Joshua’s Story: Merchant of Joy
Joshua Routh grew up in North St. Louis County, where creativity wasn’t part of the neighborhood curriculum. At 12, a clown class changed everything—turning a curious kid into someone who could bring ...
25 Huhti 23min
Lou’s Story: From Dive Instructor to Professor
From teaching underwater to teaching in a classroom, Lou Hirsch took a path that doesn’t fit the usual script—and that’s exactly what makes it work.Before academia, Lou was a dive master, instructor, ...
11 Huhti 26min
Luke’s Story: A Life of Service
A small town, a football scholarship, and a choice that didn’t make sense to most.Luke Mickelson grew up in a place where hard work was expected, problems were yours to solve, and showing up for other...
4 Huhti 27min
Martin’s Story: Chasing More Than Success
Martin Palethorpe did everything right—career, promotions, success on paper. And still, it wasn’t enough.He shares what happens when achievement stops feeling like fulfillment. From a disciplined chil...
29 Maalis 21min
Dana’s Story: Overcoming Fear
A childhood between Idaho and New Jersey shaped a quiet sense of distance early on—never fully rooted in one place. Then, at twelve, a violent car accident left Dr. Dana Cowles feeling helpless in a w...
28 Maalis 26min
Vanita’s Story: Between Cultures and Continents
Born into an Indian family with roots in Vietnam, Vanita Prisha Daryanani grew up in Taiwan—learning Mandarin, celebrating Chinese New Year, and navigating what it meant to look different from everyon...
21 Maalis 23min
Stacie’s Story: Redefining Success Her Own Way
A waitress at 16. Running federal tech projects with no formal training. Buying a $50M software company on instinct. Starting over after a 28-year marriage ended.Stacie Shifflett has built and rebuilt...
14 Maalis 24min
