It's Been A Journey Podcast

This podcast gives ordinary people the space to share their extraordinary journeys. We’ve all felt the pressure to have a perfect "elevator pitch" for our lives, but the truth is, there is no one-liner path. We move in one direction, something changes, and we evolve. We’re bringing you stories from real people to help you navigate your own winding road. Whether a story resonates with you, inspires you, or challenges your perspective, each episode features a guest who crossed my path and shared their world with me. Together, we walk down their unique path, honoring the detours and breakthroughs alike. These aren't just interviews—they are stories meant to be told.

Episode 4: Vanessa Hernandez Orange — Hometown Roots, High School Hoops, and The Courage to Serve 07/07/2026

Episode 4: Vanessa Hernandez Orange — Hometown Roots, High School Hoops, and The Courage to Serve For this episode, I’m sitting down with a guest who wears many titles: Daughter, Sister, Mother, Wife, Executive Director, and Councilwoman. But to me, I’m lucky enough to just know her as my cousin. Vanessa Hernandez Orange joins the mic to share her incredible journey of finding purpose by returning to the very place that raised her. Growing up in East Chicago, Indiana, Vanessa’s hometown and tight-knit family provided the foundational launchpad for her ambitions. She always knew she wanted something bigger, setting her sights on a career as a lawyer. But as life took its natural, unpredictable turns, Vanessa found herself feeling deeply lost. In a brave move to find herself again, she decided to do the one thing she hadn't expected: she went back home. It was there, back on her old stomping grounds, that an unexpected opportunity to coach at her local high school changed everything. As Vanessa beautifully states during our chat, the kids saved her life. Reenergized by their spirit, she hustled fiercely to give the players a better athletic program, becoming their biggest champion. But fighting for the kids was just the beginning. That experience sparked a much bigger calling—a desire to serve her entire community at the highest level. Fueled by the deep-rooted resilience of her grandmothers, who served as a profound source of lifelong inspiration, and backed by the encouragement of the powerful female leaders in her life—her mother, mother-in-law, and aunt—Vanessa found the fire to speak up, run for office, and become an East Chicago Councilwoman. Today, she opens up about the natural backlash and rough waters that come with local politics, and how she keeps her focus when things get tough. Through it all, her guiding light remains unchanged: the kids, her community, and the hometown she loves. Join us for a moment to connect with the extraordinary story of a woman fighting for the future of her community. Hit subscribe, take a breath, and let’s see what we find together. /episode/index/show/822064d4-b086-4038-b207-9ffb12ece91b/id/41988170

Episode 3: Tre the Illusionist — Magic, The Hustle, and Childlike Wonder 06/30/2026

Episode 2: Jason Chan — The Dojo, The Dining Room, and The Big Fight…Cancer 06/23/2026

Michael "Murph" & Susan Murphy — The Secret, The Marriage, and The Grace to Choose Love 06/16/2026

Michael "Murph" & Susan Murphy — The Secret, The Marriage, and The Grace to Choose Love In this episode, I’m sitting down with Michael "Murph" Murphy and his wife, Susan Murphy, a couple who navigated a winding road paved with survival, a heavy secret, and a profound love that ultimately rewrote their family's script. At just 14 years old, after the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Murph found himself in the foster care system. Looking for a way to build a better life, he enlisted in the Air Force. It was during his service that he met someone special and experienced a deep, meaningful relationship—but at a time when society was far from accepting, holding onto that truth felt impossible. When that relationship ended, Murph took the path society expected: he married Susan, and together they spent 25 years building a beautiful family. But some truths cannot be hidden forever. Murph opens up about the weight of carrying his secret, and the immense bravery it took to finally come out to Susan after a quarter-century of marriage. Susan joins the conversation to share her side of the story—how she learned about her husband’s truth, and why, instead of walking away in anger, she chose to encourage him to finally start living his life authentically. We talk about how their family remained the absolute priority through it all, and how they navigated this massive personal shift with deep love, honesty, and mutual respect. Now retired, Murph turns his journey into advocacy by partnering with organizations like Vivent Health to support healthcare access for the LGBTQ+ community. This episode is a breathtaking reminder that a major life transition doesn’t mean letting go of the love you've built—it just means allowing it to evolve. I don’t know exactly where this podcast is going to take us, but listening to Murph and Susan reminds us that our true journeys often begin the moment we choose honesty. Join us for a moment to connect with the extraordinary stories of strangers who crossed my path. Hit subscribe, take a breath, and let’s see what we find together /episode/index/show/822064d4-b086-4038-b207-9ffb12ece91b/id/41659725

It's Been A Journey Podcast

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