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Better To ... Podcast with D. M. Needom

Better To ... Podcast with D. M. Needom

By D. M. Needom

A branch off of The Better To Podcast. The Beter To Weekly Intuitive is a show that offers an intuitive look at the week ahead.
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How I Destroyed My Law Career and Turned My Life Around

Better To ... Podcast with D. M. NeedomMay 28, 2021

00:00
01:06:54
Packed a Bag or Few and Moved To London - Carmen Capuano

Packed a Bag or Few and Moved To London - Carmen Capuano

At 18, Carmen packed 5 bags and took the train to London. She didn’t know anyone, just that she had a dream and she knew she was never going back home. All these years later she is a published author, as well as a television and film writer. Her and a friend are now embarking on opening their own production company. It’s a pretty interesting and brave journey. Want to read one of her books, check them out here

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Born into poverty in Glasgow, Scotland, Carmen Capuano moved to England at the age of eighteen. A full and varied working life saw her relocate from London to Birmingham, and finally to the small Worcestershire town of Bromsgrove, where she still resides with her children and rescue animals.

Critically acclaimed for her writing, Carmen has brought her unique style of intricate character exposition, blended with moving and intricate plots, to her screenplays.

Currently, she has a BFI Network-supported film in development and a variety of other film and TV projects in pre-production with key industry figures.

She has also recently been commissioned to polish and refine several Hollywood scripts.

A prolific writer, she has penned more than twenty screenplays and as many novels in just eight years, covering every genre from rom-com to science fiction.

Her plan is to use the profits from her work to provide global care and help needy animals.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carmencapuano

Blogspot http://carmencapuano.blogspot.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmencapuanoauthor/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-capuano-a9000268/?originalSubdomain=uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmencapuanoauthorandscreenwriter/

*****

Follow Us 

All Episodes of the Podcast www.bettertopodcast.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_d.m.needom/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaunaD1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettertopodcastwithdmneedom

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

Support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/bettertopodcastwithdmneedom

©2021 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom


Nov 24, 202101:21:21
I Thought Everyone Could Sing - Chelsey James

I Thought Everyone Could Sing - Chelsey James

Chelsey and I sit down to discuss her latest single Steady as well as the crazy heights the video shoot took her on. We also talk about the music business, fame, her dream collaboration and so much more.

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Chelsey James is a force, unwilling to step aside or be overlooked. Redefining the norm for women in country, she’s unapologetically bold in her songwriting and performing, and won’t take no for an answer when it comes to defining her worth as a female artist. With no more room to hold back, she’s rising to the occasion of serving as a prime example of strength and badassery while staying true to the impressive musicality she’s known for. Her signature country sound is laced with a rock edge supported by her powerhouse vocals, having been praised by Nashville’s veteran producer Kenny Lamb, who says “Chelsey has a voice made for big melodies and guitar riffs. She is a rare vocalist and a real performer.”


Songs:

Steady

Must’ve Been Drunk

The Men and The Boys

Hands on the Bible


Website: https://www.chelseyjames.com

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChelseyJamesMusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDerRnY9mqiBikdl4xcBJbQ/videos

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseyjamesmusic/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3sKDDGnt90k6dqlZpKsKmR?si=V7FHJ4buR0uNYNR0DKzV8g&nd=1


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Video of the interview is available here: https://youtu.be/J5nN8nwOIvg

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

©2021 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom

Sep 08, 202101:09:55
 Turning a Hobby & a Passion into Something More - Shari Hammond

Turning a Hobby & a Passion into Something More - Shari Hammond

Shari Hammond and I sit down and talk about how she started out inventing with her father and created her company Inspired Product Design Group, all while being a single mother.      
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Shari was a marketing director for a variety of businesses. She was better to… creating her own inventions and working side-by-side with her father. Shari Hammond is the Founder/CEO of Inspired Product Development Group and the inventor behind Cabinet Caddy (www.CabinetCaddy.com) and Go Hang It (www.GoHangIt.com). 

A single mother of a 13-year-old son, she is a woman of faith, an entrepreneur, a product developer, graphic designer, lacrosse/basketball mom, 9 Round kickboxer, and dog lover. Her company, now called Inspired Product Design Group, first started as a hobby between Shari and her father, Ron Hunt, while he was an engineer for IBM. Ron enjoyed designing products made of wood that were functional; LP holders, bookends, calendars. Having success at local trade shows, the two decided when Shari was 8 years old to open a kiosk store in Highland Mall in Austin, TX. It was a big hit. Shari recalls late nights decorating and stocking the kiosk, taking naps in the car, and working weekends at the mall. 

About 10 years later, her dad took early retirement from IBM, and together they launched CD3 Storage Systems, Inc. with the design of our Discgear compact disc holders. At the age of 19, Shari had her first patent. Next came Perfect Petzzz, lifelike breathing puppies and kittens, followed by a break when Shari went on to handle marketing for Ronco. In 2018, Shari and her father went back to their roots developing products. 

Through Inspired Product Design Group, products include Cabinet Caddy, a modular organizer for kitchen cabinets/cupboards, and Go Hang It, an all-in-one picture hanging and leveling kit. In 2020, HomeDepot.com began carrying Go Hang It and QVC began featuring Cabinet Caddy. Shari was a winner of “The Big Find,” an invention competition through QVC/HSN.

www.InspiredPDG.com

https://www.facebook.com/InspiredPDG

https://twitter.com/InspiredPD    
https://www.instagram.com/inspiredpdg/G

www.Facebook.com/CabinetCaddy

www.Facebook.com/GoHangIt

www.Instagram.com/CabinetCaddy

www.Instagram.com/GoHangIt



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Video of the interview is available here: https://youtu.be/Fge_sTGLXmQ

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

©2021 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom




                                                


Sep 04, 202148:33
Pursing a Dream Lead Me On a Different Path - Alonzo Richardson
Sep 01, 202156:41
Sports or Music I had to Chose - Payton Howie - Never Go Home

Sports or Music I had to Chose - Payton Howie - Never Go Home

I spoke with Payton Howie about her new single, Never Go Home. We also talk about the choice she had to make between playing softball in college or pursuing her passion for singing. We talk about how Carrie Underwood brought her up on stage when she was just 5 years old and how that shaped her perspective. We talked about music, video and photo shoots and so much more. 


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With backwoods bathed vocals and bona fide southern swagger, Payton Howie is leading the next generation of redneck women. Branded as the ultimate ‘All American Girl’ by Scenes Media, Howie unapologetically embodies the untamed tradition that country music was built on, and she’s hellbent on bringing her own grit to the honky-tonk. Not many can say they’ve shared the stage with the likes of Carrie Underwood, and Howie is one of even fewer who can say they were handpicked to do so at the age of 5; while other kids were learning how to ride a bike, she was teaching people to expect the unexpected whenever they hear the name Payton Howie. Her most recent single “Freedom” was featured on several of Spotify’s sought-after editorial playlists, and the accompanying music video bleeds red, white, and blue. On the verge of releasing her debut EP, Payton Howie is prepared to scorch country music with a brand that’s hers alone. Traditionally influenced by the music of Johnny Cash, Reba McEntire, and Miranda Lambert, Payton’s vocals ring reminiscent of Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, and Gretchen Wilson. Her involvement with the West Coast Country Music Association earned her accolades of New Country Female Entertainer of the Year and Traditional Country Female Entertainer of the Year. She also received a Rising Star Josie Award in 2020.

Songs: Never Go Home, Freedom, F150, Troublemaker, RunBoyRun, A Hallelujah Christmas, Catch Flights, Last Name

Website: https://paytonhowie.com/home

Music: https://paytonhowie.com/music

Tour dates : https://paytonhowie.com/tour

Merchandise: https://paytonhowie.com/merch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paytonhowiemusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paytonhowiemusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCa06R5ppgbF4NiEQGX1Z2g

Twitter: https://twitter.com/paytonhowie

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonhowiemusic?lang=en


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Video of the interview is available here: https://youtu.be/6wGjtZhObMs

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

©2021 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom



Aug 27, 202101:00:11
Was Taking the Abuse Worth It - Billy Lahr

Was Taking the Abuse Worth It - Billy Lahr

Billy and I discuss whether it was better to endure two years of horrible behavior from a student for the lovely letter they wrote about you at the end of your time together, or is it better to work with a compliant student who was just a nice kid the whole time? We also discuss his love of Pearl Jam. Rebranding yourself and a trip of a lifetime. 

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 Hello! My name is Billy, and along with my good friend Brian, we host The Mindful Midlife Crisis, a podcast for people navigating the complexities and possibilities of life’s second half. We are just a couple of average dudes who share our life experiences--both the good and the bad--in an effort to help us all better understand how we can enjoy and make the most of the life we have left to live in a more meaningful way. 

I started The Mindful Midlife Crisis podcast because we want to normalize and prioritize conversations around mental health.

 My personal life is often a complicated one for people to understand. I'm 43 years old, have never been married, don't have any kids, and I don't have much interest in either (though I would consider marriage if the right person came along). Many of my friends are involved in more traditional relationships or marriages with the picket fence and the 2.5 kids, but that's just not a life that interests me. I'd rather paddleboard and travel! I have worked as an educator for 20+ years as an English teacher and a dean of students, so I have firsthand experience working with students of different backgrounds and learning styles. I use my experience as a teacher and my passion for fitness in my side-gig as a NASM certified personal trainer. Because both physical and mental health is important to me, I am also a practitioner of mindfulness. 

As I mentioned before, a passion of mine that combines fitness and mindfulness is paddleboarding. I simply love the feeling of paddling my board atop the water while being one with nature. I have paddle boarded in all five Great Lakes, and my new goal is to paddleboard in every ocean and off the coast of every continent! As a lifelong baseball fan, I made it a point to see a baseball game at every MLB stadium, and I'm currently up to date with all of the current MLB stadiums! I strongly encourage you to check out PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Oracle Park in San Francisco, Target Field in Minneapolis, and Camden Yards in Baltimore! I am also a die-hard Pearl Jam fan! I have seen Pearl Jam 49 times in nine countries, and I have blogged about my travels following the band. I am a fan of live music in general, but there's something a little more special about attending a Pearl Jam concert with other die-hard fans! We really are a Jamily! Lastly, I'm embarking on a new adventure in 2021-2022. I am taking a year-long leave from my job as a dean of students to pursue other passions in my life--namely, traveling. My plan is to spend five months in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea; unfortunately due to CoVid-19, I may have to adjust my travel plans, but I'm greatly looking forward to my next set of adventures!

Website: https://www.mindfulmidlifecrisis.com

Podcast: https://www.mindfulmidlifecrisis.com/podcast

Twitter: @mindfulmidlife


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Video of the interview is available here: https://youtu.be/gWxltxMrHo4

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

©2021 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom

Aug 24, 202101:34:00
Leaving The View to Follow A Dream - Lynne Eichenbaum

Leaving The View to Follow A Dream - Lynne Eichenbaum

Lynne and I discuss why she left her job as an Associate Director on The View, moving across the country, and finally moving back to NJ and living her entrepreneurial dream with inventing My Garden Sleeves.  

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The top trend for 2021 in gardening is gardening itself. With more and more Americans enjoying their gardens of flowers, vegetables, fruits, and more, having functional and protective gardening gloves is a must for any level of gardener.   Inventor Lynne Eichenbaum has created My Garden Sleeves formally known as NOMPI Gloves (https://mygardensleeves.com), the gardening and work gloves with sleeves. Patented and made in the USA, the idea for NOMPI (No More Poison Ivy) came about after she contracted yet another case of forearm poison ivy after tending to her vegetable garden. Lynne invented a pair for herself and couldn’t wait to share them with fellow gardeners.   NOMPI Gloves keep arms free from scratches, sunburn, poison ivy, mosquito bites, and more. Using breathable 100% cotton fabric, the sleeves are attached to cotton/poly blend or nitrile gardening gloves. The elastic armband assures a non-slip fit and NOMPIs are fully machine washable.   Whether weeding, gardening, farming, planting, light industrial, and other outdoor yard needs, NOMPI Gloves are perfect for all.  

Websites: https://nompigloves.com or https://mygardensleeves.com 

Twitter: @nompigloves 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mygardensleeves 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mygardensleeves  

Books: https://remotecontroladventures.com

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Video of the interview is available here: https://youtu.be/XUqs4FS1MX0

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

©2021 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom

Aug 20, 202101:11:51
Nothing Sexier Than Freedom - Helen Edwards

Nothing Sexier Than Freedom - Helen Edwards

I speak with Helen from the Sexy Freedom Podcast about cheating. We discuss why she was a cheater, as well as grief and loss and more.


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HELEN EDWARDS
Entrepreneur / Author / Yogini

Movement Speaker, Collaborator, Event Creator, Yogini, and International Author of “Nothing Sexier Than Freedom & Your Inner Evolution.” Co-creator and leader of four successful Yoga Retreats. Helen has taught life skills, networking, and conscious behavior classes in shelters since 2008. She has a background as a Vision Therapist and working with kids with autism. She has worked with the Phoenix- Prison Yoga Project (PYP) working with incarcerated adults and teens. Entrepreneur of Sexy Freedom Media and host to the Sexy Freedom Media Podcast. It is her true desire to provide affordable and life-shifting workshops, events, and retreats for both women and men to free themselves from other people’s opinions, self-judgments, self-neglect, and provide them with basic tools to utilize for conscious evolution, courage, and self-love. Helen is truly an authentic being, a wild woman, an example of a raw voice, and a mother of an incredible young airman. She is a Universe, Nature, & Brain /Body forever student, currently a nomad based in Phoenix, AZ with her laptop, Spike and Scion, Chico. PERSONAL MESSAGE: “In 2017, I lost my only brother, the baby of five to suicide. It devastated my whole family and broke everyone’s heart, especially my mother's. It happened the day after I launched this website to the world. My book, Nothing Sexier Than Freedom, was in the final editing process. I’m no stranger to grief as I had already lost my dad a few years before and my son in a divorce. I know how painful life can be and how it can seem easier to give up on our dreams and life all together. I’ve created services, communities, events, workshops, speaking engagements, a podcast, and retreats for the purpose to shine my light not only for myself but for anyone who finds themselves needing the same support and encouragement. It is my hope that you find what makes you happy and live the most courageous and purposeful journey called Life.” – Helen

Website: https://sexyfreedom.com

Book: Nothing Sexier Than Freedom

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OZuWF6N56dhwjRXJOvVbx?si=1e8484a105df4b59

Facebook: Sexy Freedom LLC

Instagram: SexyFreedomMedia

Twitter: https://twitter.com/helofajourney

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwDFi9c3t6tkqy6zOCCkYaA


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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.

Learn more

800-273-8255

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Video of the interview is available here: https://youtu.be/Vqefe1Zpn8Q

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

©2021 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom

Aug 17, 202101:01:56
How Being On The Voice Changed my Life - Ricky Duran (The Voice)

How Being On The Voice Changed my Life - Ricky Duran (The Voice)

I talk to Ricky about his latest single “Star” and the inspiration behind it. He tells me how being on The Voice changed his life. He also has some advice for those who are thinking about trying out for any reality singing show. On a somber note, we talk about the loss of his mother to breast cancer and his father and best friend to suicide. We’ll also talk about his inspiration for his music and more.  

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If you are someone you know is thinking about suicide please reach out for help. IF YOU ARE IN SUICIDAL CRISIS PLEASE CALL 800-273-TALK (8255)

 Ricky is a proud supporter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  

Their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/AFSPnational/  


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Bio: Ricky Duran garnered international attention with his soulful vocals, fiery guitar playing, and compelling performances on NBC’s The Voice. The Season 17 Runner-Up has since released a single charting at No. 1 on iTunes and sold-out shows, showing himself to be more than a fleeting show success - he retained fans and amassed more. He is an irrefutable talent and electrifying entertainer making music for the soul. His vulnerable songwriting and ability to capture an audience on and off stage transcends trends, while his musical abilities and influences spanning genres shows his music knows no bounds - he is timeless and a genuine creative that no label can penetrate.

Hear Ricky's songs - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1C18TJ6Co8ihwnIUYbrfiy?si=r-uNItgrR_GZhGs71M1KRg&dl_branch=1  

Buy Ricky's music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ricky-duran/300730433  

Watch his Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmdNFV3OTpxLY-c67i-0LoA 

 Twitter - https://twitter.com/iamrickyduran  

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IamRickyDuran/ 

 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rickyduran/ 

 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iamrickyduran?lang=en  

Website - https://iamrickyduran.com   


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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y6M5Yzti6Co

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com 

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

 ©2021 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom

Aug 13, 202146:39
Grief and the Loss of a Loved One - Emily Thiroux Threatt

Grief and the Loss of a Loved One - Emily Thiroux Threatt

Emily and I talk about grief and loss. She talks about her experience with grief and how she learned to deal with it. We also discuss her book Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief.

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Emily Thiroux Threatt is an author and lecturer with extensive personal experience in the grieving process. She has created a unique program called “Writing Your Way Through Grief” to help others through the grieving process. She holds a master’s degree in English with a concentration in writing and taught writing and composition at the college and university level for over 30 years. Thiroux Threatt conducts workshops, speaking engagements, and retreats on transforming from loss to joy on the mainland of the United States and on Maui, Hawaii.


In her new book, Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief (Mango), grief transformation expert Emily Thiroux Threatt who has taught writing at the university level offers 26 practices to help people move through the grieving process to come out feeling renewed.

The book has a foreword by well-known spirituality educator Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder of and spiritual director of the Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles. Beckwith who was a friend of her late husband Ron writes, “I saw Emily’s spiritual growth through her right use of spiritual principles in a very powerful way. When Ron passed, you could simultaneously see her sadness and loss while embracing the spiritual principles that ultimately pulled her through. Through her spiritual practice and self-realization, Emily was able to ultimately alchemize her sadness into a deeper awareness of Love, earning her invaluable revelations, insights, and the wisdom that comes with spiritual transformation that both allows and calls her to minister to and support others who are grieving from the loss of not only a loved one, but loss of any kind.”

Website: https://lovingandlivingyourwaythroughgrief.com/

Email: emily@lovingandlivingyourwaythroughgrief.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.thiroux

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-thiroux-threatt/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_thiroux_threatt/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThreattEmily

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/emilythiroux/pins/


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Video of the interview is available here: https://youtu.be/00s2fsmwPLA

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

©2021 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom


Aug 10, 202101:08:05
Beating Social Anxiety Gave Me a Better Life - Devesh Tilokani

Beating Social Anxiety Gave Me a Better Life - Devesh Tilokani

When I sat down to speak with Devesh, I knew we’d talk about his move from Dubai to Canada. However, our conversation turned to how he had to overcome his Social Anxiety to accomplish this. At 16 he realized he had to make changes and work through it. He tells his tale of how he overcame it as well as discussing social media and podcasting.

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A little about Devesh:

I run a weekly newsletter called PodThrive where we provide tips on how to improve on your podcast interviewing skills to build a deeper relationship with your guest and listener.

I also run a podcast called Progressholic where we highlight stories of individuals dedicated to the progress of self and society to educate you on creating an impact within yourself and the communities that you operate in!

I love talking about the benefits of podcasting and how we can ace those podcast interviews as a host!

I also love talking about all things related to self-development and personal growth as well as social impact!

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/climate-changepreneurs/id1470288547

Here is my LinkedIn to get in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devesh-tilokani/

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Video of the interview is available here: https://youtu.be/5_4mxyhuFyo

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

©2021 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom


Aug 06, 202159:05
It Takes More Work Than You Think To Be A Male Model - Enrico Ravenna

It Takes More Work Than You Think To Be A Male Model - Enrico Ravenna

Enrico and I talk about his life as a model and actor as well as graduating with honors from Georgia State. He tells me what it takes to look good in an image and what his life is like in his downtime. 

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Enrico was born in Ramat Gan, Israel, and spent most of his life in the southern part of the country. He was a professional cyclist and competed and trained all over Europe until he joined the military at 18. After completing his military service, Enrico started his academic journey with hopes to graduate with a political science degree. Because of a family tragedy when Enrico lost his mother, he moved to Italy, where he worked as the deputy to the head of security for the Jewish community of Milano. Italy marks a significant landmark in Enrico’s life since that is where he met his wife, Jasmine, and the reason for his move across the world. Jasmine convinced him to model as well. Enrico recently graduated from Georgia State with honors, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Political Science. Also of note, he made the Dean’s list five times.



IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8017660/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enrico.ravenna/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnricoORavenna

Twitter: https://twitter.com/enrico_ravenna?lang=en


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Video of the interview available here: https://youtu.be/x35drW_xGmQ


Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast


Aug 03, 202101:01:55
Managing Your Expectations - with Ben Winter

Managing Your Expectations - with Ben Winter

Ben and I talk about marriage divorce and managing your expectations. We all need to learn how to manage our expectations to live happier life.

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Bio : Ben certainly hasn’t been idle in life. A couple of years out of college and he started doing things and going places he never would have expected. From traveling to personal growth to marriage and child to divorce and parenthood to entrepreneurialism and inspiring others. Ben has flown an airplane on his own and has been scuba diving in the Galapagos. He has seen the animals of Tanzania and has traveled all over Europe with a 6-month-old child in tow. He has performed improv for over a decade, acted in several plays, and even a movie.  He has owned several businesses.

His biggest passion is exploring the mind. In all of his personal growth work, the one constant was that it all stems from the mind. Between personal growth and improv, he found this weird realm called expectations. And while most people would shy away from such a thing, he decided to tackle it head-on.  Along his journey, he decided that “the only reason anyone gets upset is because an expectation hasn’t been met.” And begin teaching that in his Success Improv business.

From there, he noticed that there has to be a way to use that upset feeling to fix the situation. And he created the amazing “How to stop being upset” flow chart.

From there it was a simple step of taking everything that he has explored on the subject and put it in a book called, “What to Expect when Having Expectations.”

Ben has also authored several other books which can be found on the books page.

Website: https://havingexpectations.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenWinterAuthor/


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Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast

Jul 30, 202101:02:55
Just Walking Away From a Dream with Joanna Vargas

Just Walking Away From a Dream with Joanna Vargas

On today’s show, I chat with Joanna Vargas. She tells me how she saw herself owning a dance studio at 11 whiles she watched Paula Abdul at the American Music Awards. Fast forward years later and the vision has manifested. The thing about dreams, though, is sometimes they’re not always perfect. One day, when the stress got to be too much, she decided it was time to make a change. She had enough and sold it in 2010 and said goodbye in 30 seconds to her employees and walked away. We revisit that and talk a lot about the roles we play in life and how they evolve.


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About Me

Welcome to The Get Up Girl podcast with Joanna Vargas, where we inspire you to live your fullest and most fun life! Every week Joanna will pour wisdom into you through her stories, tools, and fun radical candor. Joanna believes that when you ask better questions, up-level your habits, and get real, you’ll live a happier life. Joanna is an authentic, enthusiastic, and open entrepreneur and business coach. She is a proud college dropout who chose her dreams when everyone told her she couldn’t do it. She embraced her vision, went against other people’s opinions, pursued her goals, and created a genuinely happy life. In this podcast, you will learn the tools and the ‘Get Up’ formula that Joanna and her guests use to get back up and choose their dreams. Are you tired of choosing for others? Tune in twice a week to hear how Joanna has grown multiple businesses and created new ideas that others said could never happen. Learn how she continues to choose what this reality says is impossible. If you’re looking for more fun, more magic, and more joy, Joanna is your girl! Are you excited? We are! Let’s go!

Website: https://www.thegetupgirl.net/planning

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/joannavargasofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/iamagetupgirl


*******

Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.com

To see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast



Jul 27, 202101:04:41
A Collaboration That Went South - Moustafa Taco
Jul 23, 202143:34
Dreaming of Being the Next Dan Rather
Jul 21, 202154:06
Blowing Up My Radio Career and Life with Steve Gamlin
Jul 14, 202101:08:54
I Almost Walked Away From A Life Changing Opportunity with Rhys Uhlich

I Almost Walked Away From A Life Changing Opportunity with Rhys Uhlich

Rhys and I chat about how he almost walked away from the life-changing Make Me A Supermodel competition. The reality show took him on a grand adventure that led him from Phillip Island, New York, Los Angeles, Bali, and between. When he returned to Australia, he settled back on Phillip Island, building his shed-style sustainable dream home. (By the way, he built it for about $117 in Australian money, roughly $60K to $70K in the US.) Besides his dream home and modeling, we talk about acting, swimming with whales, sunsets, the moving documentary he made, and much more.


There was a slight technical difficulty during the interview and the call dropped, that is why the question is repeated. 

*******


Australian Television Personality, Model and Fashion Designer, Rhys Uhlich rose to fame after winning Network Seven's Make Me A Supermodel reality series. After modelling for two in LA and New York for the likes of Calvin Klein, Rhys returned to Australia to star in the popular Australian soap Neighbours (1985) as Scotty Boland. Following this, he joined Channel 10's The Circle (2010) as a reporter before landing a hosting role on Network Seven's Coxy's Big Break (2004). He also starred as Malcolm Walwork in Network Seven's Winners & Losers (2011). Rhys launched his bohemian surf fashion label TEVITA in 2012. An avid traveler and documentary filmmaker, Rhys signed with Network 10 in 2016 to present his own international travel show Just Go.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Dean Drieberg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhysuhlich/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rhysuhlich?lang=en

Shed House : https://www.domain.com.au/domain-review/how-rhys-uhlich-built-a-stylish-phillip-island-shed-house-for-100000-1010754/



Jun 30, 202146:51
Risking It All So You Don’t Have To

Risking It All So You Don’t Have To

Warren took a shot at his dream of being an inventor bringing a product to market. He learned a lot from that journey and now helps other aspiring inventors He has a book entitled Inventor Confidential: The Honest Guide to Profitable Inventing

*******

Warren lives with his wife Lynn in Southern Connecticut and has three wonderful daughters, all well-educated and working. He enjoys skiing, motorcycling, golf, and travel. Warren Tuttle is an expert in open innovation and the at-home inventor community. 

He is the author of "Inventor Confidential: The Honest Guide to Profitable Inventing" (HarperCollins, March 2021). Warren is "better to" be honest and work closely to help inventors achieve success in retail outreach.

 He has insights into being better, meaning being honest in business. 

https://inventorconfidential.com/

https://tuttleinnovation.com

https://twitter.com/wwtuttle

https://www.instagram.com/tuttleinnovation/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrentuttle/

https://www.facebook.com/TuttleInnovation https://www.amazon.com/Inventor-Confidential-Honest-Profitable-I

Jun 25, 202159:43
How the Peace Corps Changed My Life

How the Peace Corps Changed My Life

Evelyn talks about serving in the Peace Corps in the Andes of Peru. She discusses what happened as she finished her service and was about to leave to go back home. It’s a tale of self-discovery, love, and adventure. 

******* 

Evelyn Kohl LaTorre ‘s first book, Between Inca Walls, A Peace Corps Memoir, won several awards and is about her adventures growing up in Montana, volunteering in Mexico, and coming of age in Peru. She holds a doctorate in multicultural education from the University of San Francisco and a master’s degree in social welfare from UC Berkeley. She worked as a bilingual school psychologist and school administrator for 32 years in public education in California until her retirement in 2002. She and her Peruvian husband have been married since 1966 and have traveled to close to 100 countries. My second book, Love in Any Language, A Memoir of a Cross-Cultural Marriage, comes out in September 2021. Their travel adventures will be the subject of her next book. The couple has two grown sons. Her stories and photos are available on her website, https://www.evelynlatorre.com. Her writing has appeared in World View Magazine, The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, the California Writers Club Literary Review, the Tri-City Voice, Dispatches, Conscious Connection, and Clever Magazine. Evelyn lives in Northern California but frequently visits to Peru to work with the Peru American Medical Society (PAMS). She is active on Facebook at EvelynKohlLaTorre, Author, on Instagram under evelynkohllatorre, Pinterest at emlatorre42, and Twitter at evelynsedits. 

Website: https://www.evelynlatorre.com 

Order her books at: https://www.amazon.com/Evelyn-Kohl-LaTorre/e/B08FCYGS92/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Jun 23, 202101:02:04
Freeing Your Life From Stress

Freeing Your Life From Stress

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Professor Pete Alexander to discuss all things stress-related. Stress can affect us in more ways than we realize, and today we talk about some of the biggest culprits, ourselves, and our thinking. We discuss stress related to not just work but caregiving, relationships, and more. He also offers us some tips on how to help ourselves.


Here are some Tips from Professor Pete

Know Your Stress Triggers: https://petealexander.com/stress-relief-tool-learn-your-stress-triggers/

Don’t Try To Control The Uncontrollable: https://petealexander.com/stress-relief-tool-dont-try-to-control-the-uncontrollable/

Mental and Emotional Release: https://petealexander.com/stress-relief-tool-mental-and-emotional-release/

Ask the Pendulum: https://petealexander.com/stress-relief-tool-ask-the-pendulum/

******

During Professor Pete’s career, he had the privilege to work in various positions, including Sales, Marketing, College Professor, and Small Business Owner. Each role had one thing in common - high stress - to the point they diagnosed him with stress-related diabetes and ended up in the hospital with a severe case of diabetic ketoacidosis, a few hours away from being comatose. It was a reality check for him. When you don’t have your health, not much else matters. He knew it was time to walk away even though he had a great job, secure income, and wonderful benefits. Interestingly, his coworkers and peers were very supportive, and most of them told him they admired his decision to put his health first before his career because they were contemplating the same thing. He realized then that it wasn’t just him. Now, he has dedicated his professional career to helping other hard-driving leaders avoid his mistakes and immensely benefit from the wonderful tools and techniques He has learned and experienced first-hand. Besides a regular video blog series, he launched a book on Amazon, an international bestseller.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petealexander/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RTZJM76

https://petealexander.com/blog-stress-relief-activities-for-adults/

Jun 16, 202159:50
Divorce and a Life Changing Journey
Jun 09, 202101:00:54
Adoption and the Inspiration of the Novel, John and Mary Margaret

Adoption and the Inspiration of the Novel, John and Mary Margaret

I sat down with Susan Cushman, Susan is an Author and grandmother who resides in Memphis Tennessee. She will be releasing her seventh book on June eighth entitled John and Mary Margret. While Susan and I will explore her writing career, we will also be exploring her Better To story about adopting three children and the life journey, and the inspiration it created for her.  

*****

Bio: Author, Susan Cushman, is announcing her latest book, John and Mary Margaret (Koelher Books, June 4, 2021). John and Mary Margaret is a rare insider’s look into the white privilege bubble of a young girl growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, and participating in sorority life on the Ole Miss campus in the late 1960s. But it’s also a candid portrayal of a young Black boy from Memphis who follows his dream to study law at a predominantly white university. What happens when their shared love for literature blossoms into an ill-fated romance? Spanning five decades of historical civil rights events in Mississippi and Memphis, John and Mary Margaret’s story will challenge the status quo and give us another opportunity to examine our history and our hearts. Susan Cushman sets John and Mary Margaret, her second novel and seventh book, in her home state of Mississippi and her current city of Memphis. Cushman’s published books include Friends of the Library (short stories), Cherry Bomb (novel), Tangles and Plaques: A Mother and Daughter Face Alzheimer’s (memoir), and three anthologies she edited. Susan writes with deep insight into the South’s storied past, bringing elements of hope and healing to her short stories, memoir, and novels – honoring the heart, soul, and history of the South. Susan is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is a resident of Memphis, TN. Book Details: John and Mary Margaret is an insider's look into the White-privilege bubble of a young girl growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, and participating in sorority life on the Ole Miss campus in the late 1960s. But it's also a candid portrayal of a young Black boy from Memphis who follows his dream to study law at the predominately White university. What happens when their shared love for literature blossoms into an ill-fated romance? Set squarely in the center of decades of historical events in Mississippi and Memphis, here their story brings those events to life.


https://susancushman.com/
Amazon.com: John and Mary Margaret (9781646633906): Cushman, Susan: Books

https://www.facebook.com/sjcushman

https://twitter.com/SusanCushman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-cushman-41884034/

Jun 02, 202156:53
How I Destroyed My Law Career and Turned My Life Around

How I Destroyed My Law Career and Turned My Life Around

May 28, 202101:06:54
Spiritual Freemasonry
May 26, 202101:10:31
Poor Choices and the Lies We Tell Ourself
May 21, 202101:05:53
Learning Who I was After I Left the Navy

Learning Who I was After I Left the Navy

Adam Best had a lot of responsibility when he was in the Navy. After 5 years of being in the military, he had to learn who he was. While he stayed in a civilian position with the Navy, he still had to figure where his life was headed. He talked to me about the positive and negative about his transition, and we also discuss his battle with alcohol.  His Veterans in the Wild Podcast will be launching on May 27, 2021. Find the podcast @veteransinthewild on IG, YouTube!  

****************

 If you are dealing with any type of addiction, there is help for not only you but your family. Here are some links below.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 
www.aa.org 
212–870–3400 or check your local phone directory under “Alcoholism”

Moderation Management 
www.moderation.org
212–871–0974

Secular Organizations for Sobriety 
www.sossobriety.org 
323–666–4295

SMART Recovery 
www.smartrecovery.org 
440–951–5357

Women for Sobriety 
www.womenforsobriety.org 
215–536–8026

Groups for family and friends

Al-Anon Family Groups 
www.al-anon.alateen.org 
1–888–425–2666 for meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics 
www.adultchildren.org
310–534–1815

Information resources

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 
www.niaaa.nih.gov 
301–443–3860

National Institute on Drug Abuse 
www.nida.nih.gov 
301–443–1124

National Institute of Mental Health 
www.nimh.nih.gov 
1–866–615–6464

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 
www.samhsa.gov 
1–800–729–6686

May 19, 202155:58
Pursuing Your Purpose
May 12, 202153:09
Quitting High School to Go to College in the UK
May 05, 202152:55
Mediumship, Self Empowerment, & Trauma
May 01, 202101:10:42
Following My Life Long Dreams and Seeing the Gift of Life - Guest Shelley F. Knight

Following My Life Long Dreams and Seeing the Gift of Life - Guest Shelley F. Knight

I had the pleasure of sitting with Shelley F. Knight from the UK. We discussed following her dream to become a nurse and mother. We talk about her travels before she started her nursing journey and how it settled her before she started her longer nursing journey. Her journey to become a nurse took some interesting twists; however, her journey to become a mother was more difficult. We talk about life and death. Healing and saying goodbye to the ones we love. Left nursing as she was worried that the toxicity that she was always around was harming her chances to conceive. We talk about how you have to keep going if you really want something, no matter how tough it might be. We talk about what moved her into pursuing her spiritual journey and embracing tarot as a daily. How she went from nursing to becoming an Author and podcaster. Also, teaching her kids to embrace their spirituality. 

 ******** National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. 800-273-8255 ********* 


Shelley F. Knight Bio: Shelley F. Knight is a once upon a time nurse turned writer who provides an eclectic blend of clinical, holistic, and spiritual expertise in her specialist subjects of Positive Changes, Spirituality, and Grief. She is the author of Positive Changes: A Self-Kick Book (November 2018), host of Positive Changes: A Self-Kick Podcast, and is a freelance writer for international magazines. Shelley is passionate about encouraging individuals on a transformational journey towards positive changes, particularly following times of loss in their life, be it the loss of a known and trusted way of life or the loss of a loved one. She has set up the Good Grief Northampton Death Cafe to provide a safe space for people to share their experiences of grief with others and an accompanying Facebook page to support others beyond her home county of Northamptonshire. Shelley holds a first-class degree in adult nursing and post-graduate studies in Palliative Care and Life Limiting Illness, Pathophysiology of Cancer, Cytotoxic Chemotherapy, and Clinical Hypnotherapy. In addition, Shelley holds a plethora of holistic and spiritual qualifications, including Transformational Regression Therapy, Spiritual Coaching, Spiritual Development Teacher, Holistic Diagnosis Skills, Mindfulness, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Herbalism, and Dream Therapy. 

http://shelleyfknight.com


Apr 28, 202101:07:46
Moving to an Ashram Changed My Life

Moving to an Ashram Changed My Life

I sit down with Dawna Campbell. We discussed leaving a toxic job in corporate America as well as an awful marriage. When she moved to the Ashram, she learned a lot about herself as well as raising her children. We discuss empowering yourself as well as your kids.

You can find out more about her and the services she offers at https://dawnacampbell.com

Apr 21, 202118:11
Seeing the Energy of Life

Seeing the Energy of Life

Today I sit down with Linn Purdon to discuss how she sees the world differently. For her, the world is kind of like the Matrix, but instead of numbers and code, she sees it in colors. Well, that's how it started out. Now it has grown to encompass all the senses. Her Better To moment was because of her gift. When she discovered she had this ability, she went to tell her mom but knew it wouldn't be received well, so she twisted and contorted who she was so she could fit in. Besides her gift, her family's religion took her away from a "normal" childhood. She had to figure out what it was like to fit in as she entered her teen years. Normally that is hard but imagine not being exposed to the things you had as a kid and being thrust into a whole different world. In this episode, we explore what happened to her for not embracing her gift and looking at how children just know things. Playing in others' energy, growing up, and relearning to embrace our inner brilliance are more topics we discuss. Lastly, we discuss the idea of perfection and how he can stop our energy flow.  You can find out more about Linn at Linnpurdon.com as well as on Facebook in her group Whole Being Business and Life and her other group Linn's Lab.


Bio: For the rest of my childhood I did all that I could to twist away from the ability to see and communicate with energy. I studied others and tried on their energy habits, endlessly trying to fit in.

In my thirties, bed ridden, broke and a single parent I decided I had had enough.

It was TIME to BE Me - as I was born.

I would love to say that I became healthy, wealthy and loved overnight but I can’t.

However it did happen.

Gradually I experimented claiming back the ability to see energy - very quietly at first, but as the results flowed in I became more convinced that I was on the right path.

Eventually I spoke to others  and with great delight discovered I could help them to align to their Unique Inner Brilliance too.

I now understand that we each intend a Unique Vibrational Blueprint as we put on our  'human coat"' and we don’t leave our enormous Universal Self behind.  In fact  when we align the two MAGIC HAPPENS.

Aligning your energy in this way allows JOY to flow with ease. This is important as JOY is your vibrational blood.  As it pumps through your energy matrix it naturally attracts vitality, abundance and freedom.

I am totally convinced that we are energetically designed for EASE.


www.linnpurdon.com

Apr 14, 202101:15:19
Coming Out in the 80s But Married Straight
Apr 07, 202101:30:19
Coming Out as a Medium

Coming Out as a Medium

I sit down with Sarah Martucci, certified Crystal Healer and Psychic Medium , and discuss was it better to come out as a medium or not? We also talk about relationships, family, past trauma and fear. There are some sound issues I do apologize but there is a lot of worth while information to be heard.

From Sarah's Site : From a very young age, I have been blessed with the gift and ability to help people from all walks of life find clarity and peace. Through customized readings, I have helped men, women, mothers, friends, and many others find closure with loved ones that have passed on, and answers to questions so they can find purpose and live their truth.

https://sarahmartucci.com

Mar 30, 202101:08:28
Saving Mom
Mar 23, 202138:43