Your Daily Chocolate

On today's episode, Patty speaks with Beth Warford, a former children's ICU and sedation nurse turned personal safety expert and founder of Pretty Loaded. Beth shares her personal experience with a potential predator and how it inspired her to start her company, offering tips on how to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of opportunistic crime, particularly during the high-crime month of December. She emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, strong body language, and using authorized safety tools effectively. Beth also discusses her work with corporations to aid employee safety in dangerous urban areas.

Find more about Beth and her work below:

In this heartwarming interview, Patty welcomes Luke Mickelson, the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a non-profit, volunteer powered organization dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need.  Luke and Patty dive into the issue of child bedlessness in the United States, an issue that often goes unnoticed, and discuss how the organization started out as a small family project for Christmas in 2012, and now has grown into something much larger, with tens of thousands of volunteers constructing and delivering beds for children in need.

Despite the significant strides made by Sleep in Heavenly Peace, the issue remains prevalent. Luke highlights the importance of community awareness and involvement, opportunities for volunteering, and the crucial role that organizations like Sleep in Heavenly Peace offer in serving underserved communities and changing families' lives.

Find more about Luke and Sleep In Heavenly Peace below:

Today Patty welcomes yet another world-renowned guest to the progam, christmas ornament maker, Christopher Radko. Christopher, known for his artisanal hand-blown and hand-painted holiday ornaments, shares his journey from starting to create heirloom ornaments almost 40 years ago to becoming an internationally loved brand with high profile collectors like John Travolta, Barbra Streisand, and Elton John.

He also reveals that his new brand, Heartfully Yours, continues the tradition of exquisite ornaments handmade by European artists. He and Patty also discuss his inspiration behind the designs and the intricate seven-day process of making each ornament. Christopher also touches upon his charitable initiatives connected to his ornaments, which support causes like heart disease, AIDS research, food shortage, and breast cancer.

Find more about Christopher Radko and his exquisite ornaments

In celebration of World Kindness Day, Patty invites best-selling horror writer, Michaelbrent Collings, to the show. Huh, that sounds a little contradictory. But despite being known for his scary narratives, Collings lives by kindness in his personal life and strives to teach authors how to write, market, and publish books through his platform, The Bestseller Life.

He shares his journey of switching from a law career to writing, highlights the importance of storytelling, and how it affects communities. Michaelbrent also talks about an upcoming book tour, his education outreach activities, and his commitment to kindness which drives his perspective about the horror genre.

As always, Patty brings the big name guests and peels back the layers to hear captivating stories and lessons from them. Today she welcomes DC Glenn, one half of the hip hop duo, Tag Team, known for their hit single "Whoomp! (There It Is").

Patty and DC discuss his career spanning from the 90s till the present day, including the recent popularity of "Whoomp! (There It Is") through a Geico commercial. DC shares his journey, challenges, the importance of owning one’s rights in the music industry, commercial success, and his continuous learning and self-reinvention. He talks about his approach to fame, balancing various professional roles, the importance of networking, and the power of positivity.

Grab your popcorn and favorite chocolate, because Patty's guest today has a life story that would put put a lot of scripted movies to shame. Juliette Watt, speaker, author, and coach talks about her various careers, including being a Playboy bunny, a soap opera writer, an actress, and her current work with the Best Friends Animal Society. She also discusses her love of flying, her experiences in war-torn Beirut, being trafficked, and taking down a rapist in Belgium. Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation.

Find more about Juliette below:

Have you ever had a life threatening emergency and had to dial 911? Whether you have or haven't, today's guest Ricardo Martinez, a former 911 dispatcher, shares his experience in this role, the unique challenges it poses.

He recounts his unexpected entry into the field shortly after 9/11, describing the rigorous interview process and his first shift. He highlights the high-pressure environment and the need for dispatchers to remain calm under stress. Ricardo also shares personal stories, including a funny call involving a noise complaint at his own house on New Year's Eve. He explains the therapeutic aspect of sharing these stories and discusses his book, "Imagine Listening," which features stories from 911 dispatchers worldwide.

He emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and reclassification for 911 dispatchers and their unique role in public safety. He and Patty conclude the show with a discussion of the "I am 911" movement, which initially aimed to impact legislation but evolved into a peer support network for dispatchers, providing a platform for sharing their experiences and fostering camaraderie in the field. Find more about Ricardo Martinez below:

It's National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Patty has invited an amazing guest, Liz Benditt, five-time cancer survivor, to discusses her experiences and insights.

Liz emphasizes the importance of self-examinations and mammograms, sharing her personal journey and experiences with different types of cancer, including melanoma, thyroid cancer, and breast cancer. She talks about the significance of early detection and treatment and how her experience as a patient has shaped her perspective on healthcare.

