Never Ever Give Up Hope

John Graham graduated from college with no real training, no direction, and no one to help him. As a result, he went through eight career detours, moving from state to state, feeling helpless, alone, and not knowing what to do or where to go much of the time.   It was not until he and his wife committed to helping others who were struggling more they were and founded Good Samaritan Home that he found his place and a sense of purpose.     John Graham had gone from homelessness, a series of career restarts over the years, to a business owner and a published author. He was a door-to-door salesman, children’s home counselor, substitute schoolteacher, truck driver, fireman, building contractor, minister, and journalist. At 75, he published his debut novel called Running As Fast As I Can, which had been rejected nearly 200 times. John is familiar with second, third, and fourth chances that many of us need to reach our goals. It is in developing what he calls calloused hands and a tender heart, along the journey

Jenn Todling had a mental breakdown after caring for her chronically ill spouse for five years. She felt trapped and hopeless, assuming she would never be able to leave the situation or have a fulfilling life. This was a turning point for her to realize that her mental health was at risk, and she needed to seek help and support. With a past life as an audit partner at Ernest and Young, a stint at the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and an adjunct faculty coach at the University of Denver, Jenn’s journey to become an author, speaker, and coach embodies the power of transformation.      Jenn kept a journal of ideas she needed to share with the world - life lessons and guiding principles led to publishing her journey to help support people through transformation and help them become their most authentic selves.   In her interview, Jenn shares: - The power of mindset in looking for hope in challenging situations. - How creative expression can help support us in getting unstuck from sticky situations. - H

From her humble beginning as a bartender to the sacred halls of the convent and through the trials of tumultuous relationships and alcoholism, Gina Economopoulos grapples with loss, grief, and the pursuit of self-discovery. From the agonizing decision to leave the convent behind to the numbing embrace of alcoholism, every step of her journey is fraught with uncertainty and pain. Yet, through sheer resilience and unwavering determination, she begins the process of healing, learning to let go of the past and forge new connections in the present.    Gina Economopoulos was born in Syosset, NY, to a strong Italian and Greek-loving family. She graduated from Eastern CT State University and bartended before embarking on a 12-year convent journey after her mother's passing. Settled on the Jersey Shore, Gina now works as an End-of-Life Doula, extending her compassionate heart to those in their final chapter. She found solace in sobriety as a proud Alcoholics Anonymous member, and her story of resilience through t

In 2004, Madelaine Weiss had a flesh-eating disease, which started as strep throat and extended into her arm. She had a 1% chance of survival. The doctors were threatening to remove her upper right quadrant, but after seven weeks in the hospital and three months off her post at Harvard Medical School, here she is – happy, healthy, prosperous, and productive with a smile. Madelaine Weiss is a Harvard-trained licensed psychotherapist and mindset expert, with an MBA and board certification in executive, career, and life coaching. She is the founder and former chair of The School-Business Partnership, former parenting education facilitator, group mental health practice administrative director, corporate chief organizational development officer, associate director of an educational resource program at Harvard Medical School, and bestselling author of “Getting to G.R.E.A.T. 5-Step Strategy for Work and Life.” "The harder a decision is to make.....  STOP and take time to listen to your inner voice."   Madelaine shar

Dr. Danny Brassell is a highly sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach known as “Jim Carrey with a PH.D.” Dr Danny went to 18 schools before he was 12 years old, and everyone made fun of him because he stuttered. It is ironic that he now gets paid huge sums of money to travel the world and help people speak.      Dr. Brassell has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide and authored 18 books, including his latest, Misfits and Crackpots. As the co-founder of the world’s top reading engagement program, Danny is on a mission to bring JOY back into education and the workplace. He helps entrepreneurs, individuals, and organizations leverage speaking on stages as a major client lead source.   Dr. Danny Brassell never gave up hope. He defines himself as a puppy dog – easily distracted and curious. When he realized that many people struggle with crafting speeches that boost their business, he knew he could make a valuable contribution. During Dr. Brassell's interview, he will provide you with steps on the 5 C's

When Dr. Beverly J. Armento was 23, in her first year of teaching, and after 17 years of physical and emotional abuse, she was at her darkest hour and considered suicide. She struggled through the night, listening to the voices in her head and hearing what former teachers and students were arguing with her about the pros and cons of that choice. By dawn, she came out on the other side of hopeless toward home. She had clarity on her purpose in life with the drive to live free from the fear and trauma in her current state. Dr. Beverly J. Armento, professor, educator, author, speaker, and advocate, was responsible for her blind, artistic, and mentally ill mother. To people around her, she seemed to excel at school and in the world, but inside, Beverly was cowed by her mother's rage and delusions. In her interview, she tells the story of twenty years struggling to survive the trauma and the next twenty years of how she found hope to survive through the hidden pain.  INTERVIEW   As the “Seeing Eye Girl” for he

Willie Handler is a child of two Holocaust survivors and has inherited not only their trauma but also their resilience. That resilience helped him battle through life’s challenges. Willie Handler has reinvented himself on several occasions throughout his work career. He has been a hospital administrator, a government policy manager, an insurance expert, and a consultant. Following his retirement from the government, Willie began a writing career.     Growing antisemitism and Holocaust denial motivated Willie to research and write about his family’s story during the Holocaust and the impact it had on him.  Willie has published three satirical fiction novels over the past few years. His latest book is a memoir focusing on growing up as a child of Holocaust survivors. He is currently working on a book dealing with generational trauma in descendants of Holocaust survivors.  In light of what is happening in the world, this interview with Willie is timely and enlightening.   Growing up, the author and h

In the eighth grade, Katherine Giovanni almost committed suicide, and she tried again when her mother died. But this was the flashpoint in her life that caused her to turn around and walk in a new direction. Katherine had survived cancer, attempted suicide twice, and lived in a dysfunctional family. But today, she has been sober for 34 years.      Katherine is a three-time award-winning best-selling author of twelve books, a dynamic speaker, trainer, and advisor. She is also recognized as one of the original founders of the independent concierge industry. During her interview, Katherine shares her unique system of forgiving people and the profound art of forgiveness. It transcends words, healing not just relationships but your very soul.                                                  CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE BOOK Everyone says to just say "I forgive you." But sometimes that's just not enough. This book will help you discover the profound art of forgiveness. It transcends words, healing not just relationsh

Mark Connor began boxing at age 10 at the Mexican American Boxing Club, the area of the city from which he formed his understanding of the world, anchoring his perception of direction to the family house and the rising of the sun outside his bedroom window.     He had 102 amateur fights, made it to three national tournaments, and competed against some of the nation’s top world-class boxers. He became the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves lightweight champion at 17.      However, when America went through the trauma of an economic shutdown and his beloved Twin Cities blew up in fiery riots, Mark worked when he could (the Boxing gyms and churches were closed due to Governor’s orders), helped his mother who was diagnosed with a fatal heart disease, and daily mourned the death of his father.  Mark is a boxing trainer and a writer from St. Paul, Minnesota. His first book, It's About Time, has sold millions of copies. He weaves together a story of love, family, and life with twenty poems running through it.   

In 1996, Dave Mowry had a total breakdown. He was driving down the freeway. under a lot of stress, and his mind was racing. And then, his mind snapped. He heard it like a snapping twig and felt it like a small electric shock in his brain. He was broken. He lost everything and was homeless for 18 months. He was living in hell for 14 months.     Dave Mowry’s story is one that you will want to share with anyone who is struggling with or has a family member battling mental illness. His story is one of inspiration, healing, and hope. He has lived with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety his entire adult life. He was a successful businessman until he lost it all due to mental illness. After 14 lost years and being homeless with his family for 18 months, Dave took a stand-up comedy class for people with a mental illness. It changed everything. He went from his mental illness having control over him to finding the humor in his experiences and regaining control of his life. Dave teaches stand-up comedy to people wit

When Ray Hartjen was diagnosed with multiple myeloma - cancer, it was the first thing he thought about when he woke up, and pretty much the last thing he thought about before he nodded off to sleep. It occupied his thoughts most of the day. “I’ve got cancer!”     After his diagnosis in 2019, Ray became a cancer fighter every day of the week that ends in a 'y'. Along with the soundtrack of life continuously playing in his head, Ray also performs and records with his two-piece acoustic band, the Chronic Padres. To snap out of the trauma, he asked himself what type of role model he wanted to be for his family, friends, and community. What would be his legacy? Ray Hartjen is a writer and musician whose professional career has spanned parts of five decades. Ray has pivoted on many occasions, from investment banking to pharmaceuticals, from consumer electronics to software. One constant throughout his career path has been storytelling with topics as far-ranging as sports to business.   Me, Myself & My Mul

Paralyzed from the neck down while playing college football in 1970, Ken Kunken was led to believe the best he could hope for was a career selling magazine subscriptions over the phone. But he battled back from the depths of depression and despair to become an award-winning assistant district attorney. Some men see things as they are and say, "Why?" Ken dreamed of things that never were and said, "Why not?" But the Ken Kunken story is more than overcoming adversity. There's more -- much more.     After a lengthy hospitalization, Ken returned to Cornell, where he completed his undergraduate degree in engineering. Ken earned a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education, as well as a Master of Education degree at Columbia University in psychology.    Ken became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. He worked for more than two years at Abilities, Inc., where he provided vocational and placement counseling to severely disabled individuals.  Was that enough?  Not for Ken! He enrolled in Hofstra Univ

Dr. Fidele Sebahizi's powerful story of courage and perseverance will inspire you to create your own life from the ashes, no matter what giants are in front of you. Dr. Sebahizi was born and raised in a poor village in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His life was rough. He experienced lots of terrible things, including escaping a genocidal killing at least twice. When he arrived in the United States in 2007, he felt tremendously blessed to have been given such a wonderful opportunity to achieve his unfulfilled dreams, especially going back to school.    He overcame life obstacles as an immigrant in the United States to achieve the American dream. He became the first immigrant to join and work for the Abilene Police Department in Texas as a police officer. While working for the APD, Fidele earned multiple degrees: a B.A. in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University in New Hampshire, an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University in Texas, and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice—Ho

Dr. Fred Moss felt disillusioned with the conventional approaches to mental health, particularly the over-reliance on medication. This sense of hopelessness fueled his determination to find alternative ways to help people, and it ultimately led to the creation of his unique approach to mental health and well-being through creativity and self-expression. Today, Dr. Moss will share the importance of finding and expressing one’s true voice, the challenges of overcoming mental health stigmas, and the power of creativity as a healing tool. Dr. Fred Moss is a mental health advocate, psychiatrist, keynote speaker, podcaster, and life optimization coach with over three decades of experience as an expert witness in psychiatry. He has worked with over 40K patients to help others find balance and peace. He was compelled to challenge the status quo and embrace a more holistic and humanistic approach to mental health. In his interview he will explain why he is called the UNDOCTOR - an UNDIAGNOSING psychiatrist.    

Martina Gruppo was horrified to realize how this had happened to her. She felt numb at the deceit and the stolen time out of her life. Her goal was to change the image of a hysterical, spiky harridan her husband had painted her out to be, leaving her in a crying, crumpled heap. Martina’s story may resonate with many of you who have been victims of narcissistic abuse.       Martina Gruppo’s work experience ranges from office management to running an ethical, award-winning coffee company. Her passion for education has led her to raise funds for educational resources and to build classrooms in a cloud forest community in northern Nicaragua. She has also worked as a primary school teacher.   Her journey has been marked by challenges such as infertility and breast cancer. Now living in Italy, she runs a successful Airbnb business as well as her own B&B.     In this interview, Martina explains how hidden the concept of narcissistic abuse is and how the abusers are shielded by the shame of the very pe

