#112 with Douglas Lynam: From Monk to Money Manage
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Episode #112 – Douglas Lynam: From Monk to Money Manager & Enneagram Insights In this episode I sit down with Douglas Lynam whose journey spans from monastic life to the world of finance. Douglas shares how his early years as a monk shaped his perspective on work, wealth, and what it means to live intentionally. We then pivot to his experience as a money manager, exploring why he believes capitalism — for all its flaws — may still be the best system we’ve got when understood and applied wisely. Along the way, Douglas brings his passion for the Enneagram into the conversation,...
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#111 Gil Gillenwater: Hope, Borders & Helping Without Handouts
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Episode #111 – Gil Gillenwater: Hope, Borders & Helping Without Handouts In this episode, I sit down with Gil Gillenwater — author, traveler, and humanitarian — to talk about his book Hope On The Border and the life experiences that led him to write it. Gil has spent years working in Mexico and along the U.S.–Mexico border, where he’s seen firsthand what meaningful help actually looks like. We talk about service that empowers instead of enables, the realities of cross-border work, and the personal cost of choosing to show up in difficult places. Gil also shares stories of...
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#110 with Danny Johnson
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Episode #110 – Danny Johnson: Clean Comedy, Big Faces & Long Roads In this episode, I sit down with Danny Johnson, a stand-up comic who’s been making people laugh for over 15 years without having to get dirty to do it. Danny’s style is clean, relatable, and packed with those now-famous facial expressions that somehow say more than the punchlines. We talk about life on the road, how his comedy has evolved, and what it’s like building a career that works just as well in comedy clubs as it does at corporate events and churches. Danny shares stories from performing alongside some...
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#109 with Amy Lenius
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Episode #108 – Amy Lenius: Empowerment, Awareness & Next Level Living In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Lenius of Next Level University — a coach and mentor dedicated to helping people step into greater confidence, clarity, and purpose. We dive into what empowerment really looks like, why self-awareness is foundational to growth, and how working with the right partners can accelerate transformation. Amy shares insights from her work guiding clients through group coaching, the mindset shifts that open up real possibility, and the leadership practices that help people live—and...
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#108 With Matt Savino: Roads, Borders & Stories That Almost Didn’t Make It Home
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Episode #108 – Matt Savino: Roads, Borders & Stories That Almost Didn’t Make It Home In this episode, I sit down with Matt Savino — writer, traveler, and storyteller with a passport full of stamps and a knack for finding himself in situations that make great stories later. We talk about travel as a teacher, writing as documentation, and what happens when plans fall apart far from home. Matt shares the story of almost getting stranded in Nicaragua, what that moment revealed about risk, trust, and international realities, and how travel forces you to confront both politics and...
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#107 with Chip Jacobs: Writing, Pasadena’s Past & The Edges of Life
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Episode #107 – Chip Jacobs: Writing, Pasadena’s Past & The Edges of Life In this episode, I’m joined by Chip Jacobs — award-winning author, journalist, and storyteller with a deep love for California history and an eye for the unusual. We dive into the craft of writing and editing, the fascinating (and sometimes bizarre) history of Pasadena, and even wander into the territory of near-death experiences and what they reveal about being alive. This conversation ranges from the practical to the mysterious — from how to shape a story on the page to the moments that shape a life ...
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#106 with Shanti Hershenson - Writing and publishing books as a teen author.
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Episode #106 – Shanti Hershenson We talked about building a TikTok (now with over 70k followers), her amazing focus and discipline, writing every day and some of the other things she does with her time, like falconry! Since the age of twelve, Shanti has actively been writing and publishing books. She has written 37 books in varying genres, including You Won't Know Her Name, a novel-told-in-poetry about bullying in middle school. Biome Lock, the first in an alien invasion series, is published with the others on the way. Also in publication is a three-book series called The...
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#105 With Amy Dickens
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Episode #105 – Amy Dickens on joy, play and reconnecting with the parts of ourselves that make us feel most alive. We may have talked about joy, creativity and connecting with your child self, I’m not sure. It seems like we just talked for an hour and a half and laughed and created a lot of silliness. All I know is the time went very fast and this is a great podcast to listen to if you need a little uplift. Check out Amy’s book “101 Ways to Spread Joy” or check out @theamydickens on all the socials. 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor,...
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Michael Wendroff - Killing it! The thriller writer's journey
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Episode #104 – Michael Wendroff: Marketing Mastermind Turned Thriller Author In this week’s episode, I sit down with Michael Wendroff — a global marketing consultant with an MBA from New York University (and an induction into their Hall of Fame) who pivoted into writing to publish his debut thriller. We talk about what it takes to go from business-strategy to bestselling pages, the craft of storytelling, and the unexpected crossover between marketing and fiction. What we dive into · Michael’s background in marketing and how his...
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#103 – Melinda Lee, From Hugs to Healing: Melinda's Story
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Episode #103 – Melinda Lee "From Hugs to Healing: Melinda's Story" In this engaging conversation, I talk with Melinda Lee about her exploration of the transformative power of hugs, gratitude, and self-love. Melinda shares her unique journey of hugging everyone she encountered for a year, emphasizing the importance of connection and acceptance. She relates the challenges faced during this journey, the impact of sharing love, and the role of mental health in the creative process. We also delve into energy healing, animal communication, and the nature of grief and unconditional love,...
info_outlineEpisode 93 – Kevin Palmieri | Leveling Up, Staying Consistent, and Getting (a Little) Off Topic
In this episode of Were You Still Talking?, I chat with Kevin Palmieri—CFO, co-host, and co-creator of Next Level University—about his journey from hitting rock bottom to building a globally-ranked podcast and coaching brand focused on self-improvement and consistency.
We talk about what it really takes to grow, the power of habits, and how showing up every day (even when it’s hard) creates real results. Of course, in true WYST fashion, we take a few detours—expect off-topic laughs, podcasting insights, and a few surprises.
If you're into personal development, podcasting, or just enjoy a good, honest conversation, this one's for you.
🎧 Guest: Kevin Palmieri
🔗 Website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com
📱 Instagram: @neverquitkid
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🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.
Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber
My Instagram: @joelyshmoley
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/
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