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Unstoppable Mindset

Unstoppable Mindset

Written by: Michael Hingson
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Inclusion, Diversity and encountering something different and unexpected. We all have reacted to different kinds of people and unexpected situations often with fear and unacceptance. Join blind World Trade Center survivor, No. 1 NY Times Bestseller and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe, Michael Hingson as he talks with thought leaders and others about our often blinding fear of inclusion and our resistance to change. Mike will explore the idea that no matter the situation or different kinds of people we encounter our own fears and prejudices often are the strongest barriers to moving forward.@2021 Michael Hingson Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • Episode 484 – Breaking the Silence: One Survivor's Unstoppable Fight for Justice with Joelle Casteix

    Episode 484 – Breaking the Silence: One Survivor's Unstoppable Fight for Justice with Joelle Casteix
    Oct 16 2026
    How can we protect children from sexual abuse without raising them to live in fear? My guest, Joelle Casteix, is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who turned her painful experience into a lifelong mission of advocacy, education, and prevention. After uncovering how her Catholic high school covered up abuse, Joelle became a leading voice for survivors, helping change laws and hold institutions accountable. Today, she works to prevent child sexual abuse in schools, churches, and communities while helping parents raise empowered children. Joelle and I discuss how predators use grooming and trust to target children, why organizations sometimes protect their reputations instead of victims, and the simple steps parents can take to teach body boundaries, recognize warning signs, and encourage open communication. We also explore survivor healing, the importance of believing those who speak out, and how better training and stronger reporting policies can help prevent future abuse. Joelle's journey reminds us that even the most painful experiences can lead to meaningful change and that protecting children begins with awareness, courage, and a willingness to listen. Highlights: 02:12 - Joelle shares her journey from childhood abuse survivor to advocate. 13:53 - Simple ways parents can teach boundaries and protect children. 23:12 - How survivor advocacy can create healing and lasting change. 30:54 - How institutions cover up abuse and predators build trust. 41:21 - Warning signs of child grooming and online exploitation. 48:42 - Why child protection policies need training and accountability. About the Guest: Joelle Casteix is an award-winning author, journalist, podcaster, and internationally recognized speaker—and one of the leading global advocates for survivors of child sexual abuse and institutional cover-up. A survivor of abuse in the Catholic Church, her own pursuit of justice catalyzed a decades-long career dedicated to protecting children, amplifying survivor voices, and holding powerful institutions accountable. A trusted media voice and go-to expert for legislators, journalists, and policymakers, Joelle’s work focuses on how institutions—including religious organizations, public schools, and other youth-serving systems—enable and conceal abuse; the essential role parents and communities play in prevention; and how survivor-centered laws, accountability, and emerging technology can disrupt cycles of harm. She has testified in support of victim-friendly legislation in numerous states and was the sole survivor selected to testify on behalf of California’s landmark AB 218, which opened a three-year civil window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Joelle is a founding board member and current Board Chair of the Zero Abuse Project, where she has helped shape national prevention and accountability strategies. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the National Center to Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct, and Exploitation (NCSESAME), supporting national efforts to prevent educator sexual misconduct and provide resources for survivors, families, and professionals. She is the host of the Crossing the Line podcast, featuring conversations with journalists, lawmakers, survivors, and experts working at the intersection of abuse prevention, accountability, and justice. Through national print, broadcast, and podcast appearances, Joelle translates complex institutional failures into clear, actionable insight for the public. A leading voice on digital accountability and ethical AI in child protection, Joelle has presented to United Nations member agencies and international audiences across Europe, including at The Hague. She is the bestselling author of The Well-Armored Child: A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Child Sexual Abuse and The Power of Responsibility, based on her widely viewed TEDx talk, as well as The Compassionate Response and Scram!. She is a former adjunct faculty member at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. Ways to connect with Joelle**:** Website: Casteix.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcasteix/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joellecasteix Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crossing-the-line-the-ncsesame-podcast/id1851485137 Zero Abuse Project: https://zeroabuseproject.org/ NCSESAME: NCSESAME.org About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also...
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Episode 483 – Finding Your Voice: The Power of Unstoppable Confidence with Michelle Mekky

    Episode 483 – Finding Your Voice: The Power of Unstoppable Confidence with Michelle Mekky
    Oct 13 2026
    Sometimes the biggest setbacks in life lead us to discover what we're truly capable of achieving. My guest, Michelle Mekky, knows this firsthand. A former broadcast journalist and television producer, Michelle spent 12 years working behind the scenes at Fox before moving into public relations. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she faced ovarian cancer and later lost her job. Rather than allowing fear and self-doubt to hold her back, she started Mekky Media, which grew into a seven-figure PR agency. Michelle shares how she built her business through storytelling, hard work, trust, and a strong team culture. We also explore the importance of public speaking, media training, authentic communication, and learning to believe in yourself. Michelle's story reminds us that confidence doesn't always come naturally. Sometimes we have to face the things that scare us most to discover our own potential. I believe you'll find valuable lessons here about leadership, entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, and finding the courage to share your story. Highlights: 01:21 – Discover how Michelle's passion for journalism shaped her career. 06:41 – Learn why believing in yourself is key to overcoming fear. 16:06 – Hear how Michelle overcame her fear of public speaking. 30:23 – Explore how cancer and job loss led Michelle toward entrepreneurship. 36:53 – Learn how trust and team culture helped build a seven-figure PR agency. 56:40 – Discover how AI and digital media are changing storytelling and communication. About the Guest: Michelle Mekky is a veteran, award-winning broadcast journalist and public relations executive, and the founder and CEO of Mekky Media Relations, Inc., a boutique PR agency with clients in Chicago and coast to coast. She began her career as an overnight newswriter for the morning shows at Fox-TV in Chicago, before eventually growing to become Senior Producer, overseeing all morning show content. After 12 years in the media, she transitioned into PR and marketing, working at top agencies prior to launching Mekky Media in 2016 after she survived ovarian cancer. The agency partners with organizations across a broad range of verticals, including nonprofits, technology, healthcare, restaurants, retail, fitness, financial services B2B and more. Michelle leads a team of experienced PR professionals who help clients tell their stories, reach new audiences and fuel growth through PR strategy, media relations, media training, social media strategy, integrated digital and PR programs and personal branding. Building on nearly a decade of growth and demand for executive coaching, Michelle also recently launched Elevated by Mekky Media, a sister company specializing in personalized media training, public speaking coaching and executive presence development for leaders and teams. Michelle and Mekky Media have been widely recognized for their success, earning multiple Gold and Silver Stevie Awards between 2018 and 2023, a PR News Top 100 Agency Elite Award, recognition as one of Expertise PR’s Best Chicago PR Firms and several Publicity Club of Chicago Gold and Silver Trumpet Awards. Michelle has also received numerous individual honors, including being named one of the 2025 100 Women to KNOW in America, PRSA Chicago’s 2023 Professional of the Year, the 2023 Daily Herald Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, a 2021 Ragan and PR Daily Communicator of the Year Award, a 2020 PR News Top Women in PR honor, a 2019 Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Entrepreneur recognition and the 2018 Bronze Stevie Award for Women in Business. Michelle is a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, Forbes Agency Council, WBENC and the International Public Relations Network, where she serves as North American regional chair and a member of the Executive Committee. A Forbes blogger and motivational speaker, she is also a cancer survivor, a spokesperson for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and serves on the board of the Business Executives Association and the Strategic Advancement Committee for Start Early. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University’s renowned Medill School of Journalism. The daughter of immigrants, she is the first-generation in her family to go to college. Michelle also is most proud of being a mother to her children Adam and Hannah, who are getting ready to launch their own careers as they finish college and graduate school. Ways to connect with Michelle**:** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mekkymedia/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mekky-media-relations-inc./ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mekkymedia/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 ...
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 482 – Unstoppable Resilience When Everything Feels Impossible with Vincent Van den Broeck

    Episode 482 – Unstoppable Resilience When Everything Feels Impossible with Vincent Van den Broeck
    Oct 9 2026
    What does it take to survive the impossible and come back stronger? My guest, Vincent Van den Broeck, is a Belgian entrepreneur whose life has been filled with unexpected challenges. From losing his mother at a young age to building restaurants, facing bankruptcy, and finding success in the hospitality industry, Vincent has never allowed setbacks to define his future. Then, in October 2024, he was struck by a car and spent three weeks in a coma. Doctors warned his wife that he might not survive. Yet Vincent defied those expectations and began the difficult journey of learning to walk and talk again. I enjoyed hearing how his experiences shaped his views on overcoming adversity, personal growth, gratitude, and the power of positive thinking. We also discuss his book, Everything Feels Impossible Until It's Done, and why preparing yourself for life's challenges matters long before they arrive. Vincent's story reminds us that we have more strength and ability than we often realize. Highlights: 01:38 – Discover how personal loss led Vincent to a career in hospitality. 10:30 – Learn why curiosity and passion are keys to success. 18:39 – Explore the challenges of entrepreneurship and business failure. 34:43 – Hear how a devastating accident changed Vincent's life. 45:48 – Discover the challenges of recovery and the power of support. 56:35 – Learn how gratitude and positive thinking help overcome adversity. About the Guest: Vincent Van den Broeck is a Brussels-based entrepreneur, restaurateur, and survivor of a near-fatal car accident that changed his life forever. On October 11th, 2024, he was struck whilst riding a scooter in a collision at 55 km/h in a 30 zone. The impact left him with multiple fractures and major brain trauma. Doctors gave little hope with most injuries of this severity having only a 10% survival rate. He spent weeks in a coma and three months in intensive rehabilitation, but recovery didn't stop there — it became a daily mission. Against all odds, he not only regained his strength but came back stronger than before: working out 7 times a week, running a business, and building new creative projects. Today, Vincent shares his story as living proof that resilience, mindset, and community can make the impossible possible. About the book: On October 11th, 2024, I nearly died. Surviving was one thing. Understanding why became another. This is the story of how the life I built became the life that saved me: the sacrifices I made, the small daily habits, the challenges I faced, the days I kept going anyway. And how all of it took me from a 1% chance of survival to a full recovery. No one sees those moments, but when everything breaks, they're what hold you together. And sooner or later, life tests all of us. So if you're going through something difficult right now, or searching for something more, this book is for you. Because everything feels impossible, until it's done. Everything Feels Impossible Until It's Done is more than a memoir. It's a testimony of survival, perseverance, and hope — told with raw honesty and humility. The book takes readers through: • Before – the years leading to the day of the accident. • The Accident – a life-changing moment in Brussels. • The Coma & Rehab – weeks unconscious and months relearning life. • The Recovery Journey – rebuilding body, mind, and spirit, far beyond the hospital. • The Rebirth – lessons in resilience, purpose, and creating again. Ultimately, this is not just a story about survival. It's about awareness, responsibility, and perspective — toward yourself, and toward everyone who plays a role in your journey. For fans of David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me, James Clear's Atomic Habits and Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air Ways to connect with Vincent**:** https://www.instagram.com/vincentinthekitchen/ https://www.tiktok.com/@vincentinthekitchen0 https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-van-den-broeck-b9b275103/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT\&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this ...
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    1 hr and 7 mins
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