Celebrate Your Story
Celebrate Your Story dives into the journeys of individuals from all walks of life who strive to make a difference, big or small. Through conversations with everyday heroes, changemakers, and those who uplift, we uncover the stories behind their personal growth and positive impact. Each episode celebrates triumphs, navigates challenges, and highlights the power of connection. Join us to be inspired by transformative paths that lead to purposeful living.
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Arthur Brooks Found The Keys To Happiness
01/15/2026
Arthur Brooks Found The Keys To Happiness
What if the real secret to happiness isn’t success, money, or achievement—but love, relationships, and how we show up for one another? In this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Professor Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and behavioral scientist who has dedicated his life to studying what makes people happy. Arthur is a best-selling author and one of the most thoughtful voices on happiness, faith, and meaning today. Our conversation goes far beyond theory. We discuss family, marriage, faith, money, purpose, and why many high-achieving individuals still feel empty. Arthur shares insights from decades of research, including why chasing “the number” never works, why love must come before ambition, and how happiness is built through enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning—not fleeting feelings. We explore the science behind relationships, the role of faith and prayer, the importance of commitment, and why serving others is the surest path to a meaningful life. As someone who’s spent nearly 50 years in the business of helping people express love through flowers and gifts, this conversation deeply resonated with me. It’s a reminder that while products may change, relationships are everything. If you’ve ever questioned what success is really for, how to live with greater purpose, or how to turn your life into something that truly matters—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
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The Power of Showing Up: Lessons from St. John’s
01/01/2026
The Power of Showing Up: Lessons from St. John’s
In this special Celebrate Your Story, I revisit my early years working at St. John’s Residence for Boys, a home for boys who couldn’t safely live with their families. It was a place where structure created stability and relationships created possibility. At the time, I was a young counselor, learning the job alongside the boys themselves. My days were shaped by schedules, shared meals, hard conversations, and small moments of trust earned over time. St. John’s showed me how much consistency matters, and how powerful it can be when a young person knows someone will show up for them, day after day. In this episode, I share stories from life inside St. John’s, including the boys who taught me resilience, the mentors who modeled patience and leadership, and the experiences that revealed how belief and guidance can shape a young person’s future. These relationships left a mark on me and influenced how I think about responsibility and leadership to this day. This episode reflects on service and the role we each play in creating environments where people can grow. It’s a reminder that our stories are formed through relationships — through the people we support, the lessons we pass on, and the communities that help us become who we’re meant to be.
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Celebrating Your Stories: Holiday Edition
12/18/2025
Celebrating Your Stories: Holiday Edition
As the holiday season unfolds, we’re reminded that the most meaningful traditions are often the simplest ones. In this Holiday Edition, I share heartfelt stories from our community about ornaments passed down through generations, small rituals that spark laughter, and traditions born from love, creativity, and sometimes even necessity. These moments, whether painted by little hands, forgotten cranberry sauce, or a New Year’s fairy known only to one family, remind us that holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection, memory, and the power we all have to create traditions that can last far beyond us.
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Celebrating Your Stories: December Birthdays Edition
12/12/2025
Celebrating Your Stories: December Birthdays Edition
December birthdays come with their own unique challenges — and their own unexpected joys. It’s a month when celebrations can feel overshadowed by holiday plans, winter weather, and the rush of the season. In this special episode of Celebrate Your Story , Jim reflects on the notes and memories Celebrations Pulse readers have shared about what it’s really like to have a birthday in December. Community members share how they learned to embrace the timing, carve out their own traditions, and appreciate the way a December birthday can bring everyone a little closer. From feeling lost in the swirl of “birthmas” gifts to discovering the perks of a season already filled with warmth and togetherness, these stories show that meaning comes from the people who make space for us.
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Celebrate Your Stories: Grief Edition
12/04/2025
Celebrate Your Stories: Grief Edition
Grief is one of the toughest journeys we face and one every one of us walks through it at some point in our lives. In this special mini-episode of Celebrate Your Story, Jim reflects on the stories Celebrations Pulse readers shared about loss, healing, and the ways we show up for one another. From the wisdom of “there’s no timeline for grief” to the power of a buddy check, these stories remind us that comfort grows from simple presence. Community members share how they endured unimaginable loss, found strength in counseling groups, leaned on faith, celebrated beautiful memories, and learned to let grief move through them instead of fighting it.
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Celebrating Your Stories: Caregivers Edition
11/27/2025
Celebrating Your Stories: Caregivers Edition
In this mini-episode, we honor the quiet heroes among us caregivers. Through personal reflections, we explore the gratitude, challenges, and unexpected blessings that come with caring for someone you love. It’s a story of family, community, selflessness, and the powerful legacy passed from one generation to the next. This episode is a reminder that caregiving isn’t just responsibility — it’s love, connection, and the heart of what holds families together.
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Celebrating Your Stories: Thanksgiving Edition
11/24/2025
Celebrating Your Stories: Thanksgiving Edition
Thanksgiving is more than a meal — it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and share gratitude. In this short conversation, we explore the traditions that bring families together: opening your home to others, celebrating the small joys, and honoring the rituals that connect generations. From stories of community to simple moments of thankfulness, this episode reminds us why this holiday still means so much.
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From the NBA to a Fresh Start: Jayson Williams’ Second Act | With Jayson Williams
11/20/2025
From the NBA to a Fresh Start: Jayson Williams’ Second Act | With Jayson Williams
In this very special episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with someone many of you know well: former NBA All-Star and legendary rebounder Jayson Williams. After a brilliant career cut short by injuries, Jayson went through some very dark years — addiction, public struggle, and eventually incarceration. But he refused to let his past define him. Instead, he chose gratitude, accountability, and the hard work of rebuilding. In doing so, he’s helping others rebuild their lives too. Jayson walks me through the journey that led him to create REBOUND, a program grounded in outdoor adventure and spiritual grounding for adults in recovery and returning from incarceration. From paddleboarding to skydiving, REBOUND gives its participants confidence, connection, and a sense of possibility. He also shares his newest effort, REBOUND on the Road, an eight-week truck-driving program in Nassau County that helps people earn commercial licenses and take their first steps toward meaningful careers. This is a story about resilience and the power of lifting others as you rise. I hope you’ll tune in to hear Jayson’s extraordinary second act and the impact he’s making every day.
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Everyone Has a Story: Why It's Time to Tell Yours | With Kindra Hall
11/06/2025
Everyone Has a Story: Why It's Time to Tell Yours | With Kindra Hall
I’ve always believed that stories are how we make sense of life. They’re how we connect, teach, and remember. Whether it’s a tale passed around a dinner table or one shared in a business meeting, the right story can bridge generations and bring people closer together. In this week’s Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Kindra Hall, a bestselling author and expert in storytelling who’s helped thousands of people learn how to share their stories with authenticity. Kindra believes that every person’s story has value, even the ones we might think are too ordinary or small. Our conversation reminded me that the best stories don’t need to be perfect, just honest. We talk about the importance of finding the heart in our experiences, how to match stories to the messages we want to share, and why self-deprecating moments often connect us most deeply to others. Take a moment to reflect on your own story and the lessons you’ve learned, the people who’ve shaped you, and the moments that have made you who you are. When we share those stories, we tell people who we are and remind them they’re not alone.
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Turning a School Project into a Business With Purpose | With Karen Patrohay
10/23/2025
Turning a School Project into a Business With Purpose | With Karen Patrohay
October is Month — a reminder to celebrate the talents and contributions of people with all abilities. In this episode of Celebrate Your Story, we meet Karen Patrohay, a mother whose love and dedication helped her son Michael turn a high school project into a thriving business: . It all began in 2017, when Michael, then a high school senior, was assigned a project tied to his career aspirations. With help from his loyal dog, Sunshine, he cooked up a plan to bake and sell wholesome, homemade dog treats. Inspired by the school assignment and guided by Karen, Michael’s idea eventually blossomed into a full-service pet boutique, complete with retail, grooming, and a kitchen — while also providing meaningful employment for people with special needs. Karen first shared her family’s journey with me as a Celebrations Pulse reader, and I was so moved by her story that I invited her to join us for this conversation. This episode is extra special because it’s co-hosted by my niece, Julie, who brings her own insights as a mother navigating similar challenges with her son. Together, they explore the highs, the challenges, and the heart behind creating opportunities for people with cognitive differences.
