

Never Ever Give Up Hope
Carol Graham
Stories of ordinary people who have experienced the extraordinary and gone from hopelessness to success
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 25, 2023 • 39min
Do You Feel Invisible, Unnoticed? Of Little Value to Others?
Have you felt lonely? Left out? Less than? Have you ever wanted to blend in with the wallpaper so you were not noticed? Do you know how to connect with other people who fill your heart rather than drain your soul? If yes to any of these questions - Then you will relate with Cheri Strange who turned that loneliness into helping over 700,000 women redefine their worth. Cheri is a published author, national speaker, a visionary of She Yearns Ministries and a mom to eight children. Everyone wants to belong and feel loved. But what happens when we get passed over, left out, or seem invisible? How do you make new friends, navigate drama, and enjoy authentic connections? Book Trailer Start enjoying the woman God created you to be and leave the invisible you behind What Cheri thought was a problem for her is currently impacting half the population and on some points, a majority. Her journey which spans a decade, will give you a plan to save yourself from detours, derailments, and missteps. Cheri shares some exciting ways to help you realize your self-worth, thrive in your community and enhance the world around you. Can You See Me Now? reveals how you were handpicked by God to express love, thrive in the community, and enhance the world around you. Cheri Strange’s scriptural approach combined with captivating stories will show you how to: • Cultivate the courage to connect with others • Find people who fill your heart rather than drain your soul • Counter the nay-sayers who prefer you remain quiet • Kiss goodbye to the old tendencies to blend into the wallpaper

May 18, 2023 • 43min
How Could A Father be Transformed by the Life of a Child?
As a parent, how would you respond when told that your young son had severe hearing loss along with other symptoms eliminating his quality of life? When Jeff Seitzer was younger, he thought he was struck with bad luck. He had encephalitis at age four leaving him with major residual effects. At ten years old he was in an accident that left him partially disabled and as a teenager was diagnosed with a congenital nerve disease that put him into leg braces. Did it stop there? No. His son was born with major internal organ defects and severe hearing loss and was tragically killed in an accident. Later in life, he began to see how responding to such life challenges helped him grow as a person. Hyperactivity from encephalitis prompted him to be very active, which made him prone to depression. The mental and physical disciplines I developed in response to encephalitis and the degenerative condition helped him not only achieve a lot personally and professionally but made him an effective caregiver for his son's special needs. As a caregiver and stay-at-home dad, Jeff learned how to put others' needs ahead of his own. Accounts of Jeff's on-the-job training as a caregiver and stay-at-home dad have appeared in the Omaha World-Herald, Adoptive Families Magazine, and many others. As an award-winning teacher, he has authored a number of books on law and philosophy and now teaches at Roosevelt and Loyola Universities. His interview is compelling, heart-warming (and heart-wrenching), and encouraging for anyone who has been a caregiver. "Our son Ethan and I shared a special moment just before he underwent emergency surgery as a newborn. Standing at his bedside, feeling helpless, I prattled on about some issue in German philosophy while he held one of my fingers tightly in his only free hand. When someone arrived to conduct a preoperative test on his heart, I stepped out for a moment but was called back almost immediately. Ethan had become so agitated, they could not continue. He calmed right down again when I placed my finger in his wee hand and resumed my monologue. At that moment, I felt like he had chosen me to take care of him. I will be forever grateful to him that in my hour of need, he chose me." Compassionate new memoir proves kids are our best teachers Stay-at-home dad shares the powerful story of how his special needs son changed his outlook on life – for the better A self-involved academic struggling to cope with his own neurological problems, Jeff could hardly take care of himself, let alone a child with special needs, when his son, Ethan, was born. But despite multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, serious breathing and swallowing problems, hearing loss, and a challenging social environment in his first months of life, Ethan thrived—all the while teaching Jeff to take things as they came. And eight years later, the arrival from China of adopted baby sister Penelope took Jeff's on-the-job training to a whole new level. Ethan's instinct for fun proved the perfect complement to Jeff's determination to live life fully. He died too young, but not before he, Penelope, and their mother, Janet, taught Jeff that the true path to happiness was putting other people's needs before his own—and living in the moment rather than trying to control it. “About coping, self-sacrifice, and loss, The Fun Master is a moving memoir by a father who was transformed by his love for his child” –Foreword Clarion Reviews

May 15, 2023 • 32min
Would You Like To Be a Skilled Leader?
"Stop Trying to Win the War in Your Mind Just Do Your Job!" In his wildest dreams, Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Bradley P. Jones never thought he would make a career out of the military. Through the setbacks, the disappointments, and the trials, there were many life-changing moments, including the death of his first wife when he was 37 years old and had 3 young children. Bradley P. Jones (Command Sergeant Major) enlisted in the United States Army in 1984 and served until 1988 as a ground control approach radar repairman. Upon completion of his initial enlistment and a break in service, he joined the Utah Army National Guard in 1993. His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with “M” Device), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Master Aviation Crewmember badge. In Bradley’s civilian career, he works for the FAA as an Airway Transportation System Specialist (ATSS) in the Service Operations Center (SOC) of the Salt Lake Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). In Bradley's interview, he shares his incredible story and what he learned in the military about leadership that we can apply to all areas of our lives.

May 7, 2023 • 37min
How to Overcome the Pain of Abuse
Divorced after 28 years of marriage Dawn Damon lost everything, her job, friends, identity, and social status. It was painful. She felt helpless, but not hopeless. Dawn has been an influencer, pastor, global communicator, podcaster, coach, and best-selling author for over 20 years. She is the founder and CEO of the Brave Hearted Woman, a transformational coaching and personal growth development enterprise designed to awaken and cultivate the vision of women dreamers, calling them to braven-up and live their best lives. Dawn has always been a hope believer and is now a Brave Heart Mentor. Dawn is the creator and host of The Brave Hearted Woman, a weekly podcast that encourages women to unleash their full potential to the world by discovering their inner fortitude to make needed life transformations - to live a fulfilling life without regret. She has authored five award-winning books including When a Woman You Love Was Abused and When the Woman Abused was Me. Dawn became an ordained minister with a special emphasis on trauma support and biblical counseling. She developed and worked as Director of Support and Healing Groups in a mega church, serving hundreds of women overcoming abuse and trauma. In her interview, Dawn explains what thought toxins are and how we can change our mindset from victim to victor and live a life with hope that never fades.

May 5, 2023 • 32min
Do You Know Why it is Necessary to Set Healthy Boundaries?
ARE YOU A SPITFIRE WHO REFUSES TO QUIT? When Stephanie Jordan’s husband passed away in Dec 2014, she had an 8-month-old, 2-year-old, 7, 9 and a 13-year-old who went into chaos. Together with her loss, she homeschooled and owned a large salon company. She was totally traumatized and felt as though she did not possess a brain cell for nearly a year and a half. She struggled with suicidal thoughts and to keep her life intact because she was completely overwhelmed and absolutely devastated. Stephanie is an author, publisher, and cosmetologist who rides a Harley Davidson Sportster 48 (1200) and has learned that the key to survival is setting boundaries. If you don't have the time... If you don't have the energy... If you don't have the money... SAY "NO" And S T O P feeling guilty! In her interview, Stephanie shares her story and the tools for setting healthy boundaries in every area of your life to help you survive any trauma and thrive

May 3, 2023 • 42min
Have You Dreamed of Doing Something Big? Something EPIC?
Have you dreamed of doing something big? Something EPIC? Have you dreamed of crossing the finish line at the big race, standing on the peak of a mountain, owning your own business, achieving a career milestone, or becoming financially independent? Too often, we think of these things as just dreams. We place limits on ourselves, reducing our full potential. BRYAN GILLETTE knows what it is like to reach the peak as he has stood on the summits of many mountains and successfully completed many physically and mentally challenging ultra-distance endurance events. He’s reached several ‘summits’ in his career as well. Bryan has over 25 years of experience in Leadership and Organizational Development with executive and senior-level responsibilities in small and large companies. Before starting his consulting practice, he was on the Executive Committee as the Vice President of Human Resources for a mid-size, global-technology company. His experience also includes coaching at all levels on a variety of issues such as change management, performance improvement, and communications. He takes a pragmatic approach and brings firsthand experience having managed teams of 2 to 270 people and multi-million-dollar projects. Bryan has taught leadership courses in many countries, consulted with executives, conducted needs analysis, and developed programs that drive the desired performance for the company to meet its objectives. To give back to the community, Bryan started up and ran the Bridge of Opportunity, a 501(c)3 foundation, to provide foster kids scholarships to attend college. He was the Co-Chair and founding Board Member for iGATE, a non-profit incubator to assist small green-related companies. And, he was the Co-Race Director for the Pleasanton Run for Education, a 3,000-person running race, which raised $250,000 for the local schools during his 4 years. His book, EPIC Performance: Lessons from 100 Executives and Endurance Athletes on Reaching Your Peak based on his experiences reaching lofty goals as well as the experience of 100+ CEOs, CxOs, founders, and endurance athletes who have also reached amazing goals.

