The Journey of My Mother's Son
My name is Dan Clouser. I am a podcast host, author and a speaker. I founded and ran a nonprofit youth sports organization for 30 years called the Berkshire Baseball & Softball Club, which later became the BIG Vision Foundation. We ran teams, tournaments and a 130 acre sports complex. I loved every second of what I did. I loved working with kids and teaching them leadership skills and life lessons through sports and community service. I thought that I would have died doing what I loved. Then in 2019, I felt a calling from God for my wife, Sandy, and I. We decided to leave our comfort zone and start a new journey. A literal journey, selling most of our material things and setting out across this beautiful country in an RV with our golden retriever, Youkilis. Sounds crazy, but it was also destined to happen. You see I was raised by a hippy named Loretta Magary, she was a free spirit who quit her job and embarked on her own journey in the mid-1980’s. Her journey started in a 1967 Plymouth Valiant with the back seat removed to make a bed and a .38 Special for protection. She later evolved into a 1978 Toyota camper. After she passed away in 2005, we were able to experience a small part of her journey by going through her old photos and letters. The people that she met along the way were amazing. I’ll be conducting speaking engagements and writing more books on our travels. More importantly, this is our chance to continue my mother’s legacy of giving back through volunteering. We will tell the stories of the people that we meet along the way through this podcast, blogging, and social media. This is truly “The Journey of My Mother’s Son” and as Michael Franti says in the opening verse of his song, “Gloria,” “When many little people in many little places, Do many little things, then the whole world changes.” It will be our job to share and tell the stories of those “Many Little People” through this podcast and my writing. Some of the people that we interview may be famous, most will not be, but they’ll all have a story to tell about the difference they’re making. Some stories will still have a sports theme, others spiritual, some will be about music, others about food, some will talk about travel, but all will be about the many little people, in the many little places who are doing the many little things to make the whole world change. We pray that you enjoy these stories and are inspired to do your own little things to make this world a better place for all of us.
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Katharine Giovanni – Forgive & Flourish
03/14/2025
Katharine Giovanni – Forgive & Flourish
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Katharine Giovanni. Katharine Giovanni is a three-time award-winning best-selling author, dynamic speaker, advisor, and forgiveness coach. She is recognized as one of the original founders of the independent concierge industry. With over a dozen published books to her name, including her popular title 'The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness: Unlocking Your Power,' Katharine delves deep into the transformative art of forgiveness. Unlike conventional wisdom that simply urges you to forgive, Katharine provides a groundbreaking step-by-step process in her latest work. She explores the intricacies of forgiving the unforgivable and guides readers on how to truly let go of past hurts and move forward with authenticity. Katharine’s journey is as inspiring as it is enlightening. From surviving stage 3 breast cancer to overcoming a turbulent childhood marked by a suicide attempt, she has emerged with profound insights into resilience and forgiveness. Her personal experiences have shaped her understanding of human dynamics, and she openly shares these invaluable lessons with compassion and clarity. Beyond forgiveness, Katharine is passionate about unleashing the power of intuition in everyday life. Having kept her own intuitive gifts hidden for years, she now empowers others to embrace and harness their innate sixth sense. She believes that recognizing and cultivating intuitive abilities can revolutionize workplace dynamics, fostering deeper insights and innovation among colleagues. Whether through her books, speaking engagements, or consulting sessions, Katharine Giovanni is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations tap into their full potential. Her approach is refreshingly practical and deeply transformative, making her a sought-after voice in the fields of forgiveness, intuition, personal empowerment, and the concierge and hospitality industries. Visit her website at www.KatharineGiovanni.com and tune in to her engaging podcast appearances where she dives into these compelling topics. Get ready to embark on a journey of forgiveness, intuition, and personal growth like never before. To find out more about Christy, you can check out her website at .
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Mark Connor – It’s About Time
03/07/2025
Mark Connor – It’s About Time
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with fellow author, Mark Connor. Mark Connor is a Boxing Trainer and a Writer from Saint Paul, Minnesota. His first book, It’s About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad), is a saga wrapped around a package of poems, guarded by angels. Through an autobiography reading like a novel, he weaves together a story of love, family, and life with twenty poems running through it, sharing his growth in the Catholic faith, the influence of Irish heritage in his hometown’s American identity, his exploration of Lakota tradition within the urban American Indian community, and his understanding of how truth found in different spiritual approaches can lead others—as it led himself back—to its fullness in the revelation of Christ. Mark Connor grew up in Saint Paul, calling himself the product of a “mixed marriage,” because his father—a combat wounded Vietnam veteran—grew up across the street from St. Columba parish in the Midway district, while his mother—a school teacher who later became a lawyer—came from the Holy Rosary parish “across the border, in South Minneapolis.” Born in Minneapolis and raised in Saint Paul, he began boxing at age 10, at the Mexican American Boxing Club on the city’s East Side, the area of the city from which he formed his understanding of the world, anchoring his perception of direction to the family house and the rising of the sun outside his bedroom window. He had 102 amateur fights, made it to three national tournaments, and competed against some of the nation’s top world class boxers. He became the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves lightweight champion at 17 and traveled to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, two days after graduating high school, competing in the 1987 trials for the Pan American Games. Raised in the East Side parish of St. Pascal Baylon, where he attended first through sixth grade, Mark’s father, a graduate of [Bishop] Cretin High School in Saint Paul, insisted Mark and his brother, David (13 days less than one year older than Mark), each attend its rival, St. Thomas Academy, in suburban Mendota Heights, from 7th through 12th grade, an all-boys Catholic Military high school. Having begun writing seriously at 16 and starting college at 18, Mark began an internal struggle between the academic path and boxing, spending one and a half years, respectively, at three schools—Regis University in Denver, Co., the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, and the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis—earning his BA in English from the University of Minnesota. He was inactive as a boxer for only one and a half of those years, but never felt he was able to reach his potential while emersed in study, so upon graduation, he continued Boxing. Mark boxed competitively for two and half more years, then, deciding not to follow his gym mates—two of whom became world champions—in a professional boxing career, and believing it was already late in life to join the military, he went on an adventure, driving to Seattle, WA, securing a job on a salmon fishing boat headed to Southeast Alaska. A Year later, instead of returning to the commercial fisherman’s life, he traveled with a friend to a Lakota Sundance ceremony on the Rosebud reservation, leading eventually to a job at Aín Dah Yung (Our Home) Center, a Native American Indian temporary emergency homeless shelter for youth aged 5 to 17, in Saint Paul. Within this setting, continuing to write freelance articles and periodically working on fiction and poetry, he eventually began a personal training service and worked with both competitive and recreational boxers, as well professionals and amateurs, wrote about boxing, and contemplated his faith. While recognizing that truth, goodness, and beauty are indeed present in the faith traditions of the indigenous community of friends welcoming him, as both a guest and a relative, he eventually reembraced the beauty, goodness, and truth of his Catholic faith and has since attempted to responsibly discern God’s will for him, according to his legitimate talents and desires. Within that sincere effort, at the end of September, 2019, his father, who’d been patiently guiding him, died from a heat attack, just before America—and the world—appeared to enter a new era of chaos within which we are attempting to stabilize ourselves. Mark wrote the first lines of his book, It’s About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad) the day his father died, Monday, September 30, 2019. However, over the next year, as his country went through the impeachment and acquittal of a president, endured the trauma of an economic shutdown over a mysterious virus coming from a lab leak in China, and his beloved Twin Cities blew up in fiery riots, Mark worked when he could (the Boxing gyms and churches were closed due to Governor’s orders), helped his mother who was diagnosed with a fatal heart disease, and daily mourned his father. He helped protect American Indian buildings with American Indian Movement (AIM) Patrol, and he eventually got part-time work as a bouncer, working bar security when restaurants were allowed to reopen. But he didn’t do much until, as Christmas 2020 approached, he resolved that in the coming year he would do something with which his father would be happy. Organizing himself and setting his goal, he began writing the book his father—who’d nagged Mark about always insisting he was a writer yet never publishing a book—was never to see published in his earthly lifetime. Beginning the daily process of writing on February 9, 2021, Mark completed the first draft of It’s About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad) just before Easter on the Monday of Holy Week, March 29, 2021. In this book he tells the tale of his search for a meaningful life, appreciating the gift of God’s love that life actually is, and how he sees now that the guardian angels were always guiding him and his family through it all. A contract with a humble little local publisher was severed over editorial differences on Christmas Eve, 2022, so Mark relied on his father’s gift, his high school education, accepting help from his St. Thomas Academy contacts, specifically his literary advisor, Dan Flynn (Author of Famous Minnesotans: Past and Present) and legal advisor Kelly Rowe, and Mark’s classmate, Tony Zirnhelt, and the book won the 2024 Irish Network Minnesota Bloomsday Literary Award and was published, through Connemara Patch Press, on Father’s Day, June 16. Unfortunately, Mark’s mother, who’d read the manuscript, never saw it in print, having collapsed in his arms and died October 22, 2023. Yet Mark continues on in hopeful and confident prayer that she—Mrs. Nanette Jane Connor—is watching over him, as she promised she would, next to his father—Robert J. Connor—while gazing perpetually into the Beatific Vision of the face of God. To find out more about Mark, you can check out his website at https://boxersandwritersmagazine.com/.
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Mike Brennan – Release Creativity
02/28/2025
Mike Brennan – Release Creativity
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Mike Brennan. I first met Mike back in 2019 at the Growth Now Movement Live Summit hosted by my friend, Justin Schenck in our old hometown of Reading, Pennsyvania. We reconnected in November of 2024 when we were both speaking at The Thing in Orlando, Florida, which was hosted by Terry Weaver. Mike Brennan, author of Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again, is not just a Creative Consultant and Communicator; he's a passionate advocate for reigniting the lost art of fun and creativity in our lives. In his book, Make Fun a Habit, Mike takes readers on a captivating journey, drawing from personal experiences of resilience and moments of light in the darkest times. Through this journey, he uncovers the secrets to rediscovering fun, infusing every day with play, and unlocking our innate creative potential. Mike's expertise extends beyond the pages of his book, as he has been instrumental in helping renowned clients such as Heineken and Chase Bank infuse creativity, innovation, and yes, fun, into their work. His artwork has graced prestigious spaces like the Ronald McDonald House and the I.D.E.A. Museum in Mesa, Arizona. His educational journey includes studying in New York City and graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology and The School of Visual Arts. What sets Mike apart is his commitment to helping individuals and organizations harness the transformative power of creativity in their daily lives and businesses. He offers a unique Daily Creative Habit process, honed over a decade of personal practice, to empower individuals and businesses to integrate innovation into their routines. His methods encompass time management, goal-driven creativity, and a sustainable approach to making innovation a seamless part of daily life and work. In a world where the daily grind often overshadows the pursuit of happiness, Mike stands as a beacon of hope. His message is clear: embrace the adventure that life offers, and discover how incorporating creativity and fun into your routine can lead to a more vibrant, fulfilling existence. Through his words, art, actions, and unwavering dedication to the cause, Mike inspires us all to make fun not just a habit but a way of life. To find out more about Mike, you can check out his website at .