 "I wasn't adopted, but I remember hugging my mother at the age of four and never seeing her again for decades. When she held me in her arms once again I was thirty-nine years old."   For years, all Abigail Dominguez knew about her mother was her legal name, date of birth, and how she met her father.    Abigail's story of growing up without knowing where or who her mother has left a profound emptiness, crippling her mind and body with bitterness, anger, frustration, fear, low self-esteem, and feelings of abandonment.   "Children deserve to be seen with eyes of compassion."   This story of restoration will touch you deeply.  Abigail also shares how you can soar above any circumstance.    My Mom's Incredible Voice is a deeply moving story of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Through separation and reunion, heartbreak, and healing, the Hansons prove that true love transcends time, carrying them forward together - yesterday, today, and forever.          Purchase your

On August 26, 2020,  Christopher Cochran’s son received a terminal diagnosis, and on September 1, 2021, his son, Christian, died.  Christopher's interview will touch your heart but more importantly will motivate you to see life from a different perspective - full of hope - no matter what you may be going through. At the core of who Christopher is are the roles of a father, husband, and a friend. These purposes have profoundly shaped his journey and are the heart of his book, "What's GOOD about TODAY?"  This deeply personal work is inspired by his son Christian, who courageously battled terminal cancer. His extraordinary perspective on life is exemplified by this daily question.  Christian teaches us to embrace each day with positivity and his legacy of hope and resilience is a precious gift he committed to sharing with the world. Do life's challenges weigh you down?   Are your days filled with a sense of emptiness and a tendency to focus on the negative?   Have overthinking, anxiety, or anger consumed yo

There were times in Courtney Koh's life when she could have given up. One time in particular was when her father left the country because her mother did not want to live with him anymore. Then her brother left so he would not have to deal with the situation - he was a meth addict and she has not heard from him since. Courtney is a Korean-American with a wide range of experiences, personally and professionally, which allows her to understand people from various walks of life.  Courtney is a health and wellness coach focusing on adults who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Her passion is to help adults overcome their ACEs to break the cycle and create a life they truly love and enjoy every single day. ACEs impact families, communities, schools, and workplaces. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults have experienced one or more ACEs according to the CDC-conducted survey. The highest ranking categories are Emotional, Parental separation/divorce, and Household substance use out of eight total catego

When the pediatrician placed the measuring tape around her infant’s head and noted, “His head is a little small,” Joanne De Simone knew that motherhood wouldn’t be as she had dreamt. After a devastating diagnosis, she was not prepared to raise a child with life-limiting brain malformation – and then her second child was diagnosed with autism. Joanne De Simone is a graduate of Hunter College with degrees in dance and special education. After dancing professionally, she dedicated her life to teaching children with disabilities and supporting families. “It’s realizing that we live simultaneously in love and grief. In the end, dance teaches us not only how to move freely through pain but also how to fall and recover.” Her story will grip your heart as she shares how this struggle drove her to reconnect with the lessons she learned as a modern dancer.   Special educator Joanne De Simone bears all in this raw and transformative memoir that captures how she used lessons of modern dance in her journey through mo

When Kim Rehir was in the hospital, paralyzed from the hips downwards, she felt like she had lost her power, dignity, and humanity. This totally shifted her perspective on what she valued in life.    Kim is a 60-year-old mother of three who was diagnosed with MS ten years ago and decided to ignore her doctor's advice and muscle her way back to a happy life. Last year she became European Champion in Masters Weightlifting in her age and weight category. Her journey inspired her to leave her career in journalism in her 50s and become a health coach for middle-aged women - with a big focus on reactivating and rebuilding muscle.   Today, she helps women tap into an abundant source of vitality. It works by reactivating and maintaining muscle and eating to nourish and flourish.       Listen to her interview and start the Fabulous in 15 approach. Just fifteen minutes a day can change your life. Her approach helps women become lean, strong, and fabulous in fifteen minutes daily.