Journey Of The Rhode Runner

On this special episode of GenX Journeys, we revisit a fascinating conversation originally recorded for Return to the '80s on January 28, 2021. Paul and Del had the privilege of interviewing legendary rock photographer Mark "Weissguy" Weiss. Mark's story is not just a nostalgic trip through the 80s rock scene; it's an inspiring journey of passion, persistence, and seizing opportunities. Mark is the creative genius behind some of the most iconic album covers of the 80s, including Twisted Sister's Stay Hungry and Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet. His photographs have graced the pages of rock magazines like Circus, cementing his place as a cornerstone of 80s rock culture. But Mark's career wasn't handed to him—it started with a daring hustle. He was arrested for selling photos outside a Kiss concert, and that unlikely setback led to an opportunity with Circus magazine. In this episode, Mark shares unforgettable stories, including earning the nickname "Weissguy" from Mötley Crüe, hitting the road with Ozzy Osbourne,

In this heartfelt solo episode of Inspiring Journeys, we honor 20 incredible veterans whose lives were lost to the battle with PTSD. Each of these heroes was honored during my Marine Corps Marathon run, dedicating a mile to their memory and legacy. The episode begins with gratitude and reflections on the transformative experiences of this year, including the rebranding of this podcast and the marathon journey itself. I also share the mission of 22 Too Many, an organization founded by Keri Jacobs to bring attention to the silent epidemic of veteran suicide. Keri joined us on Episode 27 to share her inspiring mission and her personal story, which has touched countless lives. As I share the stories of these 20 heroes, their bravery, dedication, and humanity shine through. This episode is a tribute to their lives, a call to remember their sacrifices, and a reminder to offer compassion and support to those who may still be struggling. Let's walk this journey together as we celebrate the human spirit and honor thes

I'm thrilled to share a very special episode from the GenX Journeys branch of our feed. As part of bringing over some of the best moments from my former Return to the '80s podcast, I couldn't think of a better one to kick off the holiday season than this Thanksgiving classic! Originally released on November 23, 2021, this episode is all about the hilarious and heartwarming Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, directed by John Hughes and starring two legends—Steve Martin and John Candy. Joining me for this fun-filled discussion are my cohost, Del Roehling, and our fantastic regular guests, Claire Young and Caroline Connelly. The four of us have incredible chemistry and some laugh-out-loud moments in this episode as we dive into this classic film, share our Thanksgiving traditions, and even talk about a real-life Planes, Trains, and Automobiles adventure from Claire and Caroline.   Del can be found on the show 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM as well the 80s at 8 Facebook page where he posts 80s news. And you can still fo

In this inspiring episode of Inspiring Journeys, Paul Stroessner sits down with Jackie Durnin, founder of Hinterland Health Retreat, to explore her journey from trauma to healing and her groundbreaking work in mental health. Jackie shares the experiences that led her to become a counselor and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner, opening up about how her own challenges and traumas shaped her path toward helping others. Jackie introduces us to the unique modalities offered at Hinterland Health Retreat, where she combines advanced neuro-technology with holistic therapies for a truly transformative healing experience. Together, Paul and Jackie dive into powerful approaches for mental well-being, including EFT, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection in achieving lasting health. Whether you're new to these modalities or curious about mental health innovation, this episode will inspire you to consider new ways to approach healing and s

Today we welcome Adriana Ferns back to the show! Adriana recently published the book, How to Find a Fitness Trainer (which yours truly edited). We talk about the importance of seeking help, how to get started on your fitness journey, building trust, trainer qualifications and continuing education, and recognizing red flags which will help you avoid "The Skeeze". We also talk about ways Adriana makes working out enjoyable so you look forward to staying consistent, and setting big goals and having accountability. If you have any questions about going to the gym, and finding a personal trainer, this is the episode and book for you! Even if you are not interested in that, this is still a fun and inspiring conversation!   ----------------------------------------------------------- This episode is dedicated to 22 Too Many Veteran: David Yee "David was a Navy veteran of 20 years. He was born in Reno, Nevada and made his childhood home in Sparks, Nevada. He always made friends easily. When he was y