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Joe Engler – Baseball, Books, and Music
02/21/2025
Joe Engler – Baseball, Books, and Music
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Joe Engler. Joe played for our organization back in 2003. He was on our Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League (ACBL) team between his sophomore and junior seasons at Minot State University in North Dakota. I refer to him as one of my old players, but he never actually played a game for me, he just played in our organization. He was one of the players who I really connected with while he was with us. Joe and I talk about the life lessons that the game of baseball taught him and how he is using them today in both his work and personal life. Joe is now an Associate Professor and Director of School Psychology at Gonzaga University. Dr. Engler received his BA in psychology at Minot State University in Minot, ND and his Ph.D. in school psychology at The University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. Dr. Engler began his professional career as a school psychologist in Tooele, UT and remains active in the profession through advocacy and leadership at the local, state, and national level. Dr. Engler holds the Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential through the National Association of School Psychologists and is a diplomate in school neuropsychology through the American Board of School Neuropsychology. His research interests include preschool assessment, critical evaluation of psychometric tests, and parental involvement. Joe recently co-authored his second book titled, “Essentials of Addressing Infants, Toddlers, and Pre-schoolers.” It will be released in early April of 2025. We wrap the conversation up by talking about Joe’s recent love for playing music. He, his wife, and a group of friends recently started the cover band, Close Enough, in which Joe plays lead guitar. Joe was also inducted into the Minot State University Hall of Fame in September of 2024. If you’re ever in the Spokane area and want to see the band play somewhere, check them out on social media on either or .
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Paul Zolman – Role of Love
02/14/2025
Paul Zolman – Role of Love
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Paul Zolman. Paul has created a new way to demonstrate the principles of the love languages. It's a profound way to learn all five love languages to give them away. By giving them away, your vision will improve to the point that you can see them coming your way and respond appropriately. The system is so easy that even young children can be trained in this love giving system. Spoiler alert: it's a game where everyone wins. Paul is also the international bestselling author of the Role of Love, but the true author of love is God. In His wisdom, He placed us in a variety of circumstances that require us to find our way back to His pure love. So, what qualifies Paul to speak about love? His childhood experience was the opposite of love. From that austere beginning, and the distaste it formed inside him, He searched for and eventually created a method that transformed his life from anger to loving everyone. Growing up in a family of abuse, physical touch became his preferred love style, only because of the regularity. He could almost count on it. It was consistent. He came to think that was the way to express love. But deep inside, he knew that was a twisted belief. He wanted a better life for himself, which is why he created a paradigm shift that works. In the book, you’ll find what helped him move from a childhood boot camp of abuse to being a person who loves everyone and can find good about anyone in any circumstance. This is truly the role of love. To find out more about Paul, you can check out his website at .
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Matthew Lesko – Finding Money
02/07/2025
Matthew Lesko – Finding Money
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Matthew Lesko. Matthew is an energetic, passionate advocate with over 40 years of experience helping Americans access billions in government funding. Known for his colorful suits and infectious enthusiasm, he has made it his mission to reveal hidden pathways to financial support for everyday people. With a background that includes over 100 television appearances on Oprah, Larry King Live, and Good Morning America, as well as more than 4 million books sold, Matthew is a captivating storyteller who connects with audiences from all walks of life. Today, at 81, Matthew is not slowing down. His community, Lesko Help, has grown to over 15,000 members, where he empowers individuals to cut through red tape and access funds they may not know exist. In a time of economic uncertainty, he’s dedicated to teaching people how to get the support they need from resources they already pay for with their tax dollars. Matthew’s story is compelling, timely, and actionable. He’s ready to share insights, demystify government programs, and inspire your audience to take advantage of resources designed to uplift them. With a lifetime of proven success and a mission to help everyone access free government support. To find out more about Matthew and some of the resources that are available, you can check out his website at . Here are links to some of the resources that Matthew spoke about during the show: If you’re senior, contact the Office of Aging at 1-800-677-1116 to get information on what resources may be available to you.
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Matt Taylor – Finding a Stronger You
01/31/2025
Matt Taylor – Finding a Stronger You
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Matt Taylor. Matt is the owner and founder of StrongerYou Personal Training as well as a powerlifting competitor at the world level. He has been competing since 2012 and has taken best lifter at AAU Worlds as a Sub-Junior athlete as well as being nationally qualified as a Men’s Open Athlete in the CPU. He holds competition PRs of 212.5kg in the squat, 145kg in the bench press, and 250kg in the deadlift. Matt has been training professionally since 2014 and has extensive continuing education in strength training, rehab, and sports performance. To find out more about Matt, you can check out his website at .
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Larry Schechter – The History of Fantasy Sports
01/24/2025
Larry Schechter – The History of Fantasy Sports
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Larry Schechter. Larry is the author of the 2014 Amazon bestseller “Winning Fantasy Baseball.” He has been called one of the best fantasy baseball players in the world. Larry was a two-time winner of the CDM Sports national salary cap contest, defeating 7,500 teams in 2002 and 6,000 teams in 2005. He has competed in the two most prestigious expert’s leagues, winning the USA Today-sponsored LABR league three times and the Tout Wars experts league six times. One of his keys to success in fantasy baseball is attention to detail. He used that ability in researching, conducting interviews, and writing his most recent book, “The History of Fantasy Sports.” It’s not written as a boring research paper, but rather tells the stories of the entrepreneurs who created an industry that has gone worldwide. More than 50 million men and women in the USA play fantasy sports. 200 million play fantasy Cricket in India. There’s never been a book like this and it’s getting rave reviews. Fantasy sports have become a cultural phenomenon, where five nuns in a convent co-manage a football team, where a plumber and the CEO of a major company sit next to each other at a draft table talking like they’re best buddies. It brings together co-workers, parents and their children, and keeps college friends in touch for years after graduation. Fantasy sports have become as ingrained in American culture as baseball and apple pie. And they have spread worldwide. There are versions of these games for football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, cricket, bull riding, bass fishing, Iditarod and many more. It is one of the most popular forms of entertainment today. But the millions who play mostly have no idea about the people and events that created this phenomenon. The History of Fantasy Sports provides the first complete telling of how we got from the spontaneous ideas for games years ago, to the multi-billion-dollar industry of today. Larry spent 18 months researching and interviewing dozens of key players, pioneers, and entrepreneurs to uncover their stories. This reader-friendly book is ready to take its place alongside some of the best in sports history. You will be entertained and inspired by these stories of humble beginnings turned into multi-million-dollar enterprises. Schechter does a great job of capturing the passion, obsession, and love of the game behind these businesses. Larry is now retired and lives in Florida. You can follow him on To pick up a copy of Larry’s newest book, check it out on .
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Christy Forsyth – Listen to Your Soul
01/17/2025
Christy Forsyth – Listen to Your Soul
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Christy Forsyth. Christy is a Soul Therapist, Spiritual Guide, and Energy Queen. She uses her intuitive abilities to help people shine brighter, live with intention, discover their inner magic, and reach their highest potential. On the other side of her own spiritual awakening and reconnecting with her intuitive gifts, she let it guide her to get out of her head and into living the life her soul was calling for! Now she uses the same powerful techniques to help others find their magical life. Christy brings over 20 years of experience in the helping field, blending her skills as an Intuitive, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Life Coach, Energy Healing Practitioner, and Clinical Hypnotherapist into her unique Soul Therapy coaching. Creator of the Clarity by Christy Membership, she uses her gifts to connect with energy and Angels, guiding others toward their most aligned, joyful life. With a passion for spiritual growth, intuitive understanding, and a magical, purpose-filled existence, she has empowered countless individuals through spiritual awakening and energy mastery, transforming lives for the better. Her method for living a more magical life is simple and easy to follow. It combines understanding how your energy field interacts with the world around you, tuning in to your intuitive guidance system, and tapping into your manifestation powers to create your very own heaven on earth. To find out more about Christy, you can check out her website at .
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Jan & Gary Crosby – The Last Frontier
01/10/2025
Jan & Gary Crosby – The Last Frontier
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with two more of our full-time friends, Jan and Gary Crosby. Jan and Gary were another one of the couples that we traveled throughout Canada and Alaska with this past summer. It was great to have them on the show and reminisce about what an incredible trip we had. The people, the places, but most of all, the company we shared was such a blessing. We originally met Jennie and Eric on a volunteer project through A Year to Volunteer back in February of 2022 at Sam Houston Jones State Park in Lake Charles, Louisiana. We are so grateful for Y2V. Not only for the opportunity to make a difference throughout the country, but for the amazing community that we have become a part of. If it wasn’t for Y2V, this epic Alaskan group adventure would have never taken place. Sure, we probably would have all made it to Alaska at some point during our individual full-time journeys, but to be able to experience the last frontier with this small group of friends is truly what put the trip over the top for all of us. As I’ve spoken to each of our friends that we traveled with, we have all said that we’ll most definitely get to Alaska again at some point, but this trip will always be the trip of a lifetime, only because of who we were able to go through it with.
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Kelli Stewart – It’s Time to L.E.A.D.
01/03/2025
Kelli Stewart – It’s Time to L.E.A.D.
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Kelli Stewart. Kelli Stewart was born in Atlanta and raised most of her life in Oglethorpe County, a rural community just outside of Athens, Georgia. Although both parents were not a consistent fixture in her life, Kelli’s Grandmother, Ms. Amy Lou Faust, provided a stable and nurturing home environment where she raised Kelli to have an old soul that has served her well in life. Kelli is a graduate from Cedar Shoals High School in Athens, GA and credits her participation in ROTC as keeping her on the mostly straight and mostly narrow. Through the watchful care and guidance of her ROTC Instructor, Sgt. Fincher along with Ms. Sue Lee (English Teacher) and Shirley Daniel (Guidance Counselor) Kelli graduated from Cedar Shoals in 1996 and went on to study at Georgia State University. She completed her undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University in 2011 where she earned a bachelor’s degree from the Coles College of Business with honors. In addition to her degree, Kelli holds a wealth of knowledge regarding sports-based youth development as a resource for racial, social and economic justice and the impact sports have on the social-emotional development of youth. Today, Kelli, and her husband, C.J. Stewart, oversee two business ventures that they started together. Through Diamond Directors, they train and develop some of the country’s top amateur and professional baseball athletes; Jason Heyward (Los Angeles Dodgers), Dexter Fowler (Chicago Cubs, World Series Champion), Andruw Jones (former Atlanta Brave), Peter Alonso (NY Mets), Kyle Lewis (Arizona Diamondbacks), and Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh Pirates) are a few notable professional clients. Through L.E.A.D., they train and develop some of Atlanta’s hidden treasures in Atlanta Public Schools. L.E.A.D. provides inner city boys with the same opportunities to excel in life through baseball as the Stewarts’ Diamond Directors clients with the focus being accessing higher education and community leadership. To date, L.E.A.D. Ambassadors have achieved a 100% high school graduation rate and a 91% college enrollment and scholarship rate (academic and athletic). Kelli and CJ have two beautiful daughters, Mackenzi (Southern University) and Mackenna (The Lovett School). To find out more about Kelli and the work that is being done at the L.E.A.D. Center for Youth, you can check out their website at .
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Alan Lazaros – Leveling Up on Self Improvement
12/27/2024
Alan Lazaros – Leveling Up on Self Improvement
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Alan Lazaros. Alan lost his father at age 2, when he passed away in a car accident. At age 26, after getting into a nearly fatal car accident himself, he questioned everything he was doing in life. He questioned who he was and the choices he was making. He was at an all-time low, and he learned the hard way that external success is empty when it's not aligned with who you really are and who you really aspire to be. Filled with pain, regret, and confusion, he searched for answers and finally found what he had been missing all this time, Holistic Self-Improvement. After that, he dug DEEP into every podcast, course, Ted Talk, and book he could get his hands on. This process not only transformed his entire life, but it also helped him muster the courage to trade in an unfulfilling career for a deeply meaningful calling he was proud to go ALL IN on. Today he is grateful to lead a global team of 17 individuals as the Founder and CEO of Next Level University, a Global Top 100 Self-Improvement Podcast that helps people reach their own unique potential in more than 175 countries. As a Coach, Trainer, and Podcaster, he believes in a heart-driven but NO BS approach to achieving both external success AND internal fulfillment. To find out more about Alan, you can check out his website at .
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Dan and Sandy – Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
12/24/2024
Dan and Sandy – Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
In this episode of “The Journey of My Mother’s Son” podcast, Sandy and I reflect a little bit on 2024, look forward to some of the big things that we are working on in 2025, but most of want to thank everyone for their love and support to us over the years. On this Christmas eve, we would truly like to wish all our friends and family a Merry Christmas, happy new year, and a blessed holiday season. We are grateful to you all. Peace.
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Arlene Cohen Miller – The Balancing Act
12/20/2024
Arlene Cohen Miller – The Balancing Act
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Arlene Cohen Miller. Arlene is a Work-Life Balance Coach and a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. Arlene is also a Colorado attorney, a Certified Meditation Facilitator, and has a Diploma in Transformational Holistic Counseling from Australia. She brings a wealth of training and experience to help you compassionately and wholeheartedly lead yourself and create the life that works and feels right for you, a life where you experience less stress and more patience, kindness, and peace; a life where you experience more contentment and joy. To find out more about Arlene, you can check out her website at .
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Heather Christie – LoveNotes!
12/13/2024
Heather Christie – LoveNotes!
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Heather Christie. Heather is a fellow Berks County native and author. She is the author of three books, so far. Additionally, she is the producer of the storytelling show, LoveNotes!, which is True stories of first love, last love, & all the love in between. LoveNotes! is a storytelling show, a book, and a podcast in which real people share real stories about romantic love in all its incarnations. So, tell the poets, lovers, dreamers and anybody else who’s ever been in love that I’m looking for TRUE LOVE stories–from heartbreaking to heartwarming. Any story about romantic love in any of its incarnations fits the bill. A LoveNotes! story is the kind of yarn in which Cupid has shot someone in the heart and that person has lived to tell the tale. To find out more about Heather, you can check out her website at . Some other important notes from the conversation are listed below: · Links for tickets to the live LoveNotes! Show or livestream: · 3 PM In-Person SHOW: · 8PM In-Person SHOW: · 8 PM LIVESTREAM: LoveNotes! Bus 2/15 - $40 Round Trip (departs 10 AM Joanne Fabrics' Parking Lot, Wyomissing PA to NYC, Leaves NYC 8 PM), Show ticket must be purchased separately. Email Sandy Barber at to reserve a seat. Submit your love story (1000 words or fewer) at 71StreetBooks.com Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok are @heatherchristiebooks LoveNotes! Real Stories. Real People. Real Love. THE BOOK:
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Mary Beth Schrudder – Raise Your Vibration
12/06/2024
Mary Beth Schrudder – Raise Your Vibration
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Mary Beth Schrudder. After decades spent in the corporate world, juggling being a single mom while secretly battling addictions to alcohol, food, and toxic relationships, today's guest is now an expert in Spiritual Recovery, and she is passionate about empowering others to live their best life. Mary Beth Schrudder is a Spiritual and Transformational Life Coach and founder of Day One Life Coaching. Mary Beth is the creator of Addiction Recovery with the Law of Attraction, a unique deck of cards used to help people recover from addictions and destructive habits. Mary Beth is also an International Best-Selling Author in multiple categories including Healthy Relationships and Leadership Training (Life Coach's Tool Kit, Vol 3). As the host of the “Spiritual Transformation Podcast with Mary Beth” she does interviews with healers and the spiritually gifted, along with solo episodes on Spiritual Upliftment for her audience. Mary Beth will help you heal addictions and transform relationships, including the relationship with yourself! Her approach is holistic, and her areas of expertise include relationships, marriage, divorce, mindset, happiness, freedom from addictions, optimal fitness, life purpose, and career. As a professional Life Coach with years of experience, Mary Beth’s life-changing coaching will help you step outside of your comfort zone, and together you will create extraordinary results using innovative techniques. You may e-mail Mary Beth to schedule a complimentary discovery call at [email protected] Mary Beth’s website and social media links may be found here:
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Andy Paige – Meet "Pearl" from General Hospital
11/29/2024
Andy Paige – Meet "Pearl" from General Hospital
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Andy Paige. Andy is a soap actress, podcast host, QVC guest host, beauty/image/lifestyle expert for national TV & radio. With her current role as Pearl, on ABC's General Hospital, Andy Paige mimics her actual QVC guest host expertise, captivating and selling products to both TV audiences through innovative consumer advertising. You can find Andy's podcast, The Dating Lab with the Hillbilly Yenta on both YouTube and podcast platforms and listen or watch her explore modern dating, its frustrations, realities and solutions with interesting and funny guests from all walks of life. Andy's international best-selling book, STYLE ON A SHOESTRING now available in three languages and hundreds of "fabulously frugal' makeovers on over 200 episodes of television airing in 14 countries, earned her the TV Guide appointed title "Budget Bombshell*; and with good reason. Andy's extensive work on NBC's Emmy winning, Starting Over, TLC's Ten Years Younger, STYLE Network's How Do I Look, SOAP NET's Soap Talk and countless local network style segments have all made Andy the charming and sassy go-to gal for red-carpet style and courageous image help. Andy worked her budget fashion magic on the ultimate high roller stage as she transformed cast members with hair/makeup & wardrobe on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice proving her theory, "You don't have to spend a fortune to look like a million!" Andy inspires hundreds of thousands of radio listeners all over the country each week with playful and entertaining beauty and style tips on KJOY 98.3 in New York, JQ99 in Michigan and previously on the Nationally syndicated Kim Iverson Show. In 2013, Andy added to her successful line of products, including ANDY PAIGE COSMETIC BRUSHES and CENTS OF STYLE® ACCESSORY SUITES™, and launched her internationally patented GirlyGoGarter® - The smart, sexy garter with pockets that safely holds your phone, money, credit cards, I.D., insulin pump, mic-pac and much more, with adhering GentleFlex™ Grippers that stay put even when you don't". You have probably seen Andy's GirlyGoGarter® as well as two additional line extensions, UnderWraps® and the GlitzyGoGarter® in over 6500 stores worldwide, including 4500 CVS stores in the US To find out more about Andy, you can check out her website at . If you’d like to check out some of the products that Pearl is showcasing on General Hospital, check out, .
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Ken Cox – Strength in the Struggle
11/22/2024
Ken Cox – Strength in the Struggle
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Ken Cox. Ken Cox, author of 'Reclaim Sobriety: 12 Rounds of Sobriety', is a former addict turned Sobriety Gladiator. As President of Hostirian and host of the award-winning Clicks and Bricks podcast, Ken combines his business acumen with raw recovery experience. He empowers men to conquer addiction through gritty, no-nonsense strategies, transforming lives one round at a time. "Reclaim Sobriety: 12 Rounds of Sobriety" is not just a memoir; it’s a guide for anyone looking to take control of their life, whether they’re battling addiction, struggling in their career, or seeking to understand the dynamics of mental toughness. It’s about finding strength in the struggle and emerging victorious, not just in business but in life. To find out more about Ken, you can check out his website at . For special gift, go to .
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Anne Riley – The Human Idea
11/15/2024
Anne Riley – The Human Idea
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Anne Riley. Anne Riley is an MBA with experience in multiple industries. She has been on a lifelong quest to understand how humans logically fit into life's panorama. Studying the works of Charles Darwin, Stephen Jay Gould, and Michael Rothschild among many others, set her on the course of discovery. Immersing herself in the basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and government, gave her the foundation for a new way of thinking about humans. And COVID gave her the time to hammer out the structure and details of a brand-new theory of human ideas. She is the author of The Human Idea which will be published in November of 2024, as well as three other books available on Amazon: DINA: Nature's Case for Democracy, Aerie, and Elusive. She lives in the Midwest, is married to her high school sweetheart, and has three children and two lovely granddaughters. To find out more about Anne, you can check out her website at .
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Bintou Kaba – Creative Soul
11/08/2024
Bintou Kaba – Creative Soul
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Bintou Kaba. Bintou is a fellow author, who just released her first book, She is also an independent artist, spoken word performer, and author passionate about self-love and personal development. We had a great conversation about the creative process and the vulnerability involved in publishing your work. To find out more about Bintou, you can follow her on Instagram at . Her new book is available at .
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Jennie & Eric Hultquist – The Trip of a Lifetime
11/01/2024
Jennie & Eric Hultquist – The Trip of a Lifetime
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with two of our full-time friends, Jennie and Eric Hultquist. We originally met Jennie and Eric on a volunteer project through A Year to Volunteer back in February of 2022 at Sam Houston Jones State Park in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Who would have guessed when we met them, that we’d be traveling with them throughout Canada and Alaska a few years later? But low and behold, Jennie and Eric were the fearless leaders of our Alaskan Gang this summer. We traveled over 7,000 miles with them from the end of May through the beginning of August and had a fantastic time. It was the trip of a lifetime, even though we hope to return to America’s Last Frontier at some point in the future, this trip has given all of us memories that will last a lifetime. The trip was the culmination of almost two years of planning by Jennie and Eric. They took us to places that we never knew existed, like Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. As the trip came together, each of us had input on places to stay and things to do, so it truly did turn into a team effort once we hit the road. We had a marvelous time and can’t thank Jennie and Eric enough for the work that they put into planning this trip for the group.
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Marcus Higgs – Communication is Crucial
10/25/2024
Marcus Higgs – Communication is Crucial
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Marcus Higgs. Marcus is a communication coach for parents of preteens (ages 10-14). He helps them show up and maintain a meaningful relationship with their child through communication during these crucial formative years. The clients he works with know the value of doing hard things and want to connect with their tween before it's too late to bridge the gap. With a multicultural background himself—born to a Filipino mother and a Bahamian father—Marcus finds particular joy in supporting families to communicate across generational and cultural divides. His own diverse upbringing, coupled with over a decade and a half of international experience across East Asia, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America, has given him unique insights into cross-cultural communication. Now he's on a mission to globally mend parent-child relationships through effective communication and shared storytelling using “The SHOW UP Framework.” "The SHOW UP Framework" stands for: 🆂 — Start with a Strong Identity (All Action Starts from Identity) 🅷 — Hold Space for Collaboration (For Critical Thinking and Collaborative Problem Solving) 🅾 — Open Up Communication (Pass on Values w/o Being Preachy) 🆆 — Wonder and Explore this World Together (Choose a Self-Directed Challenge) 🆄🅿 — Unveil Potential Together (Celebrate Progress in Development) To find out more about Marcus, check out his website at .
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Andrew Ronchetto – Holistic Wellness as a Whole
10/18/2024
Andrew Ronchetto – Holistic Wellness as a Whole
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Andrew Ronchetto. Andrew is the Co-Founder, CEO, and CTO of Be On®. Be On® is a holistic wellness platform. However, it’s much more than just a wellness platform. It’s a productivity-focused platform that seamlessly integrates wellness, coaching, and organizational tools into one solution. Andrew and I talk about the importance of proactive holistic wellness solutions as opposed to reactive sickness treatments. We also talk about the challenges of building a new business and developing a positive culture amongst team members. To find out more about Andrew and what his team at Be On® is doing, check out their website at .
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Dan and Sandy – Pennsylvania, Here we Come!
10/11/2024
Dan and Sandy – Pennsylvania, Here we Come!
In this episode of “The Journey of My Mother’s Son” podcast, Sandy and I talk about our trip across the country to Pennsylvania to see our family. I completed my book signing in Cheyenne, Wyoming and we started our trip across the country to Pennsylvania! We had a couple of stops along the way, though. Our first stop was an unplanned stop at the Archway in Kearney, Nebraska. The Archway is a unique museum that literally extends over Interstate 80 to pay homage to all those who have traveled across its path throughout history. Since ancient times, the route along the Platte River in Nebraska, once called the Great Platte River Road, has served as a migratory pathway across the continent. From the era of the Oregon Trail to the present day, the Archway brings the history of the Great Platte River Road to life. Central to the Archway experience is its historical exhibit, which honors the American spirit of exploration. Utilizing life-sized figures and personal audio guides, the Archway recounts the tale of America’s development. Visitors can walk alongside pioneers on the Oregon Trail, observe a Pony Express Station horse exchange, listen to Mark Twain’s story of a cross-country stagecoach journey, witness the driving of the “Golden Spike” connecting the nation’s railways, and learn about life on the Lincoln Highway at a traveler’s campground. Located at Exit 275 on I-80, a key coast-to-coast travel route today, the Archway commemorates the journeys of all adventurers who have traveled the river’s route – from those who contributed to our nation’s development in the past to those who are shaping our future today. It was an awesome experience, and we’re glad that we did it. After The Archway, we made our way to visit our friends, Jason and Sara Brelsfoard in Maroa, Illinois. We met Jason and Sara back in February when we stayed at the Galveston Island KOA. We immediately connected and became friends. We spent two nights with them, and even got to ride in a combine. After our visit with Jason and Sara, we were off to my final book signing and to visit with more friends that we had met in Galveston, Jeff and Jackie Powell, in Centerville, Ohio. We had told our family that we’d be getting back into Pennsylvania on October 8th, but we knew all along that September 26th would be our arrival date. We spent our first two days back popping in on our family and surprising them. It was quite fun, but also a little exhausting.
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Dan and Sandy – Back to the Lower-48
10/04/2024
Dan and Sandy – Back to the Lower-48
In this episode of “The Journey of My Mother’s Son” podcast, Sandy and I talk the final leg of our Canadian and Alaskan adventure as we entered back into the Lower-48 after a 3-month adventure north of the border. We talk about our incredible experience in Haines, Alaska when we saw the Northern Lights. Our trip from Haines to Skagway on the Ferry. We experienced the Yukon Suspension Bridge and the Carcross Desert as we made our way down to Vancouver before crossing back into the United States. Once we got into Washington, we still had a few more adventures with Alex and Cooper before they split off to make their way back to Pennsylvania. We explored both Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks before splitting off on separate routes back east. We made stops for book signings and to visit friends and family in Richland, Washington, Garden City (Boise), Idaho, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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Jon Sexton – From the Courts to the Screen with a few stops in Between
09/27/2024
Jon Sexton – From the Courts to the Screen with a few stops in Between
In this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with, Jon Sexton. This is the first interview that I’ve recorded with a guest that wasn’t Sandy or Alex since late May of this year. I have to tell you – Alaska and Canada were incredible, but it sure is good to be back sharing the stories of the many little people in many little places that are doing all of those many little things that make the whole world change! Jon and I talk about his entrepreneurial journey. It started on the tennis and basketball courts and other athletic venues of Visalia, California and has now landed him as the host of the TV show, Selling Nashville. Jon’s journey, like so many other entrepreneurs took a few twists and turns along the way. He originally relocated to Nashville to pursue a career in music. In order to not fall into the “starving artist” category, he used some of the leadership skills and life lessons that he learned from sports to get into the health club and gym industry. What initially started as a way to simply help make ends meet while he pursued his music career, eventually turned into another passion and eventually ownership of his own health club and gym business. While running his business, he started investing in real estate, which eventually led to him securing his real estate license and heading up his own team of agents. Now, in the realm of Greater Nashville's real estate market, Jon stands as a distinguished figure, acclaimed for his exemplary achievements and unwavering commitment to excellence. As mentioned previously, Jon is the host for the television show, Selling Nashville, which can be seen on HGTV, Apple TV, Travel Channel and more. Renowned as an award-winning Realtor, Jon has garnered accolades such as the title of "Best Real Estate Agent" in Williamson County and the distinction of being named a "Top Real Estate Agent" by both the Nashville Scene and his team, NASHVILLE HOME, which shares the recognition of "Best Real Estate Team" in Williamson County. With an impressive national ranking of #55 and a prominent position as #1 in Tennessee, Jon holds the coveted title of Top Agent in Davidson County, Nashville Metro, and Williamson County, underscored by his steadfast dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction. Elevating his status further, Jon is an exclusive member of REALM, a prestigious global organization comprised solely of the top 1% of luxury agents worldwide, a testament to his unparalleled expertise and distinguished service. Endorsed by financial guru Dave Ramsey as a Trusted Local Provider, Jon's reputation for integrity and excellence is further solidified. In Jon's own words, "It is an honor to be one of the select few Realtors trusted by Dave Ramsey and Ramsey Solutions. I am excited to continue to guide and serve those in need in being assisted and educated in the home buying and selling process." Beyond his remarkable achievements in real estate, Jon has also established himself as one of Nashville's foremost entrepreneurs over the past decade. Recognized as a standout figure in the entrepreneurial landscape, Jon was bestowed with the title of "Top 50 Entrepreneurs in Tennessee" by Business Leader's magazine and was identified as one of the "Top 10 Entrepreneurs to Look Out For" by Disruptors Magazine. Jon's attitude revolves around the belief that success is not merely measured by accomplishments but by the satisfaction and results of his clients. He attributes his greatest strength to having "the heart of a teacher" and a genuine concern for the well-being of those he serves, ensuring that their needs and desires are met with utmost dedication and care. To find out more about Jon, check out his website at .
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Dan Clouser – Soul Family – A Monologue
09/20/2024
Dan Clouser – Soul Family – A Monologue
In this episode of “The Journey of My Mother’s Son” podcast, I talk about our Soul Family. There’s a chapter in my book, The Journey of My Mother’s Son titled, “Connection.” It’s about the need for human connection. If you’d like to read it, . Sandy and I are very blessed to have a wonderful blood family. We are doubly blessed to have an incredible soul family throughout the country. I say it all the time that sightseeing and exploring national parks is an awesome component of this journey, but by far, the greatest blessing that we get from the road is the ability to meet and connect with strangers who end up becoming family. As I’m sure you know by now, from my recent emails and social media posts, I’m honored to be an associate producer on a project by my friend and a member of our soul family, Aliza Hava. I’ve had Aliza on my podcast twice, and we just immediately connected. We became part of each other’s soul family instantly. Her and her husband, Avi drove over two hours to meet Sandy and I for dinner after one of my book signings in Brookings, Oregon. Like Aliza, we connected immediately with Avi as well. There are just some people in the world who you know are part of your tribe the minute you meet them. It seems like you’ve known them for years. One of the songs on her new album is titled, “Soul Family.” The moment I heard the song, I had goosebumps and the hair on my arms and neck stood up. It resonated with me in a special way. Mainly because we have blessed with such a large soul family. I wasn’t planning on releasing another monologue this week, but the song was so powerful that I wanted to talk about it to my listeners and Aliza is such an amazing human, that she gave me permission to play the song at the end of the show. This is only the second time that this song has been heard by the masses. The world premiere of the song was played on KZUM FM 89.3 out of Omaha, Nebraska on September 15, 2024 at the end of an interview with Aliza. I’ve also included Aliza’s story behind the song that she shared during the KZUM interview. That too, is a pretty powerful set-up for the song. I hope that all of my listeners enjoy the song and the story behind, but most of all, I hope that you all find magic in your own soul families just as Sandy and I have. Additional show notes: The rights to the song, Soul Family are fully owned by Aliza Hava. The song was used by permission in the show. To hear the full interview from September 15, 2024 with Aliza on KZUM FM, . To find out more about the Into the Light Album project, go to: To listen to the previous podcasts that I did with Aliza, please click the appropriate links below:
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Dan Clouser – Making Adjustments – A Monologue
09/13/2024
Dan Clouser – Making Adjustments – A Monologue
In this episode of “The Journey of My Mother’s Son” podcast, I talk about the need to be able to adjust throughout life. When I was coaching baseball, one of the things that I stressed to my players all of the time is that it was a game of adjustments. You always want to have a plan, but you also need to be able to make an adjustment to that plan if need be. The game of baseball is a reflection of life, and the lessons tat the game can teach will often carry over into life as well. This is one of those perfect examples where we can use those lessons from the game in life.
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Episode #300 - Dan, Sandy, and Alex – A Summer to Remember
09/06/2024
Episode #300 - Dan, Sandy, and Alex – A Summer to Remember
Episode #300 – What a milestone! It’s crazy to think that I have released 300 episodes of this podcast. The people I’ve met, the places and things that we’ve spoken about have been amazing. It’s truly been an honor to share the stories of so many incredible people as well as taking you all along for the ride as Sandy and I continue this incredible journey. I wanted this to be a special episode, so I got both Sandy and our grandson, Alex to sit down and have a casual conversation about some of the highlights of our amazing Canadian and Alaskan adventure over the past three months. When this episode is released, Alex will be about 12 hours into his solo journey back east to Pennsylvania. We will also be headed back to Pennsylvania, but due to some book signings along the way, our trek will take a little bit longer than his. It has been incredible being able to share this past summer with Alex and seeing him experience this travel lifestyle at such a young age. We’ve been able to watch him grow and mature as a young man over just three short months.
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Dan and Sandy – Winding Down our Northern Adventure
08/30/2024
Dan and Sandy – Winding Down our Northern Adventure
In this episode of “The Journey of My Mother’s Son” podcast, Sandy and I talk more about our amazing summer long northern adventure through Canada and Alaska. Another month in Alaska was spectacular, but also bittersweet, as our Alaskan adventure was starting to come to a close. We have had such a great time exploring America’s Last Frontier with such a great group of friends. It was sad to to say good-bye to everyone as we all started our own routes south. From July 15th through August 15th, we explored Homer, Steward, Anchorage, Palmer, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs, and Delta Junction in Alaska before crossing back into Canada to start our trek back into the Lower-48. It’s been such an amazing summer. I was able to work in three book signings throughout Alaska and we were completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. Sandy and I have loved sharing this journey with our friends and family.
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