Chasing Dreams With Aimee J.

Maybe you envision being a stay-at-home mom and have no desire to continue in a career after children come to your family---or maybe you want to keep working a full-time job outside the home and the thought of spending all day at home with kids scares you to death. The real problem here is that most of us don’t think there is another option other than one end of the spectrum or the other. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to do both and be successful in both roles? There is good news and a third option, and my guest today is here to talk about it.  Shannnon Miles is a master delegator. She and her husband, Bryan, grew a two-person operation into a staff of 60 corporate team members by seeing where they were the strongest, and delegating the rest. They lead with trust and have built a thriving business on the premise that adults are adults and can handle their business. The pair are also visionaries of the virtual workplace. Shannon’s passion, in addition to helping others realize the freedom they recei

Are you the kind of person who always knew you wanted to help people, make a difference, and be an influencer? Most of the time, these characteristics are evident even in young children, and that’s certainly true for today’s guest. She’s helping others in numerous ways as she chases her dreams and watches out for the dream killers along the way. Rana Campbell is a fellow Chief Dream Chaser. She is the founder, host, and Chief Dream Driver of the Dreams in Drive podcast. She’s a storyteller at heart and loves helping others figure out how to shine and put their goals into action. Her work has been featured in Elle, The Jimmy Fallon Show, Huffington Post, MadamNoire, xoNecole, Fox 5, and more. Rana is a proud graduate of Princeton University and an Emma Bowen Foundation media program alum. Dreams that shaped a life Have you always had dreams of inspiring and influencing others? Young Rana always loved reading others’ stories, being the person with the ideas, and making sure other people believed in themselves.

Is the struggle for perfection squelching your creative energy? Before you are tempted to say NO, you need to listen to today’s show. We are hearing a personal story of a spiritual awakening, freedom from perfection, and the power of creative energy as a vehicle in cultivating self-worth. Emily Pereira was once entrenched in the corporate world, searching for happiness and fulfillment everywhere except for where it really exists. Emily had a breakdown that became an astonishing breakthrough. After discovering a treasure trove of passion and magic living inside her to which she was previously blind, she’s now helping other women attract soul-affirming love into their lives by showing them how to gain access to their magnetic, radiant selves via one-on-one coaching and transformational Costa Rica retreats. Her ebook, Unstoppable Woman, is available on Amazon, and her 300-page memoir, The Quest, is in the wings. A mom-preneur living her dream life in Costa Rica, Emily is giving other women a map for how to manif

When you're a kid, people often ask, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" My answer was always, "I'd love to be an artist." I never considered the fact that I already was one. Somewhere along the line, Shanda Kay lost sight of her childhood passion for art. Today, however, she’s re-found her passion and is back to creating artwork that inspires the viewer to live life to the fullest. She is a fan of the podcast and I thought it would be fitting to have her on as we celebrate 3 years of Chasing Dreams this week. Making changes Do you remember what you loved most when you were young? For Shanda, it was always art, but she left it behind as she grew up. She didn’t go to college, because she never liked school that much. After working in the foodservice industry for awhile, she found a job at the local post office, where she has worked for 25 years. As she entered midlife, the inevitable crisis hit, and she even experienced some depressive symptoms that prompted her to look for a ch

Do you have a plan for what might come “after”? So often, we become hyper-focused on chasing a dream, with no real thought or plan for what might come next or how we need to pivot when circumstances change. My guest today was focused on her dream of being a gold medal Olympic athlete, but then she converted that ambition into other fields when her athlete days were done.  Lauryn Williams, CFP, is a four-time Olympic medalist AND the first American woman to medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. While pursuing professional sports, Lauryn interacted with two financial advisors who didn’t provide the services she needed. She asked friends what they were doing about their finances, and the answers were vague and unsettling. Constantly looking for ways to make a difference in the lives of others, she decided to put her finance degree and MBA to use to fill the gap for young professionals. Eager to learn everything she could, she then pursued the Certified Financial Planner certification. Her compa

Many times in life we are pressed into action because of a life circumstance. Ironically, there are times when it’s the kindness of others that spurs us to pass along that loving action to others. There is no occasion when those actions speak louder than when you’re facing a crisis in life, and--on the flip side--when you can reciprocate by making someone else’s tough time a little brighter. Today’s show explores how we can be effective in helping others through difficulties. Sarah Beckman inspires people on the stage and from the page. She is the bestselling author of Alongside: A Practical Guide for Loving Your Neighbor in their Time of Trial, which is filled with practical tools to love people well in the rough patches of life. Sarah speaks to audiences across the country on topics such as loving your neighbor, sharing your faith, safeguarding your marriage, and digging up your talents. Stepping out as a speaker Do you envision yourself as a speaker? Young Sarah saw herself as a famous advertising executiv

How do you hold onto the passion to follow your dreams? What if you are young and are following an unconventional path? It takes confidence in who you are and in your truth to pursue your passion to make a difference in the world. Today’s guest is well on her way to accomplishing many of her fantastic dreams, and she shares some practical tips that can help others do the same. Alexis Parris has been introduced to the world of personal development, which has molded her into the millennial, entrepreneur, speaker, and author that she is today----and, she’s only 22! From her personal transformation, she has formed the deep belief that personal development is an irreplaceable ingredient to success, which is an important lesson that many still have to learn. The implementation of this belief has helped Alexis create her present success. Within a two-year period, she self-published her book, Why I Quit College to Learn, hosted a summit in Lagos, Nigeria, released her podcast, The Empowered Millennial Podcast, and ha

What is progress? What does it mean to you? How do you measure it? On this final solo episode of August, we are discussing all things progress. Join us to learn more. What it takes to chase your dream Are you willing to put in the work? No dream happens with the snap of your fingers. Any dream requires work to be done and steps to be taken. First, acknowledge your dream, and then put in the work to get the results. Many times you have to figure out what work you need to do to accomplish the goals you desire. Sometimes you may see others who have a seemingly easy time accomplishing the things you may struggle with---it’s frustrating. Remember this: there is no feeling so awesome as knowing your hard work has paid off. TWEET: Don’t compare your “Chapter 1” to someone else’s “Chapter 20.” #chasingdreams Run your own race Are you comparing yourselves to others? Everyone has to run their own race. What I accomplish or don’t accomplish doesn’t affect other people. If its MY goal, then it’s up to me to figure out ho

Who are your friends that you hang out with the most? What are they like? Do they help you in your dream chase? Today’s solo episode is designed to make you think about these questions and more. Are YOU the kind of friend who is supportive to others who are chasing their dreams? Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” It’s true! Think about your circle of friends and how they affect you--and let’s talk about it. Relationships will change over time Who are your “five friends”? Relationships will ebb and flow in the changing seasons of life. Dynamics change about the people you once held dear---and they might not be as close as they once were. One thing that doesn’t change, though, is the way our friends affect us. We need different types of personalities with different strengths and weaknesses in our circle, and we tend to group them according to specific similarities or where we met them. TWEET: Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five peo

What keeps you from chasing your dreams? Are you waiting for someone to give you permission to chase your dreams? Many of us do that, not realizing that we don’t need anyone’s permission. Just like last week’s show that reminded us that we are each important and unique, we need to be reminded that we don’t need to wait for anyone’s permission. Let’s explore this topic in today’s special episode with me, myself, and I. Why are you waiting for permission? Think about all the things you ask permission for in your life. The one thing you DON’T need permission for is to chase your dreams. Don’t waste your time waiting for permission! We’ve had over 150 guests on the show who have chased their happiness and are better for it. It may not always be easy, but it’s a fulfilling journey. Don’t stay in an unhappy place. It’s YOUR life and YOUR experience and only YOU are responsible for it. My interesting background I’ve been chasing dreams my whole life, and it hasn’t been a straight path. I worked at NASA as a com

How is your dream-chase going? For me, I’m taking some time this month to put significant focus on my personal dream-chasing efforts. I’m taking Nicole Walters’ $1K in 1 Day Academy course, so this is a time for me to work on the course, along with preparing better resources and products for you, the listener. I’m always looking for new and improved ways to inspire, empower, and equip you to chase your dreams. There will be no guest interviews for August, but those will return in September; meanwhile, we’ll cover some great topics with a few solo episodes that you won’t want to miss! “Dear Me, Myself and I” Have you ever written a letter to yourself? If you haven’t, I highly recommend it, because it’s something I’ve been practicing. It’s teaching me that I am important and my story is important. Even as identical twins, my sister and I are NOT the same people. When she was born 15 minutes before me, my parents thought she was the only baby. They didn’t know we were twins and that I would be joining the family

Wouldn’t it be nice to have an inside track when it comes to your next job search? How would it be to have an expert in your corner when it comes to crafting your resume or navigating your next job interview? If this sounds like valuable information to you, then you’ve come to the right place. Today’s show is packed with expert advice about finding and scoring the awesome job of your dreams. Joel Quass has 35 years in management and has a CEIP, CPRW, GCDF, and earned his first professional Human Resource credential in 2012. His business, Six Second Resumes, crafts targeted resumes and cover letters. Joel teaches interview skills and facilitates career development through his coaching programs. A guest on radio stations nationwide, Joel has authored two books and shares his knowledge on the hiring process on his Six-Second Jobs podcast. He’s been kind enough to come on the show and help us understand the mysterious world of resumes and cover letters.  All it takes is six seconds How many of us have made m

Episode Title: Ep. 151: Podcast Movement 2018 Group - Post-Coital Cuisine [PM18 episode] Guests: Podcast Movement 2018 Attendees Some collaborators: Taylor N. Fosters Some of the Podcast Movement 2018 attendees overcame their fears of podcasting and proved to themselves they could do it. What follows is a collaborative podcast episode made by the attendees together on the spot. They created this episode in 28 minutes and 9 seconds.  Don't let fear hold you back. We're back with regular Chasing Dreams episodes next week.  Until next time... Keep Chasing, Aimee J. https://youtu.be/J90r8_2Tz6c

How have your dreams played into what you have accomplished in life? For some people, their dreams remain unchanged over the years, and others see their dreams take detours and U-turns as life progresses. In celebration of our 150th episode, I’ve invited some of my beloved family members to join us for a chat about their lives and how they’ve chased their dreams. I want you to meet my sister Jamie Joshua, my sister Gina Wright, and my brother-in-law Josh Wright. I’ve assembled them from across the globe for this virtual chat in which there is no script and there are no prepared questions. Let’s have fun getting to know them and putting them on the spot as only a sister can do. We start by getting their take on the world of podcasting and some of their favorites that they listen to regularly. I’m even sharing some of my newfound faves, so listen closely for one or two that you might want to catch also. How their dreams have played out in life A common thread among my siblings is the desire to help people and m

At what age should you start to chase your dreams? Many people think you should get through the college years and have some life experiences before you really know what you want. But why should your dreams have those time-stamped limitations? Today’s guest shows that you’re never too young to take steps toward accomplishing big things in chasing your dreams. My guest today is James Mathew, my nephew! He is a rising sophomore at Harvard College, pursuing a degree in sociology and global health and health policy. He grew up in a paradoxical environment in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale, Illinois. His identity as a first-generation Indian-American informs his politics and fuels his passion for social impact, empathy, and diversity. His most notable endeavors to date are Got Food?--a smartphone application that curbs the effects of domestic hunger, and 21 Colorful Crimson, a Harvard-based music group that advocates for a more inclusive America while pursuing professional success. James is staying with my family f

How would you live your life if there were no rules, if money wasn’t an issue, and if you weren’t afraid of anything? THAT is our topic for today because we are talking to someone who has the courage to find and follow her own path and not one that society dictates for her.  Marci Nault has immeasurable enthusiasm, passion for fun, and a get-it-done attitude, no matter the situation. Her life can best be described as what would result if Marie Forleo and Tony Robbins partnered together on The Amazing Race. In the last six years, she has completed her entire bucket list of 101 dreams come true, all on a barista’s budget while increasing her net worth. She’s the author of The Lake House, has built and sold two companies, and is a real estate investor. Marci has been featured on The Huffington Post, CBS, ABC, Amped Radio, NPR, and more. She lives fearlessly and has accomplished many things, and she’s not done yet! The shocking moment that changed everything What do you want from this life? This wa

Do you need more self-confidence? Does fear hold you back from chasing your dreams? If your answer is YES, then today’s show is one you cannot miss. We are discussing how to improve your self-confidence, overcome fears, and take baby steps toward true success.  Mary and Lynlee Ropp focus on building self-confidence in women and generally kicking butt in life. They are a little unconventional, mixing metaphysical spiritualism with good old-fashioned swear words. They wrote their book, Shake Your But! to help others pursue and realize their dreams. They do this through their personal development coaching business, AscendingU. They love how their stories are giving voice to other people. In their words, “It’s time to celebrate who we are, stand up and grab our dreams by the lady balls.” Helping others If you’ve fought to gain self-confidence in your life, then you become passionate about helping others achieve the same. This is true for Mary and Lynlee, who started their coaching and personal development co

Are you living the truth of who you REALLY are? Many people struggle to live within society’s constraints, finding themselves miserable, anxious, and depressed--all because they know they are living someone else’s life. Today’s show introduces you to someone who has been through all of these emotions and struggles, but has taken the leap to live in truth and be authentic. The result has been a settled peace and happiness.  Maryn McGaw is a queer, trans-female cinematographer who grew up outside Cleveland as one of four children born to two architect parents. This led her down the path of studying mechanical engineering before finding her dream in filmmaking and cinematography. Her love is for lighting, camera work, and collaborations. She’s also served as a crisis and suicide prevention phone line counselor at The Trevor Project, talking to LGBTQ youth across the country. She’s proud to further trans visibility. Finding her dream How do you zero in on your dream? Maryn’s first dream was to be an astrophy

Have you been chasing your dreams your WHOLE LIFE? My guest today knew what she wanted to do as a young child, and even her mother thought she was a little crazy. As she is not only pursuing her personal dreams, she is working hard to make the same dreams accessible for others like her.  Ashlei Shyne was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. After studying theater at the University of Toledo, she decided to relocate to Los Angeles and pursue a career in television and film. Ashlei’s first movie appearance came in the summer of 2007, when she was offered the role of Melanie Johnson in the feature film, Johnson’s Family Dinner. She has since been cast in national commercials and in print web series. She is best known as Natalie from the hit series Dyke Central, which is now streaming on Amazon. She’s the founder of Rainbow Bright Comedy, a POC Queer Improv team. A path that wasn’t easy Ashlei exhibited some crazy symptoms as a child, wanting to be called by different names and going through multiple wardrobe ch

What have you had to overcome to chase your dreams? Today’s guest overcame severe anxiety, explored what he wanted to accomplish in his life, and found the support to make it happen. His journey wasn’t an easy one, but it’s been fulfilling and rewarding, and----the best is yet to come! He’s here as part of our celebration of June as Pride Month, and I’m beyond excited to share his inspiring story with you. Juel D. Lane is an American dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, and one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch.” Most recently, Juel was a featured dancer in NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar: Live in Concert, which starred John Legend, Brandon Victor Dixon, and Sara Bareilles. From October 2017 through March 2018, Alvin Alley American Dance Theater’s second company, Alley II, toured Juel’s piece, “Touch and Agree” around the world. Currently dancing with Bessie Award-winning Camille A. Brown & Dancers, Juel D. Lane’s dance films, Just Another Day, How to Kill A Ghost, and When the Beat Drops, showcase this multi-ta