エピソード

  • Episode 441 – Unstoppable Lessons from Growing Up with Deaf Parents with Maria Gallucci

    Episode 441 – Unstoppable Lessons from Growing Up with Deaf Parents with Maria Gallucci
    2026/05/19
    What happens when the way you grow up teaches you to see the world through empathy, inclusion, and connection? In this heartfelt conversation, I talk with Maria Gallucci about being raised by deaf parents, growing up as a CODA, and how those experiences shaped her life, business, and advocacy work. Maria shares powerful lessons about communication, bullying, accessibility, ASL, LGBTQ inclusion, and why small acts of kindness can change someone’s life. You’ll also hear how her book Raised in Silence became an Amazon bestseller and why she believes connection matters more than labels. Highlights: · 00:54 - Learn how growing up with deaf parents shaped Maria’s view of empathy and inclusion. · 04:00 - Hear how bullying inspired Maria to advocate for acceptance and accessibility. · 15:15 - Discover how helping her parents with real estate closings shaped her career path. · 20:06 - Learn what finally pushed Maria to publish Raised in Silence after 15 years. · 35:06 - Hear why being fully present can make people feel seen and valued. · 46:55 - Discover why human connection still matters more than technology. About the Guest: Maria Gallucci – Award-Winning Colorado REALTOR®, Advocate & Author Maria Gallucci is a multi-award-winning Colorado real estate broker, author, and lifelong advocate for inclusive communication and accessible housing. With over 30 years of experience, Maria specializes in working with the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as builders, investors, and families across Denver, Colorado Springs, Northern and Southern Colorado, the Western Slope and Nationwide. She is the founder of Uptown Realty Group and Gallucci Homes, and is consistently ranked among the top 1.5% of REALTORS® nationwide. Maria is also a top-producing agent at Compass Real Estate. A Personal Mission Rooted in Inclusion As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Maria learned American Sign Language (ASL) before English. At just 12 years old, she helped her parents purchase their first home, serving as an unofficial interpreter. This pivotal experience shaped her mission: to ensure that clients from underrepresented communities are seen, heard, and respected—especially in the home buying and selling process. Maria founded: ASL @ Compass , an affinity group for ASL-fluent agentsASL Realty , a national platform connecting Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients with ASL-communicating REALTORS® Her motto, "Just Try," encourages everyone to make meaningful connections, even across communication differences. Expertise Across All Colorado Real Estate Markets Maria's depth of knowledge spans: Residential real estate across Denver Metro, Colorado Springs, Northern/Southern Colorado and NationwideNew construction, Single Family homes, Land, Condos, townhomes, and duplex developmentsReal estate investment opportunitiesBuilder marketing and sales strategy Her clients trust her ability to negotiate, design winning strategies, and execute seamless transactions that are profitable and low-stress. A Community Advocate and Author Outside of real estate, Maria serves on the boards of: Rocky Mountain Deaf SchoolDOVE (Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment)Colorado Association of the Deaf (CAD) She is also the author of Raised in Silence, a memoir and guide to bridging communication gaps — a love letter to the Deaf community that raised her. Awards & Recognition Top 1% of Colorado REALTORS®Top 1.5% REALTORS® Nationally5280 Magazine Double Black Diamond AwardReal Trends / Top 100 Agents in AmericaTom Ferry / Best Real Estate Agent in AmericaOutstanding Women in BusinessFive Star Real Estate Agent5280 Five Star Professional AwardDenver Metro REALTOR® Association Diamond Excellence AwardSouth Metro REALTOR® Association 5-Carat Diamond Circle Club Award Whether you're looking to buy, sell, invest, or build in Colorado, Maria Gallucci is the inclusive, experienced, and results-driven REALTOR® to guide you every step of the way. Ways to connect with Maria: maria@galluccihomes.com https://www.youtube.com/@galluccihomes https://www.facebook.com/TopASLRealtor https://www.instagram.com/galluccihomes/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-gallucci-18725b9/ 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://...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 3 分
  • Episode 440 – Aging Well Through Relationships, Purpose, and Movement with Garry Cole

