Author: Paul Gichia

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Jungle Survival at Sixteen

Henry Woodman:

Jungle Survival at Sixteen

A teenager’s quest for a legendary lost city becomes a life-changing journey of survival in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

Bio

Henry Woodman is a graduate of the University of Arizona for his bachelor’s and Nova Southeaster for his MBA and speaks three languages.

In 1984, Woodman and his partner formed WoodMark Productions to purse two of his passions — film production and travel. After a decade of travels, he settled in Santiago, Chile for two years to produce Machos, a local game show for the younger demographic.

In 1997 he founded World Travelvision (WTV), a content provider for Internet Travel and Tourism, that morphed into ICE Portal a technology that helps hotels and resorts, manage, and deliver their visuals to 1000s of online travel-related websites.

Woodman’s commitment found its roots in television and film production and earned him four local area Emmy nominations. Woodman just published The Reincarnation of Marie in June 2024 and he now plans to develop it into a series for TV.

More information on the project can be found at Marie The Story.

Other Highlights:

  1. 1976 – As a teenager, he went in search of a lost city in the jungles of Honduras
  2. 1980 – Built a business in college, setting up video game machines in laundromats
  3. 1984-93 – Produced travel films and then developed a hit game show in Chile
  4. 1996-2019 – Bootstrapped and scaled global tech platform that sold for 8 figures
  5. Present – Going full circle to produce a TV series from the book The Reincarnation of Marie

Topics

  • How unexpected adversity shapes personal perspectives.
  • The power of gratitude after hardship.
  • Myths and legends of the “Lost White City” in Honduras.
  • Exploring uncharted territories as a teenager.
  • Lessons learned from life-threatening adventures.

Guiding Questions

  • What inspired your father to send you and your brother on this expedition?
  • Can you describe the moment when you realized you were truly in a survival situation?
  • How did the trip shape your view of gratitude and everyday life?
  • Were there any specific encounters with wildlife that stood out?
  • What was the biggest misconception you had before embarking on this journey?
  • How has this experience influenced your approach to challenges today?

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The Power of Yes, And

Diane Kettering:

The Power of Yes, And

Through her improv workshops, Diane fosters an environment where people find joy, connection, and healing. One attendee’s revelation about how the group saved their life forever changed her purpose.

Bio

Diane Kettering is a Corporate Improv Coach and Founder of Echo CATT Corporate Team Building and Entertainment.

Some of Diane’s corporate services include, “Bounce”; strengthening resilience in the workplace, “EchoCONNECT for Caregivers” teaching communication skills to loved ones of those going through memory loss, and “The Improv Advantage” equipping students with leadership skills and the competitive edge in interviews or entrepreneurial endeavors. Simply put, Diane’s approach is like no other. Her commitment is rooted in the fusion of learning, laughter, and leadership. Diane actively lives out her mission. She conducts weekly improv workshops and hosts a monthly improv comedy show, both geared toward enhancing creativity, collaboration, and personal growth.

Diane, along with co-host Katie Worzel MSW, LCSW discuss and interview guests about the powerful impact improv has on both the physical and mental well-being on their podcast “Improv Inside/Out: The Healing Power of Improv”.

Topics

  • How improv builds confidence and self-esteem.
  • Supporting mental health through creative outlets like improv.
  • The impact of hearing “Yes” and fostering positivity.
  • Improv as a tool for pastors and public speakers.
  • The power of vulnerability in improvisation.

Guiding Questions

  • What was it like to receive the life-changing text from a participant?
  • How do you think improv helps people build confidence?
  • What does “Yes, And” mean to you, and why is it so powerful?
  • What advice do you have for someone seeking a supportive community?
  • What are your dreams for growing your impact with improv?

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Revolutionizing Fitness Technology

John Zarbock:

Revolutionizing Fitness Technology

A skeptical Army trainer’s chance encounter with cutting-edge fitness technology reshaped his vision for exercise, sparking a mission to redefine strength training for everyone.

Bio

BioFit is a Quality of Life and Human Exercise Transformation Company that provides the most Effective, Efficient and Safe Exercise on the planet in as little as 20 min a week. Our patented machines deliver evidence based, data driven results in real time that cannot be matched by any fitness company or system in existence. We are looking for anyone with muscles and bones who value their time and want to spend it doing more of what they WANT rather than what they HAVE to do.

John is many things; a father, a veteran, an entrepreneur and a visionary. He believes his purpose on this planet is to contribute to the elevation of human consciousness and use his natural born gifts to inspire humans to self-actualize by discovering their full potential. It is in this ‘discovery’ that his passion and mission are manifested by inspiring, educating and motivating humans to bridge the gap between what they THINK they are capable of and what they are ACTUALLY capable of.

Born and raised in south St. Louis, graduating from St. Louis University, commissioning from Washington University ROTC and serving in the Missouri National Guard for more than 22 years has given him many diverse perspectives and experiences on leadership, team building and being a student of life. His pride for St. Louis and his community powers his inexhaustible desire to see potential transform into reality. He founded BioFit in 2018 with the hopes that by offering the most effective, efficient and safe strength training technology and biohacking fitness options we have available to us today, he could help build better humans to inevitably build a better city and a better world.

He believes that each and every human is born with a very specific set of gifts and talents that contribute to the collective consciousness and evolution of and to our world. He strives to assist as many people as he can to actualize and shine those gifts as brightly as they can and the world can handle. Through fitness and strength training John in convinced that once one experiences breaking through the mental limitations physically, the rest of the pieces of an individual will become exponentially stronger, emotionally, professionally, relationally and spiritually. It is his WORK + REST = GROWTH formula that he believes when applied to not only exercise but to life, that humans can fully attain their version of self actualization and hence HIS purpose of self-actualizing others. BioFit is the manifestation of that mission and that purpose.

Topics

  • The evolution of fitness technology.
  • Breaking myths about time and exercise effectiveness.
  • The role of motorized resistance in safe strength training.
  • Fitness solutions for seniors and underserved demographics.
  • Vision for mass adoption of cutting-edge fitness tools.

Guiding Questions

  • How did your background as an Army trainer influence your perspective on fitness technology?
  • Can you explain the science behind adaptive resistance?
  • How do you envision making this technology accessible in every zip code?
  • What was the biggest challenge in promoting motorized resistance training?
  • How does your experience with Bitcoin tie into your vision for fitness?

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From Trees to Pies

Jennifer Cassaday:

From Trees to Pies

When faced with the hardships of the pandemic, Jennifer Cassaday embraced change, showcasing how a business can thrive by focusing on community and creativity.

Bio

Jennifer Cassaday is a fifth-generation entrepreneur dedicated to continuing her family’s legacy in pecans and homemade delights. Inspired by her grandfather Vernon Byrd’s passion for Missouri Native pecans, Jennifer grew up immersed in the entrepreneurial spirit. As a child, she spent her time between the family’s pecan groves and her paternal grandparents’ restaurant, gaining invaluable experience in both farming and culinary arts.

Today, Jennifer is the owner of Byrd’s Pecan Delights, a bakery and café in Adrian, Missouri, where she crafts scratch-made dishes and desserts inspired by her family’s recipes. Known for her innovative creations like the pecan pie milkshake, she elevates her customers’ experience with homemade flavors that highlight her culinary training, including a 2022 degree in pastry arts.

Jennifer also helps manage Byrd’s Pecans, her family’s farm and retail business, which spans over 600 acres and features 12,000 pecan trees. The farm produces high-quality pecans for sale in-store and online. A passionate advocate for rural entrepreneurship, Jennifer testified before a congressional subcommittee in Washington, D.C., representing small businesses across America.

Through her work at Byrd’s Pecan Delights and Byrd’s Pecans, Jennifer honors her grandfather’s vision, offering exceptional products while keeping the family’s entrepreneurial spirit alive for future generations.

Topics

  • How the COVID-19 pandemic shaped small-town businesses.
  • Finding opportunities during economic hardships.
  • Balancing personal values with public perception in business decisions.
  • Building community support for small businesses.
  • The unique struggles of rural entrepreneurs.
  • Managing workforce changes during periods of uncertainty.
  • The emotional toll of leadership during challenging times.
  • Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Navigating public scrutiny in the age of social media.
  • Advocating for rural businesses on a national stage.