She also discusses her entrepreneurial venture, The Balm Box, which provides functional and practical gifts for cancer patients, addressing the disconnect between what patients need and what they receive from well-meaning friends and family.

Today Patty has an electrifying guest in more than one way! Patty welcomes Ann Goody who runs the Three Ring Ranch, a unique animal sanctuary located near Kona, Hawaii. Ann shares her fascinating journey, beginning as an emergency room nurse who met her husband, who was a doctor, in Kona. They decided to build a life together and started the ranch after a lightning strike dramatically changed her life, rewiring her brain to be more in tune with animals.

The Three Ring Ranch is entirely volunteer-run and cares for 153 animals from various species. Ann stresses the importance of volunteers, who come from around the world to help with animal care. Additionally, the ranch offers programs for vet students and pre-vet students to gain hands-on experience.

She and Patty discuss the challenges of caring for exotic animals, including the high cost of specialized diets and the need for extensive training. She also tells Patty about their recent involvement in assisting with animal rescue efforts during wildfires in Hawaii.

Find More About Ann Goody:

Today's episode comes straight from the heart... literally. Patty welcomes Danny Covey, who shares his incredible story of enduring eight heart surgeries and battling near-death experiences on the operating table.

From a young age, he faced the terror of a congenital heart defect, resulting in frequent hospitalizations. Despite numerous surgeries, it wasn't until age 14, that his health stabilized.

Danny's childhood was devoid of physical activity, replaced by a love for drawing and martial arts. Later in life, he defied expectations by earning a black belt in karate and jiu-jitsu, even after facing a life-threatening heart surgery at 40. Danny's message to you - embrace responsible risk-taking and defy imposed limits.

Today Patty brings you yet another big name guest, celebrity Chef Joe Gatto. The focus is on his unique approach to cooking from scratch. Chef Gatto emphasizes that his culinary journey truly begins at the foundation, where he passionately crafts every element of his dishes. This includes making his own charcoal, sourcing water from the Atlantic, creating homemade salts, milking cows for butter and cheese, and more. He believes that this hands-on approach connects him deeply with the food he prepares, understanding that food is more than just sustenance; it carries cultural and personal significance.

Chef Gatto's commitment to scratch cooking extends to his family, where his children actively participate in the process, making pasta, noodles, and even grinding flour for bread. His well-equipped kitchen and continuous cooking ensure that everything he produces gets used efficiently.

He emphasizes that cooking from scratch doesn't have to be time-consuming, offering practical tips for busy individuals to incorporate fresh, homemade elements into their meals. Chef Gatto's culinary journey, from filmmaker to private chef to a successful TV show host and author, exemplifies his adaptable and dynamic approach to life, which he now shares with his wife on their new podcast, "The Goddess and the Chef." focusing on their experiences as entrepreneurs, juggling multiple responsibilities, and living life to the fullest.

Are you ready to get creative?! Today Patty welcomes Shannon Bennett, the founder of Creative Crayons Workshop. Shannon's journey into the business world began unexpectedly when she and her children repurposed broken crayons into toy-shaped crayons during a homeschooling project. Their excitement led to the birth of Creative Crayons Workshop, which now sells custom design products worldwide.

Shannon discusses how their business evolved from crayons to personalized coloring tablecloths, engaging children in creativity beyond coloring. She also shares some surprising customer experiences.

Shannon and Patty also discuss the challenges of homeschooling and screen time, emphasizing the importance of fostering imagination through activities like coloring.

Despite her unplanned journey into entrepreneurship, this is just the beginning for the company as Shannon is committed to expanding Creative Crayons Workshop in new and exciting ways!

Find more about Creative Crayons Workshop and how you can bring some of this joy to your kids and others:

In today's heartwarming episode, Patty welcomes Craig Colby, an award-winning executive producer with a fascinating story to share. Craig's journey takes us from his impressive career producing content for networks like Discovery Channel, ESPN Plus, BBC Earth, and the Smithsonian Channel to a surprising pandemic-induced obsession with hats. This newfound passion led to an extraordinary bonding experience with a community of friends, inspiring Craig's book "All Caps: Stories That Justify an Outrageous Hat Collection," which later won the Canadian Book Club Award for Best Nonfiction Book of 2022.

The memoir isn't just about caps; it's about connections and memories associated with each hat. Craig shares touching stories, like a miraculous encounter with the Toronto Maple Leaves that brightened his son's darkest days. This episode reminds us to find happiness even in the face of adversity and to cherish the moments that truly matter.

Today's guest has an amazing story to tell. A story about saving himself. Patty welcomes Chris Romulo, a retired pro Muay Thai champion. He's also a former gym owner, author, and speaker. His message is that even in the face of setbacks and losses, it's crucial to remember one's purpose and continue the fight with heart and determination. And now as a youth empowerment specialist, he shares his inspiring journey of reinvention after the pandemic. He focuses on empowering young people to embrace their champion spirit through his 'Champ Up' philosophy.

