Journey Of The Rhode Runner

Originally released on May 7, 2021, this episode was an absolute rollercoaster! Between scheduling struggles, technical mishaps, and some hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos, this one took a little extra effort to bring to life. But in the end, it turned out to be an absolute blast!

Why does hearing just a few seconds of a song from the '80s or '90s instantly transport you back in time? Whether it's your childhood bedroom, cruising with friends, or staying up way too late watching Headbangers Ball, music isn't just something we listen to—it's wired into our memories. In this episode, we dive deep into the power of music nostalgia and how we can use it to fuel motivation, resilience, and personal growth. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why music nostalgia is so powerful (hint: science backs it up!) ✅ How the shift from mixtapes to Spotify changed our connection to music ✅ The secret way nostalgia can be a superpower for motivation ✅ How one album (Rocky IV soundtrack, of course) helped push me through grueling cross-country training runs ✅ The Resilience Playlist Challenge—build your ultimate motivational mixtape!

Some acts of love are so profound that they stand the test of time. This is the story of Mr. Kuroki, a devoted husband in Japan who spent two years planting thousands of Shibazakura flowers—moss phlox—for his wife after she lost her sight due to diabetes. Struggling with depression, she withdrew from the world. But Mr. Kuroki had a plan. He created a breathtaking sea of pink blossoms, their sweet fragrance filling the air, hoping it would bring her outside again. And it worked. Not only did the flowers help his wife step back into the world, but they also became a symbol of love and resilience, drawing thousands of visitors each year. This is a testament to the power of devotion and the incredible things we do for the ones we love. You can read the whole story at Japan Today.

March Madness is back, and this time, we're putting the spotlight on the Queen of Pop herself: Madonna!

In this episode of GenX Journeys, we're diving into one of the most iconic Brat Pack films of the '80s—St. Elmo's Fire! This classic film perfectly captures the chaos, confusion, and camaraderie of life after college, and believe it or not, there are some powerful life lessons tucked inside all the drama. From shifting friendships to messy love, from defining success to stepping into the unknown, this movie still resonates decades later. And just like the characters in St. Elmo's Fire, we're all on our own journeys—figuring it out as we go. In This Episode, We'll Cover: ✔️ How friendships evolve over time—and why that's okay ✔️ The hard truth about love, relationships, and why some are only meant for a season ✔️ Success isn't a one-size-fits-all concept—so what does it mean for you? ✔️ The pressure to have life all figured out—and why that's a myth ✔️ Why you are exactly where you need to be right now—but you won't stay here This is one of the most fire-up episodes I've done yet (see what I did there?), so bu

In this week's Power Surge, we share the incredible story of Andre "Tre" Howard III, a 10-year-old boy who showed unbelievable bravery in the face of tragedy. After a devastating plane crash, Tre instinctively shielded his younger sister, suffering a severe head injury but ultimately saving her life. When Tre woke up after surgery, his first concern? Whether he had missed the Super Bowl. That's the kind of die-hard Eagles fan spirit that caught the attention of A.J. Brown, who promised to visit Tre after the big game—and he kept his word. Brown's surprise hospital visit, complete with the Eagles' Vince Lombardi Trophy, turned into an unforgettable moment of kindness and connection. This is a story of resilience, community, and the impact of small but powerful acts of kindness. Tune in as we honor Tre's bravery and A.J. Brown's generosity in this inspiring episode. Honoring a Veteran: Christopher Sawyer Each week, we take a moment to remember a veteran from 22 Too Many, honoring those who served and whose s

Hey there, '80s fans! Welcome back to Throwback Thursday – Return to the '80s edition! It's that time of year again—March Madness! But we're not talking about basketball here. Oh no, we're diving into our very own Return to the '80s March Madness music tournament!

Hosts: Paul Stroessner, Suzanne Mattaboni, Del Roehling

In this episode of Power Surge, we're honoring the late Gene Hackman, a true legend who proved that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. Hackman wasn't a Hollywood prodigy—he was told he would never make it. But instead of accepting defeat, he pushed forward, breaking into acting in his 30s and becoming one of the most respected actors of all time. Then, at age 74, he did something remarkable—he walked away from Hollywood on his own terms. No farewell tour, no clinging to past glory—just a smooth transition into his next passion: writing. His journey is proof that reinvention isn't just for the young—it's for anyone ready to embrace change and create a new chapter in life. Episode Highlights:

Guest: Craig Siegel, Founder of CLS and author of The Reinvention Formula Episode Highlights:

In today's Power Surge, we're diving into the incredible true story of Dashrath Manjhi, a man who spent 22 years carving a path through a mountain—by hand! His story is one of determination, resilience, and the power of a single person to make a massive impact. Episode Highlights

Welcome to GenX Journeys! In this debut episode, I'm taking you through the journey that led to this moment. From my early days creating Return to the '80s to launching Journey of the Rhode Runner, and eventually rebranding into Inspiring Journeys, every step has led me to GenX Journeys—a place where passion, purpose, and the GenX experience collide. You'll hear how a single comment from the legendary Diane Franklin sparked an epiphany, allowing me to finally merge my love for nostalgia, storytelling, and personal development into one powerful platform. I also break down what GenX Journeys is all about, including: ✅ The GenX Journeys Podcast – featuring inspiring conversations and actionable insights ✅ Throwback Thursday – Classic episodes and pop culture nostalgia ✅ Power Surge Fridays – Quick bursts of motivation to fuel your weekend ✅ The GenX Book Club – A monthly deep dive into books that inspire and entertain ✅ The GenX Journeys Newsletter – Exclusive content straight to your inbox ✅ Future plans, inclu

Welcome to a new episode of Return to the '80s! This Valentine's Day week, the gang talks about their '80s crushes and '80s ballads. This is sort of a sequel to Episode 10 from 2017, which did not include ballads, and an #80sCrushes Crossover event from that same week. Please comment below with you're favorite crushes and ballads. In the meantime, enjoy this show! Round 1 Caroline Crush: Patrick Swayze Ballad: "She's Like the Wind" by Patrick Swayze Claire Crush: Keanu Reeves Ballad: "Careless Whisper" by Wham! Del Crush: Sheena Easton Ballad: "Always" by Atlantic Starr Paul Crush: Whitney Houston Ballad: "The Search is Over" by Survivor Round 1 Wrap Round 2 Caroline Crush(es): The Coreys Ballad: "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera Claire Crush: Saul Hudson (aka Slash) Song: "Patience" by Guns n' Roses Del Crush: Phoebe Cates Ballad: "Lady in Red" by Chris De Burgh Paul Crush: Ally Sheedy Ballad: "Open Arms" by Journey Round 2 Wrap Round 3 Caroline Crush: John Cusack as Lloyd Dobler Ballad: "Nothing's Gonna St

GenX Book Club: A Totally Excellent Evening with Diane Franklin! Get ready for an unforgettable GenX Book Club meeting featuring the one and only Diane Franklin! The iconic star of Better Off Dead, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, The Last American Virgin, and Amityville II: The Possession joins us for a lively discussion about her books, career, and the enduring magic of the '80s. Diane treats us to her legendary Monique Junot accent from Better Off Dead and revisits her role as the Bill & Ted princess, bringing pure nostalgia to the conversation! But that's not all—she also shares incredible life advice, stories from Hollywood, and insights into her journey as an actress and author. Where to Find Diane Franklin

  Here's a set of show notes for your Sparks of Hope episode featuring Amber Glenn:

Welcome to Sparks of Hope on the Inspiring Journeys podcast! In this episode, we highlight the incredible story of Taylor Schenker, a North Carolina woman who turned a devastating event into an opportunity to spread kindness. After Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina in late September 2024, Taylor discovered nearly 200 family photographs scattered far from home. Recognizing the deep personal value of these lost memories, she created an Instagram page, @photosfromhelene, to reunite the photos with their rightful owners. Through her determination and the power of social media, Taylor's efforts restored not only cherished memories but also hope to families who thought they had lost everything. This story is a beautiful reminder that even small actions can create ripples of hope and connection in the world. Tune in to hear this inspiring tale of resilience, compassion, and the human spirit. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Instagram page: @photosfromhelene Article: After Hurricane Helene, a North Carolina