I'm Not Stupid, Just Disabled -- How Society Sees Disabled People

Wolfgang Wolf was a freelance copywriter and co-founder of Ogilvy and Mather Direct as well as their Creative Director. 

In 1990, his life made a sharp turn.  He suffered a major stroke and should not have survived.  He shocked the doctors when not only did he survive but was able to do things they said he would never do again; walk, talk, and take care of himself. 




Since his stroke, he has founded a registered charity, got a Bachelors degree majoring in Counseling and is a guest lecturer.

His book, How to Survive (After) a Stroke, is NOT a book of rehabilitation techniques and medical advice.  Rather, it gives invaluable support by sharing stories of numerous stroke survivors about isolation, loneliness, stigma, fear, disability and pain. It is a book that addresses coping skills to move past these negatives.

He is an active blogger and would love to connect with you - especially if you have

Here's How Teachers and Parents CAN Make a Difference

Daniel Blanchard grew up in East Hartford under rough conditions.  He learned how to fight on the street and later used that knowledge to become a state champion wrestler.  This is my SECOND interview with him and if you are a parent, a teacher or a human (!) you can glean secrets from this man's insight and enthusiasm.

Daniel has recently been appointed by the Speaker of the House to the Special Education Advisory Council to Connecticut Department of Education; an incredible honor.  He has seven degrees in education and was also picked by the American Federation as the voice of educational reform.  He is an award-winning author, speaker, and educator.

As a teacher and coach for teenagers, he drives life lessons into them.  He teaches them how to succeed in an imperfect world and never give up on their dreams. He is a key factor in helping them change their lives.

His interview will touch your heart and motivate you to get to know your teenagers on a new level - and relate to them!

Feeling Lucky? is about a teen struggling with life in a violent and frustrating world.  He's

When We Are Rescued, We Often Become the Rescuer

Mary McLaurine is a writer, a poet, and a contributing blogger at Huffington Post. She survived a torturous childhood sexual abuse by her father but learned how to overcome the aftermath that affected her later in life. 

She has much to offer anyone who has suffered from PTSD, sexual abuse, and rejection.  

She is an advocate for organ donation (as a recipient of a kidney after years of dialysis) and therapy animals, rescuing them from their abusive situations.  

You cannot compare someone else's pain with your own.  It is pointless as we only know our own battle of what we have had to endure.  But you CAN be an overcomer and draw strength from your weakest moments.  

It took a lifetime of raw emotion, endurance and determination to assemble her "mosaic."   The most beautiful part is not the multi-colored stones but the dusky, gritty grout that holds all the pieces together and made her unbreakable.  The broken pieces, sharp edges, soft curves, rough surfaces, and smooth stones are beautifully imperfect but they made her strong.  

You will not want to miss her story, especially if you know of anyone who has been abused.  

Dream, Believe, Take Action

Petra Monaco is a survivor.  She endured abuse and extreme trauma which made her the strong woman she is today.  She is an author of two memoirs -  Betrayal:  The Journey - Childhood Memories and the Adult Awakening and Lennon Steps.

In foster care since she was two years old, she repeatedly survived rejection and learned how to forgive.

When her four-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called urea cycle disorder, it created chaos in his little body.  As a mom, she had to make the decision to save his life with organ transplantation -- THREE times!  

No parent should have to watch their child suffer to this extreme.  But Petra chose to have a positive attitude no matter what!  She is an encourager and motivator and you do not want to miss her interview.

How To Become Your Best Self By Finding Your Passion

Gretchen Crass, owner of GST Fitness and Wellness,is a leading expert in the area of fitness, nutrition, & spiritual health.  She is a personal trainer, nutritionist and lifestyle transformation coach helping people on their journey to become their "BEST SELF!"

Gretchen had a rough childhood suffering molestation and rejection which led to Anorexia.  

She now shares her story with solid advice on how to know your true self.

"The mind is a powerful thing and we need to use it for the greater good rather than against ourselves!"

She is a coach for the Special Olympics as well as a Child Ambassador for World Vision. 

You CAN, You SHOULD, and if you're BRAVE enough....YOU WILL

Marquita Herald is an inspirational author of Resilient Living -- Build Inner Strength and Master Life's Challenges with Confidence and Courage.  

Her book and website of the same name is aimed at inspiring readers to develop the capacity for emotional resilience.

The prevailing view of resilience is that it helps one to "bounce back" from a crisis. Marquita shows us how to "BOUNCE FORWARD."   




Fear and dysfunction didn't run through her family -- it galloped. Through personal experiences and serious research, she now teaches courses on how to exercise resilience in any situation.

Three Keys she shares are:     

When You Wrap Up your Past, you'll Unwrap a Perfect Present

Ben Starling is an author, artist, and boxer.  He is passionate about marine conservation and boxing which are central themes in his upcoming novel.

Ben has a Master of Arts from Oxford University and is Oxford's ONLY ever Quintuple Blue (which is a varsity champion five years running). 

He has both coached and boxed competitively and with an advantage -- he boxed intelligently.  You must listen to his interview to hear his views on how this relates to life and gives you the upper edge!

From losing his partner to ovarian cancer to his passion for saving marine life, Ben's life experiences inspired him to intertwine them into his short stories and his novel.   His passion for life and love are evident in his stories. Click here for the Amazon link.  

His compassion is evident in his interview.

Do you live a fear-based or love-based life?  Listen to his interview to get the answer.



Here are Ben's social network links to contact and follow him

 

They Sold Everything They Owned to Rescue 5 Horses from Unknown Fate

At twenty-six Jackie’s fiancé died and shattered her heart, her world crumbled. Leaving behind a loving family, a great career and fashionable home, she ran away from the tortuous feelings. Landing in Australia she quickly met Noel and married him. Both Jackie and Noel were quite possibly on the rebound! Together they purchased a thirty-three-foot sailing boat and sailed around the world.

Crashing within the first twenty-four hours, Jackie realized life would never be the same again; a floating home with no fridge or hot water, and with a dinghy instead of a car. Suffering self-doubts, she became fearful of her new world.

Not only did Jackie deal successfully with the challenges of her new existence, she also battled with the testosterone fuelled nautical world to become both a professional captain and a qualified maritime teacher. Most importantly, Jackie found herself.

She’s sailed around the world one and a half times and trekked in the bush with five rescued

Flat and Fabulous - After the Mastectomy

Chris Tryon is an author, motivational speaker and cancer survivor.  Her book, Dear Sister, Today is..., is her personal journey through the various stages of breast cancer including valuable lessons she learned.  In her interview and her book she wishes to share these insights resulting from her research, to empower her sisters who may be going through similar circumstances.

Most women are not aware they have a choice.  Most women are not aware the complications that can happen as a result of reconstructive surgery. Most women are not aware of the discomfort and agony this surgery can inflict.

Chris' message is to these women, all women!


In quoting Nicolas Cage, the actor:

Be Active, Be Social, Be Engaged, Be Purposeful, and Be Complicated

                                           

Ruth Curran drew on her experience successfully overcoming a traumatic brain injury to become an expert on maximizing brain function through lifestyle modification and "turning up the noise on life." She shares her insights and proven techniques for amplifying everyday experiences in Being Brain Healthy.






Curran has a master's degree in cognitive psychology as well as more than 28 years of experience as a strategist, business development executive, and organizational behaviorist. 

Curran is passionate about the connection between the brain and daily functioning and believes everyone—regardless of age or stage of life—has the ability to use neuroplasticity to live a richer, deeper, more fully engaged life. She has created a series of photo-based thinking puzzles, games, and apps that help players work on cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and executive functioning.

"What can you do EACH moment to make your life worth living?  Complicate your thinking and AMPLIFY your life!"

For insights and proven techniques for amplifying everyday experiences go to her blogs:

Trapped: My Life with Cerebral Palsy

Fran Macilvey is an author and motivational speaker.  Her first book, Trapped, tells the story of her life with cerebral palsy.   Fran was born premature and disabled, the younger of twins. She shares her earliest years to the joys and frustrations of marriage and motherhood.  Her book shines a bright, fresh light on the myths that “spastics” live with – and reveals the common ground that she endeavors to share with the rest of the world.

