How Do You Cope When You Are Told There Is No Hope

Paul Merritt was born with cystic fibrosis. He has not lived his life as a victim of disease but, rather, someone who has a passion for science, faith, and helping others to succeed - especially in the face of adversity.

Paul has had to overcome many challenges and much hardship just to survive. His motto in life is “Never let your obstacles become boundaries.”

Paul is an author of two books, The Best of Disease and Simple Ways to Improve, and his memoir Lifelong Turbulence: Calming the Storms of Life with God, Faith, Scripture, and Medicine.

Paul is a small business owner/operator and has a certificate in infectious disease and infection control.

In his interview, Paul shares the keys to getting over adversity in our lives - no matter what it may be. "The size of the fight in the dog is what gets you there."

Listening to Paul will make your day:

 

Living beyond expectations, Lifelong Turbulence is a story of adversity - thirty plus years of living with a chronic illness called Cystic Fibrosis – a genetic disease caused by inheriting mutated genes from parents, which affects 30,000 children and adults in the United States alone, along with numerous issues in those thirty years.

A struggle against living in poverty and even molestation. A powerful story that can motivate and show how to overcome the struggles of life by calming those storms with God, faith, scripture, and medicine. 

Lifelong Turbulence is the story not complete because life still goes on. It may leave some people wondering how, make others grateful, and possibly leave others outraged at what one person had to go through. 

The struggles are real, as well as God, faith, scripture, and medicine.  Look beyond the struggles of the past and see what lies ahead in life.

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The Best of Disease and Simple Ways to Improve comes in many forms, in both physical and mental destruction. Some diseases are seen in cells through microscopes while others, through DNA sequencing.

The world is full of battles that we never see taking place; some inside our bodies and minds. With disease comes adversity leaving families shaken and torn, sometimes even broke from the healthcare costs accumulated fighting back against illness.

Life-long battles of those who struggle with cystic fibrosis can provide educational opportunities. These unique insights into the light among dark times are the physician's best asset to offer simple ways to improve.

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There is New Hope for Mutlple Sclerosis Patients

Kim "Kid" Curry was a high school junior when his father, the radio newsman, asked him to babysit for his boss at the radio station. Kim assumed it was to babysit the boss' kids but it was to 'run' the actual news show. The radio station played the local church services from the previous week and no one wanted the job.

From that moment, Kim knew what he wanted to do as a career and has been a broadcaster for 33 years. Then a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis changed his life. After eight years of failing health, modern science gave him hope by halting the progression of the disease.

This is his story. One that will encourage and inspire you to Never Ever Give Up Hope: 

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The moment Kim Curry stepped into a radio station in high school, he knew he was destined to work in the industry. 

At the height of popularity for radio stations and DJs in the 70s and 80s, Curry blazed a trail for himself as “Kid” Curry. His iconic, “Bed Check” segment, helped propel him to star status in Miami and it followed him during his over the 20-year path to the dream job of Major Market Program Director. The perks of the job, including hanging out with music legends, being invited to the White House, meeting Johnny U and a Watergate burglar, traveling around the world to find the next “Number One” song and, the best part, helping listeners in need.

Life was on track, but, Multiple Sclerosis had other plans. Curry dismissed the early signs of the disease and continued with his optimistic outlook until a fateful round of golf led to the diagnosis that halted a lifelong career and extinguished his dreams. But attitude is everything. With the love and support of his incredible (Cuban) wife and her assurance of, “We Got This Papi,” Curry embraced this new challenge and shows us that life can be good even in the face of adversity.

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In 1986 a floodgate opened, changing radio forever. The FCC rescinded the “Fairness Doctrine” which eliminated the requirement to broadcast “contrasting points of view” on American broadcast TV and Radio airwaves.   A variety of radio hucksters began preaching conspiracies and lies as facts and paved America’s path to social division. The Death of Fairness is a story shining a spotlight on the impact of this decision that hits a little too close to home and is based on actual events.  

As a prophet for one of the biggest advocates to rescind The Doctrine, Program Director Fred Handson was sent to a small American city to replace the local hometown Disc Jockey’s on, K-River, the only radio station in town. Fred filled the airwaves with national radio shows, hosted by men who discovered a monetary payoff to espousing unsubstantiated facts, touting the new “freedom of speech” caused by the rescinding of the Fairness Doctrine, allowing lies and talk of conspiracies, without debate, resulting in tension and divisiveness in the town. 

Will the small-town values of the community be jeopardized by this radical change with the local radio station? 

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How Do We Conquer the Pandemic of Addiction and Suicide?

Michael R. DeLeon, a successfully acclimated ex-offender who after nearly 8 years of drug addiction and gang involvement, spent 12 years in state prison and halfway houses for a gang-related homicide.

 

But that is NOT where his story ended.  His story will inspire, motivate and challenge you. We all know someone who has been affected by drug abuse or violence. You will definitely want to share Michael’s story with everyone.

Finding the Purpose for your life is the key ingredient to overcoming trauma and the adverse childhood experiences so many of us endure.

 

Having a relationship with God, who GAVE me that purpose, is why I stand here today.

Since Michael’s release from prison, he has earned 3 Associates Degrees, a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Management, a minor in Criminal Justice, and a CADC Educational Certificate. Michael is now in the process of obtaining his Masters's Degree in Addictions Counseling at Liberty University as well as pursuing his LCADC.

Michael has spoken to over ten million students and young adults as a motivational speaker in many facilities delivering evidence-based student programs around the country. He has presented in centers and schools in all 50 states in America.

 

“For most of my life, since age 11, I was part of the problem. In my own life, I was the problem. After 12 years in prison, I wanted to be the solution—so I dedicated my life to this purpose.”

URGENT MESSAGE TO EVERYONE

Especially parents

During his riveting interview, Michael discusses how we can help fight the main cause of death and destruction of life in America. 

Michael is the founder of Steered Straight, Inc.

A non-profit organization formed in 2000 designed with the intention of carrying a prevention message to youth and young adults regarding the extreme dangers of drugs, gang involvement day-to-day, and criminal activity.

Michael has spoken to over ten million students and young adults as a motivational speaker in many facilities delivering evidence-based student programs around the country. He has presented in centers and schools in all 50 states in America.

 

Michael speaks and presents to youth, parents, educators, law enforcement, medical professionals, and community groups throughout the country. He presents to in excess of 1.5 million people each year.

He created two additional educational arms of Steered Straight: Recovery Army and Faithing Addiction, both of which target specific audiences throughout America to educate and prevent addiction and build and support Recovery.

Michael is developing Steered Straight by stressing the importance of young men and women making sound, rational decisions in their day-to-day lives.

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WATCH MOVIE CLIPS HERE

Michael is an award-winning filmmaker and has directed and produced four documentaries on addiction, focusing on the opiate and heroin epidemic in America, marijuana legalization, and Addiction Recovery.

Michael also founded the Project Pride Program while incarcerated in prison. After pitching the idea for this program to then-Commissioner Jack Terhune, he worked to develop the message that consequences can be severe and life-lasting. Project Pride is still in existence at the New Jersey Department of Corrections and is the largest prison outreach program in America.

CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HERE

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Voices for Humanity episode - TV

Negative Emotions Help to Drive Cancer and Positive Emotions Promote Healing

Ginny Brant’s cancer diagnosis sent her on a quest to discover what caused a health nut to contract a deadly and aggressive form of breast cancer. What she found may surprise and inspire you.

Ginny Dent Brant is a speaker and writer who grew up in the halls of power of Washington D.C. She has served as a counselor, educator, wellness advocate, and adjunct professor. 

She served as a trustee of the Baptist International Mission Board for eight years, and she and her husband participated in mission work in Yemen, Gaza, the Czech Republic, Russia, China, and Romania.

In her interview, Ginny shares her cancer story and what you can do to prevent it and also how to heal after a diagnosis

Brant’s award-winning book, “Finding True Freedom: From the White House to the World,” was endorsed by the late Chuck Colson.

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Whether you’re determined to prevent this deadly disease, survive it, or prevent its recurrence, this book pulls back the curtain on cancer and answers the question “What can I do to help my doctor beat this disease?” She challenges you to change what your doctor has no control over—your lifestyle and health habits. 

Brant connects the dots between nutrition, lifestyle, integrative and conventional medicine, and biblical wisdom to reveal how your body was created with self-healing mechanisms that work optimally when you do your part.

By implementing a few lifestyle changes, you can begin building your immune system while lowering your toxic load.  Learn how to unleash your own God-given healing.

Click here for her cancer prevention blog

Endorsements

“Ginny reveals the true nature and importance of the interaction between the spiritual, psychological, and material aspects of dealing with a health crisis. I highly recommend

her book - Dr. Wallace Henley, author and Senior Associate Pastor, Second Baptist Church, Houston, TX “I was blessed to be part of Ginny’s care team. I affectionately referred to her as my Rock Star Patient because Ginny educated and empowered herself. The pearls in this book could benefit others greatly in their search for healing and vitality.” — Dr. Kenna Brooke, ND, founder of SoulSage.com "In 2010, my oncologist at MD Anderson and these eight steps turned around my stage 4 diagnosis. My oncologist believed my lifestyle changes complemented her efforts. This book

has inspired me to fine-tune my habits so I can make it another ten years and beyond with 'No Evidence of Disease'!" —Anne Buck, Stage 4 aggressive breast cancer survivor “Ginny helped lift my haze of confusion. With a biblical, integrative approach and well-documented research, her book provides a solid game plan for battling cancer and preventing recurrence.” — Jann Barclift, Cancer survivor

CONNECT WITH GINNY HERE

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Book Video

Did You Ever Have the Sudden Realization that We Only Get One Shot at This Life?

