🎙️ Broken Timeline 🎙️ ❓ True or False: Does Time Really Heal ALL Wounds? 🧩 Season Theme: Unmade This season on Other People’s Shoes, we explore what happens when life falls apart—when plans unravel, timelines break, and we’re left standing in the pieces. But sometimes, being unmade is what allows us to be remade into something stronger, deeper, and more real. 👣 Guest Introduction:In 2012, Debbie White Wilkins Baisden’s timeline shattered. Her husband disappeared without warning, gone for 40 …
🎙️ Season 20 Premiere: “Realigning the Compass” with Best-Selling Author Sean Grant Ever feel like you're navigating life with a broken compass? One minute you're heading north, the next you're spinning in circles—disoriented, overwhelmed, and unsure where you went off track. In this powerful kickoff to Season 20, we dive into what it means to be unmade—to sit in the mess, the unknown, the in-between—and discover it’s not the end, but the beginning.
Season Finale – Heart Pain (Unedited & Unfiltered) 🎙 Other People's Shoes Podcast – Season 19: X-Ray "This is the first episode I’ve ever released completely raw—no edits, no filters. Just real, unflinching truth. It’s a big ...
In this powerful episode of Other People's Shoes, we explore the true meaning of transformation — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Much like the 80s classic Transformers cartoon, where characters could shift into stronger, more capable versions of themselves, today’s guest, Roman Fischer reveals how he tapped into that same transformative power through fitness. Bullied and body-shamed growing up, Roman struggled with negative thoughts and the pain of others’ judgments.…
Let’s use our imagination for a moment.
Picture a puzzle box—1,000 pieces, maybe more. You’ve just opened it. The pieces spill out across the table. As you begin flipping each one over, you try to envision what the finished picture will look like. Piece by piece, the image becomes clearer. You start to feel that satisfaction of progress… until you realize something’s not right. Some pieces are missing. No matter how hard you search, they’re just not there.
This is more than j…
Let's step out of the box! Today, I'm joined by the incredibly talented and deeply authentic Seán O'Grady. Seán's journey is one many of us can relate to—marked by challenges, including a past with drugs, and a search for identity and purpose. Seán’s story is so powerful because he turned the lens on his own life and began to tell stories through photography and videography. Seán first picked up a camera back in high school while navigating his love for skateboarding, mus…
April Fools’ Day: A Day of Tricks—But Don’t Be Deceived. April Fools’ Day has been around for centuries, but its origins are a little murky. Some say it started in 1582 when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, moving the New Year from April 1st to January 1st. Those who didn’t get the memo—or refused to accept the change—were mocked and tricked, earning the title of “April fools.” Others trace it back to ancient Roman festivals where deception and pranks were part of t…
Imagine this for a moment: it’s Saturday afternoon. The week has been long, and you’ve finally carved out some time for yourself. You’re in your favorite cozy spot in the living room—maybe it’s the couch that perfectly hugs you or that recliner that’s seen better days but feels just right. You’ve got the TV on, ready to catch up on your favorite show, and for a moment, everything feels perfect. And then it happens. Alexa’s voice cuts through your peaceful bubble: “Someone is at the front doo…
My choice, my body...What about the baby...I believe in life...What if the most challenging part wasn’t the choice itself—but facing who you are afterward? Abortion. A word heavy with controversy, pain, and shame. But for some, the struggle isn’t just about the choice—it’s about "who they are" in its aftermath. This week, Tonya Bailey Jones shares her journey of shame, self-doubt, and finally, self-acceptance. After decades of living behind a mask, she can now say with confidence: …
Loathing...The Duke vs. UNC rivalry is the sports equivalent of Loathing from Wicked—a relationship built on deep-seated animosity, unwavering contempt, and just a hint of begrudging respect. Much like Elphaba and Glinda’s cutting yet strangely harmonious duet, the Tar Heels and Blue Devils are forever intertwined, each defining the other through decades of battles on the hardwood. Every season, the Cameron Crazies' sneers and the Dean Dome’s roars echo the song’s theatrical vitriol—&qu…
Which would you rather indulge in, lemons or tamales? I feel like it's a pretty easy choice, right? Life has a way of throwing challenges at us when we least expect it. Sometimes, it feels like all we have are lemons—sour, bitter, and hard to swallow. But what if, instead of making lemonade, we made something heartier, something rich with culture, love, and perseverance—like tamales? In this episode, I sit down with Leslie Alvarez, a woman whose life is a testament to resilience, hustle…
What comes to mind when you hear or read "Law of Attraction"? In this episode of Other People's Shoes, we take an X-Ray look into the life and work of Mary Beth Schrudder, a transformational life coach with expertise in the Law of Attraction, relationship coaching, addiction recovery, and spiritual transformation. Mary Beth’s journey has been anything but easy. After years in the corporate world, balancing life as a single mom while battling addictions to alcohol, food, and to…
In this heartfelt episode of Other People's Shoes, I sit down with my good friend Mike Oppenheim from the podcast Coffin Talk. Mike has become a true friend in this podcasting space, and today he shares a deeply personal journey about anger, grief, and missing his son. He opens up about the invisible weight he carries—how, on the outside, you might not see the pain etched into his heart, but it's always there, shaping his days. Mike's story is a raw, emotional exploration of l…
Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore Art Thou? - A playful nod to Shakespeare sets the stage for a conversation about love, heartbreak, and the pursuit of healthy relationships. What comes to mind when you think of Valentine's Day? With Valentine's Day on the horizon, we're diving into the hilariously relatable world of modern dating. In this Other People’s Shoes episode, my guest Charity Sinclair joins me to share insights from her witty memoir, We're All Dating The Same Guy: Laughs,…
Buffalo instinctively run into storms, facing adversity head-on to minimize their struggle. In life, we have the same choice—we can resist challenges or embrace them for growth. You've tried affirmations and positive thinking, yet true transformation comes from integrating both our light and shadow sides. Jill Ogle, a guest on *Other People's Shoes*, shares how real change happens when we embrace all parts of ourselves. When the student is ready, the teacher appears—your time for t…
Over the past six years of hosting *Other People’s Shoes*, I’ve learned so much about persistence, community, and the power of storytelling. Reaching over 300 episodes has been a journey of growth, both personally and professionally. I’ve been inspired by the incredible people who have supported me—from family and friends to mentors and listeners who believe in this vision. This experience has reinforced the importance of steady progress, much like the tortoise in the fable. The stories shar…
It’s a peaceful Saturday, and you’re finally catching up on your favorite show when Alexa interrupts: “Someone is at the front door.” Annoyed, you shuffle over, expecting a salesperson—but it’s not. It’s Jehovah’s Witnesses, clutching their familiar pamphlets. You hesitate, wondering whether to answer. Today, my guest is Amber, a fifth-generation Jehovah’s Witness who made the life-changing decision to leave the faith. Her story is one of courage, heartbreak, and self-discovery as she steppe…
What are your thoughts on yoga? I have heard the pants are pretty comfy. Step into Other People’s Shoes and join me as I welcome Lynda Hébert, a true embodiment of strength, balance, and determination—qualities mirrored in the Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana). Inspired by her siblings’ struggles, Lynda transformed her passion for mind, body, and spirit wellness into a mission to help others thrive. Her book, Strong, Sane & Sassy, is a powerful guide to building sustainable habits for lasti…
In this episode of Other People’s Shoes, we sit down with LT. COL. Jason G. Pike is a veteran with over 31 years of military service. Continuing our X-Ray season’s theme of seeing beyond the surface, Jason shares insights into the art and science of military camouflage—from blending into environments to outsmarting advanced sensors—and its role in survival and strategy. Jason also opens up about his personal journey, chronicled in his memoir, A Soldier Against All Odds. Despite being diagnos…
This season, I’m diving into the theme of X-Ray "sight beyond sight," exploring the unseen damage and resilience in our lives. It’s about uncovering what lies beneath the surface, understanding our struggles, and discovering the beauty in how God works through even the most challenging moments. As I embark on this journey, let these words resonate with you: "While I'm waiting, I will serve You. While I'm waiting, I will worship. While I'm waiting, I will not fai…
🎄 Merry Christmas from Other People’s Shoes! 🎄 This holiday season, we have one last gift for you to unwrap. In our annual tradition, Garrett returns to quiz Neil on the last six years of the show, bringing laughter, reflection, and holiday cheer in the season finale of Homecoming—our 18th season. As we close out 2024, we invite you to reflect: Are you still waiting to take flight, write that letter, or find your way home? Here’s the good news—as long as you’re breathing, there’s still time …
What’s the greatest Christmas gift you’ve ever received? For many, it might have been a pony or a horse—a dream for countless children. For our guest Kim Tschirret, founder of Hope Reins in Raleigh, horses were more than a gift; they were a lifeline. Growing up in a home marked by her father’s alcoholism and a lack of unconditional love, Kim found solace and safety in her horse. While her father prioritized performance and horse shows, Kim longed for a deeper bond—a relationship that planted…
What is your favorite Christmas Movie? One of my favorites has to be "It's A Wonderful Life". In *It's a Wonderful Life*, George Bailey discovers his worth and the profound impact of his life on others. Guided by an angel, he sees a world without his influence, realizing how deeply his choices matter. Similarly, *Homecoming*, the 18th season of *Other People’s Shoes*, explores returning to places of safety and belonging, reminding us of the unseen value of our lives and c…
Who do you need a hug from today? Take a moment and read that sentence again: *Who do you need a hug from today?* Now, think carefully—who was the first person that came to mind? Say their name out loud. Chances are, it’s someone you hold close to your heart, someone who means the world to you. It’s probably not someone you hold resentment or disdain toward, is it? Hugs, after all, symbolize connection, care, and a shared moment of vulnerability. My guest today is Jennifer Sakata, someone wh…