She worked as a lawyer for ten years before turning to her first passion, writing. In the midst of home-making and the demands of child-rearing, I write about my experiences so that others can understand how challenging it is, to maintain the appearance of a “normal” life with a disabling condition. I also like to write about making the most of life, and my next two books are about how we can do that.

In Fran's words.......

A Life Lived with Regret is Not a Life Well Lived

                             

Sandra Elaine Scott is a transformational speaker, corporate trainer and life coach who specializes in helping individuals turn their someday dreams into TODAY'S REALITY.                                                                           Her book, Manana Starts Today,  is a collection of empowering affirmations designed to assist you in moving forward towards your goals and dreams.  

When Sandra was born with physical problems, the doctor told her mother "You sure got a lemon!"  Her mother was determined to prove the doctor wrong and DID!

"FAITH IS ELECTRIC AND FEAR IS STATIC"

Sandra strongly believes we can change our lives by applying these techniques:

If You Transition Your Mindset, You will Transition your Life

Glenda Oakley Cook is a Transition Strategist, Leadership Coach, and Market Place Mentor. Utilizing her experiences as an Army “Brat,” former Army Captain and current Army spouse, she helps women take command of their lives to command the life they desire.                              

  

Glenda founded the Institute of Transitions, a consulting firm specializing in personal and professional development with an emphasis on transitions, leadership and confidence.  Her firm’s courses, training, events and coaching programs prepare emerging influencers with the ability to transition into their next stage of life with ease! 

A combat veteran and a net worth over a half-million dollars by the age of 30, Glenda truly believes you can achieve anything with determination, dedication, and discipline.

One Woman Inspiring Others - Make your Mess your Message

Jamaican born Claudette Esterine studied International Relations at Kiev State University in the Ukraine and then theological studies at Newman Theological College in Alberta, Canada.

She has worked as a chaplain for both hospitals and prisons and has further studied Behavioral Counselling and Case Management in the Federal Correctional System.

As an active blogger, she helps women (and men) work through the daily realities of life including child abuse, domestic violence and racial marginalization.  

She endured sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse her entire life -- was stabbed by her own mother and used as a sex object 'pimped out' for years.  

After realizing something was missing in her life during a 16-year same-sex relationship, she was able to turn her life around.   Now free from guilt and pain she is a WOUNDED healer -

Use the Best in Yourself to Bring Out the Best in Others

Ulka Shrikhande is an R&D Scientist, a natural motivator, consultant, and national speaker. She is passionate about building strong collaborative leaderships across organizations. 

She works with academic institutions, start-up to mid-size companies and non-profit organizations.

Ulka is a strong advocate of compassion and collaboration who uses coaching and national workshops as avenues to spread the message and create a positive impact on society - both for personal as well as professional enrichment.

Her dream is to empower women and children with the power of dreams, to become advocates for building peaceful families.

Ulka shares how to find your inward anchor points that show others who you are and what you stand for.



Her energetic interview is here:

Unresolved Anger is Radioactive Toxic Waste in your House

Tony McAleer is a former organizer for the White Aryan Resistance (WAR), Tony McAleer served as a skinhead recruiter, proprietor of Canadian Liberty Net (a computer operated voice messaging center), and manager of the racist rock band, Odin’s Law. Tony was eventually found to have contravened Section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act that prohibits the dissemination of messages likely to expose groups to hatred by telephone.

However, there came a time in Tony's life when he had to make a choice.  Tony's love for his children led him on a spiritual journey of personal transformation. Financial hardship and the harsh realities of single parenthood brought him to a place of compassion and forgiveness for himself and for others. Tony has spent the past six years as principal of McAleer & Associates Wealth Management and traveling as a motivational speaker. Today he is Executive Chairman of Life After Hate and shares his practice of compassion as a presenter of Kindness Not Weakness curriculum.

Did Your Circumstances Ever Lie to You?

No one plans to be unemployed for more than two years, nor to go without a consistent means of income for more than a year. Nevertheless, that’s my story.

Although it was never my intention to join social media, I accepted an invitation and began using it as a platform to write and share my Inspirational Readings to encourage, inspire and empower people of all nations.  