Dustin Rivenbark has dealt with addiction firsthand, seen the devastating effects of infidelity in a marriage, lost what he thought was his livelihood, lost a daughter to Potter syndrome, lost a mother to drug addiction, and dealt with ongoing health issues. All of this took the wind out of his sails, and he found himself broken, lost, and afraid. Rivenbark wanted to fight through the scars and the pain of life, but he needed a system that would give him a road map to freedom.

His powerful story of overcoming fear, adversity, and tragedy is one with a life-changing impact.

More than ever, our youth needs strong leaders to help them be the best version of themselves – no matter their circumstance, obstacles, or background. Dustin Rivenbark is taking his passion to motivate young people by using stories of inspiration in order to better prepare them for tomorrow.  

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Dustin Rivenbark spent 10 ½ years climbing the ladder in the oilfield industry, having the bottom fall out of the market and starting over, only to have the hardest year of his life with the loss of his daughter, his mom (to a drug overdose) and his grandmother all in the same year.

In Courage and Redemption, he shares how the six key battle principles from the story of Joshua helped lay the groundwork for him to turn tragedy into triumph.

Through his personal story, he tells how the pains of the past don’t have to be crippling; he offers testimony that through all the trials and tragedy, he has witnessed God’s power in many ways. Courage and Redemption narrates that not only has Rivenbark dedicated his life to being the hands and feet of Christ but he’s also committed to motivating people to never settle with the status quo.

Be determined to succeed.

Be passionate. Believe in yourself.

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Book Trailer

Your Life is an Autobiography - Is it Worth Reading?

EVERYONE loves a story. Real-life stories, even more. Sam Thiara has mastered the art of storytelling and has also done two TEDx talks on the subject. In his interview, he will show us how to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Sam Thiara is a speaker, storyteller, writer, educator, mentor, coach, entrepreneur, problem solver, and community activator.

He developed CARE to show us how we can help others - especially during this pandemic.

There is a need for us to CARE 

CARE stands for Collaboration, Adaptability, Resilience and Empathy

  

 

Collaboration – we are not in this by ourselves – look around how you can support others and they can support you

Adaptability – we must be willing to change – we have all needed to change, how are you being adaptable to thrive and not only survive

Resilience – we are in a marathon and we need to build our stamina to get through the pandemic

Empathy – showing care and compassion to each other – we have no idea what people are going through so let’s be kind

You may want to listen to this interview TWICE - Sam has so much to share

Watch this 2-minute video on C.A.R.E.

Sameteaches at the Beedie School of Business and is Founder and Chief Motivating Officer at Ignite the Dream Coaching and Consulting. He engages individuals in personal and professional development.  He has worked with more than 45 non-profits and organizations on alignment. An expert in career coaching he has helped over 5,000 people ranging from 15 to 40 year-olds.

A search for the past. An identity reclaimed.

This moving memoir by speaker, educator, and entrepreneur Sam Thiara documents his seemingly impossible quest to find his grandfather’s village—armed with little more than a faded photograph.

Sam vividly recounts his adventure through India’s crowded roads—a journey filled with mishaps and surprising encounters, and a growing sense of purpose. 

Along the way, Sam also wrestles with his sense of self. A British-born Indian, living in Canada, whose parents came from Fiji, he questions: Am I Indian? Am I Canadian? Who am I?

As he begins to piece together the puzzle of his history, Sam realizes he is piecing himself together, too. Touching and inspiring, Lost and Found is a book for anyone who has felt adrift in the world, confirming that what was once lost can be found.

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How to Survive the Loss of a Child to Cancer or a Tragic Accident

Shelley Buck was born into a creative family in the Midwest and moved to California after college to follow her dream of working for Disney. It was there she met and fell in love with her husband, Chris, who worked in animation and would one day direct the Oscar-winning movie, FROZEN. After they married and had their first child, Ryder, she stayed home to be a full-time mom to him and the two brothers who followed.

When her 23-year-old son, Ryder was diagnosed with cancer her journey went to unimaginable places.

