In this episode, Miles Spencer shares his incredible journey of curiosity-driven ventures, fearless risk-taking, and the power of storytelling to lead, inspire, and preserve legacy across generations. Discover how adventure and entrepreneurial spirit intersect in his life and learn practical insights on navigating failures, timing, and the future of digital storytelling.

Key Topics:

* Miles’s journey from childhood curiosity in Pittsburgh to global adventures

* How taking calculated risks shaped his business successes and failures

* The evolution of entrepreneurial media and the origins of “Money Hunt”

* Lessons learned from major setbacks like Trust Cloud and timing pitfalls

* The role of storytelling in leadership and building compelling visions

* How extreme physical challenges teach resilience and mind over matter

* The innovative Reflekta.ai platform for intergenerational and legacy storytelling

* The impact of AI and new media on the preservation and sharing of personal histories

* Balancing adventure, fatherhood, and holistic life pursuits

Reflekta.ai

Show Notes (Bullet Points)

🔸 Key Topics Covered

* Alison’s journey from running a horse farm and teaching to sailing around the world.

* How her early passion for adventure propelled her toward blue-water sailing.

* The creative process of writing while essentially living on the ocean.

* The role of resilience, fear, and personal transformation in challenging environments.

* Storytelling techniques that draw inspiration from real world experiences and mythic imagination.

* Practical tips for listeners dreaming of their own reinvention — whether through travel, writing, or life change.

🔸 Books & Projects Mentioned

* Blue Ridge – Award-winning novel influenced by lifetime experience with people and place.

* The Legend of Altor & Julia’s Vaulting Dream – Children’s and middle-grade fiction inspired by equestrian roots.

* Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph – Nonfiction sailing memoir.

* The Seven – A sweeping novel blending fantasy with deep human themes of judgment, connection, and redemption.

* Upcoming title: Seanna – Mermaid Tales (children’s ocean-themed fiction).

Alison Gieschen's Website

Stories from Real Life

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, grief educator Lisa Rites discusses the multifaceted nature of grief, emphasizing that it extends beyond death to include experiences like divorce and life transitions. She shares her personal journey through grief and how it led her to become a certified grief educator. The conversation explores cultural perceptions of grief, the importance of individualized support, and practical strategies for coping with loss. Lisa highlights the significance of journaling and the need for compassion in supporting those who are grieving. Ultimately, the episode conveys that healing is about learning to carry loss with grace and honesty.

Lisa Rites website

Stories from Real Life