    Episode 440 – Aging Well Through Relationships, Purpose, and Movement with Garry Cole
    2026/05/15
    Most people fear getting older, but Gary Cole believes aging can become one of the happiest and healthiest stages of life. In this episode of Unstoppable Mindset, Gary and I explore what it really means to age well through purpose, relationships, movement, optimism, and daily lifestyle choices. Gary shares lessons from the Blue Zones, the science behind longevity, and why mindset matters more than most people realize. You will hear practical insights on healthy sleep, nutrition, exercise, happiness, spirituality, and how to create a life filled with meaning at any age. Highlights: · 00:10:22 - Learn why society fears aging and how mindset changes the way we experience getting older. · 00:18:24 - Discover how daily lifestyle choices impact aging more than genetics. · 00:20:40 - Hear why older years can become some of the happiest stages of life. · 00:31:07 - Learn why purpose and meaningful routines matter after retirement. · 00:48:53 - Discover the Blue Zone habits linked to longer, healthier, and happier lives. · 01:00:35 - Hear Gary’s top five habits for living a healthy, active, and fulfilling life. About the Guest: Garry is a Baby Boomer with a passion for aging well, which he describes as a life of health, happiness and longevity. Garry lives in Michigan with his wife Pam, their cat, Simba, and their Samoyed dog, Amara. A graduate of The University of Michigan he is a big Wolverine fan. Although he did not win his March Madness Pool, he is very happy with the final outcome. Go Blue. When he is not cheering on the Wolverines, he enjoys travel, reading, and living vicariously through his two recently adulted children. The oldest, Parker, will graduate from Medical School in May and start his residency at Rutgers University in July. His daughter, Paulina, is living her best life in Chicago, working in the financial services industry and enjoying everything the city offers. After spending three years researching the topic of aging he decided to share what he learned. His first book, "Are We Old Yet?", was published in 2024 and became a best seller in the Aging category. Garry continues his research and publishes blogs on his website and speaks on topics related to aging. As he likes to say, most of us have the privilege to age, it is up to us to do it well. Ways to connect with Gary: Website, https://www.garrycole.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551415109016 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GarryCole-g2r LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrycole/ 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/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ 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 higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes:
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 7 分
  • Episode 439 – What Makes an Unstoppable Entrepreneur Last with Rick Yvanovich

    Episode 439 – What Makes an Unstoppable Entrepreneur Last with Rick Yvanovich
    2026/05/12
    Most people spend their lives reacting to change. Rick Yvanovich believes the real goal is to shape it. In this episode of Unstoppable Mindset, I sit down with Rick to explore entrepreneurship, coaching, fear, leadership, and the mindset shifts that help people grow through uncertainty. From failing to get into university to building businesses across Asia and mentoring leaders around the world, Rick shares lessons on resilience, lifelong learning, balanced fulfillment, and why asking for help is often the key to lasting success. You will hear practical insights on self-discovery, business growth, personal development, and learning how to trust yourself in a rapidly changing world. Highlights: · 00:38 - Learn how to become an architect of change instead of reacting to life. · 05:20 - Discover why trusting your inner voice matters. · 09:17 - Hear how fear can become a tool instead of a barrier. · 20:54 - Understand the difference between coaching and mentoring. · 30:14 - Learn what balanced fulfillment really means. · 56:04 - Explore why agility matters in business and life. About the Guest: Rick is a true master of the business coaching craft, known for his proven ability to help companies and individuals achieve unprecedented levels of success. With a deep understanding of both business strategy and human potential, he skillfully combines practical experience with transformative coaching interventions. His systematic approach and unwavering commitment to empowering people allow him to translate vision into actionable steps that drive measurable results and sustainable growth. At the heart of Rick’s work lies a simple yet powerful mission — to inspire and empower humans for balanced fulfillment. He believes success should not come at the expense of well-being and that true leadership is about aligning purpose, passion, and performance. This philosophy forms the cornerstone of his coaching practice, enabling his clients to achieve not just professional success, but personal balance and fulfillment as well. Ways to connect with Rick: https://www.facebook.com/TRGInternational/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickyvanovich/https://www.instagram.com/RICKYVANOVICH2/https://www.youtube.com/@RickYvanovichhttps://www.youtube.com/@trginternational3812 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/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ 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 higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes:
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 8 分
  • Episode 438 – How to Build an Unstoppable Career Without Playing It Safe with Sadia Carone

