Spirits and Stories With Donald Dunn

The primary focus of this podcast episode centers on the transformative power of storytelling and its profound impact on personal growth and confidence-building. We engage in a compelling conversation with Simone Canego, who shares her diverse journey from a background in accounting to her current passion for storytelling and podcasting. Through her experiences, she emphasizes that one’s career path need not be linear, and encourages listeners to embrace their unique stories as vital components of their identity. Furthermore, we explore the significance of vulnerability in sharing personal narratives, particularly in the context of mental health and self-acceptance. This episode serves as an enlightening reminder that our individual stories can resonate deeply with others, fostering connection and understanding in an increasingly disconnected world.Takeaways:The journey of personal growth often encompasses unexpected twists, as evidenced by my transition from a career in accounting to pursuing storytelling, which I am genuinely passionate about.Engaging in open discussions about our life experiences can profoundly impact others, as sharing our stories fosters connection and understanding among individuals facing similar challenges.Podcasting serves not only as a platform for sharing narratives but also as a therapeutic outlet, allowing us to explore our emotions and experiences in a supportive environment.The importance of confidence cannot be overstated; it is a skill that can be cultivated through practice and experience, as highlighted in our discussions about the growth of my daughter during our podcasting journey.Each episode we produce serves as an opportunity for growth, both for our guests and ourselves, as we navigate the complexities of storytelling and the authentic sharing of experiences.The realization that our struggles resonate beyond our immediate circles is crucial; many listeners relate to the narratives shared, prompting reflection and connection in their own lives.Links referenced in this episode:simonecanego.comrealconfidencebook.comordinary.simonecanego.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:ABCMentioned in this episode:Listen on Apple

In this episode of The Healing Side, we deliver a powerful storytelling podcast experience rooted in real life stories, deep conversations, and the evolving human experience of healing. We sit down with Lincoln Stoller—physicist turned psychotherapist—whose personal journey bridges science, spirit, and psychology into a unified approach to understanding the mind.Lincoln shares how quantum mechanics, mountaineering, cultural immersion, and therapy converge in his work. Through deep conversations, we explore the hidden language of dreams, the nature of trauma, and why altered states of awareness reveal truths ordinary thinking cannot reach. We talk about PTSD and anger, symbolism and self-actualization, and why “empty space”—not constant productivity—is where true growth begins.This episode is about overcoming adversity at the inner level. Lincoln explains the difference between chosen risk and imposed trauma, why anger works in war but fails in civilian life, and how fear and projection become tools for healing. These resilience stories reveal that dreams are not random—they are symbolic maps guiding us back to wholeness.You’ll walk away with meaningful life lessons about awareness, creativity, and the courage to listen to what the mind is already saying. If you’ve ever wondered how science and spirituality truly meet—or how healing actually begins—this conversation invites you to expand how you understand yourself.🌐 Learn more about Lincoln: mindstrengthbalance.comShow Notes Highlights:Lincoln’s path from physicist to psychotherapistShared roots of trauma in academia, business, and combatChosen risk versus imposed traumaDreams as symbolic language (and why dictionaries mislead)The role of “empty space” in healing and creativityPTSD, flashbacks, and altered states of awarenessWhy anger works in war but fails in civilian lifeUsing fear and projection as therapeutic toolsScience, spirit, and symbolism as one model of the mindSelf-actualization as modern enlightenment

What does it really take to build leaders inside a small business—without burning people out or losing your culture?In this episode of The Real Leadership Brief, Donald Dunn sits down with Rich Ashton, a Navy veteran and entrepreneur with more than four decades of experience building, fixing, and selling companies across multiple industries.Rich breaks down why most small businesses struggle with leadership development, how military leadership must evolve in civilian environments, and why growth stalls when companies fail to invest in people before processes.This conversation is built for:Veterans transitioning into businessFirst-time supervisorsFounders trying to scale without losing cultureEntrepreneurs stuck at a growth ceilingYou’ll learn:Why leadership in business is different than in the militaryHow to identify a person’s “leadership ceiling”The hidden danger of authoritarian middle managementWhy communication must be circular, not top-downHow personal growth and professional leadership are inseparableWhy investing in people changes everythingRich also introduces his book Growing Your Own, a practical guide for small business owners who want to build leaders from within instead of importing them.This episode isn’t theory—it’s real-world leadership from the trenches.

In this podcast episode, we engage in a profound conversation with renowned paranormal expert John Zaffis, who shares his extensive experiences and insights into the supernatural realm. Zaffis delves into the complexities of haunted objects, the nuances of paranormal investigations, and the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective amidst the pervasive negativity often associated with the field. We explore the significance of self-awareness and emotional resilience for those embarking on their own paranormal journeys, emphasizing the necessity of grounding oneself amid the chaos of the unknown. Furthermore, we discuss the upcoming New Orleans Paracon, an extraordinary opportunity for enthusiasts to learn from experts across various spiritual practices. Ultimately, this episode serves as both an enlightening exploration of the paranormal and a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of the inexplicable.Join your hosts Jennifer Tally or New Orleans Paranormal Society and Brandon Cooper of Supernatural Ink and PTFX as we bring you our new s how Radio Paranormal. Bringing the spirit of New Orleans with the Spirits of the Appalachian Mountains.. We explore all things strange and paranormal..A captivating exploration of the paranormal realm unfolds as hosts and guests engage in a thought-provoking dialogue that transcends the ordinary. The episode features John Zaffis, a luminary in the paranormal field, who shares his extensive insights and experiences accumulated over decades. The discourse delves into the significance of haunted objects, emphasizing their potential to affect individuals profoundly, both emotionally and spiritually. Zaffis's unique perspective sheds light on the complexities of human interaction with the supernatural, positing that the energy of these objects can resonate with personal experiences, often evoking strong emotional responses. The episode further investigates the psychological ramifications of paranormal encounters, touching upon the concept of a 'paranormal hangover,' wherein individuals may experience lingering emotional turmoil after intense investigations. As they navigate through various themes, including the role of humor in the paranormal, the hosts underscore the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective amidst the chaos of supernatural phenomena, ultimately advocating for a deeper understanding of the human condition in relation to the paranormal.Takeaways:In this podcast episode, we explored the intriguing world of paranormal investigations and the stories that accompany them, revealing the complexities of such endeavors.The discussion emphasized the importance of maintaining an open mind when dealing with supernatural phenomena, advocating for a thoughtful approach to understanding these experiences.We discussed the significance of humor in paranormal investigations, suggesting that a light-hearted approach can foster better interactions with the spirits encountered during investigations.The episode highlighted the necessity for aspiring paranormal investigators to educate themselves and respect the boundaries of both the living and the dead, ensuring a responsible approach to their craft.We dove into the significance of haunted objects, particularly Dybbuk boxes, exploring their origins and the energy associated with them, underlining the cultural aspects of paranormal beliefs.Throughout the conversation, we reiterated that personal experiences in the paranormal realm profoundly shape one's understanding and perception of supernatural occurrences.Links referenced in this episode:NewOrleansParacon.comparanormaltaskforce.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:StreamyardRadio ParanormalNew Orleans ParaconAstroc PlazaChevy ChaseBlackhawksRandy QuaidFan FestChicagoParanormal Task ForceParanormal Task Force XPippian CastleKansas Aviation MuseumOld Cow TownHendersonFort LeavenworthShanley HotelEd and Lorraine WarrenConstantineRosemary Ellen GuileySt. MichaelMentioned in this episode:Looking For a Website or a place to grow your PodcastIf you are looking to have a website that completely shares your character or wanting to build a podcast that allows your creativety run wild, Than let us take your ideas to reality.

In this episode of Spirits and Stories with Donald Dunn, we deliver a powerful storytelling podcast experience centered on real life stories, inspiring interviews, and the raw truth of the human experience. We sit down with Megha Parek, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose remarkable career in sports law is matched by an extraordinary personal journey of resilience and healing.Megha’s story reaches far beyond the boardroom. While guiding one of the NFL’s most visible franchises through complex legal and organizational challenges, she survived a traumatic home invasion that reshaped her life. What followed became a defining chapter of overcoming adversity—a path rooted in recovery, advocacy, and self-discovery. Her experience ignited a deep commitment to mental health awareness and trauma recovery, making her story one of the most compelling resilience stories you’ll hear.Through deep conversations, Megha shares what it means to rebuild after trauma, lead with empathy, and embrace vulnerability in positions of power. Her reflections offer profound life lessons about healing, courage, and the importance of community. Listeners will hear how strength and vulnerability can coexist—and how the human spirit endures even after life-altering events.From leadership and recovery to creativity and growth, this episode embodies what Spirits and Stories is all about: authentic voices, meaningful dialogue, and the stories that shape who we become. Whether you’re drawn to veteran stories, transformation, or real conversations about life’s hardest moments, this episode delivers insight, connection, and inspiration.Companies Mentioned in This Episode:Jacksonville JaguarsCrisis Text LineHabitat for HumanityFour Seasons HotelNFLAmazonDef LeppardBon JoviMentioned in this episode:Listen on AppleListen on Apple