Rock musician and songwriter Ryder Buck was 23 years old, with an unstoppable

dream to life people up through his music. But a life-threatening cancer diagnosis 

showed that life had other plans. While th disease should have beaten him,

Ryder rose above it all to live from a place of passion and purpose.

THEN....fate stepped in.

Though it wasn't cancer that took Ryder, it was the experience that helped him

grow into the shining light he became. His story of love, hope, and truth will 

show you that there is no hardship big enough to keep you from putting your

special touch on the world...if you simply leave your light on!

Listen here:

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Leave Your Light On is the first song Ryder wrote, which became his mantra in life.

In this uplifting and powerful memoir, you meet and fall in love with Ryder - an unforgettable character who lived life by his highest ideals and accepted his most human flaws with a sense of humor. You get an inside view of a tight-knit family whose relationships were tested by this unrelenting disease. And you walk away with the desire to do whatever it takes to shine your own light, no matter what life or death throws your way. 

Shelley's Jewelry Line Here

CONNECT WITH SHELLEY BUCK HERE

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How Can Past Emotional Abuse Make You a Better Person

When J'Anemtra heard those words "If you leave me, I will hunt you down and I WILL kill you," she knew something had to change - to save her life and the lives of her children.

Were you born to be a REBEL?

J’Anemtra is a strong advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence. At 40, she instantly understood that she had to start being who she was born to be; a leader, teacher, trainer, thought creator, a REBEL!

As a survivor of domestic violence, I encourage audiences to develop their own blueprint and help them to define their own daily mantra that will begin the process of Living Past Crazy! 

I am a strong advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence and speak candidly about the issues of domestic violence and abuse with emphasis on empowering individuals to continue living- because there is life after abuse! 

J'Anmetra lives by the quote “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” John Wooden 

J’Anmetra is an Amazon’s International Bestselling Author of Fearless Woman Born to Give Thanks and Transition to Freedom and four other amazing books. She has received the Author of the Year of Award for two consecutive years and has had the opportunity to share the screen with the late actor Tommy Ford in the movie The Last Time.   She is the founder of Be Fearless Inc, Waddell Consulting Services, and Bare Your Hair. She has an MBA in Healthcare Management and currently finishing her Ph.D. 

Being Fearless is the only way I want to live my life! -J'Anemtra Waddell

We spend our entire lives being what the world wants us to be - not who we were created to be. All of us were born to be great!

Never be sorry for your path in life! Never apologize for the leader, the writer, the singer, the dancer, the inventor IN you. It is OK for other people to be uncomfortable with who you are - it is not your responsibility for them to accept you!

Rebel or not, you don’t want to miss this interview with a fearless woman - J’Anemtra Waddell:

At 40 I instantly understood I had to quit being who I was and start being who I  was born to be. A leader, a teacher, a trainer, a thought creator, a  REBEL! ​​As the ONLY Live Past Crazy Specialist,  it is my philosophy and deep desire to help further those who are bound by the daily crazy of their life with a simple blueprint to begin to live past crazy. This Blueprint is designed to assist individuals in transforming their thinking from victim to survivor to overcomer – no matter how they define crazy! 

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A painful past. Many of us have one. We each have something we don’t want EVERYONE to know – let alone share with the world! Well, brace yourself for this gripping, page-turning, and tell-all story. Within its pages, you will find author J’Anmetra Waddell’s unusual truth.

As a former First Lady of the church, read her horrifying story of physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of the man she loved: the pastor. Learn how she put on her “best face” for the world while struggling with trying to leave her abusive husband.

Family, friends, church members, and co-workers couldn’t help her escape. She had to do it alone. She had to be FEARLESS.

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BOOK TRAILER

"Inside of you is a resolve to survive. It is so strong that it can overpower you and make the impossible possible. Just the same, you can crush your own resolve when you doubt yourself. Let the resolve lead you. Be patient with yourself. You are changing your mindset, and it is hard. The days will sometimes be hard. There is no way around putting in the work for YOUR transition."
~ J'Anmetra Waddell

Transition to Freedom is a continuation of Author J'Anmetra Waddell's unique abuse survivor story. In her #1 Best Selling book, Fearless Woman: Born to Give Thanks, J'Anmetra transparently told her complete truth: She was abused by the man she loved and married: the Pastor. Her riveting story continues as she tells of her breakthrough...moments that landed her in jail, had her running for her life, and so much more. Today, her TRANSITION TO FREEDOM is complete...or is it?

  

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BOOKS

Fortitude: The Anthology for Overcomers: A Production of the Leader's Conference

Mommy and Mental Health - There is no Health without Mental Health

My Affirmations Book