    Episode 438 – How to Build an Unstoppable Career Without Playing It Safe with Sadia Carone
    2026/05/08
    What happens when you leave behind security, move across countries with almost no plan, and trust that life will somehow work out? I talk with stand-up comic and creative entrepreneur Sadia Carone about her wild path from Ohio to Paris, New York, Brazil, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Sadia shares how she walked away from a difficult family life, built careers in software testing and entertainment, survived 9/11 in New York, took huge risks to chase comedy and acting, and learned how to handle rejection, failure, and negative people without losing herself. You will hear honest lessons about resilience, creativity, career pivots, faith, comedy, and why success is rarely instant. Highlights: 00:01:32 – How music helped Sadia teach English in Paris. 00:10:32 – Why she left tech to pursue comedy and acting. 00:14:45 – What it was like living in New York during 9/11. 00:27:07 – Why she moved to Las Vegas with no real plan. 00:35:41 – How faith helped her through major setbacks. 00:51:21 – Why creative careers take patience and preparation. About the Guest: SADIA CARONE was born in the Midwest and has since lived in Paris, France and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada where she regularly performs stand-up comedy. Sadia was brought up to choose "the safe path" and she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia with a BA English and a BA in French. She wanted to go to music school -- but at the time, that was out of the question ( = her parents forbid it). Well her parents were wrong! Sadia took voice lessons and started writing songs. Atlantic Records was going to sign her -- then 9/11 happened and both the record executives and her music producer had other things to deal with. And now Sadia has a comedy album! She performs her original songs on stage! Along the way, she got her SAG card (national actors' union) and earlier this year, she taught a stand-up comedy workshop in Reno, Nevada for the SAG Conservatory! Sadia's approach to life is "follow your heart" and "carefully assess the risks". In other words -- timing is everything! Do your research. Make informed decisions. Then when the time is right -- take that leap of faith! Sadia's career highlights include * IT manager for the USPTO * software tester for the National Red Cross HQ * TEDx Speaker * Host, Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club * Karaoke DJ at Vegas #1 karaoke spot * Tour Guide, Big Bus Las Vegas * Yellow M\&M, The M\&M Store in Las Vegas * Apartment Building Manager, West Hollywood / Northern Hollywood / Studio City, California * Official SongBird and Queen of Culture and Creativity, Shitshow Creative * Founder, Music for Emotions which received a grant from SEED Vegas. Sadia speaks English natively, fluent French and Portuguese, business-level Spanish, intermediate Hindi/Urdu and bits of Russian and Arabic. Ways to connect with Sadia: LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/sadiacarone Instagram @sadiacarone 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/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ 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 higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts....
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 3 分
  • Episode 437 – How Radical Self Care Creates an Unstoppable Life with Dr. Joi Lewis

    Episode 437 – How Radical Self Care Creates an Unstoppable Life with Dr. Joi Lewis
    2026/05/05
    What happens when someone who teaches healing suddenly must fight for her own? Dr. Joi Lewis joins me for a powerful conversation about surviving a massive stroke, rebuilding life through radical self-care, and learning how community, meditation, faith, and curiosity can help people heal. Raised in East St. Louis, Joi shares how her upbringing shaped her deep belief in connection, public service, and emotional liberation. You’ll hear how she moved from higher education leadership into healing justice work, why she believes isolation is dangerous, and how practices like mindfulness, conscious movement, and meditation became critical tools during her recovery. This conversation explores disability, resilience, trust, healing, and what it really means to live with an unstoppable mindset. Highlights: 00:59 How community shaped her mindset growing up in East St. Louis. 08:47 Surviving a massive stroke and adapting to disability. 15:14 Why radical self-care is essential for healing. 21:16 How faith and music support her recovery journey. 35:35 The four parts of the Orange Method for healing. 50:19 How an “energy bank” helps restore emotional health. About the Guest: "Dr. Joi” Lewis is CEO of Joi Unlimited (www.drjoilewis.com) and Founder of The Healing Justice Foundation (www.healingjusticefoundation.org). Joi Unlimited is a crisis, conflict, and change management firm specializing in transformation of systems and self for collective and individual liberation. The Healing Justice Foundation’s mission is to reclaim the inherent dignity, brilliance, and humanity of all Black people. Dr. Joi (as many fondly call her) is known locally, nationally, and globally as a facilitator of liberation, radical self-care expert, and community healer. What that means is she helps individuals, institutions, and communities heal from oppression-induced historic and present day trauma, using Healing Justice (Radical Self-Care + Social Justice) as an on ramp to reclaim our own humanity and each others’. Dr. Joi is the author of Healing: The Act of Radical Self-Care, based on her transformative process the Orange Method (OM) of Healing Justice, and of the meditation journal and affirmation deck May the Revolution Be Healing. She is a social entrepreneur and a highly sought-after speaker and executive coach. Dr. Joi inspires us to hold heartbreak and “joy” because they run from the same faucet. Her work is deeply informed by growing up in East St. Louis, Illinois. Dr. Joi completed her doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania, conducted research in South Africa, had a 20+ year career on college campuses as Dean, Faculty, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. She is an unapologetic joy instigator, a certified kemetic and hot vinyasa yoga teacher, a facilitator of meditation and mindfulness and a food prep pro, who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. In July of 2024, Dr. Joi survived a massive stroke and has recommitted to the practices of the Orange Method as she prioritizes her own radical self care. Dr. Joi is on a mission to “put healing in the hands of anyone, anywhere.” Ways to connect with Joi: https://www.joiunlimited.com/ https://www.healingjusticefoundation.org/ Facebook: Dr Joi Lewis Instagram: @drjoi LinkedIn: Dr Joi Lewis 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/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ 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/...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間
  • Episode 436 – Turning Setbacks into an Unstoppable Advantage with Dennis Szymanski