Vernita Simmons is a free-lance writer for Linkedin Pulse, Community Christian Service Worker, and Faith Filled Magazine

Are You Aware of the Signs of a Psychopath?

For over 20 years, Mrs. X was married to a psychopath - a Captain with a major airlines.

When people think of psychopaths they think of violent criminals but most of them appear quite normal.   Experts tell us that 4% of the population are psychopaths and Mrs. X helps readers recognize and avoid these untreatable social predators without a conscience.

She shares her determination to get her daughter back while surviving the aftermath of living her life with a psychopath.  

In her interview, she lists the signs to look for and how to protect yourself.  You will be shocked.  If your gut instinct says someone is toxic, very likely they are.......

Here is her enlightening and informative interview:

It's More About the Journey than the Destination

Peri Hoskins is an author and an attorney who also has a degree in film and television production. He worked as a lawyer in New South Wales, Australia before embarking on a five-month road trip all around Australia.  

As narrator in his memoir, he shares how he overcame his own life's struggles and that above all else to 'Know Thyself.'

What he gleaned from that experience he shares in his book, East - just released.  

















In Millennium - A Memoir  we can travel with Peri, our narrator, to see the sunset on the eve of the old millennium and rise on the dawn of the new.  In Kate Pills review, she states that "it is a thought-provoking examination of the human character...." Click here to purchase  

It’s 1994. Junior lawyer, Vince Osbourne, leaves behind a small, mean and viciously circular life in the city representing petty criminals and takes to the road. He’s lived 30 years. The wide continent of Australia is out in front. He’s almost young. Where will the road lead? East takes in sunsets; rain in the desert; a five-year-old girl on a bike; a battered former thief and jockey; old-timers; young lovers; beautiful women, and aboriginals in public bars. The open road connects many vignettes making a rich tapestry of human encounters. East is poignant, gritty, funny, sad and above all: human.

Purchase East here






In his interview, he encourages listeners to "enjoy the journey moment by moment as it is more about the journey than the destination."

Listen to his interview here:


You may contact Peri here:

Twitter: @PeriHoskins

Author website

Facebook
Linkedin
The Book Depository print book
Goodreads

Did You Know Your Perspective was a Matter of Choice?

Maja Kazazic is a living miracle. She is an internationally recognized motivational keynote speaker, an entrepreneur, a strategist and above all - a survivor of war.




She has taken the lessons of a life forever altered by what could have been catastrophic wounds of war and parlayed them into a vision and passion for providing the strategies and solutions people and organizations need to create positive, inspired change in their personal and professional lives.















Maja shares how the opposition created fear in the fearless country of Bosnia escalating into revenge, motivated by money and calculated to the end. She lived with her family who lost everything they had and there was no food to eat - anywhere.  

How do you stay positive when the bottom half of your body has been blown to bits - yet Maja did.  Her attitude of the victor was innate.

Your Life has Meaning - You are More than an Oxygen Thief

Lucinda E. Clarke has lived in various parts of the world from Dublin to Kenya to South Africa to Spain.  She has authored four books including Walking Over Eggshells to raise awareness of personality disorders.

She has worked as a writer in a variety of formats including documentaries, advertisements, training videos, radio and TV script, newspaper and magazine articles.

As a director and producer for television, she founded her own video production company and has received over 20 awards specializing in the fields of education and documentaries.

Believe There is Something Better Coming

             

Sarah Jane Butfield is an Indie author and freelance columnist.  Her Memoirs, Glass Half Full and Two Dogs and a Suitcase are Australian adventures written in a reality T-V format.

Sarah is a mother of seven children who has suffered severe trauma in her life.  Due to medical error, her daughter is disabled with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome which affects the entire family.

Sarah has Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome as a result of a car accident.  During the Brisbane flood in 2011 they lost their home and every single thing in it but their lives were spared - for this she is eternally grateful. She says "I lost many things I would have wanted but left with what I needed.  I have my family and my dogs, who were spared."

Listening to her story you will want to cry, but Sarah has such a remarkable attitude you will

Never EVER Tell Me It's Impossible

Nigel Vardy is a mountaineer, author and speaker who has had his share of close calls in the "hills."  He has lost ALL his fingers and toes and his nose to FROSTBITE.  

He has written two books - Once Bitten and Seven Peaks - Seven Islands, along with numerous press articles sharing his experiences across the UK and Europe. 

He has climbed over 30 major peaks!




Nigel was rescued by helicopter only 300 feet from his goal to reach the summit.  It was minus 67 degrees and a matter of life and death.  It was the highest helicopter rescue on record.  

Know Your Limit - Work Within It

Lisa Davis-Budzinski worked as a Paralegal Specialist in the Florida State Attorney's office where she had received prestigious awards for her service and work ethics including Champion of Justice Award.  

Smack in the middle of a busy lifestyle, Lisa had a stroke causing Central Pain Syndrome, thyroid cancer, and Grave's Disease.  Her life was changed FOREVER!

During the process of learning to deal with these life changes, a book was born.  In her memoir, At the End of the Day, Lisa shares how these experiences can give you strength and courage to face life.




There is no cure for Central Pain Syndrome.  She is VP of the Central Pain Syndrome Foundation and desires to bring awareness of this syndrome that is affecting over three million people in the U S alone.  For more information, you can contact  

Life Gives Second Chances - She's Still Alive

Amy had a severe pain in her stomach while she was at a family celebration that caused her to pass out and remain comatose.  "My stomach exploded! How cool is that!"  were Amy Oestreicher's first words to her biology instructor when she came out of a four-month coma.  

She was given 122 units of blood and survived 27 surgeries to rebuild her digestive system.  She was told she would never dance again, never sing again and never eat food by mouth again.  She proved them wrong on each count.

Amy is a 28-year-old actress who tried out for a local production of Oliver and got the lead - WHILE hospitalized.  She wrote and starred in her one-woman musical, Gutless and Grateful, and was nominated for the Broadway World Award for Best Theatre Debut.

While in the hospital, she used various media types to produce 70 pieces of art (from tissue to cardboard) that were discovered by "The Today Show" and she is now a renowned artist.

Soar! with Resilience - Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Success

Eileen Lichtenstein, MS. Ed. specializes in personal development coaching and training, including stress and anger reduction management, life and career coaching, effective communication and career challenges. 

Her background includes bio-feedback, adjunct at Hofstra University, certified Anger Management Specialist and EFTtapping Emotional Freedom Techniques practitioner.  Based in Westbury, NY, Eileen also conducts one:one coaching and group training via video skype, webinars and onsite.  

She is the author of   "SOAR! with Resilience®:

The Interactive Book for Overcoming Obstacles & Achieving Success" and eBooks. 

Go Where You Are Celebrated - Not Where You Are Tolerated

Gregory Berge is a true champion.  He is a man of determination who has set a goal of becoming a Gold Medal winner in 2020 at the Tokyo Olympics.

His journey to reach this goal has had many hurdle including overcoming severe depression and fear.

He had to travel around the globe to fulfill his passion and to find his 'soul job.'   His experiences during a nuclear meltdown, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, and a tsunami had prompted him to write the book How To Find Your Soul Job.

Finding his niche in life has brought him success and he wants to share his secrets with you.



His book and interview:

No One Ever Said Life is Easy

Teresa Bruni is a Certified 
Professional Life Coach, an in-demand keynote speaker and co-author of An Unsinkable Soul - From Fear to Fabulous.

She is a member of International Coach Federation, Psychology Today and eWomen Network and the founder of Less Fear, More Flow.

Teresa had to leave her corporate job.  Her new career became one of visiting doctors to regain her health.  She was extremely ill for over ten years until she realized she needed to turn within herself to find her own answers --- which she did.  She shares how unresolved emotional issues cause a breakdown of the physical body leading to chronic illnesses - from heartburn to cancer.

At 8 Years Old, She Knew Her Mission in Life - and Succeeded

Erica Fye has lived in Northern Uganda for the past eight years.  She has endured threats and severe illness but continues to work as a missionary in remote villages.  

Her first book For the Joy Set Before Us: Insights into the Missionary Journey shares her inspiring story.

Erica has a heart for the people that much of the world has rejected or forgotten.  She went to a war-torn country to educate people in remote villages.  With a heart of gold, she endured hardship, loneliness, and life-threatening disease.

