In this festive Thanksgiving special, Jaime Marco and her father, Stan Brown, share a light-hearted and reflective conversation about gratitude, family, and life lessons. With plenty of humor and personal anecdotes, they explore what Thanksgiving means to them and how to embrace gratitude in daily life. From fun holiday traditions to powerful insights on living with intention, this episode is perfect for those looking to reflect on what they’re thankful for as we approach the end of the year.

What you'll hear...

1. Thanksgiving Traditions:
   • The episode kicks off with a humorous exchange about the holiday preparations, from wearing turkey headbands to talking about memorable family gatherings.
   • The importance of enjoying the simple moments of Thanksgiving and what makes the holiday truly special.
2. The Power of Gratitude:
   • Jaime and Stan share their reflections on what they are thankful for this year, focusing on family, health, friendships, and career.
   • They encourage listeners to write down five things they are grateful for and compare them with loved ones to deepen connections.
3. Life Perspectives and Aging:
   • Stan reflects on his perspective as a 76-year-old and the lessons learned over the years about enjoying life and appreciating the present moment.
   • They discuss how living in the moment and appreciating small joys can lead to a fulfilling life.
4. Giovanni Livera’s Powerful Message:
   • Jamie shares an impactful experience from a National Speakers Association event with Giovanni Livera, who used a deck of cards to illustrate the limited time we have in life.
   • The idea of “living with intention” is reinforced as they talk about how the average person only has a limited number of years to live, urging listeners to reflect on how they spend their time.
5. The Importance of Connection:
   • Jamie discusses the need for meaningful relationships and how technology, despite its convenience, can make people feel disconnected.
   • The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal connections, not just during family gatherings but throughout everyday life.
6. Empathy vs. Sympathy:
   • Stan talks about the difference between empathy and sympathy and how understanding others’ experiences is key to building stronger relationships.
   • The family discusses their own experiences with feeling empathy in their lives and how it shapes their interactions with others.
7. Reflections on Career and Purpose:
   • Jamie shares how she found purpose in her career and how the value of helping others and making a difference has been central to her journey.
   • Stan reflects on his long career in real estate and how his relationships with clients and colleagues shaped his work.

Insights:

• “It’s not what we do, it’s how we show up in the world that matters.” – Jamie Marco
• “Gratitude isn’t just about what you have, but about recognizing what you can give.” – Stan Brown
• “Time is the most precious thing we have, and once it’s gone, we can’t get it back.” – Giovanni Livera (shared by Jamie)

Resources:

• IKEA Spain Christmas Dinner Video: Watch on YouTube

Join in this Thanksgiving week by reflecting on the things you’re grateful for and sharing them with family and friends. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes filled with inspiration and connection. Share this episode with those who could benefit from a little gratitude and humor in their lives.

We’d love to hear from you! Send us your feedback, questions, or guest suggestions at connect@jaimemarco.com

Thank you for tuning in to this special Thanksgiving episode. Remember, life’s about connections—don’t wait for the “big moments” to show gratitude and love to those around you. Wishing you all a joyful Thanksgiving!

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Sensei Russell Burke, a 5th-degree black belt, martial arts instructor, and Marine veteran. Russell shares his journey from being a bullied child to becoming a respected martial artist. He talks about the life-changing influence of his martial arts instructor and how his training shaped his confidence, character, and career. From childhood dreams of martial arts to opening his own dojo, Russell emphasizes the importance of perseverance, discipline, and the life lessons learned through martial arts. This episode is filled with laughter, wisdom, and practical insights on self-defense, personal growth, and mentorship.

What you'll hear...

1. Early Interest in Martial Arts:
   • Russell shares how watching a Chuck Norris movie as a young boy sparked his interest in martial arts.
   • His experience of being bullied and how martial arts became a path to self-confidence.
2. Finding a Mentor:
   • Russell’s journey of training under the same martial arts instructor for years and the life lessons he learned from him.
   • The importance of having a positive role model, especially for those growing up without a father figure.
3. Martial Arts and Life Skills:
   • The focus on self-discipline, controlled breathing, and mental toughness in martial arts training.
   • How martial arts teaches children to manage emotions, build confidence, and handle life’s challenges with calmness and resilience.
4. Building His Own Dojo:
   • Russell’s decision to open his own martial arts school and dedicate his life to teaching others.
   • The rewards of seeing students grow in confidence, both physically and mentally, through their training.
5. Lessons from the Marine Corps:
   • Russell reflects on how his time in the Marine Corps shaped his work ethic, discipline, and mental toughness.
   • His love for the demanding nature of boot camp and how it reinforced the lessons of martial arts.
6. Teaching Philosophy and Personal Growth:
   • Russell’s philosophy on martial arts being more than just fighting—it’s about developing character and integrity.
   • The difference between tournament fighting and real-world self-defense, and the importance of controlled contact in training.
7. Advice to His Younger Self:
   • Russell shares the advice he would give to his younger self, emphasizing the importance of trusting yourself, surrounding yourself with positive people, and pursuing your passions.

Insights:

• “I was small for my age, bullied a lot, but martial arts gave me the confidence to stand tall.” – Russell Burke
• “Martial arts is about much more than fighting. It’s about building character, controlling your emotions, and being confident in who you are.” – Russell Burke
• “If you surround yourself with good people and stay true to your values, you’ll thrive.” – Russell Burke

Resources:

• Russell Burke's Dojo
• Connect with Sensei Russell Burke on Facebook

If Russell's journey resonated with you, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Share this episode with anyone interested in martial arts, personal growth, or the importance of discipline and perseverance. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in future episodes!

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Send us your feedback, questions, or guest suggestions at connect@jaimemarco.com.

Thank you for tuning into this engaging conversation with Sensei Russell Burke. Remember, life is about resilience, confidence, and character. Whether through martial arts or daily life, keep growing and writing your extraordinary story!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lindsay Milner, who shares her powerful story of living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis from a young age, dealing with relentless bullying, and how these experiences shaped her into the empathetic and resilient person she is today. Lindsay’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the importance of family support, and the power of perseverance. She also opens up about raising her children, one of whom has special needs, and how she navigates parenting with empathy and strength.

What you'll hear...

1. Lindsay's Early Diagnosis:
   • Lindsay was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of three after her mother’s persistence led to a proper diagnosis.
   • She recounts the trauma of constant pain, swelling, and the emotional toll of frequent hospital visits.
2. Coping with Bullying:
   • Lindsay talks about the severe bullying she faced due to her physical condition, including being called cruel nicknames.
   • The impact of bullying on her self-esteem and how she learned to persevere despite the challenges.
3. Family Support and Resilience:
   • Lindsay shares how her strong Christian family, especially her parents, played a crucial role in her ability to cope with her condition and the bullying.
   • The importance of not allowing her diagnosis to define her, as her parents encouraged her to participate in activities like dance and sports.
4. The Transition to Healing:
   • At the age of 11, Lindsay experienced what she and her family believe was a miraculous healing, as her symptoms significantly improved.
   • Despite the physical improvements, Lindsay discusses the long-lasting emotional effects of her childhood experiences.
5. Raising Children with Empathy:
   • As a mother, Lindsay reflects on how her past influences the way she raises her children, especially her son who has medical needs.
   • The challenges of teaching her children about resilience, empathy, and the importance of being kind to others, despite their differences.
6. Navigating Modern Challenges:
   • Lindsay explores the impact of social media on bullying and how it has changed the landscape for children today.
   • She shares her concerns and strategies for helping her children navigate a world where bullying can follow them 24/7 through digital platforms.
7. The Power of Forgiveness and Boundaries:
   • The importance of forgiveness in Lindsay’s life and how she balances it with setting healthy boundaries.
   • How Lindsay continues to work on not overcompensating for her past insecurities and teaching her children the same.
8. Looking Ahead:
   • Lindsay discusses the ongoing journey of healing and growth, and her aspirations for her children to live in a world with more acceptance and understanding.
   • The potential of starting a support group for parents of special needs children, recognizing the isolation that often comes with the role.

Insights:

• “I wish that I would not have allowed anyone to make me feel a certain way.” – Lindsay Milner
• “It’s okay to be upset. It’s okay to cry. But it’s also important to forgive and set boundaries.” – Lindsay Milner
• “We need to be accepting of everyone, because everyone has something to offer this world.” – Lindsay Milner

Resources:

• Connect with Lindsay Milner
• Visit Lindsay's Website
  

If Lindsay’s story resonated with you, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Share this episode with friends, family, or anyone who may benefit from hearing about Lindsay’s journey of resilience. Stay tuned for more stories that inspire and empower in our upcoming episodes!

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Send us your feedback, questions, or guest suggestions at connect@jaimemarco.com.

Thank you for joining us for this heartfelt conversation with Lindsay Milner. Remember, resilience is a lifelong journey, and it’s okay to cry, forgive, and set boundaries along the way. Until next time, keep writing your extraordinary story!