    Episode 436 – Turning Setbacks into an Unstoppable Advantage with Dennis Szymanski
    2026/05/01
    What if the thing you struggle with most could become your greatest strength? In this episode, I sit down with Dennis Szymanski, a semiconductor engineer who has lived with a stutter his entire life and learned to manage it through a powerful mix of science, self-awareness, and holistic living. Dennis shares how his journey through speech therapy, stress management, and personal growth shaped both his mindset and his career in nanoscale engineering and compound semiconductors. You will hear how early support, resilience, and curiosity helped him move from struggling to speak to confidently presenting, creating, and even writing a children’s book. I believe you will find this conversation inspiring as it shows how challenges can guide you toward purpose, clarity, and an unstoppable mindset. Highlights: 00:10 Learn how early support and environment shape confidence and long term growth 09:43 Understand what it means to live with a stutter and manage it daily 11:10 Discover why the root cause of stuttering is still not fully understood 35:07 Learn how speech therapy has shifted toward treating the whole person 47:32 Understand how stress directly affects speech and performance 56:01 Discover how creativity and purpose come together through writing and innovation About the Guest: Hello everyone! My name is Dennis Szymanski, and I was born and raised on Long Island, New York. Over the course of my life, I have moved 11 times up and down the East Coast of the U.S., meeting many people and having amazing experiences, all the while working on my relationship with my stutter. I currently embrace my inner beach bum and reside in a sleepy North Carolina beach town with my girlfriend Samantha and Lennie the turtle. I have spent the better part of my academic and professional career in the semiconductor industry. I hold a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University and currently work as a Product Engineer for a U.K. semiconductor manufacturing firm. In my personal life I enjoy playing disc golf, reading, playing the trumpet, yoga, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and any water sport you can imagine. The beach has always been, and forever will be, my home, my place of peace and solitude, a place to "Be As You Are". As a stutterer, I have practiced the physical art of communication ever since I have been able to talk. As a trumpet player, I understand the power of controlled breath. As an Engineer, I always strive to dig deeper. As a communicator, I believe it is all about connecting with people. As a human being, I endeavor to live a holistic life, where each facet compliments the others. My stutter made me a better engineer, just like my understanding of controlled breath as a trumpet player has made me a better communicator. I find myself to be a lifelong learner, believing that there is room for constant improvement even if, somewhat ironically, the area for necessary improvement is my (in)ability to rest and recharge. I love to travel and take much of my inspiration from the world around me. A change of scenery, pace, environment, and/or people is almost always welcomed in my life. No matter if I am out on the surfboard, generating an engineer data sheet, or giving a talk on stage, I live my life by once simple sentence: “It is all about the people.” Ways to connect with Dennis: website link is www.drdennyeddie.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisszymanski/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdennyeddie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdennyeddie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennis.szymanski.35 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/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ 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 ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 5 分
  • Episode 435 – Unstoppable Innovation That Could Replace Plastic Forever with Johnathan Jakubowski

