Be The Good with Kate

While I’ve known what to do for the countdown to 100 for months now, the actual 100th episode was a mystery to me. I’m a one-person team, so the idea of taking my favorite moments of each episode and compiling into one fabulous master episode was beautiful- but also very impractical. Did I mention I was going to be giving birth any day while I wrapped up the countdown?  But I so wanted to leave you listeners with something to bring this wonderful season of guests to a close. Hope the following inspires someone out there today!

And as an aside, baby boy did beat the countdown to 100– He arrived a few days before his due date, on August 31, healthy and happy here in New York City. We are sleep deprived but oh so grateful! 

After this episode, Be The Good with Kate will be going on a season hiatus for a bit. During this time I’ll continue to share about prior guests and episodes on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well as other good news moments, so if you would like to continue to be motivated by these extraordinary yet ordinary so to speak humans, the links to follow me are in the show notes– but also expect some baby content, because how will I be able to resist that?

Be The Good with Kate began as a way to both bring some lightness to a dark time in the height of the pandemic, and as a way for me, an actor and host, to continue to utilize those muscles of working on camera and via audio. I have always loved interviewing people unofficially– always asking people more about their lives and what they do. And this became a beautiful way to incorporate that love. 

What started as reaching out to a few people I know who are making the world a better place in various ways that I wanted to highlight because I knew they would inspire others as well, turned into nearly 100 interviews with people from around the world, from all backgrounds, all of whom are following their passions and making a difference along the way– the key theme of this podcast. And there is a long waiting list of guests who have reached out wanting to be on the show as well! I am blown away by the support as well as the constant reminders of the good all around us, especially when it feels we are so often bogged down by the negative.

In all, some of the top takeaways that essentially every single guest gave us, each in their own words, from their own journeys, from their own industries, are universal pieces of wisdom:

-Follow your passions, even if –or rather when– that means taking risks

-Go out of your comfort zone, that is where growth is

-Learn along the way. The adage, it’s about the journey not the destination, holds very true for these guests. Career changes, life obstacles, heart break and joy along the way, all play a role into what each person is today, and will continue as each moves forward in life.

-We each have the power to make a difference while following our purpose in life. It may take time to uncover, it will definitely take looking inward and thinking about what fuels us, but it is all worth it. 

-Making a difference doesn’t have to be in big, sweeping ways. We can affect positive change around us in all sorts of ways. 

Thank you to each of you for listening. If you have a moment, this show grows best through word of mouth and sharing a link to one of your favorite episodes with a friend. Every share, every comment you send me on social and via email, every review all mean the world to me. Thank you for supporting Be The Good with Kate’s journey thus far. Feel free to let me know what you would like to see more of in the upcoming season, and I look forward to what is to come!

Find Be The Good with Kate on all podcast platforms.

Those quoted in this episode:

Eddy Smits

Jeff Johnston

George Siegal

Mark Palm

Ashley-Lauren Elrod

I’ve been happily referring to this episode as the ‘theater people episode’ :)

Welcome to the Countdown to 100 Episodes special series from Be The Good with Kate! 

If you are tuning into this podcast for the first time, welcome. Be The Good with Kate is all about highlighting individuals who have overcome obstacles, looked inward, taken the time and effort and fails and successes to find their passions, follow them, and help others along the way. 

I’ve had the great honor of interviewing nearly 100 guests for this show, and each one has inspired me in various ways. The show may be found on all podcast platforms.

Now to bring in 100 episodes, I wanted to bring back some of these guests to give you a reminder of the great things they are doing, an update on where they are now, and an opportunity to be inspired again by their words of wisdom.

When you listen, you’ll see in the show notes details of the original episodes of each guest so you can go back and listen as I know you’ll want to hear more after taking in these snippets from each! 

New or returning, I cannot thank you enough for being a part of the Be The Good with Kate community. Every listen means the world, and every comment, email, share, and review both fill my heart with gratitude as well as help these inspiring messages of pursuing your passion get to more listeners. Thank you!

Alvin Hough Jr. was featured in episode 10, and since then has been at the musical helm of multiple Broadway shows and tours! Get your Masters in meteorology and then go to Broadway.  Maybe not the most common path, but when you have multiple passions, work hard, and take leaps of faith, the most wonderful things can happen.  Alvin graduated grad school, then through an inspiring chain of events, found himself as musical director on Broadway as well as a founding members of MUSE: Musicians United for Social Equity.

While sad to share that his show, New York, New York, did close between the time we chatted for this update and now, I’m thrilled for you to hear from this fabulous guest.

Jim Cooney spoke with me all the way back in episode 7, and I’m so happy to share an update and inspiration. While he is an incredible (and award-winning) choreographer and director, Jim goes further, with a strong business mindset and belief in the abilities of all those he encounters.  

He took these skills, as well as a clear passion for helping people strive toward their greatest potential, beyond the physical classroom/stage, creating Amplified Artists, a platform for artists with a mission to create abundance and a bountiful life.

Jim’s episode delves into actionable tips regarding being clear on who you are, what you are presenting, the importance of keeping it simple, and that yes, we all absolutely should be embracing our unique, varied backgrounds.

Andrew Parks has moved across country since his episode 11, and this actor, coach, and advocate is finding a new community and work opportunities on the West Coast and shares about this journey today. 

For performers out there, Andrew’s episode is filled with nuggets to affect positive change in your mindset and audition skills.  For non-performers, these are lessons for many moments in life.

Avital Asuleen was featured on episode 41, and she is a Brooklyn based director, choreographer, and teacher. Artistic Director of Combustion Collective. Director of NYTB’s Choreography Lab. As with many artists, she is involved in a variety of outlets and projects, but Avital is not one to take a passive role. She leads, creates, discovers, and connects.

Avital’s main focus is the power of dance in a narrative way. She loves delving into how dance can be used to tell stories. In her episode, we discuss learning about many, sometimes more unknown, opportunities for artists, to be inspired to take the needed step out of your box, and some great advice for people trying to get their ideas out in the world.

Welcome to the Countdown to 100 Episodes special series from Be The Good with Kate! 

If you are tuning into this podcast for the first time, welcome. Be The Good with Kate is all about highlighting individuals who have overcome obstacles, looked inward, taken the time and effort and fails and successes to find their passions, follow them, and help others along the way. 

I’ve had the great honor of interviewing nearly 100 guests for this show, and each one has inspired me in various ways. The show may be found on all podcast platforms.

Now to bring in 100 episodes, I wanted to bring back some of these guests to give you a reminder of the great things they are doing, an update on where they are now, and an opportunity to be inspired again by their words of wisdom.

When you listen, you’ll see in the show notes details of the original episodes of each guest so you can go back and listen as I know you’ll want to hear more after taking in these snippets from each! 

New or returning, I cannot thank you enough for being a part of the Be The Good with Kate community. Every listen means the world, and every comment, email, share, and review both fill my heart with gratitude as well as help these inspiring messages of pursuing your passion get to more listeners. Thank you!

Sofie:

We first chatted with Sofie Lindberg for episode 67, and since then, her podcast and mission has expanded into an entire nonprofit! 

The mission of Claim Your Potential: “to empower women and girls academically, emotionally, financially, and professionally.”

A few highlights from her episode include: 

-Seeking out opportunities to follow your interests & become well-rounded from a young age

-The nonprofit sector– and that you are never too young to do something

-Growing up around a lot of different cultures

-A reminder of how much an impact saying thank you can have

She has been busy since then, and I’m excited to share her updates and insight with you today.

Claimyourpotential.org  @claimpotential   

Eddy:

First featured in episode 68, Eddy Smits explains that his passion for brightening people’s days led him “to accomplish what others called ridiculous and unfeasible.” Eddy Smits became a professional clown in Belgium, and went on to visit over 10.000 sick and palliative children.

As his bio states, “This work required more than a pair of big shoes and a red nose. I needed to develop a strong kind of leadership, but most of all I needed to learn to connect, which, even as a clown, is a challenge with sick or palliative children.”

Today, Eddy uses his experience to help parents and leaders authentically connect in his role as a coach.

It was such a fascinating and heartfelt episode that I encourage you to listen to if you haven’t yet. And today Eddy sends Be The Good with Kate a fun 100th congratulations :) 

Eddysmits.com  @eddysmits 

JJ: 

Episode 52 became one of the most played episodes, featuring JJ Kells, giving us a point of view from the side of someone who is going to therapy, working through each day, and sharing her struggles and triumphs with others along the way. It takes a lot of strength to do that, and she is helping others by finding ways to incorporate this information and encouragement into her life, in addition to her work with animals and exploring what's next...

JJ has obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD, and she has worked so hard to ensure SHE runs her life, not it. "It's a part of my experience all day everyday," but listen to how JJ explains her journey discovering so much about herself,  therapy, tactics to cope with the stressors, and more.

linkedin.com/in/jacquelinekells/  @jjnicole612

Welcome to the Countdown to 100 Episodes special series from Be The Good with Kate! 

If you are tuning into this podcast for the first time, welcome. Be The Good with Kate is all about highlighting individuals who have overcome obstacles, looked inward, taken the time and effort and fails and successes to find their passions, follow them, and help others along the way. 

I’ve had the great honor of interviewing nearly 100 guests for this show, and each one has inspired me in various ways. The show may be found on all podcast platforms.

Now to bring in 100 episodes, I wanted to bring back some of these guests to give you a reminder of the great things they are doing, an update on where they are now, and an opportunity to be inspired again by their words of wisdom.

Below, you’ll see the original episodes of each guest so you can go back and listen as I know you’ll want to hear more after taking in these snippets from each! 

New or returning, I cannot thank you enough for being a part of the Be The Good with Kate community. Every listen means the world, and every comment, email, share, and review both fill my heart with gratitude as well as help these inspiring messages of pursuing your passion get to more listeners. Thank you!

• Jason Bahamundi: First featured on episode 65, Jason is an endurance athlete, triathlete, long-distance runner (100+ mile races!), business owner, professor, lover of cooking and eating and keeping up with current events. But, 15 years ago, Jason was exhausted after running a quarter mile. Everyone starts somewhere.

Jason reminds us: You don’t need to run hundreds miles, but find the movement and the community that fuels YOU.

founder of Run Tri Bike 

RunTriMag.com

@RunTriMag @cooktraineatrace

• Madhurima Sappatti: First featured on episode 24, Madhurima shared her work as a soul coach in India helping people overcome and prevent burnout, her podcast The Soul’s Conquest, and what it has been like in India through the pandemic.  Despite the many obvious terrible aspects of the pandemic, this time has given a lot of people an opportunity to step back and explore what their hearts were yearning to do, to be, to change. Madhurima recognized this in herself, but also found that helping others find their soul’s work is a calling. She talks with me about the power of thought, perspective, and the importance of taking a step back in order to progress.

madhurimasappatti.com 

@iammadhurimasappatti

• Terry Tucker: First featured on episode 75, Terry is, as I wrote in the notes for his episode, another level of the word inspiring. Terry is facing the inevitable that cancer will take him from this Earth in the near future, yet has chosen a mindset of using the time he has left to do all he can to make a difference in this world.

Terry founded Motivational Check LLC, is an author and motivational speaker, cancer warrior and amputee, has been a D1 basketball player,  marketing executive, hospital administrator, SWAT Team Hostage Negotiator, high school basketball coach, and is a father and husband.

Motivationalcheck.com

@sustainableexcellenceauthor

This week on Be The Good with Kate, we begin our Countdown to 100 Episodes by changing things up a bit: This episode features a trio of guests all around the theme of Career Change. Why? Because in the 94 prior episodes of the show, one of the multiple themes I noticed is how no one is in the same place they were when they started out on their career journey. All have found their passions through an ever-shifting path, through adapting, through listening to their intuition and trusted support systems, and through,the main theme of this show!, making the world a better place along the way. 

The three individuals featured this week are all different ages, in different locations, and from different industries. One is a physical therapist turned Mom and small business owner while traveling the country with her family in an RV. One is an actor turned real estate agent who is now senior managing director in NYC helping his staff achieve their dreams. One is a doctor turned holistic practitioner seeing the great need to help change how we treat patients in the US.

So excited to share these stories with you, and I truly hope you are inspired and energized by these guests. They each faced various challenges and questions in their journeys, yet each focused on where their heart was leading. 

Would love to hear what resonated with you. Please do reach out to me @positively_kate or share your favorite moment and tag me. 

~Be The Good with Kate highlights individuals finding and following their passions while making a difference in the world along the way. 

Find the show on all podcast platforms and YouTube. 

Easy but impactful way to help this show grow? Share an episode with a friend or on social! Many thanks.~

Follow this week's guests: 

@b.e.happe

@joeldommel

@drz.wellbeingmd

Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Mentioned in the episode:

Bebykate.com/the101series

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

A life-altering event ends a dream career... But leads to a beautiful journey. This week on Be The Good with Kate:

Tony Vlahovic reached the pinnacle of baseball: playing for the Boston Red Sox, but when an injury threw him a true curveball, he had to change direction. Using his passion for baseball, Tony found himself in the nonprofit space, channeling his passions to working with the Special Olympics and eventually creating his own non-profit as well, BaseABLE.

This is such a neat episode honing in on the beauty of working with people with special needs, bringing the sport of baseball to this population, embracing a changing career path, and the power of never ceasing to grow and learn each day in what we do.

• Follow Tony: Instagram: @tonyvlahovic, LinkedIN: Tony Vlahovic
• Book: Just Need An Opportunity: Let's Play Ball
• Baseable.org

“Tony Vlahovic, MA. MPM, CSCS is a former professional athlete and experienced entrepreneur in the fields of sports mental conditioning and post rehabilitation therapy.  He is the Chairman of Special Olympics Baseball Development for North America. Tony was inducted into the Wilkes University Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

Mr. Vlahovic started his professional baseball career in Italy where he was named his team’s Rookie of the Year.  Upon returning to the United States he signed with the Boston Red Sox where he played as a left-handed pitcher.  His career prematurely ended due to an auto accident, but he has dedicated his life to teaching, coaching and leading his athletes on and off the field. His efforts were rewarded by receiving Coach of the Year honors five times and was nominated as North American Coach of the Year in 2014.  He  has been honored at the Baseball Hall of Fall in Cooperstown, NY for his dedication to individuals with disabilities playing baseball where his game-worn hat from the Gold medal winning team in 2014 is on display. 

Special Olympics New Jersey set an unprecedented standard in the initiation of baseball and Vlahovic was the man for the job.  His technical knowledge and passion for the sport of baseball makes him a natural leader, but his real motivation was to offer the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to play baseball.”

Also, this is the final ‘regular’ episode of the season! Look out for the countdown to 100 episodes beginning next week.

• Mentioned in the episode: bebykate.com/The101Series  ~ Take out the intimidation of working out, breaking down the form & safety of HIIT, Pilates, & Barre.

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Listen and share with a friend or on your social. Thank you in advance!

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

#specialolympics #baseball #randomactsofkindness #passions #newhopenonprofits #baseable #tonyvlahovic #makeadifference

You know that phrase about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary? In a way, that's the center of this episode with Jerrod Hardy, host of The On Purpose Podcast. And that seeming simple concept is so full, so inspiring, and so filled with purpose indeed. 

Jerrod describes himself as a very average person who surrounds himself with so much inspiration, and I’m warning you in advance, this episode is so quotable you may want a notepad handy.

What we dive into:

-Jerrod’s belief that all stories are worth being told (I agree!)

-Letting people know that they are appreciated

-Getting past How are you/I’m good to really finding out how someone is doing

-What if we listened more than talked

-His story of having a teenage mom who made him feel like the "most special person in the world" 

-Being enriched by not only your own dreams, but also by being a part of your loved ones' dreams 

-Be an example as you never know who is being inspired by you

-How he and his wife (and dog!) moved into an airstream and travel the country

-Meeting people along the way

-Jerrod’s great thoughts on facing our fears!

Follow Jerrod:

• @theonpurposepodcast @alternateroads   

• Mentioned in the episode: bebykate.com/The101Series 

Take out the intimidation of working out, breaking down the form & safety of HIIT, Pilates, & Barre.

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Listen and share with a friend or on your social. Thank you in advance!

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

Architecture goes far beyond 'just building buildings'. I hadn't thought a lot about how much architects think beyond the structure to the whole well-being of a space. Today’s guest on Be The Good with Kate sheds a fascinating light into the world of architecting, as well as so much into making your work a place that helps your well-being rather than hurts. Angela might be an architect, but this episode delves so much into career contentment as a whole and is another episode filled with actionable advice no matter your industry! Angela really makes us aware of our surroundings and how they affect our physical and mental feelings. I also found it interesting that a class she took in college called The Psychology of Habitation really sparked the further interest in how space can impact well-being. And now this has transferred beyond her main job as an architect to this whole community she has created, Architecting, via podcast, Clubhouse, and website. She noticed the similar challenges of colleagues at various firms and this led her to create the architecting community to foster inspiration and support to creative people - architects and beyond. I loved diving into the many connections between architecture and other creative industries in our chat! Follow Angela: LinkedIn: Angela Mazzi, Facebook: Architecting, Instagram: @architectingpodcast Mentioned in the episode: bebykate.com/The101Series Breaking down your workouts and making them make sense. ~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~ Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Listen and share with a friend or on your social. Thank you in advance! Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

There is so much to say about this episode! This week on Be The Good with Kate brings us to a conversation with Wendy Swart Grossman– and what a mix of inspiration, spunk, and quotable moments are ahead for you, listener!

Wendy has a vast background and amazing mix of experiences. She is a ‘connector’ with community, social impact, and creativity being the three pillars guiding her life.

Wendy is someone who feels like a friend you've had for years, and someone I want to ask many more questions than we had time for in one episode.

She has worked in "small scrappy organizations" where she got to be in incredible leadership roles from a young age, political volunteer to lowest on the totem pole staff to climbing up to the White House, has written a book, and is a professor at Boston University-- that all isn't even the half of it!

A few other lessons to listen for:

-Never discount who you'll meet when you work as a restaurant server! OR how you can stand out no matter how ‘small’ your job in an organization.

-Being open to meeting people and trying opportunities

-If we stayed on the same path we 'planned ' upon leaving college, "THAT WOULD BE SO BORING!" Wendy exclaims :)

-How she created a course for Boston University's arts administration program and co-founded CreativeRe/Frame

(Fun fact, Kate's college degree is in arts administration.)

-Discovering where her family wanted to live by living in a Winnebago for a year with their young children and traveling

-Her yard swing as well as beautiful and simple advice for turning your mood around

AND Wendy reminds us of so many forces for good out there.

• Follow Wendy: CreativeReframe.com @creative_reframe @wendyswartgrossman 
• Absurdmusingsblog.wordpress.com 

Mentioned in the episode: bebykate.com/The101Series 

Breaking down your workouts and making them make sense.

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Listen and share with a friend or on your social. Thank you in advance!

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

We go to the rainforest this week on Be The Good with Kate. Meet Leif Cocks, founder of The Orangutan Project, who shares his mission to save orangutans, tigers, and elephants from extinction.

He explains it as a win-win situation: "the most cost-effective thing we can do to mitigate climate change is to save rainforests".

Leif speaks with me from Australia, and he spends most of his time there and Asia, deep in the heart of efforts to help this planet and creatures large and small within it.

Leif does a great job breaking down for us the ‘why’: why we need to save rainforests, the animals' role in biodiversity, how much humans near and far are affected, and more.

Some other discussions in this episode:

-Interesting and frustrating insight into how publicity plays a role in getting the help for causes

-Leif’s perspective on working toward your passions and missions: Coming from a selfless place, the energy for working towards your mission will be there.

-The need to ‘collectivize’ 

-Difference between African and Sumatran elephants.

-What are 'echotours'! (Who's taking me along with them?!)

Follow Leif & The Orangutan Project:

• @theorangutanproject ,  @leifcocks 

"Leif’s years in the field have earned him respect within the conservation field. He has been a key player in developing conservation plans for orangutans and influencing positive change for orangutan protection and survival. This includes the first ever successful reintroduction of the zoo-born orangutan. This respect has given The Orangutan Project world standing in conservation.

A small population biologist and curator by trade; Leif has several academic qualifications, including a Masters of Science studying orangutans. He is a seasoned public speaker and has published several papers on orangutans in peer-reviewed journals. Leif is also the author of the books Orangutans and their Battle for Survival (2002) and, Amazon best seller, Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends(2016) and Finding our Humanity (2019).”

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• #Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

Today’s guest on Be The Good with Kate, Rimi Chakraborty, shares her inspiring story of growing up – and still growing. Her journey has brought her from near-expulsion from school while in the middle of a disruptive family life, to multiple degrees from top institutions, to a high-powered job, to finding her true passion in the Azores, Portugal. 

You will so enjoy hearing from Rimi, and she also shares practical ways to get more in tune with one’s being through yoga-based and mindfulness work.

Rimi “is a leading expert in helping companies and individuals bridge traditional leadership with creative and emotional intelligence…Rimi provides leadership development consulting that focuses on whole person health, fostering enhanced employee engagement, morale and general well-being. Rimi lives in the Azores, Portugal, at her lodge and learning center, where she leads transformational retreats and leadership workshops.”

Also included in the episode:

• -The expectations of success from her Indian family
• -The challenges that come as a child from dealing with parents' own challenges
• -Profit being a sole focus of too many companies
• -Purpose-driven business and the 'triple bottom line' of focusing on people, planet, and profit leading to success
• -The Azores and how she got there
• -And how you can visit!

Follow Rimi:

Rimichakra. com

Rootsilience. com

Side Note~ I love how this happens: connections. Prior guest Stephanie Moram Ep. 30 connected me with Juliet Hahn Ep. 84, Juliet connected me with Rimi Ep. 89, and Rimi connected me with Wendy Grossman who’s episode will be coming up in just a few weeks!

Mentioned in this episode: bebykate.com/The101Series 

Breaking down your workouts and making them make sense.

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

• Website: katecherichello. com/bethegood
• #Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

Today on Be The Good with Kate: Clients dubbed her ‘the mind detective’, finding solutions from imposter syndrome, discovering the self confidence to embrace your true calling, and much more. 

Welcome Michele Molitor, a professional coach who’s unique blend adding in hypnotherapy and other mindset work to her practice has led to extraordinary results with her clients– and in her own life.

In the episode:

• -Total career change– creative director in web development to the world of coaching
• -Losing a job and losing a loved one leading to the impetus of finding her true passion. 
• -A dose of neuroscience 
• -Diving into the how of the brain’s ability to rewire itself
• -Tangible things to do today!

“The difficulties and challenges I faced back then led me to my true calling and purpose: to help entrepreneurs and executives step beyond the edge of their comfort zone to find their voice and stand fully in their confidence.

My passion is helping you to create your career, your success, your joy—on your own terms, from your true essence and brilliance. To fully just be you—without apology.”

Follow Michele~

• LinkedIn: Michele Molitor
• Insta: @rapidrewire

Mentioned in this episode: bebykate.com/The101Series 

Breaking down your workouts and making them make sense.

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood

Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

FREE GIFT OPTIONS FOR LISTENERS:

Free Self-Doubt Finder Assessment: https://bit.ly/Self-DoubtFinder 

Free Masterclass “Taming Your Self-Doubt”: https://bit.ly/TamingYourSelfDoubt 

7-week “How To Become UnShakeable”   Course:  https://bit.ly/HowToBecomeUnShakeable  

Kelly found her calling through her own struggles with an eating disorder. After years of working through bulimia, then chronic pain, Kelly discovered the connection between the two. Today she helps others going through recovery to heal from chronic pain.

This episode dives into: 

-healing from chronic pain, 

-shifting from survival mode to thriving, 

-eating disorders and the effect on the nervous system, 

-taking one day at a time in healing

“Dr. Kelly Kessler is a licensed physical therapist, wellness coach, host of the podcast Rewiring Health, and the owner of Optimal You Health and Wellness, LLC. Kelly teaches women who have a history of an eating disorder how to regulate their nervous system to achieve relief from chronic pain through her signature method, Eating Disorder Pain Solutions. Inspired by her own journey of recovering from an eating disorder and chronic back pain, Kelly has helped many women harness their profound ability to shift from survival mode to thriving. Kelly uses an integrative approach to healing including a personalized audit, education, community support, and actionable steps to create long-lasting results.”

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 

Ep. 69, functional medicine with Maya Lombarts & Ep. 14 acupuncture with Dr. Cindy Wong

• Mentioned in the episode: bebykate.com/The101Series  Breaking down your workouts and making them make sense.

Huge way you can help this podcast?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• #Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

A landlord who cares? Value-focused housing? This week’s episode of Be The Good with Kate dives into the incredible work on housing lisa wise is doing in DC and Philly. 

How does one secure housing, how landlords could or should be, trusting your instincts, residents not tenants, housing justice, homes not buildings, people not bottom lines. People live here, not bottom lines. 

“lisa wise has been tending to residential real estate for more than 30 years.  She is the founder, owner of Flock DC, a family of residential management companies that oversees $2.5 billion in Washington, DC property.  

Together with her co-founders, she launched Birdwatch, PBC in 2022, a high touch, technology powered maintenance service for homeowners and real estate investors.  Birdwatch is a seed stage enterprise, serving members in Washington, DC and Philadelphia.  

All of her work has been purpose-driven and anchored in justice. In 2020, lisa founded and launched birdSEED, a housing justice foundation granting no-strings down payment grants to first-time BIPOC home buyers. In 2022, birdSEED was named a world-changing idea by Fast Company. She is the author of Self-Elected: How to Put People Over Profit and Soar in Business. 

lisa grew up in small western mountain towns, calling 23 spaces home before she found her way to the University of Arizona where she earned three degrees and a deep love of the Southwest. She is the immediate past chair of Whitman-Walker Health, and serves on the Board of Directors for the DC Affordable Law Firm.  She and her wife Cameron live with their 10 year old Beckett in the heart of DC.”

• Follow lisa: IG: @lisawisedc LinkedIn: /lisawise

• Mentioned in the episode: Claim Your Potential podcast & nonprofit, claimyourpotential.org

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

How do you tell your story? What IS your story? Have you thought about what aspects of YOU you share when meeting new people, at a job interview, or just in daily life? 

This week’s episode gives so much fantastic insight into telling your story, actionable advice, and we get to hear it through the lens of Juliet’s story– one that contains a beautiful journey from struggling in school with dyslexia, to finding sports, to an intense career, to starting a family, to creating a podcast and a business from there, to interviewing the women of the NFL. There’s a lot packed in here!

“Juliet Hahn is a Wife, Mom, Storytelling Consultant, Keynote Speaker, Podcaster, Content Creator, and, according to her, crazy obsessed dog lover. She is the host of Your Next Stop and Your Next Stop Live. Her mission in life is to give Women and Men a stage to share their stories. She believes deeply that everyone has a story and we all can learn from each other. We just need to listen. Juliet helps her clients be able to articulate their stories. She helps connect the dots so they can share and connect with more people.”

I am honored Juliet goes from talking to NFL players and their family members to sitting down with me to talk about doing good in the world!

• Follow Juliet: iamjuliethahn. com
• If you’d like to listen to my episode of Your Next Stop with Juliet, link here: iamjuliethahn. com/blog/Episode187KateCherichello

Mentioned in the episode: bebykate.com/The101Series 

Breaking down your workouts and making them make sense.

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

• Website: katecherichello. com/bethegood
• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

What is Pragmatic #Altruism? How about "making Sense of #Sustainability"? 

Today on Be The Good with Kate, John Pabon is doing all he can to save this earth: traveling the world researching, learning, teaching... He describes himself as a pragmatic altruist and is an expert in sustainability. He gives us a window into his world and helps us understand how both companies and individuals are and can be a part of making the world a better place.

In addition to being a wonderful story, this episode is also so filled with information like:

-How we can make a difference

-What is sustainability

-What is sustainability communication

-Examples of companies bringing together altruism and bottom lines

-His hope for the future regarding consumer products

-Discussing the popularity of negative news and lack of the happier

-And excellent encouragement to do the good, share the good, be the good!

Love this quote from his website:

“If we really want to make impactful change, it’s time to dramatically reconsider our approach, message, and outdated ideas of what it’s going to take to save the planet.”

Follow John: johnpabon.com fulcrum22.com

Mentioned in the episode: bebykate.com/The101Series Breaking down your workouts and making them make sense.

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood

#Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

This week on Be The Good with Kate: Brandy Ramirez did not get into fitness until after having her third child. She started walking, then running, then it kept growing from there. Now she is an ironman competitor, coach, certified fitness pro, and more. In between, she went through an intense battle with cancer, which led her to finding a path to helping other women going through similar journeys. 

Cancer with no family history or other ‘common reasons’, Brandy explains a moment of a breakdown in the shower when she had the realization: I am supposed to be helping other people through this. 

Brandy founded SheStrong, which began as a Facebook group, and it has grown to a worldwide community of women helping women. 

Brandy has an incredible story filled with challenges, resilience, moving forward slowly but consistently, and faith in herself– and, as she stresses, never giving up. 

**This week, highlighted The 101 Series, which may be found at bebykate.com/the101series. 

And if you would like to sponsor an episode, reach out at the show website!**

Huge way you can help this podcast?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

Who feels like they need to be more organized?

And who feels so much better mentally when they are in an organized space? 

Why? Why are we trying to be more organized? Yes today’s guest covers the how…But diving into the ‘why’ of it all really draws me in listening to Laurie Palau, Founder of Simply B Organized and host of This Organized Life.

I could have talked to Laurie all day. In fact, we ‘swapped podcasts’, so to speak, and you can look for an episode of her show, SImply B Organized, featuring yours truly in the upcoming weeks. She is someone who feels like a friend right away.

From her website:  "I’ve always said that disorganization goes deeper than piles of paper on the counter, dishes in the sink, or an overflowing closet. Clutter is merely a symptom of a bigger issue — resulting in feelings of shame, anxiety, stress, and an overall lack of control."

Follow Laurie: simplyborganized.com

**Today’s shout-out goes to Esther Lamm of Miami, and the mentioned Fitness 101 Series may be found at bebykate.com/the101series**

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Huge way you can help this podcast reach more people?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

I use the word ‘inspiring’ a lot, but for good reason. And Terry Tucker is another level of the definition of the word. And the quotability is through the roof. And the stories? Don’t miss one second of Terry’s episode of Be The Good with Kate this week. 

Terry is facing the inevitable that cancer will take him from this Earth in the near future, yet has chosen a mindset of using the time he has left to do all he can to make a difference in this world.

Terry founded Motivational Check LLC, is an author and motivational speaker, cancer warrior and amputee, has been a D1 basketball player,  marketing executive, hospital administrator, SWAT Team Hostage Negotiator, high school basketball coach, and is a father and husband.

