Something Significant With Matt Gersper

By Happy Living

Something Significant is an interview show about ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the world. We define “significance” as ‘doing work you love, with people you love, in places you love, AND creating something of value for others while you’re at it.’

The host, Matt Gersper (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living) explores the life journey that brought his inspiring guests to the moment of discovering their unique and distinct reason for being on this planet. Matt likes to explore their road to significance through the equation he calls The Happy Formula: Capacity x Purpose x Giving = Happy!

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#39 – Jerry Barnes

Something Significant With Matt GersperNov 02, 2020

00:00

32:06

#140 - Zachariah Fike

My special guest star today is Zachariah Fike. He's an Active-Duty Army Infantry Major with over 25 years of service to his country. He’s been decorated with two Bronze Stars, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Purple Heart for wounds he received in Afghanistan. He was also nominated and selected as the 2016-2017 Military Times Army Soldier of the Year and was the first National Guard Officer to ever win this prestigious award. And now, with his organization Purple Hearts Reunited, he’s on a mission to return lost, stolen, and misplaced military medals of valor to veterans or their families, in order to honor their sacrifice to the nation.

Zac, I LOVE your passion for our country and for the patriots who have sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms and our American way. And I ADMIRE your service as a Soldier in the United States Army and how you’ve leveraged that 25-year-plus experience to create Purple Hearts Reunited and continue to serve by returning lost, found, or misplaced military artifacts, and giving families the opportunity to reconnect with their heroes' memory and their own family history. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your dedicated, determined, and patriotic spirit on our show today.

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Three more things for our listeners...

1) Take the ⁠Happy Quiz⁠: ⁠https://happyliving.com/the-happy-index⁠

2) Claim your gift: ⁠https://happyliving.com/product/making-your-mark-of-significance⁠)

3) Share our podcast with your family and friends :)

Dec 21, 202326:09

#139 - Cale and Kelly Cosby

My guest stars for Episode #139 are Cale and Kelly Crosby. They own and operate Indigo Ridge Farms, their beautiful little slice of heaven nestled in the valley of the southern Appalachian foothills. Cale and Kelly say they were put on this planet together to fulfill their God-given responsibility of being good stewards to both land and livestock. They aim to meet the needs of their family and their community with a sustainable, holistic, and regenerative approach to farming, for this and future generations. They love the work they do and value their role as a farming family in their community.

Cale and Kelly, I LOVE that your farm exists to fulfill your God-given responsibility to be good stewards to both land and livestock and I’d add family and community, too. And I ADMIRE your mission to create a lasting connection between the farmer and the community through building relationships with your land, your livestock, and your customers. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your God-loving, hard-working, and kind-hearted spirit on our show today!

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Three more things for our listeners...

1) Take the ⁠Happy Quiz⁠: ⁠https://happyliving.com/the-happy-index⁠

2) Claim your gift: ⁠https://happyliving.com/product/making-your-mark-of-significance⁠)

3) Share our podcast with your family and friends :)

Dec 21, 202342:59

#138 - Connie Smigiel

My guest star for Episode #138 is Connie Smigiel. Her beloved life partner, Dan Starks, died nearly two years ago. He was the CEO of Starks Training Institute where they worked together, side by side for years. After taking some time off from the business to grieve, she’s back providing the Safety and Awareness Seminars and Community Services that the Starks brand is known for. Connie likes to remind people that Dan would always say, “Remember, it’s your choice, Don’t be a Victim!”

Connie, I LOVE your commitment to serve others by offering them love and understanding, and support and individual attention. And I ADMIRE your resilience and determination to continue with Dan’s legacy of keeping people informed, empowered, and equipped with self-defense training, techniques and education. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your positive and upbeat and kindhearted spirit on our show today.

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Three more things...

1) Take the ⁠Happy Quiz⁠: ⁠https://happyliving.com/the-happy-index⁠

2) Claim your gift: ⁠https://happyliving.com/product/making-your-mark-of-significance⁠)

3) Share our podcast with your family and friends :)

Dec 20, 202340:04

#137 - Alumni Update w/Lanny West and Dori Stone

My guest stars for Episode #137 are Lanny West and his sister, Dori Stone. They’re here to share an update on the unique and distinct journey that connected their lives of significance. It's a very special story that I’m calling Lieutenant Colonel Donald Downard's Wonderful Family Reunion.

Lanny and Dori (and Donny, too), I LOVE that you’ve continually said yes to exploring each new step of your dad’s Lt. Col. Donald Downard's Wonderful Family Reunion. And I ADMIRE your dad for his heroic service to our country and his powerful will to bring his family together even after his death. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your amazing story of love and the resilience of family bonds on our show today.

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Three more things...

1) Take the ⁠Happy Quiz⁠: https://happyliving.com/the-happy-index

2) Claim your gift: https://happyliving.com/product/making-your-mark-of-significance)

3) Share our podcast with your family and friends :)

Dec 20, 202354:47

#136 - Matt Bonestell

My guest star for Episode #136 is Matt Bonestell. Matt’s done lots of stuff in a short amount of time. He’s been a Barista, a restaurant cook and assistant manager, a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps Reserve, a firefighte, a police officer, and a Special Réponse Team Operator. He’s served as the Public Affairs/ Athletics team Officer for the Cary High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, and he’s also served as the Public Relations Executive and then President of the Cary, NC chapter of the DECA, formerly known as the Distributive Education Clubs of America. He’s currently part of a catastrophic response team doing Travelers Insurance and he’s the Founder of Badge for a Badge, a nonprofit organization on a mission to change the stigma of first responders reaching out for help.

Matt, I LOVE how you’ve organized a team of dedicated volunteers from fire services, emergency medicine, the military, the police, and telecommunications and corrections to focus on building a network of friendships amongst peers within your fields. And I ADMIRE what you call Your Big Thing; that if you save even one life this whole thing has been worth all the time and energy and effort your team has put in. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your determined, generous, and kindhearted spirit on our show today!

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Happy Living is on a Mission to Improve the Happy of the World, One Person at a time. Please visit our website (www.happyliving.com) for more Happy content and to learn how Happy you are with our ⁠Happy Quiz⁠ (https://happyliving.com/the-happy-index/).

Please share our podcast with your family and friends :)

Dec 06, 202331:44

#135 - Scott Neeley

My guest star for Episode #135 is Scott Neeley, the Owner and operator of KingView Mead where he handcrafts mead, wine, and hard cider with the cause of promoting educational opportunities and assistance to apiaries and beekeepers. Scott recently bought Penn Shore Winery, too, making him and his wife Hannah the 4th set of owners of this renowned Pennsylvania winery. And he’s also the President of the Pennsylvania Winery Association where he advocates for the Pennsylvania Wine Industry. He’s truly a man who lives, breathes, and drinks delicious wine. Get ready to see what it looks like to live life on purpose, with enthusiasm, and to share it all with others while you’re at it.

Scott, I LOVE that you founded KingView Mead to reconnect with the civilization-long mead-making tradition, and with nature and with each other, too. And I ADMIRE that your business model came straight from nature by replicating the relationship that bees have with plants, in that they each help one another grow. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your passionate and encouraging and entrepreneurial spirit on our show today!

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Please share our podcast with your family and friends :)

Dec 06, 202334:10

#134 - Chuck Harlander

My guest star for Episode #134 is Chuck Harlander. Chuck is truly living a Life of Significance bringing Peace of Mind to the families that feel forced to give up their family pet knowing that Boxer Rescue Ranch will love ‘em and care for ‘em, and by bringing Joy to the families that adopts one of his dogs giving it a brand new loving home and family to live with, and by giving Confidence to his students by helping them discover a career path or even bigger, their unique and distinct purpose for living the life they were put on this planet to live. Folks, you’re gonna love this one.