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Becoming a Pro: Lessons From a Rising Golf Star | With Pat Healy
10/09/2025
Becoming a Pro: Lessons From a Rising Golf Star | With Pat Healy
What if golf weren’t just a game, but the ultimate business playground? In this week’s Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Pat Healy, a Columbia graduate who recently made the leap into professional golf. Joining me for the conversation is my cohost, MiChaela Barker. Together, we explore the surprising parallels between golf and music, the role of metrics in mastering performance, and how social media can foster connection. Pat also shares his journey from college to the pro circuit, including what it takes to succeed, and how tools like AI can accelerate both personal growth and career strategy. Whether you’re passionate about golf, business, relationships, or building your personal brand, this episode will inspire you to rethink what success looks like on and off the course.
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Empowering Women Through Literature | With Julianna Glasse
09/25/2025
Empowering Women Through Literature | With Julianna Glasse
In this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Julianna Glasse, whose life has taken her from a conservative Christian upbringing to becoming a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Glasse opens up about how reading, music, and education became her tools of liberation and expression. She explains how literature, in particular, gave her and countless others the words and courage to challenge limitations, reimagine possibilities, and claim their voices in spaces where they were once silenced.
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Second Passports Second Chances | with Maha Abouelenein
09/11/2025
Second Passports Second Chances | with Maha Abouelenein
In this episode, Jim McCann sits down with Maha Abouelenein – global communications strategist, entrepreneur, and author of The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance. Maha shares her remarkable journey: · Growing up in Minnesota as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants · Leaving her successful U.S. career at 27 to care for her mother in Egypt · Starting over as a secretary and eventually becoming a business partner to a billionaire · Helping launch the internet and mobile networks across the Middle East · Leading communications for Google and Netflix in the region · Returning to the U.S. after 23 years abroad to reinvent herself again Along the way, Maha reveals powerful lessons on: Building a personal brand that matters Networking through service and value creation Why your reputation is your greatest currency How to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them Empowering women to lead and find their voice Her story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and self-reliance. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional, or student, Maha’s insights will inspire you to build your own path with confidence. 📖 Learn more about Maha’s book The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance: https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Self-Reliance-Moving-Invest-Yourself/dp/1401978665 🌐 Connect with Maha: https://digitalandsavvy.com 📱 Follow her on Instagram & YouTube: @MahaAbouelenein
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From Grief To Legacy: Keeping Memories Alive | with Nick Budabin
08/28/2025
From Grief To Legacy: Keeping Memories Alive | with Nick Budabin
In this conversation, filmmaker Nick Budabin shares his journey from working on MTV’s True Life to founding Keepsake Documentaries, a company dedicated to preserving family legacies through film. What began as a personal project after losing his father to cancer became a powerful way to help families capture memories, stories, and wisdom for future generations. Nick discusses how storytelling can aid in the grieving process, why every person has a story worth telling, and how technology and music bring these keepsake films to life. He also shares moving client stories, advice for families thinking about legacy projects, and his vision for the future of personal documentaries. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: · Nick’s early career in reality TV and documentaries · How grief inspired him to create his first legacy film · The birth of Keepsake Documentaries · Why recording stories helps families heal · Client stories that reveal the power of legacy films · How music and personal touches make films unforgettable · Advice for families wanting to preserve their legacy Keepsake Documentaries isn’t just about film—it’s about keeping memories alive forever. Whether you’ve lost a loved one or simply want to ensure your family’s story is remembered, this episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling. Learn more about Keepsake Documentaries: Website: keepsakedocumentaries.com Email: keepsakedocumentaries@gmail.com
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Is Being Good Enough?| With Heather A. Campbell
08/14/2025
Is Being Good Enough?| With Heather A. Campbell
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Heather A. Campbell — former ESPN “Synergy” lead turned entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and author of Good Is Amazing. Heather shares her remarkable journey from holding unique corporate titles like “Head of Alchemy” to founding Ready Set Recover, a groundbreaking program that helps surgery patients prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for better outcomes. In this episode, Heather reveals: • How she pivoted from corporate life to healthcare innovation • The surprising habits that boost recovery and reduce stress before surgery • Why “good” can be more than enough when building a fulfilling life • How gratitude, mindfulness, and daily rituals can transform your well-being • The importance of knowing what you truly want — and asking for it Whether you’re preparing for surgery, seeking healthier habits, or looking for a spark of positivity, Heather’s wisdom will leave you feeling empowered and inspired. Learn more about Heather’s work and book: https://www.heatheracampbell.com If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.