    Episode 435 – Unstoppable Innovation That Could Replace Plastic Forever with Johnathan Jakubowski
    2026/04/28
    What if the solution to plastic pollution could simply disappear? In this conversation, I sit down with Johnathan Jakubowski, CEO and founder of Smart Solve, to explore how biodegradable, water-soluble packaging is changing the future of sustainability and business. John shares his journey from early life lessons and a failed startup to building an innovative company focused on solving microplastic pollution. You will hear how purpose-driven leadership, core values, and faith shaped his path, along with practical insights on entrepreneurship, market adoption, and innovation. I believe you will find this discussion both inspiring and useful as you think about leadership, environmental impact, and what it truly takes to build something that matters. Highlights: 00:01:27 – Learn how early life values and family shaped a foundation for leadership and purpose 00:10:26 – Discover how technology and screen use are impacting focus, mental health, and development 00:17:59 – Understand how business failure can redirect you toward a more successful path 00:22:14 – Learn how biodegradable, water soluble packaging works and where it is used 00:27:04 – Discover why microplastics are driving a major shift in global innovation 00:52:49 – Learn how leadership is built through influence, culture, and consistent core values Bottom of Form About the Guest: Jonathan Jakubowski is an entrepreneur, author, inventor, and public policy advocate whose work spans the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of SmartSolve, a company he built around a simple but powerful conviction: that the packaging industry could be reimagined from the ground up. Under his leadership, SmartSolve has developed the world's first patented 100% bio-based, plastic-free, dissolvable food packaging — a genuine breakthrough in the global effort to eliminate packaging waste. SmartSolve's technology represents years of research, invention, and commercial development aimed at solving one of the most persistent environmental and industrial challenges of our time. Jonathan leads the company with a focus on proving that sustainability and profitability are not opposites — that the most innovative solutions can also be the most responsible ones. His work has positioned SmartSolve as a pioneering force in the zero-waste packaging space, drawing national and international attention. Beyond his entrepreneurial work, Jonathan is a published author whose book Bellwether Blues: A Conservative Awakening of the Millennial Soul has received widespread recognition and national media coverage. The book explores the political and cultural landscape facing a generation, and reflects Jonathan's deep engagement with public policy and civic life — shaped in part by his Master's in Public Policy from Georgetown University and his undergraduate years at Bowling Green State University, where he played collegiate football. Jonathan's commitment to service extends across sectors. He is the founder of Champions in Action, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth in Guatemala, and serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Forge Leadership Network, an organization devoted to developing principled leaders. His career reflects a consistent thread: identifying problems that others have accepted as inevitable, and building solutions that prove otherwise. Jonathan lives in Northwest Ohio with his wife Missy and their four children. Whether in the boardroom, on the page, or in the community, he is driven by the belief that leadership means leaving things better than you found them. Ways to connect with Jonathan: 🌐 Website: www.smartsolve.com 𝕏 X (Twitter): @JonJakubowski 💼 LinkedIn: Jonathan Jakubowski 📚 Book on Amazon: Bellwether Blues: A Conservative Awakening of the Millennial Soul amazon.com — ISBN 9781733428026 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/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間
  • Episode 434 – What Drives an Unstoppable Young Leader to Succeed with Dana Prenger

    Episode 434 – What Drives an Unstoppable Young Leader to Succeed with Dana Prenger
    2026/04/24
    A young professional steps into leadership faster than expected and learns what really drives success. In this conversation, I sit down with Dana Prenger, a rising marketing manager at SmartSolve, who shares how growing up in a small town, competing in sports, and navigating college shaped her mindset around drive, resilience, and growth. You will hear how she turned uncertainty into clarity through programs like Life Design, how early career risks helped her step into leadership, and why she believes failure is simply a learning moment. We also explore SmartSolve’s mission to create water-soluble packaging and reduce waste, showing how purpose-driven work can fuel motivation. This episode is a reminder that progress comes from consistent effort, not one defining moment, and that your mindset will shape how far you go. Highlights: 00:10 Discover how stepping into new opportunities before feeling ready builds real confidence 06:02 Learn how sports shape discipline, time management, and long-term success habits 10:00 Understand how exploring different paths helps you find the right career direction 20:00 See how real-world internships can define and accelerate your career path 34:36 Discover how early sales experience builds resilience and confidence under pressure 51:39 Learn how reframing failure as a learning opportunity changes how you grow and move forward Bottom of Form About the Guest: Dana Prenger is a Marketing Manager at SmartSolve, a zero-waste packaging technology company with a bold mission to make packaging no longer trash. In her mid-20s, Dana has quickly built a career in B2B marketing, contributing across content creation, social media, email campaigns, event marketing, video projects, website management, and brand storytelling. As SmartSolve celebrates its 10-year anniversary, she is grateful for the opportunity to wear many hats and help bring an innovative, sustainability-driven vision to life. She grew up in a small town in Ohio, where she learned the value of hard work, teamwork, and community. A three-sport athlete in high school, Dana was a member of the 2019 Ohio state basketball team and graduated as her class Salutatorian—experiences that shaped her competitive mindset and leadership style long before her professional career began. Dana earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from Bowling Green State University. During her time at BGSU, she was a Dean’s Scholar, recipient of the Women in Business Leadership Scholarship, and an active member of the American Marketing Association. She was selected for the inaugural Ohio Export Internship Program, where she was matched with SmartSolve—an experience that ultimately launched her career with the company. Driven by curiosity and connection, Dana thrives in fast-paced environments where creativity meets strategy and marketing feels intentional and human. Outside of work, she loves to travel and has visited more than ten countries and counting. She is motivated by meaningful work, strong relationships, and conversations around marketing, sustainability, packaging innovation, and career growth. Ways to connect with Dana: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-prenger/ SmartSolve website: https://smartsolve.com/ 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/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ 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/...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 1 分