We're Only Human

Melissa Joy Kong’s least favorite question is “who are you?”, which is ironic to me, because Melissa is one of the most curious people on this planet. She’s possibly even more curious than me. She thinks deeply about how to become more present in every moment of every day, and yearns to help others do the same. At least, that’s how I would describe Melissa. When I asked Melissa how she would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about how her mission in life is to help people fall in...

David Spinks has been building communities for decades in many areas of his life. He’s a natural at it. You put him at a dinner and he will find those who need to connect and make it happen. At his heart, he loves humanity and strives to make a positive impact on us all each and every day. At least, that’s how I would describe David. When I asked David how he would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about why he fell down at an ice skating rink to propose to his wife, what he...

Katie Parsons has the ability to manifest into reality the life she wants to live. Through hard work and non stop persistence, she became a paid performer and fulfilled her dream of getting paid to do what she loves. At least, that’s how I would describe Katie. When I asked Katie how she would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about how she has been affected by her moms Alzheimer’s diagnosis, why she tries to see the sunrise in person as many days as she can, and how envisioning...

Tracey Wallace welcomes the obstacles that life throws her way. She’s a natural writer with a knack for storytelling, and a cheerful, glass half full person who can make anyone in the room feel comfortable. At least, that’s how I would describe Tracey. When I asked Tracey how she would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about how growing up in a small town in Texas has shaped who she is today, her involvement in her wife’s sketch comedy group videos, and how boredom led to her...

Carla Stickler left her life as a Broadway performer for the better part of a decade to become a software engineer. And then one day Broadway called and asked if she could perform the role of Elphaba in Wicked for a weekend. Carla is exactly the type of person who would say yes. She’s someone who adapts, who rolls with it, and who is loyal and reliable. At least, that’s how I would describe Carla. When I asked Carla how she would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about why she...

Trinity Malito loves helping others. With a smile ever present on her face, she’s happy to help at a moment’s notice. And she loves games. She has a huge passion for games. Really, she has a passion for life and finding the moments, the people, and the activities that truly fulfill her. At least, that’s how I would describe Trinity. When I asked Trinity how she would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about the impact of her ADHD diagnosis later in life, our mutual dislike of mail...

Brendan Hufford works every day to create the life he wants to live with his wife and 4 kids. He knows what he’s working towards, but the goal evolves a little bit each day. He has figured life out, yet he’s still figuring it out each day. He’s just now realizing that maybe that’s totally normal. Brendan is somebody who is constantly learning and improving who he wants to be as a human, and I really admire that. At least, that’s how I would describe Brendan. When I asked Brendan how he would...

Adam Tuttle is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. He puts his family first, brings positivity to those he works with, and is always unapologetically his authentic self. Oh, and he also loves cold weather! At least, that’s how I would describe Adam. When I asked Adam how he would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about his lifelong journey to become the best version of himself, why he loves ice fishing so much, and why he set himself a goal of running 1,000 miles in a...

Stella Garber believes in direct, honest communication, and is not afraid to jump into the unknown. She has a passion for empowering women and supports women every chance she gets. At least, that’s how I would describe Stella. When I asked Stella how she would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about how becoming a parent has taught her empathy and patience, why she loves that her friends have no idea what she does for work, and the enormous benefit of viewing other people as the...

Lizzy Guido is one of the most kind, genuine people you’ll meet. She has a deep love for humanity and using her talents to change the world around her on a micro and macro level. She wants to leave the world better than she found it. At least, that’s how I would describe Lizzy. When I asked Lizzy how she would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about the crucial question she asks herself every day, her desire to open a local community movie theater, and the importance of partners...

Will English IV is somebody who is intentionally building the life he wants to live. He’s constantly looking to learn and grow, and expand his skillsets. At least, that’s how I would describe Will. When I asked Will how he would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about the impact his grandmother had on his life, how his definition of success has shifted from being the first person in the office to being able to go to Cubs day games with season tickets, and his desire to break away...

Jason Miller is an entertainer, a creative artist who celebrates life and creates a difference with his art. He seeks to find the joy in each moment and keep learning along the way. At least, that’s how I would describe Jason. When I asked Jason how he would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about getting signed to a record label at age 17, why we all need a solid balance of introvert and extrovert, and the giant record directory book he mastered while working at a record store....

Lauren Hlavin always has a big smile on her face. She lights up every room she enters. She has embarked on a never ending journey to grow as a person and to discover everything she can about the world around her. At least, that’s how I would describe Lauren. When I asked Lauren how she would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about why she suddenly moved across the country, the talk about helping homeless people she hopes to give one day on the TED stage, and John Mayer’s hit song...

Sarah Brooks is here to remind us to show ourselves grace and remember that we’re human beings, not human doings. She’s driven by her love for music and is on an ever evolving journey of personal growth. At least, that’s how I would describe Sarah. When I asked Sarah how she would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about separating our professional work from our identities, the epiphanies she discovered during her end of year month long sabbatical from her business, and the...

Jill Felska is an eternal optimist. Her glass is always half full and her smile never leaves her face. She’s on a lifelong mission to create positive change in this world, and any obstacle that gets in the way is an opportunity. At least, that’s how I would describe Jill. When I asked Jill how she would answer the question “who are you”, we chatted about how her discovery that she is queer has affected her relationship with her pastor dad, the importance of seeking out uncomfortable moments...

Allie Siarto has figured life out. She knows what success means to her and has figured out how to transform her dreams into reality. She understands there is a lesson to be learned in each season of life and wants to help those she meets along the way. At least, that’s how I describe Allie. When I asked Allie how she would answer the question “Who are you”, we talked about how success means more to her than money, why she lives her life as a series of experiments and hypotheses, and how she...

Paige Worthy is smashing the patriarchy. She’s the person in the crowd who jumps up and makes her voice heard above all the noise. Her calling in life is to educate those around her on how to create equality and eradicate unjustness. Well, that’s how I would describe her. When I asked Paige how she would answer the question “Who are you?”, we talked about what it means to let go of the monkey bars, her experience singing a solo at a mass in Italy despite being an atheist, and how she...

Season 2 of We’re Only Human is coming soon! Join me, your host Tim Jahn, for this season of conversations with extraordinary people that explore why we are who we are. We’ll explore how we define ourselves both personally, professionally, and everything in between. You’ll hear stories, revelations, and lessons learned from people from all walks of life, including rock and roll photographers, parents, business owners, and more. I’ll ask all my guests: If someone asked you the question “Who...

A few weeks ago, I texted my friend (and previous guest) Tracy Samantha Goodheart with a thought that had been swirling in my head recently: I think it's time to hit pause on the podcast. The problem is, I'm not sure what comes next and if I stop, doesn't that mean I've failed? I felt a fitting way to bring this chapter of We're Only Human to a close would be to have somebody interview me. So I invited Tracy back on the podcast to do just that. In this episode, Tracy and I chat about: The...

David Armano experienced a major shock to his system in 2020 when he was unexpectedly laid off from his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That was on top of postponing a wedding and navigating family life post-divorce. As someone who isn’t afraid of leaning into a bit of discomfort, David decided to get vulnerable and open up about what was happening in his life with others. He quickly learned that people connect with vulnerability, and they wanted to know that side of him. In this episode,...