How Did I End Up Here? One Man's Journey to Healing | Jeff Kolez

What Life Is REALLY Like in Iran | An Iranian Journalist Tells the Truth | Mojdeh Kashani

What Life Is REALLY Like in Iran | An Iranian Journalist Tells the Truth | Mojdeh Kashani | Ep. 49 What is life really like inside Iran? Most people know Iran through headlines, politics, or social media. But what's it like to grow up there, build a career, leave everything behind, and start over in another country? In Episode 49 of The Common Ground Podcast, John "Philly" Fletcher and Sydney Nicole sit down with Mojdeh Kashani, an Iranian-born journalist, storyteller, and former SBS Australia reporter, to hear a firsthand account of life in Iran and the journey that changed her life forever. Mojdeh shares what it was like growing up in Iran, the realities of living under government restrictions, the role of journalism in giving people a voice, and the emotional challenges of leaving her homeland to build a new life in Australia. This conversation isn't about politics—it's about people. We explore the differences between governments and citizens, immigration, cultural identity, freedom of speech, women's rights, journalism, and why curiosity and honest dialogue are essential to understanding one another. Whether you're interested in world affairs, Middle Eastern culture, immigration, journalism, or simply hearing an extraordinary human story, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective that goes beyond stereotypes and headlines. • Growing up in Iran and everyday life • Women's rights and cultural expectations • Why Mojdeh chose to leave Iran • Starting over in Australia as an immigrant • Journalism and telling stories that matter • Freedom of speech and censorship • Separating governments from the people they represent • Challenging misconceptions about Iran • Identity, resilience, and belonging • Why respectful conversations build understanding Mojdeh's story reminds us that behind every headline is a human being with hopes, fears, dreams, and experiences that deserve to be heard. What surprised you most about Mojdeh's story, and how can conversations like this help build greater understanding between cultures? 🎙️ The Common Ground Podcast Hosted by John "Philly" Fletcher and Sydney Nicole, The Common Ground Podcast features honest conversations about faith, culture, relationships, leadership, personal growth, current events, and the stories that bring people together. Our mission is simple: create meaningful dialogue, challenge assumptions, and help people find common ground. 🌐 Website: thecommongroundprojectusa.com 📸 Instagram: @phillygolive #Iran #MojdehKashani #IranianJournalist #LifeInIran #Journalism #Immigration #MiddleEast #Freedom #Storytelling #CulturalUnderstanding #CommonGroundPodcast #TheCommonGroundProjectUSA

There's No Shame in a Dollar: The Money Mindset Holding You Back | Andrew Quebbemann

There's No Shame in a Dollar: The Money Mindset Holding You Back | Andrew Quebbemann | Ep. 48 What if your biggest financial obstacle isn't your income, your debt, or the economy? What if it's your relationship with money? In Episode 48 of The Common Ground Podcast, John "Philly" Fletcher and Sydney Nicole sit down with financial advisor Andrew Quebbemann to explore the emotional, psychological, and behavioral side of money. Many people think financial success is about numbers. Andrew argues it's often about beliefs. From childhood experiences and family money stories to fear, shame, risk, and self-worth, our financial decisions are often driven by emotions we don't fully understand. This conversation goes far beyond investing and budgeting. We discuss financial trauma, money mindset, wealth-building, retirement planning, financial freedom, and why so many people struggle with money despite working hard and earning a good income. Andrew shares practical insights on how to build a healthier relationship with money, avoid common financial mistakes, and create more options, flexibility, and freedom for yourself and your family. • The emotional relationship people have with money • Financial trauma and inherited money beliefs • Why wealth and self-worth are not the same thing • How fear influences financial decisions • Budgeting, planning, and financial freedom • Retirement planning and long-term thinking • Common financial mistakes people make • Marriage, relationships, and money conversations • Generational wealth and legacy planning • Why there is truly "No Shame in a Dollar" Whether you're just starting your financial journey, preparing for retirement, or trying to better understand your money habits, this episode offers practical wisdom and a fresh perspective on personal finance. What money belief did you inherit growing up—and has it helped or hurt your financial future? 🎙️ The Common Ground Podcast Hosted by John "Philly" Fletcher and Sydney Nicole, The Common Ground Podcast features honest conversations about faith, personal growth, leadership, entrepreneurship, relationships, healing, and the stories that shape our lives. Our mission is simple: create meaningful dialogue, challenge assumptions, and help people find common ground. 🌐 Website: thecommongroundprojectusa.com 📸 Instagram: @phillygolive This is a general communication being provided for educational purposes only. Any examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Actual results will vary based on individual circumstances and market conditions. All opinions expressed by the Program Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of their respective parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the Program Participants are affiliated. Andrew Quebbemann is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. https://www.sipc.org [https://www.sipc.org] Zepeda Financial Partners Financial and Ins. Svcs is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC, or its affiliated companies. Supervisory Office: 4900 N Scottsdale Road Suite 4000 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 638-2100 CRN202906-11307687

Burned Out, Addicted, and Successful—Why She Walked Away | Kathryn Eipl

Burned Out, Addicted, and Successful—Why She Walked Away | Kathryn Eipl | Ep. 47 What happens when you achieve everything you thought would make you happy—only to discover you're still unfulfilled? In Episode 47 of The Common Ground Podcast, John "Philly" Fletcher and Sydney Nicole sit down with holistic health practitioner, CBT life coach, and addiction recovery specialist Kathryn Eipl for a powerful conversation about burnout, addiction, emotional healing, and finding purpose beyond achievement. On the outside, Kathryn appeared successful. She earned degrees in psychology and theater, built a promising career in the entertainment industry, and achieved many of the goals she had set for herself. But behind the accomplishments, she found herself struggling with stress, emotional exhaustion, and unhealthy coping mechanisms that gradually evolved into dependency. Rather than continuing down a path that no longer aligned with who she wanted to become, Kathryn made the difficult decision to walk away and begin the work of rebuilding her life from the inside out. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, yoga, addiction recovery, sound healing, and deep personal reflection, Kathryn learned that true healing isn't about avoiding pain—it's about learning how to face it. This conversation explores the hidden cost of hustle culture, the connection between trauma and addiction, the role of self-awareness in recovery, and why so many high achievers struggle with fulfillment despite outward success. Whether you're navigating burnout, questioning your career path, working through addiction, or simply searching for greater meaning in your life, Kathryn's story offers practical wisdom and hope. • Why success doesn't always create fulfillment • The hidden dangers of burnout culture • Alcohol, cannabis, and unhealthy coping mechanisms • The connection between trauma and addiction • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindset change • Yoga, mindfulness, and emotional healing • Recognizing self-sabotaging patterns • Learning to sit with uncomfortable emotions • The importance of self-awareness and accountability • Why purpose matters more than achievement • Breaking free from limiting beliefs • Building a healthier relationship with yourself Kathryn's journey is a powerful reminder that healing begins when we're willing to stop numbing our pain and start understanding it. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is walk away from a life that looks successful on the outside so we can build one that feels authentic on the inside. Have you ever achieved something you thought would make you happy—only to realize it wasn't what you truly needed? 🎙️ The Common Ground Podcast Hosted by John "Philly" Fletcher and Sydney Nicole, The Common Ground Podcast features honest conversations about faith, healing, relationships, leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the stories that shape our lives. Our mission is simple: create meaningful dialogue, challenge assumptions, and help people find common ground. 🌐 Website: thecommongroundprojectusa.com 📸 Instagram: @phillygolive #KathrynEipl #BurnoutRecovery #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #CBT #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #Mindfulness #SelfImprovement #Recovery #TraumaHealing #EmotionalWellness #PurposeDrivenLife #CommonGroundPodcast #TheCommonGroundProjectUSA

How Did I End Up Here? One Man's Journey to Healing | Jeff Kolez

How Did I End Up Here? One Man's Journey to Healing | Jeff Kolez | Ep. 46 What happens when life falls apart and you're forced to ask yourself a difficult question: "How did I end up here?" In Episode 46 of The Common Ground Podcast, John "Philly" Fletcher and Sydney Nicole sit down with writer, father, and personal growth advocate Jeff Kolez for a deeply honest conversation about divorce, healing, masculinity, fatherhood, self-awareness, and the hidden patterns that shape our lives. After the collapse of his marriage, Jeff found himself facing a crossroads. Instead of focusing on blame, he began looking inward, asking hard questions about his choices, beliefs, relationships, and the unconscious behaviors that had influenced his life for decades. That journey led him into emotional healing, men's work, somatic practices, meditation, journaling, personal responsibility, and a deeper understanding of what it means to become the man, father, and leader he wanted to be. This conversation explores the difficult but necessary work of self-reflection and the courage required to confront the parts of ourselves we'd rather ignore. Along the way, Jeff shares lessons about breaking generational cycles, conscious parenting, emotional awareness, personal growth, and the importance of passing wisdom—not wounds—to the next generation. Whether you're navigating a divorce, raising children, rebuilding your life, or simply trying to better understand yourself, this episode offers practical insights and powerful perspectives on healing and transformation. • The life-changing question: "How did I end up here?" • Divorce, accountability, and personal responsibility • Emotional healing and self-discovery • Somatic coaching and personal growth practices • Breaking generational cycles and unhealthy patterns • Modern masculinity and emotional awareness • Fatherhood and raising emotionally healthy children • The power of self-reflection and intentional living • Healing past wounds instead of passing them on • Blessings, curses, and family legacies • Personal transformation through adversity • Becoming the person you were meant to be Jeff's story is a powerful reminder that healing begins when we're willing to stop pointing fingers, look inward, and take ownership of our own growth. Sometimes the most important journey isn't finding answers—it's finding the courage to ask better questions. Have you ever experienced a moment that forced you to ask, "How did I end up here?" What did you learn from it? 🎙️ The Common Ground Podcast Hosted by John "Philly" Fletcher and Sydney Nicole, The Common Ground Podcast features honest conversations about faith, healing, relationships, leadership, personal growth, culture, and the stories that shape who we become. Our mission is simple: create meaningful dialogue, challenge assumptions, and help people find common ground. 🌐 Website: thecommongroundprojectusa.com 📸 Instagram: @phillygolive #JeffKolez #Fatherhood #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #Masculinity #DivorceRecovery #MensMentalHealth #SelfDiscovery #ConsciousParenting #BreakingGenerationalCycles #CommonGroundPodcast #TheCommonGroundProjectUSA

Stay Curious: The Skill That Changes Everything | Darren "Robbo" Robertson

Stay Curious: The Skill That Changes Everything | Darren "Robbo" Robertson | Ep. 45 What if the most important skill for success isn't talent, intelligence, education, or even hard work? What if it's curiosity? In Episode 45 of The Common Ground Podcast, John "Philly" Fletcher and Sydney Nicole sit down with Australian broadcaster, audio engineer, podcaster, craftsman, and father of six, Darren "Robbo" Robertson, for a fascinating conversation about curiosity, critical thinking, fatherhood, creativity, lifelong learning, and why asking better questions can change your life. Robbo shares his journey from working as a butcher's apprentice alongside his father to building a decades-long career in radio broadcasting, audio production, and podcasting. Along the way, he discovered that curiosity—not certainty—became his greatest advantage. This conversation explores the importance of learning how to think instead of simply being told what to think. We discuss modern education, parenting, personal growth, creativity, entrepreneurship, sports, resilience, and why staying curious may be one of the most valuable life skills we can develop. Whether you're raising children, building a business, pursuing a creative passion, or simply trying to grow as a person, this episode offers practical wisdom and timeless lessons about remaining open-minded, adaptable, and willing to learn. • Why curiosity is one of the most valuable skills in life • From butcher's apprentice to successful broadcaster • Learning through experience and failure • Fatherhood and raising independent thinkers • The importance of critical thinking in a digital world • Creativity, confidence, and personal growth • Education, learning, and asking better questions • Entrepreneurship and building a meaningful career • Sports, discipline, and resilience • Why lifelong learning matters more than ever • How curiosity creates opportunity and connection Darren's story is a reminder that growth doesn't come from having all the answers—it comes from being willing to ask better questions. If you've ever felt stuck, uncertain, or afraid to explore new ideas, this conversation will encourage you to embrace curiosity, challenge assumptions, and continue learning throughout every season of life. Question for listeners: What's one question you've been afraid to ask that could change your life if you pursued the answer? 🎙️ The Common Ground Podcast Hosted by John "Philly" Fletcher and Sydney Nicole, The Common Ground Podcast brings together people from different backgrounds to have honest conversations about faith, personal growth, relationships, culture, leadership, entrepreneurship, healing, and the stories that shape who we are. Our mission is simple: create meaningful dialogue, challenge assumptions, and help people find common ground. 🔗 Website: thecommongroundprojectusa.com 📸 Instagram: @phillygolive #Curiosity #DarrenRobboRobertson #PersonalGrowth #CriticalThinking #Parenting #Leadership #LifelongLearning #Entrepreneurship #Creativity #GrowthMindset #CommonGroundPodcast #TheCommonGroundProjectUSA In This Episode: