Chasing Dreams With Aimee J.

Two-thirds of American adults regret their college major and are not happy with their career choices. That is so much wasted time, effort, and money. So many people are disengaged with their jobs, meaning, they feel no real connection to their jobs, and thus they tend to do the bare minimum. There are actually a large number of reasons as to why employees might feel disengaged with their work and one root cause is not having enough choices as a child to discover their true passion. Today’s guest is on a mission to help kids discover their interests and potential career paths in hopes of creating a generation of happier adults. Holly Sharp is an award winning children’s book author and writer of “Dream It & Do It: 100 Possibilities, Stories and Real-Life Role Models.” Her book explores career role models for the next generation of rebels, dreamers and change-makers. It is a must-read for dream chasers that introduces children and parents to the possibilities of the future through reading and play. YOU

In continuation of Black History Month celebrations, today’s guest has inspiration and motivation to help you take action and get real about your passion and purpose. Join us to learn more! Mario Armstrong is a two-time Emmy Award-winner, lifestyle entrepreneur, content creator, and motivational speaker. He’s also a partner with Daymond John’s Shark Group. Mario's mission is to provide the advice and tools to help you hustle mindfully to pursue your passions. His podcast is called Wake Up and Level Up, and his web series is called Never Settle. This critically acclaimed production has been recognized with an Emmy Award for “Best Interactivity,” an Emmy Award Nomination for “Best Program Host,” a Digiday Publishing Award nomination for “Best Use of Facebook Live,” a Webby Honoree Award for “Social: Experimental & Innovation,” and an award for “Best Live Show” from the International Academy of Web Television Awards. Young Mario What were your dreams as a young person? Mario always knew that he wanted to be

To kick off Black History Month, we are visiting with a New York Times bestselling author. You may remember her from Episode 58, way back in 2016. She was here to promote her first book, and today, she’s telling us about her second book. The book is available for preorder, and it’s required reading for any dream chaser. Join us! Luvvie Ajayi Jones is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and podcast host who thrives at the intersection of comedy, media, and justice. Her debut book, https://amzn.to/2L4nPIG (I’M JUDGING YOU: The Do-Better Manual), was released to critical acclaim, hitting the New York Times bestselling list at #5. She’s an internationally recognized speaker who takes on dozens of stages every year around the globe, and she has spoken at some of the world's most innovative companies and conferences, including Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Twitter. Her TEDtalk, “Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable,” has over 5.5 million views! Her new book, Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter

I’m excited to share the inspirational story of someone who is the epitome of a dream chaser. At age 70, my mother is still going strong, staying busy, and enjoying happiness in her new role. I hope you’ll join us to hear her story. Ammini Aunty (Saramma/Sara) was a nurse in Baltimore for 40 years after her childhood in Kerala and Mumbai, India. During her nursing career, she welcomed every opportunity to teach nurses and nursing students because teaching has always been her natural gift. When her children asked her to capture her knowledge and passion for cooking for them and her grandchildren, Ammini Aunty knew she could do it, thanks to her love for teaching and orienting others. As people watch her cooking show, she encourages them to ask questions so they can learn and be successful in their cooking endeavors. She believes that a love and passion for cooking and learning can help anyone become a great cook. Ammini Aunty says, “If you put your mind to it, you can do it.” With this mantra in mind, “A Pinch

Welcome to 2021! It promises to be a wild ride! If 2020 left you feeling less than successful in your dream chase, then you can’t miss today’s show! I’m claiming 2021 as my own. I’m listing ten things I’m doing to make that happen. You can follow these steps as I count them down to make YOUR 2021 a year of progress and accomplishment. Top Ten Ways to Claim 2021 for yourself: 10- Decide for yourself what you want in life. TWEET: I was conditioned by my culture to go in directions that didn’t fulfill me. Don’t be like I was. #chasingdreams 9- Visualize your dreams and   goals. TWEET: Plan out what you want to see and when you want to see it happen. #chasingdreams 8- Step outside your comfort zone. TWEET: Don’t live in fear, but open up to new possibilities. #chasingdreams 7- Create SMART goals for yourself. TWEET: SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. #chasingdreams 6- Identify your reason and your WHY. TWEET: Your WHY is your motivator, fuel, and your reason

Today’s show is a special solo episode. Since it’s the only show for December, we are looking back at 2020, which was an unprecedented year. I feel like the year began with such promise and hope in the hearts of so many people, but it came in disrespectfully--and it seems to be heading out in much the same way. The problems of 2020 aren’t over, and we’re learning to make adjustments and accept that we are living with a new normal. Let’s spend time reflecting together! 2020--The year of the pivot Have you found yourself making big changes in your plans and dreams for 2020? Like me, you may have begun the year with grand plans to travel, celebrate milestones, and start new endeavors. Just a few weeks into the year, we were told to stay inside and socially distance ourselves from others. Weeks turned into months, and here we are, watching 2020 on its way out.  Masks have become a debatable issue that has somehow turned political. Businesses and schools had to pivot and change their operations in unimaginabl

Today, my guest shares her inspiring story about what helped her turn things around in life to manifest her dreams. She shares nuggets of wisdom and practical techniques that can help you move forward in your dream chase. Join us! Heather Hakes is a mindset coach, speaker, and author of https://amzn.to/3pHkMWa (Take the Leap). She has been featured on numerous podcasts and published in Voyage Denver and Women Who Empower and Inspire. Heather has reached tens of thousands through her international podcast, Mind Over Matter. Heather specializes in helping others get out of their own way by awakening their infinite potential to create their ideal life. Heather is a graduate of Tony Robbins’ Mastery University and Gabby Bernstein’s Spirit Junkie Masterclass. She also studies Eckhart Tolle, Bob Proctor, and Robin Sharma’s principles of presence, shifting paradigms, and personal mastery. Heather manifested six-figures after taking the leap to quit the corporate world by aligning with her true passion and purpose an

Today’s show might be exactly what you need. You’re in for the inspiring story of a woman who defied the odds and never gave up on her dream. She’s got gold nuggets of wisdom about believing in yourself and becoming your biggest advocate. Join us! Kate Garnes is a motivational speaker, choreographer, actor, and podcaster. She travels the country to speak, especially to teenagers. Kate uses her story of being told she was never good enough to go on to become a performer at Walt Disney World. She’s gone on to become a gladiator, not because anyone saved her, but because she learned how to save herself. Kate is the author of https://amzn.to/32kdRYR (Mixtape: How to Stop Listening to the Recordings of Your Past).  Big dreams  Have you dared to dream “big dreams”? From the time she was very young, Kate’s dreams and plans were to be a singer. She planned every step in her life around that dream but overhearing a chance conversation between her parents one day sent her the clear message that she wasn’

You are in for a treat with today’s guest and her unique story of resilience. Even though it took many years to make her childhood dreams come true, she found a way to make it happen despite overwhelming odds that were against her. She’s now enjoying success that she never saw coming--and the best is yet to come! Join us to learn more! Lori Orlinsky is a multi-award-winning author who lives in Chicago. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. An author with Mascot Books, Lori writes rhyming, lesson-based picture books that naturally lead to a discussion about important topics, such as bullying prevention and honesty. At just over five feet tall, she wishes her first book https://amzn.to/3krn88B (Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All)) was around while she was growing up. Fulfilling a lifelong dream How long would you chase your dream before giving up? Lori knew as a young child that she wanted to write books. Even as a kid, she crafted construction paper “books” to tell her st

My guest today proves that you’re never “too far in” to make a pivot and chase your dreams. Even a dream job with a world-renowned company can leave you feeling unfulfilled if you aren’t living in the authenticity of what you were meant to do. Join us to hear her inspiring story. Lynnette Phillips is a passionate leader, certified LPS facilitator, speaker, author, and live-your-best-life enthusiast. Having worked almost two decades with the Walt Disney Company, one of the world’s most recognized brands, Lynnette combines the art of storytelling with the magic-making of hospitality. Through the years, Lynnette enhanced her practical experience at the Walt Disney World Resort with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Executive Coaching from Regent University. In 2019 Lynnette co-authored It’s Possible: A Dreamers Manifesto to Overcome Opposition, a collection of inspirational stories of overcoming obstacles. When away from work and the world of clients, Lynnette is grateful for tim

There are so many things we can learn from hearing the experiences of others. Today’s show is packed full of wisdom from valuable life lessons as a previous guest returns to share more of his story. Join us! Chris Stevenson, former Power Ranger stuntman, is the founder of Stevenson Consulting. Chris’s current focus is helping businesses and entrepreneurs of all types maximize their potential. His expertise stems from his past hands-on experience in all aspects of the health club industry. For almost 20 years, Chris and his team successfully owned and operated Stevenson Fitness, a full-service boutique health club in Southern California. The club’s success was based on providing an unparalleled member experience centered on proper staffing, systematic operations, and world-class leadership. This success was reflected in the club’s NPS, which was consistently in the 90s (the industry average is in the 40s). Chris recently founded Be Military Fit California to bring the world-renowned brand to the US. Be Militar

Today’s show is about embracing creativity and purpose on the pathway to chasing your dreams. My guest proves that there are multiple ways to craft a life of service to others, even when creativity is your passion. Clara Thomson is 26 years old, and she’s starting her journey as a pediatric resident physician. She enjoys finding ways that medicine can connect to other industries and the arts. Clara’s passion for music while finishing medical school culminated in creating her album, Chasing Dreams, which is out now on all platforms. Clara describes herself as an extroverted introvert who is learning to embrace her imperfections. She has decided that it’s perfectly acceptable to have multiple passions and chase your dreams, even as you prepare for the rollercoaster ride that is life. Her pseudonym is CallMeClarity, a spinoff of her name. Finding fulfillment in music Where does music fit into your life? Being of Indian heritage means your parents hold aspirations of the most “worthy” professions for you. Even th

Persuasion is not a word we hear often, but the reality is that we all find ourselves in acts of persuasion throughout each day. We use persuasive tactics in our interactions with family, co-workers, neighbors, and strangers without even realizing it. If you want to be more persuasive, empathetic, generous, and understanding in your relationships, you don’t want to miss today’s show. Jason Harris is CEO of the award-winning creative agency, Mekanism, co-founder of the Creative Alliance, and author of the national bestseller, The Soulful Art of Persuasion. Jason works closely with brands through a blend of soul and science to create provocative campaigns that engage audiences. Jason has been named in the Top Ten Most Influential Social Impact Leaders, as well as the 4A’s list of “100 People Who Make Advertising Great.” His methods are so effective that they are studied in cases at Harvard Business School.  How to stand out in business Do you need a different approach to your business? Jason’s book contain

Most people long for love. Some are successful in the search, and others feel that true love is just not in the cards for them. The truth is that you have to love yourself before you can love someone else and be loved in a fulfilling way. If that sounds too abstract to comprehend, then join us for today’s show--and learn what you can do to bring more love into your life.  Veronica Grant is a love coach for successful women who feel like they have it all except love, and she helps them find it. Through her binge-worthy podcast, free workshops, and coaching, Veronica is committed to shaking up how you find love, even in our “swipe right, swipe left” world. Some of her guilty pleasures (a must-have for recovering perfectionists!) include binge-watching HGTV, hiking with her husband and pup, and sushi everything. Join us to meet Veronica and clear what's blocking you in love! Making a pivot Have you felt the nudge to make a big change in your life? Veronica looks back to her time as a paid staffer on the Oba

In these challenging times, gratitude has become more important than ever. A gratitude practice is one tool that is free of charge and equally accessible to people of all races, genders, ethnicities, and economic status. Gratitude has the ability to bring positivity to any situation and give your mindset an instant boost! Geoffrey Blake (GB) describes himself as a grateful human. He’s an introvert who plays an extrovert when it's necessary. He's toured internationally with his band, co-founded a non-profit, been a successful personal trainer for over a decade, and now his main focus is a global movement toward gratitude as the founder of the Global Gratitude Jar. The great connector Why focus on gratitude? GB had an unshakeable feeling early in his life that he would be part of the positive change in the world. The change happens when we see the good in ourselves, the good in others, and how much alike we really are. Geoffrey views a gratitude practice as an entry-level activity to bring about change and conn

We are all drawn to authentic people. We appreciate the inspiration and empowerment that spillover from those who dare to live authentic lives. Today’s show will encourage you to boot those limiting beliefs to the curb and live a life of authentic connection as you chase your dreams.  Erin Hatzikostas spent her career “first half” working in the corporate world, where at the age of 42, she became the CEO of a $2 billion healthcare financial institution. In just three years, she tripled earnings and sent employee engagement skyrocket. Just when things were booming, she decided to walk away so that she could help solve what truly breaks her heart: the immense lack of authenticity and happiness in Corporate America. Through her company, b Authentic inc, Erin is provoking authenticity and enabling an army of people to crush their careers without compromising everything else. Erin is a career coach, prolific speaker, and edutainer. She also co-hosts an offbeat career and leadership podcast called b CAUSE with

If you’re stuck in a place without passion and purpose in life, then today’s show is for you. You might not think that someone can pivot from being an actress to a lawyer to the sweet world of baked goods, but today’s guest proves that it is possible! It’s never too late to chase your dreams and create the happiness you deserve! Jessie Sheehan is a cookbook author, food writer, recipe developer, and baker. She is the author of The Vintage Baker, (2018, Chronicle Books), which was named one of the Washington Post’s best cookbooks of 2018 and is beloved by Oprah, Nigella Lawson, Gail Simmons, and more. Jessie is also the co-author of Icebox Cakes (2015, Chronicle Books). The thing that drew Jessie in How many people start out in one profession before finding their niche in something completely different? It happens more often than you might think. Baking was the thing that drew Jessie in after she explored other unrelated professions. She grew up in a “foodie” family that loved experimenting with delicious food

No one has a perfect life. We each have negative experiences from our past that have helped shape the person we are today. There is a difference, however, in how we respond to those tough challenges. Some people allow those circumstances to define them, and they can never seem to move past them. Others are able to change their perspective and use difficulties to strengthen them and propel them into the future. I’ll let you guess which category best describes today’s guest.  As a teenager, Michael Arterberry was fortunate to receive guidance from positive adult role models who helped him overcome adversities and set high expectations for his future. Grateful for the role these mentors played in his own development, Michael decided to dedicate his professional life to helping people navigate the difficulties of life and launch their future into motion. For more than 25 years, he has been helping teens and adults use what they have gone through as a catalyst for success rather than an obstacle for failure.

I’m excited to introduce you to a new friend that I met at a conference last October. If your life feels out of balance and out of whack, then this is the show for you. You’ll learn how to take action steps to become a more empowered and grounded person no matter what obstacles you face.  Melanie C. Klein, M.A., is a sought-after empowerment coach and respected thought leader in the areas of authentic empowerment, visibility, and body confidence. She is also a successful writer, speaker, and Professor of Sociology and Women's Studies. With over two decades of professional and personal work, Melanie integrates her background in mindfulness and embodied wisdom with her academic expertise and advocacy work. In this way, she offers a holistic and unique pathway to personal freedom and prosperity, one that is customized to each individual.  How to thrive How do you meet new challenges? Melanie explains that mindset and a sense of self are two keys to thriving during a challenging time like going through

Many dream chasers start with a bang, but they falter in their purpose when obstacles and challenges come. We might let other people derail us, or our own limiting beliefs, or we give up on our dream simply because the going gets tough. If you’ve ever been tempted to quit--to give up on your dream--then you can’t miss today’s show.  Sourena Vasseghi was born with cerebral palsy, and he now faces life with a severe speech impediment and is bound to a wheelchair. He has defied the odds to become ”The writer who cannot write and the speaker who cannot speak.” Sourena is an inspirational and motivational presenter, an award-winning author, and the owner and founder of The Sourena V. Group. Together with his stage partner, Chris Stevenson, Sourena speaks and produces content dealing with motivation, achieving goals, mindset, and working around challenges to reach amazing success.  A mindset to succeed Who gave you your mindset? Sourena quickly attributes his mindset to his parents. When he was growing up