448. The Gift of Life Alison Bucklin's Living Kidney Donor Story
Right before her 50th birthday, Alison Bucklin gave the ultimate gift. She donated a kidney to a fellow teacher. It was the biggest rebirth of her life. In this inspiring episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman welcome Alison Bucklin, a woman of deep faith and transformation, who shares her remarkable journey of selflessness and healing. Alison opens up about her experience donating a kidney to her friend Lori Raxenberg, detailing the emotional rollercoaster leading up to the surgery and the incredible bond that formed during their time together in the hospital. She reflects on the challenges of recovery, the importance of listening to her body, and the lessons learned about accepting help from others. Listeners will be moved by Alison’s insights on the impact of her donation not only on Lori’s life but also on her own, as she navigates her healing journey and embraces a newfound appreciation for her body. She discusses the power of community, the joy of giving, and the transformative nature of her experience, highlighting the importance of organ donation and the ripple effects it can create. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates the spirit of generosity and the beauty of human connection. This episode is a powerful reminder of the profound impact one act of kindness can have on many lives! (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts: Better Call Dream Daddy Show returns with more daddy drama (01:38) Alison Bucklin donated a kidney to a fellow teacher right before turning 50 (02:02) It's been three weeks since I donated my kidney (03:27) Alison chose to have a C section kidney transplant (10:18) From the surgery to my daughter's birthday, I focused on healing (16:00) You had to share a hospital room with your kidney donor (18:14) My recipient won't go back until maybe November (20:29) Do you feel different now, like towards your body after childbirth (24:13) Alison was led to Reiki in preparation for major surgery (28:13) Your podcast Spiritual Fertility has been out for almost two years now (30:31) The percentage of donors that are friends versus relatives is high, Reena says (36:52) We can only control the things that we have control over (37:43) You have a before and after video of your kidney transplant experience (39:40) Is there anything else that you would tell somebody that's considering donating a kidney (45:10) I would encourage those who need organ transplant to be an organ donor Connect with Alison: https://www.facebook.com/alison.lorek.bucklin Connect with Reena: https://bettercalldaddy.com https://linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts https://instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet.
25 Syys 54min
447. The Best Sports Podcast in Alaska: Prescott Kelly’s Playbook
"If this isn't going to turn into the business that I want it to be, I might as well have as much fun as I can with it." "I think that at this point in time, just doing it the way that I want to do it is what keeps me going." "I want to leave something behind that people remember me for." Today's guest, Prescott Kelly, is a podcaster, dad, husband, and sports fan who knows the best plays in life take patience. In this exciting episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman dive into the world of podcasting and fatherhood with Prescott Kelly. Prescott shares his journey from a brief radio stint to discovering his passion for podcasting, and how he balances being a dad while pursuing his dreams. Prescott opens up about the challenges and learning curves he faced in the podcasting arena, including the importance of authenticity and having fun with the process. He reflects on his early aspirations of becoming a father and the pressures that come with it, revealing how he ultimately found joy in waiting until he was ready to start a family. Listeners will be captivated by Prescott's insights on the evolution of his podcast, The Playbook, and how he has embraced a more engaging and fun approach by connecting with audiences through live interactions. He discusses the significance of community, the impact of technology on content creation, and the value of nurturing relationships both personally and professionally. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that emphasizes the importance of patience, self-discovery, and the joys of fatherhood. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating the complexities of life, work, and family! (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts: Welcome to Better Call Daddy (01:15) Prescott reflects on his brief radio stint and its impact on his podcasting journey (06:30) The importance of authenticity in podcasting and having fun with the process (12:45) Prescott shares his thoughts on fatherhood and the pressures of becoming a dad (20:00) The evolution of The Playbook podcast and embracing live interactions (28:15) Discussing the challenges of balancing work and family life (35:00) Prescott's insights on community and the significance of relationships (42:30) The impact of technology on content creation and podcasting (50:00) Closing thoughts and reflections on personal growth and self-discovery Connect with Prescott: https://www.facebook.com/prescott.kelly.7 Connect with Reena: https://bettercalldaddy.com https://linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts https://instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet.
17 Syys 1h 3min
446. 24 Hours. No Sleep. All Creativity | Bob Sager on Fun or Insanity
"Creativity is all about mixing ideas, building on them, and following curiosity wherever it may lead." "The process of getting your creative juices flowing is the same whether you're trying to come up with good ideas or trying to come up with bad ideas." "When something feels like fun, people want to do more of it." "You can change how people viewed themselves in a day." "All actions begin with thought." In this rockstar episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman welcome the innovative Bob Sager, who shares his journey into the fascinating world of scientific creative thinking. Bob reveals how his passion for creativity has taken him from a successful career in financial services to developing engaging training methods that spark innovation. He discusses his upcoming 24-hour live stream event and the unique methodologies he employs to foster creativity in corporate settings, including the entertaining "bad ideas" exercise that encourages participants to think outside the box. Listeners will be captivated by Bob's insights on creativity, the importance of play in the learning process, and how to activate innate creativity that often lies dormant. He shares personal anecdotes, including a surprising family revelation that showcases the twists and turns of life, and how they can shape our creative journeys. Join us for an inspiring discussion that emphasizes the power of creativity in both personal and professional realms. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to reignite their creative spark and embrace the unexpected paths that life can take! (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts: Better Call Dream Daddy Show returns with more daddy drama (01:38) Bob Sager believes that creativity is all about mixing ideas (06:54) You have been working with scientific creative thinking for a long time (14:44) Can you talk about your game of combining words and ideas (20:21) As a father of four, you have lots of daddy stories (24:05) When did you have a shift from artistic creativity to scientific thinking (27:54) Do you think creativity is part of your legacy? 100%, absolutely (28:28) I want to know how you got so good at connecting people (30:25) Bob is hosting a live stream starting on September 10, 2025 (32:59) Reena: Instagram Live is a great way to promote your show (35:57) Bob Sager discusses the Better Call Daddy show of creativity Connect with Reena: https://bettercalldaddy.com https://linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts https://instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet. The founder of SpearPoint Solutions, Bob’s professional background includes over three decades of experience in sales, leadership and training. Combined with Purposeful Creative Thinking, he uses that experience to develop business strategies that help organizations increase sales and margins. Additionally, Bob and his team of Certified Facilitators train individuals and teams on these same methods of Scientific Creative Thinking so they are better prepared to thrive in the modern economy.
9 Syys 39min
445. Perseverance, Podcasts, and Going For the Brass Ring with Freddy Cruz
"What you want is never going to be the way you envisioned it." "Dreams don't always happen overnight, but if you keep plugging away, they do come true." I wanted to be Bo Jackson, but instead—I built my dream studio. Today, Freddy Cruz shows us how perseverance can turn detours into destinies. In this engaging episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman welcome Freddy Cruz, a dynamic radio veteran turned podcast host, who shares his journey of creating a new reality in the world of audio storytelling. Freddy opens up about his entrepreneurial spirit and how he visualized his dream studio long before it became a reality. He discusses the importance of perseverance, hard work, and the unexpected paths that lead to success, emphasizing that dreams don’t always materialize overnight but can come true with dedication and effort. Listeners will be captivated by Freddy’s insights into the podcasting landscape, his evolution from radio to producing podcasts, and the creative processes behind his writing. He reflects on his experiences with self-publishing and the challenges he faced along the way, including the emotional toll of losing an editor during a critical project. Throughout the episode, Freddy shares heartfelt anecdotes about his family, his passion for storytelling, and the lessons he imparts to his children about hard work and resilience. With humor and authenticity, this conversation serves as a reminder that life's journey is filled with peaks and valleys, and the key to success lies in embracing each moment. Join us for an inspiring discussion that encourages listeners to pursue their passions, navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, and find joy in the creative process. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode that might just spark your own journey of self-discovery! (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts: Better Call Daddy is back with more daddy drama (01:30) Freddy Cruz hosts podcasts in studio and in person (02:03) The building where Speke podcasting is located was originally outfitted for only medical (06:44) How in the world did your books come to you (09:43) The book explores just how depraved people can be (13:06) How did you decide to self publish your first three novels (17:51) There was a secession movement in California years ago (19:50) How did you get involved with the animal community? So Zeke is your first dog (22:54) How can you tell if a dog is going to be a good match (27:02) Houston is a big city, but it's also a small town (31:46) How did you land the radio job? Yeah, uh, talk about that (35:53) Freddy says he never made any mistakes editing clients podcasts (40:32) Some of your best opportunities came from working shifts that other people wouldn't (44:03) How have you tried to show your kids that you can create opportunities (46:21) What are you proud of your kids for? I'm proud that they're not on social media (51:27) Is there anything that you've learned from your dad that you would like to share (53:55) Night of the Living Pod is scheduled for October at the National Museum of Funeral History (55:36) Freddy Cruz is putting his lifelong dream of being on television into action (01:00:17) How important is going to college versus having a trade or on the job Connect with Freddy: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/ Connect with Reena: https://bettercalldaddy.com https://linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts https://instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet.
3 Syys 1h 3min
444. Turns Out Guns and Jews do Mix: Pew Pew Jew Yehuda Remer
"The Pew Pew Jew is not just a catchy brand; it's a movement for faith, freedom, and the Second Amendment." In this timely episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman sit down with Yehuda Remer, the creative mind behind the Pew Pew Jew brand. Yehuda shares his extraordinary journey from a shy, book-loving child to a prolific author and influential figure in the gun community. Yehuda recounts the serendipitous moment when a friend dubbed him the "Pew Pew Jew," igniting a passion that led to the creation of his brand and a series of nine books focused on gun safety and education. He discusses the challenges he faced in the publishing world, including the impact of tragedies like Sandy Hook on his mission to promote responsible gun ownership. Throughout the episode, Yehuda emphasizes the importance of education, communication, and community in navigating the complexities of gun ownership and safety. He shares heartfelt anecdotes about his family life, his commitment to raising responsible children, and the values that guide him as a devoted family man. Listeners will appreciate Yehuda's candid reflections on faith, freedom, and the evolving landscape of the gun industry, as well as his insights into the challenges of being a Jewish voice in a predominantly non-Jewish space. With humor and authenticity, this episode serves as a reminder that our passions can lead us to unexpected places and that it's never too late to pursue our dreams. Join us for an enlightening conversation that explores the intersection of culture, identity, and personal freedom in today's world. Don't miss this dynamic episode that could inspire you to embrace your own unique journey! (00:00) Reena introduces the episode and Yehuda Remer (01:39) The origins of the Pew Pew Jew brand (05:53) Yehuda's journey as an author and influencer (10:46) The challenges of publishing in the gun industry (15:17) Navigating family life as a gun owner (18:28) The importance of education and communication in gun safety (19:48) Yehuda shares his experiences with anti-Semitism (23:57) Insights into the gun community and its diversity (27:06) The significance of faith and freedom in Yehuda's life (32:01) Yehuda's advice for aspiring writers and influencers (36:54) The impact of community support on Yehuda's journey (42:14) Reflections on marriage and family life (49:22) Yehuda's vision for the future of the Pew Pew Jew (53:24) Closing thoughts and call to action Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that encourages listeners to think critically about freedom, safety, and the power of storytelling! Connect with Yehuda: https://www.thepewpewJew.com Connect with Reena: https://bettercalldaddy.com https://linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts https://instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet.
28 Elo 59min
443. The Origin of JobGuppy and Chris Hodges' Career Story
"Not everything works exactly the same way forever." In this exciting episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman dive deep into the world of career exploration with guest Chris Hodges, the creator of the JobGuppy podcast. Chris shares his unique journey from being a validation engineer to becoming a podcast host, revealing the inspiration behind JobGuppy and how it aims to help individuals navigate their career paths. Chris discusses the challenges he faced while interviewing job candidates and the lack of awareness many graduates have about specific roles in the engineering field. His mission is to provide insights into various careers, helping listeners understand the skills needed to break into industries they might not have considered. Throughout the episode, Chris emphasizes the importance of relationship building and how networking can significantly impact one's career journey. He also reflects on the lessons learned from his guests, sharing fascinating stories from diverse professions that highlight the common struggles faced by many in their career paths. Listeners will be inspired by Chris's candid reflections on his own career and the valuable advice he offers for those feeling uncertain about their professional futures. With a mix of humor and heartfelt insights, this episode serves as a reminder that everyone's career journey is unique and that it's okay to not have everything figured out. Join us for a conversation that encourages self-discovery, resilience, and the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of work and life. Don't miss this enlightening episode that could change how you view your own career journey! (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts: Better Call Daddy is back with more daddy drama (01:38) Reena Friedman Watts guest hosts Chris Hodges' JobGuppy podcast (02:43) How did you come up with Job Guppy (06:48) The original idea was to just describe the job role itself (11:48) The future of JobGuppy will be an actual guppy (12:15) How do you find your guests and what jobs might interest you (17:46) Most jobs I've had so far have been very varied (19:42) I graduated from LSU with an electrical engineering degree and started working in telecom (26:45) How did you go from being a validation engineer to becoming a manager (30:08) One of the first people we hired was working with lab equipment (31:15) What were the jobs that you did before you went to college (35:51) Have you thought about continuing education or going back to school for something else (39:06) What do you like about your industry and what do you think could be improved upon (42:36) You know, everybody says you outsource the editing, stuff like that (45:43) Do you think everyone should try podcasting? What are your thoughts on it (49:11) Your daughter is starting a podcast about politics and religion (53:42) JobGuppy is a podcast about interviewing for jobs (58:12) Sometimes people ask me for a referral and I can't help them (01:00:38) JobGuppy hopes people who are getting into careers will benefit from podcast (01:05:16) My dad listened to the episode. He was like, there was literally nothing there (01:08:42) There wasn't a lot there and I. It was tough. The flip side was not good. You're gonna have to deal with that sometimes (01:09:52) Chris Hodge's podcast focuses on helping people find their way through the workplace (01:14:08) Better Call Daddy is a weekly podcast featuring parenting advice from Reena's dad Wayne Connect with Chris: https://www.jobguppy.com Connect with Reena: https://bettercalldaddy.com https://linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts instragram.com/reenafriedmanwatts Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet.
22 Elo 1h 14min
442. It's a Go, How Alison Bucklin's Kidney Became a Spiritual Rebirth
Alison Bucklin didn’t realize the tremendous need for organ donation until she felt called to make a difference. On World Donor Day, Alison shares her transformative journey of donating a kidney to a fellow teacher just before her 50th birthday. Guided by intuition, faith, and a deep sense of purpose, she embraced the opportunity to help save a life. "If there's anything in your intuition that is whispering, like, this could be for you, listen to that." "I believe that this was pre-planned; our souls got together and made a contract." "It's not only being generous, but it's working on her own legacy of being a giver." "When you see things as she has experienced, it's incredible that she would follow through and help save a life." In this inspiring episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman welcome Alison Bucklin, a remarkable woman who donated a kidney to a fellow teacher just before her 50th birthday. Alison's journey of faith, transformation, and community service highlights the profound impact one person can have on another's life. Alison shares her motivations behind the donation, emphasizing the importance of living in alignment with her values and the calling she felt to help her friend in need. Through her candid reflections, listeners will gain insight into the emotional and logistical preparations required for organ donation, as well as the importance of having a strong support system. Throughout the conversation, Alison discusses her health journey, the significance of spirituality, and the lessons learned from her past experiences. She also touches on the beautiful connection she has with her recipient, revealing how their paths intertwined in unexpected ways. Listeners will be moved by Alison's story of love, generosity, and the power of community, as well as the wisdom shared by her grandfather, Wayne, who reflects on the importance of legacy and the impact of helping others. This episode serves as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, we can find purpose and meaning through acts of kindness. (00:00) Reena introduces the episode and Alison Bucklin (01:39) Alison shares her journey leading up to the kidney donation (05:53) The importance of having a support system (10:46) Preparing for organ donation: logistics and emotional readiness (15:17) Alison's health journey and the role of spirituality (18:28) The connection between Alison and her recipient (19:48) Overcoming fears and embracing the unknown (23:57) The impact of community and faith on Alison's journey (27:06) A discussion on legacy and the importance of giving (32:01) Wayne reflects on the story and its parallels to his own experiences (36:54) The significance of making a difference in others' lives (42:14) Alison's advice for those considering organ donation (49:22) The emotional journey of giving and receiving (53:24) Closing thoughts on the power of connection and kindness (56:35) A heartfelt goodbye and appreciation for the audience Don't miss this uplifting episode that encourages listeners to embrace the spirit of giving and the profound impact we can have on one another's lives. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who could benefit from Alison's inspiring story! Connect with Alison: https://www.instagram.com/alison_bucklin444/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonbucklin/ Alison's Spiritual Fertility podcast https://spiritualfertility.captivate.fm/ Connect with Reena: https://bettercalldaddy.com https://linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts https://instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet.
14 Elo 1h
441. 600 Messages in 3 Days What Reno Lovison Learned About Outreach
"Networking is just building relationships and sharing ideas with people." "It's not how many people you know, but how many people know you." "If you can't do what they're looking for, you probably know someone who can help them." In this enlightening episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman sit down with networking expert Reno Lovison to explore the art of building meaningful connections. With a wealth of experience, Reno shares his insights on how networking goes beyond exchanging business cards—it's about fostering genuine relationships and understanding the needs of others. Reno Lovison discusses his unique approach to networking, highlighting the importance of reconnecting with existing contacts rather than constantly seeking new ones. He shares his recent initiative of reaching out to 600 first-degree connections on LinkedIn, resulting in valuable new subscribers for his podcast and numerous opportunities for collaboration. Listeners will appreciate Reno's candid anecdotes about his journey in video production and marketing, as well as the lessons learned from his diverse experiences in various industries. He emphasizes the significance of effective communication and positioning oneself to be remembered, offering practical tips for those looking to enhance their networking skills. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of professional relationships, filled with actionable advice and inspiring stories that encourage listeners to embrace the power of connection. (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts: Better Call Daddy is back with networking insights (01:39) Reno Lovison defines networking as building relationships (05:53) The importance of reconnecting with existing contacts (10:46) Reno's experience reaching out to 600 LinkedIn connections (15:17) The value of meaningful exchanges in networking (18:28) Lessons learned from a diverse career in video production (19:48) Reno shares a memorable networking success story (23:57) The significance of understanding client needs (27:06) How to effectively use business cards in networking (32:01) The role of communication in successful networking (36:54) Reno's philosophy on relationship building (42:14) Tips for approaching networking events with confidence (42:50) The evolving landscape of networking in the digital age (49:22) Reno reflects on the importance of follow-ups (53:24) A look at the future of Reno's networking initiatives (53:49) The impact of personal connections on professional success (56:35) Reno's advice for aspiring networkers (01:01:05) The value of being genuine in networking (01:03:21) Reno shares his contact information and resources (01:04:57) Closing thoughts on the power of networking Don't miss this insightful episode that empowers listeners to embrace the art of networking and cultivate meaningful relationships in their personal and professional lives. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with anyone who could benefit from these valuable networking insights! Reno Lovison owner of Reno Lovison Marketing in Chicago is a marketing strategist and content creator specializing in video and podcasting production used to promote client engagement. He is executive producer at ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com and author of "Turn Your Business Card Into Business - Fundamentals of Building Entrepreneurial Business Relationships." RenoWeb.net reno@renoweb.net Office: (773)989-1960 https://www.linkedin.com/in/renolovison/ https://renoweb.net/who-i-am/ Connect with Reno: https://renoweb.net Connect with Reena: https://bettercalldaddy.com https://linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts https://instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet.
8 Elo 1h 17min