Today Patty welcomes Kevin Hoover, a businessman and stress reduction expert, who embarked on an extraordinary journey with his family. From stress reduction to productivity enhancement, personal development, and a heartwarming story of resilience, Kevin's experiences offer incredible insights.

Kevin and his family, facing unimaginable circumstances in 2019 when their son was diagnosed with stage four cancer, decided to take a radical step. They sold their house, cars, and belongings to travel across the country in an RV for 15 months. Amidst challenges like breakdowns, meeting interesting strangers, and flexible planning, they discovered the power of letting go and embracing the present moment.

As they ventured on this life-changing journey, Kevin and his wife started a nonprofit, "Hug Your People," providing wagons to children fighting cancer. Kevin's advice resonates with balancing work and life, finding mindfulness, and the potential of remote work. With a mission to foster healthier workplaces and lives, Kevin's story inspires us to let go, live in the moment, and value human connections.

Connect with Kevin using the links below!

Today's episode, is a little different, but one that could change your life in a big way. Patty welcomes the engaging Josef Stetter, aka "the resume whisperer." He shares his expertise on crafting standout resumes that truly get noticed by employers.

Josef has had an eventful career journey, switching paths nine times and experiencing over 18 job changes. With almost two decades of recruitment experience across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, finance, fintech, engineering, and more, he's a true authority on the subject. He's written 10 books on resume writing and has helped a whopping 11,000 individuals land their dream jobs, sometimes within just two days!

Joseph's resume tips are eye-opening. He highlights the cardinal sins of resume writing. He emphasizes the importance of quantifiable results and how creativity can set your resume apart. Plus, he delves into the cover letter controversy, modern job application challenges, and even shares a hilarious interview gone wrong.

Well you knew this day would come. Your Daily Chocolate is actually doing an entire episode about chocolate! Patty welcomes Glenn Gardone, the mastermind behind Red Chocolate who shares his unique journey to becoming a chocolate expert after a successful career in consumer packaged goods. So what makes Red Chocolate so special? Well maybe you love chocolate but want to watch your sugar intake, or maybe you are one of the 37 million people in the United States with diabetes. Red Chocolate offers some of the most exquisite varieties of chocolate you can imagine, but with no added sugar and fewer calories.

Red has emerged as a chocolate juggernaut in over 28 countries. Get ready to salivate as they discuss Red Chocolate's tantalizing flavors, including their innovative caramelized white chocolate. Enjoy this lively episode listening to Glenn's enthusiastic and magnetic personality. Find out how this smart indulgence offers all the pleasure with none of the guilt, making it a must for chocoholics everywhere!

Get 10% off an online order with Promo Code: YourDailyChocolate. 

August is National Fishing Month, and today Patty has the guest to cast off into the world of fishing - Bob Gonzalez, a seasoned angler and the author of 'A Flicker in the Water.' In this episode, Patty and Bob dive deep into the joys of fishing and the lessons it brings beyond catching fish. Bob shares fascinating insights he gained while writing his best-selling book, from ocean currents to the interconnectedness of marine life.

Get hooked on thrilling fishing stories, like the epic battle with a giant tuna during an overnight trip, the heartbreak of the ones that got away, and the emotional impact of being at one with nature. Plus, hear how Mariel Hemingway, with her family's fishing heritage, ended up writing the forward for Bob's book.

They discuss the changing ocean dynamics, including increased shark sightings closer to shore, and how fishing regulations are helping maintain the ecosystem.

So listen for an ocean adventure filled with fishing wisdom, delicious cooking tips for your catch, and insights into the resilient nature of marine life.

Find more about Bob below:

Today, Patty welcomes a wonderful and talented author Mary K. Savarese, the mastermind behind the book "Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume (Who Knew?)". Well, Mary K. reveals the secret on what inspired it and how it became a metaphor in her wonderful mystery novel.

She and Patty also discuss her writing process, character development, and the fascinating twists and turns in her murder mystery. They also delve into the heartwarming lessons her book imparts, reminding us never to give up on our passions. Get ready to hear about her exciting Star Riders Trilogy and what lies beyond, as well as Mary K's love for cats and her partnership with a Florida shelter will warm your heart.

Today on Wheel of For... oh wait. On Your Daily Chocolate, Patty welcomes speaker, podcaster, and game show host, Mike Montague. Mike delves into the world of playfulness in the workplace. He shares his own experiences as a game show host and explores how playfulness can significantly impact productivity and creativity. From virtual game shows to physical game rooms, Mike discusses how companies like Facebook, Google, and Meta are incorporating play into their cultures to create a more engaging and fulfilling work environment. He also interviews experts and professionals who have found success by embracing play in their careers, showcasing the wide range of possibilities for incorporating playfulness into various industries.

Mike emphasizes the importance of balancing work and play, providing practical tips on how individuals and organizations can integrate play into their daily routines. He introduces the concept of the five P's—play, perform, pause, ponder, and practice—and explains how they contribute to a healthy and productive work-life balance.

Find more about Mike below:

On today's show Patty welcomes Rick DellaRatta, considered by many to be one of the finest singer pianists performing today. He's one of only a handful of jazz artists who can make a successful musical presentation to a large audience without having to abandon the true art form of jazz.

After 9/11, he created the Jazz for Peace World Tour. His effort is to spread peace worldwide. In addition to being known as a great jazz artist, he's now also considered to be an innovator and a visionary.

Here is how Rick is bringing both extraordinary music, awareness, and peace all over the world.

Web-sites & social media links: 

I hope you’re hungry!... Well if not, you will be after listening to today’s episode, where Patty welcomes Chef Matthew Gray. Like so many of Patty’s guests, Matthew has an incredible and fascinating journey, from developing his appreciation and passion for food by watching his mom in the kitchen as a young boy, to dropping everything at the age of 17 to go on the road with The Eagles, and again with other legends like Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd. 

Matthew continues his story about going back to school and onto higher education, one of which was culinary school in London. He then began working in restaurants and even making gourmet finger foods for Trader Joe’s. After relocating to Hawaii, Matthew started Hawaii Food Tours, which showcased the diverse flavors and cultural heritage of the island. He took guests beyond the tourist areas, introducing them to local cuisine, farms, and unique culinary experiences. With Covid, that part of his business ended, but he discusses how he pivoted to continue to help people learn about and enjoy food, along with finding ways to greatly improve their overall health. 

Find more about Matthew Gray and the food journey he can take you on below:

Today’s episode is one that so many people can feel a passion for - the love of animals. Patty welcomes Peter Knights, a former economist turned wildlife conservationist. Peter's journey from economics to conservation started when he realized he wanted to make a positive impact on the world. He joined a team of undercover investigators working to expose illegal wildlife trafficking, which initially focused on combating the illegal bird trade, successfully reducing the number of wild birds brought into the United States. 

He also tackled issues like ivory trade and the trafficking of bear gallbladders, which are highly valued in traditional medicine. Through education and awareness campaigns, Peter and his team managed to change perceptions and significantly reduce the demand for these wildlife products in Asia.

Recognizing the importance of engaging the younger generation, Peter emphasizes the role of education in conservation efforts. He believes that young people can influence their families and communities to make more sustainable choices. Peter also highlights the need to provide alternative livelihoods for poachers and address human-wildlife conflicts, especially in Africa. By supporting tourism and finding innovative ways to coexist with wildlife, Peter aims to protect Africa's diverse and endangered species.

Welcome to "Your Daily Chocolate" podcast! In this episode, Patty welcomes Carisa Montooth, a love coach and energy healer who helps women build successful relationships. While her focus is primarily on women, Cara emphasizes the importance of understanding both men and women's perspectives in relationships.

The conversation kicks off with Carisa highlighting that men can benefit from understanding how women approach dating and love. Likewise, women can gain valuable insights into how men think about these topics. The discussion goes beyond the classic notion of "men are from Mars, women are from Venus" and delves into the deeper understanding required to connect and create meaningful relationships.

She takes a positive approach to dating, avoiding the negativity and pitfalls that can come with it. She shares her perspective on how to invite love into our lives by shifting our mindset, healing past wounds, and practicing self-love. According to Carisa, love is not something we "make happen," but rather something we "make welcome."

Carisa also reveals three ways love can manifest in our lives. Her approach challenges the notion that online dating is the only path to finding love. She believes that healing, self-love, and clarity on what we want in a relationship can open doors to serendipitous connections. By releasing limiting beliefs and embracing positive energy, we can create the conditions for love to enter our lives naturally.

Join us as we delve into Cara's insights and discover the magic of love that awaits us all.

Find out more about Carisa below:

Today Patty welcomes Sean BW Parker, a British writer, artist and lecturer in art, cultural theory and justice reform. Sean also happens to stutter, or stammer as it is referred to in Britain. He and Patty discuss the relationship between genetic disposition and environmental factors in the development of stuttering and what situations may exacerbate it. Sean explains that society places importance on speaking and that stuttering can be seen as embarrassing and a hindrance to success for some. Sean also describes some of the tougher times in school with bullying and pressure to read in front of class.

Sean also is a singer as you will hear, and he and Patty discuss the brain processing that makes stuttering often disappear when a person sings. They also touch on some of the new technological advancements to help stuttering and some of Sean’s great accomplishments from writing eight books, to giving TED Talks, and awards he has received along the way.

