Afleveringen
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Several years ago, with Christmas nearing and Beth and I unable to make eye contact with our boys due to the hair covering their eyes, I loaded up the car and took the teenaged boys to get haircuts.
Despite their slumped shoulders as they entered and the soft-spoken answers they provided as she worked, the stylist could not have been sweeter to my boys. In thanking her afterwards for how she made them look and how kind she had been to them, she asked me a seemingly simple question: âAre you ready for Christmas?â
Now, I donât think she was actually curious if my house was cleaned, the tree was up or the dinner rolls ordered. Do you think she was truly interested if my suit was ironed, shoes were polished or if the last several weeks of Advent had prepared my heart for the final two weeks before Christmas?
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Blessing Offor is two-time Grammy nominee and multi-talented artist who proves that resilience and authenticity can create a lifeâand a legacyâof purpose. From humble beginnings as a young blind man in a small Nigerian village to now shining on global stages, Blessingâs story is as vibrant and soulful as his music. With chart-topping hits like âBrighter Daysâ, competing on The Voice, and collaborations with icons like Dolly Parton, Blessing inspires millions through his artistry and story.
Today, Blessing shares how music became his compass through lifeâs challenges. From navigating blindness and identity to finding his voice in the world, Blessing shares profound lessons in embracing your story, leaning into joy, and using creativity as a bridge to connection.
My friends, Blessing reminds us that brighter days arenât just ahead- theyâre here when we choose to see them. Youâll leave this conversation with a renewed sense of purpose, an appreciation for the gift of community, and perhaps a new favorite song.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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As you journey through the frequently chaotic Christmas season, while navigating hardships globally, divisiveness nationally, challenges professionally, and adversities personally, maybe itâs time to heed the advice from Matt Maher's song Alive Again. Let me explain.
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For more than three decades, Caroline Adams Miller has been a globally recognized expert in goal setting, grit, happiness and success. And yet, as a Harvard graduate, black-belt martial artist, and author of eight life-changing bestselling books, Carolineâs path âfrom overcoming bulimia to inspiring millionsâembodies resilience and determination.
Today, Caroline shares her story of transformation, the science behind effective goal setting, and her groundbreaking BRIDGE methodology for achieving lasting success. As the new year approaches, learn why conventional strategies (like SMART goals!) frequently fall short, and how crafting intentional, purpose-driven goals can lead to meaningful change.
My friends, if you need a spark to reignite your ambitions and the reminder that the best of our days remain ahead, this conversation is for you.
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In celebrating my son Henryâs birthday this past weekend, I was reminded of an experience from several years ago that perfectly captures his zest for life and joyful character. In sharing it with you today, I hope it ignites within you a desire to be a bright light of loving hope for others. Let me explain.
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Annabelle Tometich is a med-school-reject-turned-food-critic and author of The Mango Tree. And her story is as layered and sweet as the tropical fruit at the heart of her familyâs saga.
Today, Annabelle takes us on a journey through the cultural contrasts of her upbringing as a mixed-race Filipina, the heartbreak of her fatherâs untimely death, and the strength of her motherâs fiery spirit. When her motherâs unexpected arrest for defending her beloved mango tree shakes their family to its core, Annabelle begins to see her worldâand her familyâthrough a lens of resilience, empathy, and ultimately, healing.
My friends, this conversation is for anyone whoâs ever felt stuck in their circumstances or searched for meaning in lifeâs messiest moments. Annabelleâs story will inspire you to embrace the complexity of family, find strength in vulnerability, and discover beauty in unexpected places.
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âMy name is James.â
With that statement, the man in front of me smiled warmly, extended his hand, and shook mine firmly.
And from this seemingly ordinary introduction launched a conversation with an amazing man who clearly lives in joy and radiates love. In hearing his story, though, it was impossible not to be moved profoundly by his journey and his desire to do more through his life. Let me explain.
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Born in a small town in Vietnam, Haven Shepherd was just 14 months old when she miraculously survived a bomb explosion that resulted in the loss of both legs below the knee and left her orphaned. Later adopted into a loving family with six athletic siblings, Haven discovered swimmingâa sport that brought her freedom, purpose, and a path to Paralympic success.
Today, Haven is a celebrated athlete and advocate for adaptive sports. She joins us to share how tragedy shaped her strength and gratitude, why perspective defines whatâs possible, and the importance of grace in overcoming lifeâs challenges.
My friends, this conversation is a powerful reminder that adversity doesnât define usâit reveals our capacity to rise above.
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For an entire year now, youâve shared stories with us of individuals in your world who embody what it means to be On Fire For Good. Weâve received almost 1,000 nominations, nearly all of them someoneâs parent, sibling, teacher, pastor, colleague or friend.
But last month, one came in that caught my eye. It was in fact, celebrating someone the nominator didnât know at all but had admired from afar. It just so happens, however, that I know the person they described personally, and I was overjoyed to bestow this honor on my friend, the joyful Stephanie Szostak. Let me explain.
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Rob Kenney, lovingly known as the âDad of the Internet,â created Dad, How Do I?, a YouTube channel that has grown to more than five million followers seeking practical advice, heartfelt encouragement, and, of course, a steady dose of dad jokes. And yet, behind the laughter is a story of resilience, forgiveness, and showing up when it matters most.
At just 14 years old, Robâs father walked out, leaving him and his seven siblings to figure out life on their own. Years later, Rob transformed that pain into purpose, using his platform to share how-to tips, hope and inspiration.
Today, Rob shares how his faith gave him strength, how forgiving his father set him free, and why his mission to serve others continues to grow.
My friends, youâll leave todayâs conversation with a renewed sense of hope, the courage to forgive, and maybe even the confidence to tie a tie or unclog a drain.
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Toxic positivity.
Itâs a term commonly used when someone invalidates negative emotions or expects unrealistic optimism from others.
Undoubtedly, we need to hold space for grief, anger, and sadness. And yet, a woman several years ago provided a beautiful, practical and powerful example not of living in toxic positivity, but of choosing gratitude even in the midst of the storm. Let me explain.
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Ben Tracy is an online safety speaker on a 120-day journey across America, known as The Tracy Trekâa 3,107-mile coast-to-coast run to protect kids online. Running a marathon every single day, Ben is connecting with schools, community groups, and lawmakers to shine a light on the dangers of social media and discuss solutions for safeguarding our youth.
Today, Ben shares how losing a high-profile job on his first day due to social media posts he made as a teenager sparked his mission. Plus, he shares stories of families impacted by online risks, urging all of us to work together to protect the next generation from hidden dangers.
My friends, Benâs journey sends a powerful message: no matter the adversity we face, we can transform it into something positive.
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Yesterday marked the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Oorah!
Iâve been enamored by the Marine Corps since childhood, and having the honor to serve their wounded veterans more than 50 times through my work with FOCUS Marines over the past decade has further galvanized my love of them. And yet, it was a relatively simple experience, witnessed by just a few others, that revealed, yet again, how remarkable they are. Let me explain.
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Sergeant Kevin Briggs is a retired California Highway Patrol officer known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge. For more than 20 years, Kevin patrolled the Golden Gate Bridge, where he saved more than 200 people from suicide.
Today, Kevin shares how his own battles with abuse, cancer, and depression gave him a unique compassion, and the unforgettable lessons heâs learned from hundreds of conversations with those on the edge of despair. In a world where societal pressures and personal pain can drown out hope, Kevinâs story reminds us that a simple, empathetic presence can rekindle the courage to choose life.
My friends, as suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, this conversation reminds us that even in our darkest moments, thereâs lightâand a way forward.
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As an empty nester, Holly Schultz revisited a calling she had first heard as a busy mom to young kids. Although she didnât have time as a young mom, years later with her children grown, she finally had the opportunity to volunteer at a local service dog nonprofit.
Dabbling first in fostering service puppies for the organization, Holly found the separation anxiety when the dogs went to their forever homes too much to bear. But caring for the mother dogs who delivered those puppies? That became Hollyâs sweet spot and eventually led to one specific mother dog who is helping to change lives in ways that Holly could never have imagined. Let me explain.
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Just eight months ago, Brie Bauer was 27-weeks pregnant with her third child when suddenly a life-threatening infection changed her life forever. After experiencing flu-like symptoms, Brie delivered a premature but healthy baby boy before spending the next 10 days in a coma where her body fought off streptococcal toxic shock syndrome from group A streptococcus.
With her strength and willpower tested, she made a brave choice that redefined her life in ways she never imagined: amputate her four limbs that didnât receive enough blood and oxygen.
Today, Brie shares how sheâs learning to embrace a ânew normalâ as she navigates life as a wife and mother of three. With unyielding spirit, she talks about the power of the support that surrounded her and how she continues to choose courage and joy every step of the way.
My friends, whether youâre facing challenges, or love someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that our lives are precious, priceless gifts and that there is an innate strength within each of us to tackle anything that comes our way.
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Though we live in the midst of anxiety and hardship, a simple blessing from my mom, Susan O'Leary, on my wedding day reminds us that moving forward with confidence and defiant hope will free us from burdens.
I was a nervous 26-year-old, wearing an ill-fitting tuxedo, already feeling insecure with all the attention. Having never told most people anything about being burned, I certainly didnât feel like this was the time or place to change that. Definitely not as I knelt next to Beth, waiting for our wedding ceremony to conclude, a chance to kiss my new bride, to walk down the aisle and begin our lives together.
But my mom had requested a chance to share a few words at our wedding, and Beth and I had agreed to her request. Let me explain.
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In 2018, John Cronin was a 22-year-old entrepreneur with Down syndrome who had a dream to create something life-changing, purposeful and filled with joy. Together with his father Mark, they turned that dream into the worldâs largest sock store â Johnâs Crazy Socks. And yet, Johnâs Crazy Socks is more than just a business. Itâs a mission-driven movement that employs individuals of all abilities and shows the world whatâs possible when you focus on inclusion, kindness, and joy.
Today, John and Mark share how they bootstrapped their business into a multi-million dollar venture, advocate tirelessly for people with differing abilities and continue to spread happiness by giving back more than $750,000 to their charity partners.
My friends, youâll walk away from this conversation with the reminder that small acts of love often make the biggest impact, and that sometimes, a simple pair of socks can change the world.
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Last weekend, I attended the funeral of a dear family friend. Her life was an example of living joyfully, loving family passionately and serving others unfailingly. As emotional as the service, music and eulogy were, it was a tender moment between two of her grandchildren that brought me to tears. Let me explain.
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Nic Sheff is the bestselling author behind Tweak, and he is the subject of his fatherâs memoir Beautiful Boy, which was adapted into an award-winning film in 2018. After taking his first drink at just 11 years old, Nic spiraled into addictions to hard drugs and entered his first rehab at 19.
And yet, Nicâs story isnât just about addictionâitâs about finding hope, resilience, and the strength to rebuild when everything seems lost.
Today, Nic shares what led to his battle with substance abuse, the tumultuous road to recovery and how, after 13 years of sobriety, heâs a passionate voice for mental health and addiction recovery.
My friends, whether you or someone you love has been impacted by addiction, this conversation is a reminder about the power of second chances and the understanding that even in our darkest moments, weâre never truly alone.
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