Apr 26, 2023 • 27min
How to Believe in Yourself and the Power to Succeed
Wendy Spooner understands the pain of defeat and easily gave up when trying something new. Like many others, she did not believe in herself...or her power to succeed. But, as an adult, she learned that failures are part of success -- a crucial learning tool on the path to success. Wendy Wilson Spooner, Lic. G., LCoT, is a professional Genetic Genealogist by day, a writer by night, and an artist in between. Her love of what we can learn from history compels her to write the true stories she unearths during research, and she has found that truth is indeed much more exciting and inspiring than fiction. As an award-winning family history writer, Wendy turned to novel writing to share faith, grief, art, and overcoming obstacles in life. She believes in learning from our ancestors by honoring them. Emory University's study on children and teens knowing their family history showed that kids who knew the answers to 20 specific questions had higher self-esteem, higher grades in school, and great confidence in the success of their family. Her interview encourages us to share our history with our children and enlightening as to how it builds positivity. You do not want to miss the opportunity for a FREE gift so be sure to listen to the end of the interview. Wendy's FREE Gift of her book series will go to the 6th person to comment

Apr 23, 2023 • 35min
How Do You Overcome Trauma, Betrayal, and Brokenness and Achieve Success?
What do you do when life sends trauma and pain where you hoped for love and kindness? Have you felt broken? Betrayed? Traumatized? Rena Groot endured years of abuse that could have destroyed her. But she realized she had a choice to allow it to make or break her spirit. Rena was abandoned, rejected, and unloved during her entire childhood while being tossed into horrific foster care homes repeatedly. By the time she was 21 years old, she did not know if she wanted to live another day and then a miracle sprung into her life. As a little girl walking into her first-grade classroom, she was awestruck and knew she wanted to be a teacher. She was able to realize that dream and earned a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Religious Education. She taught in Canada and China where she wrote her memoir under a mosquito net and became addicted to writing. Rena became an ambassador with "The Department of Eternal Affairs" for Haiti, Belize, the Ghetto in New York City, behind the Iron Curtain in Poland and Romania, in Israel, China, Thailand, Mexico, Africa, and Greece. During her interview, she shares a remarkable story of survival against all odds with a surprise outcome that will encourage you.

Mar 25, 2023 • 43min
How Do Everyday People Become Debt Free?
Todd Christianson is an author, podcaster, speaker, Accredited Financial Counselor®, certified HUD housing counselor, and education manager at Money Fit by DRS. Todd has facilitated thousands of personal finance workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions since 2004, helping consumers of all backgrounds and income levels regain control of their finances, get out of debt, rebuild their credit, and create a brighter financial future. He published Everyday Money for Everyday People in 2014 and 50+ on FIRE in 2021. Todd maxed out his first credit card in less than 36 hours and was in credit card debt for nearly a decade before making changes. Now he is an award-winning author and creator of personal finance resources. Todd Christenson understands despair including financial despair and the difficulty of raising his two-year-old son after his wife lost the battle with cancer. His story will touch you, encourage you, and motivate you. Since 1996, the 501 (C)3 nonprofit Money Fit by DRS (Debt Reduction Services, Inc.) has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers across the US who are frustrated with consumer debts, struggling with late payments and fees, overwhelmed by high-interest rates on their cards, or wanting to build or rebuild their credit ratings. Our major programs include a debt management plan, housing counseling, and community education courses. Order eBook Here:

Mar 23, 2023 • 31min
How Do You Build Supportive Communities - Especially in an Emergency
Until the age of 35, Barry Braun’s life was all about money. He had made lots of money and lost lots of money. Then something happened which made him wonder what the purpose of life really was about. Barry’s story helps us understand some of the struggles we often go through while achieving success. After Barry experienced a deep self-reflection exercise lasting 18 months, he concluded that life was about service to others. He created a successful coaching practice that focused on entrepreneurs connecting to their sense of purpose. This became a competitive advantage by bringing social purpose to their businesses. Looking forward to his grandchildren's future, he shifted focus to mitigating the outcomes they would likely experience by changing how we relate to our communities. Barry Braun founded Happy Community Project to help communities realize the support the next generation will need and make them happier places to live. HappyCommunityBuilders.com is bringing community developers together for mutual support instead of being lonely or divisive. Communities need to be strongly connected, have a deep sense of belonging and know others care about us. These are fundamental to personal happiness and essential for survival. Click here to get your Good Neighbor App for your community And......click here to get instructions on using this amazing APP You can have your cake and eat it too. You can create great wealth while making a meaningful difference in our world. This easy-to-read yet comprehensive book shows you how to build a highly profitable business that brings meaning and fulfillment with the purpose of both creating wealth and helping our world move in a direction that builds a better world for our grandchildren. Braun builds on his idea that a great entrepreneur builds a business that not only creates wealth, it also fulfills the entrepreneur's sense of purpose. Most entrepreneurs feel a sense of social responsibility by giving back. Braun shows you how to take this to the next step and build a great business that 'gives forward'. Braun draws on his rich experience of working with entrepreneurs who have built businesses that solve some of our world's tough problems. His rich background as an entrepreneur, coach, and consultant provides a novel way of looking at how to integrate practical business decision-making with the integrity of a sense of deep and compelling purpose. This is a must-read if you want your business to both create wealth and bring the satisfaction of knowing you made a real and meaningful difference. It not only sets out the concepts, but it also gives you the working process for doing something exceptional. CLICK HERE FOR BARRY'S BOOK What happens when citizens decide to be a Happy, Caring, and Thriving Community? CONNECT WITH BARRY HERE Facebook Website