A teenage pregnancy, childhood abuse, and years of shame could have defined Donna Tashjian's life. Instead, she turns those wounds into wisdom and reveals how forgiveness, identity, and hearing God clearly can completely change what comes next.Donna joins Richard Haynes to share the raw story behind her transformation from scared, traumatized teenager to international speaker, author, coach, and ordained minister. This conversation goes far beyond inspiration - it's a practical and deeply personal look at what it takes to heal, rebuild self-worth, and live with purpose after life has taken so much from you.You'll discover:

• Why Donna calls painful experiences "gifts wrapped in sandpaper"
• How to separate God's voice from fear, shame, and your own inner criticism
• Why forgiveness is not a feeling, but a choice of your will
• The "onion" process of healing, and why old wounds can resurface in layers
• How one nonprofit job loss became the turning point that launched Vibrant Living International

Donna also shares the simple but powerful practices that carried her through impossible seasons, including staying in the Word, finding the right support, and learning to stop arguing with the identity God speaks over her life. If you've ever felt stuck in your past, unsure of your calling, or tired of carrying what happened to you, this episode offers both hope and a roadmap.Perfect for anyone who wants to heal from trauma, grow spiritually, or learn how to hear God with more clarity and confidence. Donna's story is proof that your hardest chapters do not get the final word.

Richard Haynes

hosts The Fill Up podcast and leads the conversation with thoughtful, pastoral questions that draw out Donna's story and the practical wisdom beneath it.

Donna Tashjian

is an international speaker, author, coach, and ordained minister known for helping people move from pain and shame into identity, healing, and purpose through faith-based coaching.

A child raised in the FLDS cult learns early that kindness from outsiders can be more powerful than fear, and that lesson changes everything. Shane Jessop tells the story of growing up in the Utah-Arizona border community known as Short Creek, the pressure of being taught not to question, and the moment he finally walked away at 23.Born into a world of control, secrecy, and severe consequences for doubt, Shane describes what it was like to grow up as the second oldest of 22 kids, working heavy equipment from an early age while living under the constant warning that asking the wrong question could cost you your family. He shares how simple encounters with "outsiders" cracked open a different view of people, truth, and himself.

You'll discover:

• What life inside the FLDS looked like day to day, from no TV and no internet to the fear of questioning leadership
• How Shane's work with his dad's excavating company gave him rare exposure to the outside world
• Why a stranger helping a child at a gas station became a defining memory
• The painful tension of being told you're "bad" while your own conscience says otherwise
• The chain of events that led to his final break from the community on April 6, 2011

Shane also shares the unforgettable story of Dorothy, a ranch owner whose unexpected kindness, honesty, and wisdom became a turning point at exactly the right time. What begins as a work trip in Nevada turns into a profound human connection, a tragedy, and the final nudge that confirms Shane can no longer stay where he is.This conversation is about more than escaping a cult. It's about the power of integrity, the cost of control, and how one act of kindness can alter the course of a life. If you're drawn to stories of resilience, faith, freedom, and the quiet moments that change everything, this episode will stay with you.Perfect for anyone who cares about overcoming adversity, cult recovery, faith deconstruction, or the surprising ways compassion can set people free.

Guest Credibility:

Shane Jessop is an entrepreneur and storyteller from Nashville, known for sharing his powerful firsthand experience growing up in and leaving the FLDS community. He is also working on a book that expands on the experiences he shares in this episode.

Unlock your potential with sales leadership insights! In this episode of The Fill Up Podcast, we dive deep with Melissa Whitaker, CEO of Melissa Whitaker International, as she shares her inspiring journey from childhood sales to becoming a leading authority in sales leadership and peak performance.

Key takeaways: Discover how Melissa's early experiences shaped her sales career. Learn about the importance of resilience and innovation in business. Understand the value of personal development and wellness in achieving success.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Meet Melissa Whitaker 00:59 Melissa's journey into sales 02:09 Early sales experiences 04:25 The importance of determination 06:44 Starting her first job at 10 09:02 Building a successful sales career 10:53 Transitioning to entrepreneurship 12:20 The leap of faith in starting her business 14:13 Overcoming challenges in business 19:29 The role of faith in her journey 28:21 Lessons learned from adversity 30:55 Adapting to change during COVID 35:30 Innovations in her business 41:02 Favorite personal development tools 44:04 Final thoughts on pursuing dreams

What's your biggest challenge with sales leadership? Drop it in the comments! Subscribe for weekly insights on personal development and sales strategies!

#SalesLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #Entrepreneurship

Summary

In this episode, Dan McQueen shares his incredible journey of resilience and recovery after a life-altering brain hemorrhage. He discusses the challenges he faced during his recovery, the importance of mindset, and how shifting perspectives can lead to personal growth. Dan emphasizes the significance of acceptance, gratitude, and intentional living as key components in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. His mantra, 'better than yesterday,' serves as a guiding principle in his life, inspiring others to embrace their challenges and keep moving forward.

Takeaways

Dan's life changed drastically after a brain hemorrhage at 28.
He emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset in recovery.
Incremental improvements can lead to significant progress over time.
Shifting perspectives can transform challenges into opportunities.
Acceptance is crucial for personal growth and healing.
Controlling what you can is essential for mental well-being.
Intentional living helps maximize energy and focus.
The victim mentality is crippling and should be avoided.
Every setback is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Dan's mantra, 'better than yesterday,' drives his daily actions.

Sound Bites

"I get to do this every day."
"Better than yesterday is my mantra."
"You only fail if you stop trying."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dan McQueen's Journey
02:10 The Sudden Shift: From Health to Crisis
05:29 The Coma and Awakening: A New Reality
09:26 The Road to Recovery: Overcoming Challenges
16:59 Mindset Shift: From Worst to Best
20:27 The Journey of Walking Again
20:55 The Power of Incremental Improvement
22:20 Perspective Shift: From Frustration to Opportunity
24:12 Embracing Acceptance and Gratitude
27:31 Intentional Living: Control the Controllables
30:33 Overcoming the Victim Mindset
34:41 Learning Through Failure and Resilience

In this episode of the Fill Up Podcast, Richard Haynes interviews Eric Collett, founder of A Mind for All Seasons, a company dedicated to improving cognitive and mental health. Eric shares his journey from uncertainty about his career to establishing a successful business aimed at enhancing brain health. He discusses the Enhance Protocol, his experiences as an entrepreneur, and the importance of balancing personal and professional life. Eric also provides valuable tips for maintaining brain health and offers insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Connect with Eric and his amazing team at https://amindforallseasons.com/join and use the code LOVE at checkout for a 30 day free trial.

Connect with Richard at Empowerpotentialcoaching.com

In this episode, Richard Haynes and Melissa DeLuca explore themes of authenticity, ego, and personal growth. They discuss the difference between a journey and a story, emphasizing the importance of being present in one's journey rather than merely recounting a story. The conversation delves into the role of self-care in personal development, navigating dark times, and the significance of ownership and truth in understanding one's experiences. Ultimately, they highlight the transformative power of awareness and the necessity of embracing both light and darkness in the journey of life.

HOW TO CONNECT WITH MELISSA
https://www.delucawillow.com/

HOW TO CONNECT WITH RICHARD
https://www.empowerpotentialcoaching.com/

Remember to fall in love with the process this week!

In this epsode of the Fill-Up podcast, host Richard Haynes interviews Tekarra Roach, who shares her inspiring journey of personal growth, weight loss, and the establishment of her business, Sweet Sheets. Tekarra discusses her struggles with body image, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery, and the significant mindset shifts that have transformed her approach to health and fitness. She emphasizes the importance of tracking progress holistically, preserving muscle, and helping others on their health journeys. Tekarra's story is a testament to the power of self-love, consistent habits, and the realization that health is not solely defined by the number on the scale.

HOW TO CONNECT WITH TEKKARA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tekarra_yqlnutrition/

HOW TO CONNECT WITH RICHARD
https://www.empowerpotentialcoaching.com/

In this episode of The Fill Up podcast, host Richard Haynes interviews Brent Tayet, exploring his journey of personal growth, resilience, and the importance of community and faith. Brent shares his experiences growing up in Washington, the impact of his parents' divorce, and how he found freedom in authenticity through the support of his cousins. He discusses the challenges he faced during his teenage years and how he navigated them, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of himself and his faith. The conversation highlights the significance of connection, acceptance, and the role of community in overcoming life's adversities.

HOW TO CONNECT WITH BRENT
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenttayet/

HOW TO CONNECT WITH RICHARD
empowerpotentialcoaching.com