Episodes
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Reading the feed…
In Episode 26 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Lance Thonvold, former professional baseball pitcher who once believed his value came from a stat sheet. After three injury-plagued seasons with the Seattle Mariners turned his world upside down, years of rehabbing and rebuilding not only healed his body but rebuilt his soul in the process. Lance now runs the organization Planted Not Buried, a platform he uses to speak to students, athletes, companies, and churches, about the value we all carry, even when it’s not yet visible.
In Episode 25 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Eddie Bailey, a now productive member of society – a chef and a father – who once lived a life of crime. Eddie has spent around 15 years of his life locked behind bars, including serving a 5-year prison sentence for bank robbery. In this episode we learn about who Eddie was, and who he is today – as well as some lessons learned during his journey.
In Episode 24 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Steve and Kristi Goncalves. Steve and Kristi are the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, who was part of a group of young University of Idaho students – commonly known as the Idaho Four – who tragically lost their lives to a senseless act of violence in 2022. The incident not only rocked the U.S., but the world. In the face of unimaginable loss, Steve and Kristi have chosen to turn their grief into purpose. Working with the Murder Has a Name organization, they are committed to honoring Kaylee’s life by supporting victims, standing with
In Episode 23 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Gregory Pellerito. Gregory is a former MTV intern who worked on hit television shows such as Cribs and My Super Sweet 16. He is currently the president and CEO of Jackpot Pictures, making his theatrical feature film debut as both the writer and director of the new film, Moments of Youth. Gregory is an award-winning director, winning best director for a feature film at the Crown Point International Film Festival, and Moments of Youth has won 39 festival awards, including Official Selection at the International Gold Awards, and Be
In Episode 22 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Dirk Graham. Dirk is a 20-year law enforcement veteran, currently working in the Pacific Northwest as a detective with a large Sheriff’s Office. Besides being a raving Seahawks fan, a curator of hilarious memes, and Monster energy drink connoisseur, he’s also a man whose profession – through a critical incident early in his career – has brought him down a journey of mental health enlightenment and personal healing. If you’re currently struggling with mental health or have ever struggled with mental health in the past, you’re goi
In Episode 21 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Connie Cotter. Connie is a faith-forward, joy-driven, Certified High-Performance Coach who guides both men and women in moving from fine to fulfilled. She guides professionals through life's biggest transitions through her signature program, The Joy-filled Life Blueprint, and helps clients rediscover who they are, reignite joy, and design their next chapter with purpose, clarity, and contagious fun. If you’ve ever felt you’re meant for more than just “good enough,” you’re going to love this episode.
In Episode 20 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Pastor Paul Ernewein. Paul is the President and Director of Forged by Fire Ministries, whose mission is to serve those in need by offering freshly prepared meals alongside acts of compassion. Forged by Fire responds to disasters around the United States, providing not only physical nourishment, but hope and spiritual care as well. To date, Forged by Fire has served over 235,000 meals to people in need.
In Episode 19 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Master Preston Ducati. Preston is a 7th degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, who owns multiple martial arts studios around the U.S. Preston is not only an entrepreneur, but also a consultant, an inventor, and the author of Breakthrough, where he teaches how the principles and philosophies of an ancient art can benefit every aspect of your life. Preston and I have been friends for many years now. However, through all our years of friendship, none of it has revolved around martial arts. As a result, we’ve never really dove deep into
In Episode 18 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Luke Mickelson. Luke is the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a charity that believes all children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their head at night. To date, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has provided around 350,000 beds for children in need, making it the largest bed-building charity in the world. This was a wonderful discussion, and it was great getting to know Luke and learning about all the amazing work Sleep in Heavenly Peace is doing not only here in America, but around the world. It’s obvious Luke has a lot of pas
In Episode 17 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Azdean Elmoustaquim. Azdean is the founder of Destinations Morocco and the host of the Destinations Morocco Podcast. Through Destinations Morocco, Azdean crafts immersive Moroccan tours and is passionate about showing travelers the authentic Morocco. If you’re curious about Morocco’s culture, hospitality, and its transformation over the years, or have ever dreamed of learning the art of mint tea in Berber villages or sleeping beneath the Saharan stars, you’re going to love my conversation with Azdean.
In Episode 16 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Erden Eruc. Erden is an adventurer, explorer, speaker, and member of the Guinness Hall of Fame. He holds 18 Guinness World Records, including being the first person to circumnavigate the earth, solo, using nothing but human power. He is also an entrant in the 2026 Golden Globe Race, where he and a select few sailors will spend approximately 250 days at sea, solo and unassisted, in a nonstop attempt to sail around the world – a race that’s been completed by only nine skippers since its inception in 1968. If you have an adventurou
In Episode 15 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I talk with Christopher Hill, founder of Hands Up Holidays and Impact Destinations. Hands Up Holidays is a luxury travel company that mixes good times with good deeds, allowing you to volunteer and be part of humanitarian efforts while visiting exotic locations. Inspire your family to not only be world travelers, but world-changers. Impact Destinations focuses on sustainable luxury, mixing travel with philanthropy. Leave a legacy and enable the experts to do what they do best, while unlocking a unique experience for you and your family. If y
In Episode 14 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I talk with Bret Johnson, or as you may know him on Instagram: “Bret Flat Earth Bible Jesus” (@bretfebiblejesus). If you’re wondering what our conversation is about, I think his username says it all. Bret and I talk about flat earth and the biblical principles behind the model, among other things. As I like to say, “always keep your mind open to the possibility that you’re wrong.” So if you’re ready to open your mind to new possibilities and question your long-held beliefs, buckle in for this fascinatingly curious discussion.
In Episode 13 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I talk with Jackie Lapin of The Historic Traveler, who's spent her life seeking out historic localities as a passionate photographer, reader, and learner, blending travel with and through historic literature.
In Episode 12 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast I speak with Layne Storrier, an endurance athlete record holder, Australian, and an all-around impressive human.
In Episode 11 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Amanda Gow, owner and operator of Bendable Therapy in Bend, OR, specializing in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.
In Episode 11 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with Amanda Gow, owner and operator of Bendable Therapy in Bend, OR, specializing in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.
In Episode 10 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I speak with tech entrepreneur Jeremy Horne, diving into his fascinating life and his passion for storytelling.
In Episode 9 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, I talk with Nate Cox, a dual U.S./Australian citizen, world travel, and culinary extraordinaire.
In Episode 8 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, we talk with Lea Durante, a family nurse practitioner who has transitioned into the business of plant-based medicine.
In Episode 7 of the Stranger Conversations Podcast, we speak with Rob Landis. Rob is a transgender male who educates people on the topic.
A few clips from 2020’s episodes, highlighting some of the takeaways and insights from my guests.
In this episode we speak with Lindsey Richter, a former Survivor contestant who overcame a lot in her life and eventually transitioned into empowering women through the sport of mountain biking.
In this episode we talk with Rob Mariano, or, as millions of people know him as: Boston Rob. There's a lot more to Rob than Survivor.
In this episode of the show we speak with Amanda Wheeler about her passion for saving animals around the globe.