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How This Rabbi Uses THE BEATLES to Teach His Faith | with Rabbi David Katz
07/31/2025
How This Rabbi Uses THE BEATLES to Teach His Faith | with Rabbi David Katz
Whether you’re religious, spiritual, agnostic, or simply curious—this conversation will move you, challenge you, and leave you thinking. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Rabbi David Katz, whose journey from the opera stage to the pulpit is as profound as it is inspiring. This episode weaves together threads of identity, transformation, faith, music, community, and what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world. Rabbi David shares his story of being a professional opera singer before becoming a cantor and ultimately a rabbi. Through candid storytelling, he opens up about his experiences with addiction and recovery, his evolving understanding of faith, and how he bridges the sacred and the secular in both his personal life and his leadership within the Jewish community.
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How One Woman REBUILT Her City for a More INCLUSIVE Future | with Denise Resnik
07/17/2025
How One Woman REBUILT Her City for a More INCLUSIVE Future | with Denise Resnik
They said her son would never live on his own...now he thrives in the community she built. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Denise Resnik, trailblazing founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center and First Place AZ. From her son’s autism diagnosis at age two to reshaping real estate with purpose, Denise’s story is one of innovation, advocacy, and unshakable love. She shares how she went from launching a real estate marketing firm to transforming blighted buildings into vibrant mixed-use housing communities that integrate people with autism, seniors, and the broader public. We discuss the heartbreak of being told to institutionalize her son, the grit it took to build new systems from scratch, and the vision behind a new marketplace for housing and community that includes everyone. Now leading a national movement through First Place’s Global Leadership Institute and the Vote the Spectrum initiative, Denise is proving that when we plan for inclusion, we build something better for all of us.
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He Sold Art on the Sidewalk...Now He’s the MOST Licensed Artist in the World | with Romero Britto
07/02/2025
He Sold Art on the Sidewalk...Now He’s the MOST Licensed Artist in the World | with Romero Britto
Before his art graced the Vatican and the Olympics, he was washing dishes and selling paintings on the street. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Romero Britto, the world-renowned pop artist whose signature style has become a universal symbol of joy. From humble beginnings in Brazil to collaborating with Disney, Absolut, and FIFA, Romero’s journey is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and reinvention. He opens up about walking away from a career in diplomacy to pursue his passion, selling art on the sidewalks of Miami, and turning a struggling storefront into his first gallery by painting over the walls of a beauty salon. We also dive into his personal story of love and loss, the influence of one special teacher, and the importance of building genuine friendships that ask for nothing in return. Now with a mission to open his art palace to the public, create installations across the globe, and inspire the next generation through education and color, Romero reminds us that life, like art, is better when it’s bold, vibrant, and full of heart.
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He Nearly Took His Life. Now He’s Saving Others. THE REAL Movement with Shawn Lesser
06/19/2025
He Nearly Took His Life. Now He’s Saving Others. THE REAL Movement with Shawn Lesser
The day he begged his wife to kill him was the day everything changed. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Shawn Lesser, an impact investor turned mental health advocate whose life took a dramatic turn in the fall of 2022. What started as a persistent depression spiraled into a full mental health crisis, one that led to hospitalization, months in treatment centers, and ultimately, a complete reinvention of purpose. Shawn opens up about the emotional toll of losing his identity after stepping away from the investment firm he co-founded, and how a simple text from a friend became the first step toward rebuilding his life. That friend became his “mental health sponsor,” and together they launched The Real, a movement to support men’s mental health through conversation, community, and change. Today, Shawn’s mission is bold: help 10 million men by 2030, break the stigma around mental health, and channel billions of dollars into the space. From investor summits in Davos to grassroots mental health walks around the world, his journey is a powerful reminder that healing often begins with telling the truth.
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She’s Been in Agonizing Pain for 30 YEARS and STILL Smiles Every Day
06/05/2025
She’s Been in Agonizing Pain for 30 YEARS and STILL Smiles Every Day
"I told my husband he could leave—I had just been diagnosed with an incurable pain disease less than a year into our marriage… but he stayed. And that’s when I decided I was going to fight, not just for me, but for everyone like me." On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Beth Stillitano, a former teacher whose life was turned upside down at just 24 years old after a seemingly minor fall led to a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a rare and excruciating neurological disease often called “the suicide disease.” Beth shares her emotional journey through years of relentless pain, misdiagnoses, and opioid dependency, and how she eventually found healing through therapy, mindfulness, and community. But her story doesn’t end with survival, it’s about purpose. Beth went on to co-found Fight the Flame, a national nonprofit supporting CRPS patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. Her mission: to make sure no one faces this invisible illness alone. This is a story about pain, resilience, and the power of showing up for yourself, your family, and the millions who suffer in silence.
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American HERO Was Given a 15% Chance of Survival, but he had a PROMISE to Keep | Israel Del Toro
05/22/2025
American HERO Was Given a 15% Chance of Survival, but he had a PROMISE to Keep | Israel Del Toro
"I was going to break my promise to my dad that I would take care of my family… and that’s when I told myself, 'D.T., I’m not going to die here.'" In this powerful episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Senior Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro, a true American hero. From a childhood marked by hardship and the loss of both parents at a young age to becoming a decorated Air Force special warfare operator, DT’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He shares the harrowing day in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb left him with burns over 80 percent of his body, a 15 percent chance of survival, and an uncertain future. But what followed defied all odds. DT not only survived, he walked out of the hospital, re-enlisted as the first 100 percent disabled airman in U.S. history, and went on to inspire thousands through public speaking, Paralympic sports, and mentorship.
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She Built a $1.5M Movement From Her Kitchen Table | with Hali Lee
05/08/2025
She Built a $1.5M Movement From Her Kitchen Table | with Hali Lee
In this week’s Celebrate Your Story, I’m thrilled to hand the mic to my colleague, MiChaela Barker, for a conversation with Hali Lee, a remarkable philanthropist, author, and the founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle. Through her dynamic storytelling and rich cultural perspective, Hali shares how growing up as a Korean American in Kansas City and learning from generations of strong women shaped her commitment to community, generosity, and justice. Hali Lee is a seasoned nonprofit leader and a pioneer in the giving circle movement. As the founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle, she has helped raise and distribute over $1.5 million to support Asian American women, girls, and gender-expansive artists in New York City. Her debut book, The Big We, published by Sweet July Books, challenges top-down philanthropy and invites readers to embrace collective care, mutual aid, and everyday activism. Hali and MiChaela discuss the power of giving circles, the legacy of kitchen-table activism, and the urgent need to shift from a mindset of “me” to “we.” From her grandmother’s quiet resistance in colonial Korea to her mother-in-law flipping a local election at 93, Hali draws a powerful throughline between personal story and civic impact. She reminds us that meaningful change doesn’t require wealth or fame; it just requires community, intention, and the courage to act.
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She Lost BOTH Parents in ONE DAY But Still Shows Up on the Sidelines | with Lauren Sisler
04/25/2025
She Lost BOTH Parents in ONE DAY But Still Shows Up on the Sidelines | with Lauren Sisler
At 18, Lauren Sisler experienced the unimaginable: she lost both of her parents in a single day to prescription drug overdoses. As part of our special April series on faith, meaning, and human connection, I sit down with Lauren Sisler, ESPN and SEC Network reporter, former NCAA gymnast, and author of Shatterproof. Known for her vibrant presence on the sidelines, Lauren opens up about the hidden story behind her strength: the sudden, life-altering loss that changed everything. We explore her journey from silence to advocacy, how she learned to carry grief while rediscovering joy, and why faith, vulnerability, and community have been central to her healing. Lauren shares how writing her book helped her piece together the truth and how she now uses her platform to help others own their stories too, both the painful and the powerful. We also dive into: The early dreams she let go of and the new ones that took their place How she balances motherhood, marriage, and the high demands of sports broadcasting Her journey of faith, from small-town churches to rediscovering purpose through loss The “sideline shimmy” that became both her anxiety outlet and her signature move At its heart, Lauren’s story is about resilience, identity, and what it means to show up fully, honestly, and with faith, no matter what life brings.
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One of the First 100 Women to FLY a BLACK HAWK | with Elizabeth McCormick
04/11/2025
One of the First 100 Women to FLY a BLACK HAWK | with Elizabeth McCormick
Before she wore a flight suit, she was working in a pizza shop with a degree she couldn’t use. In this episode, retired U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot Elizabeth McCormick shares how she went from unexpected career detours to becoming one of the first 100 women to fly the Black Hawk helicopter in the Army. She opens up about what it took to survive Warrant Officer Candidate School, where women had to meet the same physical standards as men. Running in boots, carrying gear, and enduring grueling training whittled seven women down to just two. But the biggest battle was the mental one. As the only woman in her flight school class, Elizabeth faced open hostility from a biased instructor who tried to make her fail, but she refused to quit. Instead, she took the controls and rewrote the script, both in the cockpit and in her life. Now a disabled veteran and sought-after motivational speaker, Elizabeth has built a thriving career helping others tap into their potential. She shares how her PILOT framework — potential, implementation, leadership, optimal performance, and tenacity — empowers people to push past limitations, rise under pressure, and take control of their own path.
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Celebrating Life After Auschwitz: Edith Gross's Story
03/27/2025
Celebrating Life After Auschwitz: Edith Gross's Story
At just 15 years old, Edith was forced from her home and sent to Auschwitz, where she faced unimaginable horrors. For decades, she kept her story buried. But now, at 96 years old, she is ready to speak. Edith Gross is a Holocaust survivor who has chosen to celebrate life, building a happy and loving family despite the tragedies she endured. Her resilience has been her guiding force. Now, she educates others about the atrocities she survived and the strength that carried her forward. I had the privilege of sitting down with Edith to hear her harrowing yet inspiring journey, the survival, the losses she endured, and how she has found joy, family, and purpose in the years since.
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INVENTING an App for Special Needs Adults to Make Authentic Friendships!
03/14/2025
INVENTING an App for Special Needs Adults to Make Authentic Friendships!
Michael Fetherman, diagnosed with ADHD and autism, always struggled to make friends—a challenge faced by so many individuals with special needs. Seeing this firsthand, his sister, Juliana Fetherman, set out to change the narrative. She created Making Authentic Friendships, an app designed to connect people with special needs based on their age, interests, and location. The app’s name isn’t just a mission statement, it also carries Michael’s initials, a tribute to her brother who inspired this initiative. Now 24 and having recently completed her MBA at Sacred Heart University, Juliana is dedicated to fostering connections and expanding a supportive community for individuals with special needs. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Juliana, her parents Andy and Mary, and her brother Michael to celebrate their dedication to inclusion, their impact on the special needs community, and how they continue to inspire others through friendship, family, and forward-thinking solutions.
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She Met the Mother of Her HEART Donor 18 Years Later!
02/27/2025
She Met the Mother of Her HEART Donor 18 Years Later!
At just 13 years old, she suffered sudden heart failure, and doctors told her parents she wouldn’t survive. But thanks to the selflessness of a grieving mother, she was given a second chance at life. Jen Lentini is a heart transplant recipient who has dedicated her life to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation. Her journey from an unexpected health crisis to receiving a new heart and reconnecting with her donor’s family has shaped her passion for advocacy. Through her work with organizations like the American Heart Association and Long Island TRIO, she shares her story to encourage others to become donors and make a lasting impact. I had the honor of sitting down with Jennifer and exploring her incredible story, the challenges of her recovery, and how she continues to honor the gift she was given by celebrating each and every day like a birthday.
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Her VIRAL Campaign Helps over 1000 Widows EACH YEAR!
02/14/2025
Her VIRAL Campaign Helps over 1000 Widows EACH YEAR!
When Ashley Manning’s son started preschool, she learned that his teacher had recently lost her husband to cancer. As Valentine’s Day approached, Ashley felt a deep pull to offer comfort. So, she arranged a bouquet and gifted it to her, simply acknowledging how hard the day must be. She was moved, and months later, she shared just how much that small act of kindness had meant. In that moment, Ashley realized the profound impact of showing up for someone in grief—a lesson that would soon blossom into something far greater. The Valentine's Day Widow Outreach Project, founded by Ashley Manning of Pretty Things by A.E. Manning, brings comfort and support to widows on a day that can feel especially lonely. What started as a small gesture of delivering a few bouquets has grown into a heartfelt movement, with hundreds of volunteers reaching widows across multiple cities. Through bouquets, the project offers a powerful reminder to those in grief that they are not alone. Manning’s initiative not only uplifts widows but also fosters a spirit of community and connection. In today’s episode of Celebrate Your Story, Bridget Hogue Costello, Head of Experiences at 1-800-Flowers.com, sits down with Ashley to explore the emotional struggle widows can feel during Valentine’s Day, community strength, and the idea of giving as a gift.
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Media's Next Chapter: Innovation and Community with Chris Licht
12/26/2024
Media's Next Chapter: Innovation and Community with Chris Licht
Jim sits down with media executive Chris Licht for an insightful conversation on the future of broadcasting and content creation. From his experiences leading major networks to his observations on streaming's impact on traditional media, Chris shares his unique perspective on where the industry is headed. The discussion explores emerging technologies, the value of truth in media, and how genuine community engagement remains central to successful content - whether on traditional networks or new platforms. New podcast episodes released weekly on Thursday. Follow along with the links below: Sign up for the Celebrations Chatter Newsletter: Subscribe to Celebrations Chatter on YouTube: Follow @CelebrationsChatter on Instagram: Follow @CelebrationsChatter on Threads: Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Apple Podcasts: Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Spotify: Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Google Podcasts: Visit 1-800-Flowers.com: Visit the 1-800-Flowers.com YouTube Channel: Follow Jim McCann on LinkedIn: Follow Jim McCann on X / Twitter: (@Jim1800Flowers)
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Securing America's Future: Inside DHS's Modern Defense Strategy with Robert Silvers
12/18/2024
Securing America's Future: Inside DHS's Modern Defense Strategy with Robert Silvers
In this episode of Celebrations Chatter, Jim sits down with Robert Silvers, Under Secretary for Policy at the Department of Homeland Security, for an insightful discussion on national security, cybersecurity, and public service. Robert shares his journey from practicing law to government service, including how he helped transform DHS's approach to cybersecurity under both the Obama and Biden administrations. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of cyber threats, the critical importance of public-private partnerships in defending against attacks, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping security challenges and solutions. Jim and Robert examine the intersection of innovation, security, and public service in today's rapidly changing world. New podcast episodes released weekly on Thursday. Follow along with the links below: Sign up for the Celebrations Chatter Newsletter: Subscribe to Celebrations Chatter on YouTube: Follow @CelebrationsChatter on Instagram: Follow @CelebrationsChatter on Threads: Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Apple Podcasts: Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Spotify: Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Google Podcasts: Visit 1-800-Flowers.com: Visit the 1-800-Flowers.com YouTube Channel: Follow Jim McCann on LinkedIn: Follow Jim McCann on X / Twitter: (@Jim1800Flowers)
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