The Journey Is Real "Real People, Real Passions, Real Hearts."

Mark is a retired economics and mathematics teacher. He taught in Toronto and Hamilton for 24 years. He coached hockey, cross country, and track & field. He currently serves as a volunteer cross country coach for Westdale Secondary School. He has published a scifi novel, “Age-Decoded.” To learn more about him, go to:

The path that has led Vito Altavilla to this point in his life has been anything but traditional.  He became an industrial research chemist who participated in several technological breakthroughs, holds over a dozen patents, and took a very interesting path to get there. Growing up in the city, his time in the Navy, University and his work life has made for a lot to reflect on, so, here it is.

It’s Eden Gold’s life mission to reach as many young adults as she can, to give them a powerful layer of support and guidance as they navigate adulthood in a way that inspires them to live a great future. To her, success is more than academics. She says, “Success is prioritizing your mental health. Success is the ability to open up and seek help when you are struggling. Success is loving our body through all of its developmental changes. Success is taking criticism of others lightly, and not letting it dim your shine. Success is never giving up. Success is your mindset.” To learn more about her, head over to:

Coming from the least privileged background, Dmitry Badiarov has made a name for himself as a core member of La Petite Bande. He created instruments for world-class musicians, and has preserved the art of hand crafting violins for over 25 years. To learn more about Dmitry and his violins, go to:

David Essel, M. S. O.M., is a number one best-selling author, counselor, master life coach, international speaker, and minister whose mission is to positively affect 2 million people or more every day, in every area of life, regardless of their current circumstances. David has helped thousands of people from around the world achieve their greatest goals in every area of life. From doubling and even tripling their income, to freedom from addictions, preparation for deep love, getting the body they’ve always wanted, releasing long held negative attitudes, overcoming deep depression and anxiety, overcoming emotional and sexual abuse, changing careers or creating dramatic success as business owners, public speaking, as well as helping couples recover from affairs and creating a deep personal connection with God or one’s higher power.

C.K. Donnelly is an award-winning fantasy author. For those who read fantasy, they are aware fantasy has an element not shared by all genres – world building. C.K. talks to C.J. about the ins and outs of building a world. Afterward, head over to her site to find out more about her and her books:

Julie Kramer is an experienced executive, career and transition coach who has recruited hundreds of C-level, Vice President and Director Level executives to new opportunities at companies including Hewlett Packard, Apple Computer, VMware, Netscape, Looksmart, E-trade, Charles Schwab, Wells Fargo, Lucky Stores, McKesson, and KPMG Peat Marwick. She has coached professionals into expanded leadership roles and works with professionals who want to change positions, industries or careers. To learn more about her or Roadspring:

My guest, Leah Forney, learned early on the importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ from her maternal grandmother who raised her in the church. As she continues to accept the calling God has placed on her life, Leah is open to seeing where her gifts and talents will take her. She has released seven books over the last 4 years. She is the podcast host of Hey Queen, Thrive! For more on Leah Forney, go to:

In recognition of suicide awareness month, Justin True invites you to take a walk in his shoes. He loves action, adventure, and extreme sports. His aim is create motivation and awareness to those who are in need with his high level of physical feats. He has been noticed many times, shining a light on his goals. His next feat will involve a massive triathlon across America to shine a light on mental health awareness. Follow him on his journey by checking out these links:

Ben Winter has had full life. Within his many ventures, he found one constant…a battle of the mind. He is quoted as saying, “the only reason anyone gets upset is because an expectation hasn’t been met.” He’s taken that philosophy, and wrote “What To Expect When Having Expectations.”  His book helps you understand where your expectations come from, what drives them, why you aren’t always aware of them, and how to come to peace after being upset by and unmet expectation.

Michael Messner played hockey at Penn State, and has received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016. He understands hockey from the inside. His children are both into hockey as well, which is where he got a realistic view of checking at young ages. He combines his passion for film, hockey, and his family to create the movie: 1st Year Checking.

If you ever met Dr. Sims, you would not forget it! He is a man with incredible energy and enthusiasm. His passion for Christ is unmistakable! Take a listen to this fun interview with the one and only Dr. Walter Sims!

Fran Graham’s extensive background in law enforcement, search and rescue, community emergency response training, international disaster relief, fire and police chaplaincy, critical incident stress management, and the medical field, provides a vast knowledge of wealth and expertise. This enables her to support, encourage, and help others through crisis and psychological trauma. She also has a book out, titled, What To Do When Life Sucks.”

The Journey Is Real Podcast: DC Glenn – Learning To Learn

DC Glenn is most known for his part in Tag Team. However, he’s so much deeper than that. Sitting down with him was fascinating. We probably could have talked for hours. Take a listen and find out what he means by, “Learning To Learn.”

To find him on social media or online, go to:

Kristin Burke’s goal is to empower women to advance themselves professionally. She does this by helping set achievable, clear goals. By also encouraging them to reach levels of self-confidence and strength, she helps women to achieve those goals. Take a listen. You may find your own inner strength!

Tracy Lamourie took her love for helping people to the next level when she successfully fought for one man. She took what she learned and converted it into helping others via public relations! Her heart still leads and guides her though the maze of the public relations world. If you need help navigating it, or want to find out more about her, head over to:

Debbie Ausburn has a heart for others. She pours herself into others, which in turn, blesses her beyond measure. She shares some of those stories in her book, Raising Other People’s Children. Debbie has spent decades working with traumatized children, serving as a social worker, group home parent, criminal prosecutor, volunteer and board member, attorney defending youth-serving organizations, foster parent, step-parent, and grandparent raising a grandchild.

Chloe Traicos is an actor, writer, and activist in her own right! Her movie, “Introducing Jodea,” won for “Best Comedy” at the Cannes Silk Road Film Awards. The Director and Editor, JD Cohen, won for “Best Editing” at the Top Indies Film Festival. It was also nominated for “Best Picture,” “Best Comedy,” “Best Actress,” and “Best Script”! While being an actress is her passion, she also wrote “Introducing Jodea”! This multitalented lady, has another passion connected to her childhood. She is a part of the “Save Zimbabwe Movement.” Growing up there gave her an in-depth perspective on the life of the Zimbabwe people. They hold a special place in her heart, and she shares what this movement is about. Take a listen and find out more about this amazing woman – Chloe Traicos!

Trav Bell has a unique passion of “The Bucket List”! Find out how this became is passion, and how this can change your way of thinking! He shares this passion with energy and enthusiasm like only he can. Find out what a bucket list is, and how it can be applied to your life right now! Don’t wait until it’s too late. This is one you have to hear!

To learn more about Trav Bell, go to:

My guest today, on this special episode of The Journey Is Real Podcast, is Ben Jacoby! He has had quite and adventure in life so far! They include military service in the Israeli Military, travels throughout Europe and Asia, traveling around Australia in a party bus, going for a world record, and so much more! To find out more about him, and the documentary he has about him, head over to his YouTube Channel:

Aimee Ravichandran has her hands full with many plates spinning! She not only has two little girls two and under, but also runs two companies, Abundantly Social and Perceptive PR; runs a podcast on Monday mornings at 10AM CT, Author Talk, with her, Russell Little, and Fern Brady; is a co-host of The Con Hour, with Greg Kelso and C.J. Peterson; and yet, still has time to look after her group of authors on Monday Night Training called Through The Eyes Of Authors and go to Comic Cons! This lady knows how to balance and have fun! To learn more about Aimee and her ventures, head over to: