Jack Totten: Living with Cerebral Palsy, Cross Country PRs, and Wanting to Inspire Others

Jackie Rao- “Losing Your Mom in Middle School and Finding Joy in Helping Others”

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411749/fan_mail/new] To call high school senior Jackie Rao, “multicultural” is a gross understatement. Growing up with an Indian father and Russian mother, raised around Judaism and Hinduism, Jackie and her sister were learning a lot about the world. She shares what her life is like right now, here at the end of her senior year of high school- spring break, college stress, prom, and getting close to folks just as it’s all wrapping up. But Jackie also shares how she got here, a story that includes losing her mom through a turn of surprising and tragic events.  You will cry, you will be inspired, you will be left to consider how loss shapes people, and why, sometimes, those that have experienced tragedy become the people we most want to be around.  We laugh, we shed tears, we have a painful and meaningful conversation. Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios, Charlotte NC http://evrybdystudios.com

Jack Totten: Living with Cerebral Palsy, Cross Country PRs, and Wanting to Inspire Others

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411749/fan_mail/new] Ed and Kellie sit down with high school sophomore, Jack Totten. He shares about his current hobbies and interests, including his gaming, comics, and music Youtube channels (all linked below). Jack talks about the complications his mother faced while carrying him, and also shares what the doctors originally said about his chances to walk and run. Lastly, (spoiler alert) we find out how he proved them all wrong. Small and difficult first steps all the way to being named the “Athlete of Week” in a local newspaper article celebrating his cross country PR. Jack’s story is inspiring and worth hearing and sharing.   Charlotte Observer Article https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article312108585.html [https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article312108585.html] Jack’s Gaming and Comics Channels https://youtube.com/@blitzprimal125?si=hl2T-qjLQ7_cHxKE [https://youtube.com/@blitzprimal125?si=hl2T-qjLQ7_cHxKE] https://youtube.com/@blitz-tendo3dsgamer212?si=KmaD8atG4XpqRZXf [https://youtube.com/@blitz-tendo3dsgamer212?si=KmaD8atG4XpqRZXf] https://youtube.com/@theblitzedcomicgeek6950?si=Gx1AEPaZXMw7Baqa [https://youtube.com/@theblitzedcomicgeek6950?si=Gx1AEPaZXMw7Baqa] https://youtube.com/@blitzstudiosmusic?si=rJ4WItQW36mJwFF- [https://youtube.com/@blitzstudiosmusic?si=rJ4WItQW36mJwFF-] Jack’s Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blitzprime/1762111757 [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blitzprime/1762111757] https://open.spotify.com/artist/1e8HA189pWV6mtwUCc46jG?si=SqRBLy7vRPCKX8v01ys9ZA [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1e8HA189pWV6mtwUCc46jG?si=SqRBLy7vRPCKX8v01ys9ZA] https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Ffk6SICReLigHppQ0Velj?si=uLcNbjEISGucTYeN6HjbNA&pi=sqsowWWbTxiG7 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Ffk6SICReLigHppQ0Velj?si=uLcNbjEISGucTYeN6HjbNA&pi=sqsowWWbTxiG7] Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios, Charlotte NC http://evrybdystudios.com [http://evrybdystudios.com]

Ed & Kellie: What Do You Want Most? - a peek into our school event on Core Values.

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411749/fan_mail/new] Ed and Kellie talk about New Year’s resolutions, when travel locations don’t meet expectations, and the constant struggle between what we want now versus what we want most. A fascinating discussion around the things we choose in life but are dissatisfied with once we have them. It's not often we slow down and compare our short term desires and goals with the things that are constant and most deeply important to us as individuals. Hell, do most people even know what those things are? Ed and Kellie explore their own journeys, and then walk the listener through the key questions that they walk their high school senior audiences through.  A great listen for anyone… but definitely for anyone looking for a new job, new friendships, a new city to live in, a new direction, ANYTHING to help them deal with a growing discontent with the way things are. And who knows,… maybe it will even help some listeners understand their past a little better as well. Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios, Charlotte NC http://evrybdystudios.com

Samantha Martinez: Overachiever, Mom’s Battle with Cancer, Incredible Parenting, and the Power of Camp

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411749/fan_mail/new] Ed and Kellie get to hear the story behind Dr. Samantha Martinez, a young, successful, Charlotte-based psychologist.  You will hear how Dr. Sam grew up in a small NJ town as the oldest daughter of 2 coaches, how her mom was diagnosed with cancer when she was 9, and that despite her begging not to go, how her parents sent her and her siblings to Camp Kesem, a place that changed her life. Such a fun and helpful interview that addresses parenting with curiosity, grief, and that the best version of us includes high performance AND the ability to feel. Dr. Martinez’s Website: https://drsamanthamartinez.com/ [https://drsamanthamartinez.com/] Camp Kesem: https://www.kesem.org/ Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

Chris Lee: Being a Creative and a Journey Back from Despair

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411749/fan_mail/new] **Trigger warning: This episode talks explicitly about suicidal ideation and depression. If you are in crisis please call or text 988. Ed and Kellie sit down with their long-time friend and FOR Students’ Videographer and Graphic Designer, Chris Lee. They talk playing music, becoming a full-time creative, and the stresses of working for non-profits with small teams. Very quickly, however, Chris opens up and is incredibly vulnerable around his marriage, boundaries, deteriorating mental health, separation, despair, and plans for suicide. It’s a tough and beautiful discussion around feeling lost and, with the help of friends, figuring out how to survive. You will be glad you listened. Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios