Episodes

  • 26. Found, Not Defined: Jason ‘The Modern Dad’ Dunnigan on Owning His Story

    26. Found, Not Defined: Jason ‘The Modern Dad’ Dunnigan on Owning His Story
    Aug 25 2025
    I sit down with creator and father Jason Dunnigan, known as The Modern Dad, to trace his journey from an adoption story and years of bullying to a grounded sense of identity and self-worth. Jason opens up about what it took to stop chasing approval, start trusting his own voice, and share it with the world.

    We explore how he turned painful labels into fuel for service, how he set boundaries around online life while staying authentic, and the practices that keep him centered as a partner and parent. Jason talks candidly about belonging and the moment he chose to define himself from the inside out rather than by anyone else’s script.

    Listeners will hear practical advice on reframing origin stories, building resilience through self-compassion, and creating content that helps others feel seen. If you have ever carried shame from your past or wondered how to show up online without losing yourself, Jason’s path proves that courage, consistency, and heart can turn old wounds into a platform for good.
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    46 mins
  • 25. Cutting Through Adversity: Matthew Campbell on Turning One Barber Chair into a Community Hub

    25. Cutting Through Adversity: Matthew Campbell on Turning One Barber Chair into a Community Hub
    Jul 28 2025
    Episode 25: I sit down with master barber and entrepreneur Matthew Campbell, mapping his journey from a small-town childhood in Utah to owning several bustling barbershops. He walks us through the long nights of self-taught marketing, the moments he nearly lost everything during economic downturns, and the mindset shift that helped him transform setbacks into stepping-stones for growth.

    We explore how Matthew kept his family afloat while scaling to multiple locations, the leadership lessons he learned mentoring new barbers, and his commitment to making every shop a safe space for conversation and community. Matthew shares candid stories about balancing fatherhood with business expansion, and the mental health practices that keep his creative edge sharp.

    Listeners will hear practical advice on bootstrapping a dream, building a brand rooted in authenticity, and creating opportunities for others even when resources feel scarce. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or chasing a fresh start in any field, Matthew’s story proves that steady hands, a clear vision, and unwavering grit can turn a single chair into a movement.
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    56 mins
  • 24. Rebuilding After Exile, Part Two: John Rohbock on Forgiveness, Family, and a Future of His Own

    24. Rebuilding After Exile, Part Two: John Rohbock on Forgiveness, Family, and a Future of His Own
    Jun 23 2025
    Episode 24: I sit down once again with John Rohbock, picking up the thread of his journey after excommunication from the FLDS church. John reflects on the years that followed our first conversation, sharing how he confronted lingering anger, rebuilt fragile family ties, and found room in his heart for forgiveness without erasing the past. He describes the awkward first reunions with siblings, the hard-won peace that came from naming his grief, and the practical rituals—journaling, service, and daily self-inquiry—that grounded him when old doubts resurfaced.

    Together we explore how John’s search for belonging evolved into a life of intentional community and purpose. He explains the difference between forgiving and reconciling, reveals how he raises his children with openness after growing up in secrecy, and offers candid advice for anyone feeling cut adrift by circumstances beyond their control. If Episode 22 moved you, this follow-up goes deeper, showing resilience maturing into wisdom and purpose growing into a future John once thought impossible.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 23. Leaving to Lead: Mark McCormack on Fatherhood, Faith, and the Quest for Inner Truth

    23. Leaving to Lead: Mark McCormack on Fatherhood, Faith, and the Quest for Inner Truth
    May 12 2025
    In Episode 23, I sit down with Mark McCormack, who opens up about his quiet but profound departure from the LDS church—and the personal awakening that followed. As the oldest sibling in a devout family, Mark grew up committed to his faith, even playing a pivotal role in saving his father’s life. But as he approached fatherhood himself, something inside began to stir. The beliefs that once anchored him no longer fit the man he was becoming.

    Mark shares the inner conflict of honoring the past while making room for growth, the emotional cost of leaving a spiritual system that shaped his identity, and the courage it took to walk away; not in rebellion, but in search of something real. We talk about what it means to be a father guided by intuition rather than obligation, how to hold compassion for family members still inside the faith, and the ongoing process of building a life grounded in integrity and personal truth.

