Good Life Stories

David Castillo Pt1 - Journey to Find Family and Self

What would you do if you had the phone number of the father you'd never met but couldn't find the courage to call? David Castillo's powerful story on Good Life Stories reveals how the universe conspired to bring him face-to-face with his dad at age 38, after a lifetime of wondering about his identity and heritage. David's journey began with a serendipitous moment while working at the VA, when his half-brother's case crossed his desk. Recognizing the shared family name, David made a courageous phone call that would change both their lives forever. As he recalls, "I was like, I'm going to be courageous here. I'm going to be courageous." That call led to a parking lot meeting where both brothers immediately recognized their resemblance, and ultimately to David's first conversation with his father. The episode explores how David filled the void left by his father's absence through music, finding catharsis writing and performing with his band in Seattle's vibrant 1990s music scene. From venues like the Off Ramp Cafe to the Phoenix Underground, David channeled his questions about identity and family into songs that helped him process years of wondering and longing. His story beautifully illustrates how timing matters in relationships, how courage can open doors we've been afraid to walk through, and how creative expression can provide healing during our most uncertain moments. For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/ [https://www.goodlifestories.com/].

Sheryl Tullis Pt3 - The Power of Yet and Creating Hope

What's the difference between "I'm not good at that" and "I'm not good at that yet"? In this final episode with Sheryl Tullis, host Tracy Crowley explores how one small word can fundamentally reshape our mindset and open possibilities we never imagined. Sheryl reveals her philosophy of being a "multiplier"—someone who helps others accomplish meaningful goals and rides along on their journey of growth. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Sheryl shares her ongoing work with Combat Flip Flops founder Matt Griffin, helping Afghan allies escape Taliban persecution. After the Taliban takeover in August 2021, Sheryl joined a team working tirelessly to protect translators, teachers, university professors, and other vulnerable allies. Despite facing investigations, Western Union shutdowns, and countless obstacles, they've successfully helped dozens of families reach safety—including one family that just arrived in Canada after two years of hiding. "For me, not doing anything just worsens the helpless feeling," Sheryl explains. "So if I can take some kind of action, no matter how small, it helps alleviate that." Her story demonstrates how individual action, no matter how small, can create ripples of hope in seemingly hopeless situations. Through her favorite quote—"When is the last time you did something for the first time?"—and her commitment to continuous learning, Sheryl embodies the transformative power of growth mindset and purposeful action. For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/ [https://www.goodlifestories.com/].

Sheryl Tullis Pt2 - 50 Adventures by 50 and Living with Intention

"When it's my time, am I going to die doing what I love or am I going to have wasted a whole bunch of time doing things that I don't love?" What question would you ask yourself if someone you loved died doing what they loved? For Sheryl Tullis, losing her brother in a helicopter crash led to a life-changing realization and an extraordinary challenge: completing 50 adventures by age 50. In this compelling episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley explores how Sheryl's motivation stems from a profound loss: her youngest brother Justin was killed in a helicopter crash during a National Guard training mission on his birthday 13 years ago. This tragedy sparked a fundamental question that continues to drive her: "When it's my time, am I going to die doing what I love or am I going to have wasted a whole bunch of time doing things that I don't love?" Each year, Sheryl celebrates a "Justin Day" to honor his memory by doing something amazing or epic. Inspired by the movie Walter Mitty, Sheryl embarked on adventures ranging from simple new experiences like trying different foods to epic challenges like hot air ballooning over 3,000 temples in Myanmar and climbing Mount Rainier. As she reflects, "My Walter Mitty moment was realizing that what I'm about is adventuring with people I love and helping people get outside their comfort zone." The episode also reveals Sheryl's delightful superpowers: having "a lyric for everything" and remaining "calm under fire" during crisis situations. Her story demonstrates how tragedy can become a catalyst for intentional living and how pushing beyond comfort zones can reveal our true potential. For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/ [https://www.goodlifestories.com/].

Sheryl Tullis Pt1 - When No Means Try Harder and Learning from Leaders

"When somebody tells you no, that doesn't have to be the end of it. There's always an appeal. There's always another way around." In this inspiring episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley sits down with Sheryl Tullis to explore her remarkable journey from West Point rejection to acceptance and beyond. Sheryl shares the powerful story of how a childhood lawnmower accident that severed three fingers initially seemed to close doors but ultimately opened them in unexpected ways. When West Point initially rejected Sheryl for medical reasons due to missing finger joints, she refused to accept "no" as the final answer. Her childhood piano teacher, who had witnessed her determination to play piano again after doctors said she'd never have the dexterity, wrote a compelling letter to West Point that secured her medical waiver. This pivotal moment taught her that "when somebody tells you no, that doesn't have to be the end of it. There's always an appeal. There's always another way around." The conversation then moves to Sheryl's extraordinary experience as an intern speechwriter for General Colin Powell, where she learned invaluable lessons about leadership and culture creation. From breaking the silence in a military van with a humorous observation about a billboard to receiving personal mentorship from one of America's most respected generals, Sheryl's stories illustrate how small moments can have profound impacts on our lives and careers. For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/ [https://www.goodlifestories.com/].

Taking Up Space: Leadership, Language, and Creating Global Change: Dr, Tammy Yard-McCracken pt3

"Power is not a zero sum game. Just because somebody steps into theirs doesn't diminish the power of the people who are around them, regardless of gender." In this final part of the interview with Dr. Tammy Yard-McCracken, host Tracy Crowley explores the deeper motivations and philosophies that drive her guest's remarkable work in women's empowerment and self-defense. The conversation begins with Dr. Yard-McCracken reflecting on leadership as her superpower, describing her unique "goals backward" approach—envisioning objectives first, then figuring out the path forward—rather than the more common "resources forward" approach. This perspective allows her to see possibilities where others might focus on limitations. The discussion delves into Dr. Yard-McCracken's powerful guiding philosophy that "you have the right to take up space on the planet." She shares how learning about the estimated 60 million "missing women" worldwide profoundly impacted her worldview and fueled her mission to help women overcome societal conditioning to make themselves smaller. Tracy and Tammy explore how simple language shifts, like eliminating minimizing words such as "just," can help women communicate more powerfully. The episode concludes with a spotlight on Mary Stevens, a karate practitioner and 500 Rising instructor who is making a significant impact by training girls and women in India through the Fair Fight organization. Dr. Yard-McCracken admires Stevens' commitment to working in extremely challenging conditions, learning the local language, and persisting despite overwhelming obstacles. Throughout the conversation, listeners gain valuable insights into effective leadership, authentic communication, and how dedicated individuals can create meaningful change even in the most difficult circumstances. For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/ [https://www.goodlifestories.com/].