Welcome to Paul's Positive Podcast, where each episode is a celebration of incredible real-life stories of resilience and optimism. In this special episode, your host, Amy Iverson, shares the heartening and powerful journey of Jean Mitchell, a 24-year-old Olympic rower from Australia whose life story is the epitome of determination and spirit.

At just 16, Jean faced a life-altering challenge when diagnosed with brain cancer. Throughout her rigorous battle, which involved surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, Jean's indomitable spirit never wavered. After stepping back from rowing to focus on her recovery, she began rebuilding her strength from the ground up. Starting from managing only one minute on the rowing machine, Jean has risen to become a formidable athlete, competing at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Despite ongoing challenges such as balance and hearing issues, Jean has achieved remarkable sporting success without seeking any special accommodations, earning her place on the Olympic team through pure merit. Her teammate, Lily Alton, sheds light on Jean beyond her athletic accomplishments, describing her as the team's heart—full of kindness, humor, and an uplifting spirit that enhances the strength and bond of their team.

Already securing a silver medal at the World Cup in Poland, Jean and her Australian women's four crew are not just contenders for Olympic gold; they are a testament to the power of team spirit and the profound connections forged through collective endurance and victories. Jean's story isn't just one of achieving athletic greatness; it's about the capacity of the human spirit to triumph over incredible odds, illuminating a path of hope and tenacity for us all.

Tune into this inspiring episode of Paul's Positive Podcast, and join Amy Iverson as she delves deeper into Jean Mitchell’s story of resilience, proving yet again that boundaries are meant to be pushed and redefined. Prepare to be inspired!

Olympic Games star, 24, reveals how she battled back from brain cancer in miracle journey to Paris
Australian rower and brain cancer survivor Jean Mitchell to compete in Paris Olympics

Welcome to "Paul's Positive Plaza", a special place designed just for you, Paul! In this unique episode, our host Amy Iverson brings to light the inspiring power of dance through personal stories of resilience and transformation.

In this segment, we explore the journey of Maya Hajizadeh, a courageous woman who once lived in a society where she was not allowed to dance. Now residing in Melbourne, Australia, Maya not only dances without boundaries but also teaches dance at L2R, a non-profit organization. Her story is one of breaking free from constraints and embracing the joy and community dance offers.

We also delve into the life of Ligi Htoo, who made his way from a refugee camp to the dance floors of Melbourne. With no prior professional dance experience, Ligi has grown into a skilled dancer and an inspiration to all, especially at L2R. His narrative is a testament to how art can lift individuals out of the toughest circumstances and lead them towards leadership and creative expression.

The magic of L2R doesn't stop with individual stories. It reaches deep into the community, transforming lives and creating connections through the universal language of dance. Their presence isn't just felt in classes and workshops, but vibrantly in public spaces through festivals and street performances, bringing joy and hope to the urban landscape.

Join Amy and Paul as they discuss how these touching tales not only highlight personal victories but also illustrate the immense power of supportive networks in fostering inclusion and encouraging personal development. These stories remind us all to embrace our own journeys with courage and creativity. Don't miss this moving episode filled with humanity's brighter moments, just for you, Paul!

How Maya – who was banned from dancing – found her groove
How Maya – who was banned from dancing – found her groove

Hello Paul! In this week’s soul-stir-fest on Paul's Positive Podcast, hosted by the ever-engaging Amy Iverson, we dive into tales of personal valor and communal triumph that are sure to uplift and inspire.

First up, we recount the heartening battle of Isabella Strahan, a warrior who at just 19, overturned the odds of a severe brain tumor diagnosis. Her journey, marked by resilience through surgeries and therapies, isn't shrouded in secrecy but shared openly, garnering her community's adoration and the titles of "warrior" and "inspiration." Our segment explores how Isabella's spirited fight and subsequent celebration in the Bahamas—captured in her joyous ‘Happy here’ social media post—expounds on the importance of cherishing each moment. This narrative isn't just a cancer battle; it's a ladder to discussions on the daunting illnesses, the bravery required to face them, and how community support holds the power to uplift the human spirit.

Continuing in the spirit of communal inspiration, today's episode shifts scenery to the "Library in A Park" in Cedar - an exemplary initiative where literature meets nature, and community will shapes its heart. This brand-new facility extends beyond traditional books to include hot spots, tablets, and even a bustling business center, tailored by the community’s voice. With features like a Teen Room and an array of events from book clubs to circuses, we delve into how such spaces not only encourage reading but forge indelible connections with learning, fostering a perennial community bond.

Join Amy Iverson as she guides us through these narratives of endurance and esprit, illustrating that amid challenges, there's always a chapter of joy and community waiting to be read. Whether it's celebrating individual feats like Isabella's or communal ventures like the Cedar Hill library, today’s stories are here to brighten your day, much like the Bahamian sun.

We hope this dose of positivity adds a spark to your day, Paul! Stay tuned for more stories that make life a little lighter and a lot more inspiring.

Isabella Strahan looks stunning in the Bahamas as fans praise her ‘strength & beauty’ after ‘cancer free’ announcement
Cedar Hill welcomes visitors to new Library in A Park

A Nostalgic Journey to Childhood: ‘Oink’

Host: Amy Iverson

Paul's Personal Podcast is tailored especially for one person: Paul. Join host Amy Iverson as she dives into the heartwarming and inspiring narratives of individuals whose stories uplift and motivate.

In our latest episode, Amy shares the exceptional journey of Melissa Stockwell, a fearless Iraq War veteran turned Paralympic icon. Despite losing a limb in combat, Melissa's unwavered determination propelled her through four Paralympic Games. Starting with her historic participation in Beijing 2008, Melissa has continually reshaped the limits of what is achievable, clinching a bronze medal in the triathlon at the Rio 2016 Games. As she gears up for Paris 2024, this episode illuminates the pivotal role of family support in her life, particularly the upcoming emotional presence of her children at the games—a first due to previous COVID restrictions.

This episode also casts a spotlight on country music star Rory Feek's poignant tale of loss and newfound love. Following the tragic death of his wife and musical partner, Joey, Rory faced the immense challenge of moving on. His heartwarming story unfolded with Rebecca, whom he met in a schoolhouse he built on his property and remarried. Amy Iverson beautifully narrates how Rory's profound connection with Rebecca and his daughter's acceptance, culminating in a touching endorsement at their wedding, exemplifies the incredible resilience and capacity for joy that defines the human spirit.

With each episode, Paul's Positive Podcast aims to remind you, Paul, of the strength and beauty inherent in the human condition, inspiring a sense of hope and joy through the power of storytelling. Join Amy for these profound stories, thinking about the connections and resilient spirits that bring us closer, even in times of challenge and change. World>.

How Melissa Stockwell Balances Parenting and the Paralympics
Country music star marries again 8 years after wife’s tragic death

Need a break from the news? 5 feel-good books offer refuge.

Welcome to Paul's Positive Podcast, your exclusive, personalized source for all things uplifting and inspiring, hosted by Amy Iverson. Today, Paul, we have a truly inspirational journey to share with you involving grit, creativity, and tenacity.

Our spotlight is on Antoinette Marie Davis, a remarkable individual whose career trajectory shifted dramatically after a professional setback. Once a dedicated teacher, Antoinette found herself unemployed but saw this as an opportunity to pivot her career in a new and exciting direction. Drawing on the skills and expertise she learned from her landlord parents, she embarked on a side hustle in Airbnb rentals.

Antoinette’s story is not just about entrepreneurship but about thriving against the odds. Initially balancing her full-time job with her rental side hustle, she managed to streamline her operations effectively by delegating essential tasks and automating parts of her business. This strategic shift allowed her to reduce her daily involvement to just an hour or two each month, focusing her time on scaling her business instead.

Despite experiencing significant challenges, including a devastating incident where a burst pipe flooded her properties, Antoinette's resilience shone through. She not only recovered but also thrived, going on to teach others her secrets through masterclasses, contributing to a cycle of empowerment and knowledge sharing.

Join us as we dive deeper into Antoinette’s inspiring narrative and extract pivotal lessons on turning personal challenges into lucrative opportunities. This episode, exclusive to you, Paul, reinforces that with perseverance, strategic planning, and a bit of creativity, transforming a side hustle into a booming business isn't just a dream—it's an achievable reality.

Tune in, absorb, and be inspired to take that next step you've been pondering. Remember, Paul, every setback is a setup for a grand comeback!

I started a side hustle after losing my teaching gig – now I don’t need a day job & can cash in by working 1 hour a week