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  • Episode 487 – Autism and Identity: An Unstoppable Journey to Self-Acceptance with Yenn Purkis
    2026/10/27
    Being different doesn't mean being less capable. It often means seeing the world in ways others don't understand. I had the pleasure of speaking with Yenn Purkis, an autistic, ADHD, non-binary advocate and author who has turned personal challenges into a powerful voice for disability rights and neurodiversity. Yenn shares their journey through school bullying, mental health struggles, schizophrenia, and learning to accept their identity. We explore autism acceptance, the importance of self-advocacy, and why society's attitudes often create greater barriers than disabilities themselves. With 18 published books and new PhD research focused on autism and employment, Yenn continues to challenge stereotypes and create opportunities for others. Our conversation is a reminder that everyone deserves respect, understanding, and the freedom to define who they are. Highlights: 0:59 - How Yenn's personal struggles became a mission to help others. 7:15 - Why identity-first language matters in autism and disability advocacy. 12:58 - The truth about schizophrenia and the stigma surrounding mental illness. 19:20 - How school bullying shaped Yenn's journey toward autism acceptance. 29:17 - How research into autism and employment could improve opportunities. 45:34 - Why mentorship and positive role models matter for people with disabilities. About the Guest: Yenn Purkis is an Autistic and ADHD, non-binary, Asexual advocate and author. They also have a diagnosis of atypical schizophrenia and anxiety. Yenn has been a disability advocate since 2005 when their first book, the autobiography Finding a Different kind of Normal, was accepted for publication. Yenn has worked as the Deputy CEO, External Relations, in the Disability Leadership Institute as well as being the accessibility manager for Rebus Theatre. They also have a number of clients that they work with as a peer mentor through the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Yenn is a prolific author, having written or co-authored 18 published books, all of which are about different topics of interest to autistic people and those who love and care for them. Yenn has a further two books under contract, both aimed at autistic children. Yenn has also contributed to ten other publications. Yenn has been giving keynote presentations on a large range of topics for over 20 years all over the world. They love taking to the stage and have spoken for TEDx Canberra twice – once in 2013 and once in 2023. In addition to keynote presentations, Yenn has spoken in many forums and formats including as a panellist and as part of events and conferences in breakout sessions. Yenn has spoken for a large number of Australian state and federal government departments and agencies, for disability organisations, employers and businesses. Yenn has hosted webinars and had a regular podcast program as well as a radio show called Talking Disability on Canberra Radio 2CC which ran for two years. Yenn is considered to be a leading influencer in the autism / neurodivergent community. They are highly sought after as a speaker and writer. Yenn also works in academic research and is currently working a as the co-director for a research project with at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre looking at the relationship between autism, entrepreneurship and wellbeing. Yenn has recently enrolled as a PhD candidate at the University of Wollongong. Their PhD research project will look at autism and employment and determinants of wellbeing. Ways to connect with Yenn**:** Website - www.yennpurkis.com Facebook page - Yenn Purkis Neurodiversty Page - https://www.facebook.com/yennpurkisbooks Facebook profile - Yenn Purkis Âû - https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.purkis.9/ LinkedIn - Yenn Purkis Instagram - yennpurkis5 - https://www.instagram.com/direct/t/17846606435718445/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have ...
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Episode 486 – Bravely Leading: Finding Unstoppable Courage in the Face of Fear with Darlia Clark
    2026/10/23
    Fear doesn't have to stop us from achieving our dreams. Sometimes, it can be the very thing that pushes us forward. My guest, Darlia Clark, knows this from personal experience. Growing up in Tennessee, she faced bullying, vision challenges, and struggles with confidence, yet she went on to build a successful career leading major corporate brand conversions. Darlia shares how she learned to manage fear, build self-confidence, and lead teams through difficult challenges without losing her authentic voice. We also explore the difference between being a boss and a true leader, the impact of family support, and how small steps can lead to personal growth. Darlia's journey inspired her new book, Bravely Leading: Where Fear Meets Flight, which draws on her experiences with leadership, motherhood, and overcoming breast cancer. I believe you'll enjoy her perspective on courage, resilience, and why moving forward matters more than having everything figured out. Highlights: 01:01 How childhood bullying shaped Darlia's confidence. 11:26 How a bold decision launched her leadership career. 16:59 Why overcoming fear starts with small steps. 28:24 How her father taught her to lead with confidence. 38:47 Why authentic leadership means staying true to yourself. 49:17 How life's challenges inspired her book on courage and resilience. About the Guest: Darlia Clark is a senior executive, speaker, and author whose career has been shaped by navigating uncertainty, fear, and moments that required courage before confidence ever arrived. Raised in small-town Tennessee, she made an early leap to Atlanta, learning firsthand what it means to leave comfort behind in pursuit of growth. That willingness to move forward before feeling ready became the foundation of a career defined by resilience and reinvention. Her professional journey began far from boardrooms, rooted in retail floors and hands-on work that taught her resilience, adaptability, and the importance of human connection. That foundation carried her into executive leadership, where she has overseen national and global initiatives valued in hundreds of millions of dollars. As Senior Vice President at Principle Global, Darlia led one of the largest brand conversions during the height of the global pandemic, guiding teams through labor shortages and supply-chain disruption while still delivering meaningful results. Life beyond work deeply influenced how Darlia leads. Motherhood, personal loss, surviving breast cancer, and long seasons of fear and anxiety forced her to slow down and reassess how she moved through the world. She learned that fear and anxiety are not signals to stop, but often indicators that something meaningful is unfolding. Growth, she discovered, lives on the other side of staying present and continuing forward, even when uncertainty feels overwhelming. Darlia is the author of Bravely Leading: Where Fear Meets Flight, a candid exploration of resilience, reinvention, and leading with authenticity when fear refuses to disappear. Through her work, she encourages leaders to keep moving, trusting that discomfort can be a doorway rather than a barrier. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs. Darlia believes that true impact is built through resilience, humility, and the courage to move forward—especially when fear is loud and the outcome is still unknown. Ways to connect with Darlia**:** www.bravelyleadingbook.com www.linkedin.com/in/darlia-clark About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://...
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Episode 485 – Reconnecting Kids with Nature Through Unstoppable Storytelling with Vardhini Amin
    2026/10/20
    What happens when children lose their connection with nature, and how can storytelling help bring it back? Vardhini Amin, a children's book author and professional photographer from India, joins me to explore the power of imagination, creativity, and reconnecting with the natural world. Drawing from her childhood, her love of gardening, and her experiences as a mother, Vardhini shares the inspiration behind her fantasy book Forest Borns, where trees have souls and nature comes alive. We discuss how screen time, structured schedules, and changing family habits affect children's creativity and their connection with the outdoors. Vardhini also explains why storytelling can teach empathy and environmental awareness more effectively than lectures. Our conversation reminds us that nature is not separate from us, that children need the freedom to explore, and that even one person can make a meaningful difference. I believe you'll enjoy Vardhini's perspective on helping children and adults rediscover the wonder of the world around them. Highlights: 01:30 - How Vardhini's childhood inspired her creative career. 20:32 - Why children are losing their connection with nature. 29:00 - How storytelling helps children develop empathy for nature. 35:53 - Why unstructured play builds creativity and imagination. 40:33 - How gardening inspired her children's book Forest Borns. 44:58 - How one person can make a difference in protecting nature. About the Guest: Vardhini Amin is the award-winning author of The Forestborns, a fantasy novel for children published by Hachette India in 2024. The Forestborns tells a story of courage, healing, and the invisible ties that bind all living things. Set in a hidden realm where the souls of trees and plants slip from their rooted bodies after sunset, it follows Siah, a young sandalwood tree soul forced onto a dangerous quest to protect her kind. Nearby, a girl named Avni, who finds comfort in the forest while grappling with her own grief, begins to sense a growing threat to the woods she loves. As their journeys quietly converge, ancient magic stirs and a fragile bridge forms between two worlds, leading to a miracle the forest will never forget. A portrait photographer with over a decade of experience, storytelling has always been Vardhini’s true calling. She grew up on a steady diet of fables and fantasy, and that early love for imaginative worlds continues to shape her writing today. Her stories often explore the quiet magic hidden in everyday life- trees that speak, forests that remember, and unexpected friendships that change the way characters see the world. As a writer, she is drawn to the emotional worlds of children and young readers. Her work blends imagination with emotional realism, exploring themes of fear, belonging, resilience, and hope. Through her stories, she hopes to create spaces where young readers feel seen and inspired to look at the world around them with curiosity and empathy. Through The Forestborns, she hopes to rekindle a sense of wonder about nature and encourage young readers to see forests, plants, and wildlife as living companions in the shared story of our planet. When she isn’t writing or behind the camera, she finds calm among her indoor plants—a peaceful counterpoint to the joyful chaos of life with her two sons and their two adopted cats. Ways to connect with Vardhini**:** Website: www.vardhiniamin.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vardhiniamin About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar...
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    1 時間
  • Episode 484 – Breaking the Silence: One Survivor's Unstoppable Fight for Justice with Joelle Casteix
    2026/10/16
    How can we protect children from sexual abuse without raising them to live in fear? My guest, Joelle Casteix, is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who turned her painful experience into a lifelong mission of advocacy, education, and prevention. After uncovering how her Catholic high school covered up abuse, Joelle became a leading voice for survivors, helping change laws and hold institutions accountable. Today, she works to prevent child sexual abuse in schools, churches, and communities while helping parents raise empowered children. Joelle and I discuss how predators use grooming and trust to target children, why organizations sometimes protect their reputations instead of victims, and the simple steps parents can take to teach body boundaries, recognize warning signs, and encourage open communication. We also explore survivor healing, the importance of believing those who speak out, and how better training and stronger reporting policies can help prevent future abuse. Joelle's journey reminds us that even the most painful experiences can lead to meaningful change and that protecting children begins with awareness, courage, and a willingness to listen. Highlights: 02:12 - Joelle shares her journey from childhood abuse survivor to advocate. 13:53 - Simple ways parents can teach boundaries and protect children. 23:12 - How survivor advocacy can create healing and lasting change. 30:54 - How institutions cover up abuse and predators build trust. 41:21 - Warning signs of child grooming and online exploitation. 48:42 - Why child protection policies need training and accountability. About the Guest: Joelle Casteix is an award-winning author, journalist, podcaster, and internationally recognized speaker—and one of the leading global advocates for survivors of child sexual abuse and institutional cover-up. A survivor of abuse in the Catholic Church, her own pursuit of justice catalyzed a decades-long career dedicated to protecting children, amplifying survivor voices, and holding powerful institutions accountable. A trusted media voice and go-to expert for legislators, journalists, and policymakers, Joelle’s work focuses on how institutions—including religious organizations, public schools, and other youth-serving systems—enable and conceal abuse; the essential role parents and communities play in prevention; and how survivor-centered laws, accountability, and emerging technology can disrupt cycles of harm. She has testified in support of victim-friendly legislation in numerous states and was the sole survivor selected to testify on behalf of California’s landmark AB 218, which opened a three-year civil window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Joelle is a founding board member and current Board Chair of the Zero Abuse Project, where she has helped shape national prevention and accountability strategies. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the National Center to Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct, and Exploitation (NCSESAME), supporting national efforts to prevent educator sexual misconduct and provide resources for survivors, families, and professionals. She is the host of the Crossing the Line podcast, featuring conversations with journalists, lawmakers, survivors, and experts working at the intersection of abuse prevention, accountability, and justice. Through national print, broadcast, and podcast appearances, Joelle translates complex institutional failures into clear, actionable insight for the public. A leading voice on digital accountability and ethical AI in child protection, Joelle has presented to United Nations member agencies and international audiences across Europe, including at The Hague. She is the bestselling author of The Well-Armored Child: A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Child Sexual Abuse and The Power of Responsibility, based on her widely viewed TEDx talk, as well as The Compassionate Response and Scram!. She is a former adjunct faculty member at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. Ways to connect with Joelle**:** Website: Casteix.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcasteix/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joellecasteix Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crossing-the-line-the-ncsesame-podcast/id1851485137 Zero Abuse Project: https://zeroabuseproject.org/ NCSESAME: NCSESAME.org About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also...
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    1 時間 3 分
  • Episode 483 – Finding Your Voice: The Power of Unstoppable Confidence with Michelle Mekky
    2026/10/13
    Sometimes the biggest setbacks in life lead us to discover what we're truly capable of achieving. My guest, Michelle Mekky, knows this firsthand. A former broadcast journalist and television producer, Michelle spent 12 years working behind the scenes at Fox before moving into public relations. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she faced ovarian cancer and later lost her job. Rather than allowing fear and self-doubt to hold her back, she started Mekky Media, which grew into a seven-figure PR agency. Michelle shares how she built her business through storytelling, hard work, trust, and a strong team culture. We also explore the importance of public speaking, media training, authentic communication, and learning to believe in yourself. Michelle's story reminds us that confidence doesn't always come naturally. Sometimes we have to face the things that scare us most to discover our own potential. I believe you'll find valuable lessons here about leadership, entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, and finding the courage to share your story. Highlights: 01:21 – Discover how Michelle's passion for journalism shaped her career. 06:41 – Learn why believing in yourself is key to overcoming fear. 16:06 – Hear how Michelle overcame her fear of public speaking. 30:23 – Explore how cancer and job loss led Michelle toward entrepreneurship. 36:53 – Learn how trust and team culture helped build a seven-figure PR agency. 56:40 – Discover how AI and digital media are changing storytelling and communication. About the Guest: Michelle Mekky is a veteran, award-winning broadcast journalist and public relations executive, and the founder and CEO of Mekky Media Relations, Inc., a boutique PR agency with clients in Chicago and coast to coast. She began her career as an overnight newswriter for the morning shows at Fox-TV in Chicago, before eventually growing to become Senior Producer, overseeing all morning show content. After 12 years in the media, she transitioned into PR and marketing, working at top agencies prior to launching Mekky Media in 2016 after she survived ovarian cancer. The agency partners with organizations across a broad range of verticals, including nonprofits, technology, healthcare, restaurants, retail, fitness, financial services B2B and more. Michelle leads a team of experienced PR professionals who help clients tell their stories, reach new audiences and fuel growth through PR strategy, media relations, media training, social media strategy, integrated digital and PR programs and personal branding. Building on nearly a decade of growth and demand for executive coaching, Michelle also recently launched Elevated by Mekky Media, a sister company specializing in personalized media training, public speaking coaching and executive presence development for leaders and teams. Michelle and Mekky Media have been widely recognized for their success, earning multiple Gold and Silver Stevie Awards between 2018 and 2023, a PR News Top 100 Agency Elite Award, recognition as one of Expertise PR’s Best Chicago PR Firms and several Publicity Club of Chicago Gold and Silver Trumpet Awards. Michelle has also received numerous individual honors, including being named one of the 2025 100 Women to KNOW in America, PRSA Chicago’s 2023 Professional of the Year, the 2023 Daily Herald Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, a 2021 Ragan and PR Daily Communicator of the Year Award, a 2020 PR News Top Women in PR honor, a 2019 Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Entrepreneur recognition and the 2018 Bronze Stevie Award for Women in Business. Michelle is a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, Forbes Agency Council, WBENC and the International Public Relations Network, where she serves as North American regional chair and a member of the Executive Committee. A Forbes blogger and motivational speaker, she is also a cancer survivor, a spokesperson for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and serves on the board of the Business Executives Association and the Strategic Advancement Committee for Start Early. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University’s renowned Medill School of Journalism. The daughter of immigrants, she is the first-generation in her family to go to college. Michelle also is most proud of being a mother to her children Adam and Hannah, who are getting ready to launch their own careers as they finish college and graduate school. Ways to connect with Michelle**:** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mekkymedia/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mekky-media-relations-inc./ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mekkymedia/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 ...
