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 love, loss, and th...

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, Lessons, and Love Afte...

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 transformation is now. Step into the storm with courage, and emerge stronger than ever.

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 shared on this podcast have touched my heart and fueled my determination to keep moving forward. Join me in celebrating this milestone, and stay tuned for an exciting surprise announcement at the end! Join me as I try on six years of podcasting.

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 stepped away from a belief system deeply rooted in her family’s history. Why did she leave? What was it like to break away from a faith that defined so much of her life? Amber shares her powerful journey, offering an eye-opening glimpse into life inside—and outside—the Kingdom Hall.

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 lasting vitality. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation where Lynda shares her journey, her wisdom, and how we can all embrace a life of transformative wellness.

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 diagnosed w...

Welcome to Season 19 of Other People's Shoes titled "X-Ray." 💠 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. Whil...

🎄 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 for one more hug, one more “I’m sorry,” one more coffee date, and one more step toward forgiveness. Thank you for walking with us this year and letting us remind you that when you walk in other people’s shoes, you truly gain a new perspective. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we’ll see you in 2025 as we begin Season 19: X-Ray and explore “sight beyond sight.”

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 the...

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 connections. This idea re...

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 who un...

Imagine playing make-believe as a pirate, hunting for buried treasure armed only with a map and sheer determination. My guest today is Matthew Lesko—the energetic, colorful advocate you know, famous for his bold suits covered in question marks. Together, we uncover the hidden treasure of government resources—vast, untapped opportunities that most people don’t even realize exist. Lesko shares his vision of a thriving community where people use these resources to start businesses, pay for educatio...

What would your life look like if you could take control of your happiness and choose joy daily? My guest today, Dannie De Novo, has explored this question and shares her journey in her book, *Get in a Good Mood & Stay There.* After battling a deep spiritual depression and facing numerous setbacks, Dannie refused to let life happen to her. Instead, she developed a systematic approach to reclaim her mindset, overcome adversity, and design the fulfilling life she had always envisioned. This book i...

Have you ever allowed yourself to dream? Picture this: a genie appears, offering you three wishes. But there are conditions—no asking for love, no bringing back the dead, and no wishing for more wishes. It makes you wonder. What three things would you choose if you had three chances to get something special into your life? Now and then, life gives us moments that feel like a wish fulfilled—an experience so surreal, it’s like magic. For me, that moment came on November 11, 2023, at the North Caro...

When was the last time you remodeled a room? My guest today is Dr. Merry C. Linn PhD. Imagine you're remodeling a room in your house—a space where old paint, cluttered shelves, and outdated furniture no longer feel like "you." The process begins by stripping away layers, revealing what lies beneath them. Similarly, in life, finding our true selves isn't just about adding layers; it's about "unbecoming" what we believed we had to be to feel accepted and loved, and "rebecoming" who we truly are, a...

What does this election season mean to you? On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Americans across the nation will head to the polls amidst a backdrop that feels as fractured as ever. Tensions run high as pressing issues reveal deep divisions, shaping an election season that underscores a United States that feels, in many ways, like a house divided. Questions about our collective values, the nation's future, and the fundamental direction we're heading are high, and every vote is vital. My guest, Josh Le...

When was the last time you were humbled? This week on the podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Rick Romano, whose heart for serving others has taken him and his family to the Dominican Republic, where they are building sustainable communities in the northern region of El Cibao. Rick’s mission, rooted in the teachings of Christ and inspired by Matthew 25:35-36, calls on us to love those in need. He’s dedicated himself to this by providing struggling communities with clean water, food, healthcare, and...

When was the last time you opened a box? What was inside? Marriage is like unpacking boxes in life—each box represents a different aspect of the journey, filled with experiences, challenges, and opportunities for growth. My guest today is Tammy Cox. Tammy is here to share with us why marriage can be difficult. However, it doesn't have to be. Just as we carefully unpack a box, revealing its contents piece by piece, in a healthy marriage, we uncover layers of ourselves, our emotions, and our needs...

When was the last time you had to check the "other" box during a survey? Social Identity Theory, developed by Henri Tajfel in the 1970s, explains how people define themselves through group memberships like nationality or religion. This often leads to favoritism toward one’s in-group and distancing from out-groups, fostering stereotypes and discrimination. When we "Other" people—seeing them as outsiders—we lose compassion and focus on differences instead of shared humanity, reinforcing division. ...

Did you ever do this? I remember when my daughter, Adia, was younger, my wife and I would stand her up against a wall at GGma’s house—my wife’s grandmother—and measure her height. As we sold the house, I wondered what the new owners would think of those marks. My guest today is Mark Collins, and he reflects on how those marks, much like childhood height measurements, serve as symbols of growth. For many men, masculinity can feel like an elusive mark, always shifting just beyond reach, as though ...

Lauren Burns was only seven years old when her world was turned upside down—her father took her from home, leaving her feeling lost and uncertain. But it was her mother’s unwavering faith that shone brightest during this dark time. Armed with a deep trust in God’s plan and an unshakable love for her daughter, Lauren’s mother embarked on a courageous mission to bring her home. With the help of some amazing men who stepped in at crucial moments, the rescue was nothing short of heroic. Through it a...

The journey of a singer-songwriter is often filled with challenges that go beyond the glamorous image portrayed by reality TV shows like *The Voice*, *American Idol*, and *America's Got Talent*. While these platforms promise fame and fortune, the reality is that they often don't deliver lasting success. True artistry and recognition take years of dedication, perseverance, and frequently, the road less traveled. My guest today, Wilkes, has navigated this complex world, finding his voice through mainstream avenues and his impactful work with the Christian band "Disciple." Join me as I walk in his shoes and explore the highs and lows of his musical journey.

What does it mean to find yourself truly? For many, it's about coming home to who you are and finding peace in your own skin. This journey of self-discovery is invaluable, allowing you to live authentically and confidently, free from external pressures. A trusted confidant can be a key part of this process, whether it’s a loyal dog, a cherished stuffed animal, or even a journal. These companions provide comfort and a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions. Today’s guest, Barbara Thomps...