls on August 20, 2023, when Matt passed. Over the past 3 years while Matt lived with his cancer, he created 71 episodes of With Gratitude, Matt. During that time, he shined his light on many others and helped give a voice to stories filled with life lessons. He modeled how to live with gratitude every day and how to be a man for others. His earthly presence will be dearly missed, but Matt’s spirit will be with us in many ways including on future episodes of this show which the Moran family will continue to do in his honor.

Matt’s older brother Bill hosts this episode with Dr. Roy Vongtama, who was guest number 1 in July of 2020. Dr. Vongtama was Matt’s integrative cancer coach, friend, and an inspiration in how Matt approached his treatment and daily routine, much of it pulled from Roy’s book, Healing Before You are Cured. In this episode, Bill and Dr. Vongtama discuss how Matt approached his diagnosis, his healing and the choices we all have in how we see tomorrow when given tough news. Dr. Vongtama also shares his thoughts on grieving, living without resentment, serving others and, of course, the power of gratitude. Dr. Vongtama’s new online course, Healing After Your Cured: Science Backed Post Cancer Care is due out soon and will be helpful for anyone looking for how to best care for yourself after being declared healthy or cancer free. Resources and course information are available on Dr. Vongtam’s website  https://www.mdroy.com/. You can also connect via Instagram : @doctorroyv or Facebook Roy Vongtama, MD 

Please enjoy this episode and next step forward. You can listen here or watch here.

SPECIAL NOTE: Matt was admired and loved by countless family members, listeners and friends, many who reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. On October 7th at 1pm, please join us for a Celebration of Life at St. Xavier High School. If you are unable to make it and would like to send a note to the family about what Matt’s podcast has meant to you, please leave a comment attached to this episode on the WGM YouTube page.  

 Danita Estrella-Watts is the founder and President of Danita’s Children in Haiti which cares for orphaned children. Her vision began at the young age of 11 after a mission trip opened her eyes to all the suffering. Twenty-five years later she returned and by listening to God’s voice, she began to create tools to care for the children of Haiti. Today her organization is able to meet many physical, emotional and spiritual needs through a home which cares for 80 orphans, a school that educates over 300 children, a feeding program that serves over 16,000 meals, a church, and a pediatric medical center with over 26 nurses and medical physicians. Danita’s journey started with fear and uncertainty and ultimately yielded to purpose and peace as she uncovered the rewards for improving the lives of so many through education, medical aid, love, and nourishment. Be sure not to miss this episode as Matt and Danita explore themes of faith, courage, overcoming adversity, and of course, the power of gratitude. Listeners beware as you may be inspired to reflect heavily on your own blessings and how you might make a difference in the world! Learn more about Danita, her foundation, and how you can help at her website, danitaschildren.org/. You listen to the podcast here, or watch here. 

Stephanie and Tom Quehl are the proud parents of four boys. In September of 2021, they faced the worst tragedy when they lost their son, Jack, to a lethal dose of fentanyl-laced cocaine at the young age of 24. Jack was not an addict or a habitual drug user and had never intended to take fentanyl, but it unfortunately robbed him of his future. Jack’s background was filled with academic success, athletic achievement, family love, friends, and impact wherever he went (he was an avid traveler), not the profile anyone might expect in a story like this. But fentanyl doesn’t pick out its victims and deals loss and grief wherever it goes. Stephanie and Tom have courageously transformed their pain into a mission, founding the ‘Do It For Jack’ Foundation. Their work covers a wide range of initiatives including educating others on fentanyl, preventing overdoses, dealing with loss, and communication. This heartfelt and educational episode is a wake-up call to all parents on the dangers of substance abuse and delves into the Quehl’s journey, the power of community support, and insights on how they maintain open communication with their children. Their story is a testament to how love, resilience, and prayer can create the possibility of hope in the face of such heartbreak. You can listen here or watch here. 