Guiding Questions

  • How did the pandemic initially impact your business and community?
  • What was the hardest decision you had to make during that time?
  • Can you describe the moment you realized opportunity amidst adversity?
  • How did your workforce adapt to the changes during the pandemic?
  • What inspired you to post the sign about kindness on your door?
  • How did you handle the fear of public criticism during controversial decisions?
  • What role did community support play in your business’s survival?
  • Can you share how you came to testify before Congress?
  • What lessons have you learned about resilience and adaptability?
  • What advice would you give other rural business owners facing tough times?

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Phoenix from the Ashes

David Chametzky:

Phoenix from the Ashes

A moment of profound darkness became the turning point for Dave Chametzky. His story reveals how he embraced self-awareness and growth, proving that even in our hardest moments, transformation is possible.

Bio

David Chametzky is a deep-message expert, renowned as a speaker, author, podcast host, and producer.

A true pathfinder, his mission is to uplift lives by empowering individuals and groups every day.

Through his content and teachings, David offers profound insights and guiding principles, enabling others to grow, overcome obstacles, and unlock their full potential.

Topics

  • The concept of “phoenix moments” and rising from life’s ashes.
  • Learning to love yourself: what it means and why it matters.
  • Recognizing and managing emotional triggers.
  • Turning despair into a catalyst for growth.
  • Supporting others while prioritizing your own well-being.
  • The role of self-awareness in personal transformation.
  • Finding clarity and purpose after a life-altering decision.
  • The stigma of discussing mental health and suicide.
  • How to rewrite your life story and take control of your narrative.
  • Transforming past pain into a tool for helping others.

Guiding Questions

  • What was the turning point that made you decide to change your life?
  • Can you explain what you mean by “phoenix moments”?
  • How did you first realize you weren’t loving yourself?
  • What steps did you take to begin prioritizing your well-being?
  • How has self-awareness changed your relationships with others?
  • What advice would you give to someone feeling trapped in their own darkness?
  • How did your caregiving experiences shape your perspective on life?
  • What role do you believe vulnerability plays in healing?
  • How has your definition of strength changed over the years?
  • What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from helping others through their struggles?

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Blind Vision, Bold Dreams

Judy Redlich:

Blind Vision, Bold Dreams

With her vision lost but her spirit strong, Judy defied odds to become a trailblazer in Christian media, inspiring countless lives along the way.

Bio

I’m Judy Redlich, and I’ve lived in St. Louis most of my life. My husband is Reverend Ray Redlich, Vice President, of the New Life Evangelistic Center. We have two children and three grandchildren. If you know me well, you’ve probably heard me describe myself as a pioneer. I love learning new things and taking on new challenges. I was the first person with a disability to go through the Lutheran school system and then went on to major in journalism and psychology at Missouri Valley College. While in college, I interned at KPLR TV in St. Louis.

After college, I spent a year playing music in Ashland, Oregon. I then came back to St. Louis and went to work for the New Life Evangelistic Center. My role was PR/Development Director for the start-up team building KNLC, TV 24 in St. Louis. Ray Redlich, whose passion was homeless and outreach, was also working at NLEC. We fell in love and married.

We raised two children and have 3 grandchildren. 3 years after KNLC went on the air, our team built KNLJ, TV 25-Jefferson City, MO. NLEC created and acquired other media entities in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and Arkansas. Out of this initiative, The Here’s Help Network was birthed. I hosted the Christian Connection TV show on the network, for twenty years, and Cry Justice radio show for 12 years. I currently host Encounter, on KSIV (Bott Radio Network stations) in St. Louis, and have a podcast.

Imani Robinson and I co-host a weekly TV show on NLEC.TV called “Good News with Judy and Imani” Link to Good News YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLELwKzbnmOS_tfP4zrAXaAKlqLEGdcXxs

 

Website: www.judyredlich.com

 

I’ve been involved in and have had a strong passion for impacting people’s lives through media ever since.