Sean Bw Parker (MA) is a British writer, artist and lecturer in art, cultural theory and justice reform. He lived in Istanbul for ten years until 2014 where he lectured at Istanbul University, and gave a TED talk 'Stammering and Creativity'. He has published or contributed to a number of books, won six Koestler Arts awards (including a platinum for his play The Wolfstadt-Wire) and a Perrie Lectures essay award in 2019. Parker is Editor of False Allegations Watch for the Empower the Innocent organization (University of Bristol Innocence Project affiliated).

You may remember one of Patty’s very early guests, the crime and mystery novelist Joe LeValley. His story is extraordinary, having taken 33 years to finish his first book and 33 days to finish his second, and doing it all at what many people consider retirement age. Well Joe has returned to the show with book number five just being released this year, and it’s already receiving awards.

Today Patty and Joe discuss the new novel The Sophocles Rule. Take a little deeper look at how he develops his characters, the meaning behind the title, developing new characters and creating more complex stories with stories that keep readers turning the pages. Joe also shares a few sneak peeks at books six and seven and some inspirational words about what still gives him a thrill when creating, and the reward it continues to give him and his fans.

The world and our everyday lives are a mix of beauty, love, tragedy, trials, hope, and uncertainty. Patty’s guests today tap into this in their stunning music. The October Project is a New York based award-winning, genre defying band. Marina Belica, Julie Flanders, and Emil Adler have been making music since 1991 and talk to Patty about how they began, their inspirations and philosophy of creating songs. Above all it’s about appreciating the beauty and healing in a world that can often seem cruel and uncaring. Check out the links below to find out more and to listen to the gorgeous music that The October Project delivers.

Composer Emil Adler, writer Julie Flanders and vocalist Marina Belica of October Project are award-winning, genre-defying recording artists and producers who collaborate in the creation of musical recordings and events in the spirit of bringing harmony, joy and peace to listeners.
Powered by Flanders’ words, Adler’s music, and the group’s trademark harmonies, their earlier work with SONY/Epic and subsequent recordings have been enjoyed by millions. Bridging the worlds of pop, classical, a cappella and choral, they continue to
innovate the landscape of Independent Music.

The band’s new full-length album, The Ghost of Childhood, will be released throughout 2023.

Today’s guest comes to the show fresh off of a feature in People Magazine. Owen O'Neill is here and he runs a non-profit called Clinics Can Help, which really doesn't tell you much about what he does but Owen is a registered nurse for more than 30 years, and along the way he saw an opportunity, and at the same time, he saw a need. He saw individuals who maybe no longer were using their wheelchairs or their medical equipment,

and at the same time, he's working in clinics and seeing people who can't afford that very same equipment. This is where Clinics Can Help was born, and now many years later, he and his team of employees and volunteers have impacted tens of thousands of lives.

Patty and Owen discuss how the organization works, the extraordinary amount of people they help, some of the challenges they face, and how they even provide other life-saving items apart from traditional medical equipment.

Find out more about Owen and Clinics Can Help below:

Most of know about some rare diseases that effect a fairly small number of the population. ALS for example effects around 18,000 people in the United States. Today's guest Geri Landman, is a Pediatrician and mother of three. She discovered that her third child suffers from a genetic disorder called PGAP3. She is one of only 50 known cases in the world.

Today Geri brings her inspiring story of the lead up to the diagnosis and then all of the time, energy, effort, and emotion since. She and her husband are now the Founders and Directors of Moonshots For Unicorns which funds research and find cures for PGAP3 and other ultra-rare disorders. Geri also discusses some of the mind-blowing genetic advancements that are happening right now in the fight to find cures.

This is a beautiful and motivating episode. Look below to see how you can find out more and get involved.

Are you ready to laugh? Patty welcomes the hilarious Kerri Pomarolli to today's show. She is a national headlining standup comedian who's worked with everyone from Jay Leno to Jim Carey, to Carol Channing and Jerry Lewis.

She's been on The Tonight Show 29 times, as well as Comedy Central, ABC and many more. She's been an actress on the Young and the Restless General Hospital and many family shows on ABC Family. She's a screenwriter who sold her second film script to the Hallmark Channel and also a correspondent for CNN's Show Biz tonight. Laugh along with Patty and Kerri in this fun and insightful episode.

Kerri Pomarolli is a national headlining stand up comedian who has worked with everyone from Jay Leno, Jim Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Carol Channing and Jerry Lewis. She's been featured on The Tonight Show 29 times, Comedy Central, ABC and many more. She hosted her own show on MOMTV and is a popular host on red carpets including back stage at the Emmy® Awards and many Hollywood premieres . She was featured on the Nick at Nite show Mom's Night Out and as an actor has appeared in many films and TV including General Hospital, Young and the Restless, Lifetime, ABC Family, CBS and many more. She is a screenwriter who sold her second film script to the Hallmark Channel. Kerri has been a correspondent for CNN’s Showbiz Tonight. She has been featured on Netflix Amazon Roku Channel and voted Comedian of The Year by the Hollywood Faith and Film awards 2022. She was voted one of LA's most inspiring people by Voyage Magazine.