On October 27, 2024, I ran the Marine Corps Marathon. Everything did not go as planned. It was an unforgettable journey filled with highs, lows, and a lot of lessons learned. Whether you're a runner, a dreamer, or someone working toward any goal, this episode is for you. If you've ever had a big goal that didn't go the way you hoped, you're not alone—and that's exactly what I'll be diving into today. I'll take you through the race, my preparation, what went right, what went wrong, and why I'm fired up for next year. Plus, I'll share some amazing highlights from my D.C. trip, including a little throwback to my inner GenX nerd!   You can find Paul - The Rhode Runner in the following places: Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner Facebook   Inspiring Journeys can be found on: InspiringJourneys.net Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod Facebook   You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at: Apple Podcasts iHeartRadio Spotify

As many of you know, I dedicate each episode to a veteran from 22 Too Many. Today, will be a slight exception as the entire episode will be dedicated to 22 Too Many! I didn't want to single out any one hero.  So, I am honored to have Keri Jacobs, co-founder of 22 Too Many, with us. Keri's mission is deeply personal and incredibly impactful—through 22 Too Many, she works tirelessly to honor and remember military members lost to suicide or PTSD-related causes. On this episode, Keri tells us how 22 Too Many was formed and is growing. We discuss the challenges military veterans face, the services that 22 Too Many provides, as well as the other organizations who 22 Too Many teams up with to help so many people. Here are some of the links we discussed: Website https://22toomany.org/ Heroes (same website) https://22toomany.org/hero-search-results/   https://www.facebook.com/22TooMany/   You may also donate through the following link https://secure.givelively.org/donate/22-too-many-inc   Operation Creekside (22 T

Originally Released: October 27, 2021 Caroline and Claire join Del and I to talk all about Halloween. This is a huge range of topics, including music, movies, and candy, as well as Halloween memories. This was a lot of fun, and I hope you enjoy! What are some of your favorite Halloween memories? Do you have any favorite Halloween themes music, movies, or television shows/specials? Is there any candy you loved or hated? We'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment below, or contact us on any of the social media outlets listed towards the end of the post. - Music - Thriller - Spotify playlist - Costumes - Claire's Halloween birthday - Movie talk - Just don't mention R-A-T-S - The Shining - Psych - Heeeeere's Lassie! - Halloween Kills - Friday the 13th franchise - Paul vs. Freddy - Vampire genre - St. Louis trick-or-treaters earn candy with jokes - Candy - Trick-or-Treating - Television - "I got a rock" - More movie talk Del can be found on the show 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM as well the 80s at 8 Facebook pag

On Inspiring Journeys, we explore the stories of incredible individuals who have faced life's toughest challenges and emerged stronger, with wisdom to share. Today, we have an extraordinary guest—Mike Morgan. Mike is a 30-year police veteran who served in both the City of Atlanta Police Department and the County of Suffolk PD in Long Island. During his years of service, Mike faced unimaginable situations that left him battling severe PTSD. After struggling with the weight of his experiences, Mike discovered healing in a profound way—through plant-based medicines. Now, he's on a mission to help others, particularly military veterans and first responders, navigate their own healing journeys from trauma, PTSD, and related issues. He is an advocate for mental health, a voice for those struggling with addiction, and an inspiration for how to reclaim life after deep hardship. I'm honored to have Mike with us today to share his story and the important work he's doing.    -------------------------------------------

On this episode, we would love to introduce you to Phil Januszewski. Phil is a high-energy chemistry/physics teaching keynote speaker and coach that is on a mission to create and spread happiness through education, motivation, and entertainment. He empowers the givers in the world to completely flourish in their personal lives first, in order to ignite passion and purpose in their professional lives as well. Phil is a nationally known dynamic speaker of 10+ years and a public school educator since 2005.  We discuss the challenges and the incredible rewards of teaching high school students over the past couple of decades. Phil also gives some strategies for the givers of the world to stay inspired and motivated. We also talk about the importance of networking, and Phil's Positive Growth Lounge. And Phil also talks about his appearance on the Netflix baking competition show, Nailed It! Enjoy this fun, high energy episode! ----------------------------------------------------------- This episode is dedicated to 2

On this episode of Inspiring journeys, I present to you Episode 2 of the GenX Journeys series. This is a very special episode to me. My heart has been heavy as it was my late cousin Cecelia's birthday this week.  Cecelia and her husband John were Paranormal Investigators, and were pretty well known in that community. They had a YouTube channel, which is still up, called Crazy Cat Paranormal. It features episodes of some of their investigations as well as podcast interviews with some big names among the Paranormal Community, including stars from the show Ghost Hunters. We tried for a very long time to have a crossover podcast episode, and we finally made it happen! We had been shooting for Halloween season in 2021, but our schedules wouldn't allow it until December. This episode was originally posted on December 10, 2021. This was such a blast! I was just listening back to this and I busted out laughing several times! Cecelia had such a great sense of humor. My Return to the '80s cohost, Del Roehling and I joi

On this episode, I'm honored to welcome an incredibly resilient and inspiring guest, Joanica Santos. Joanica has faced more challenges in a short time than many do in a lifetime, from surviving an abusive marriage to enduring the tragic loss of her cousin, and overcoming personal injury. Despite these hardships, she remains a beacon of positivity, faith, and strength. A devoted Christian and fitness enthusiast, Joanica continues to inspire others through her perseverance.  We discuss the adversities that Joanica has been through, and how her faith has helped come out stronger than ever. In addition to her Christian journey, we discuss Joanica embracing the personal development community, and her love of the gym.   This episode is dedicated to 22 Too Many Veteran: Heather Bass Heather Renea Bass, Oklahoma City resident, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at her residence at the age of 42. She was born October 13, 1973 in Tahlequah, OK. Heather enlisted in the United States Army and serve

You're in for a treat on this episode as we welcome the inspiring Adria Gross to the show! Adria's transformational journey is nothing short of remarkable. After battling epilepsy at a young age and undergoing life-altering brain surgery, she reclaimed her life and now dedicates herself to helping others navigate the complex world of medical insurance. With over 30 years of experience, Adria is the President and CEO of MedWise Insurance Advocacy, where she advocates for those struggling with the confusing healthcare system. She's the co-author of "Solved! Curing Your Medical Insurance Problems" and "Multi Payer Medicine Nightmare Made in the USA", endorsed by Ralph Nader. Her most recent book, "Apparently DIFFERENT," was released in June 2024, and we dive into the insights and lessons from her powerful story. In this episode, Adria shares her deeply personal journey, how she turned her challenges into a lifelong mission, and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way. We also talk about the transforma

One thing I love about doing this podcast is hearing the stories of people who have gone through major adversities, and came out shining and thriving on the other side. That's why I'm excited to introduce you to today's guest!  Gary Hults discusses his journey which led him to start Northman Coaching, which specializes in guiding men who are either in a troubled relationship, going through a divorce, or already divorced. And they help guide you to not only love your best life, but to help you create happier and healthier relationships along the way. Not only does Gary have this coaching business, but he created this unique and amazing set of cards, called Oak Value that helps you discover and enrich your life by exploring your values. And if that isn't enough, Gary hosts a podcast along with Rob Burton, called Living by Oak Values. Through this podcast, they do a deep dive into each these values to help you identify what is important to you and how to use those values to guide your thoughts, words, and behav

You're in for a treat this episode! We welcome my crazy, fun, electric and beautiful friend, Elise Morgan to the show! Elise hosts the podcast, The Elise Morgan Experience. She is also a Life Improvement coach, Healer, Author, and Transformational Speaker. She guides you through all your challenges and dreams with expertise, unfiltered truth, contagious confidence, and a sprinkle of humor.  We cover many topics from focusing inward instead of relying on outside forces, the 9 (formerly 8) A's of Happiness, taking inspired action, PTSD, and NLP.   This episode is dedicated to 22 Too Many Veteran: TJ Jones Six deployments. SIX ! He served our country bravely. He returned from war – he suffered from severe PTSD. He was in the middle of a flashback and thought he was being attacked by the Iraqi Guard. He was waving a gun but shot or hurt no one. He was shot and killed by the police. This is tragically referred to as "suicide by cop." His family seeks to raise awareness of combat PTSD and the imp

We welcome the amazing Kate DeCosta back to the show! You can check out Episode 3 if you missed her the first time around. Kate struggled with major health issues for years and years, and nobody could figure out the cause. These ranged from digestive issues to being incorrectly being diagnosed as bipolar for 10 years. So Kate took charge and did a lot of research for years to discover that the issues stemmed from food sensitivities.  Not only is she now thriving, but she is helping others do the same (including yours truly) through her health coaching service, Integrate with Kate. And not only that, Kate has just published her eBook, Gut Feelings.  We talk about elimination diets, food allergies, intolerances, and food sensitivities. We also discuss the connection between gut health and brain health. Finally, we talk about Kate's amazing coaching business, Integrate With Kate as well as her Reiki practice.   This episode is dedicated to 22 Too Many Veteran: Courtney Rush "SSgt Courtney Jo Rush, USAF, was

Welcome back to another episode of Inspiring Journeys! Today, I'm thrilled to have the truly remarkable Mitzi Campbell join me.    Mitzi is a teacher, speaker, writer, and the host of the inspiring podcast, Blessons, where she invites guests to share their collected experiences, lessons, and blessings.  In addition to her podcast, Mitzi, along with Renee Vee, is co-hosting the Rich Thinking 2024 conference - Unlocking the Wealth of Wisdom. It will be held in Philadelphia, PA on September 6.    We discuss the importance of coming into alignment with yourself to live your life's purpose. All you have to do is take that first step, and you will see amazing things unfold. We also discuss the upcoming Rich Thinking Conference and the perks of networking and connecting. This episode is dedicated to 22 Too Many Veteran: Brandy Hanla August 1, 1985 – June 29, 2023 It's so hard to sum up a person's life into a few paragraphs – especially someone like Brandy. Brandy Alexandra Hanla (Chierici) She was born August 1st,

Welcome, everyone, to a very special episode of Inspiring Journeys! We've been on a little summer hiatus as I am working on some backend work for the show. One of the projects I'm working on is moving my original podcast Return to the '80s into the Inspiring Journeys feed, and branding this branch to GenX Journeys. I'll eventually move all the return to the '80s episodes that you will enjoy, and we will also include our monthly GenX Book Club. If there is interest, I will continue to record new GenX Journeys episodes.  And we will return to our flagship Inspiring Journeys episodes next month as we have some awesome guests lined up!  On this episode, we're taking a nostalgic detour under our new branch, GenX Journeys.  To kick off this exciting transition, we're reintroducing my very first podcast episode, originally recorded on Apr 22, 2016, where I had the pleasure of co-hosting with Robert Mishou. Together, we take a deep dive into the legendary band, Journey. My co-host Robert and I give some background

On this episode of Inspiring Journeys, Paul defies Ghostbuster Dr. Egon Spengler's advice about not crossing the streams as we welcome Suzanne Mattaboni, co-host of Paul's other show, The GenX Book Club, to this show. Suzanne is an award-winning writer and the author of the coming-of-age novel Once in a Lifetime, which is set in the 1980s. She recently released a 2nd edition of this book, and it is the June Book of the Month for The GenX Book Club   We talk about 70s and 80s pop culture, the writing and publishing process, and the necessity to be resilient and positive in order to survive and thrive in the publishing industry.   This episode is dedicated to 22 Too Many Veteran: Daniel LaBella Cpl Daniel James LaBella USMC January 16, 1987 – January 1, 2008 My brother and I grew up in Coram, NY. Ever since we were little, my older brother, Danny, always wanted to be in the Marines and go to war and have a family. We have three other brothers: Christopher, Jacob, and Patrick. My brother love

On this episode we are thrilled to welcome Angie Leitnaker. Angie's journey through personal growth and overcoming grief has made her a passionate advocate for human potential. With 13 years of teaching experience and extensive work hosting global retreats, she has dedicated herself to helping others discover their inner greatness. Angie believes everyone wants to be seen, heard, and valued, and she emphasizes practical tools to not just survive, but truly thrive. Founder of C.A.P.E. Global, she empowers children and adults to break through barriers and achieve lasting fulfillment. Join us as we explore Angie's inspiring journey and insights, and how can discover or rediscover your own inner greatness!   This episode is dedicsted to 22 Too Many veteran Andrew Saunders Andrew Jonathan Saunders, 25, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2015. He was born in Asheville, NC on April 27, 1990 to Susan and William Saunders. Andrew went to school in Ridgecrest, CA where he found a love for playing mu