In this episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate,' John David Graham discusses his extraordinary life. After founding Good Samaritan Home, a program for helping former inmates reintegrate into society, John reflects on his diverse career history and life challenges. He shares how his upbringing in the 50s and 60s and various job experiences, from truck driver to firefighter, shaped him. At 53, he pivoted to nonprofit work, and later at 75, published his debut novel, 'Running as Fast as I Can,' which won 48 literary awards. John highlights the importance of second chances and community support in overcoming life's obstacles.

Find out more and connect with John David Graham:

https://johndavidgraham.com/

https://goodsamaritanhome.org/

https://facebook.com/JGrahamAuthor

https://johndavidgraham.substack.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to John David Graham

01:22 John's Early Life and Career Detours

02:28 Meeting His Wife and Early Struggles

06:18 Founding Good Samaritan Home

07:29 Challenges and Success Stories

09:50 The Importance of Second Chances

15:14 John's Novel and Its Inspiration

16:09 Lifeboat Safety and Second Chances

16:51 Overcoming Rejections and Finding the Right Audience

18:42 The Sequel: Requiem and Its Themes

19:07 Reflections on Race and Society

20:59 Advice for Overcoming Hardships

22:18 The Importance of Community Support

24:01 Future Plans and Personal Reflections

26:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

29:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this uplifting episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate, Patty talks to Jeramy Gordon, author of 'The Power of 10.' Gordon shares his insights on how dedicating just 10 minutes a day can lead to significant transformations in faith, family, finances, and fitness.

He discusses his method's practicality and its balance between setting achievable goals and maintaining consistency. The conversation delves into Gordon's personal experiences, including overcoming a business failure and heavy debt through faith and small consistent actions. He also touches on the importance of prioritizing relationships and maintaining balance in life. Perfect for those looking to make lasting changes as they embark on a new year.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeramygordon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TenTalksWithJeramy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweroftenbook/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeramy-David-Gordon/author/B0BTWFKK17 Website: https://poweroftenbook.com/ 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Happy New Year and Podcast Introduction

00:26 Meet Jeramy Gordon: Author of The Power of 10

01:26 The Power of 10: Concept and Application

03:16 Faith, Family, Finances, and Fitness: The Four Fs

06:49 Jeramy's Entrepreneurial Journey

11:46 Hitting Rock Bottom and Bouncing Back

15:05 Defining a Life That Matters

15:49 Overcoming Financial Struggles with Faith

16:15 Building a Life That Matters: Faith and Family

17:09 Transitioning to Digital Marketing

18:03 Starting Small: Making Life Changes

19:14 The Power of 10: Transforming Your Life

20:01 Opinionated, Not Judgeful: A Personal Journey

22:25 Rapid Fire Questions: Personal Insights

27:56 Final Thoughts and New Year's Resolutions

In this episode, the host engages with Toni Will, the groundbreaking General Manager and first female governor in ECHL history, overseeing the Kalamazoo Wings. Toni shares her unique path from banking to sports management, emphasizing her commitment to leadership, innovation, and personal reinvention.

With a TEDx talk, a podcast, and an upcoming book, Toni discusses her six leadership pillars: consulting experts, innovating, embracing mistakes, seeking forgiveness over permission, macromanaging, and having fun. She also opens up about her journey to alcohol-free living and her dedication to empowering women through her conference, Empower Her. Toni’s bold insights and practical advice make this episode a compelling listen for anyone looking to break new ground in their personal or professional life.

Find and Connect with Toni Will:

Facebook: Toni Lentini Will 

Facebook: toniwillofficial

Instagram: @toniwillofficial 

Instagram:  @imtoniwill

LinkedIn:  Toni Lentini Will 

Web: https://www.toniwill.com/

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

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Breaking Barriers: Meet Toni Will

01:52 From Banking to Hockey: Toni's Unlikely Journey

03:01 Challenges and Triumphs in Economic Development

04:26 A New Path: Joining the Kalamazoo Wings

07:04 Leadership Pillars: Toni's Guiding Principles

14:48 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry

17:35 Embracing Alcohol-Free Living

19:57 Journey to Becoming a Certified Coach

20:37 Navigating Social and Business Challenges Without Alcohol

21:35 Understanding Emotional vs. Physical Addiction

24:30 Setting and Achieving Goals for the New Year

29:19 Empower Her Conference and Upcoming Events

31:38 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

34:21 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

In this episode of Your Daily Chocolate, we chat with David Beker, founder and president of A Better Design Company. As the Christmas season approaches, David shares insights from being a social worker to a successful toy inventor. Known for creating products like the Cornhole Shootout, a finalist for Toy of the Year in 2025,

David discusses how his company focuses on reimagining and enhancing traditional toys. He emphasizes the importance of 'active play' and shares stories about his innovative products, including organic whole grain ice cream cones

Perfect for parents and toy enthusiasts, this episode offers a glimpse into the creative process behind some beloved toys and highlights the value of non-digital play.

Find more about David and his work below:

TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@abetterdesignco

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

Abetter Design Company Website / https://abetterdesigncompany.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeker/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:14 David Beker's Background and Journey to Inventing

02:11 The Ice Cream Cone Business

04:34 Innovating Existing Products

07:10 Entering the Toy Industry

10:34 Cornhole Shootout and Toy of the Year

12:05 Focus on Active Play and Future Projects

16:02 The Process of Bringing a New Product to Market

16:54 The Importance of Research for Inventors

17:50 Navigating the Manufacturing and Royalty Process

19:46 Understanding Patents and Provisional Patent Applications

22:36 Challenges and Resilience in Israel

26:38 Rapid Fire Questions with David

30:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

In this episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate,' Patty welcomes neighbor and guest Bjarne Borresen. Bjarne is not only an accomplished nurse anesthetist but also a prolific children's book author, having published six books with three more in the works. He shares how his family vacations inspired his 'Hansen Clan' series and delves into the creative process behind his children's books, thriller novels, and upcoming women's literature.

Bjarne also discusses the challenges of self-publishing, highlights his future writing plans, and shares tips for aspiring authors. His interview provides a heartwarming look at finding inspiration and joy in everyday life.

Find More About Bjarne:

Facebook

IG:@bborresen5150 

Web site: http://www.bjarneborresen.com 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: BRN

01:07 The Journey to Becoming a Children's Book Author

03:25 Inspiration Behind the Stories

04:28 Illustrating the Books

05:16 Challenges and Rejections

06:28 Future Projects and Aspirations

11:35 Writing Tips and Techniques

17:26 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

19:56 Conclusion and Christmas Gift Recommendation

In this episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate,' Patty welcomes Terry Healey, a cancer survivor, author, keynote speaker, and business strategist. Terry shares his compelling story of overcoming life-threatening cancer at a young age, which left him with a permanent facial difference. Despite the challenges, he turned his experiences into gifts, developing his Rebar Resilience Framework to help others build confidence and resilience. 

He discusses his seven-part personal survival kit, which includes focusing on gratitude, setting goals, and maintaining life balance. He also highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and faith. Terry’s insights provide powerful tools for personal and professional growth, offering a unique perspective on how to turn adversity into strength. 

Find more about Terry Healey:

www.terryhealey.com

X:  https://x.com/terryhealeyus

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

IG: https://www.instagram.com/terryhealeyus/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryhealey/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Journey

00:40 Meet Terry Healy: A Story of Resilience

01:58 Terry's Cancer Diagnosis and Initial Struggles

04:40 The Gift in Disguise: Gratitude, Perspective, and Empathy

07:22 Connecting with Robert Palor and Other Inspirational Stories

09:20 The Rebar Resilience Framework

11:18 Applying Resilience in the Workplace

15:30 Terry's Personal Survival Kit

21:37 Current Health and New Book: The Resilience Mindset

25:10 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

In this episode, Patty welcomes Anna Laura Edwards, the first executive director of Hope Scarves, to highlight the meaningful work they do in supporting people facing all types of cancer. Hope Scarves, an international nonprofit based in Louisville, Kentucky, aims to provide hope and connection through the donation of scarves and sharing personal stories.

The conversation covers the organization's origins, inspired by founder Lara McGregor, and how they have distributed over 42,000 scarves globally while raising significant funds for metastatic breast cancer research. Anna Laura discusses the impact of these scarves, the inclusive nature of the organization, the emotional support the stories provide to recipients, and they introduce the Hope Capes initiative for children with cancer

Find more about Anna Laura and Hope Scarveswww.hopescarves.org

@hopescarves - Instagram and Facebook

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Breast Cancer Awareness Month

00:21 Meet Anna Laura Edwards and Hope Scarves

01:51 The Origin Story of Hope Scarves

04:20 How Hope Scarves Operates

07:16 Stories of Hope and Encouragement

16:21 Hope Capes: A New Initiative

18:48 Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Fund

22:58 Current Needs and Future Plans

28:26 Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionSpreading Hope with Anna Laura Edwards of Hope Scarves.

In this episode of Your Daily Chocolate, Patty welcomes Mike Sealy, an experienced leader turned author and coach who specializes in helping others overcome imposter syndrome. Mike explains that  imposter syndrome stems from an overprotective unconscious mind. The discussion covers its prevalence in both personal and professional settings, its heightened impact during COVID-19, and differences between men and women.

He shares personal anecdotes, including his own struggles and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, generational factors, societal norms, and the importance of support systems. Mike also previews his upcoming book that aims to impart essential life skills to young men. 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:09 Defining Imposter Syndrome

02:56 Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

04:33 Gender Differences in Imposter Syndrome

05:52 Impact of COVID on Imposter Syndrome

08:17 Recognizing Imposter Syndrome

11:23 Generational and Industry Perspectives

14:02 Life Skills for Young Men

17:18 Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome

19:27 Imposter Syndrome at HP

21:42 Overcoming Public Speaking Fears

22:52 Building Confidence Outside Your Comfort Zone

23:57 Imposter Syndrome: No Cure, Just Management

25:54 The Impact of Childhood on Confidence

28:39 The Dangers of Participation Trophies

31:31 Rapid Fire Questions with Mike

Mike’s book Mindset Unlocked can be purchased via Amazon here:  https://a.co/d/7yVxOKx

Mike’s favorite chocolate is from Hotel Chocolat. Check out their US website here: 

Hotel Chocolat USA | Reinventing Chocolate

Mike’s website: https://xincglobal.mykajabi.com/home

Mike Sealy FRSA | LinkedIn

Book a Call: https://calendly.com/mike-sealy/book-a-call-1

In this episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate,' Patty welcomes Brian and Sally Krichbaum, owners of Gilbert Chocolates, a 125-year-old chocolate manufacturing and retailing establishment in Michigan. Brian, an engineer with a background in the automotive industry, and Sally, a published writer with a love for chocolate, share their journey of taking over Gilbert Chocolates and tripling its size.

They discuss the difference between mass-produced and gourmet chocolate, the unique qualities of their products, and the history of Gilbert Chocolates. They also touch on new trends in the chocolate industry and their plans for future expansion. 

Find More About Gilbert Chocolates:

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P308wEpkCi4

Website: https://www.gilbertchocolates.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankrichbaum/

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

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:10 Meet the Christbaums: Owners of Gilbert Chocolates

02:13 Brian's Journey from Engineering to Chocolate Making

04:04 Sally's Convincing Chocolate Experience

04:43 The Evolution of Gilbert Chocolates

05:51 What Makes Gilbert Chocolates Unique

12:21 Maintaining Tradition with Modern Touches

14:26 Expanding the Business

16:24 Sweet Stories from the Store

16:49 Charming Candy Shop Anecdotes

18:04 The Reality of Chocolate Production

20:23 Developing a Chocolate Palate

21:35 New Trends in Chocolate

22:51 Expanding Gilbert Chocolates

25:53 Rapid Fire Questions

27:48 Podcast Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode of Your Daily Chocolate, we talk with Aidan Reilly, co-founder of The FarmLink Project, a U.S. nonprofit combating hunger and food waste. Aidan shares how the project began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he and his college friends identified a need for food distribution. 

Since then, FarmLink has rescued nearly 500 million pounds of food and provided it to families in need across America. Aidan discusses the logistics, impact, and future goals of FarmLink, including its environmental benefits and the organization's intention to eliminate food insecurity. Listen in to get inspired and learn how you can support this remarkable initiative

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Need for Good News

00:25 Meet Aiden Riley and the FarmLink Project

01:13 The Beginnings of FarmLink During COVID

02:19 Challenges and Early Successes

05:38 Scaling Up and Expanding Nationwide

06:55 Addressing Hunger and Food Insecurity

08:38 Natural Disasters and Food Waste Solutions

16:29 Environmental Impact and Sustainability

19:52 Operational Efficiency and Future Goals

21:41 Community Engagement and Education

27:16 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

Aidan Reilly is the co-founder of the Farmlink Project, a US based nonprofit which is fighting hunger across the country using food that would've otherwise gone to waste. Since co-founding this project as a student during the pandemic, the group has prevented nearly 500 million lbs of food from going to the landfill and gotten it to families all across America. 

Watch our new documentary

Phone: (213)-222-3706

Email: [email protected]                       

Website: farmlinkproject.org