Celebrate Your Story podcast

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How One Woman REBUILT Her City for a More INCLUSIVE Future | with Denise Resnik 46:24

منذ 10 hours46:24

46:24

They said her son would never live on his own...now he thrives in the community she built. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story , I sit down with Denise Resnik, trailblazing founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center and First Place AZ. From her son’s autism diagnosis at age two to reshaping real estate with purpose, Denise’s story is one of innovation, advocacy, and unshakable love. She shares how she went from launching a real estate marketing firm to transforming blighted buildings into vibrant mixed-use housing communities that integrate people with autism, seniors, and the broader public. We discuss the heartbreak of being told to institutionalize her son, the grit it took to build new systems from scratch, and the vision behind a new marketplace for housing and community that includes everyone . Now leading a national movement through First Place’s Global Leadership Institute and the Vote the Spectrum initiative, Denise is proving that when we plan for inclusion, we build something better for all of us.…

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He Sold Art on the Sidewalk...Now He’s the MOST Licensed Artist in the World | with Romero Britto 54:33

منذ 16 يومًا54:33

54:33

Before his art graced the Vatican and the Olympics, he was washing dishes and selling paintings on the street. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story , I sit down with Romero Britto, the world-renowned pop artist whose signature style has become a universal symbol of joy. From humble beginnings in Brazil to collaborating with Disney, Absolut, and FIFA, Romero’s journey is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and reinvention. He opens up about walking away from a career in diplomacy to pursue his passion, selling art on the sidewalks of Miami, and turning a struggling storefront into his first gallery by painting over the walls of a beauty salon. We also dive into his personal story of love and loss, the influence of one special teacher, and the importance of building genuine friendships that ask for nothing in return. Now with a mission to open his art palace to the public, create installations across the globe, and inspire the next generation through education and color, Romero reminds us that life, like art, is better when it’s bold, vibrant, and full of heart.…

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He Nearly Took His Life. Now He’s Saving Others. THE REAL Movement with Shawn Lesser 44:11

منذ 28 يومًا44:11

44:11

The day he begged his wife to kill him was the day everything changed. On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Shawn Lesser, an impact investor turned mental health advocate whose life took a dramatic turn in the fall of 2022. What started as a persistent depression spiraled into a full mental health crisis, one that led to hospitalization, months in treatment centers, and ultimately, a complete reinvention of purpose. Shawn opens up about the emotional toll of losing his identity after stepping away from the investment firm he co-founded, and how a simple text from a friend became the first step toward rebuilding his life. That friend became his “mental health sponsor,” and together they launched The Real, a movement to support men’s mental health through conversation, community, and change. Today, Shawn’s mission is bold: help 10 million men by 2030, break the stigma around mental health, and channel billions of dollars into the space. From investor summits in Davos to grassroots mental health walks around the world, his journey is a powerful reminder that healing often begins with telling the truth.…

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She’s Been in Agonizing Pain for 30 YEARS and STILL Smiles Every Day 35:09

منذ 6 weeks35:09

35:09

"I told my husband he could leave—I had just been diagnosed with an incurable pain disease less than a year into our marriage… but he stayed. And that’s when I decided I was going to fight, not just for me, but for everyone like me." On this episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Beth Stillitano, a former teacher whose life was turned upside down at just 24 years old after a seemingly minor fall led to a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a rare and excruciating neurological disease often called “the suicide disease.” Beth shares her emotional journey through years of relentless pain, misdiagnoses, and opioid dependency, and how she eventually found healing through therapy, mindfulness, and community. But her story doesn’t end with survival, it’s about purpose. Beth went on to co-found Fight the Flame, a national nonprofit supporting CRPS patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. Her mission: to make sure no one faces this invisible illness alone. This is a story about pain, resilience, and the power of showing up for yourself, your family, and the millions who suffer in silence.…

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American HERO Was Given a 15% Chance of Survival, but he had a PROMISE to Keep | Israel Del Toro 58:42

منذ 8 weeks58:42

58:42

"I was going to break my promise to my dad that I would take care of my family… and that’s when I told myself, 'D.T., I’m not going to die here.'" In this powerful episode of Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Senior Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro, a true American hero. From a childhood marked by hardship and the loss of both parents at a young age to becoming a decorated Air Force special warfare operator, DT’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He shares the harrowing day in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb left him with burns over 80 percent of his body, a 15 percent chance of survival, and an uncertain future. But what followed defied all odds. DT not only survived, he walked out of the hospital, re-enlisted as the first 100 percent disabled airman in U.S. history, and went on to inspire thousands through public speaking, Paralympic sports, and mentorship.…

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She Built a $1.5M Movement From Her Kitchen Table | with Hali Lee 47:52

منذ 10 weeks47:52

47:52

In this week’s Celebrate Your Story, I’m thrilled to hand the mic to my colleague, MiChaela Barker, for a conversation with Hali Lee, a remarkable philanthropist, author, and the founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle. Through her dynamic storytelling and rich cultural perspective, Hali shares how growing up as a Korean American in Kansas City and learning from generations of strong women shaped her commitment to community, generosity, and justice. Hali Lee is a seasoned nonprofit leader and a pioneer in the giving circle movement. As the founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle, she has helped raise and distribute over $1.5 million to support Asian American women, girls, and gender-expansive artists in New York City. Her debut book, The Big We , published by Sweet July Books, challenges top-down philanthropy and invites readers to embrace collective care, mutual aid, and everyday activism. Hali and MiChaela discuss the power of giving circles, the legacy of kitchen-table activism, and the urgent need to shift from a mindset of “me” to “we.” From her grandmother’s quiet resistance in colonial Korea to her mother-in-law flipping a local election at 93, Hali draws a powerful throughline between personal story and civic impact. She reminds us that meaningful change doesn’t require wealth or fame; it just requires community, intention, and the courage to act.…

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She Lost BOTH Parents in ONE DAY But Still Shows Up on the Sidelines | with Lauren Sisler 51:19

منذ 12 weeks51:19

51:19

At 18, Lauren Sisler experienced the unimaginable: she lost both of her parents in a single day to prescription drug overdoses. As part of our special April series on faith, meaning, and human connection, I sit down with Lauren Sisler, ESPN and SEC Network reporter, former NCAA gymnast, and author of Shatterproof. Known for her vibrant presence on the sidelines, Lauren opens up about the hidden story behind her strength: the sudden, life-altering loss that changed everything. We explore her journey from silence to advocacy, how she learned to carry grief while rediscovering joy, and why faith, vulnerability, and community have been central to her healing. Lauren shares how writing her book helped her piece together the truth and how she now uses her platform to help others own their stories too, both the painful and the powerful. We also dive into: The early dreams she let go of and the new ones that took their place How she balances motherhood, marriage, and the high demands of sports broadcasting Her journey of faith, from small-town churches to rediscovering purpose through loss The “sideline shimmy” that became both her anxiety outlet and her signature move At its heart, Lauren’s story is about resilience, identity, and what it means to show up fully, honestly, and with faith, no matter what life brings.…

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One of the First 100 Women to FLY a BLACK HAWK | with Elizabeth McCormick 49:04

منذ 14 weeks49:04

49:04

Before she wore a flight suit, she was working in a pizza shop with a degree she couldn’t use. In this episode, retired U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot Elizabeth McCormick shares how she went from unexpected career detours to becoming one of the first 100 women to fly the Black Hawk helicopter in the Army. She opens up about what it took to survive Warrant Officer Candidate School, where women had to meet the same physical standards as men. Running in boots, carrying gear, and enduring grueling training whittled seven women down to just two. But the biggest battle was the mental one. As the only woman in her flight school class, Elizabeth faced open hostility from a biased instructor who tried to make her fail, but she refused to quit. Instead, she took the controls and rewrote the script, both in the cockpit and in her life. Now a disabled veteran and sought-after motivational speaker, Elizabeth has built a thriving career helping others tap into their potential. She shares how her PILOT framework — potential, implementation, leadership, optimal performance, and tenacity — empowers people to push past limitations, rise under pressure, and take control of their own path.…

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Celebrating Life After Auschwitz: Edith Gross's Story 1:09:12

منذ 16 weeks1:09:12

1:09:12

At just 15 years old, Edith was forced from her home and sent to Auschwitz, where she faced unimaginable horrors. For decades, she kept her story buried. But now, at 96 years old, she is ready to speak. Edith Gross is a Holocaust survivor who has chosen to celebrate life, building a happy and loving family despite the tragedies she endured. Her resilience has been her guiding force. Now, she educates others about the atrocities she survived and the strength that carried her forward. I had the privilege of sitting down with Edith to hear her harrowing yet inspiring journey, the survival, the losses she endured, and how she has found joy, family, and purpose in the years since.…

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INVENTING an App for Special Needs Adults to Make Authentic Friendships! 38:11

منذ 18 weeks38:11

38:11

Michael Fetherman, diagnosed with ADHD and autism, always struggled to make friends—a challenge faced by so many individuals with special needs. Seeing this firsthand, his sister, Juliana Fetherman, set out to change the narrative. She created Making Authentic Friendships, an app designed to connect people with special needs based on their age, interests, and location. The app’s name isn’t just a mission statement, it also carries Michael’s initials, a tribute to her brother who inspired this initiative. Now 24 and having recently completed her MBA at Sacred Heart University, Juliana is dedicated to fostering connections and expanding a supportive community for individuals with special needs. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Juliana, her parents Andy and Mary, and her brother Michael to celebrate their dedication to inclusion, their impact on the special needs community, and how they continue to inspire others through friendship, family, and forward-thinking solutions.…

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She Met the Mother of Her HEART Donor 18 Years Later! 40:46

منذ 20 weeks40:46

40:46

At just 13 years old, she suffered sudden heart failure, and doctors told her parents she wouldn’t survive. But thanks to the selflessness of a grieving mother, she was given a second chance at life. Jen Lentini is a heart transplant recipient who has dedicated her life to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation. Her journey from an unexpected health crisis to receiving a new heart and reconnecting with her donor’s family has shaped her passion for advocacy. Through her work with organizations like the American Heart Association and Long Island TRIO, she shares her story to encourage others to become donors and make a lasting impact. I had the honor of sitting down with Jennifer and exploring her incredible story, the challenges of her recovery, and how she continues to honor the gift she was given by celebrating each and every day like a birthday.…

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Her VIRAL Campaign Helps over 1000 Widows EACH YEAR! 58:12

منذ 22 weeks58:12

58:12

When Ashley Manning’s son started preschool, she learned that his teacher had recently lost her husband to cancer. As Valentine’s Day approached, Ashley felt a deep pull to offer comfort. So, she arranged a bouquet and gifted it to her, simply acknowledging how hard the day must be. She was moved, and months later, she shared just how much that small act of kindness had meant. In that moment, Ashley realized the profound impact of showing up for someone in grief—a lesson that would soon blossom into something far greater. The Valentine's Day Widow Outreach Project, founded by Ashley Manning of Pretty Things by A.E. Manning, brings comfort and support to widows on a day that can feel especially lonely. What started as a small gesture of delivering a few bouquets has grown into a heartfelt movement, with hundreds of volunteers reaching widows across multiple cities. Through bouquets, the project offers a powerful reminder to those in grief that they are not alone. Manning’s initiative not only uplifts widows but also fosters a spirit of community and connection. In today’s episode of Celebrate Your Story, Bridget Hogue Costello, Head of Experiences at 1-800-Flowers.com, sits down with Ashley to explore the emotional struggle widows can feel during Valentine’s Day, community strength, and the idea of giving as a gift.…

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Media's Next Chapter: Innovation and Community with Chris Licht 18:52

منذ 29 weeks18:52

18:52

Jim sits down with media executive Chris Licht for an insightful conversation on the future of broadcasting and content creation. From his experiences leading major networks to his observations on streaming's impact on traditional media, Chris shares his unique perspective on where the industry is headed. The discussion explores emerging technologies, the value of truth in media, and how genuine community engagement remains central to successful content - whether on traditional networks or new platforms. New podcast episodes released weekly on Thursday. Follow along with the links below: Sign up for the Celebrations Chatter Newsletter: https://celebrationschatter.beehiiv.com/ Subscribe to Celebrations Chatter on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@celebrationschatter Follow @CelebrationsChatter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrationschatter/ Follow @CelebrationsChatter on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@celebrationschatter Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/celebrations-chatter-with-jim-mccann/id1616689192 Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Yxfvb4qHGCwR5IgAmgCQX?si=ipuQC3-ATbKyqIk6RtPb-A Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQwMzU0MS9yc3M?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwio9KT_xJuBAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQNg Visit 1-800-Flowers.com: https://www.1800flowers.com/ Visit the 1-800-Flowers.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1800flowers Follow Jim McCann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim1800flowers/ Follow Jim McCann on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/jim1800flowers (@Jim1800Flowers)…

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Securing America's Future: Inside DHS's Modern Defense Strategy with Robert Silvers 22:49

منذ 30 weeks22:49

22:49

In this episode of Celebrations Chatter, Jim sits down with Robert Silvers, Under Secretary for Policy at the Department of Homeland Security, for an insightful discussion on national security, cybersecurity, and public service. Robert shares his journey from practicing law to government service, including how he helped transform DHS's approach to cybersecurity under both the Obama and Biden administrations. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of cyber threats, the critical importance of public-private partnerships in defending against attacks, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping security challenges and solutions. Jim and Robert examine the intersection of innovation, security, and public service in today's rapidly changing world. New podcast episodes released weekly on Thursday. Follow along with the links below: Sign up for the Celebrations Chatter Newsletter: https://celebrationschatter.beehiiv.com/ Subscribe to Celebrations Chatter on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@celebrationschatter Follow @CelebrationsChatter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrationschatter/ Follow @CelebrationsChatter on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@celebrationschatter Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/celebrations-chatter-with-jim-mccann/id1616689192 Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Yxfvb4qHGCwR5IgAmgCQX?si=ipuQC3-ATbKyqIk6RtPb-A Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQwMzU0MS9yc3M?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwio9KT_xJuBAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQNg Visit 1-800-Flowers.com: https://www.1800flowers.com/ Visit the 1-800-Flowers.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1800flowers Follow Jim McCann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim1800flowers/ Follow Jim McCann on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/jim1800flowers (@Jim1800Flowers)…

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Living In the Groove: Susan Feldman’s Formula for Fulfillment 44:05

منذ 31 weeks44:05

44:05

Jim sits down with Susan Feldman, the founder of One Kings Lane, a luxury home decor site, and In The Groove, a digital platform and community inspiring women over 50. A self-described "late bloomer entrepreneur" who started her first company at age 53, Susan shares her journey from retail to entrepreneurship and her vision to change the narrative around aging. Drawing inspiration from her father, who earned his MFA at age 78, Susan emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, forming new friendships, and embracing technology at any age. New podcast episodes released weekly on Thursday. Follow along with the links below: Sign up for the Celebrations Chatter Newsletter: https://celebrationschatter.beehiiv.com/ Subscribe to Celebrations Chatter on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@celebrationschatter Follow @CelebrationsChatter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrationschatter/ Follow @CelebrationsChatter on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@celebrationschatter Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/celebrations-chatter-with-jim-mccann/id1616689192 Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Yxfvb4qHGCwR5IgAmgCQX?si=ipuQC3-ATbKyqIk6RtPb-A Listen to more episodes of Celebrations Chatter on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQwMzU0MS9yc3M?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwio9KT_xJuBAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQNg Visit 1-800-Flowers.com: https://www.1800flowers.com/ Visit the 1-800-Flowers.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1800flowers Follow Jim McCann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim1800flowers/ Follow Jim McCann on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/jim1800flowers (@Jim1800Flowers)…

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Celebrate Your Story

Celebrate Your Story

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