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Mike is on a mission to find everyday people who are Delightful... The people I interview have attractive energy and a positive outlook on life, and I want to provide a platform for them to share their journeys and stories with you! I will uncover the life experiences of my guests, which have enabled them to look at life in such an inspiring and delightful way. Is it possible... while in our Darkest hours we are given the tools and gifts, we personally need, to find the light which leads to our greatest Delights?
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Taylor takes us on the Journey he and his family have been on, experiencing major trial after trial, through the complete year of 2020. It all started in 2019 when their beloved dog Wilson was hit by a car in front of his oldest son, Bentley. Fortunately the big teddy bear Wilson survived, he is now thriving on 3 legs, but this was the start of a very long, difficult, and soul wrenching journey that the Napierski family had to endure in 2020 which included the Death of Taylor's Mother to Brain Cancer in a few short months.
Moving into their custom dream home, and only 31 days after moving in it started on fire with 2 of their children inside. PTSD and Trauma from the fire that left them exhausted from sleepless nights for months after the fire. Mental Health concerns as a result of PTSD. Moving from their dream home, to be near Taylor's mother, unexpectedly she died during a hospital visit one day before they were scheduled to move up to Utah to be near her. Corona virus shaking up Taylor's company and concern over losing his job right in the middle of buying their new home. Last but not least, on the day after Christmas their son Bentley had a tragic accident riding his new bike, which left him hospitalized and on the verge of death due to a laceration to his liver.
Through it all, the Napierski's held onto each other, and as they did their best to manage all of these incredibly hard trials Taylor found himself lying awake Desperate for help. It was then that he decided to say a prayer, which was not something he does, and immediately after reaching out to God for help... Taylor looked up to see his wife Jana, who had not slept in weeks due to PTSD from the fire, sleeping peacefully. Taylor talks about the Gifts he received during these overwhelming trials as he talks about the gift of Gratitude. He shares his gratitude for his wonderful wife and her love that kept them all holding on together, and He shares his witness of God and how he has come to recognize that he is known by God, God listens to us, and that God cares about each one of us.
Although Taylor has struggled with his faith for years, his story is laced with the threads of faith that he knew in his most desperate and darkest hour he could reach out to the one who created us and he trusted that He would show up enough that in his most desperate moment he reached out. He shares a wonderful message about considering the Alternatives to any choices that we make. The Grass is not always greener to all choices and some of those choices look pretty wonderful in the initial thought.
Taylor, thank you for sharing your journey with us. I can't believe what your family has experienced this past year. Because of your resilience and faith to hang on and keep fighting, I am inspired to do the same with my struggles. If you would like to reach out to Taylor or his wife Jana, please do, they are eager to help others who may be in the midst of their own battles. taylorandjana@gmail.com
Thursday Jan 07, 2021
Thursday Jan 07, 2021
Todd Sylvester host of podcast "Beliefcast" is a dear friend of mine, hero, and genuinely one of the most caring people I know. Because of the pain he experienced, which almost lead to suicide, he is now on a mission to find people in their hopelessness and help them believe that they can change, and overcome any "giant" or addiction they are facing. This man's story will inspire you! And the Lemonade stand story.... WOW!!
Todd Sylvester shares his amazing journey from a Dark place lost in addiction to a soul on Fire now working full time to help others believe in themselves and gain the determination to believe in themselves and creating a great life. Todd currently works as an Addictive Voice Recognition Counselor at an addiction recovery treatment center for those struggling with with drug or alcohol addiction, where he provides one-on-one mentoring to both local and international clients. Described as having “a unique gift to develop trusting relationships quickly,"
Todd has guided hundreds to sobriety and other behavioral successes through the individualized support he offers to each client. His ability to “speak to a person’s soul and help them find their true motive to change” has been the key for inspiring others to make permanent lifestyle changes. Todd’s profound influence grew from his own personal experience — a journey from self-hatred and hopelessness to faith and recovery.
At a young age, Todd was exposed to drugs and alcohol and quickly became addicted. Years of rampant drug abuse lead to devastating failures and a conclusion that his young life had nowhere left to go. Change can come from the most unlikely of places. For Todd, that place was a neighborhood lemonade stand, when he made the spontaneous decision to become one little girl’s most generous customer. This simple act – and the positive reaction that came with it – provided Todd with a sense of hope that he had never felt before. Todd’s strengthening sense of purpose sparked a fervent determination to change his life and to prevent others from enduring the physical and emotional pain that had threatened his very existence. As he moved forward with newfound faith and a desire to serve others, Todd learned that the human soul – on fire – is more powerful than any addiction.
Today, Todd utilizes his firsthand fight against addiction to connect with fellow addicts on an authentic level and provide hope to thousands of teenagers, parents, and adults. His story was recently told through a popular YouTube clip titled “The Hope of God’s Light,” that received over 3 million views and has been translated into 3 languages. Todd has been married to his sweetheart for 23 years. They have four children and live a happy, busy life together. Check out Todd's Podcast found on all major podcast channels called,
Beliefcast: https://toddsylvesterinspires.com/beliefcast/
His personal Website can be found at address: https://toddsylvesterinspires.com/
Todd, God bless you in your efforts to change lives. You are a great man and a hero of mine. See you soon brother!
Tuesday Dec 01, 2020
Tuesday Dec 01, 2020
Jon starts his journey by sharing the one single truth that has recognized and held onto throughout his entire life, “I am a child of God”. Through it all, good times and bad times, this single truth is what Jon has held onto and relied on to guide him in his decisions and efforts during his life on earth, and in dark times of depression and suicidal thinking. “I am a child of God”, is the message of Hope that has helped Jon not only overcome the odds to achieve the goals he set as a young boy to become an Endodontist professionally, but it is that very Hope that pulled Jon from the darkness of shame and worthlessness on the verge of Suicide, back into the Light.
Jon shares his inspiring story beginning as a young boy growing up in California, Mormon (LDS), in a family of 8. His family did not have much money and at times his Dad and Mom struggled to fill the pantry; however, what they did have... money could not buy, and that was the understanding that all people are Gods children and all people regardless of class, religious background, race, or politics are of infinite worth. Jon shares the way his parents lived and the example that they set of loving all without judgement and working hard doing good things shaped Jon into the man he is today.
At the age of 10, Jon’s father sat his children down and talked to them about his life working late night shifts for a job that he didn’t necessarily want, and that he wanted more for his children, believing a college education should be a goal for each of them. He let them know that he didn’t have the means to pay for their education and inspired them to work towards a scholarship to help pay. Jon took this to heart and graduated high school with over a 4.0 GPA, and an opportunity on the track and field team at a community college in California.
As a high jumper in High school reaching a height of 6’7 he broke records at his school, but he knew that he needed to reach 7’0 to qualify for a scholarship and earn a full ride scholarship to BYU where he dreamed of going. So Jon went to work training hard which led to an opportunity to jump for a small community college, and after qualifying for the state finals he went on to reach a jumping height over 7’2 all while defeating his Nemesis, who he nicknamed “Sloppy Joe”. Jon shares and incredible experience he had with Prayer during His last two jumps which won him the championship and earned him a spot on the BYU Track and Field team with a full ride scholarship. After the match and his incredible experience during his last two jumps and prayer, Jon found a quite place near the stadium and in complete humility gave thanks to God.
During college he met his incredible wife Dorsey and they began a family of their own, things just seemed to be going right for Jon, but during his residency Jon was upended by sudden and unjustified feelings of “Doom”, PTSD from 9/11, and feelings of no personal value, causing Shame and Depression which lead to Suicidal Thinking. Jon talks about how at his “Rock Bottom” not even caring how ending his life would affect his family, that’s when he knew that he needed help. Throughout Jon’s story you will see clearly how God put people in place and like lighthouses leading a ship to shore these people showed up for Jon to say or do something that helped Jon feel love enough to hold onto HOPE. That vey HOPE carried Jon through the Dark and into the Light, and He shares some of the valuable Gifts he received from the experiences during this painful time.