Kerri’s latest two books Confessions of a Proverbs 32 Woman and She Rises Late and Her Kids Make Her Breakfast: hit the bestsellers list on Amazon. She hosted part of the Dove awards at the Grand Ole Opry and currently hosts a podcast with her daughter "The Drive to School Podcast" available on all

You listen to the show each week for positive, uplifting, and inspiring stories. Today's guest exemplifies this in every way. Dr. Christopher Smith is the author of the recently released book called Homeless to Hopkins, and it is a true story of his life. He journeyed from a broken, homeless teenager sleeping in the car to eventually being a medical doctor at world renowned Johns Hopkins. But most importantly, along the way, he actually found joy and he found himself.

Dr. Smith recalls his upbringing in an unhealthy and unstable home, moving from place to place multiple times a year until finally he found himself with no home at all. He talks about his "safe place" at school and inspiration he found from teachers along the way, how he was transported to new worlds and inspired by the stories of great people through his love of reading, and how determination, resilience, and personal accountability are the foundation of growth.

Patty has invited a fascinating guest on today’s episode. Kimberly Evering. She's also

known as Gal on the Go, and she is the host of a biweekly award-winning podcast

series that features raw interviews with women from all walks of life and sharing their inspiring and empowering experiences. In addition to that, she's an extreme cyclist and has served as an ambassador to the Olympics twice. She shares her experience working with the Paralympics Alpine Skiing teams and how it was a life-changing experience. She also discusses the trifecta of living a happy life and tells about how she’s helping others in podcasting through her service, Podtopia.

Today's episode starts with a poem that was written by today's guest, Riya Sokol. The poem about the Coronavirus went absolutely viral almost three years ago at the start of Covid. It was a poem that comforted and provoked as we all were adjusting to a changing world. It shows that even as we acknowledge the horrible parts of the last few years, we can find goodness, grace, and silver linings. We can learn more about ourselves and others, know what we can and shouldn't even try to control, and appreciate our lives in the moment more deeply.

Riya is an internationally acclaimed artist, speaker, and content creator. Since the age of six, she's been on stage as a singer. She's now an accomplished public speaker. With her unique approach to human existence, she is revolutionizing communities and making an impact on the world. Find out more about Riya below:

David CM Carter joins Patty from across the pond in England. David is a serial entrepreneur, and the world's leading CEO mentor. They get into how he got that title and his forty years of experience and track record of creating innovative businesses and mentoring leaders and influencers around the world. Now he's got his legacy project, the Entelechy Academy, where he's bringing together brilliant minds in education, coaching, and professional organizations to make it the ability to become the best version of the themselves accessible to everyone. David's engrossing stories, charm, humor are just a bonus to this intriguing and thoughtful episode. Enjoy!

Today's guest, Judd Efinger, describes himself as a storyteller, adventurer, learner and leader and has spent decades helping others reach their full potential. Judd has paired a thirty-year career in sales management with running an outdoor leadership and corporate team-building company in Park City, Utah. As founder of Park City Teamworks, Judd has designed business adventures for more than 500 companies and 14,000 business leaders.
The outdoor adventures have proven to be the perfect setting to see how business teams play under stress and reveal their true nature. Back at Base Camp, debriefings help team members apply the lessons learned in their outdoor adventure to become a high-performing, winning team when they return to the office.

Today's guest, John Hurd, is a runner and competes in sprinting competitions around the country. He has won 168 gold medals including 9 national championship golds in his lifetime. What makes that an even more impressive number is that John is 91 years old and started running at the age of 61. Born at the height of the Great Depression and too small to participate in sports as a school kid, he learned at age 60 about the national senior games, and began to train himself as a sprinter. Prepare to be inspired by John's drive, passion, persistence and humble spirit. And maybe you'll think about dusting off your running shoes. 

Your Daily Chocolate is in the top 25% of most shared, and most followed podcasts worldwide, so let's boost it up even higher. Take 10 seconds today and share the show with some friends that you know will love it, and make 2023 an even brighter year for those you care about.

The Oscars are coming up on March 12th, and who else but Patty has an inside look at the awards from a best-selling author, playwright, screenplay producer, and film producer? David-Matthew Barnes joins the show to talk about the history of the awards, how it has changed over the last decade and who he predicts will win. See if your choices match up and enjoy the show!

