Kevin Polky - The Journey

A Renaissance Man who is Giving Back Will grew up being exposed to many different activities from sports to the arts. All these experiences have planted seeds which have impacted him today. For almost 30 years, Will has been active in fire services. He has experienced how the industry has changed for the better. Listen to this amazing conversation about Will’s different experiences with the fire department, founding the 9/11 Memorial Wall in Winnebago Co. to his latest venture Planet 3.

Discussion about the Impact of Social Media on Young Adults Recently, Zoe did a segment for Channel 23 on the impact of social media. During this conversation, we talked about the impact of Instagram and Facebook and the pressure for the “likes”. She talks about physiological and psychological effects regarding the lure of these platforms. And, more importantly she shared how it can be a useful tool to shine a Light on topics that are usually in the shadows of life. Very powerful conversation.

It was typical Sunday breakfast with my parents. Unfortunately, at this time with all the unrest in the community and the world the discussion lead to the spread of the virus, increase violence in cities and political unrest. But, on this day there was some Light that was shown in the darkness. An individual from another table bought our breakfast and thanked me for the work we do in the community. This random act of kindness was profound for me. Maybe, this is the way for us to heal as a community. Showing random acts of kindness to each other.

The Gentle Giant Finds His Voice Kyle has always been a big guy. In middle school, he started playing football. He was big and enjoyed the game but did not the basic mechanics of the sport. Unfortunately, this led to him being a target for bullies. The combination of being bullied, not living up to expectations, not knowing how to ask for help and parents separating, Kyle became depressed and suffered with suicidal thoughts. Thankfully, Kyle opened up to a school counselor when they asked questions about his underperformance in school. During his hospitalization he learned how many people cared for him and most importantly he learned to ask for help. Listen to Kyle’s story of going from a 0.9 GPA his 2nd semester his freshman year to 2nd semester of senior year getting a 4.0, accepted to a university to play football and study psychology.

Another unique opportunity in which I was interviewed by Pastor Rodney Combs from River Valley Community Church. I had a blast during this conversation we talked about a variety of subjects from COVID-19, mental health and spiritual development.

Musician. Teacher. Son. Family. Recovery. Mike shares his story of navigating through this difficult time of COVID-19. He lost all resources of employment. Unable to attend AA. Unable to visit his family in Florida. He did not know how it was going to work out but he knew he was going to be ok. Listen to Mike share how he leaned into his spiritual bank account. Gratitude for what he has versus focusing on what he doesn’t allowed him to be humble and pay it forward. Great story!

Film-Maker who is Making a Difference This is definitely one of my all-time favorite conversations on The Journey. I encourage you to listen to this raw and informative conversation about Greg’s film projects from hip-hop music videos, the Space Needle in Seattle to the film project with high school students about the issues they struggle with. We went everywhere during this conversation from film to racial tension to empathy to mental illness and all the stereotypes. Loved this conversation. Thanks Greg.

A Firefighter Fighting for His Brothers and Sisters Jeff fell in love with being a firefighter when he was in his early 30’s. He quickly climbed the career ladder. When his peers returned from working the Katrina Hurricane, he witnessed something in fellow firefighters that he knew he had to address. They were struggling with what they were exposed to. The secondary trauma and PTSD was haunting. He has since been leading the charge into the darkness of the mental health of firefighters. He has created a national program, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FFBHA). This is a great conversation on Jeff’s experience, knowledge and passion to be a Light in the darkness.

The Painful Road of the Overachiever Evan Wallace may only be 20 years old but has great insight to his journey of mental illness. In this conversation, he shares about his struggle with perfectionism, the silence and struggle that lead to a suicide attempt. Through surrendering and facing his fears, Evan now wants to help others and break the stigma around mental illness. And he authored a book called “A War Between the Eyes”.

Interview with Delinda and Pastor Dan We did something a little different with this episode as we are showing an interview by Pastor Dan Hinz from Betheseda Covenant Church talking with Delinda Grindle and myself. We discuss a variety of topics impacting us during this pandemic. We share what we are doing personally to cope with the chaos.

The Man Who Makes Sound Matter Pt. 1 I have known Tom the majority of my life, close to 40 years. We played football together since middle school, lived together in college, were in each other’s wedding and now have had the opportunity to work together. He has an amazing story. This episode gives a glimpse into the earlier years of the good, bad and the ugly of the rocker lifestyle.

Humble Yourself It was August, 2007 and we were hit with one of those torrential downpours. We had two vehicles totaled, water in the lower level of two our buildings and now a leak in the roof. What else can happen? Mind racing. Sleepless nights. Fear and worry consumed my every thought. I thought because of my brokenness that I was humble. Oh, was I wrong.

The Loving Healer Dr. Rob loves life and people. He and his wife, Renae are chiropractors and owners of First Health Wellness. He believes in the holistic healing of the body, mind and spirit. Listen to this wonderful conversation about how he is helping his clients but more importantly how he lives his life.

Growing up remember the distinct thinking men don’t cry. I think I took that another level of don’t feel. Or at least don’t feel out of control. But, what I learned is the pain of being numb or suppressing my feelings was worse. I learned to feel the feelings verses running away from them.

Jim courageously shares his story of transformation through his setbacks. the first significant setback was when the family business was threatened by the industry changing. The second was when he and his son were in a significant accident resulting in an addiction to opioids and the doctors finding his son had cancer. Living through the ending of the family business, his son dying from cancer ad changing careers has allowed Jim to develop resiliency to face these chaotic times and guide his clients through their dark times.

What We Have Learned from Studying Trauma Phil has a wealth of wisdom and experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation about his journey as a social worker and how the field has changed and evolved regarding treating and understanding trauma. At the end of this episode, Phil gives examples of what to do during this time period when you are overly stressed.

What is Our Best Defense Against the Invisible Enemy The federal and state government are giving us guidelines, doctors are giving us suggestions and scientists are giving us their findings. During this episode, I talk what we can do to strengthen our immune system: exercise, good food, sleep, spiritual and emotional well-being and being in nature.

More Losses from COVID-19 As students find out they are not returning to the buildings this year, there is a sense of loss. Athletes and artists are not able to compete or perform. It easy to make the mistake and try to compare this to the loss of life or business. Grief is not to be compared but to be experienced. We are not asked to judge another’s loss but to show empathy to their pain.

Stockdale Paradox Admiral Stockdale was POW during the Vietnam War. He shares with Jim Collins his profound experience during this time. I share what Stockdale believes was the two key ingredients that allowed him to survive his imprisonment. These two key ingredients may help us through this time period as well.

Relapsing Back to Old Behaviors Pat has been addiction specialist during the majority of his career. I asked him about his observation of what is happening with individuals who early on in recovery from substances during this pandemic. Also, shares about what are some specifics you can do to prevent returning old negative behaviors.