Keep Moving Forward

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview husband and wife dream team, the founders of MSK Digital Media, Matt and Kelli Shane.   If you guys are inspired by the stories that my interviewees and I share with you each week, please consider becoming a patron of Keep Moving Forward. Of course, all episodes will still be free both on iTunes and at http://keepmovingforward.us/, however, if you would like to support the future success of my podcast, you can become a patron at https://www.patreon.com/keepmovingforward.   “If you can dream it, you can do it...now, go make it happen.” Disney dreamers and entrepreneurs Matt and Kelli Shane know full well the gravity of these famous Walt Disney words. However, in knowing this truth, that if you are passionate about something and you can see it then you can achieve it, the dynamic duo relays that this simply is not enough. Too often, dreamers remain in their fantasized state of what they hope comes to fruition, but they never take the plunge. Matt and Kelli prov

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview entrepreneur, podcaster, fitness expert, and founder of the Healthy Moving Company, Jen Hoffman.   If you guys are inspired by the stories that my interviewees and I share with you each week, please consider becoming a patron of Keep Moving Forward. Of course, all episodes will still be free both on iTunes and at http://keepmovingforward.us/, however, if you would like to support the future success of my podcast, you can become a patron at https://www.patreon.com/keepmovingforward.   “Be at ease with your disease.” This phrase, while derived from the practice of Yoga, permeates every facet of Jen Hoffman’s life. At five-years-old, she was run over by a Suburban and was told that for the remainder of her days, she would suffer from heel and ankle pain. For years, she accepted her fate, believing that this was the life she was meant to lead. She had to find ease in this discomfort, but she did not want to. After seeking the advice of a yoga expert by the name o

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview the founder of Higher Scores Test Prep, host of The College Checklist Podcast, and host of The Unsexy Side: An Honest Podcast for Online Entrepreneurs, Lauren Gaggioli. If you guys are inspired by the stories that my interviewees and I share with you each week, please consider becoming a patron of Keep Moving Forward. Of course, all episodes will still be free both on iTunes and at http://keepmovingforward.us/, however, if you would like to support the future success of my podcast, you can become a patron at https://www.patreon.com/keepmovingforward. “Own your strengths and your weaknesses.” For entrepreneurs and students alike, this phrase rings loud and true. A person must not only understand the importance of promoting her strengths, but must also acknowledge her weaknesses, so that she might turn them into assets. No one better understands this idea than Lauren Gaggioli. With dreams of making it on the big screen, Lauren graduated from New York Un

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview entrepreneur, media specialist, founder of the Burdo Media Group, and former television news anchor, Michelle Burdo. If you guys are inspired by the stories that my interviewees and I share with you each week, please consider becoming a patron of my podcast. Of course, all episodes will still be free both on iTunes and at http://keepmovingforward.us/, however, if you would like to support the future success of this podcast, you can become a patron at https://www.patreon.com/keepmovingforward.  “Don’t let you be the reason why you don’t move forward.” We are capable of far more than we think. More often than we care to admit, our biggest enemy and toughest critic is us. We get into our own heads, sometimes to the detriment of progress. As an entrepreneur, and just as a person trying to move forward in her life, Michelle Burdo knows this reality all too well. From earning a degree in psychology, to the Disney college program, to working her way to anch

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview Disney entrepreneur and YouTube sensation, John Saccheri, AKA The Big Fat Panda. If you guys are inspired by the stories that my interviewees and I share with you each week, please consider becoming a patron of my podcast. Of course, all episodes will still be free both on iTunes and at http://keepmovingforward.us/, however, if you would like to support the future success of this podcast, please consider becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/keepmovingforward. Thank you so much for your support and for tuning in to this, the 28th episode of the Keep Moving Forward podcast. Chase your passions and the money will come. How many of you have heard this saying before? And how many of you actually heed these words? Taking a step into the unknown to chase a dream that might seem ridiculous to everyone else is a terrifying thought. Leaving behind the security of a stable income and promise of a sustained future, to pursue something that might crash and

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I discuss my experience at the Momentum Workshop Weekend in Orlando where I learned from inspiring entrepreneurs about how to beat the odds and go the distance.   If you guys are inspired by the stories that my interviewees and I share with you each week, please consider becoming a patron of my podcast. Of course, all episodes will still be free both on iTunes and at http://keepmovingforward.us/, however, if you would like to support the future success of this podcast, please consider becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/keepmovingforward. Thank you so much for your support and for tuning in with me here on the 27th episode of the Keep Moving Forward podcast.  Always remember, you can beat the odds and go the distance, if only you keep moving forward.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I discuss my recent trip to Walt Disney World and my experience at the 2016 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. If you would like to keep up to date on my podcast, visit http://keepmovingforward.us/ and subscribe on iTunes under “Keep Moving Forward.” Also, if you like the content I put out each week and would like to support the future success of my podcast, please consider becoming a patron of my show at https://www.patreon.com/keepmovingforward. Always remember, you can beat the odds and go the distance, if only you keep moving forward.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview US Air Force Security Forces veteran and founder of Companions for Heroes, David Sharpe. For the past year, I have had the privilege of working with Companions for Heroes through my own USA made pet supply company, MallardMade. While MallardMade is currently on hiatus (as you can learn about in episode 21 of Keep Moving Forward), the connections I made through the wonderful Companions for Heroes have remained, and I am so grateful for that. Companions for Heroes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the ambitious vision of helping every American hero and saving every shelter or rescue animal from euthanasia. If you own a dog or a cat of your own, you understand firsthand the influence your furry best friend can have on your mood. Having grown up with dogs my whole life, I know I certainly do. Dave Sharpe recognized the impact animals could have not just on your everyday mood, but also on those individuals who suffer from even greater needs. After returning from

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview the original Disney entrepreneur, Lou Mongello. What would you say if I told you that you could actually “live the dream”? I don’t mean it in a sarcastic way, nor do I mean it as this far-fetched notion that can never become reality. But what if you could actually live your dream? Turn the biggest passion of your life into a lucrative business venture? Lou Mongello is living proof that this dream career of yours is within reach. Lou dropped everything, moved from New Jersey to Orlando, abandoning two successful careers as both a litigator and an IT Consultant to chase a business idea spurned by his passion: a love of Walt Disney World. Today, he hosts WDW Radio, a 9x Best Travel Podcast; has written numerous books; began the Dream Team Project which helps children with severe illnesses and their families make a trip to Walt Disney World possible; and is a renowned speaker, hosting entrepreneurship conferences all over the country. Lou decided that he was t

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I discuss the latest in Disney news with a big emphasis on a staple of the fall season in Walt Disney World: EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival. For your daily dose of all things Disney, you can check out http://www.thisweekatdisney.com/ and follow the This Week at Disney team on all of our magical adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ThisWeekAtDisney. Furthermore, don’t forget to check back in here every week for the latest episode of the Keep Moving Forward podcast. You can subscribe on iTunes and stay updated at http://keepmovingforward.us/. Always remember, you can beat the odds and go the distance, if only you keep moving forward.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I discuss an issue that has been near to my heart this past year: the struggle of leaving behind the world of organized athletics once college ends. The struggle of finding your place after a chapter in your life ends is something that so many people toil with every day. If you would like to hear some stories of individuals who overcame such crossroads in their life, you can check out the following episodes of my podcast: episode 20 with Dominique Moceanu, episode 16 featuring Alysia Montano, episode 14 where I interview Kurt Kuykendall, episode 11 where I speak to DeeDee Trotter, episode 9 where I have the chance to interview Rudy Ruettiger, and episode 7 with Josh Pauls,   To stay up to date on all of my podcasts, you can subscribe to Keep Moving Forward on iTunes and head to http://keepmovingforward.us/ every week.   Always remember, you can beat the odds and go the distance, if only you keep moving forward.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I discuss the ups and downs of starting your own business. From the inception of your idea all the way through to its success, or its failure. All the while persevering, knowing that you have what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur if only you keep moving forward. If you would like to stay up to date with my weekly interviews and discussions, you can subscribe to Keep Moving Forward on iTunes and visit http://keepmovingforward.us/. I hope that my talk today helped you to further internalize the ideal upon which I framed this very podcast: always remember, you can beat the odds and go the distance, if only you keep moving forward.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview Dominique Moceanu. Olympic gymnast, gold medalist, member of the 1996 Magnificent 7 gymnastics team, and entrepreneur. It is difficult to hear the name Moceanu and not be overwhelmed with pride for this great country. As the daughter of 2 Romanian immigrants, Dominique came to America with her family in the hopes of a better life. At a very young age, Dominique showed great aptitude in the sport of gymnastics and was quickly propelled down the path of an Olympian. While Dominique’s story is extremely inspiring and moving, it is also very real. It allows a glimpse into the world of competitive gymnastics...not the romanticized loving dynamic that we witness on television, where we only see the good stuff, I mean the reality of what it takes to become the powerhouse that Dominique was. While her journey was hard fought and was achieved through her determination, the coaches she had as well as her own family were enough to almost derail her from her path co

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I discuss some of the latest Disney news including: the building of a protective wall around theSeven Seas Lagoon; saying good-bye to the Main Street Electrical Parade; Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party; the ascension of Lin-Manuel Miranda into the wonderful world that is Disney movies; the vintage Disney brand YesterEars; an ongoing Disney conservation project at the Vero Beach Resort; and the WaltDisney World Marathon weekend. If you would like to keep up to date on all things Disney, visit thisweekatdisney.com daily, and check us out on Facebook and Instagram @ThisWeekAtDisney and on Twitter @WeekAtDisney. Also, don’t forget to check out my weekly podcast on iTunes and at keepmovingforward.us.   Always remember, you can beat the odds and go the distance, if only you keep moving forward.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I discuss my first race with the Kyle Pease Foundation as well as some highlights of the Rio Olympics. If you would like to learn more about the Kyle Pease Foundation head over to http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org and check them out on Facebook and Twitter at Walking with KPeasy and on Instagram @WalkingWithKP. Furthermore, if you would like to learn more about Bentley-Grace and her team you can follow her on Facebook @Team Bentley-Grace. Don’t forget to tune in to NBC every night at 8pm for featured coverage of Team USA as we climb ever more in the medal count. Today more than ever, I feel the weight of my sign off phrase, and I sincerely hope that you are inspired as much as I by the stories of Bentley-Grace and Abbey D’Agostino. Always remember you can beat the odds and go the distance, if only you keep moving forward.

“Where there is a wheel, there’s a way.” This mantra is at the forefront of the Kyle Pease Foundation, whose purpose it to “create awareness and raise funds to promote success for persons with disabilities by providing assistance to meet their individual needs through sports.” This incredible organization was founded by the brother team of Kyle and Brent Pease. Growing up together in Atlanta, Georgia, sports were a huge part of their lives. Kyle has spastic Cerebral Palsy and quadriplegia so he usually watched his brothers play from the sidelines in his wheelchair, but that never quieted his drive and desire as an athlete. As the two grew older they began taking part in races together. From the marathon to the Iron Man, they’ve conquered them all. Kyle knew that he was never limited by his wheelchair and wanted nothing more than to spread that positive message to others with disabilities. Kyle knew that he and Brent were on to something in their paired racing, thus the Kyle Pease Foundation was born. From

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview Team USA Track and Field Olympian and 7x USA champion in the 800 meters, Alysia Montaño. “No matter what happens, finish strong.” These words, spoken by the great Alysia Montaño, mean more to her today than they ever have before. After a fifth place finish in the 800 meters in the 2012 Olympic Games, Alysia was ready to forge ahead and claim gold in 2016. However, after a devastating fall in the finals of the Olympic Trials, Alysia saw her chances at pursuing this Olympics fade away. But she did not stay down for long. In fact, she didn’t stay down at all. Alysia picked herself up and crossed the finish line, inspiring all who witnessed the race that day. On top of being a 7-time USA champion, Alysia has faced much adversity in her sport, including the recent revelation that in her 800 meter race in the 2012 Olympics, both the first and third place finishers were found to have taken performance enhancing drugs; therefore cheating a podium finish away from

Dream, believe, dare, do. Isn’t that what Walt Disney asks of us? He encourages us to dream, helps us to believe, and then dares us to take a step forward out of our comfort zone and do whatever it takes to conquer our dreams. It is one thing to be inspired by Walt Disney and admire everything that he has done as an entrepreneur and a visionary, but how many of us can say that we truly live by his philosophy? Disney inspires every generation to dream while hinting simultaneously that dreaming as a solitary entity is not enough. Once you have a dream and it encompasses your every thought, you have to believe in yourself enough to know that this dream can become a reality; you have to be bold enough to take the necessary steps towards that dream; and finally, you have to do whatever it takes to accomplish it. To embody and thrive off of this Disney lesson is to be a true dreamer and lover of not only the magical world Mr. Disney created, but to also be a forger of your own destiny. There is no question that thi

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I interview Kurt Kuykendall. Avid Christian and star goalkeeper at American University from 1970 to 1973 who turned pro, became a member of the US Olympic soccer team and went on to play in the North American Soccer League for the Washington Diplomats, the New York City Cosmos, the California Sunshine, and the Rochester Lancers. “With God, all things are possible.” I’m sure you’ve heard this said before, in one way or another. But have you ever seen the power that this phrase can have? I certainly didn’t until I spoke with Kurt Kuykendall about his athletic journey. Kurt began as a basketball player, aspiring to one day go to the Olympics and represent his country wearing that red, white, and blue. After working hard every single day, Kurt found himself cut from both his high school and his college basketball teams. He was crushed, until he discovered that perhaps basketball wasn’t his sport. After much convincing from his friends, Kurt conceded to play in a soccer

Does the sheer thought of turning your favorite hobby or passion into a lucrative business career seem crazy to you? For example, if someone loved Walt Disney World so much, and she started a blog and a podcast about it in the hopes of turning it into a career one day, would you consider that person to be naive and perhaps even foolish? What I’ve discovered through my interviews thus far is that the most successful individuals do exactly this. They chase their dreams without abandon, no matter how ludicrous they might seem to others. This sort of dream chasing is exactly what Tony Cortese did, and what lead him to create the inspiring documentary Dreamfinders, which is about just those kinds of people. Tony lives in Celebration, Florida, and with a deep love of Disney, he turned his passion for time-lapse photography in Walt Disney World into something beautiful. With camera in hand, Tony takes to the parks for hours at a time in order to create the most stunning time-lapse shots that you will ever see. From