“I use my 4 Truths to guide the decisions I make in my life…which I have developed over my ten-year battle with melanoma:

• 1. Control your mind, or it will control you.
• 2. Embrace the pain and discomfort we all experience in life and use it to make you a stronger and more determined individual.
• 3. What you leave behind is what you weave in the hearts of other people.
• 4. As long as you don't quit - you can never be defeated. “ 

Motivationalcheck.com  @sustainableexcellenceauthor

His book: Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon And Extraordinary Life

If you like this episode, you may also like: Ep. 21 Levester Johnson of Student Affairs, Ep. 57 Mark Raymond Jr. from Paralyzed to Giving Back, Ep. 61 Jeff Johnson changing the mental health narrative for families. 

**This week’s ‘Good Deed Doers’ shout-outs go to Scott Rebholz & Kathleen Seelig. Listen to the end to hear!**

Huge way you can help this podcast?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• #Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

From being a one-year-old having open heart surgery to seven more heart-related surgeries over the years, nearly dying on the operating table three times, and all that has gone with this journey, Danny Covey is here to tell us about his journey today. True miracles. Today’s guest was told he would never physically excel, yet to look at him now you’d never know of any of this. Danny is a fit black belt with a wife and three children working in marketing and design in Ottawa, Canada. This episode will give you such a boost and dose of inspiration!

Some highlights:

• –Don't accept limits set by others
• –Never too late: He couldn’t even be a part of gym class in school, yet now he is a black belt
• –Keep asking the questions until you find the answer

Follow Danny: @covetastic Insta, Danny Covey FB & LinkedIn, dannycovey .com

Referenced CTV segment:ottawa.ctvnews. ca/video?clipId=1612642

If you like this episode, you may also like:

• ep. 69, functional medicine Maya, ep. 14 acupuncture Cindy, & ep. 60 bullied to Marvel stuntman Kevin Cassidy

**This week’s shout-out goes to Cindy Miller, always there for others, nominated by Julie Cherichello. Listen to the end to hear!**

Huge way you can help this podcast?! Share on your social or review on Apple or Spotify! Thank you in advance!

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• #Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

This week’s guest on Be The Good with Kate has a path that took an unexpected turn over the years: Dr. John DeGarmo is the director of The Foster Care Institute and has now been a foster parent to over 60 children over the years. His passion for helping children and foster care outcomes is so apparent, and I am happy to share our chat with you today.

65% of children end up homeless after going through the foster care system, and John is a warrior for changing this outcome.

John is the recipient of the Good Morning America Ultimate Hero Award, the Heroes of the Homeless Award, and several other honors. He has appeared on ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS, and more. John is the author of ‘The Little Book of Foster Care Wisdom: 365 Days of Inspiration and Encouragement for Foster Care Families’, the best selling book ‘Faith and Foster Care’, and foster care children's book ‘A Different Home: A New Foster Child's Story’. He is the director of The Foster Care Institute, and acts as a consultant to foster care agencies as well as an expert witness to legal agencies across the USA and globe. John is a High Content Speaker and informative trainer on the foster care system, and travels extensively across the globe, meeting with foster parents, child welfare workers, churches, schools, and organizations.

• Drjohndegarmofostercare.com
• Facebook: Dr. John DeGarmo, Foster Care Expert

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Please consider sharing and subscribing on social, YouTube, and your favorite #podcast platform.

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• Podcasts platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

This week’s guest on Be The Good with Kate has an incredible story of going from pain- and fatigue-filled teenage years, to a full life of health, happiness, and freedom in Peru.

Maya Lombarts is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach who grew up in Belgium while facing constant fatigue and pain, as doctors continued to tell her nothing was wrong. Finally she was able to get a diagnosis, as she was right: something was indeed wrong. Maya was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Have you heard about, or experienced yourself, people being tested for various conditions but being told nothing is wrong, despite so much feeling to the contrary? I certainly have. And Maya’s story illustrates how important it is to keep fighting to figure out what is wrong and for options for help.

Curiosity for Spanish culture led Maya to explore options for living in South America. Taking a leap of faith and moving to Peru, she discovered with amazement her health improved by leaps and bounds.

Food quality, air quality, social involvement, sunshine:

Listen to Maya's incredible story about finding a lifestyle that brought her relief from years and years of pain, and what she is doing now to help others every single day.

• MayaLombarts.com
• @mayalombarts
• @maya_piero (singer account!)

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Please consider sharing and subscribing on social, YouTube, and your favorite #podcast platform.

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• Podcasts platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

My guest this week on Be The Good with Kate explains that his passion for brightening people’s days led him “to accomplish what others called ridiculous and unfeasible.” Eddy Smits became a professional clown in Belgium, and went on to visit over 10.000 sick and palliative children.

As his bio states, “This work required more than a pair of big shoes and a red nose. I needed to develop a strong kind of leadership, but most of all I needed to learn to connect, which, even as a clown, is a challenge with sick or palliative children.”

Today, Eddy uses his experience to help parents and leaders authentically connect in his role as a coach.

Welcome to this week’s fascinating and heartfelt episode.

Follow Eddy:

EddySmits.com (Upcoming: The release of his recent TEDx talk!)

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world via following their passions. Be inspired by their example and advice on how each of us has the ability to make a difference.~~

Please consider sharing and subscribing on social, YouTube, and your favorite #podcast platform.

• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood
• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate 

Because we need all the #goodnews we can get.

This week’s guest on Be The Good with Kate is the founder of Run Tri Bike, Jason Bahamundi, and he brings us a burst of energy and motivation on this first episode of the new year! Jason created Run Tri Bike because, as he wrote to me, “I wanted this platform to be a guiding light for others to follow in these amazing athletes footsteps. The athletes that share our stories are not elite, they are not getting paid to perform but are your everyday athlete. They have jobs, families, friends, and many other responsibilities but still get up and train and race.”

I love this. As someone also in the fitness industry, I have been fortunate enough to witness so many amazing accomplishments that indeed do not make it to news outlets.

Jason is an endurance athlete, triathlete, long-distance runner (100+ mile races!), business owner, professor, lover of cooking and eating and keeping up with current events. But, 15 years ago, Jason was exhausted after running a quarter mile. Everyone starts somewhere.

As Jason reminds us in this episode, you don’t need to run hundreds miles, but find the movement and the community that fuels YOU.

Jason shares some incredible stories of people who have broken through barriers to find their way in health and sport. Also, great advice on success and failures near the end of the episode– applicable to all aspects of life and work. So filled with actionable ideas.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

P.S. A podcast makes for a great listen while walking– safely – just saying :)

Follow Jason:

• RunTriMag.com
• @RunTriMag @cooktraineatrace

👏Each of us has the power to make a difference.

*If you found value in this episode, I invite you to subscribe and share on social, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.*

• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate
• Sign up to be notified with the latest: katecherichello. com/bethegood

Yes and!

If you know improv, you know that statement. Today on Be The Good with Kate, a 73-year-old widow who became a comedian at the age of 69, shows us how saying ‘yes and’ throughout life will keep you facing your fears, growing, and living your best life. She will have you smiling and laughing before this episode is done.

Shelley Smartly was told she would have 3-5 years to live. That was in the 1990s. As Shelley explains, she initially began preparing for the outcome: she planned her own funeral. Then she decided to take a different course: Shelley dove into learning as much as she could about her diagnosis of scleroderma, created an entire non-profit, and the years went by as she continued to live her life through the autoimmune diagnoses.

Fast forward, Shelley finally has the opportunity for treatment, but her husband passes away.

“My life had been very serious for several decades... And what I felt when he passed away was I knew I could survive it but only if I could laugh again. I had to be able to laugh."

So while receiving 7 hours a day, 5 days a week of transfusions, she spent her evenings ‘recovering’ from that at comedy shows because she knew how much she needed the uplift. Shelley explains that after prior experiences with depression, she knew she had to make herself get out the door. And what a result.

She next started to write during her infusion time and then, once she felt strong enough, she enrolled in a stand-up comedy course. Shelley continued on to become a stand-up comedian– performing "In real shows that people paid money for!".

If all of that weren’t enough, Shelley wanted to continue spreading laughter to more. She developed the now award-winning comedy series, THE SMARTLYS.

I’m so happy to share Shelley’s story with you today on Be The Good with Kate!

Follow Shelley: @thesmartlys  thesmartlys.com

Join me each week as I chat with someone being the good through following their passions and helping others along the way.

Each of us has the power to make a difference.

*If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.*

• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello
• Sign up to be notified with the latest: katecherichello.com/bethegood

Do you know your Who vs your What?

How do you stay true to Who you are while in Hollywood performing fight scenes in Marvel movies? How about when you are a father of three? Or a business owner in North Carolina? Oh, how about when you are in the minor leagues?

Today’s guest has been all of these Whats, and he has kept his Who at the heart of it all.

I love how Kevin Cassidy dives into this concept while sharing his story on Be The Good with Kate this week.

And Hollywood stuntman? That’s certainly a new one here on the show! Yet that is but one facet of Kevin’s incredible story.

Due to a birth defect, Kevin was unfortunately bullied throughout grade school. Eventually he became an athlete, and then even played in the minor leagues. Next, while pursuing a career as a teacher, things took a wild turn. Kevin has since been in multiple Marvel movies, The Dark Knight Rises, SALT, and many, many more.

After 18 years in Hollywood, he left to be able to focus more on his three young children and wife and opened a ninja training center in his home of North Carolina. He was drawn to how a ninja center offers a different mentality in teamwork and enjoyment rather than the intensity of competition in many children’s sports. He loves mentoring, and is also an author and speaker. Throughout all of this, his focus on being your WHOLE self is completely inspiring.

I had such a great time chatting with Kevin!

If you would like to know more, I highly recommend Kevin’s book, Falling Down to Find Myself. I could not put it down. His fascinating stories are interwoven through philosophy, and I absolutely loved it.

• Kevincass.com

Join me each week as I chat with someone being the good through following their passions and helping others along the way.

Each of us has the power to make a difference.

*If you enjoyed this episode, I would be thrilled if you would SHARE on social or send to a friend. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.*

• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello
• Sign up to be notified with the latest: katecherichello.com/bethegood

My guest today on Be The Good with Kate is an absolute inspiration who finds the good in all aspects of life.

Dr. Marni Hill Foderaro had her life turned upside down yet chose to look at life through a lens of love and forgiveness no matter what.

Marni spent 35 years in the Chicago suburbs as a special education teacher and adjunct professor, and after having to leave an abusive situation, is now an author who has found her voice while residing in the Caribbean.

I couldn’t stop smiling after hearing from Marni. If you feel like you can conquer life after this episode, let me know :)

Marni speaks eloquently of facing the challenges life brings, but also learning from the experiences, keeping a positive outlook, and inspiring others.

Also listen to her beautiful comments on working in special education, mindset, acceptance, and the interesting aspects of how her books and associated resources use different parts of the brain to help heal.

“Dr. Marni Hill Foderaro is an award-winning and celebrated author, speaker and educator. She earned her doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University and completed postdoctoral studies at Harvard during a very successful and rewarding 35-year career as a high school special education teacher, with 12 years as a university adjunct graduate school professor. Marni’s life was forever changed after experiencing numerous trauma-induced STEs-Spiritually Transformative Encounters. Marni’s 5-star Reader’s Favorite and 2022 Hollywood Book Festival Runner-Up and 2020 Best Books Award Winning Spiritual fiction “God Came to My Garage Sale” is prominently endorsed by James Redfield, best selling author of “The Celestine Prophecy” series of books and founding directors of IANDS (International Association for Near Death Studies). Marni’s latest prominently endorsed 5-book series is entitled: “True Deceit False Love” addresses Domestic Violence, Narcissistic Abuse, Parental Alienation and Intergenerational Family Trauma. Marni is a lover of animals, nature, music and world travel who handles life’s challenges with love and compassion. She values honesty, integrity, equality and goodness and prays for peace on earth. In addition to her speaking engagements and various writing endeavors, Foderaro is a contributing author to numerous anthology books and in January 2022 Marni was inducted into the Bestselling Authors International Organization.”

^Author Bio

• Godcametomygaragesale.com for resources, contact, books, and more.

Join me each week as I chat with someone being the good through following their passions and helping others along the way.

Each of us has the power to make a difference.

*If you enjoyed this episode, I would be thrilled if you would share on social or send to a friend. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.*

• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello
• Sign up to be notified with the latest: katecherichello.com/bethegood

Today's guest on Be The Good with Kate explains, "I had to learn how to live this new life," as he describes the time immediately following a diving accident that left him a C5 quadriplegic at the age of 27. While quickly discovering how "underserved the disabled population was with resources and information", Mark Raymond Jr. made it his mission to help others be more informed and have stronger outcomes in the aftermath of injuries, strokes, and other disabling conditions.