Jennifer’s story is heartbreaking yet also powerful as it provides a unique lens into domestic violence, homelessness, and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. 10 years into her marriage, she reached a breaking point after barely surviving an episode where she was beaten and almost set on fire. But it was the love of her son and eventually God’s spirit that put her on a long path of recovery towards finding a better life. Jennifer’s serendipitous encounter with Matt at the Logan International airport is not surprising once you get to know Jennifer and feel the grace and love that pours out openly from her heart. Her faith drives her and she is not one to miss an opportunity to help someone whose heart is also open or is in need of help. In the lively dialogue with Matt, Jennifer provides listeners with a deeply personal and enlightening perspective about her experience enduring domestic abuse, which led her and her son into a life of homelessness. As they faced the challenges of living in shelters and depending on soup kitchens, she sheds light on how she pulled herself up and found God healing her wounds and energizing her days. Now Jennifer is the one who takes time to advocate for local shelters and help others who are victims of domestic violence. Enjoy her story and how Jennifer dismantles societal misconceptions about homelessness and highlights the humanity, struggle and path of a person who might live these circumstances. Make sure to catch the end of the episode as she prays over all the listeners in the same way she prayed over Matt in the Boston airport. Whether you listen or view the interview , be prepared to be inspired and feel the energy from Jennifer and her extraordinary story of courage and faith. 

Brett R. Smith, Ph. D. is the Founding Research Director of the the L.I.F.E Research Lab at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio (L.I.F.E =Leading the Integration of Faith & Entrepreneurship). His program explores how spirituality and business can indeed be interwoven together for a more fulfilling professional and personal journey. The program’s birth at a public University was unlikely, but after hearing about Brett’s journey, his calling to teach, his deep faith, and the seeds that God planted in his life, it all makes perfect sense. Matt and Brett delve into his early roles, experiences with corporate and start ups, and finally his transformation to Miami University where, with his commitment and drive, he has led a flourishing program that has opened the minds of students in a unique and powerful classroom experience. The L.I.F.E. curriculum provides guidance, experience, and knowledge in social entrepreneurship and how faith can live in that environment. For anyone who has experience in starting something new, you know there will be high and lows. What the L.I.F.E. program suggests is that our faith can be an asset for survival. Faith is what let Brett to Miami, it is what shines light into his marriage to Laura (guest on 11/16/20) and into his role as a father to four kids, and it is what continues to provide guide posts as new challenges and opportunities fall on the path at Miami. Brett candidly shares some obstacles including how he faced health scares and question marks, but also how these challenges and set backs have been stepping stones to growth and insights to making decisions, arming him with more awareness that our clock is always ticking. This episode is a must-listen for all who are seeking courage to listen to our callings and are curious about how to harmoniously blend faith with their careers. To learn more about Brett, visit the Miami of Ohio University website. His achievements have also been featured in Time, Business Week, Financial Times,  CNN, MSNBC and he has been asked to speak at the United Nations, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Tedx Youth, and a number of leading universities. You listen here or watch here.

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the life of Howard Behar, the former president of Starbucks Coffee. As one of the founding leaders, he participated in expanding Starbucks from just 28 stores after joining in 1989 to over 15,000 stores in 5 continents after his 21 years of service ended. Since retiring, he has written 2 books It's Not About The Coffee: Leadership Principles from a Life at Starbucks and The Magic Cup: A Business Parable About a Leader, a Team, and the Power of Putting People and Values First. Howard is an experienced business leader, author and speaker who actively shares his wisdom with developing future leaders through his many speaking opportunities but also as a board member with many profit and non-profit companies. In this podcast, we explore Howard’s journey to leadership, challenges faced and personal philosophies that have shaped his career and life. Howard shares some powerful stories from early in his career, including a life-altering conversation with a leader of a company which led him to a path of self-discovery and the defining of his core values. As part of Howard’s journey, he also openly shares the challenges of battling depression and anxiety which were very present as he transitioned into retirement and searched for more purpose. This episode offers a profound look at how personal values and authenticity can drive a successful leader and Howard’s unique approach to leadership, his deep-rooted belief in prioritizing people over profits, and his commitment to authenticity. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation which is filled with unique insights and life lessons for us all. You can learn more about Howard, his books and his speaking engagement on his website, http://www.howardbehar.com/. You can listen this podcast here or watch it on YouTube.