Episodios

  • From Mystery to Memoir: Edward Di Gangi's Adoption Story
    Aug 28 2024
    ajoyfulrebellion.com ----more---- digangiauthor.com ----more----

    My guest today has a fascinating story to share with us. Edward Di Gangi grew up knowing that he was adopted, though it was never discussed in his family. It wasn’t until later in life that he got curious about his birth parents and began a journey that would take him to a few different states, introduce him to a lot of people he would have never met otherwise, and ultimately inspire him to write a memoir about what he found.

    Edward is the author of The Gift Best Given- It’s a story of adoption, search, discovery and reunion. Silence your notifications for the next forty-five minutes as Edward and I discuss his story. I feel confident you’ll be glad you spent this time with us.

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    Unraveling a Hidden Past: Edward Di Gangi’s Memoir- The Gift Best Given In this episode, Edward Di Gangi shares the compelling journey of his life as an adoptee, detailing how he uncovered the story of his birth parents later in life. Despite a positive adoption experience, Edward’s curiosity led him on an adventure across various states, ultimately inspiring him to write a memoir titled 'The Gift Best Given.' Alongside host James, Edward discusses the emotional rollercoaster of uncovering his roots, from finding key documents to meeting people who knew his birth mother, an ice skating performer. The episode also explores the profound impacts and complexities of adoption, including Edward’s realization of his mother’s difficult decision and the additional connections he made with newfound family members. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Assumptions 01:01 Meet Edward Di Gangi 01:10 Edward's Adoption Journey Begins 03:35 Discovering the Past 05:16 The Search Intensifies 06:36 Uncovering Family Secrets 07:35 Connecting the Dots 08:19 The Role of Ancestry and DNA Testing 09:09 The Breakthrough Moment 11:38 The Artista Revelation 12:24 The Ice Skating Connection 14:19 The Antiques Dealer Discovery 20:58 Meeting Isabel 25:27 The Adoption Arrangement 28:34 The Gift Best Given 29:00 Emotional Impact of Adoption 29:22 Writing the Book 30:20 The Baby Scoop Era 31:24 Challenges in Research 32:19 Connecting with Birth Family 34:08 Publishing Journey 36:38 Finding the Right Audience 38:12 Personal Reflections 43:17 Future Projects 44:57 Conclusion and Contact Information
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    48 m
  • Spiritual Awakening: Insights from Marian Massie
    Aug 15 2024
    https://marianmassie.com/ ----more----

    My guest today is Marian Massie, a hypnotherapist and success coach who helps her clients create more empowerment and confidence in their lives.

    She’s also the author of three books. Her latest is Miracles: Karma and Reincarnation Redefined ~ A Handbook for Purposeful Living.

    Marian and I discuss her thoughts about why we are not people who have a soul, rather, we are souls who have a body. She talks about who she wrote the book for, and why it’s important to pay attention to our dreams.

    ----more---- Navigating Life's Journey: A Conversation with Marian Massey on Spiritual Growth and Purposeful Living In this episode of 'Joyful Rebellion,' the host engages in a deep and enlightening conversation with Marian Massey, author of 'Miracles: Karma and Reincarnation Redefined - A Handbook for Purposeful Living.' Marian shares insights from her book, discussing the importance of taking accountability for one's life, managing emotions, and understanding the spiritual journey. They delve into topics such as karma, reincarnation, managing repressed emotions like anger, and the significance of dreams. Marian also touches on how different spiritual paths align with one's state of consciousness and the role of meditation with the mantra 'Hue.' This episode blends practical advice with spiritual wisdom, offering listeners tools for living a more aware and fulfilled life. 00:00 Introduction to Love and Individuality 01:36 Meet Marian Massey: Author and Spiritual Guide 01:44 Exploring Marian's Latest Book: Miracles 02:20 Accountability and Managing Emotions 03:35 Understanding Karma and Reincarnation 05:47 Dreams and Deja Vu: A Deeper Dive 08:22 Navigating Spiritual Paths and Beliefs 12:32 Practical Spiritual Guidance and Personal Stories 21:21 The Forces of Love and Power 24:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    29 m
  • Food Americana- Exploring Culinary Traditions with David Page
    Aug 8 2024

    I LOVE food! I'm up for everything from the most basic BBQ plate to a fancy, tasting menu. My guest today is a journalist, producer, radio host, and author focused on writing about the people and stories that influence what we eat.

    David Page is a food journalist, and creator of the Food Network show, Diners Drive-ins and Dives. (definitely one of my favorites) He is also the author of the book called, Food Americana: The Remarkable People and Incredible Stories Behind America’s Favorite Dishes.

    We cover a lot of ground in this episode, and I didn’t hold back with the hard-hitting questions like, does pineapple have any business on pizza, and where should I go the next time I’m in Philly for the best cheesesteak?

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    LinkedIn URL

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-page-65b6728/

    Facebook URL

    https://www.facebook.com/david.page.1840

    Twitter URL

    David Page (@pageprod) on X

    Instagram

    Instagram (@foodamericana)

    Book link:

    Food Americana: The Remarkable People and Incredible Stories behind America’s Favorite Dishes (Humor, Entertainment, and Pop Culture) ----more---- Exploring Culinary Evolution with David Page: From Diners to Gourmet David Page, a former NBC News journalist turned food journalist, dives into the transformation of American cuisine in his book 'Food Americana.' In a lively conversation, Page discusses the influence of regional foods, the origins of the TV show 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,' and the impact of celebrity chefs. He also touches upon the concept of authenticity in cuisine, the rise of plant-based options, and the cultural significance of food. Page shares his experiences and observations from his travels, offering insights into how food reflects societal changes and cultural identities. 00:00 Introduction: The Evolution of Chefs 01:58 Regional Barbecue and Food Americana 03:39 The Journey of a Food Journalist 04:17 Cultural Insights Through Food 07:03 The Birth of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives 11:20 American Cuisine: A Melting Pot 12:44 Regional Variations in American Food 21:59 The Origins of Unique American Pizzas 22:55 Fascinating Food Origins: From Reuben Sandwiches to Mexican Cuisine 23:42 The Evolution of Mexican-American Food 25:51 The Americanization of International Cuisines 26:39 The Plant-Based Food Trend 27:37 Healthy Eating and Food Habits 29:55 Convenience Foods and Cooking Tips 33:49 The Future of Restaurants and Ghost Kitchens 36:54 The Popularity of Pizza and Regional Variations 39:34 The Best Philly Cheesesteak and Cooking Tips 41:36 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects
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    46 m
  • Overcoming Rock Bottom- The Resilient Journey of Tanya Memme
    Jul 26 2024

    Have you ever hit a point you would consider your rock bottom? My guest today had her own rock bottom experience, going from a life of being on tv shows you’ve probably watched, to having it all go away and trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces, reestablish her identity, and get the bills paid.

    In the years since her life-changing struggle, Tanya Memme has interviewed over a hundred people who have hit rock bottom, only to emerge stronger. She’s writing a book about what those people and their stories have in common and what we can learn about resilience and the human spirit.

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    Summary

    The script is an interview with Tanya Memme, a TV host and former Miss Canada, who discusses her journey from hitting rock bottom to rebuilding her life. She shares her experiences of career highs and lows, her struggles with depression, and the challenges in her personal life, including a difficult marriage and financial difficulties. Tanya reveals how she found a sense of purpose through her podcast, 'Life Masters,' where she interviews individuals who have overcome their own rock bottom experiences. She discusses her development of a course to help people gain confidence on camera and her ongoing work on a book about resilience and the commonalities among people who have bounced back from adversity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of staying present, connecting with nature, and surrounding oneself with positive influences during tough times.

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    Show Notes:

    In this episode, the host interviews Tanya Memme, a TV personality who faced a significant rock bottom after experiencing career highs and personal lows. Tanya shares her emotional journey from being a well-known TV host to struggling with depression and financial instability. She discusses how she found strength through interviewing others who had also hit rock bottom for her podcast 'Life Masters,' leading to writing a book about resilience and the human spirit. Tanya talks about the lessons she learned, the importance of spirituality, and practical steps she took to rebuild her life. She also delves into her new projects, including a public speaking course and helping others build confidence on camera. Tanya’s story is a powerful testament to the human ability to overcome adversity and find purpose.

    00:00 Introduction to Rock Bottom

    01:01 Meet Tanya Memme

    02:41 Tanya's Early Career and Miss Canada

    03:50 Life in Television

    04:42 Personal Struggles and Career Challenges

    05:31 Hitting Rock Bottom

    11:35 The Turning Point: Ayahuasca Ceremony

    14:12 Starting the Life Masters Podcast

    16:31 Lessons from Rock Bottom

    23:29 Teaching and Mentoring

    27:34 Returning to a Changed Life

    27:53 Balancing Career and Family

    29:40 A New Direction: Coaching and Public Speaking

    31:12 The Power of Networking

    32:57 Finding and Sharing Rock Bottom Stories

    34:57 Creating a Roadmap to Success

    36:26 Building Confidence on Camera

    38:56 The Journey of Writing a Book

    40:58 Overcoming Personal Struggles

    48:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    53 m
  • Inside Tips from Publishing Pros- with Dianne Pearce and David Yurkovich
    Jul 18 2024

    If you’ve been to this show a few times, you’ve heard me say in the intro that I want you to be the author of your own story. That statement has a double meaning. First, I like to think about our lives as a movie, where we can choose to be in charge of writing a large part of the script instead of allowing others to do it for us.

    The second meaning is more literal. Sharing the experiences and wisdom you’ve accumulated over the years could be just the inspiration someone else needs to go out and do great things in the world.

    In my conversation with Dianne Pearce, and David Yurkovich, we talk about how someone who has a story inside them, can begin thinking about getting that story into a form that can benefit others.

    Dianne and David have developed an understanding of what it takes to be a published author through their experiences with their own books and running their publishing company Current Words.

    We demystify the publishing process and talk about actionable things you can do to begin your author journey if that interests you. This is one of our longer episodes, so, refill your drink and enjoy this conversation.

    ----more---- Show Notes: Elevating Your Book: Insights and Tips from Current Words Publishing In this episode, we delve into the world of publishing with Dianne Pearce and David Yurkovich of Current Words Publishing. They share their expertise on creating quality books, covering the editorial process, tips for effective storytelling, and the importance of marketing for authors. Diane and David also discuss their journey from running a local writing workshop to establishing their publishing company, along with their collaborative efforts in helping writers produce polished and engaging work. Whether you have a story to tell or need guidance on the publishing process, tune in for actionable advice on becoming a successful self-published author. 00:00 The State of Self-Publishing 01:08 The Double Meaning of Being an Author 01:40 Introducing Diane Pierce and David Jurkovich 02:52 The Origin of Current Words Publishing 07:09 Challenges and Realities of the Publishing World 09:34 The Importance of Quality in Self-Publishing 24:12 Common Writing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them 28:12 Supporting Writers with Grammar Challenges 28:47 Navigating First Person Point of View 31:06 Balancing Information Dumps in Writing 32:41 Maintaining the Writer's Voice 33:22 The Role of Dialogue Tags 34:05 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis in Writing 35:28 Evaluating and Coaching Story Ideas 40:16 From Manuscript to Published Book 42:55 Building a Community of Writers 46:38 Leveraging Social Media and Reviews 49:55 Instant Noodles: A Platform for Emerging Writers 51:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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    54 m
  • Master Public Speaking- with Meghan Dotter
    Jul 11 2024

    How would you feel if I asked you to speak to a room of around a hundred people? Would you be excited or terrified?

    My guest today is Meghan Dotter, founder and CEO of Portico, and author of the book titled The Reluctant Presenter. Portico is a team with expertise in storytelling, speaker training, presentation design, leadership development, and messaging.

    Meghan and I talk about how excellent presentation skills are crucial whether you are simply updating your team, or addressing a room full of investors. We talk about ways she’s helped clients create breakthroughs in their presentation skills and why TED talks aren’t always exactly what they appear to be.

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    meghan@porticopr.us

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    Mastering Public Speaking: Insights from Expert Megan Dotter

    In this engaging discussion, Meghan Dotter, founder and CEO of Portico and author of 'The Reluctant Presenter,' shares essential tips and strategies for effective public speaking. The conversation delves into the misconceptions about TED Talks, the fear of public speaking, and practical advice for overcoming anxiety.

    Meghan highlights real-life examples of transforming hesitant speakers into confident presenters, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the audience and framing presentations as conversations. The episode is rich with actionable insights for anyone looking to improve their presentation skills, whether they're addressing a small team or a large audience.

    00:00 The Illusion of TED Talks

    01:03 Introducing Megan Daughter: Expert in Presentation Skills

    01:47 The Reality Behind TED Talks

    02:50 Understanding the Fear of Public Speaking

    05:28 Overcoming Presentation Anxiety

    07:44 From Fear to Confidence: Success Stories

    11:32 The Journey to Effective Public Speaking

    23:37 The Impact of Virtual Presentations

    24:52 Navigating Virtual Interactions

    26:02 Challenges for Young Professionals in Hybrid Workspaces

    26:58 The Importance of Small Talk and Social Networking

    28:14 Inspiration Behind Writing a Book

    31:49 The Reality of TED Talks

    35:50 Harnessing Nervous Energy for Effective Speaking

    41:15 Practical Tips for Improving Public Speaking

    44:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

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    48 m
  • The Power of Clowning to Bring Joy and address bullying with Bullseye the Clown
    Jul 5 2024
    Did you ever see the 1998 movie Patch Adams starring Robin Williams? Did you know that the movie was based on a real person? Well, I didn’t, but today’s guest did, and it led him down a path that focuses on bringing smiles and humanitarian aid to people in need worldwide. My guest today is Bullseye, the clown. Like so many things we all encounter in life, he thought he would dip his toes into a novel experience just once, only to find his impact on others was creating several positive effects in his life. We talk about why clowns are not just there for the kids, we also talk about bullying, and ways to prevent your kid from being bullied or becoming a bully, and how he discovered that real happiness comes from doing good things for others, so turn your volume up to eight, and let’s go! ----more---- Website http://www.bullseyetheclown.com LinkedIn URL https://www.linkedin.com/in/bullseyetheclown Facebook URL https://www.facebook.com/bullseyetheclownonbullying YouTube URL https://www.youtube.com/channel/bullseyetheclown Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bullseye_clown ----more---- Summary Bullseye the Clown shares his journey of finding fulfillment by doing good things for others. He started off doing stand-up comedy but realized it wasn't fulfilling. After his father passed away, he decided to travel and joined a clown tour in Russia. The impact he had on people during the trip made him realize the power of clowning. He started using his clown persona to bring joy and humanitarian aid to people in need. He also focuses on anti-bullying and aims to empower children to stand up against bullying. The conversation explores the connection between bullying and home life, the importance of finding outlets for bullies, and the impact of bullying on both the victims and the bullies themselves. It also delves into the concept of happiness and the role of clowning in bringing joy to others. The conversation concludes with suggestions for small acts of kindness and ways to address cyberbullying. The guest provides his contact information for those interested in learning more or getting involved. Keywords clowning, humanitarian aid, anti-bullying, fulfillment, joy, transformation, bullying, home life, outlets, hurt people hurt people, happiness, clowning, joy, small acts of kindness, cyberbullying Takeaways Doing something nice for someone else can bring fulfillment and joy.Clowning can have a powerful impact on people and bring smiles to their faces.Bullying can have long-lasting effects on individuals, and it's important to address the issue.Changing patterns and being aware of one's surroundings can help prevent bullying.Empowering children to stand up against bullying is crucial. Bullies may have a bad home life and are often seeking an outlet for their own pain.Hurt people hurt other people, highlighting the cycle of bullying.Clowning and acts of kindness can bring happiness and joy to both the giver and the recipient.Parents should have open conversations with their children about bullying and cyberbullying.Small acts of kindness, such as volunteering at a homeless shelter or nursing home, can make a difference in someone's life.Being selective about social media platforms and interactions can help prevent cyberbullying.Clowns are not just for kids; they can bring laughter and joy to adults as well. Sound Bites "If things are not going the way you want them to do, the best thing we can always do is just do something nice for someone else.""Real happiness comes from doing good things for others.""There's something to the power that we have as clowns.""Hurt people hurt other people.""The joyful rebellion is all about realizing that if you're not happy with where you are right now, then you have to decide, okay, what do I do next?""Sometimes the people whose lives you change, you may never know." Chapters 00:00Finding Fulfillment Through Clowning and Humanitarian Aid 06:21The Power of Clowning to Bring Joy and Smiles 08:09Addressing the Issue of Bullying 13:49Preventing Bullying by Changing Patterns and Being Aware 23:23The Connection Between Bullying and Home Life 26:53Finding Outlets for Bullies 29:07The Impact of Bullying on Victims and Bullies 34:43The Power of Clowning and Acts of Kindness 41:54Addressing Cyberbullying 45:07Clowns: Bringing Laughter and Joy to All
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    48 m
  • From Boredom to Brilliance: Shanti Hershenson on Writing, Motivation, and Success
    Jun 28 2024

    Today’s episode will leave you feeling one of two ways. I hope you leave feeling fired up about your next creative project, but there’s a chance you might go away feeling like it’s too late to do all the really cool things you always dreamed you would.

    Truth be told, I’m still on the fence about my own feelings on the subject, but I’m doing my best to lean toward fired up.

    My guest today is Shanti Hershenson. She began writing in 2020 in her joyful rebellion against the boredom she was experiencing during lock down. Since then she has published over sixteen books. She continues to write at least 1000 words every day, and I don’t think I mentioned it yet, but at the time of this interview, she is sixteen years old. Yeah, you heard that right.

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    Website

    Author | Shanti Hershenson

    Shanti Hershenson: books, biography, latest update

    Twitter URL

    Shanti Hershenson (@ShantiHersh) on X

    Instagram

    Instagram (@shantihershenson) ----more---- Writing Through Boredom: The Prolific Young Author Shanti Hershenson's Journey In this episode, the host discusses the creative journey of Shanti Hershenson, a young author who began writing at 12 during the 2020 lockdown and has since published over 16 books. Shanti shares insights into her writing process, how she handles criticism and how she manages to write daily alongside her school commitments. The episode delves into her inspirations, her reaction to earlier works, and her experiences with marketing and self-publishing, while also highlighting her impactful book on middle-school bullying, 'You Won't Know Her Name.' 00:00 Reflecting on Early Writing 01:16 Introducing Shante Hershenson 02:41 The Birth of a Young Author 05:56 Choosing the Sci-Fi Genre 07:00 Critiquing Early Works 11:46 Support and Reactions 15:09 Finding Inspiration 16:34 Writing Process and Coaching 21:56 Balancing TV and Learning 22:14 Maintaining Writing Discipline 22:41 Overcoming Adversity: Writing Through Challenges 23:15 Exploring 'You Won't Know Her Name' 25:47 Impact and Reception of 'You Won't Know Her Name' 28:22 Navigating School and Writing Success 32:38 Finding Time to Write 33:32 Writing Environments and Productivity 35:54 Connecting with Readers and Future Plans 37:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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    39 m