John is a Multi award winning author but describes himself as renaissance man.

He spent over 30 years trying his hands on different jobs amongst which are door-to-door sales, children’s home counselling ,substitute school teaching , truck driving , fireman, building contractor, minister and journalism before he finally found his niche operating halfway homes for those looking to rebuild their lives after incarceration, in partnership with local councils at the age of 53.

John says he knows what it is to be homeless so he can empathise with hard-working people who find themselves in difficult positions .

John explained how his diverse career experiences shape his empathy and insight in helping the estranged men and women who he offers a home

His story emulates a true Life of a Christian , Living life by example ,He is someone who makes the world a better place for others and i hope people would aim to emulate him after listening to the episode

John says the driving force behind his decision to offer help is just to practice acts of mercy and kindness towards others rather than preaching for people to get converted , he demonstrates love and compassion to people he meets daily .

John's journey encapsulates the struggle and triumph of starting anew after significant life challenges

He talks about numerous ways the neighbours in the community tried to frustrate his efforts in launching a non-profit for former inmates but he won them over one neighbour at a time through community activities like cleaning up the neighbourhood , shovelling snow off the side walks etc

The episode explores personal transformation, the process of giving and receiving second chances, and the societal impacts of rehabilitation and resilience.

John's debut novel 'Running As Fast As I Can 'went from being rejected 200 times by publishers to winning 25 book awards

It is available via Amazon.com: Running As Fast As I Can eBook : Graham, John David: Kindle Store

john's website John David Graham – author

#Society & Culture

#Author

#Business Owner

#Entrepreneur

#Historical Fiction

#Journalist

#Non-Profit

#Resilientce

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 , we acknowledge the vital leadership roles of individuals with disabilities. The mantra, "Nothing about us without us," highlights the significance of their involvement, representation, and inclusion in leadership.

My guests on this episode are Ken and Anna Kunken

As a junior at Cornell University's College of Engineering, Ken Kunken suffered a neck injury while making a tackle during a lightweight football game against Columbia University.

Ken underwent over nine months of hospital stays and rehabilitation. During this time, he testified before a U.S. Senate Sub-Committee on Health Care, led by Senator Edward Kennedy.

He returned to Cornell to finish his degree in Industrial Engineering. After graduating, Ken shifted his career focus towards helping people, especially those with disabilities. He earned a Master of Arts in Education from Cornell and a Master of Education in Psychology from Columbia University, becoming the first quadriplegic to receive a graduate degree from Cornell.

Anna was initially employed as Ken's carer but he fell in love with her and they have been married for 21 years .They had IVF procedures which failed three times before they were finally blessed with a set of boy triplets .Ken and Anna Kunken reside in Long Island, New York, they are married , and together they parent a set of boy triplet

Ken and Anna were exceptional guests, and I admired how they completed each other's sentences. They are a prime example that physical or hidden disabilities should not hinder one's pursuit of happiness or achievements in life .

Later, Ken pursued a Juris Doctor degree at Hofstra University's School of Law, graduating in 1982.

For over four decades, Ken served as an assistant district attorney in Nassau County, eventually becoming Deputy Bureau Chief. Ken, still married to Anna, is a proud father to his triplets. His biography, "I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story," was published in 2023.

#Cornell graduate

#Disability

#Fatherhood

#NothingaboutUsWithout Us

#Former Prosecutor

#Disabled Leader

#Lawyer

#Motivational Speaker

On Halloween night in 1985, Susan Williams (Snow) experienced a life-changing event when her father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, was tragically ambushed and killed. Her moving account of her family's loss and their path to healing from trauma provides hope and practical advice for those impacted by violence and loss.

Susan recounts her story authentically and openly, discussing her journey through the trauma of losing her father to murder at the age of 17, her struggle with PTSD, and her courage in speaking her truth. Her message of healing and resilience brings hope to those coping with trauma and grief.

Susan shared how she regained control of her life, managed PTSD effectively, and learned to embrace vulnerability with courage through her experience of loss, without falling into victimhood, and to practice love with forgiveness.

Susan's story will resonate with anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one, demonstrating that healing is a process that takes time.

Furthermore, Susan detailed how her unwavering commitment to excellence facilitated her healing over time. Her message and personal narrative of love and hope are both strong and powerful.

#Childhood Trauma

#Emotional Intelligence

#Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD

#Trauma Recovery

#True Crime

#Grief

#Law Enforcement

#Mental Health Awareness

#Lest wee forget