A few years later Jon achieved his Professional goal of becoming an Endodontist, and is now doing all he can to be somebody else’s “Lighthouse” by paying it forward and living in gratitude each day. Jon is the Partner of 3 Endodontist offices in Northern Colorado and Wyoming.
Jon, thank you for sharing your story. You are a hero of mine and have been a lighthouse to me and my family. Thank you for sharing your Light!
Tuesday Nov 17, 2020
Tuesday Nov 17, 2020
Josh Edlow tells a wonderful story of his life rising against all odds and even above the voices that told him he wouldn't amount to much. He grew up in a loving home that gave him a good foundation but as he attempted to make plans for his life he found that even some of his close friends and family members doubted he could reach the dreams and expectations that he set for himself. After serving a valiant and successful 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Josh was determined to continue learning, growing, and making a difference for good in the world. He set out to be a Lawyer in Sacramento California, and as he began his journey he heard many voices telling him that he should quit and do something else, but after working tireless hours day and night Josh graduated and began working for a Law Firm.
He made it and was having big success, winning large cases with high dollar payouts and earning awards, but down the road as all of this was continuing to happen Josh realized that although he was doing everything right, he not happy and felt disconnected. One early morning on his way into the office he was rear ended by a car that hit him while going a high speed. The last thing Josh remembers before waking up on the side of the road surrounded by onlookers was his head striking the head rest and the window of his car. As a result of the accident Josh's future was filled with Doctors visits, Rehab appointments, and the stress of trying to keep his job and prove that he could still preform. He had a lot of help from partners in the law firm that stepped up to assist him with his cases but as time moved on and Josh was struggling with cloudiness, fatigue, and memory challenges, fear and anxiety were ever present at this time.
As the sole provider for his wife and kids Josh felt overwhelmed and in a way cheated as he felt that he had done everything right in his life so why was this happening to him. In anger Josh got on his knees and said a prayer to God to ask why this was happening to him and beg for help. The next morning Josh was preparing for the day and he felt a very clear impression from God to "Act". Not understanding what this meant but wanting to know, Josh thought of his current health of mind, body, and spirit, and recognizing that he was the heaviest weight he had ever been he decided that was one thing he could control by "Acting".
So his journey began, he worked hard on his body and after consistency and over time, his mind became clear again, his energy increased, and he started to feel joy again. Doors opened for him at work and he was able to begin taking on his cases again as well. In answer to his prayer in anger, God taught Josh the power of using his agency and that when one thing is not going right in life we still have the ability to act and choose in other areas of our life that we can control, and as we have the determination and faith to do that, God will help us in the uncontrollable parts of our lives to make things work our for our good... We have to ACT. Josh is doing great things with his life. He loves his family, loves serving others as a lawyer, and currently works on the board of a non-profit organization that focuses on helping kids that have come from homes where tragedy has occurred. He hits the gym consistently most mornings of the week and is doing all he can to help motivate others who feel the same way he did, checking all of the boxes but still empty inside. Enjoy Josh's story. He is an amazing man that has battled through some hard trials and come out on top, humbly giving all of the credit to a loving Father in Heaven who is ready, able, and so willing to help when we choose to let him. Thank you Josh, you are one of my hero's!
Josh Edlow and his good friend Tim Wilde also produce a fun YouTube channel called Saint's on Cinema. If you are looking for fun, clean movie reviews check them out.
Wednesday Nov 04, 2020
Wednesday Nov 04, 2020
Adrienne, shares her incredible journey with us. She was adopted into an incredible family, surrounded in love, and grew up in a wonderful place with all the opportunity you could hope for a child to have. Adrienne is a phenomenal singer and actor who was very engaged in both growing up, As she entered her teenage years she began to experience depression as a result of comparing herself with her peers and fell into the habit of Negative Self talk that stayed with her as she grew up, was married, and adopted two sons of her own.
