In this episode of Notable Peeps, Richard D. Waldman shares the life lessons that shaped his approach to inner peace and resilience. From a high school gymnastics coach who asked him two simple but life-changing questions, to decades of work in education, coaching, and personal growth, Richard has developed what he calls the Order to Life a clear, visual framework designed to help us move past judgment and into awareness, presence, and conscious choice.

Richard explains how the constant “chatter” in our heads often drags us into past regrets or future fears, keeping us from living fully in the present. He shows why judgment is the root of negativity, how ego needs keep us stuck, and why awareness is the first step toward change.

https://brainyites.com/

What happens when you pray, “Thy will be done” and everything in your life turns upside down? In this conversation, Sarah Clark opens up about her journey from living the “dream life” in Washington D.C. working in politics, traveling constantly, and climbing the career ladder to realizing that success on paper left her lonely, unhealthy, and unfulfilled.

She shares how a single prayer asking God to redirect her path changed everything: losing her job, breaking her lease, moving back to Utah, and rediscovering what truly matters. From rebuilding her life in her mom’s basement, starting over in her career, and launching a bold TikTok presence, Sarah’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the courage to trust God when life unravels.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed by your job, or unsure whether you’re on the right path, Sarah’s journey will remind you that sometimes losing everything is the start of gaining what matters most.

Connect with Sarah:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahsred?_t=ZT-8zRsDhgJUBj&_r=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsred7/?igsh=MXh4d2E5djI3MWRzZw%3D%3D#

In this episode, Steph sits down with Gonzalo Peña to explore his remarkable journey from Venezuela to becoming a passionate advocate for humanitarian work and creativity. Gonzalo shares how witnessing international aid efforts in his home country inspired his commitment to making a positive impact. Through his bilingual podcast, he fosters innovation and cultural exchange, bringing stories of resilience and leadership to light. Join us as Gonzalo discusses the importance of empathy, unity, and how each of us can contribute to a more compassionate world.

Connect with Gonzalo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalopena/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3obHG0Ybr0HsPXPh7waRIY

In the world of dating, it can often feel impossible to find the right person. The journey is filled with ups and downs, and sometimes it seems like the perfect match is just out of reach. But you're not alone in this quest. Meet Edgar Eriakha, a broadcaster and storyteller who shares his own dating experiences on his podcast. Connect with Edgar:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgar.eriakha/?hl=en Website: https://checkedgar.com/ Podcast: https://checkedgar.com/podcasts

In this incredibly heartfelt episode, Amy Atkinson opens up about navigating the impossible—the loss of her daughter Delaney to a rare genetic disease called Danon Disease. Amy shares what it was like to juggle being a real estate agent, caregiver, and advocate, all while raising three kids and fighting for her daughter's care. From the devastating day Delaney had a stroke at just 11 years old to the whirlwind of hospital visits, advocacy efforts, and founding a national nonprofit—this conversation is both emotional and inspiring.

Steph and Amy talk candidly about grief, healing, and how the memory of Delaney continues to fuel a mission to educate others and create systemic change around rare diseases and genetic testing. You’ll also hear stories about Delaney’s fearless personality, her cookie-selling charm, her love of theater, and how she inspired everyone around her.

Topics Covered:

• What Danon Disease is and why genetic testing is essential

• The emotional journey of losing a child after a transplant

• How grief transformed Amy’s life and led to the creation of the Danon Foundation

• Advocating for policy change around insurance and genetic testing

• Delaney’s personality and impact on others, from real estate open houses to singing at hospitals

• The healing power of support groups and community

• Advice for those in the thick of grief or facing their own impossible moment

Resources Mentioned:

• • Danon Foundation: http://www.danonfoundation.org/

  • Bradley Center: http://www.bradleycentergrief.org/ Local grief support for children and families

  • Intermountain Healing Hearts: http://ihhearts.org/ Parent-led support network for children with heart conditions

  • Comfort Zone Camp: http://comfortzonecamp.org/ A camp for kids navigating grief and loss

  • Amy Atkinson Real Estate: http://www.amyatkinsonrealestate.com/ Amy’s real estate business rooted in compassion and community

  
  

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In this powerful and raw episode, Laura Richards opens up about her divorce after 33 years of marriage and the unexpected journey that followed. What started as a separation for irreconcilable differences turned into an emotional uncovering of narcissistic abuse, betrayal, and manipulation that had quietly shaped her life for decades.

Now a coach, author, and podcast host, Laura helps women recognize and recover from narcissistic abuse, especially when it hides behind the mask of “a nice guy.” She shares what covert narcissism looks like, how to begin healing after leaving a toxic relationship, and why journaling, community, and boundaries changed everything for her.

Topics Covered:

• The difference between covert and overt narcissism

• How to spot red flags and manipulative patterns in relationships

• Why the label doesn’t matter—your mental health does

• Healing through journaling, therapy, community, and curiosity

• Setting and enforcing healthy boundaries

• Rebuilding your identity after narcissistic abuse

• Finding joy and power in life after divorce

Laura’s Book:
"Married to a Nice Guy: Getting Over Narcissistic Abuse"
Read Laura’s story, journal entries, and healing insights in her powerful memoir.
Available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Married-Nice-Guy-Getting-Narcissistic/dp/B0D73PT1GB

Where to Find Laura:

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thatswhereimatpodcast

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast

• TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@thatswhereimatpodcast

• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@thatswhereimatpodcast

• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/laurarichpod/

• Listen to her podcast: http://podfollow.com/thats-where-im-at/view

This episode of Notable Peeps, highlights Melissa Winger—an author, speaker, and nationally recognized patient experience advocate whose story is rooted in deep personal experience.

Melissa became a mom at just 18 years old. Her son was born with a rare, unnamed chromosome disorder that affects every organ system in his body. He’s nonverbal, has undergone more than 100 surgeries, and lives with complex medical needs—including a feeding tube, brain aneurysms, and severe developmental disabilities. And yet, every day, he wakes up, puts on a costume, and finds joy in music, movement, and Sesame Street.

In the early years, Melissa was often dismissed by the medical system due to her age. She was sent home from the hospital with a newborn in critical condition and told he would "figure it out." After countless ER visits and being repeatedly ignored, it was only through the intervention of a mentor that her son finally received a proper diagnosis and urgent care.

Since then, Melissa has turned her lived experience into a mission—working on national boards, developing tools now used by EMS teams across all 50 states, and authoring a book to spark awareness and change. Her story is about more than survival; it’s about stepping up to improve the system for the next family.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What it was like to become a parent while still a teenager—and how that shaped Melissa’s advocacy

• The national tool she helped develop that’s now used in EMS to better communicate with patients with disabilities or language barriers

• The heartbreaking but empowering decision to transition her son into a group home—and how he surprised her with his independence

• Why she wrote Who Cares: A Real Look at Patient Experience during the pandemic

• The gaps she sees in long-term care and why we still don’t talk enough about how people with disabilities were treated during COVID

Melissa shares how years of navigating the system gave her a voice—and how advocacy turned pain into purpose. “You can't complain about it if you're not willing to step up and do something about it,” she says. And step up, she has.

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: https://www.whocaresbooks.com/
• Book on B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-cares-the-real-patient-experience-melissa-winger/1144045649
• Book on Amazon: Click Here
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissajwinger
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwinger

On this episode of Notable Peeps, Jerilyn Brunson shares her extraordinary story of resilience, faith, and determination. In 2024, just five days after finalizing her divorce, Jerilyn was diagnosed with breast cancer and learned she would need a double mastectomy. As a single mother with young children and no job, her future felt uncertain, but her response to these challenges is nothing short of inspiring. Jerilyn’s Story:

Jerilyn’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, she leaned into her faith, built a supportive community, and discovered new opportunities amidst the chaos. From organizing a fundraiser that brought her community together to building a business that supports her family, Jerilyn turned adversity into opportunity through action and hope.

She reflects on the financial worries that once consumed her and how asking for help became a turning point. Miracles happened—unexpected checks arrived, friends stepped up, and support poured in. Jerilyn emphasizes that moving forward, even when life feels impossible, creates momentum that leads to solutions.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience in Action: When faced with adversity, taking action can open doors you never imagined.
• The Power of Community: Leaning on friends, family, and neighbors creates a network of support in challenging times.
• Faith and Gratitude: Trusting in miracles and expressing gratitude can shift your perspective, even in the darkest moments.
• Asking for Help: There is strength in vulnerability; people want to help when given the opportunity.
• Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Life’s toughest moments can lead to growth, transformation, and new beginnings.

Connect with Jerilyn:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/in.her.m.era

Tune In:

Listen to Jerilyn’s incredible journey and be inspired to face life’s challenges with courage and determination. This episode is a powerful reminder that, no matter how dark the moment, there is always hope and a path forward.

Don’t miss this moving and empowering conversation on Notable Peeps!