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    1 時間 5 分
  • Episode 482 – Unstoppable Resilience When Everything Feels Impossible with Vincent Van den Broeck
    2026/10/09
    What does it take to survive the impossible and come back stronger? My guest, Vincent Van den Broeck, is a Belgian entrepreneur whose life has been filled with unexpected challenges. From losing his mother at a young age to building restaurants, facing bankruptcy, and finding success in the hospitality industry, Vincent has never allowed setbacks to define his future. Then, in October 2024, he was struck by a car and spent three weeks in a coma. Doctors warned his wife that he might not survive. Yet Vincent defied those expectations and began the difficult journey of learning to walk and talk again. I enjoyed hearing how his experiences shaped his views on overcoming adversity, personal growth, gratitude, and the power of positive thinking. We also discuss his book, Everything Feels Impossible Until It's Done, and why preparing yourself for life's challenges matters long before they arrive. Vincent's story reminds us that we have more strength and ability than we often realize. Highlights: 01:38 – Discover how personal loss led Vincent to a career in hospitality. 10:30 – Learn why curiosity and passion are keys to success. 18:39 – Explore the challenges of entrepreneurship and business failure. 34:43 – Hear how a devastating accident changed Vincent's life. 45:48 – Discover the challenges of recovery and the power of support. 56:35 – Learn how gratitude and positive thinking help overcome adversity. About the Guest: Vincent Van den Broeck is a Brussels-based entrepreneur, restaurateur, and survivor of a near-fatal car accident that changed his life forever. On October 11th, 2024, he was struck whilst riding a scooter in a collision at 55 km/h in a 30 zone. The impact left him with multiple fractures and major brain trauma. Doctors gave little hope with most injuries of this severity having only a 10% survival rate. He spent weeks in a coma and three months in intensive rehabilitation, but recovery didn't stop there — it became a daily mission. Against all odds, he not only regained his strength but came back stronger than before: working out 7 times a week, running a business, and building new creative projects. Today, Vincent shares his story as living proof that resilience, mindset, and community can make the impossible possible. About the book: On October 11th, 2024, I nearly died. Surviving was one thing. Understanding why became another. This is the story of how the life I built became the life that saved me: the sacrifices I made, the small daily habits, the challenges I faced, the days I kept going anyway. And how all of it took me from a 1% chance of survival to a full recovery. No one sees those moments, but when everything breaks, they're what hold you together. And sooner or later, life tests all of us. So if you're going through something difficult right now, or searching for something more, this book is for you. Because everything feels impossible, until it's done. Everything Feels Impossible Until It's Done is more than a memoir. It's a testimony of survival, perseverance, and hope — told with raw honesty and humility. The book takes readers through: • Before – the years leading to the day of the accident. • The Accident – a life-changing moment in Brussels. • The Coma & Rehab – weeks unconscious and months relearning life. • The Recovery Journey – rebuilding body, mind, and spirit, far beyond the hospital. • The Rebirth – lessons in resilience, purpose, and creating again. Ultimately, this is not just a story about survival. It's about awareness, responsibility, and perspective — toward yourself, and toward everyone who plays a role in your journey. For fans of David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me, James Clear's Atomic Habits and Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air Ways to connect with Vincent**:** https://www.instagram.com/vincentinthekitchen/ https://www.tiktok.com/@vincentinthekitchen0 https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-van-den-broeck-b9b275103/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this ...
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    1 時間 7 分
  • Episode 481 – Why Curiosity Makes You Unstoppable in Business with Eric van Hall
    2026/10/06
    The people who adapt best to new technology are often the ones willing to experiment before everyone else is ready. I talk with Dutch entrepreneur and communication strategist Eric van Hall about a career built on curiosity, from competitive windsurfing and video production to web design, copywriting, ChatGPT, and AI technology. Eric shares why entrepreneurship requires persistence, why understanding your audience matters more than chasing tools, and how AI can support creativity when humans stay accountable for the results. We also explore AI accessibility, automation, human values, and why keeping an open mind may be one of the most useful skills for navigating rapid technological change. Highlights: 01:28 - How windsurfing opened the door to Eric’s creative career. 15:07 - Why persistence and drive matter in entrepreneurship. 23:04 - How discovering the early web changed Eric’s career. 30:58 - Why curiosity and experimentation fuel innovation. 43:58 - How AI can expand human creativity. 59:38 - How AI could improve accessibility for people with disabilities. About the Guest: Eric van Hall is an entrepreneur and communications strategist with nearly four decades of experience at the intersection of creativity, technology, and media. He is the founder of CopyRobin, an AI-driven creation agency that helps organizations produce high-quality content at scale without sacrificing strategic intent or human nuance. Eric began his career in the 1980s as a freelance copywriter and video producer, working with international extreme sports brands such as O’Neill. His early work in storytelling and audiovisual production led to the founding of The Box Office, an independent production company. In the mid-1990s, as the commercial internet emerged, he pivoted again—this time launching Mediaweb in 1995, one of the Netherlands’ first web design agencies. After more than two decades building digital platforms, Eric identified a structural weakness in digital organizations: content production consistently lagged behind design and technology. To address this, he founded CopyRobin in 2015. Originally conceived as a “copywriting as a service” platform, CopyRobin streamlined collaboration between organizations and professional writers, removing friction from content workflows. When generative AI entered the mainstream, Eric once again adapted. Rather than viewing AI as a threat to creative work, he repositioned CopyRobin around a hybrid model that combines AI efficiency with human judgment, strategy, and editorial responsibility. His core belief: AI can accelerate production, but authority, meaning, and trust remain human responsibilities. In addition to his commercial work, Eric is co-founder of the Scriptorium Initiative, a thought-leadership platform focused on responsible, human-centric communication in the age of AI. As a speaker, writer, and moderator, he explores how organizations can use technology not to replace human voice, but to sharpen it. His career reflects a consistent principle: those who adapt with intent can turn disruption into leverage. Ways to connect with Eric**:** LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericvvanhall/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/copyrobin/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/scriptorium-initiative/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank ...
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    1 時間 8 分
  • Episode 480 – From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Building a Business That Lasts with Christine Slocumb
    2026/10/01
    What happens when an engineer discovers that great technology alone isn’t enough to build a successful business? My guest, Christine Slocumb, began her career as an electrical engineer before moving into marketing, entrepreneurship, and eventually building and selling her own agency, Clarity Quest. Christine and I talk about why marketing and sales need to work together, how SEO and AI are changing business, and why website accessibility is simply good business. We also explore something I believe matters even more: how we treat people. Christine shares why she built a company where employees could feel respected, how she balanced entrepreneurship with putting her family first, and what she learned during the long process of selling her business. Now, she is helping other entrepreneurs prepare for business exits and discover who they want to become afterward. I think you will enjoy Christine’s thoughts about authentic leadership, embracing change, and taking the time to discover what comes next in life. Highlights: 04:53 - How growing up without gender-based limits shaped Christine’s confidence and career choices. 11:17 - Why great technology still needs strong marketing to succeed. 21:35 - How website accessibility can benefit customers, businesses, and search visibility. 35:25 - Why AI can transform marketing without replacing human creativity and relationships. 45:25 - The choices Christine made to grow a business while keeping family first. 55:43 - Why selling a business can create an unexpected search for identity and purpose. . About the Guest: Chris Slocumb started her career as an electrical engineer at Motorola, where she witnessed firsthand how poor marketing could tank great technology. That insight sparked a career pivot that would eventually lead her to founding Clarity Quest Marketing and writing the 2024 book “Stop Starvation Marketing: 23 Power Moves For Healthcare, Biotech and IT Companies”. For over 20 years, Chris built Clarity Quest Marketing, growing it into a two-time Agency of the Year winner. When she sold the agency in 2023, she stayed on as Chief Growth Officer at the buyer’s holding company, driving 88% revenue growth for the holding company. From the outside it looked easy. In reality, selling her company and finding a new identity was a gauntlet. In February 2025, Chris made her exit from the buyer’s company complete and launched her exit advisory practice helping B2B founders successfully exit with their heads held high and values intact. Unlike traditional M\&A advisors focused solely on financial readiness, Chris addresses the complete founder experience: emotional preparation, successful transaction, and post-exit life design. Her upcoming book "Mastering the Exit Gauntlet" (April 2026) captures the raw reality of her journey in the moments she felt lost, questioned everything, and learned to celebrate the sale in order to design a new identity. Her core message challenges the exit narrative: A technically successful exit can become a disaster without organizational, financial, and emotional preparation. Chris brings the same nerve and grit that got her through the tech startup world’s engineering floors to helping founders exit on their own terms—living proof that life after exit can be purposeful, grounded, and entirely your own. Ways to connect with Christine**:** My website is https://christineslocumb.com/ Link to my upcoming book's teaser page: https://christineslocumb.com/my-books/mastering-the-exit-gauntlet/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisslocumb/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmslocumb/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the ...
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