Kevin Polky - The Journey

What Makes a Champion Dalton joins me in a conversation recapping his first year being the head coach of the Belvidere Co-op wrestling program. Dalton was a 4x All-State wrestler in high school and placed 2nd twice in the state tournament and 2x All- American in college. We discuss how athletics can be a platform in which students can develop character, resiliency and transform their lives. Competing and striving for the win is critical but the journey is what makes a true champion. I always enjoy the opportunity to discuss this topic with Dalton.

We Needed to Make a Change Aaron is a former police officer who became a professional photographer as result of a near death experience. After a few years of raising their family and running a successful photographer business, Aaron and his wife, Phelan decided to make a big change. They bought a school bus and converted it into their home. Listen to this authentic conversation about Aaron’s story of recreating his life and the lessons he learned on the road.

A Brother’s Love Brad never saw it coming. He never in his wildest imagination thought his brother, Greg would die from suicide. Greg was his older brother, someone he looked up to and his best friend. In the midst of grieving his brother’s death, Brad decided to make a difference by raising awareness about the high rate of suicide among police and first responders. He started the Greg Lindmark Foundation. Check out this conversation with what a brother did with the pain and loss from mental illness and suicide.

Her Journey Continues… Kylie returns to The Journey for an authentic, transparent conversation about the transition she is going through right now. She shares about the tension between serving others and taking care of herself and listening to the quiet voice within. Beautiful conversation about her process in the Hero’s Journey. It was an honor to have this conversation.

Sports Were his Life, Now He Uses Fitness to Transform Others Justin lived and breathed sports as he was growing up. As he entered the corporate world and started a family, exercise no longer was a priority. After an alarming wake up a call, he slowly and steadily started getting back in shape. As he transformed himself physical, a stirring inside lead him away from corporate America to opening his own gym. Today with his wife, he is transforming others physically and mentally. Author of an inspiring book, “Be Great Today” is one of his many ways giving back to the community.

As His World Changed, He Recreated Himself Alex is a life-long fan of athletics. He loves research and history. He enjoys writing. He went from being on top of the world to the bottom going through a divorce and unemployment. The newspaper industry was changing and downsizing. And, he chose to stay in the area so he could raise his daughters. His options were limited. In the midst of this darkness, he found the opportunity to recreate himself and follow his heart. I really enjoyed this conversation!

A Star Athlete who is Making a Difference in the Community Tommy was a three-sport athlete in high school who went to Eastern Illinois University to continue his football career. He played numerous years at the semi-pro football level. When his career ended, the drug addiction began. He was committed to his family, so working was never the problem. But, drugs were the demon. A life changing trip to Arkansas which was the beginning of the end of his drug use. 29 years of being drug-free but more importantly, he has spent the last 29 years making a difference in the community on his TV show and his annual event, Juneteeth. Great conversation.

A Queen with a Purpose Allie grew up in an ordinary home. Her dad was with her all the time during her younger years, he was her closest companion. He had battled and beat cancer a couple of times since his teenager years. But, everything changed after he had a quadruple heart trauma. Depression and addiction changed his life and Allie’s too. Listen to this conversation as Allie shares her experience living with her father’s mental illness and her desire to bring awareness about mental illness and break the stigma. In 2017, she was crowned Miss Winnebago and used this platform to share her passion. Enjoy!

More than T-Shirts Jarrod is the co-owner of the wildly popular Rockford Art Deli. Over the past years, RAD has evolved from a concept to one of the Rockford’s downtown staple and success story. Listen to this conversation as Jarrod shares his vision for his employees, customers and the environment. Enjoy as Jarrod shares RAD is so much than just T-shirts.

Beauty within this Fighter Beatriz was raised impoverished in Puerto Rico. For the sake of her son, she came to the states to seek better medical care. Against all odds, she meets someone she can trust, love and be loved. Through first MMA and then through the arts she found her voice. And, when I first heard her sing “This is Me” from “The Greatest Showman”, I was blown away. Only later did understand the song is her story.

A Daughter, Sister, Mom and Wife who has been through the darkness. Lynn is an amazing woman whose attitude has been an inspiration to others. She knows what it is like to experience loss through mental illness. Her younger brother and sister died as result of depression and suicide. And 10 weeks after her mom died from a sudden physical health condition, her dad died from suicide. But, listen to her story, it is more than the setbacks it is about what she did to continue being a light for others.

Carpenter who wants to leave a Legacy Initially, Jason’s story looks fairly normal. But, underneath that calm demeanor and smile there is loss, abuse, uncertainty and pain. It took him until he was 40, a divorce and failed relationships before he faced the pain from his childhood that interfered with his adult relationships. A father of four beautiful children, Jason has a burning desire to raise awareness about the need for counseling for those who “fall between the cracks” in the foster care system. Another must listen to.

More than just T-shirts. Britney Lindgren is a graphic designer by trade but there is so much more to her story. I absolutely enjoyed this conversation about her journey as an artist, entrepreneur and local activist for the downtown Rockford area. She is co-owner of Rockford Art Deli that is a foundational staple for the resurgence of the downtown business and social scene. And, listen for the story of how the 815 movement got its origin.

Welcome to Episode #15 of The Journey. This week’s guest is Xavier Whitford. Xavier is an amazing woman who has had an incredible journey. Listen to her tell the story of her first marriage and the struggle of her son’s life to his untimely death and how she has turned her pain into purpose.

Dalton is returning to the podcast to discuss The Hero’s Journey. I hope you enjoy this episode!

Dalton is returning to the podcast to discuss The Hero's Journey. In this episode we discuss the initiation phase. Hope you enjoy this episode!

Beautiful Inside and Out Krystal Bolduc started her first diet when she was in 3 rd grade. Her life she has gained and lost hundreds of pounds. Now after hitting a physical bottom, she is living a healthy life. She came to a point where she had to Grow or Die. Listen to this conversation as Krystal shares the emotional and spiritual transformation of her journey with food and body image.

Skater. Recovering Addict. Activists Will Crandall is trying to make a difference in the community by bringing together artists, musicians and skate boarders to raise awareness of suicide, mental health and addiction. During this conversation, Will shares intimate details his own journey of addiction, recovery and now giving back. Some inside perspective of the mindset of a skater and how connects to recovery and life. A must listen.

The Artist Finds His Strength Andrew is a dancer, singer, performer, author, artist and composer. Extremely talented young man. During this conversation, Andrew is transparent about his early years and the struggles with being bullied and rejected and not feeling good enough. Today, he is using his wounds and struggles to help others by giving hope through the arts. Great example of strength through his vulnerability.

Staying True to Her Gifts Bethany Mead is the Community Outreach Coordinator at CEANCI-Career Education Associates of Northern Illinois. Bethany is passionate and faithful women who works hard for her family and the community. She started at beginning position at CEANCI and now is at the perfect for her experience, gifts and skill set. Listen to this conversation about her perseverance and her desire to make difference with our students. Giving them an alternative to the traditional path post high school.