Growth Now Movement with Justin Schenck

In this episode, I sit down with Colin Browen, the creator behind The Paranormal Files, one of the largest paranormal YouTube channels in the world, reaching millions of viewers through his investigations into haunted locations, supernatural encounters, and unexplained phenomena. But this conversation goes far beyond ghost hunting. Colin opens up about his personal experiences with the paranormal, how those moments shaped his life and career, and why his work has recently expanded into true crime, human trafficking investigations, and uncovering stories that many people are afraid to talk about. Colin's journey started long before YouTube. As a kid growing up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, his family moved into a newly built home that quickly became the center of unexplainable activity. He shares chilling stories of hearing voices that were not there, footsteps around his bed in the middle of the night, and experiences that forced him to question everything he believed about reality. Those early encounters sparked a lifelong curiosity about death, consciousness, and what may exist beyond what we can see. We talk about how a high school ghost hunt became the first episode of what would eventually grow into The Paranormal Files, and how his passion for filmmaking and storytelling helped him turn that curiosity into a platform that now reaches millions of people around the world. Colin shares what he has learned after more than a decade of paranormal investigations, including why activity is often unpredictable, how skepticism plays an important role in his work, and how his beliefs have evolved over time. This conversation also takes a deeper turn as Colin explains his transition into true crime investigations through his podcast Murder in America and his series The Conspiracy Files. He talks about the emotional weight of researching abuse cases, working with survivors, and his mission to use storytelling to bring awareness to difficult and often uncomfortable truths. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Colin's openness about his personal struggles, including his battle with addiction and his journey into sobriety. He shares how getting sober became the turning point that allowed him to rebuild his life, repair relationships, and step fully into his purpose. This episode is about more than the paranormal. It is about curiosity, purpose, healing, and the courage to explore the unknown both in the world and within yourself. If you have ever questioned reality, wondered what happens after we die, or felt called to pursue something bigger than yourself, this conversation will challenge the way you think. In This Episode, You Will Learn: • How Colin Browen built The Paranormal Files into one of the most successful paranormal YouTube channels in the world • The childhood paranormal experiences that shaped his life and career • What he has learned after more than a decade of ghost hunting and supernatural investigations • Why paranormal activity is often unpredictable and difficult to document • How his passion for filmmaking helped him turn curiosity into a global platform • Why he expanded his work into true crime and investigative storytelling • The emotional impact of working with survivors and telling difficult stories • How addiction affected his life and the moment he decided to get sober • The mindset shift that helped him rebuild his life and rediscover his purpose • Why following your curiosity can lead you to the work you were meant to do

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Coney, a creative director, talent manager, and comic book creator who is living proof that opportunities don't just happen, they're created. Aaron's story is one of intentionality, faith, discipline, and a relentless commitment to always bringing value into every room he walks into. Aaron takes us back to his early days in Detroit, where he was surrounded by people chasing big dreams, including his friends Mike Posner and Big Sean. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, Aaron immersed himself in the entertainment industry, learning everything he could and positioning himself to serve. That mindset led to his first major opportunity when he designed and sold Comic Con art prints for the original Blue Power Ranger, turning creativity and initiative into a real business and opening doors into talent management and appearance booking. What makes Aaron different is the philosophy he lives by, something he calls ABV, which stands for Always Bring Value. Whether he's connecting people, solving problems behind the scenes, or helping talent show up at their highest level, Aaron focuses on contribution first. That approach has allowed him to work alongside major names, build authentic relationships, and establish himself as someone people trust. We also talk about the realities of moving to Los Angeles and embracing what Aaron calls the worst car in the lot mindset. Instead of being discouraged by not having the most money, status, or success in the room, he saw it as confirmation that he was exactly where he needed to be to grow. Aaron shares powerful insights into the importance of mentorship, community, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to become better. He talks openly about faith, personal growth, and the moment around turning 30 when he realized he needed to elevate his thinking, his habits, and his life. One of the most exciting parts of Aaron's journey is the creation of Phantom Force, his original comic book universe. Inspired initially by Power Rangers, Aaron received advice from the late Jason David Frank to create something original. That advice led him to develop a completely new world with deeper, more mature storytelling and diverse characters that reflect real life. Phantom Force represents not just a creative project, but a lifelong dream coming to life. This conversation is about more than entertainment, comics, or talent management. It is about becoming the kind of person opportunities are attracted to. It is about bringing value, building relationships, trusting your faith, and having the courage to create something that outlives you. Aaron's story will challenge you to stop waiting and start building. In This Episode, You Will Learn: • Why bringing value is the fastest way to build powerful relationships and opportunities • How Aaron turned his love for comics and fandom into a real career • The mindset shift that helped him succeed after moving to Los Angeles • Why your environment plays a critical role in your personal growth • How mentorship and community can completely change your life trajectory • The importance of authenticity and surrounding yourself with the right people • How Phantom Force was created and the lessons Aaron learned from Jason David Frank • Why success is less about money and more about peace, alignment, and purpose • The defining moment that forced Aaron to grow up and level up his life • How faith and discipline have shaped his decisions and vision Who Is Aaron Coney? Aaron Coney is a creative director, talent manager, and comic book creator. He has worked in talent appearances, entertainment branding, and creative development while building his original comic series Phantom Force. His work focuses on storytelling, creating opportunities, and helping others step into their full potential.