Chuck, I LOVE how you’ve used your big heart and gentle way to powerfully and diligently carve out a full and purposeful life that benefits others. And I ADMIRE the passion and dedication and energy you pour into your dogs and your students and your family. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your humble and kindhearted and yet high-octane spirit on our show today!

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Please share our podcast with your family and friends :)

Dec 06, 202331:09

#133 - Marie Groves

My guest star for Episode #133 is Marie Groves. Marie is a passionate Life Coach who helps her clients sort out all the thoughts in their head while helping ‘em navigate challenges and traumas faster with tools, mindset, and alongside a tribe of women who will walk their journey together. Ready for some motivation and empowerment that'll help you thrive through struggles?

Marie, I LOVE that even when struggling through the pain and chaos of life’s difficulties, you remained determined to learn how to find peace and joy. And I ADMIRE how you’re leveraging what you found in those struggles to help others navigate better and faster through their own difficulties. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your encouraging and healing spirit on our show today!

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Happy Living is on a Mission to Improve the Happy of the World, One Person at a time. Please visit our website (www.happyliving.com) for more Happy content and to learn how Happy you are with our Happy Quiz⁠ (https://happyliving.com/the-happy-index/).

Dec 06, 202328:26

#132 - Paul Kolterman

My guest star for Episode #132 is Paul Kolterman. After a successful career working in Big Agriculture, Paul moved across the country from Nebraska to Florida to own and operate a beautiful working farm, consisting of Aberdeen Angus Cattle, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and Bermuda Hay Production. If you’re thinking about a big life change, get ready to be inspired!

Paul, I LOVE that you had the courage to make a great, big transformation from Seward, Nebraska to Grand Island, Florida. And I ADMIRE the love you have for your goats and cattle and farm, and for sharing the entire experience with anyone who comes to visit. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your passion and enthusiasm for life on our show today!

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Dec 06, 202332:49

#131 - Tony Copeland-Parker

My guest star for Episode #131 is Tony Copeland-Parker. He’s a retired professional pilot turned writer with a blog called Running with Cat and his first book called Running All Over The World: Our Race Against Early-Onset Alzheimer's.

Tony, I LOVE that you’re openly sharing very intimate life challenges with others in order to show ‘em that it’s possible to live a life of joy, even with Alzheimer’s. And I ADMIRE how you and Catherine have dedicated your energy to activities you love as your solution to maintaining your connection with each other and to finding solace and peace amidst the extraordinary challenges posed by Alzheimer’s. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your loving and indomitable spirit on our show today!

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Dec 06, 202339:44

#130 - Alumni Update w/Don Wickstrum

My guest star for Episode #130 is Don Wickstrum. He’s also called the Fastest Pastor and he’s back to share an Alumni Update about his unique and distinct journey to his life of significance. Ladies and gentlemen, you’ll wanna buckle up for this one.

Don, I LOVE how you’re using your story to deliver a message of hope, and inspiration, and purpose, and overcoming to everyone willing to hear it. And I ADMIRE how you link your social media messages of the day to scripture so others can understand and feel and use the powerful life force of God’s word to positively impact their lives. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your Love of God and optimism thru struggle on our show today!

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Dec 05, 202343:34

#129 - Alumni Update w/ED Hearn, Bobby Mclaughlin and Lisa Wolfe

My guest stars for Episode #129 are Ed Hearn, Bobby McLaughlin, and Lisa Wolf. They’re here to share an update on the unique and distinct journeys that connected their lives of significance. Get ready for an amazing story.

Ed, Bobby, and Lisa, I just LOVE the important work you are doing to raise awareness of living organ donation. And I ADMIRE your collective spirit of optimism, and enthusiasm, and loving others. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your story of struggle and success and encouragement on our show today!

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Dec 04, 202350:46

#128 - Lara Ingram

My guest star for Episode #128 is Lara Ingram, the Executive Director of FeedNC. Get ready to be inspired! Lara, I LOVE your mission to create connections to food, education, and resources as a catalyst for lifting neighbors up and out of struggle. And I ADMIRE your dedication to creating healthy, stable families able to meet their own needs, and until they’re able, they can readily call on outside resources for help. And I’m super HAPPY that you’ve shared your caring, loving, and hope-filled spirit on our show today.

With love, Matt (a.k.a. Mr. Happy Living)

Dec 04, 202341:51

#127 - Sandy White

Today's guest is Sandy White, host of Simply Fitt, who shares how she is on a mission to save 1 million lives from depression and preventing suicide by eating healthy.

Happy Living is on a Mission to Improve the Happy of the World, One Person at a time at, please visit our website Happyliving.com for more Happy content and find out how Happy you are with our Happy Quiz.

Oct 17, 202342:05

#126 - Cody Craft Brewing

Today's guest are the owners of Cody Craft Brewing, Jen and Brian Walker. They share how after thinking about it for 20 years, they opened their own brewing business. Cody Crafting Brewing is a family friendly place in the community in beautiful Wyoming.

Jul 12, 202339:37

#125 - Martin Davis

Today's guest is Martin Davis, Professional Hobo who shares how he enjoys living a professional hobo life and the travel he is doing. After divorce, failed business Martin lives in his RV and enjoys happy living.

Jul 12, 202333:46

#124 - Freda Gersper

Today's special guest is Mr. Happy Living's mom. Listen as she tells tales of a life well lived.

Happy Living is on a Mission to Improve the Happy of the World, One Person at a time at, please visit our website Happyliving.com for more Happy content and find out how Happy you are with our Happy Quiz.

May 24, 202329:42

#123 - Bobby McLaughlin + Ed Hearn

Mr. Happy Living has an Alumni update to hear an update on kidney donation needed for Ed Hearns and how Bobby McLaughlin climbs mountain peeks to bring about awareness. Hear these two share their update. After this recording we heard possible Ed Hearns has a match.

May 03, 202352:31

#122 - Robin Finney

Today's guest is Robin Finney aka the Wandering Aunt. Robin is a Jill of many trades: Intuitive Coach, Curator of @souloexperiences, Oracle, Writer, Int’l Speaker & Model, Nomad, Aunt Extraordinarie.

Apr 14, 202331:02

#121 - Lawrie Lawrence

Today's guest is Lawrie Lawrence, owner of Stay Lake Norman (staylakenorman.com). Lawrie shares what semi retirement as an entrepreneur looks like, feels like and learning what it means.

Mar 31, 202339:56

#120 - Harry Bayne

Today's guest is Harry Bayne. Harry is a man of many talents and tastes. He's a longtime lawyer who is opening a one of a kind museum, the Bayne Fine Art and Automotive Museum, located in Pittsburg, Texas.

Sponsor: Relax Sauna - https://happyliving.com/category/partners/relax-sauna/

Mar 24, 202351:54

#119 - Don Wickstrum

Today's guest is Don Wickstrum. Don is known as the Fastest Pastor and is living a one of a kind life as a pastor, racecar driver who is battling cancer. For more inspiration from Don, please visit his website: https://fastestpastor.com/

Sponsor: Relax Sauna - https://happyliving.com/category/partners/relax-sauna/

Mar 17, 202342:10

#118 - Abel James

Abel James is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Musician, and Online Creator. A “Coach to the coaches,” he hosts a top Health podcast to help people across the world optimize performance, mindset, and longevity. Visit his website: fatburningman.com and wildsuperfoods.com/ . Check out his music: youtu.be/ecXCiaIJ1fk

Buy Matt's Book Turning Inspiration into Action: https://happyliving.com/books/turning-inspiration-action/

Mar 03, 202340:18

#117 - Chef Joe Sciarrotta

Today's guest is Chef Joe Sciarrotta. Listen to his story of going from classically trained chef to owner of a food truck and couldn't be happier. See if Chef Joe will be in your area: https://www.facebook.com/Heybebe35080/

Feb 24, 202338:03

#116 - Danny Sample

Today's guest is Danny Sample. He is a veteran, entrepreneur and founder of Siluria Brewing and today discusses about giving back into the community after serving 30 years in the military.

Buy Matt's Book Turning Inspiration into Action: https://happyliving.com/books/turning-inspiration-action/

Feb 17, 202338:40

#115 - Derric Curran

Today's guest is Derric Curran. Listen to his amazing story that led to him owning and operating his own brewery (Mississippi Ale House - https://mississippialehouse.com/).

Buy Matt's Book Turning Inspiration into Action: https://happyliving.com/books/turning-inspiration-action/

Feb 10, 202330:39

#114 - Bobby McLaughlin

Today's guest is Bobby McLaughlin. Listen to his amazing journey that has brought him to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and donating a kidney to a complete stranger! To help support Bobby's cause use this link: Nkr.org/fqh333

Feb 03, 202337:22

#113 - Ed Hearn

Former World Series Champion Ed Hearn comes back to share about his life and the lessons he's learned while living with a critical medical condition. Click here: Nkr.org/fqh333 to support Ed.

Jan 27, 202346:31

#112 - Elizabeth West

Today's episode is with Elizabeth West of EWC Consulting, which helps students and families just navigate college admissions. Elizabeth has taken her 25 years of experience in academia and is now giving back by helping students get into college.

Buy Matt's Book Turning Inspiration into Action: https://happyliving.com/books/turning-inspiration-action/

Jan 20, 202322:19

#111 - Dave Goodell

Today's episode is with Dave Goodell of Debellation Brewing. The founders of Debellation Brewing Company are both military veterans, who will always honor the men and women of our military, police, fire departments and first responders. Listen as Dave shares his story.

Today's Sponsor: Discover Pure Natural Wine - Enjoy an extra bottle for a penny in your first membership order (https://happyliving.com/category/partners/dry-farm-wines/)

Jan 13, 202330:54

#110 - The Gruner Bros

Today's episode is with the Gruner Brothers of Gruner Brothers brewing. Brothers Ben and Daron Gruner started a local brewery as a tribute to their Wyoming roots. Whether you call the Casper, WY area home or you're just visiting, we'd love to welcome you to our family-owned brewery.

Today's Sponsor: Discover Pure Natural Wine - Enjoy an extra bottle for a penny in your first membership order (https://happyliving.com/category/partners/dry-farm-wines/)

Dec 16, 202241:08

#109 - Gary Woods

Today's guest is Gary Woods. Gary went from playing college football to becoming a superintendent and now has begun a new career. Listen to the wisdom of a life well lived.

Today's Sponsor: Discover Pure Natural Wine - Enjoy an extra bottle for a penny in your first membership order (https://happyliving.com/category/partners/dry-farm-wines/)

Dec 09, 202229:18

#108 -Jo Ann Herold

Today's guest is Jo Ann Herold. She s the author of Living On A Smile: 16 Ways to Live a Big Life and Lead with Love and has years of experience in corporate marketing and she is now the CEO of Herold Growth Consulting.

Today's Sponsor: Discover Pure Natural Wine - Enjoy an extra bottle for a penny in your first membership order (https://happyliving.com/category/partners/dry-farm-wines/)

Dec 02, 202226:38

#107 - Vince Warnock

Today's guest is Vince Warnock. He is an award-winning Marketing and Visibility coach, author and host of the Chasing the Insights podcast.

Today's Sponsor: Discover Pure Natural Wine - Enjoy an extra bottle for a penny in your first membership order (https://happyliving.com/category/partners/dry-farm-wines/)

Nov 18, 202232:38

#106 - Glenn Ratcliffe

Today's guest is Glenn Ratcliffe a former professional soccer player, is a Scottish actor with over thirty years of experience. He has performed in Film, Television, Theater, Commercials and Voiceovers for shows like Breaking Bad amongst others. More From Glenn watch his latest venture: Tested the Movie (https://testedthemovie.com/).

Today's Sponsor: Discover Pure Natural Wine - Enjoy an extra bottle for a penny in your first membership order (https://happyliving.com/category/partners/dry-farm-wines/)

Nov 11, 202235:42

#105 -Becca Stevens

Today's guest is Becca Stevens, she is an author, speaker, priest, social entrepreneur, and the founder and president of Thistle Farms (https://thistlefarms.org/), whose mission is Helping women survivors overcome and heal from systems of prostitution and exploitation.

Nov 04, 202230:14

#104 - Jeanne Lakin

Today's guest is Jeanne Celestine Lakin, who is an award-winning author and inspirational national speaker. She has captivated thousands by sharing her survival story during the Rwandan genocide, living the power of forgiveness, and encouraging education and the unification of the human family. She is the author of the book: A Voice in the Darkness.

Today's Sponsor:

Discover Pure Natural Wine - Enjoy an extra bottle for a penny in your first membership order (https://happyliving.com/category/partners/dry-farm-wines/)

Oct 28, 202239:55

#103 - Freddy Jackson

Today's guest is Freddy Jackson. Freddy is the founder of Love No Ego (www.lovenoego.org), which provides positive development for youth and young adults ages 10-24, helping them to overcome challenges, live with purpose, and go beyond fears and daily pressures, helping them to develop a foundation within that is not easily shaken by the egotistical world.

Today's Sponsor:

Discover Pure Natural Wine - Enjoy an extra bottle for a penny in your first membership order (https://happyliving.com/category/partners/dry-farm-wines/)

Oct 21, 202233:12

#102 - Patricia Ryan Madson

Today's guest is Patricia Ryan Madson. She is the author of Improv Wisdom (improvwisdom.com) and shares valuable lessons learned from the art of improv that apply to life.

Today's Sponsor:

Get your copy of Mr. Happy Living's book Turning Inspiration into Action available in paperback and ebook(https://happyliving.com/books/turning-inspiration-action/).

Oct 14, 202234:51

#101 - Kris Sherrod

Today's guest is Kris Sherrod. Kris is the CEO and Founder of BreadWinners (https://thebreadwinners.net/) sharing financial literacy to help others learn wealth building.

Today's Sponsor:

Get your copy of Mr. Happy Living's book Turning Inspiration into Action available in paperback and ebook(https://happyliving.com/books/turning-inspiration-action/).

Oct 07, 202224:47

#100 - J.T. Cotton

Today's guest is J.T. Cotton. J.T is a former football player turned Pastor, who says he is a servant who believes in helping others find hope in this world.

Sep 30, 202228:59

#99 - Kate McKinnie

Today's guest is Kate McKinnie. Kate has spent the last decade helping women who need help through the non-profit, The Next Door (https://thenextdoor.org/).

Today's Sponsor:

Get your copy of Mr. Happy Living's book, Turning Inspiration into Action (happyliving.com/books), to help guide you on living a life of Significance.

Sep 23, 202225:11

#98 - Lanny West

Today's guest is Lanny West. Lanny is an author, coach, and farmer whose life has taken him from cocaine to Christ.

Sep 16, 202238:53

#97 - Mark Young

Today's returning guest is Mark Young. Mark went from a life of security and academia to the life of a risk-taking entrepreneur. Learn about his journey from teaching students in a classroom to teaching people how to reach their potential, in the school of life. If you liked what you heard from Mark, please visit his website.

Sep 09, 202246:55

#96 - Trace Embry

Trace Embry is back as today's guest. He’s the Founder and Director of Shepherds Hill Academy, a Christian wilderness and therapeutic residential program and author of the new book: The Miracles of Shepherds Hill.

Sponsor:

*Relax Sauna save $100 off purchases over $1,000. Use code: HappyLiving at checkout.*

May 13, 202244:59

#95 - Jeannine Tunmann

Today's guest is Jeannine Tunmann. She is the Founder of Wholistic Body Logix. For almost twenty years she has been helping healthy-minded individuals take control of their health by giving them actionable tools necessary to rebuild, restore and renew their health, get their freedom back and age healthfully.

Sponsor

*Relax Sauna save $100 off purchases over $1,000.

Use code: HappyLiving at checkout.*

May 06, 202232:39