You are Greater than Your Circumstances

Dr. Tommy Shavers is a speaker, author, minister, and teacher. He is president and co-founder of Unus Solutions Inc., a Christ-centered non-profit organization focused on practicing and promoting collaboration and teamwork as the way to make a difference. 

You will not want to miss this interview. Tommy's story made such a huge impact on me that I had to sit and ponder it at great length.  It will affect you in ways you did not think possible -- I guarantee you will enjoy it immensely.

He is the lead teaching minister for the Unus Solutions initiative, True River Ministries. Dr. Shavers is the president of Tommy Speak LLC., a speaking and consulting company which focuses on leadership, teamwork, and development. He is also Lead Consultant/ Partner for Atlas Group Advisors; a personal and professional consulting group for high-profile clients. 

Tommy is a member of the NeuroLeadership Institute and is a contributing author to the Linked2Leadership, one of the nation’s top leadership blogs. He is a former athlete, teacher, and coach. A former college professor having taught courses in communication, marketing, retail management, and public speaking; Tommy holds a Bachelor’s in Organizational Communication, Master’s in both Interpersonal Communication and Biblical Studies, and a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership. 

His area of expertise in leadership is the study of status and power’s influence on high profile individuals. Tommy is also the creator of the Power Tolerance Theory; a theory that states that there are levels of social status and power people can handle before it begins to negatively influence their behavior and performance.

 He is the author of The Next CEO: A Leadership Parable, None of the Above: Powers and Pitfalls of Worship, and Life in the Trenches: The Joys and Challenges of Christians in Sports. 

Tommy is a USA Track & Field Level 1 Certified Coach, a previous member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and a member of the Delta Mu Delta National Business Honor Society. A former Christian radio show host; Tommy has a passion for leadership, teamwork, and personal development. He loves to see people work together to make a greater difference in the world. Tommy is married to his wife Tomica and has two boys T.J. and Micah. 

Tommy's story will make you stop......and think

THAT IS QUITE THE INTRODUCTION -- but don't let it fool you.  In addition to his list of credentials, Tommy is a humble, warm and caring individual who pours into people with passion, to give him the power to influence them in areas of self-development.

Tommy was a young man who excelled in everything he did.  His superior intelligence produced negativity which meant he had to work at being average to be liked - rather than hated - for both his scholastic and sports performance.

He opened this interviewer's eyes about racial profiling.  I will never be the same as a result of these insights.

Don't miss his interview

He Never Let Her Go

Have you ever suffered from broken dreams?  

Have you ever doubted the existence of god?  

After broken dreams and discouragement, Lynda Alsford thought food could satisfy her. She soon realized she was addicted and couldn't stop.

Working in a large church as an evangelist, she began to lose her faith in God and soon realized she was, in fact, an atheist.

Build People Up Instead of Tearing Them Down

Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, certified mediator, aspiring author and public speaker.

Donya received her Juris Doctorate from te University of Baltimore Law School and is a contributing writer with the Maryland Daily Examiner.

She is an active blogger and is conducting workshops on business start up and female entrepreneurship.

Donya knows the pain of rejection from her mother who 'gave her away' when she was 12 years old.  She had to assume the role of mother to her siblings.

Donya helps women realize their goals by

Teacher Tips for Parents

Judy Matejczyk is an award-winning lifemastery consultant and creator of Teacher Tips for Parents and recipient of the 2014 Dream Builder Achievement Award.








The common denominator that has helped her to overcome life's traumas is to "notice what you are noticing."  This will help you to see with new eyes.

Her website  explains how to rely on your unlimited potential and power.  She offers 

Accept Your Past But Do Not Permit It To Define Who You Are Today

Seconde Nimenya was born and raised in Central Africa.  She immigrated to North America during the civil war in Burundi.  Her family is still in Burundi, living in a country of unrest and violence.  

Seconde's mission is to bring awareness of what is happening in her homeland.

Seconde is an author, inspirational speaker and a Leadership Advocate holds an MPA and is fluent in three languages.










In her book and on this show, Seconde shares how to accept what has happened to you without allowing it to define who you are today.  She shares how to break the generational cycle of cultural patterns that cause people to get stuck in those ruts.