Sorrow filled Adrienne's heart as she and her husband Kyle battled Infertility and after trying everything they could they were still unable to have kids so they decided to adopt and were blessed with two amazing boys. During the battle of infertility Adrienne experienced depression and feelings of worthlessness to the point that she knew she needed extra help, so she began working with a therapist. While working through her personal sorrow and pain, she began to notice that her oldest son was facing some tough challenges himself, such as melt downs before school each day, listening, communicating, etc... Adrienne and Kyle sought help from the school, family and friends, but didn't realize that the problem required help from a professional until after Adrienne had already started to feel like a failure as a parent and mother. On the outside Adrienne looked happy and like she had it together, but on the inside Adrienne was silently suffering and feeling very alone. Suicidal thinking was a daily monster, causing her so much pain she told her husband, "I don't want to be here anymore".
Adrienne bravely shares her experiences with suicidal thinking, and also briefly talks about people close to her lost to suicide themselves and the pain it causes in the lives of people who love them. In her Darkest moments, Adrienne recognized she needed to open up about the reality of the darkness she was facing, so she turned to her husband Kyle, and without shaming her, Kyle sprang into action to meet Adrienne where she was, and to ensure she received the help and attention that she needed. Talking about the darkness and pain she was suffering with, brought awareness to those who love her, and as they rallied around her to lift her up she began to feel worth again. Doctors diagnosed their son with autism and they were able to then come up with plans to adjust their parenting in ways to help him which also helped Adrienne feel so much better about her worth as a parent. She held fast to her faith in God and proactively came up with a list of positive self affirmations that she could say to herself each day to help retrain her brain from negative to positive self talk. Working her way through the darkness has brought hope, passion, and joy back into her life. She is better balanced as a wife and mother, and is again able to devote some of her time into passions she loves, like singing and acting. From an outsiders perspective one would never have known Adrienne was living in so much pain and darkness, she was able to disguise the feelings and act like everything was ok, when she felt broken inside. Her story is a great reminder that there are many of us who on the outside look like they may have a "perfect" life but on the inside they are hurt, alone, and broken.
I am so grateful for Adrienne's willingness to share her experience. I grew up with Adrienne and from my perspective... she had it all. She was popular, talented, pretty, and just seemed to have everything figured out, but knowing what Adrienne has faced in her life is a great reminder to me that the illusion of the idea that "the grass is always greener" is not true and everyone faces their own battles and demon's. I hope her story will inspire you as it did me to look out for and show up for those we love in need. Thank you so much Adrienne, you are brave!
Adrienne shared a resource for those struggling with Suicidal thinking. Please check out www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org if you or anyone you know needs help.
Monday Aug 24, 2020
Monday Aug 24, 2020
Jake is one of those guys you meet and immediately you recognize that there is something special about him. His smile and energy are contagious and you feel like he is your best friend after a few short minutes with him.
From the beginning of Jake's life "all odds were against him". His birth Mother and Father never married and separated before he was born. His mom was an alcoholic and Jake had to grow up fast, remembering many nights that he had to put her to bed. At 8 years old Jake watched his mother be handcuffed and hauled of to jail which left him feeling all alone in a big scary world. He went to live with his recovering Alcoholic Dad and Step Mom, and at first it was a stable home which Jake flourished in and got a taste a Happy Life.
In his Teenage years Jake's Step Mother committed Suicide without warning, which wrecked Jake because they became very close. Jake talks about how the community rallied around him at this point. He had friends reach out to him in love who helped him learn about God and his value as God's Son.
Faith entered Jake's life and as it did Doors opened for him to serve a two year Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which changed him. When he came home he had some "demons of the past" that he had to face.
Through the Power of Prayer and with his amazing wife, right by his side, he faced those demons head on and experienced a lot of growth as a result.
Jake is brilliant, and his life is absolutely inspiring! No matter how many times life knocks you down... Get Back Up and Never Quit. Put your Faith in God, Pray and ask for guidance, and He will take you by the hand and lead you to light, love, and joy!
Monday Aug 10, 2020
Monday Aug 10, 2020
Joseph Sorensen is one of my favorite human's on this planet. Joe and I served missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Indiana Indianapolis Mission. His soul is kind, compassionate, wise and as patient as they come and his views of Humanity come from a place based on first hand experience. His story is multi-dimensional and has given him the ability to love and empathize for individuals that come from very different up brings than he had. Having been raised in a family with 3 birth siblings and 5 adopted black siblings whom Joe loves with all of his heart.
Joe began to recognize from an early age some of the challenges and difficulties his siblings faced growing up in Utah, because of their skin color, and the burdens that they had to bear from the day they were born that they had absolutely no control over. Joe speaks of the hurt he experienced when one of his adopted brothers was killed, the powerful lesson he learned about battling feelings of Anger and bitterness, and the importance of the Black Lives Matters Movement.
From his schooling at Harvard University to his experience in the Public Relations Department at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joe has had many unique opportunities to see through different “lenses” and walks of life and he shares an inspiring message about understanding and showing true love, empathy, and Compassion for others.
Monday Jul 20, 2020
Monday Jul 20, 2020
My wife Alisha and I met Rachel and her husband Kevin during the beginning stages of COVID as my wife and I were walking near Utah Lake. We stopped to play at the play ground for a few minutes and not long after Rachel, Kevin, and their kids stopped to play as well. Being the Social person that I am and due to the lack of Human contact that COVID put us all through, I had to say hello and as we got to talking Alisha and I were so grateful that God had us cross paths. They are an amazing family and have so many unique qualities accompanied by warm hearts and souls. Kevin is a Lego fan, so right away we were excited to hear all about it since our family show has become Lego Masters, and Rachel was so easy to talk to. We learned that she started a podcast called 'The Toughtist' and has spent a great deal of time studying the brain and the affect negative emotions can have on us. So of course I had to invite her to join me on the show to share. She shares some really cool insights and wisdom. I especially appreciated all of her insights for parents in helping children navigate the emotions that they feel.
As a life coach who has passed through the tragedy of losing both of her parents at a young age, Rachel has passed through dark times and found effective ways to seek light in life. Rachel is a brilliant person, full of light, and she gives some tips for processing negative emotion and feelings that enter into our lives.
Rachel speaks of a skill she calls C.O.P.E., which is an acronym she uses to define overcoming negative emotions, it stands for 1. Catch it, 2. Observe, 3. Pin Point, and 4. Experience. She talks about how to put C.O.P.E. into practice and how to let emotions "play out" or run their course and not just trying to force them out of our lives or feel ashamed we are feeling them.
Rachel is wonderful. Enjoy!
Sunday May 31, 2020
Sunday May 31, 2020
Katie has worked in an industry for 10+ years that has given her the opportunity and ability to help youth and women facing addiction, living on the streets, growing up in broken homes etc... She has learned the power of vulnerability and its need for people looking to change their lives and find the light in their lives. She speaks about the idea of showing up, practicing empathy, and walking with people through their darkest moments to help them feel loved and personal value again in their lives. Once someone believes in their worth again, they have the ability to own their decisions, be vulnerable with their past, gather their "Team" of support and overcome their darkest hours.
Katie provides an awesome perspective of overcoming darkness and finding delight again based on 10 years working in an industry helping people in their most desperate times. We hope that some of the tools and principles she speaks about will help you do the same for someone in your life. Enjoy!
Monday May 11, 2020
Monday May 11, 2020
Bailey Roquemore, blew us away. As a young 20 something fighting Glioblastoma Brain Cancer she is strong! I am in awe of the faith that she lives by and her focus on finding her "team" and surrounding herself with people who will fight this battle with her head on. Bailey's positivity and light are recognized by all she crosses paths with, which is mind blowing considering the type of Cancer she is fighting. Dan and I are proud Team Bailey Members and two of her biggest fans. Let her inspire you!