Mark specifically noted a big gap in fitness resources and opportunities. Another, as he refers to it, was a lack of "social worker advisors''. So, Mark created Split Second Foundation, with Split Second Fitness and Split Second Cares.

It is the first rehab-based fitness center in the Gulf South and serves a host of disabilities. Mark describes it as holistically helping people to achieve a better quality of life.

Mark and team continue to expand their offerings, with post-injury financial literacy being the next addition.

Additionally, you'll hear Mark explain some of the advancements in technology for equipment that helps him move and work through each day. He goes into detail about how the body connects with the devices, especially when working with musculature limitations.

From the fitness resources, to financial insights into what is lacking for the disabled community, to the machine that gives him legs to walk, I was fascinated talking with Mark.

Split Second Foundation states their 'why': "20.6 million Americans live with some form of ambulatory disability, requiring a mobility device. Many of these people face an isolated world with few social interactions, health complications, a higher risk of suicide, a shorter life expectancy and few places to turn to."

• Splitsecondfoundation. org
• @MarkRaymondJr
• National Association of State Treasurers

**If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.**

• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello
• Sign up to be notified with the latest: katecherichello. com/bethegood

Wow! After four months of incredibly inspiring guests, it's time to wrap it all up with a finale episode. Here, let's take a mini dose of each episode, and I hope you are reminded of or introduced to these people doing so much good in so many different, unique ways. I further hope you are inspired to follow your passions and help your own heart as well as others around you along the way.

What is Be The Good with Kate?

Need a reminder of the good in the world? In search of some inspiration as to how one person can make a difference?

Then you’re in the right place. I’m Kate Cherichello, and I’m on a mission to share all the good news and good people as I can.

Join me each week as I chat with someone being the good through following their passions and helping others along the way.

Each of us has the power to make a difference.

**If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.**

• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello
• Sign up to be notified with the latest: katecherichello.com/bethegood

Follow & support the guests of this season:

• Avital Asuleen
• Aaron Smith
• Gillian Velmer
• Suzanne Orlando
• Devon Ogden
• Stacey Cook
• Indu Navar
• Marlene Sharp
• Mark Palm
• Maurelhena Walles
• Jonathan Asayag
• JJ Kells
• Ryan Burnet
• Joanne DiCamillo & Nikki Puzzo

Today on Be The Good with Kate: The amount of people who need adaptive clothing is a lot higher than you may think. But, before Joanne DiCamillo and Nikki Puzzo founded befree Adaptive Clothing, there were no adaptive options on the market. Think: clothing that can fit around casts, clothing that is safe for people who have no feeling in their legs and may not notice a zipper digging into them, clothing that is created in a way so someone with tactile challenges is still able to have the independence of dressing his or her self.

After seeing Nikki’s daughter Stella struggle to get dressed while dealing with a massive surgery and cerebral palsy, then not finding any clothing that could work around these challenges, Joanne and Nikki set out to find a solution.

They now work each day to fulfill this need, with their company befree Adaptive Clothing, an inclusive clothing line. I can't wait for you to hear their whole story. Find the link below, and feel free to send any thoughts or surprises my way!

Maybe we can ask ourselves this week: Is there anything we are taking for granted in our daily lives?

Follow befree:

• befreeco. com
• @befreeadaptive

**If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.**

• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello
• Sign up to be notified with the latest: katecherichello.com/

My guest today is helping to reshape the outlook for hundreds of youth in "the hardest hit neighborhood in our state for poverty, crime,...and a lack of opportunity".

Founder and Executive Director of Northside Boxing Club Ryan Burnet is on a mission to help inner city youth of North Minneapolis, MN, and be a safe haven for them.

With a background in creating restaurants, Ryan noted it felt like it was a ‘selfish’ career, regarding the amount of time and energy that was engulfing him. But Ryan had found boxing in his own life and realized what a change it made in him. He decided he wanted to use his restaurants to donate food to a local boxing gym. He found, however, he couldn't simply drop off the food. He ended up being pulled to stay longer, learning about the people and the gyms, yes gyms plural at this point, driving kids, and getting more involved.

Ryan then realized that many of the kids were coming in from North Minneapolis but there was no gym in their own neighborhood. So that was when Northside Boxing Club was born.

Ryan shares a beautiful story of one of the members of the gym who is now an adult doing well for himself with a family of his own about to turn pro in boxing. Ryan says this is one of many wonderful stories, and it is only the beginning. Six years in, he has plans for an amazing future ahead with the gym.

He quotes one of the gym’s pro boxers who is a trainer there, Phil Williams: "Each one teach one". From 8 years old to young adults who have now taken on leadership roles at the gym, youth are learning discipline, teamwork, commitment, and more.

Listen to the end for Ryan’s biggest surprise since opening the boxing club.

Connect with Ryan:

• NorthsideBoxing.org
• Ryan@northsideboxing.org

**If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.**

• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello
• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood

Co-founder of Renew Wellness Psychotherapy, this week’s guest shines a light on therapy: from his vast background working with people from all walks of life, to the ‘why’ of volunteering your time, to finding this career path, to who therapy is for (spoiler: anyone).

Meet Jonathan Asayag, who has been a therapist in the Lehigh Valley for over a decade. As a licensed clinical social worker, Jonathan also has a certification in advanced drug and alcohol counseling, and has worked with people in the criminal justice system, immigrants, foster children, college students, individuals in the hospital, and now he owns his own practice with his wife, Natalie, in Easton, PA.

Jonathan did not start out with a plan to become a therapist! I love these stories of how people find their passions. Listen for more.

Also, listen in on how therapy is so helpful for people of every background and life experience. Whether someone is currently struggling with a specific aspect of life, or things feel great, therapy is beneficial. Jonathan describes it like having a gym membership!

And here in yet another episode there is a shout-out to ‘Silenzio Bruno’ and naming your inner critic ;) (Gold stars for who can name the other episode where this topic came up!)

Jonathan goes way beyond talking the talk-- he walks it, too. I really appreciate that he brings up having to take care of himself in order to be there for others.

I could go on, but you should hear straight from the source. Listen or watch and let me know what resonates with you. I love hearing from you. Feel free to reach out to Jonathan as well.

Follow Jonathan & Natalie:

• Renewwellnesspsychotherapy.com
• @renewwellness & @renewwellness_espanol

**If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.**

• Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello
• Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood