With Gratitude, Matt

Danita Estrella-Watts is the founder and President of Danita’s Children in Haiti which cares for orphaned children. Her vision began at the young age of 11 after a mission trip opened her eyes to all the suffering. Twenty-five years later she returned and by listening to God’s voice, she began to create tools to care for the children of Haiti. Today her organization is able to meet many physical, emotional and spiritual needs through a home which cares for 80 orphans, a school that educates over 300 children, a feeding program that serves over 16,000 meals, a church, and a pediatric medical center with over 26 nurses and medical physicians. Danita’s journey started with fear and uncertainty and ultimately yielded to purpose and peace as she uncovered the rewards for improving the lives of so many through education, medical aid, love, and nourishment. Be sure not to miss this episode as Matt and Danita explore themes of faith, courage, overcoming adversity, and of course, the power of gratitude. Listeners beware as you may be inspired to reflect heavily on your own blessings and how you might make a difference in the world! Learn more about Danita, her foundation, and how you can help at her website, danitaschildren.org/. You listen to the podcast here, or watch here.

Stephanie and Tom Quehl are the proud parents of four boys. In September of 2021, they faced the worst tragedy when they lost their son, Jack, to a lethal dose of fentanyl-laced cocaine at the young age of 24. Jack was not an addict or a habitual drug user and had never intended to take fentanyl, but it unfortunately robbed him of his future. Jack’s background was filled with academic success, athletic achievement, family love, friends, and impact wherever he went (he was an avid traveler), not the profile anyone might expect in a story like this. But fentanyl doesn’t pick out its victims and deals loss and grief wherever it goes. Stephanie and Tom have courageously transformed their pain into a mission, founding the ‘Do It For Jack’ Foundation. Their work covers a wide range of initiatives including educating others on fentanyl, preventing overdoses, dealing with loss, and communication. This heartfelt and educational episode is a wake-up call to all parents on the dangers of substance abuse and delves into the Quehl’s journey, the power of community support, and insights on how they maintain open communication with their children. Their story is a testament to how love, resilience, and prayer can create the possibility of hope in the face of such heartbreak. You can listen here or watch here.

Jennifer’s story is heartbreaking yet also powerful as it provides a unique lens into domestic violence, homelessness, and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. 10 years into her marriage, she reached a breaking point after barely surviving an episode where she was beaten and almost set on fire. But it was the love of her son and eventually God’s spirit that put her on a long path of recovery towards finding a better life. Jennifer’s serendipitous encounter with Matt at the Logan International airport is not surprising once you get to know Jennifer and feel the grace and love that pours out openly from her heart. Her faith drives her and she is not one to miss an opportunity to help someone whose heart is also open or is in need of help. In the lively dialogue with Matt, Jennifer provides listeners with a deeply personal and enlightening perspective about her experience enduring domestic abuse, which led her and her son into a life of homelessness. As they faced the challenges of living in shelters and depending on soup kitchens, she sheds light on how she pulled herself up and found God healing her wounds and energizing her days. Now Jennifer is the one who takes time to advocate for local shelters and help others who are victims of domestic violence. Enjoy her story and how Jennifer dismantles societal misconceptions about homelessness and highlights the humanity, struggle and path of a person who might live these circumstances. Make sure to catch the end of the episode as she prays over all the listeners in the same way she prayed over Matt in the Boston airport. Whether you listen or view the interview , be prepared to be inspired and feel the energy from Jennifer and her extraordinary story of courage and faith.

Brett R. Smith, Ph. D. is the Founding Research Director of the the L.I.F.E Research Lab at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio (L.I.F.E =Leading the Integration of Faith & Entrepreneurship). His program explores how spirituality and business can indeed be interwoven together for a more fulfilling professional and personal journey. The program’s birth at a public University was unlikely, but after hearing about Brett’s journey, his calling to teach, his deep faith, and the seeds that God planted in his life, it all makes perfect sense. Matt and Brett delve into his early roles, experiences with corporate and start ups, and finally his transformation to Miami University where, with his commitment and drive, he has led a flourishing program that has opened the minds of students in a unique and powerful classroom experience. The L.I.F.E. curriculum provides guidance, experience, and knowledge in social entrepreneurship and how faith can live in that environment. For anyone who has experience in starting something new, you know there will be high and lows. What the L.I.F.E. program suggests is that our faith can be an asset for survival. Faith is what let Brett to Miami, it is what shines light into his marriage to Laura (guest on 11/16/20) and into his role as a father to four kids, and it is what continues to provide guide posts as new challenges and opportunities fall on the path at Miami. Brett candidly shares some obstacles including how he faced health scares and question marks, but also how these challenges and set backs have been stepping stones to growth and insights to making decisions, arming him with more awareness that our clock is always ticking. This episode is a must-listen for all who are seeking courage to listen to our callings and are curious about how to harmoniously blend faith with their careers. To learn more about Brett, visit the Miami of Ohio University website. His achievements have also been featured in Time, Business Week, Financial Times, CNN, MSNBC and he has been asked to speak at the United Nations, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Tedx Youth, and a number of leading universities. You listen here or watch here.

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the life of Howard Behar, the former president of Starbucks Coffee. As one of the founding leaders, he participated in expanding Starbucks from just 28 stores after joining in 1989 to over 15,000 stores in 5 continents after his 21 years of service ended. Since retiring, he has written 2 books It's Not About The Coffee: Leadership Principles from a Life at Starbucks and The Magic Cup: A Business Parable About a Leader, a Team, and the Power of Putting People and Values First. Howard is an experienced business leader, author and speaker who actively shares his wisdom with developing future leaders through his many speaking opportunities but also as a board member with many profit and non-profit companies. In this podcast, we explore Howard’s journey to leadership, challenges faced and personal philosophies that have shaped his career and life. Howard shares some powerful stories from early in his career, including a life-altering conversation with a leader of a company which led him to a path of self-discovery and the defining of his core values. As part of Howard’s journey, he also openly shares the challenges of battling depression and anxiety which were very present as he transitioned into retirement and searched for more purpose. This episode offers a profound look at how personal values and authenticity can drive a successful leader and Howard’s unique approach to leadership, his deep-rooted belief in prioritizing people over profits, and his commitment to authenticity. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation which is filled with unique insights and life lessons for us all. You can learn more about Howard, his books and his speaking engagement on his website, http://www.howardbehar.com/. You can listen this podcast here or watch it on YouTube.

Author Jen Pollock Michel has found that one of the keys to being a good writer is just paying attention and being curious about the world and your own questions. Many of her books are a reflection of her own human experience of faith and her journey to find purpose and where to lean among all the everyday challenges that we all face from our bills, loss we encounter, health obstacles and relationships. In her work as a talented writer, speaker, coach, and podcast host, she talks about relying on a creator and the guide the bible can be in navigating our challenges. She has now authored five books, including: A Habit Called Faith, Surprised by Paradox (winner of Christianity Today’s 2020 Award of Merit for Beautiful Orthodoxy), Keeping Place, and Teach Us to Want (winner of Christianity Today’s 2015 Book of the Year) and her latest book released in 2022, In Good Time, about developing a more grounded, healthy life giving relationship with the clock. Jen holds a B.A. in French from Wheaton College, an M.A. in Literature from Northwestern University, and is working to complete an M.F.A from Seattle Pacific University. After eleven years of living in Toronto, Jen now lives in Cincinnati with her husband and her two youngest children. You can follow Jen on Twitter and Instagram @jenpmichel, subscribe to her Monday letters at www.jenpollockmichel.com, and listen to episodes of the Englewood Review of Books podcast hosted by Jen. Grab a pen and paper, as this conversation with Matt is full of many insights you will want to jot down. You can listen the podcast here or you can view on YouTube.

In 1984, Jon’s life took an unexpected turn when the first symptoms of ulcerative colitis started to appear. In addition to the health hurdles, the disease brought with it various other social, athletic and just practical life challenges. Treatment options at that time were limited to steroids which brought such side effects as weight gain and trouble sleeping. Diet choices and awareness of the nearest restroom became part of the day. Jon initially kept his diagnosis private and he just tried his best to live normally. With newer medications, he learned how to manage his condition and obtained his degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1991. But shortly after college, it was recommended that his colon be removed, again the best option at that time for what he was facing. The surgery brought some relief and Jon continued to make the lifestyle adjustments with grace. Over the last few decades, he has built a successful career, has 3 kids, and makes time to help others who are facing similar medical obstacles. Through his strong faith, family support, and resilience, he has truly created an amazing life and found more joy than ever. He is engaged to Leesa who he will wed later in 2023 and is excited about the path ahead. Jon is currently a Sales Executive for Oswald Companies in Cincinnati and is a trusted resource for his clients in developing risk mitigation strategies. To learn more about Jon’s story, listen here or watch here.

In the long list of published inspiring sport stories are great feats by well-known athletes from well-known teams from around the world. While John Hurd’s may not be as famous, his story is as uplifting as any and his achievements are beyond remarkable. John has won 169 gold medals, including 9 at the national level, in track and field. The amazing part of those achievements is that they all came after age 61 and continue today into his 91st year. His story is documented in his two books, JOHNNY RUN LATELY: The Life and Adventures of a Latter Day Sprint Champion and A Sprint to The Gold: How I Won the National Senior Olympics Without a Coach or Trainer. In this conversation with Matt, John shares many more details about his childhood, his career, his faith, his health, his training, and his latest goals. His message is inspiring for all ages, all athletes, and anyone who wants some advice on how to get more out of life. John even faced a health scare and was fitted with a pacemaker, but he has adjusted to the changes and still continues to compete. Listen here or on YouTube.

Author Barbara Legere lost her 29 year old son Kevin to suicide in 2020. Kevin had been fighting a drug addition and his mental health for 13 years and Barbara did everything she knew how to do to help him recover and just love him. His life and the lessons Barbara learned from it inspired her to write a book called, Kevin's Choice, A Mother's Journey Through her Son's Mental Illness, Addiction and Suicide. Her hope is that the book will help other parents and teens who are suffering, shine a light on the warning signs (for those who think everything is fine), and prevent further loss. In 2021, there were over 100,000 lives that were taken from us who were just like Kevin. Her book and this interview are filled with tips and guidance for parents that might be dealing with similar issues. You can also learn more at www.barbaralegere.com/ and read about her latest book Talk to Me I'm Grieving: Supportive Ways to Help Someone Through Grief. Barbara would have done anything to save her son and his choice will never be easy to accept. But she often feels his presence, love and encouragement and that fuels Barbara to keep sharing, writing and speaking about ways she can help. She also lost another dear soul in her life named Anthony to a drug overdose and he also is part of her drive to be a source of strength and wisdom for anyone who will listen. Tune in for her candid interview with Matt. You listen to the audio version or view the interview on youtube.

Most any high school basketball player in the 1970s dreamed of the opportunity to play for Coach John Wooden, one of the most respected and successful coaches of all time. Andy Hill earned that chance on a UCLA team that won 3 straight National Championships from 1970-72 (part of a string of 7) along with such legends as Bill Walton, Henry Bibby and Jamaal Wilkes. The only issue for Andy was that he spent much of those 3 years as a reserve on the bench. After graduating, Andy carried some unresolved feelings about his time on the team. 25 years passed before Andy decided to call Coach Wooden and connect over the phone. During that time prior to his phone call, Andy’s career was skyrocketing, with such roles as the President of CBS Productions and Channel One News. But there is nothing quite like the bond with a former coach. Immediately, the unresolved for Andy was resolved and a new friendship was established. As they spent more time together, Coach Wooden’s influence became more evident (past and present). They went on to write a book together, Be Quick—But Don't Hurry: Finding Success in the Teachings of a Lifetime. Tune into this follow-up conversation from February 2021 to learn more about Andy’s journey, his friendships, and his life lessons from basketball and TV. You can listen here or view the interview here.

Bret Betz MD is a physician at the University of Cincinnati Health specializing in orthopaedics, sports medicine, and emergency medicine. It was his interest in sports medicine that led him to become the team physician for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was on the field January 2 when Damar Hamlin went down and laid unconsciousness on the field as 23 million fans watched across the country. It was a moment he and his team were prepared for due to their game day routines, discipline, years of training, and life experiences. At the age of 10, Bret tragically lost his father in a plane crash and always desired to not only make his father proud, but to do something positive with that pain. He was drawn to emergency medicine where he is board certified with a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in sports medicine. As a result of the care given to Damar, Bret and the medical team who worked together on January 2 were honored at the Super Bowl. Damar was present and gave a heartfelt speech. Listen in to learn more about Bret’s career, his family, and how gratitude plays a role in his life. You can tune in here or watch here.

The work to become a priest is not easy but it is full of joy as you will see with this conversation with Brother Andrew. Brother Andrew Torrey is in his last year of 14 years of formation with the Legionaries of Christ in Rome. In the spring of 2024, he will be ordained and assigned to a parish somewhere else in the world. For many of us, 14 years of religious study and the anxiety of an unknown future living location might seem overwhelming. But Brother Andrew is putting his trust in God and knows that his purpose, his calling and the real work to become a priest is about helping others get to Heaven (his eternal impact). Brother Andrew is a terrific representation of the future of the Catholic Church and proof of how Church leaders are changing. Brother Andrew comfortably and wisely addresses many of the questions, the obstacles and the misconceptions that some see hindering the growth of the church such as the priest scandals and shortages. Brother advises that God is love and addressing weakness is a strength of Jesus! Brother Andrew also talks more about how we can all grow through our faith and our challenges on his podcast, Pause and Play (also on Facebook). In addition, you can catch him on an episode of Many Hail Marys, where he prays the Rosary and then shares more about his personal faith journey in the second half of the show. You can listen to Matt’s interview here or you view the interview online.

Newly published author Hannah Schermerhorn was two months away from her wedding day in 2014 when she ended the engagement. She was embarrassed, felt shame and was let down because she wanted all the richness and joy that comes from married life. Learning to embrace being single was a transition that was aided heavily by her faith and her strong upbringing. Her experience inspired her to write her first book for any others facing similar challenges. Hannah discovered countless lessons and tools that she wished she had known before her journey began and lays them out beautifully in “A Single Life to Live: Stop Waiting for Your Life to Begin and Thrive Where God has You Today.” The book is available on Amazon or you can also go to her website for more info. Her ability to hand over the struggle to God and her work to find peace and purpose paid off as Hannah married Josh in November 2022. Listen or watch here to hear more details about Hannah’s story and her new book.

Chris Gathers is a brain cancer warrior and after the successful removal of his tumor, decided to do something to shake up his daily routine. Inspired by a best friend, he started an Instagram page @culminationpoint in which he posts regular messages about surviving brain cancer, trauma and lessons learned about healing and growth. As the title of his page suggests, it came down to a choice of either status quo or shedding the past and recreating. As a Regional Vice President for Nationwide Insurance (focusing on Life), Chris understands the value of planning and is doing all he can as a husband and father of two girls to make every day count. His messages come from his experiences, his heart, and are a result of fighting through crisis and adversity. Prior to cancer, Chris grew up around divorce, depression, mental health issues and anxiety that took many years to accept, unravel and pull out the needed guideposts. The lessons he shares are universal in their application and will remind any listener of how we can connect through our challenges. Enjoy this candid conversation with Matt here or view it on YouTube.

After releasing 56 shows over two and one-half years, the With Gratitude Matt show honors former guests by asking them to check in with their latest gratitude list and honors listeners by asking them to share highlights from past shows. With each episode, the intent is always to pass along life lessons, share stories that people can connect with, and talk about the power of gratitude, faith, and community in overcoming challenges. With this episode, we reflect on the show’s journey so far and take inventory of what we have right now to help all of us to prepare and succeed in 2023. Blessings to all our current and future listeners. You may enjoy this episode best by viewing on YouTube - https://youtu.be/FlZuE05XizM

Kathy and her husband Dave Leurck are the proud parents of 3 children, Andrew, Audrey, and Alexandra. As parents, we of course all hope that our children are born and develop perfectly. But sometimes God has other plans and our dreams change. In Drew’s early years, it was discovered he had special needs and his family did everything they could to understand his condition and “fix it”. However, as time passed and his growth and abilities were better understood, the family came to accept who Drew is and how God made him. This led to his family celebrating everything Drew was teaching them, from how to love more, to having more compassion and patience, and to just appreciating the small and simple things in life. At the age of 7, Drew began drawing rainbows everyday for him mom (he has now drawn over 8000!). This gave Kathy the idea to make a small card that included a picture of one of the rainbows, a snapshot of Drew, and a message that “you’re special.” Since printing the original batch, Drew has handed out over 18,000 cards and made so many others smile. The experiences that came from handing out the cards inspired Kathy to write a book, titled, You're Special: Daily Reflections from God's Children with Exceptionalities, released on December 11, 2022. It is a daily devotional that features Drew and many others with exceptionalities. You can also see some of Drew’s artwork via their foundation, Drew’s Rainbows, where they are helping other artists make a living as thriving artists. Enjoy this uplifting conversation with Matt and Kathy as she shares more about their journey and her realization that we all are quite perfect just as we are. The book is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble where you will have the opportunity to embrace 365 days of reflections and embrace Drew's purposeful words: "You're Special." You can also view the video of this interview here - https://youtu.be/gdVcdvGINso

Jonathon Sams is no stranger to fighting adversity in his life. When he was 14 he was diagnosed with cancer the first time, then again when he was 39, and for a third time in the spring of 2022. He is a loving husband and father of 4 who sees overcoming cancer as one of his many roles in life. Now, after 3 battles with the disease, he is in a position where he can help others with fear when facing cancer treatment or any big life obstacle. His positive outlook is infectious and also just a choice he makes every day to make that day, awesome. During his last treatment in May 2022 at the University of Cincinnati Medical center, Jonathon got the idea while walking the hospital hallways to go a mile. The distance kept increasing until he decided to take on a marathon distance. With an IV still attached and friends supporting him all over the country, Jonathon walked that marathon (check out the local news footage here). He says it was a “a marathon of purpose” and a tribute to the staff at UC Medical and elsewhere who walk marathons every day, making every day worthwhile. Listen to the podcast to learn more about Jonathon’s journey, his beautiful approach to every day and how he and his family are prepared for that next life challenge that comes their way. You can also view the interview on Youtube - https://youtu.be/IJqqGta9xys.

Chris Norton’s story and the person he is today truly define inspiration. You can find details of his journey from many sources including NBC NEWS, People Magazine, or the film made about his achievements titled, “7 Yards” (on Netflix). In 2010, Chris suffered a debilitating spinal cord injury while playing football for Luther College his freshman year. Paralyzed from the neck down, he was given just a three percent chance of recovery. Not one to back down from a challenge, Chris chose to fight and slowly regained feeling in his limbs and then made walking again his new goal. Just 5 years later, after many years off therapy and efforts to regain his strength, he walked across the stage to accept his college diploma with the help of his fiancé Emily. He followed this walk with a 7 yard walk down the aisle to wed Emily in 2018. Since then, 8 kids have been added to their family and Chris is now a motivational speaker, traveling the world helping others deal with adversity. Listen in as Matt and Chris talk more about his story, the work his does now, his faith, and the foundation started in his name. If you’d like to learn more about Chris, the foundation or the true definition of inspiration, please visit their website - https://chrisnorton.org You can view the video version of this episode here.

Staying strong through a crisis is never easy. To endure and get to the other side of not one, but many hurdles, takes perseverance and the ability to lean on a solid foundation of character. For Dan deStefano, his strong upbringing where virtues where instilled by parents, friends, and the neighborhood and where a relationship with God was always part of the picture, he managed to sustain a series of hits and land in a better spot. Dan is Co-Owner of West Chester Hardwood Flooring, Partner/Owner at DeStefano Brothers Remodeling, and President of DeStefano Homes and leads sales, marketing, and business operations and development. He is married with 3 kids and has created a life where he has learned to balance his demands, nurture his faith, and find fulfillment in helping and being a man for others. Dan and Matt’s life-long friendship lays the groundwork for the sharing of old stories, new lessons, and how gratitude is leading the way. Listen here or check out the video version of the interview here - https://youtu.be/ZHJD6Snrqqw

After graduation from college, Susan Fulton was searching, as many of us do, for purpose and a path to follow. While her faith had always been part of her life and been a foundation, it did not necessarily provide a light. She was a perfectionist in which fulfillment came more from order and control. But shortly into her marriage to Rich, she turned over control to God and allowed her faith to become more than just a spoke in the wheel, but rather the steering wheel. With this change, came more joy and purpose, but the challenges were just beginning. Susan and Rich endured a laborious time while starting their family of finding how their faith would lead them as a couple and how their career fit into the puzzle. New England Urban Church Planting landed in the Fulton path and has provided those answers and been a workplace for both Susan and Rich. Since joining, Susan has been able to shepherd many in the church as the Director of Coaching and Care and outside the church with own coaching business, Susan Fulton Life Coaching. Her patience, strength, ability to listen and incredibly kind and generous nature invite the Holy Spirit into many conversations while working to assist women going through major life challenges and transitions. Matt and Susan also talk through how gratitude can help our journey as we step through challenges such as being a caregiver for aging parents. Susan, and her 6 brothers and sisters, all work together to support and care compassionately for their mother and father as they battle dementia and various ailments. It is not something that can be done alone and Susan’s suggestions will help anyone looking for more answers on how to navigate the role of caregiver. Enjoy Susan’s story and contact her through her website if you are interested in her life coaching services. For the video version of the interview, click here.