Helping people tell their stories and find their highest potential has been a thread throughout my career. Advocating and blazing trails for folks with disabilities also bring out the pioneer in me. While working in various managerial capacities with Joni and Friends Missouri, I lead teams to Mexico on mission outreaches, and equipped churches to start disability ministries. Besides speaking, and hosting TV and radio shows and podcasts, I am a Certified Christian Life Coach. I love helping people discover their goals, hopes, and dreams, and work toward reaching their highest potential.

I am also active in the National Federation of the Blind.

In my spare time, I love camping, hiking, spending time with our growing family, and leading praise and worship at church.

Topics

  • Overcoming adversity as a blind individual.
  • Stories from the early days of Christian broadcasting.
  • Adapting to challenges in live media production.
  • The role of music in personal and professional growth.
  • Braille literacy and its impact on independence.

Guiding Questions

  • Can you share how your early experiences shaped your passion for media?
  • What was it like being the first blind student in the Lutheran school system?
  • How did faith guide your journey through personal and professional challenges?
  • What role did mentors like Miss Betty play in your success?
  • Can you recount a memorable moment from your time at Missouri Valley College?
  • How did working with homeless women shape your perspective on service and leadership?
  • What inspired you to pursue Christian broadcasting, and what were the early days like?
  • How did you balance media work with your personal life, especially as a mother?
  • What lessons can listeners take from your journey of perseverance?
  • How do you hope your story will inspire others facing their own challenges?

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A Calling Reconstructed

David Lutes:

A Calling Reconstructed

What starts as a setback in ministry for David Lutes evolves into a transformative calling, blending faith and leadership. His journey spans continents, touching nations like Lithuania and reshaping his understanding of purpose in a post-Soviet world.

Bio

David M. Lutes is an American-British dual national with an extensive career in leadership development, organizational consulting, and training. He has over 25 years of global experience working in senior roles with Fortune 100/250/500 companies and various organizations across more than 30 countries, including the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

Key highlights include:

Diverse Roles:

  • Senior consultant for NATO, advising on military downsizing and re-skilling post-Soviet Union.
  • Former Global Program Director for leadership development with World Vision International.
  • Director and consultant for numerous companies in talent management, organizational effectiveness, and strategic workforce planning.

Ministry and Coaching:

  • Ordained minister and lay co-pastor with pastoral experience in South Africa, the UK, the US, and the UAE.
  • Specializes in servant leadership, blending business ethics with biblical values.

Educational and Thought Leadership:

  • A former intern of Dr. W. Edwards Deming, integrating Total Quality Management (TQM) and LEAN methodologies.
  • Published author and conference speaker, addressing topics like succession planning, cultural diversity, and emotional intelligence.

Personal Background:

  • Played semi-professional baseball in South Africa.
  • Passionate about developing leaders with servant hearts, emphasizing faith-driven management and leadership principles.

David is known for his engaging and transformative approach to coaching, leadership, and organizational change, rooted in his commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives and careers.

Topics

  • The principles of servant leadership and their practical applications.
  • The intersection of spiritual calling and corporate leadership.
  • Lessons learned from working with leaders across 43 countries.
  • How servant leadership can transform toxic workplace cultures.
  • The importance of pushing people up and fostering authentic teamwork.

Guiding Questions

  • Can you describe the moment when you realized you needed to pivot from ministry to leadership development?
  • What is servant leadership, and why is it so central to your work?
  • What was the most surprising lesson you learned from Dr. Deming?
  • Can you share a story about a challenging moment in your leadership journey and how you overcame it?
  • How do you see the concept of servant leadership evolving in today’s world?

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From Fear to Impact

Nilesh Jain:

From Fear to Impact

Nilesh Jain transformed his fear of interviews into a strength, now using his voice to empower and inspire through impactful conversations with global changemakers.

Bio

Nilesh is the founder of Podcaster’s Elite Hub, and he helps entrepreneurs, creators, and coaches grow their authority, credibility, and audience using The Power of Interview Podcast.

His journey is very inspiring; he came from nowhere to build a network with multimillionaires and billionaires & also serve some of the top entrepreneurs as clients.

He hosts an interview show named “The Entrepreneur Warriors Show” and hosts interviews with 8–9-10-figure entrepreneurs, including CEOs, International Speakers, Authors, etc.