David-Matthew is the bestselling author of fifteen novels, three collections of poetry, seven short stories, and more than seventy stage plays that have been performed in three languages in twelve countries. Five of his stage plays have received off-off Broadway productions. As a film producer, he has helped bring sixteen films to the screen. To date, he has written seven produced screenplays.

Sometimes it feels like the most successful people in the business world can see into the future. Well, today's guest does seem to have this gift. Donna Loughlin is the Founder of LMGPR and known for her work with futurists and innovators.  She has launched more than 500 companies, taking them from stealth to market leaders since forming her agency in 2002. She is also the host of BeforeItHappened, a leading narrative podcast featuring visionaries and the moments, events, and realizations that inspired them to change our lives for the better.

Today Patty talks with Donna about Identifying a visionary early on, the product vs. the person, some of the products that surprised and impressed her the most, the role of social media on a products success, and a little information on her upcoming book and her incredible podcast.

Donaa also shares her six steps of telling an influential story, why failure is never the end and often the beginning of something better, and the reason she “hires and fires herself every day.”

Find out more about Donna Loughlin below:

****************************** If you'd like to get a $300 dollar package from today's guest for FREE, make sure to listen! **********************************

It’s not every day that Patty has a rock star on her show, but today is that day. Michele Blood was a popular Australian rock singer for years doing long, sold out tours for the fans of her band. But while riding on the tour bus she got into a terrible accident and was hospitalized for months. During this time she discovered the power of listening to positive affirmations and how it effected our mind, and the outcome of our lives.

Because she was a musician, she created musical positive affirmations that prove to be more effective. It worked for her as she underwent a “miraculous” recovery and healing in the hospital. Now she has had millions of people around the world hear her songs and the glowing reviews affirm the effectiveness of her message. She even has worked with and has the support of Bob Proctor, multiple NY Times Best Selling author and contributor to The Secret, Speaker and Author Brian Tracy, and Jack Canfield co-author of Chicken Soup For The Soul.

Hear how you can change the direction of your personal and professional life with something as simple as listening to positive affirmations.

Riches are not about the ‘what,’ but the ‘who.’ That is the philosophy of today's guest Angela Marshall, a motivational speaker, professional writer, columnist, bestselling author, creative consultant, ex-NFL wife and business owner. Angela defines true riches are things that you cannot replace. Family, close friends, and mentors that get you to the best places in your life.

As an ex-NFL wife, she took lessons from what she saw in the sports world. Respecting yourself, self-discipline, cooperation, teamwork. She knows that to love and support those around you, you need to have love and respect for yourself. Her acronym for this is SELF - Shine, Evolve, Love, and Fulfill.

Angela discusses the different stages of her life that brought her to where she is today, and how her perspective on what is important changed over time. As she is now inspiring others, she reflects on those that inspired her and how having trusted mentors in her life make such a difference. But the simple everyday situations we encounter often provide the biggest lessons toward positive growth.

Angela knows that life is hard for everyone no matter who they are or what they do. Her advice is to be a positive energy out there, to listen, understand, and inspire in any way that we can, and to not let ourselves or those around us get stuck in negativity.

Also, listen to Angela’s advice on dating after she realized almost everything she was told before was wrong.

Find out more and connect with Angela using the links below:

IG: @inotherwordsbystone

Twitter: @wordsbystone

Today's guest is giving the best gift that anyone can give, the gift of health and balance. Patty welcomes Beth Shaw, Founder and CEO of YogaFit Training Systems. Beth shares the message of health and wellness, so people can make more informed choices on nutrition, sleep, and how to take care of the their mental, physical, and emotional health. She brings YogaFit to a wide spectrum of clients, from nursing homes to Fortune 500 companies.

Beth reminds us that we only have one body in this life, so beginning to change the way we move, eat, sleep, and hydrate will help us to live the best quality of life possible as we grow older. She brings this message with her radio and podcast show - Make America Healthy. 

She also discusses how YogaFit gives back with millions of hours of community service work teaching, assisting veterans and others with PTSD, and supporting animal rescue. 

We all know we need something to help us with our physical, nutritional, and mental health. Get inspired with this episode, and share it with a couple friends that you know will benefit from it. 

Find out more about Beth and YogaFit with the links below:

Today's episode is important for anyone that wants to hear about living your life with more purpose, happiness, gratitude, understanding, and want your life to be in a place where -it's just good. Patty has invited a guest that spreads this wisdom across the podcast platform. Lauren Abrams is the founding member and managing partner of Employee Rights Law and creator and host of the podcast 52 Weeks of Hope. 

At the start Lauren states that she's dropping the lawyer hat for the day and is here to give amazing insight, advice, and inspiration. She begins with a building block oh happiness - As humans we are meant gather together, work together, and create together. This is a key element of people that are happy and fulfilled. 

Lauren also shares some of the best episodes from her 52 weeks of Hope … Podcast, talks about ways to make friendships and stay connected as an adult, reminds us to ‘stay in the day,’ and not to ‘compare and despair,’ how helping someone else can be a quick way to boost your overall well-being, and reveals an activity to shift your mindset if you’re feeling overwhelmed or having issues with another person.

Find out SO much more about Lauren from the links below:

We all face challenges growing up. Some people let it define them, keeping them stuck, others use the experiences to make them stronger. Today’s guest falls in the latter group.

Kevin Cassidy joins Patty today for an inspiring episode. Born with a facial birth defect, he battled a speech impediment and bullying throughout his youth. Throughout that time neither he nor his parents allowed him to be viewed as a victim. Later in life he became a college and pro athlete, a schoolteacher, and highly successful Hollywood stuntman (Yes, you’ve undoubtedly seen him on the big screen.)

Kevin and Patty discuss how he got his start, and how character and persistence play a huge role in being successful in every walk of life. They talk about his book, ‘Falling Down To Find Myself,’ and its main message of how hard work, honesty, and staying true to your values will allow you to be ready for all the different changes that come throughout our lives.

Kevin is now a business owner, author, speaker, father, and husband helping others to live their most fulfilling and happy lives.

It’s a new year and so many people take that opportunity to start fresh. What is better than a fresh, clean, organized home? It’s not easy sometimes, but today’s guest is a professional at doing just that. Julie Coraccio is an award-winning professional organizer, author, speaker, and certified life coach.

The clutter that surrounds us each day may not be as haphazard as you might think. Decluttering is part physical and part psychological. Julie talks about practical, bite-sized strategies to get your surroundings in order no matter what state they are in. She talks about how emotion and sentimental feelings can cause people to hold onto things and in turn remain stuck in their lives, and the importance of knowing what your clutter kryptonite is.

Clutter isn’t just in your home or car or office. It’s also within us. In our brains. Julie talks about looking inward and to become aware of the emotional triggers in our lives and not go through each day on auto-pilot.

So if you have the goal, and want some guidance, practical tips, and common sense advice that isn’t overwhelming, you’ll want to listen to the end.

Julie Coraccio is an award-winning professional declutter’er, life & end of life organizer, author and certified life coach. She's passionate about supporting people in clearing clutter in all areas of their lives; preparing for death to live life more fully; getting organized and becoming more mindful and aware. Happily married to Tony, she's the mom to 3 rescued black cats, and enjoys a nightly soak in her bathtub.

Links: 

So many of us think that we are being kind, good people by helping others with whatever needs they might have. But when does it cross the line of being detrimental to our own wellbeing? Today’s guest, Janice Burt, aka Spanish Janice, is a Spanish interpreter, voiceover artist, yoga instructor, author and inspirational speaker, and is here to give you the knowledge and insight of how to recognize the issue of people-pleasing, and more importantly, how to break away from it, to become the person you are meant to be without blaming others or yourself. Janice also talks about how to break the people-pleasing cycle with our children, and the answer may surprise you.

Patty and Janice talk about the variety of accomplishments that Janice has taken on to push herself out of her comfort zone. From stand up comedy to, marathon running, to a bodybuilding competition, she describes how stretching these boundaries allowed her to overcome her fears, find her true value, experience inner strength and meaning of herself, which then allowed her to free herself from the expectations of others.

This episode is about becoming free by truly caring about yourself, healing, learning to forgive, cultivating personal growth, and showing up for ourselves in the ways that better our own lives. This is an incredibly deep and poignant episode to start off the new year and to help you to make it the best, most transformative year yet.

Find out more about Janice below:

Welcome to Season 02!!!  Thank you for making the show such a success. Today we are kicking off the new year and new season with a guest that is making the rounds on national tv because of the impact that he's making in people's lives. Today Patty welcomes Yuri Williams, Founder of A Future Superhero and Friends. 

After losing his mother and suffering years of depression, he created A Future Superhero and Friends, a non-profit organization helping to lift up underserved and under protected individuals and communities. He then took on a 50-state tour and the power and purpose of this endeavor helped to lift him out of the darkness he had felt for so long. The organization is mostly self-funded, but recently Yuri has rightly gained the attention of The Today Show, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Lester Holt, and Morning Joe. Listen to the uplifting stories of helping the houseless, veterans, elderly, disabled, children and many more through this wonderful non-profit.

Find out more here!

Today Patty is doing a special solo episode to close out a successful 2022. She shares some of her best holiday memories, from her dad's unique gift giving, being a pen pal with an elf, the best gift she ever received, and an almost unbelievable story of the most disastrous holiday vacation you may ever hear. 

Thank you so much to all the listeners who have made the show such a success. Let's keep the momentum going into 2023 and give the gift of good news by sharing this podcast with family and friends.