Intrepid Storytelling

39|Arrested for Rescuing Beagles from a Testing Lab: Amanda Olejarz’s Story

What if you were treated like a terrorist simply for saving a tortured puppy from a testing lab?   Growing up, Amanda Olejarz was relentlessly bullied for her deep empathy and refusal to eat animals. Inspired by her grandmother, who reasoned with a soldier to save her grandfather from Auschwitz, Amanda learned early on that direct action works. That realization eventually transformed her from a quiet, bullied child into a courageous animal rights activist willing to put everything on the line. In this raw and impactful episode, Amanda takes us inside the harrowing reality of the Ridglan Farms testing lab, where thousands of beagles are born into wire cages and bred for vivisection. She details thea intense reality of participating in an open rescue, facing tear gas, risking prison, and the life-changing moment she pulled a terrified beagle named "Darling" to safety. This is an unsettling yet profoundly inspiring look at the dark side of animal testing and the incredible lengths one everyday person will go to in order to fight for the voiceless.   Chapters: 00:00 The Power of Animal Rescue and Activism 08:12 Growing Up Different: A Journey of Compassion 16:11 Finding My Voice: The Path to Activism 23:46 The Ridgeland Farms Rescue: A Day of Action 32:04 Building a Community: The Importance of Support 39:59 The Future of Animal Rights: Raising Awareness and Activism 42:50 The Reality of Animal Testing 48:11 The Rescue Mission and Arrests 01:01:23 Taking Action for Animal Rights   SUPPORT THE CAUSE: savethedogs.io [http://savethedogs.io] savethedogs.uk [http://savethedogs.uk]   FOLLOW AMANDA: FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589023194957 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589023194957] IG: https://www.instagram.com/greenpillpack [https://www.instagram.com/greenpillpack] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greenpillpack [https://www.tiktok.com/@greenpillpack]   CONTACT AMANDA FOR COACHING: https://www.skool.com/self-care-savages-6694/about [https://www.skool.com/self-care-savages-6694/about] amandalacoaching@gmail.com [amandalacoaching@gmail.com]   READY TO GO VEGAN? https://challenge22.com/ [https://challenge22.com/] https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CNQa2naPC/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CNQa2naPC/]   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling [https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling]   🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music   Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com [IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com]   #IntrepidStorytelling #AmandaOlejarz #AnimalRescueStory #AnimalRights #TrueStory #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #FacebookWatch #RidglanFarms #Wayne Hsiung #The Simple Heart

38|Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: Jessica Decker’s Story

How do you build a beautiful, stable life when your early years were defined by chaos?   Jessica Decker spent her early childhood trying to survive, stepping in to care for her younger siblings while living in a highly unstable environment. At just ten years old, she was removed from her home and thrust into the foster care system, leading to heartbreaking separations from the siblings she had helped raise. Eventually, Jessica found an unlikely refuge: she was raised by nuns at the Carmelite Home for Girls, where she learned the importance of making her own positive choices.   Despite enduring profound betrayal and unimaginable trauma throughout her youth and adulthood, Jessica refused to let her past define her or follow in the destructive footsteps of her family. From finding resilience in the military to becoming a fiercely devoted single mother, Jessica shares her raw, intrepid journey of taking back her power, cutting out toxicity, and breaking generational cycles. Her fearless story of survival reminds us of a powerful truth she learned in boot camp: "Pain is only temporary".   Chapters: 00:00 Unveiling the Past: A Journey of Trauma 07:10 The Impact of Childhood Trauma 14:35 Navigating Foster Care: A Search for Stability 21:55 Finding Support: The Role of Nuns in Healing 29:26 Life After Foster Care: Reconnecting with Siblings 36:33 Military Service: A New Chapter of Strength 47:08 Overcoming Adversity: The Bootcamp Experience 51:54 Life After the Military: Finding a New Path 52:52 Navigating Relationships: Lessons from the Past 55:13 Single Motherhood: Challenges and Triumphs 01:01:15 Self-Discovery: Embracing Solitude and Independence 01:13:09 Healing Through Storytelling: The Power of Sharing 01:29:11 Legacy of Resilience: Choosing to Rise Above   CONNECT WITH JESSICA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.decker.737 [https://www.facebook.com/jessica.decker.737] INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mommaof1joce/ [https://www.instagram.com/mommaof1joce/]   BUY HER CHILDREN'S BOOKS Raising a Busy Brain: A Mother's Journey Through ADHD: https://amzn.to/48tDk4p [https://amzn.to/48tDk4p] Still Showing Up: A Real-Life Journal for Overwhelmed Men: https://amzn.to/4tHwAZa [https://amzn.to/4tHwAZa] I’m Doing My Best: A Real-Life Journal for Overwhelmed Women: https://amzn.to/4vTSxWn [https://amzn.to/4vTSxWn] My Busy Brain Feels Big Emotions: https://amzn.to/4mRFtg1 [https://amzn.to/4mRFtg1] My Busy Brain: It's okay to think differently: AmznAmazon.com: My Busy Brain: It's okay to think differently: 9798257557200: Decker, Jessica: Books [https://amzn.to/4cVdY0B]   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling [https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling]   🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music   Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com [IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com]   #IntrepidStorytelling #JessicaDecker #SurvivorStory #ChildhoodTrauma #BreakingTheCycle #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

37|Breaking Generational Cycles: Angelina Mojica’s Story

How do you find your voice when you were taught your entire childhood to stay silent?   Angelina Mojica grew up in a traditional household where she learned early on to keep quiet and meet impossibly high expectations. Seeking an escape, she married at just 19 years old, only to find herself trapped in a pattern of toxic relationships, betrayal, and profound hardship. After facing her darkest moments and realizing generational cycles were beginning to threaten her own daughter, Angelina knew she had to take ownership of her healing. In this raw and honest episode, she shares her powerful journey of surviving deep childhood wounds, discovering her faith, and ultimately breaking the patterns that held her back. Today, she is the founder of Empower Her Steps, a nonprofit dedicated to helping other women heal, elevate, and rebuild their lives.   Chapters: 00:00 Awakening to Trauma 02:55 The Journey of Healing and Purpose 06:10 Childhood Experiences and Family Dynamics 08:49 Silence and Suffering 11:58 Navigating Relationships and Expectations 14:51 Rebellion and Self-Discovery 18:14 The Impact of Parenthood 21:08 Struggles with Identity and Self-Worth 23:59 Marriage and Its Challenges 27:06 Coping with Loss and Change 29:52 Finding Strength in Adversity 35:11 Navigating Family Dynamics and Relationships 36:10 Finding Faith Amidst Turmoil 37:30 Overcoming Shame and Guilt 38:50 Coping with Loss and Responsibility 39:49 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse 42:43 The Challenges of Stepparenting 43:38 Survival Mode and Seeking Help 45:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery 49:46 Education and Personal Growth 51:38 Facing New Challenges as a Parent 54:53 Co-Parenting and Support Systems 57:48 Understanding Relationship Patterns 01:00:31 Empowerment and Healing 01:02:49 Embracing Singlehood and Self-Discovery 01:04:10 Launching a Nonprofit for Empowerment 01:10:44 Leaving a Legacy of Hope   CONNECT WITH ANGELINA WEBSITE: https://www.angelinamojica.com/ [https://www.angelinamojica.com/] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/angelina.mojica [https://www.facebook.com/angelina.mojica] LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-mojica-cfle/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-mojica-cfle/]   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling [https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling]   🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music   Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com [IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com]   #IntrepidStorytelling #AngelinaMojica #GenerationalHealing #OvercomingTrauma #TrueStory #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast

36|Uncovering Hidden Secrets & Finding Vulnerability: Michael Fornerette’s Story

How do you keep leading others when your foundation is shaken by hidden family secrets and unimaginable loss?   Michael Fornerette is known for his intense competitive drive, elite leadership, and unwavering commitment to professional standards. But behind the structured exterior of this highly successful mortgage executive lies a profoundly human story of resilience. Growing up as a "forgotten" middle child to hardworking, blue-collar parents, Michael used sports and strict routines to forge his path in life.   In this episode, Michael opens up to his former employee and host, Deanna Powell, about the hardest chapters he has ever had to face. From losing his mother to cancer at just 21 to the sudden, tragic loss of his older brother, Michael shares the painful realities he had to navigate while trying to be the strong protector of his family. He discusses the profound shock of uncovering deep family traumas decades after the fact, his physical journey to reclaim his health through biohacking and intentional habits, and his ultimate realization that true strength means embracing vulnerability rather than hiding behind a tough exterior.   Chapters: 00:00 Reflections on Family and Personal Struggles 07:45 Leadership Lessons and Team Dynamics 08:14 Childhood Influences and Family Background 12:33 Sports and Competitiveness 18:12 Health Challenges and Lifestyle Changes 23:04 The Impact of Aging on Health and Fitness 28:28 Transformative Fitness Journey 31:10 The Importance of Stretching and Mindfulness 32:36 Healing Through Meditation and Breathwork 36:05 Uncovering Family Trauma 41:55 Navigating Grief and Loss 49:28 Empowering Others Through Leadership   CONNECT WITH MICHAEL: WEBSITE: https://cfmtg.com/branch/the-fornerette-team/ [https://cfmtg.com/branch/the-fornerette-team/] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mfornerette [https://www.facebook.com/mfornerette] LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theforneretteteam/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/theforneretteteam/]   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling [https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling]   🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music   Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com [IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com]   #IntrepidStorytelling #MichaelFornerette #OvercomingTrauma #MenAndMentalHealth #VulnerableLeadership #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast

35|"Before I Die": Michel Pinard’s Honest Story About Living with Terminal Cancer

How do you react when life hands you a terminal diagnosis? For Michel "Mitch" Pinard, the answer was simple: you keep going. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, Mitch decided that while his condition might be "incurable," his spirit certainly wasn't.   In this deeply moving yet surprisingly uplifting conversation, Mitch joins Deanna Powell to discuss the beauty of "living with cancer" rather than just suffering from it. This isn't a story about dying, it's a story about the incredible resilience of the human heart and the importance of community.   Mitch’s story is a beautiful reminder that a diagnosis doesn't define your life—your choices do. Whether he’s navigating the "CyberKnife" for his brain or planning his next trip home to Seattle, Mitch proves that every day is worth celebrating. Watch until the end to see the incredible AI-generated summary of Mitch’s medical journey.   Chapters: 00:00 Facing the Diagnosis 02:48 The Role of AI in Understanding Cancer 06:09 Childhood and Early Life 08:57 Moving to Seattle and Building Connections 11:52 Navigating Life with Cancer 15:00 The Importance of Community and Support 18:10 Reflections on Life and Legacy 34:01 Fostering Comfort in Transition 35:25 Preparing for the Inevitable 37:15 Navigating End-of-Life Decisions 39:15 Understanding Cancer Diagnosis 41:12 The Journey Through Treatment 44:29 The Impact of Chemotherapy 46:18 Living with Cancer: Daily Realities 49:28 Coping with Distance and Change 51:46 Finding Joy Amidst Struggles 53:11 The Complexity of Cancer Treatment 56:19 The Role of Immunotherapy 58:41 Living Life with Cancer 01:01:45 Mental Strategies for Coping 01:07:12 The Legacy of Life Beyond Cancer 01:11:01 Finding Strength in Community and Support 01:16:57 Living Life to the Fullest 01:18:25 The Medical Paradox of Cancer Treatment   CONNECT WITH MITCH:  FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/socialmitch INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/socialmitch/ Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling [https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling]   🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music   Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email: IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com [IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com]   #IntrepidStorytelling #MichelPinard #CancerWarrior #Inspiration #TrueStory #AInMedicine #SurvivorStory #LivingLifeToTheFullest #Hope #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast