FYI Podcast

Motivation & Inspiration—one story at a time 🎙️ An uplifting podcast by @NationalCORE1 hosted by @ptullyutm 🗓️ New Episodes every Monday #FYIpodcast

#116 | More Than a Theme Park Streamer… This Means Everything to Him 04/13/2026

#115 | World Panna Champion Jack Downer’s Daily Habit Changed Everything 04/13/2026

#114 | Christian Filimon Walked Away From a “Perfect” Career… Why? 04/06/2026

#113 | Army Veteran, Operating Room Nurse, and Sports Reporter: Amanda's Journey 03/09/2026

#112 | When Tragedy Sparks a Movement: Erin Runnion's Mission to Protect Children 03/04/2026

#112 | When Tragedy Sparks a Movement: Erin Runnion's Mission to Protect Children In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Erin Runnion — mother, advocate, and founder of The Joyful Child Foundation — to talk about loss, legacy, and how one life can spark a movement that protects millions. After her daughter Samanta was kidnapped and murdered, Erin faced a grief no parent should ever endure. But instead of allowing tragedy to define the end of her daughter’s story, she chose to build something in her honor. What began as unimaginable heartbreak became a mission. Erin shares what it was like navigating the immediate aftermath, the long road of grief, and the decision to channel her pain into advocacy and prevention. Through The Joyful Child Foundation, she has dedicated her life to empowering children, educating families, and helping prevent crimes before they happen. Samanta’s legacy also helped catalyze the development and expansion of AMBER ALERT — a system that has since saved countless children across the country. This conversation is about resilience — about what happens when grief becomes purpose, and when one mother refuses to let her daughter’s story end in tragedy. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch Episode 1 here: ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Reconnecting With Erin 05:00 – Remembering Samanta 08:40 – The Day Everything Changed 12:30 – Navigating Grief as a Mother 16:40 – Choosing Advocacy Over Anger 19:50 – The Birth of The Joyful Child Foundation 23:20 – Educating & Empowering Children 26:50 – Helping Shape AMBER ALERT 30:10 – Samanta’s Lasting Legacy ====================================================== The Joyful Child Foundation 🌐 [] 📸 Instagram: 📘 Facebook: Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 📘 / hopethroughhousing National CORE 🌐 📘 / nationalcore FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: / fyi.findingyourinspiration 🎵 TikTok: / fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story /episode/index/show/1a91810a-ff57-4156-abb0-998eeb39d9b5/id/40320280

#111 | Graffiti, Survival & Second Chances: How Efrain Turned It Around 02/23/2026

#111 | Graffiti, Survival & Second Chances: How Efrain Turned It Around In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Efrain Aguiar — former graffiti tagger, street kid, and survivor — to talk about identity, survival mode, and the moment that forced him to choose a different path. Growing up, tagging wasn’t just about spray paint and walls. It was about belonging. It was about recognition. It was about navigating an environment where survival came first and consequences felt distant. But street life doesn’t stay small. Efrain shares what it was like living in that world, the pressure that comes with it, and the reality check that made him realize he had two choices: continue down a path that could cost him everything… or completely rewrite his future. This conversation is about transformation — about what happens when survival turns into self-awareness, and when identity shifts from who you were to who you decide to become. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you’re interested in redemption stories, overcoming street life, youth transformation, second chances, or what it truly means to change direction. ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 03:20 – Growing Up in Survival Mode 08:45 – Finding Identity Through Graffiti 14:30 – Tagging, Territory & Street Culture 20:15 – The Risks, Pressure & Close Calls 26:40 – Living With Consequences 31:10 – “I Had Two Choices” 35:30 – The Turning Point 40:10 – Changing Environment & Mindset 45:00 – Accountability & Rebuilding 49:30 – Redefining Identity 53:30 – Advice for the Next Generation 56:00 – Final Reflections Efrain’s Links 📸 Instagram: Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 📘 National CORE 🌐 📘 FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: 🎵 TikTok: 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story /episode/index/show/1a91810a-ff57-4156-abb0-998eeb39d9b5/id/40207995

#110 | When Life Gets Heavy, You Keep Going: Ralph Bracco’s Story 02/11/2026

#109 | She Turned Life’s Challenges into Strength: Theresa Farrell 02/05/2026

#108 | NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson: Legacy Beyond the Game 01/27/2026

#108 | NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson: Legacy Beyond the Game In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Eric Dickerson — NFL Hall of Famer, Rams legend, philanthropist, and entrepreneur — to talk about legacy, purpose, and what it means to make an impact far beyond the game of football. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1983, Eric didn’t just enter the NFL — he changed it. With 13,259 career rushing yards (8th all-time) and the NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, a mark set in 1984 that still stands today, his on-field dominance is undeniable. But this conversation goes deeper than stats and highlights. Eric opens up about life after the NFL, the responsibility that comes with influence, and why giving back has become just as important as winning ever was. Through the ED29 Foundation, Eric is focused on creating access, opportunity, and education for underserved youth — including the opening of the Eric Dickerson Learning Center in Texas through a partnership with Hope Through Housing. This episode is about legacy — not just what you accomplish, but what you leave behind. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you’re interested in leadership, life after success, athlete impact, or building something meaningful that lasts. ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – Growing up & early influences 06:45 – Being drafted by the Rams in 1983 10:30 – Breaking records & the historic 1984 season 15:40 – Pressure, expectations & performing at the highest level 20:50 – Life after football & redefining success 25:10 – Giving back through the ED29 Foundation 29:30 – Education, mentorship & the Learning Center 32:45 – Final reflections & legacy Eric Dickerson’s Links 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericdickerson29/ 🏌️ Eric Dickerson Charity Golf Tournament (Hope Through Housing): https://hthf.org/news-and-events/eric-dickerson-golf-tournament/ Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story /episode/index/show/1a91810a-ff57-4156-abb0-998eeb39d9b5/id/39904260

#106 | Transformation Doesn't Happen Overnight: Aram Ramirez on Film Directing & Entrepreneurship 01/26/2026

#106 | Transformation Doesn't Happen Overnight: Aram Ramirez on Film Directing & Entrepreneurship In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Aram Ramirez to talk about navigating uncertainty, staying grounded when life feels heavy, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when the next step isn’t clear. Aram shares how seasons of doubt, responsibility, and internal pressure shaped his outlook — and how learning to trust himself became the turning point. Through reflection and honesty, he opens up about choosing growth over comfort and showing up even when progress feels slow or unseen. His story is a reminder that transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through small decisions, quiet resilience, and the courage to keep going — even when fear is loud and certainty feels far away. This conversation is about perseverance, self-belief, and choosing to show up for your future self — especially when the road ahead feels uncertain. 🎬Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you’re in a season of change, doubt, or personal growth. ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 03:15 – Aram’s early challenges 08:50 – Carrying responsibility through uncertainty 14:30 – When doubt started to creep in 20:10 – Choosing growth over comfort 26:45 – Learning to trust yourself 32:30 – Small decisions that changed everything 38:20 – Staying resilient when progress feels slow 44:30 – Final reflections & inspiration Aram’s Links 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/super7productions/ 🌐 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@storyshortsyt/shorts National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story /episode/index/show/1a91810a-ff57-4156-abb0-998eeb39d9b5/id/39885175

#105 | What Happens When You Stop Playing It Safe W/ Kandice Gonzalez 01/05/2026

#103 | Portraying Lenny Bruce: The Play That Changed Ronnie Marmo's Life 12/09/2025

#102 | The Story Behind the D'Ellena Winery (In Memory of Claude Ellena) 11/25/2025

#101 | Johnny Canizzaro on Pursuing His Acting Dream and Portraying Steven Van Zandt 11/19/2025

#100 | How Sheila Conlin Built a Legacy That Shaped Modern Entertainment 11/11/2025

#99 | Inside the Mind of a Psychic Medium (Laura Cifaldi Explains the Unseen) 10/27/2025

#98 | The Power of Hope: Finding Your Inspiration Season 2 Highlights 10/14/2025

#97 | How We Said Yes to a Half Ironman with Only 6 Months to Train 10/06/2025

#96 | How One Man is Making Sure Thousands of Kids Are Getting Fed 09/23/2025

#95 | How a Young Country Artist is Marketing Her Music in 2025: Macie Rae 09/16/2025

#94 | The Power of Saying Yes: Bella Balsamo’s Life-Changing Story 09/15/2025

#93 | Stop Waiting. Start Trying: Liam Fountain 09/02/2025

#92 | Breaking Barriers in Politics: Fiona Ma's Inspiring Story 08/18/2025

#91 | 34 Years, One Mission: Shannon D. Dicus Serving the People of San Bernadino County 08/05/2025

#91 | 34 Years, One Mission: Shannon D. Dicus Serving the People of San Bernadino County In this episode, we sit down with Shannon D. Dicus, the 36th Sheriff of San Bernardino County, to explore his powerful journey from a small desert town to leading one of the largest sheriff’s departments in the U.S. From his military roots to working the jail system, from VA policing to turning down a shot at the FBI, Sheriff Dicus shares what really led him to a career in law enforcement—and why he’s stayed for over 34 years. You’ll hear untold stories about jail rehabilitation, fighting addiction and homelessness, confronting officer-involved shootings, and building trust with the community in a changing world. 🎧 Whether you're curious about criminal justice, leadership, or life in service, this one’s worth every minute ========================================================== 00:00 – Intro: Meet Sheriff Shannon Dicus 01:00 – From Joshua Tree to Military Service 03:10 – How the FBI Dream Shifted to the Sheriff's Dept 06:00 – Life Inside the Jail System 09:00 – Rehabilitation, Second Chances & HOPE Team 13:00 – Mental Health, Homelessness & Real Impact 17:00 – Officer-Involved Shootings & Personal Toll 20:00 – Ghost Guns, Crime Trends & Public Safety 26:00 – Supporting Local Businesses & Safer Communities 32:00 – How to Get Involved or Start a Career in Law Enforcement 📍 Learn more about Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus & the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department 🌐 https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/SBCSD/ 🐦 https://twitter.com/SBCSD 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sbcountysheriff/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/san-bernardino-county-sheriff-s-department/ National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives. /episode/index/show/1a91810a-ff57-4156-abb0-998eeb39d9b5/id/37693610