Can a New York City firefighter really develop psychic abilities? In this episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with Andrew, a third generation NYC firefighter turned psychic medium, to talk about spiritual awakening, mediumship, life after death, UFO encounters, and the courage it takes to live your truth. Andrew joined the FDNY in 2006, following in his family's footsteps. But behind the uniform, something unexpected was happening. After making a childhood agreement with his grandmother to send signs from the afterlife, Andrew began experiencing unexplainable spiritual encounters. Years later, a surprise psychic reading confirmed what he had been feeling all along. He had intuitive and mediumship abilities. This conversation dives into psychic development, communicating with spirits, near death awareness, reincarnation, extraterrestrials, collective consciousness, and what it means to live between two very different worlds. By day, Andrew was responding to emergencies as a firefighter. By night, he was taking psychic development classes, learning how to give intuitive readings, and understanding how to communicate with the afterlife. He shares how he navigated skepticism, fear of judgment, and the pressure of maintaining credibility in a profession built on logic and bravery. We also discuss: • How psychic readings and mediumship sessions actually work • Signs from loved ones who have passed away • The emotional healing that comes from afterlife communication • UFO sightings and extraterrestrial experiences • Reincarnation and evidence from client sessions • The power of intuition and developing your sixth sense • Collective energy and the future of humanity • Why environment and relocation can impact spiritual growth Whether you believe in psychic abilities or approach this from curiosity, this episode explores spirituality, consciousness, grief healing, and personal transformation in a way that will challenge your perspective. Andrew's story is about more than being a psychic medium. It is about owning your gifts, trusting your intuition, and stepping into a calling that does not make sense on paper but feels undeniable in your soul. If you have ever wondered about life after death, spiritual awakening, intuitive development, or the unseen world around us, this conversation is one you will not want to miss. Subscribe for more conversations about personal growth, spirituality, success, mindset, and living fully aligned.

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with Dr. Cheryl Wood, global speaker, author, and voice empowerment expert, for a conversation that will challenge the way you see fear, purpose, and your own story. I first met Cheryl on stage at a recent conference, and within minutes of hearing her speak, I knew she had to be on the podcast. Her presence, authenticity, and ability to move a room are undeniable, but what stood out even more was who she was off stage. Cheryl lives the message she teaches, and that comes through clearly in this conversation. We dive into Cheryl's personal journey, from growing up in poverty and never attending college to becoming Dr. Cheryl Wood through an honorary doctorate earned by over a decade of impact and service. She opens up about marriage, motherhood, faith, and the internal battles that still show up even as she speaks on stages alongside some of the biggest names in the world. This episode explores the power of saying yes before you feel ready, why so many people hide their story out of fear and shame, and how true healing and confidence begin when you stop asking why me and start asking why not me. Cheryl shares how she discovered her calling unexpectedly, how her first speaking engagement changed everything, and why developing your skill matters just as much as having a natural gift. We also talk about the importance of proximity, surrounding yourself with people who can see greatness in you before you see it in yourself, and why investing in coaching and personal growth is non negotiable if you want to create real impact. Cheryl breaks down her definition of success, her daily rituals that keep her grounded, and why freedom, time, financial, and creative, is the ultimate measure of a successful life. She also gives a powerful reminder that your life may be about you, but it is not for you. This is an episode for anyone who feels the pull to do more, speak up, or step into a bigger version of themselves but has been held back by fear, comparison, or self doubt. In this episode, you will learn: Why your story matters more than you think How fear shows up right before growth and why that is a good sign The difference between having a gift and developing a skill How proximity and mentorship accelerate personal growth Why freedom is the ultimate definition of success How to stop letting shame silence your voice What it really means to live a life of service and impact If you have ever felt called to something bigger but questioned whether you were worthy of the stage, the platform, or the opportunity, this conversation is for you. Connect with Dr. Cheryl Wood at cherylempowers.com or find her on social media under Cheryl Empowers. As always, thank you for being a part of the Growth Now Movement. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that their voice matters.

In this powerful and deeply thoughtful episode, I sit down with Dr. Suzan Song, a psychiatrist, researcher, and humanitarian policy advisor whose work sits at the intersection of trauma, resilience, and human potential. This conversation goes beyond surface level discussions of mental health and dives into the real reasons we struggle, how suffering shapes us, and what it actually takes to heal. Dr. Song shares how moments of instability, pain, and personal setback can become catalysts for growth when we learn how to work with them instead of running from them. Drawing from her work with trauma survivors, high achievers, foster youth, and individuals impacted by global human rights violations, she explains how early life experiences influence adult behavior, relationships, and our sense of purpose. We explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, why shame often keeps people stuck, and how intentional rituals and stability can help rewire the nervous system. Dr. Song also opens up about her own personal trauma and how that journey led her to a life of service, research, and advocacy. This episode is an honest look at suffering, resilience, and the tools that help people move from survival into true healing. This conversation is especially meaningful for anyone navigating trauma, striving for success while feeling internally disconnected, or searching for deeper meaning and emotional stability in their life. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why suffering is a universal human experience and how it can lead to growth How childhood trauma and attachment patterns impact adult behavior Why high achievers often develop unhealthy coping mechanisms The role of narrative in healing and reshaping identity How shame creates isolation and blocks emotional healing Why rituals and stability are essential for trauma recovery How memory works in the brain and its connection to trauma Practical tools for building stability, resilience, and purpose How personal trauma shaped Dr. Song's mission and work If you have ever wondered why some experiences stay with us long after they are over, or how to move forward without ignoring the pain of the past, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and actionable insight. Dr. Suzanne Song brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and lived experience that makes this conversation both practical and deeply human.