    If you’ve ever wrestled with inherited beliefs or questioned your role in a system you didn’t choose, Mark’s story will resonate. Tune in for a vulnerable and inspiring conversation about belief, transformation, and becoming your own compass.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 22. Rebuilding After Exile: John Rohbock on Faith, Loss, and the Courage to Start Again

    22. Rebuilding After Exile: John Rohbock on Faith, Loss, and the Courage to Start Again
    May 5 2025
    Episode 22: I sit down with John Rohbock, whose life was turned upside down the day he was excommunicated from the FLDS church. In one moment he lost his faith community, his sense of family, and the purpose that had guided him since childhood. John opens up about the shock of sudden isolation, the grief of watching loved ones turn away, and the lonely nights when doubt seemed louder than hope.Together we unpack how he navigated the void—learning to question long-held beliefs, piecing together a new spiritual foundation, and discovering unexpected allies on his journey back to wholeness. John shares raw stories of rebuilding trust, forging authentic relationships outside the confines of the church, and finding a deeper purpose rooted in personal truth rather than imposed doctrine.If you’ve ever felt cut adrift by circumstances beyond your control, John’s resilience will resonate. Tune in to hear how losing everything became the catalyst for a life built on freedom, integrity, and hard-won self-belief. You won’t want to miss this moving conversation.
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    1 hr
  • 21. We Are The They: Jimmy Rex on Brotherhood, Accountability, and Transformative Growth

    21. We Are The They: Jimmy Rex on Brotherhood, Accountability, and Transformative Growth
    Apr 21 2025
    Episode 21: In this electrifying conversation, I sit down with entrepreneur and men’s group founder Jimmy Rex, who turned his passion for personal development into We Are The They, a powerful community designed to empower men through brotherhood, accountability, and transformative growth. Jimmy shares how his own entrepreneurial journey led him to realize that true fulfillment isn’t just about success, but also about lifting others along the way. Join me, as we explore the principles behind We Are The They, including the importance of building unwavering support systems, breaking down emotional barriers, and redefining what it means to be a man today. Whether you’re seeking to elevate your personal goals, align yourself with purpose-driven peers, or learn how community can catalyze life-changing transformations, Jimmy’s story will inspire and challenge you to embrace your highest potential.
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    59 mins
  • 20. Stories That Shape Us: Steve Mann on Family, Adoption, and Fighting AIDS in Africa

    20. Stories That Shape Us: Steve Mann on Family, Adoption, and Fighting AIDS in Africa
    Apr 15 2025
    Episode 20: In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Steve Mann, who recounts his extraordinary life journey—from moving his entire family to Africa to help fight the AIDS epidemic, to adopting two children, and now channeling his passion for storytelling into a forthcoming book. Titled Stories That Shape Us: A Guide to Passing Down Wisdom, Joy, and Love to the Next Generation (slated for a Summer 2025 release), Steve’s work explores how personal stories can connect us across generations and cultures. Join me, Thomas, as we delve into how his global experiences informed his commitment to service, the joys and challenges of adoption, and the power of narrative in building empathy and legacy. Whether you’re seeking to enrich family traditions, understand the impact of global volunteerism, or simply harness the transformative power of storytelling, this episode offers invaluable insights on how to live—and share—your own meaningful story.
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    53 mins
  • 19. Redefining Identity: Brian Smith on Self-Discovery, Divorce, and Starting Anew

    19. Redefining Identity: Brian Smith on Self-Discovery, Divorce, and Starting Anew
    Mar 10 2025
    Episode 19: In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with Brian Smith, who opens up about growing up feeling he never truly fit the mold others had set for him. Brian explains how these early insecurities seeped into his marriage, leading to struggles that ultimately ended in divorce. Left to rebuild, Brian discovered that before finding fulfillment in any relationship, he first had to learn who he really was—and not just who others expected him to be. Join us as we discuss the challenges of shedding old identities, the courage it takes to walk away from what no longer serves you, and the liberating process of finding yourself on your own terms. Whether you’re navigating relationships, going through life transitions, or simply seeking more authenticity, Brian’s story offers insights on reclaiming your truth and stepping confidently into your future.
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    59 mins