#90 | Building Wealth Isn’t Magic—It’s a Plan: Malik Mallory's Financial Journey 07/28/2025

#89 | The Day I Had to Save My Father in Jail: D'Andre Lampkin's Power of Perspective 07/08/2025

#88 | Public Servant D'Andre Lampkin | Why Growing Up in South Central Pushed Me to Serve Others 07/02/2025

#87 | Reed Fox: Fighting Poverty and Strengthening Communities Through Soccer 06/27/2025

#86 | Reviving America's First Black-Owned Opera House: Jonnet Solomon 06/16/2025

#86 | Reviving America's First Black-Owned Opera House: Jonnet Solomon In this episode, we sit down with Jonnet Solomon, a cultural visionary who is leading the charge to restore America’s first Black-owned opera house, located in the heart of Pittsburgh. Originally from Georgetown, Guyana, Joni came to the U.S. and eventually found herself drawn to a historic but forgotten building. That building turned out to be the National Opera House—a landmark in Black American history. Once she learned its significance, she made it her life’s mission to bring it back to life. Jonnet is not just a preservationist. She’s also a single mother and an accountant by trade—a woman balancing work, family, and an enormous cultural project with resilience and grace. Her story is about answering a calling, even when the odds—and the history books—don’t make it easy. This episode is a reminder that preserving culture isn’t just about the past—it’s about fighting for the future ============================================================ ⏱️ CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Meet Jonnet Solomon 01:30 – From Guyana to Pittsburgh 04:00 – A Mysterious Pull to an Old House 06:30 – Discovering the Opera House’s True Legacy 10:00 – Why She Chose to Stay and Fight for It 13:30 – The Deep History of Black Arts in Pittsburgh 17:00 – Building a Vision for the Future 21:00 – The Restoration Process & Roadblocks 25:00 – How You Can Support the Mission 28:30 – Final Thoughts: Legacy Beyond Borders ============================================================ 🔗 Links National Opera House Website: https://www.nationaloperahouse.org/ Support the Restoration: https://www.nationaloperahouse.org/donate-to-the-national-opera-house/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationaloperahousepgh/ National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 nationalcore.org 📘 facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 facebook.com/hopethroughhousing FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives. /episode/index/show/1a91810a-ff57-4156-abb0-998eeb39d9b5/id/37033020

#85 | Paralyzed at 15: Zack Collie's Inspiring Comeback Story 06/16/2025

#85 | Paralyzed at 15: Zack Collie's Inspiring Comeback Story In this episode, we sit down with Zack Collie, a motivational speaker and disability advocate who became a quadriplegic at age 15 after a diving accident. But what could have ended his dreams instead became the start of a powerful transformation. Zack shares his story of adjusting to life in a wheelchair, finding purpose through higher education, and building a new path forward—even when the world said he couldn’t. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and the strength to keep showing up when life gets unimaginably hard. Whether you're facing your own struggles or just need a reminder of what’s possible, Zack’s message will leave you inspired. A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. ============================================================ ⏱ CHAPTERS (Updated for 40 Min Episode): 00:00 – Intro: Meet Zack Collie 01:15 – Becoming a Therapist: Counseling and Purpose 03:10 – Support Groups for People with Spinal Cord Injuries 05:32 – Who Zack Was Before the Accident 08:15 – The Day That Changed Everything: Memorial Day 2010 12:30 – Realizing He Was Paralyzed in the Water 15:22 – Emergency Response and Diagnosis 18:35 – The First Conversations After Surgery 21:10 – Processing the Trauma and PTSD 23:00 – The Role of Family and Community 25:20 – Going Back to School After the Injury 28:10 – Walking at Graduation with a Walker 30:25 – College, Finding Purpose, and the Therapist Path 33:10 – Meeting His Wife and Building a Family 35:40 – Living Independently with CORE’s Support 38:00 – Final Message: Improvise. Adapt. Overcome 🔗 LINKS Zack Collie's Socials 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zackcollie7/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_paralyzed_therapist/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2BtIaeHx92IQhn-nw6QMqg National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 nationalcore.org 📘 facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 facebook.com/hopethroughhousing FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast /episode/index/show/1a91810a-ff57-4156-abb0-998eeb39d9b5/id/37032955

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