And recorded over 110 interview podcasts until now and featured over 45+ podcasts as a guest.

Topics

  • The role of mentorship in personal and professional growth.
  • Lessons learned from interviewing high-achieving entrepreneurs.
  • Building resilience and self-confidence over time.
  • Transforming self-doubt into a tool for growth.
  • Learning from failure and rejection.

Guiding Questions

  • What role did mentors play in helping you grow?
  • How do you mentally prepare before hosting influential guests?
  • What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from the entrepreneurs you’ve interviewed?
  • How do you balance humility and confidence during interviews?
  • What advice would you give to someone facing similar fears?
  • What does “success” mean to you now compared to when you started?

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Grammar Goddess Rising

Susan Rooks:

Grammar Goddess Rising

Susan Rooks’ life took unexpected turns, from navigating the rigid expectations of the mid-20th century to becoming a global trainer and editor. Her journey showcases the transformative power of resilience and embracing the unknown.

Bio

An adopted child of the 1940s & ’50s, when girls had no backing for anything other than marriage, then motherhood. I did both, but neither really was all I wanted. My inner 8-year-old never felt she was doing all she could. I worked part-time when my kids were small, but again — the jobs “allowed” weren’t anything that really excited me.

Got lucky with an ad in a Boston newspaper about 30 years ago looking for international corporate trainers. I had NO experience in anything like that, but I jumped anyway. Got taken, got trained, got scared in my first class in a topic I wasn’t really prepared for — something about accounting and finance. At the first break, a guy got up, yelled I was the WORST presenter he’d ever seen and stalked out.

Gave up on that topic but decided that topics like American grammar, business writing, and interpersonal skills would be fine. Turned out I was right. Worked with this company for five years, and one day a friend asked if I’d look over the book she’d just written — check the grammar and such. Sure. I did. Thought nothing of it.

A year later she asked me to edit her second book as I had done with the first one. WHAT? Edit? That’s what I did?

That moment pushed me in the best direction ever — as an editor of nonfiction / business-related material, helping others shine. I learn from everyone who allows me to help in ways that I can, I love learning from them and their knowledge and wisdom, and I plan to continue as long as I can.

Topics

  • The importance of embracing career pivots.
  • Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
  • What working internationally taught her about people and resilience.
  • Women in the workplace: breaking past 1950s expectations.
  • Collaborating with authors to tell authentic stories.
  • The personal growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Guiding Questions

  • Can you share the story of your first training session and what it taught you about resilience?
  • What was the turning point that led you to become the “Grammar Goddess”?
  • How did working internationally influence your perspective on communication?
  • How do you approach helping people “look and sound as smart as they are”?
  • Can you share a memorable editing project and what it taught you?

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Thriving Beyond the Shutdown

Carlos Reyes:

Thriving Beyond the Shutdown

When the pandemic shut down his 30-year fitness business, Carlos Reyes embraced technology and social media to save his career. His journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and serving clients in new ways.

Bio

Carlos is a veteran of the health & fitness industry and has extensive experience as a Wellness Coach & Certified Personal Trainer, and over the past thirty-four years has been fortunate enough to work with a diverse group of individuals whose goals were just as diverse, such as weight loss, weight gain, body reshaping, and post-injury fitness & rehabilitation.

Currently, Carlos works with 50+ active individuals who want to combat the aging process most efficiently and effectively, so that they can continue to perform at a high level into the future and beyond.

He is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength & Conditioning Association, the Functional Aging Institute, and the WellCoaches Corporation.

Topics

  • Transitioning a fitness business from in-person to virtual.
  • Maintaining motivation and consistency in a virtual fitness routine.
  • Navigating social media as a private person for business success.
  • Developing a hybrid business model in the fitness world.
  • Lessons learned from serving clients for over 30 years.

Guiding Questions

  • What was your first reaction when the pandemic shut down your business?
  • What motivated you to persevere during such a challenging time?
  • What were the biggest challenges you faced transitioning to virtual coaching?
  • Why do you prefer working with clients aged 50 and above?
  • How has networking and podcasting helped your career during isolation?

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